Showing posts with label criminal law. Show all posts
Showing posts with label criminal law. Show all posts


Crumbley Requests New Trial, Skips Court Appearance

PONTIAC, Mich. (Scripps News Detroit) — On Friday, a motion hearing took place regarding James Crumbley the father of the Oxford High School shooter, in his attempt to secure a new trial.

On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, James and Jennifer Crumbley appeared for their sentencing hearing alongside their legal representatives. (Court TV)

James was found guilty of four charges of involuntary manslaughter In relation to the shooting, his son, Ethan In November 2021, an incident occurred at Oxford High School resulting in the deaths of four students: Hana St. Juliana, Tate Myre, Madisyn Baldwin, and Justin Shilling.

His lawyers are hoping a a judge will call for a retrial For James, the argument was that the prosecution did not disclose deals they had struck with two previous school staff members — Nick Ejak, who used to be the dean of students, and Shawn Hopkins, a former counselor.

READ MORE | Jennifer Crumbley's lawyer requests the removal of the prosecutor from the case.

James' spouse, Jennifer, was likewise found guilty of the same accusations last year. Her attorneys struggled to obtain a retrial And aim to have Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald dismissed from the case. However, a judge denied the request to remove her from the case.

James and Jennifer were both condemned to serve a minimum of 10 years while incarcerated due to the allegations.

The Crumbley parents faced accusations for failing to lock away the recently bought firearm at their residence and for showing apathy towards indicators of their child's declining psychological well-being, particularly after being presented with a disturbing illustration found in his classroom earlier that very day.

The judge mentioned she aims to reach a verdict within approximately one month.

This story was originally published By Scripps News Detroit, part of the E.W. Scripps Company.



Nursery Worker Charged with Manslaughter Following Toddler's Death

A 22-year-old employee at a nursery faces charges for the manslaughter of a "lovely, cheerful, and laid-back" 14-month-old child who passed away after an occurrence in Dudley.

The West Midlands Police initiated an inquiry after Noah Sibanda passed away subsequent to an occurrence at the Fairytales Day Nursery located on Bourne Street, on December 9, 2022.

Kimberley Cookson, a former nursery worker, faces charges of one count of gross negligence manslaughter, according to statements from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

Fairytales Nursery Limited faces one charge of corporate manslaughter along with not adhering to their duties as outlined under the Health and Safety at Work Act, according to what the prosecutors stated.

The CPS also stated that Deborah Latewood, aged 54, who served as both the director and business proprietor, faces charges related to her failure to adhere to general responsibilities outlined in the Health and Safety at Work Act.

The parents of Noah expressed their feelings about him via the police, stating: "Noah was a lovely, cheerful, and laid-back young child, and we greatly miss him."

On December 14, 2022, the nursery was shut down by Ofsted alongside several connected facilities due to concerns from the regulatory body about potential risks to children’s safety, which led to the suspension of its license.

Initially, six women were taken into custody as part of the probe following Noah's death.

The police stated that the additional four individuals who were taken into custody will not be subject to any further legal proceedings.

Malcolm McHaffie, who leads the Crown Prosecution Service’s specialized unit, stated, "After examining the evidence submitted by the West Midlands Police, we have approved the pressing of criminal charges related to the death of a 14-month-old infant at a nursery in Dudley."

Our thoughts are with the family of Noah Sibanda at present.

The Crown Prosecution Service would like to inform everyone that criminal proceedings against these defendants are currently ongoing, and as such, they retain their right to a fair trial.

It is crucial that we avoid all forms of online reporting, commentary, or information-sharing that might in any way compromise these proceedings.

The accused are scheduled to appear at Dudley Magistrates' Court on May 13th.



Dothan Resident Allegedly Lost $1.5 Million to Scammers, Police Reveal

Dothan, Alabama (WTVY) — Two females are facing accusations of plotting to take nearly $1.5 million from an unaware resident here. However, some people think these two might actually be the ones who were wronged.

Bao Sarah Yang, who is 30 years old and hails from Minnesota, is facing charges including two counts of Aggravated Theft through Deception and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Theft.

On Wednesday, she reported herself to the Dothan police, accompanied by her lawyer.

The charging papers claim that Yang illicitly transferred $1,421,290, characterized by investigators as stolen money, to an account linked with Dana Elizabeth Sturges from Huntsville, Alabama.

Sturges is charged with Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Theft and was arrested in Dothan on March 18.

The victim's identity was not disclosed in the redacted arrest warrants, and WTVY typically refrains from naming individual victims of financial crimes.

Although arrest warrants do not provide specifics on how the alleged fraud operated, several unnamed individuals familiar with the situation claim that the victim thought they were settling valid bills associated with a construction endeavor.

The esteemed Birmingham lawyer William White acknowledged that he went with Yang to Dothan on Wednesday. After being taken into custody at the Houston County Jail, she was freed once she made bond through a professional surety.

WATCH: The $10 Million Swindler

White thinks Yang is a victim.

"We are collaborating with officials to thoroughly investigate this issue," he stated.

In response to White’s request, Houston County District Judge Benjamin Lewis scheduled a pretrial hearing for May 2. This hearing will probably compel the police to disclose information about their investigation and assess the robustness of their case.

Sturges' lawyers did not promptly reply to requests for comment.

Several informants acquainted with the situation indicated that additional individuals may be implicated in an apparently complex criminal operation. These sources further mentioned that law enforcement officials are striving to retrieve the misappropriated funds; however, official documents do not show any evidence of success thus far.

An examination of public records, documents, and social media profiles failed to uncover any friendships or business connections between Yang and Sturges. Their only apparent link seems to be the alleged theft of $1.5 million from a Dothan resident.

The police file charges of Aggravated Theft by Deception when the alleged stolen amount surpasses $200,000. Each count carries a potential sentence of five to 30 years behind bars.

Aggravated conspiracy to commit theft carries a penalty of two to 10 years.

At the beginning of this month, Judge Lewis updated Sturges' bond terms and allowed her to travel out-of-state for work-related reasons.

Houston County Assistant District Attorney Jarrod Blumberg did not object to the amended terms.

The records do not disclose whether Yang was permitted to go back to her residence in St. Paul.

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Suspect Denies Connection: Rachel Morin Murder Trial Begins

The trial of Victor Martinez-Hernandez, who is charged with the rape and murder of Rachel Morin, reached its eighth day on Friday.

To kick off the trial, Chief Detective of Harford County, Phil Golden, was called to testify.

During the court proceedings, a recording was shown featuring Golden interrogating Martinez-Hernandez via a Spanish translator. The footage depicts Martinez-Hernandez dressed in a striped prison jumpsuit.

In that interview, Martinez-Hernandez first claimed he had never been to Maryland or met Rachel Morin.

When questioned by Golden about whether there was any possibility he was in the state without being aware of it, Martinez-Hernandez reaffirmed his denial.

During that part of the interview, Golden shares an image captured by Martinez-Hernandez along with his cousin, Tania Hernandez, sometime during the holiday season.

On Thursday, Tania provided testimony stating that her cousin remained at their house in Alexandria, Virginia, with her and her spouse.

During the interview video featuring Golden, Martinez-Hernandez initially tries to claim he knows nothing about the photograph. However, he later acknowledges that it is indeed a picture of himself.

When Golden questions Martinez-Hernandez about finding his DNA at the crime scene, the suspect proposes that another individual could have tampered with the evidence.

"Nobody has the same DNA as another person," Golden can be heard saying to the suspect during the interview footage.

"Ignorant of how it ended up there, he reasoned that if anyone harbored ill will towards him, they might have obtained his DNA and placed it intentionally," Golden recounted in his testimony on Friday.

It is still uncertain what DNA evidence was discovered and where it was found.

To challenge Martinez-Hernandez’s account without disclosing the location of the DNA evidence, the prosecution queried Golden with, “Could the type of DNA have potentially been transferred?”

"I suppose it could be true," Golden stated under oath.

"Were you referring to an item that might have been misplaced?" the prosecutor questioned.

"No," Golden replied.

As the interrogation video went on, Golden queried Martinez-Hernandez about whether he had ever hurt a woman or committed murder, to which he replied in the negative.

“I have not committed any wrongdoing,” Martinez-Hernandez stated.

The video proceeds with Golden inquiring about Martinez-Hernandez's cousin, Jose Hernandez, who stated on Thursday that they resided together at his residence in Temple Hills for approximately five months. Before Victor departed suddenly in May 2024.

Martinez-Hernandez informed Golden that he did not reach out to his cousin and has never visited his house.

Martinez-Hernandez verified his location in Oklahoma, a lead that investigators followed.

On Friday, the defense pointed out that several individuals were residing in the house in Tulsa, which raises doubts about whether the belongings retrieved from a backpack in the residence actually belonged to Martinez-Hernandez. AID card bearing his name was discovered within the bag.

Moreover, the defense pointed out that Martinez-Hernandez appeared " calm" and " not nervous" throughout the investigation, a observation with which Golden concurred.

When the prosecution questioned Golden about whether Martinez-Hernandez seemed more anxious at certain points, he responded, “Yes, particularly when we talked about DNA and when we brought up his family members and whether he had been in Maryland.”

Golden mentions that the anxious body language he noticed involved swaying, folding arms, and Martinez-Hernandez retracting into himself.

It is anticipated that the trial will continue for at least an additional week following the presentation of disturbing evidence during the initial days of the hearing.

The narrative of this piece will be expanded upon later.

RACHEL MORIN MURDER TRIAL COVERAGE

Photos: Clues Presented to Jury in Rachel Morin Murder Trial

April 10 - Cousins and ex-colleagues state that Martinez-Hernandez had been in Maryland for several months.

April 9 - Juror excused in Rachel Morin murder case as proceedings go on

April 8 - Medical examiner testimony: Rachel Morin likely strangled, struck in the head

April 7 - Witnesses keep testifying in the Morin murder case against Victor Martinez Hernandez

April 4 - "The worst fear of every mother" | Opening remarks presented at the start of the Rachel Morin murder case

April 2 - Jury convened for the Martinez-Hernandez murder case



Ex-Lawyer Sentenced to 6 Years for $82K Bank Fraud: Prosecutors

GLENDALE HEIGHTS, IL — An ex-attorney from Glendale Heights was sentenced to six years in prison in connection with a two-year scheme in which he stole his girlfriend's information to commit more than $82,000 in bank fraud. The incidents took place between 2015 and 2017, according to prosectors, along with a string of tother fraud incidents totaling $845,831.58.

In 2024, Leonard DeFranco, aged 71, admitted guilt to charges including financial institution fraud, identity theft, forgery, obstruction of justice, and ongoing financial criminal activities. He was stripped of his license to practice law by March 2024.

Between December 2015 and June 2017, DeFranco utilized the woman’s details to secure four bank loans totaling $82,700, according to a press statement. Authorities were informed when the woman discovered unusual activities on her credit report.

According to prosecutors, it was found out subsequently that DeFranco utilized the woman’s personal details to purchase an Audi A8 at a cost of $43,500.

A continuing probe uncovered that DeFranco pilfered the identities of five individuals to deceive six lending agencies out of $845,831.58.

“White collar financial crimes always leave a paper trail,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement.

Berlin interjected, "Today afternoon, Mr. DeFranco discovered that the evidence against him points towards a potential six-year prison term. His deceitful actions have disgraced the legal field and dealt an embarrassing blow to his ex-girlfriend, who likely faced monetary difficulties due to his conduct."

The article Former Attorney Sentenced to 6 Years for $82K Bank Fraud: Prosecutors appeared first on Wheaton Diwida | .



Tallahassee Man Gets Life Sentence for 2018 Kidnapping and Murder

Tallahassee, FL (WCTV) — On Thursday, a man from Tallahassee received a life sentence for his involvement in the killing of Elisa Thompson back in 2018.

Reginald Gibson was convicted of murdering in the first degree Earlier this week, following accusations that he abducted Thompson from the parking lot where she was employed in November 2018 and took her to his residence, where court documents suggested she was murdered.

On Thursday, after approximately two hours of discussion, the jury suggested a sentence of life imprisonment rather than imposing the death penalty.

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Deadly Drugs Takedown: Nationwide Trafficking Ring Busted on Long Island by DA

In Suffolk County, New York, over five kilograms of lethal drugs were confiscated during a significant operation against drug trafficking, as reported by Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney.

A total of twenty-one individuals are facing charges as part of a 109-count indictment, which includes members associated with the Bloods street gang. This follows an extensive probe into major drug dealing operations within Suffolk County, according to statements from the District Attorney.

As stated by the District Attorney, Larell Campbell, aged 32 from Copiague, and Carlos Torres, aged 42 from Bay Shore, were involved in moving significant amounts of drugs like fentanyl and cocaine across Suffolk County.

A number of Campbell and Torres' clients possessed their own distribution channels, one of whom was identified as defendant Carolyn Tolin, aged 46, residing in Centereach. According to the District Attorney, Tolin faces charges related to acting as a significant drug distributor. She is accused of managing an illegal operation via the dark web right from her home in Centereach. Allegedly, she shipped substances such as fentanyl across various regions within the U.S., utilizing both the USPS and UPS services. These deliveries were made in return for payment in cryptocurrencies.

Tierney highlighted that this case stands out due to the illicit sale of lethal substances through the online dark web across the entire United States. He appealed to the public for assistance, stating they suspect these dangerous drugs were distributed nationwide. They urge anyone who has come across the alert flyers included with these narcotics to reach out to the District Attorney’s office using their website. The objective is to trace every one of these fatal consignments and remove them from circulation to stop overdoses.

The District Attorney stated that starting from late December 2023, participants in the Fentanyl Task Force initiated an investigation into what was believed to be a drug smuggling ring run by Campbell and Torres. This extensive inquiry involved more than one hundred searches targeting cars, cell phones, homes, computers, and various digital records. Additionally, this effort included countless hours dedicated to monitoring activities through traditional means as well as via electronics and cameras. The findings suggested that Campbell and Torres may have been providing substantial quantities of fentanyl and cocaine to drug distributors across Suffolk and Nassau Counties, according to the authorities.

The indictment alleges that Campbell acted as a significant drug trafficker, having possessed more than $75,000 worth of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin between June and December 2024, according to the district attorney. The extensive criminal enterprise was largely managed by individuals close to him, such as his brothers Donail Campbell, Raheem Campbell, and Malachi Campbell, along with his mother Monica Jones, his partner Diamond Pernell, and his sister-in-law Tersherra Green, the district attorney stated.

As stated by the District Attorney, the Campbell family reportedly collaborated to redistribute Larell Campbell’s product to others or aided in transportation, providing funds and conducting transactions as directed by Larell Campbell.

In December 2024, authorities carried out search warrants at multiple locations linked to the Campbell family in Babylon and Amityville. According to the District Attorney, they reportedly seized approximately two kilograms of cocaine, 1.5 kilograms of heroin laced with fentanyl, along with an extra 250 grams of pure fentanyl.

Tolin faces charges not only for possession but also for acting as a significant drug dealer, having handled more than $75,000 worth of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin between September 2024 and March 2025, according to the DA. Her illicit activities were conducted via an underground website called MamaKnowsBrown, which was hosted in her garage at her residence in Centereach. Through this platform, Tolin sold various forms of drugs including heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and powdered cocaine to clients across both local areas and throughout the country, the DA stated.

For every order, clients could choose to add more fentanyl or cocaine through something Tolin supposedly called the "Tip Jar." The prosecutor mentioned that this also provided customers with various delivery choices along with the chance to leave comments and rate each item they received.

The prosecutor mentioned that upon obtaining an order, Tolin would organize the delivery of drugs via the U.S. Postal Service and UPS to clients nationwide, amounting to more than 1,000 deliveries spread across 40 distinct states starting from September 2024. Additionally, she employed Uber for local product distribution within Suffolk County and collected payments using an anonymous digital currency, accumulating over $93,000 during the period spanning roughly two-and-a-half months before her arrest in March 2025, as stated by the prosecutor.

In each parcel that Tolin sent or handed over, she added an overdose alert card to the recipient, explaining the strength and risks associated with the drugs Tolin distributed, according to the prosecutor. The overdose card reportedly alerted her clients that her substances might be lethal and suggested keeping Narcan—an aerosol sprayed into the nose to counteract severe opioid overdoses—at hand during usage, as stated by the prosecutor. Additionally, Tolin supposedly urged users not to consume these items solo and noted that due to their high potency, they should only be handled by seasoned, longtime drug users, the prosecutor mentioned.

On March 14, during the execution of a search warrant at Tolin’s home in Centereach and her garage, authorities reportedly found hundreds of grams of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, according to the district attorney. Inside the garage, investigators also claimed to have seized various items including multiple computers, cellphones, numerous packages apparently ready for mailing, along with an assortment of Tolin’s distinctive overdosing precaution cards, envelopes, packaging supplies, shipping materials, Xylazine testing strips, and a digital scale, the district attorney stated.

Out of the 21 defendants, 20 have been apprehended, and 12 have appeared before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz for their initial hearing. Meanwhile, some of the others are still awaiting this process, according to the District Attorney. Among those who were indicted, eight face charges involving bailable crimes and remain incarcerated. The rest—13 individuals—are not subject to bail requirements as per New York State legislation; hence, neither prosecutors nor judges can mandate bond payments, the District Attorney stated.

Indicted defendants:

  • Larell Campbell, aged 32 from Copiague, is facing a primary charge of acting as a major drug trafficker, which could result in a sentence ranging from 25 years to life imprisonment, according to the District Attorney. The charges against Campbell allow for setting bail; currently, he remains detained with options set at either $1 million in cash, $2 million in bonds, or $5 million in partially secured bonds. Campbell is scheduled to appear again on April 15 for further charges listed under the current indictment and has legal representation provided by Nicholas Dayan.
  • Carlos Torres, aged 42 from Bay Shore, stands accused of a primary charge related to first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, which could result in a sentence ranging up to 25 years to life imprisonment, according to the District Attorney. The charges against him permit setting bail; currently, he remains detained with options for release at $1 million cash, $2 million bond, or through a $10 million partially secured bond arrangement as stated by the DA. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 15 where further charges will be addressed, and he has legal representation provided by Nicholas Ramcharitar.
  • Carolyn Tolin, aged 46 from Centereach, is facing a principal charge of acting as a major drug trafficker, which could result in a sentence ranging up to 25 years to life imprisonment, according to the District Attorney. The charges against her allow for setting bail, and currently, she remains detained under conditions requiring either $1 million in cash, $2 million in bonds, or $5 million in partially secured bonds throughout the duration of the legal proceedings. Tolin’s defense attorney is Ian Fitzgerald.
  • Marc Felice, aged 25 from Bay Shore, is facing a primary charge of second-degree conspiracy and could potentially face a sentence ranging from 8 1/3 to 25 years behind bars, according to the District Attorney. The charges against Felice allow for setting bail, and currently, he remains detained with options set at $250,000 in cash, $750,000 bond, or $2 million partially secured bond throughout the duration of the legal proceedings, as stated by the DA. MarcFelice is under the representation of attorney Robert Macedonio.
  • Anthony Munoz, aged 33 from Amarillo, Texas, is facing a primary charge of second-degree conspiracy which carries a potential sentence of 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison, according to the District Attorney. Munoz's charges do not allow for bail, and he remains at large, the DA stated.
  • Diamond Pernell, aged 24 from Amityville, is charged with a principal count of second-degree conspiracy and could face up to 8 1/3 to 25 years behind bars, according to the District Attorney. The charges against Pernell do not qualify for bail, and he is being defended by attorney John Loturco.
  • Berline Francois-Torres, aged 33 from Wyandanch, stands accused of a primary charge of second-degree conspiracy and could face as much as 12½ to 25 years behind bars, according to the District Attorney. Francois-Torres' charges do not qualify for bail; his legal representation comes from Steven Metcalf. Donail Campbell, also 33 but residing in Ronkonkoma, faces similar accusations including a principal charge of second-degree conspiracy with potential imprisonment ranging between 8⅓ to 25 years, stated the District Attorney. His current charges allow him eligibility for setting bail at $10,000 cash, $30,000 bond, or alternatively, through posting only part of which would require $100,000 fully secured bond until further court proceedings begin. He has an upcoming scheduled appearance on April 15th where more charges will be added against him. Counseling Mr. Campbell throughout this process is attorney Lindsay Henry.
  • Tersherra Green, aged 35 from Smithtown, is facing a primary charge of second-degree conspiracy with potential imprisonment ranging from 8 1/3 to 25 years. The District Attorney mentioned that these charges do not qualify for bail, and she will appear in court again on April 21 for further arraignment based on this indictment. Her legal representation comes from Lindsay Henry.
  • Raheem Campbell, aged 30 from Wheatley Heights, is facing a primary charge of second-degree conspiracy, which carries a potential sentence of 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison. According to the District Attorney, his charges do not make him eligible for bail.
  • Malachi Campbell, aged 22 from Amityville, is charged with a principal count of second-degree conspiracy, which carries a potential sentence of 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison. His charges do not allow for bail, according to the District Attorney. Campbell’s legal representation comes from attorney John Halverson.
  • Malik McClinton, aged 35 from Amityville, is charged with a primary count of second-degree conspiracy and could face up to 8 1/3 to 25 years behind bars, according to the District Attorney. During the duration of the legal proceedings, he remains in custody at a bail set at $150,000 cash, $350,000 bond, or $750,000 partly secured bond as stated by the District Attorney. McClinton’s defense attorney is Sean Dixon.
  • Messiah Floyd-Gordon, aged 24 from West Hempstead, is charged with second-degree conspiracy as the primary offense, which carries a potential sentence of between 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison, according to the District Attorney. The District Attorney also stated that Floyd-Gordon’s charges do not qualify for bail and he has legal representation from Scott Zerner.
  • Justin Strozynski, aged 37 from Hempstead, is facing a primary charge of second-degree conspiracy, which carries a potential sentence of up to 25 years to life behind bars, according to the District Attorney. During the duration of the legal proceedings, he remains in custody with bail set at either $250,000 in cash, $500,000 in bonds, or $1,000,000 in partially secured bonds. His attorney is Ira Weissman.
  • Gerard Pico, aged 62 from Bay Shore, is facing a primary charge of second-degree conspiracy, which could result in a sentence of between 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison; additionally, he cannot post bail. The District Attorney mentioned that Pico will appear for an arraignment regarding further charges outlined in the indictment on April 21st and has legal representation provided by Robert Macedonio.
  • Taahziah Brown, aged 28 from Sayville, is facing a primary charge of second-degree conspiracy, which carries a potential sentence of up to 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison. The district attorney stated that she remains in custody and will be arraigned on April 10.
  • Kayla Brown, aged 26 from Dix Hills, is facing a primary charge of second-degree conspiracy, which carries a potential sentence of 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison. According to the District Attorney, her charges do not allow for bail. George Duncan is representing Brown.
  • Lucy Torres, aged 41 from Oakdale, is charged with a principal count of second-degree conspiracy. She could face up to 8 1/3 to 25 years behind bars, and her charges do not allow for bail, according to the District Attorney. Torres has legal representation provided by George Duncan.
  • Christopher Eisenhut, aged 44 from Selden, is facing a primary charge of second-degree conspiracy and could receive up to 8 1/3 to 25 years behind bars, according to the District Attorney. The charges against Eisenhut allow for setting bail, and currently, he remains detained with options set at either $50,000 in cash, $100,000 bond, or $250,000 partially secured bond throughout the duration of the legal proceedings. Eisenhut has legal representation provided by Chris Gioe.
  • Christina Sarelakos, aged 39 from Selden, is facing a primary charge of second-degree conspiracy. This offense carries a potential sentence of between 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison. The District Attorney stated that these charges do not qualify for bail. Sarelakos has legal representation provided by Oscar Crisafio.
  • Monica Jones, aged 49 from Commack, is facing a primary charge of second-degree conspiracy. This offense carries a potential sentence of 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison. Additionally, she has been deemed ineligible for bail according to the district attorney. Monica’s legal representation is being handled by Jeremy Scileppi.

The article Lethal Substances Confiscated From Nationwide Drug Trafficking Network On Long Island: DA Announces appeared first on Bay Shore Diwida | .



Bond Denied for Owner-Operator Accused of Sexually Abusing Six Children at Fast Feet Sports Academy


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POHWATAN COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The founder-manager of Fast Feet Sports Academy In Powhatan County, an individual charged with 18 counts of child sexual offenses has had their bail request rejected.

On April 11, Joseph Edward Parker, who is 50 years old, had his bail request turned down at Powhatan County Circuit Court. This decision came in relation to charges including 12 counts of aggravated sexual assault against a child younger than 13 and six counts of engaging in inappropriate activities with a minor while in a position of authority or care.

The accusations pertain to claims of sexually assaulting six girls who were between the ages of 9 and 12 years old.

At the hearing, the judge mentioned that Parker’s request for bail was rejected not because of concerns about fleeing, but because he is allegedly a threat to public safety.

Forty-three characters wrote letters in support of Parker.

The inquiry apparently started after two 10-year-old girls reported accusations against Parker.

Parker is scheduled to be in court again on June 10.

The sports academy closed on March 28 The Virginia Department of Education had earlier stated that they were looking into it as "an alleged unauthorized childcare operation."

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Prosecutors Scrutinize Thousands of Messages in Boston Rape Case

Prosecutors state that they are currently working through over 45,000 exchanges between Boston Police investigators concerning the probe into this matter. Matthew Nilo a New Jersey attorney charged with attacking eight women in Boston over ten years ago.

In a short court document requesting an extension of the hearing in Nilo’s case, Assistant District Attorney Lynn Feigenbaum mentioned that the prosecution has received 45,000 communications since Nilo’s previous court appearance. These communications amount to about 500,000 pages. To date, prosecutors have provided 1,200 documents to Nilo’s legal team, which adds up to approximately 9,000 pages.

Feigenbaum stated that there are still more than 30,000 communications to be examined by the prosecution, which might be provided to Nilo’s defense team.

  • Read more : DNA recovered from a drinking glass, ancestry database plays key role in Boston rape case

In December, a judge initially established January 24 as the deadline for prosecutors to submit the messages.

Nilo faces charges for raping and assaulting eight women in Boston during 2008 and 2009. Law enforcement pinpointed him as a suspect when they matched DNA collected from his victims' rape kit tests against profiles in myHeritage, an internet genealogy platform.

The DNA evidence directed law enforcement to Nilo, as his genetic material was obtained from drinking glasses and multiple utensils utilized during a corporate function, according to the prosecution’s filing in court documents.

The DNA extracted from one of the glasses matched the suspect's profile linked to the assaults. Additionally, a glove employed by one of the victims to prod her assailant’s eyes had DNA that was 314 times more probable to be Nilo's rather than someone else's, according to what the prosecution stated.

Nilo's attorney, Rosemary Scapicchio, placed significant emphasis on the DNA evidence as a cornerstone of his defense.

"It seems...that there was an unwarranted search conducted without permission into a DNA genealogy database before Nilo's arrest or formal charges were filed," she stated in a legal document submitted in 2023. She further noted that Nilo had been informed of no relatives contributing to such a database.

The hearing was rescheduled for May 27.

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Tampa Man Faces Life Sentence for Trafficking 3 Victims: Justice Department

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – The Department of Justice reported that a man from Tampa faces charges related to three counts of sex trafficking.

As stated in the indictment, Demontrae Fagan, aged 34, deliberately facilitated the trafficking of three individuals for commercial sexual activities from January 2022 through November 2022.

  • Tampa man could spend his life in jail for trafficking 3 victims: DOJ
  • The Cross Bay Ferry anticipates ceasing operations later this month.
  • Bucs want to address area of need in 2025 NFL Draft

Upon conviction, Fagan has to forfeit any property used or intended to be used to commit or facilitate the commission of the offense to the United States of America, the indictment said.

If convicted of all counts, Fagan could face a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.

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Officials: Mistaken Release of Convicted Murderer Confirmed

An individual found guilty of murdering a woman through suffocation during a domestic altercation was incorrectly discharged from prison, which is the second such incident at this facility since the previous year, authorities reported.

Law enforcement officials are searching for Kathan Guzman, who was found guilty the previous year of killing 19-year-old Dalia Grayson and received a sentence of life imprisonment with no chance of release.

He was mistakenly freed from the Clayton County Jail, as stated by Clayton County District Attorney Tasha Mosley, who handled Guzman's prosecution.

Mosley stated that the Georgia Office of Victim Services reached out to her office on Tuesday since they couldn’t find Guzman within theGeorgia prison system.

“My office verified the situation at the Clayton County Jail system, where it seemed that Guzman had been let go,” Mosley stated in a press release on Thursday.

The Clayton County Sheriff's Office verified Guzman's "incorrect release" with her office, according to Mosley.

FURTHER: An escaped prisoner from California is sought for allegedly murdering a Mexican law enforcement commander during a gunfight, according to authorities.

She didn't mention the date of Guzman's release.

A representative from the Clayton County Sheriff's Office informed ABC News that they currently do not have any details to share concerning the issue at hand.

Although managing and transporting prisoners falls outside the jurisdiction of the district attorney’s office, we’ve been informed that all possible resources are engaged in finding Guzman," Mosley stated. "I genuinely hope that Guzman will be swiftly recaptured and spend each day serving out his life sentence.

On October 25, 2024, a Clayton County jury convicted Guzman of felony murder and aggravated assault. The same day, a trial judge handed down a sentence of life imprisonment for his crimes.

Prosecutors alleged that Guzman choked Grayson to death early on August 7, 2022, after a prolonged dispute lasting several hours. According to the district attorney’s office, Guzman claimed during his testimony that Grayson had assaulted him with a knife, prompting him to apply what he called a “sleeper hold” around her neck for approximately ten seconds unintentionally. Nonetheless, as stated by the district attorney’s office, the medical examiner countered this claim, testifying that lethal effects from such compression typically require sustained pressure much longer than just ten seconds.

Mosley mentioned that after finding out about Guzman's release, her team reached out to the victim's mother.

"How did this occur? How exactly? I am not receiving a straightforward explanation," stated Christina Grayson, who is Grayson’s mother, to an Atlanta ABC affiliate. WSB .

She expressed her worry that Guzman might be going to Florida, the state where she resides.

“I can’t move about without having my hidden firearm,” Christina Grayson said to WSB. “I ensure I always have that along with my phone.”

FURTHER: Following four decades as an escapee, the convict who fled Puerto Rico was apprehended in Florida.

This marks the second time Since last year, the Clayton County Jail has erroneously freed an inmate.

In January 2024, murder suspect Zion River Shaka was moved from the Fulton County Jail to the custody of the Clayton County Sheriff's Office for an appointed court appearance, with orders to go back to the Fulton County Jail following the proceeding. Instead, he was incorrectly let out after the hearing concluded.

The jail records indicate that he was detained again at the Fulton County Jail in June 2024.



Judge Set to Decide on Menendez Brothers' Resentencing Despite DA's Objections

A judge will determine on Friday if resentencing proceedings should move forward for Erik and Lyle Menendez, who were found guilty of killing their parents. This decision comes as the newly appointed Los Angeles district attorney argues against releasing them following three decades in prison.

The two brothers received life imprisonment with no chance of parole when they were 18 and 21 years old following their conviction for killing their mother and father, Jose and Kitty Menendez, inside their Beverley Hills residence back in 1989. The defense contended that the young men had acted defensively due to prolonged sexual mistreatment by their dad; however, the prosecution maintained that the siblings committed this crime solely to obtain an enormous family fortune.

In Los Angeles County, former progressive District Attorney George Gascon pursued resentencing for the brothers prior to his defeat in the reelection against tough-on-crime candidate Nathan Hochman last November. Gascon requested from a judge an adjustment of the brothers’ sentence to 50 years to life, thereby making them instantly eligible for parole according to California legislation since they were below 26 at the time of their offense.

However, last month, Hochman filed a motion to retract his earlier plea, stating that he opposed the brothers’ resentencing since they hadn’t confessed to the falsehoods they propagated throughout the investigation regarding the reasons behind killing their parents. Additionally, they failed to "fully recognize, acknowledge, and accept full responsibility" for their actions.

On Friday, the court will determine if they should permit the prosecutors to retract their resentence motion. Should this plea be accepted, the judge might then choose to conduct the brothers’ separate resentencing hearings independently, currently planned for April 17th and 18th.

The district attorney's objection creates a significant obstacle for the brothers, as their route to resentencing seemed almost guaranteed with Gascón's backing.

The family’s dynamics with Hochman have deteriorated as well. Many members of the brothers’ larger family back their request for resentencing. Milton Andersen, Kitty Menendez's brother and the only relative against their release, passed away last month.

Tamara Goodall, a cousin of the brothers, submitted a complaint with the state asking that Hochman be removed from the case, citing his bias against the brothers and alleging he violated a law meant to protect victims' rights.

Goodall noted that Hochman exhibited a "hostile, dismissive, and condescending attitude" during interactions with the family, fostering an "intimidating and bullying environment."

In their reply to the district attorney’s move to retract the resentencing plea, lawyers for the Menendez brothers raised doubts about Hochman’s motivations, wondering if they were based on genuine grounds or swayed by “shifting political tides.”

The lawyers highlighted that Hochman downgraded Nancy Theberge and Brock Lunsford, the two deputy district attorneys who initially submitted the motion for resentencing. Following this, Theberge and Lunsford initiated legal actions against Hochman, claiming he had subjected them to harassment, discrimination, and retaliation due to their involvement in the Menendez brothers' case.

The law demands impartiality, rather than personal grudges," stated Anamaria Baralt, who is a cousin of the brothers. "Not only has Erik along with Lyle accepted their responsibilities, but they've also transformed into the type of individuals that our justice system aims to foster. So, if we do not value rehabilitation in such cases, then when should we consider it important?

Hochman’s office refuted any claims of political interference in their decisions when responding and reaffirmed their stance that Erik and Lyle Menendez fabricated their self-defense argument regarding the deaths of their parents and have yet to attain complete rehabilitation.

If not resentenced, the brothers still have two alternative routes to liberty. They've filed a clemency petition with Governor Gavin Newsom of California, who directed the state parole board to assess whether releasing them would be risky for the public. The parole board is set to conduct its concluding hearings on June 13th.

In May 2023, the brothers filed a writ of habeas corpus with the aim of getting the court to grant them a fresh trial due to newly introduced evidence. Hochman’s office countered this by submitting a motion against their petition.

READ MORE: Judge to Decide on Resentencing of Menendez Brothers Despite Prosecution's Objection

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Wife Faces Trial in Alleged Plot to Kill Her Husband

The jurors will continue their deliberations for an additional day on Friday as they consider the case against a woman charged with orchestrating the killing of her spouse, who was a well-known hairstylist, at their residence in Woodland Hills where they lived with their two children.

The jury, consisting of ten men and two women, received the case against Monica Sementilli on Wednesday. They have now been deliberating for slightly more than eight hours. The group is scheduled to return to the downtown Los Angeles courthouse on Friday morning to resume their discussion.

The 53-year-old Sementilli faces charges of murder and conspiracy related to her husband Fabio’s stabbing death on January 23, 2017, which occurred in their backyard just before they were planning to mark their 20th wedding anniversary.

The murder charge encompasses the special conditions of murder committed for monetary benefit and murder carried out while ambushing the victim.

Her partner, Robert Baker, who is currently 62 years old, entered a plea of no contest in July 2023 to charges including first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Additionally, he acknowledged admitting to two special-circumstance allegations. As a result, he received a sentence of life imprisonment with no chance of parole—a penalty that Sementilli might also confront should she be found guilty as alleged.

During the defense’s part of the trial, Baker took the stand and asserted that the woman involved, being a mother of two, was not connected to the plot to murder her spouse. He confessed that he killed his girlfriend's husband because he "desired for her to spend all her time with me."

A third accused individual, Christopher Austin, who was employed as a parole and probation officer assisting at-risk youth in Oregon when he was arrested last year, entered a no-contest plea in January to charges of second-degree murder. He now faces a sentence ranging from 16 years to life imprisonment under the terms of a plea agreement made with the prosecution.

At the age of 39, Austin stated that his close acquaintance, Baker, informed him that Sementilli desired her spouse's death. However, Austin admitted that he never directly spoke with her regarding the incident.

When the jury concluded their discussions on Wednesday, they requested from the judge either the audio recording or a written transcript of Austin’s talk with an undercover law enforcement officer following his arrest earlier in the year. Upon summoning the jurors back to court, the judge informed them that neither the recording nor the transcript had been admitted as evidence throughout the trial proceedings.

On Thursday, in a letter to Judge Ronald Coen, the jury requested clarification regarding their mention of the specific aggravating factors related to financial gain and lying in wait within the sentencing order for Baker.

The judge stated he would address the jury to affirm this, which led Sementilli’s attorney, Leonard Levine, to unsuccessfully move for a mistrial. During a hearing conducted away from the jury, the defense counsel contended that he had informed the jurors that Baker wouldn't have accepted the plea bargain if, on the day of the plea, he were asked whether he had colluded with Sementilli; furthermore, he asserted that Baker pleaded guilty solely due to the discussions held in court during the July 2023 hearing.

The jury additionally submitted another message to the judge; however, the details within that note were not addressed during the later proceedings.

In her final remarks, Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman informed the jury that "it's abundantly clear that the accused, alongside her partner, killed Fabio Sementilli with the help of Christopher Austin," adding that the motive behind the killing was "financial benefit coupled with personal reasons—essentially, to secure their future together."

She additionally asked the jury to confirm the lying-in-wait special-circumstance claim, stating that the woman’s spouse had been "attacked due to a covert strategy orchestrated by the defendant and her paramour," and noted that Austin abandoned his attempt to murder the victim the previous evening when he went to fetch food from a restaurant.

“She’s the one who destroyed so many lives and their entire family,” Silverman said.

During his final statement on Tuesday, Levine informed the jurors that his client was "culpable for numerous acts — foolishness, deceit, dishonesty, and infidelity" — yet he maintained that these did not amount to murder.

Levine stated, "She had an illicit relationship with someone who killed her spouse, but she neither committed nor planned or conspired to carry out her husband’s murder."

“She endured the consequences of her decisions — which were terrible,” argued the defense lawyer. “However, she isn’t guilty of first-degree murder, nor did she destroy a family or put her child at risk of being killed when she had the ability to prevent it all.”

Levine portrayed Baker as a " Svengali," stating that Sementilli committed "the biggest error of her life" by engaging in an extra-marital relationship with him.

Levine commented on Baker’s guilty plea and his resulting life imprisonment saying, "No positive outcome resulted from Mr. Baker, yet he will be incarcerated for the rest of his life." He continued, "Now they aim to close the loop and have her sent away as well."

During her rebuttal argument, Deputy District Attorney Heather Steggell informed the jury members, "She has been involved throughout. ... This was a scheme they orchestrated jointly."

The prosecutor stated that despite Sementilli’s arrest, she continues to show neither regret nor guilt, but only sorrow because she and Baker cannot remain together.

Since her arrest in June 2017, Sementilli has stayed incarcerated. She and Baker faced accusations of killing her spouse, and an additional conspiracy charge was later filed against them. They received indictments for these crimes approximately two months after their arrests.

Austin has also stayed in custody since his apprehension.



Woman Sentenced for Smothering Terminally Ill Father

A female individual who was characterized as a "dedicated daughter" has been handed down a suspended jail term following her admission to the manslaughter charge concerning her father, who had an incurable illness.

Doctor Lisa Davenport utilized a pillow to suffocate Barrie Davenport, aged 88, at the Foxhall Court retirement facility in Banbury on October 17, 2022.

Giving her a two-year suspended jail term, Judge Mr Justice Linden stated: "I acknowledge that I have opted for a lenient path."

During an earlier proceeding, Davenport refuted the charges of murder but admitted to manslaughter based on claims of reduced culpability.

On Friday, at Oxford Crown Court, it was revealed that Mr Davenport was grappling with incurable pancreatic cancer and experienced significant discomfort during his last moments.

John Price KC, who was leading the prosecution, stated that Davenport, from Middleton Cheney in Northamptonshire, had expressed distress over her father’s appearance.

"This background might explain why a devoted daughter did what she did to her father that evening," he said.

Mr Price said staff at Mr Davenport's retirement complex and a doctor did not initially suspect foul play because his death was expected to be imminent.

"The physician declared him deceased at 10 PM on October 17, and it was thought to be from natural causes," he stated.

However, that was incorrect, as Mr. Davenport had actually been unlawfully killed by his daughter, the defendant Lisa Davenport.

Shortly after 7 AM, she suffocated her father with a pillow while he was lying in bed.

Mr. Price stated that Davenport admitted an hour later to a neighbor and close family friend what she had done, pleading with them not to disclose this information.

The next day, she informed the manager at the retirement community as well, leading them to notify law enforcement.

"If not for those confessions later stating he had been wrongfully killed, it wouldn’t have come to light," Mr. Price stated.

The evidence indicates that after receiving his terminal diagnosis, the defendant became an attentive caregiver for her father as his health deteriorated.

Indeed, nobody could have done more for an obviously dying parent than she did.

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More on this story

  • 'Loyal' daughter confesses to murdering her terminally ill father
  • A woman refutes accusations of killing her father at a care facility.

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Lawrence Police Hunt Liquor Thief Who Bit Off Finger

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Lawrence Police Department is still searching for the individual who ripped off the end of someone’s finger With his teeth before managing to escape.

The police reported that the incident began when the suspect pilfered a bottle of liquor from a bar close to 7th and Massachusetts Streets. Specifically, they snatched Fireball Cinnamon Whisky from Logie’s located on Mass Street before fleeing down the same street. During their escape, the perpetrator abruptly assaulted a pedestrian and proceeded to bite off part of the victim's little finger.

"That's insane," Ethan Dorning stated.

I've been living in Lawrence for about a decade, and I have never encountered anything as violent as that before. It's just unbelievable.

A 5-year-old died and two more people were hurt due to a gas explosion in Lexington.

The Lawrence police report indicates that the emergency call was received on Saturday, March 29, at approximately 1 a.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim with their hand bandaged in a towel and a portion of their little finger inside a cup filled with ice.

"They cannot pinpoint his identity; therefore, we are seeking assistance from the general public," stated Laura McCabe, the Lawrence Police Communications Manager.

She mentioned that the suspect entered a restricted area in the basement of a bar and took a bottle of Fireball whiskey belonging to an employee.

The proprietor of Logie’s on Mass informed FOX4 that within moments, an employee instructed the suspect not to be downstairs and escorted them out.

The police mentioned that the manager reclaimed the bottle at issue. This prompted the suspect to flee down Mass Street, where they collided with another individual. According to law enforcement, the suspect then tore the victim's sweatshirt.

The victim's girlfriend stated, 'Hey, you cannot do that,' according to McCabe.

And they continued walking when suddenly the suspect appeared from behind and rushed towards them, tackling one of them and biting off their finger.

McCabe mentioned that the medical team was unable to reattach the victim’s finger. Nonetheless, part of the nail bed remains intact.

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Morgan Kabler, a student employed at a local boutique and restaurant, mentioned that the entire situation is quite surprising.

"I've seen many strange occurrences in Lawrence, but the sheer energy displayed in biting someone's finger off right after committing theft seems particularly odd," Kabler commented.

McCabe stated that witnesses informed the investigators the accused had been drinking.

The police continue to converse with witnesses providing descriptions of the suspect, while investigators are meticulously reviewing security footage.

"If you believe you recognize this individual, please reach out to us," McCabe stated.

You can alternatively contact Crimestoppers' TIPS hotlines for making an anonymous report, however, I feel the victim warrants some form of resolution in this instance.

The contact number for the TIPS Hotline is 785-843-TIPS.

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Michigan Ends Lifetime Jail Terms for Young Murderers

The Michigan Supreme Court On Thursday, it was determined that forcing 19- and 20-year-old murderers to serve life sentences without the chance of parole is unconstitutional.

Why It Matters

The court’s judgment builds upon a 2022 ruling that prohibited these sentences for individuals who were 18 years old at the time. This implies that many people now have the opportunity to petition the courts for reduced sentencing and potentially gain their liberty.

According to the information provided, Michigan was one of just 16 states that mandate lifetime sentences for individuals found guilty of first-degree murder and were older than 18 at the time of conviction. MacArthur Justice Center. Starting from 2021, courts or legislators in Washington State, Illinois, and Massachusetts have banned life imprisonment for individuals below 21 years of age or have introduced parole options for them.

What To Know

In a 5-2 opinion The court ruled that mandating life sentences for individuals who were 19 or 20 years old when they committed the offense violates the prohibition against “cruel or unusual punishment” as stated in the Michigan Constitution.

Justice Elizabeth Welch stated that a mandatory life sentence "which fails to consider the mitigating circumstances related to age or the possibility of rehabilitation constitutes an excessively harsh penalty."

Welch stated that the court's ruling was grounded in scientific studies regarding the neurological growth during later stages of adolescence and an individual’s capacity to completely grasp the repercussions of their behavior at that age.

"As young people transition from adolescence to full adulthood, they tend to make fewer impulsive choices, are more inclined to weigh and value outcomes, and become less swayed by their peers," Welch noted.

She was part of the majority along with Justices Megan Cavanagh, Richard Bernstein, Kyra Harris Bolden, and Kimberly Thomas. These five justices were all nominees of Democrats .

The dissenting opinion was held by the court’s two Republican-appointed judges: Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement and Justice Brian Zahra.

In his dissenting opinion, Clement argued that it ought to be up to the Legislature, rather than the court, to determine whether the law needs amendment.

"Courts ought not to reformulate the law with each change in scientific agreement, particularly when theMichigan Constitutionis what’s being altered," Clement stated.

An individual aged 19 or 20 might still receive a life sentence; however, it would then fall upon the prosecution to demonstrate why such an offender should not have the opportunity for parole. During these proceedings, judges will consider various aspects including background, psychological state, schooling, and additional relevant elements—similarly assessed when dealing with individuals younger than 18 years old.

In court, appeals were presented for Montario Taylor, then 20 years old, who fired multiple shots at an individual inside the victim’s residence in 2016; as well as for Andrew Czarnecki, aged 19, implicated in the deadly assault on a person using a Christmas tree stand back in 2013.

What People Are Saying

Welch penned in the main ruling The remarkable ability for transformation and possible rehabilitation in this group of people renders the imposition of mandatory life without parole on young offenders exceptionally harsh. When considering late adolescents collectively, there are no significant distinctions in their neurological growth between ages 18, 19, or 20.

In his concurring opinion, Bernstein contended that the decision ought to be expanded further. He stated I am writing separately to outline my objections to establishing an absolute cutoff at age 21: firstly, I want to emphasize the issue of limited scope that comes with setting such a strict boundary; and secondly, if we must establish some threshold, I would adhere to the agreement among pertinent scientific research and set this limit at age 25.

Clement wrote in dissent First-degree murder is possibly considered the most serious crime under Michigan law. The deliberate ending of a life is an action with significant moral and legal implications. Consequently, a severe penalty is fitting.

J. Dee Brooks, who serves as the president of the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan, stated in a release. Concerns have been raised by prosecutors regarding the potential additional trauma inflicted upon survivors and families of victims due to the Czarnecki ruling," Brooks noted. He continued, "These resentencing proceedings stemming from the decision will demand significant time and resources from prosecutor’s offices across the state. Numerous offices are currently finding it challenging to handle their present workloads with incomplete staffing. The elected prosecuting attorneys in Michigan remain committed to advocating for public safety and safeguarding the state's innocent victims.

What's Next

The court’s ruling states that Taylor and Czarnecki have the right to be sentenced again.

The ruling indicated that this decision "will be applied retrospectively to all pertinent criminal cases." This means individuals who received life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for a crime committed at age 19 or 20 will have the opportunity to request a resentencing.

The article incorporates reporting from The Associated Press.

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Albion Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Thousands of Child Pornography Files

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — An individual from Albion has admitted guilt to charges related to child pornography.

According to prosecutors, 68-year-old Norman Kelly employed his laptop to persuade children into producing pornographic imagery. On March 12, 2023, Kelly obtained a graphic image from a young girl who was approximately between 10 and 12 years old. Later, on July 20 of the same year, he came across a sexually explicit video featuring an infant girl aged about one-and-a-half to three years old.

Investigators found that Kelly possessed approximately 475 images and 377 video clips portraying child sexual abuse, including some content that depicted violent acts against children.

On Thursday, Kelly admitted guilt regarding the possession of child pornography. This plea carries a mandatory minimum jail term of five years extending up to twenty years, along with the possibility of a fine totaling $250,000. His court date for sentencing has been set for August 18, 2025.

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Castle Rock Resident Sentenced to 32 Years to Life for Sexual Assaults on 3 Children

DENVER ( KDVR — A previous inhabitant of Castle Rock received a sentence of 32 years to life in prison following his conviction by a jury for sexual offenses. aggressing three kids across ten years .

The 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office reported that Eugene Howard Glimpse, aged 55, was convicted on January 29th of three charges related to sexual assaults on a minor, along with single accusations of enticing a minor and committing an offense against a victim under his guardianship.

Aurora police arrest an 18-year-old "repeated violent criminal" in connection with a drive-by shooting.

On April 8, he received a sentence of 32 years to life imprisonment for the case. Authorities stated that the attacks took place from 2002 to 2012 prior to his relocation to Texas.

The chief deputy district attorney for the Twenty-third Judicial District, Danielle Jaramillo, referred to Glimpse as a "monster" in an official statement from the district, stating that this outcome was justice being served.

"There was a lengthy journey toward justice for these three victims, but ultimately, their voices were acknowledged, and the truth triumphed. Given that Mr. Glimpse will probably spend the remainder of his days incarcerated, the scales of justice have at last been leveled," stated Jaramillo.

Nevertheless, District Attorney George Brauchler stated that he desired additional actions to be taken.

Honestly, this isn't sufficient," Brauchler stated in a press release. "He condemned those young innocents to a life filled with trauma." He continued, "This doesn’t seem just, yet it’s everything our legal system permits.

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6 Legal Terms That Have a Whole New Meaning in the Courtroom

Given even minimal context, you can tell whether someone is referring to a suit of clothes or a legal filing. This holds true for many common words that carry distinct meanings within courtroom settings: charge , appeal , and so forth.

However, there are many other terms whose legal definitions are less widely understood by the general public. In fact, you might not even have realized these terms had legal definitions at all. Here’s what law professionals mean when they talk about alter egos, tolls, and more.

Abscond

The word abscond (secretly leaving or going into hiding) usually suggests illegal activity; you might flee with stolen items as an instance. However, we also apply this word in legal contexts—for example, when your pet steals your sandwich.

The legal sense of abscond It specifically involves departing from your legal authority area to evade judicial processes. This could mean fleeing to dodge arrest for an offense or to sidestep being notified about a lawsuit. Some individuals abscond While waiting for their trial or during periods of probation or parole, individuals can be charged with absconding. This act isn’t always deliberate but usually constitutes an offense. Suppose you're out on probation, and your probation officer must authorize all trips beyond your designated area—yet, due to a sudden family crisis, you board a flight nationwide without seeking approval first. In this case, you've inadvertently gone AWOL and could face a probation violation hearing. Should the judge empathize with your circumstances, however, they might overlook the infraction.

Alter ego

Although the legally recognized type of alter ego doesn’t have the allure of David Bowie’s version, Ziggy Stardust , it still holds onto the Latin meaning of the word. phrase “Another instance is when an ‘I.’ Typically, people—or a collection of people such as shareholders—are not held responsible for a corporation’s deeds or financial obligations. However, if a court decides,” finds that someone is utilizing a corporation as a facade for their own business ventures—meaning, the company essentially serves as just a cover. alter ego rather than as a distinct entity—the alter ego doctrine permits the court to hold the individual accountable known as If you secure a small business loan, use those funds to expand your home, and subsequently fail to repay the loan, a court might apply the alter ego doctrine. This would hold you personally responsible for repayment.

Caveat

Caveat , Latin for “let [a person] beware,” refers Regarding an announcement requesting a legal official to delay a specific proceeding until the party lodging the caveat gets an opportunity to present their case. Such precautions frequently arise in this context. probate proceedings If your affluent grandmother intended to bequeath all her wealth to you as her sole grandchild and then unexpectedly passed away, discovering that she had altered her will the previous night to replace you with an obscure relative whom you've never met could lead you to take action. In such a scenario, you may consider lodging a caveat to halt the transfer of her estate to this unfamiliar cousin until you have the opportunity to challenge the legitimacy of the revised will.

Information

When an individual is thought to be involved in felony —typically defined as a serious offense that carries either the death penalty or imprisonment exceeding one year—must first be officially indicted by a grand jury before proceeding to trial. This formal indictment issued by the grand jury is referred to as an indictment But for offenses that carry milder punishments (for example, misdemeanors ), a grand jury is not required. Rather, a prosecutor may file a written charge known as an "information."

That said, a defendant can waive They have the constitutional right to receive an indictment if the felony doesn't carry the death penalty. Should they choose to waive this right, a prosecutor may then proceed by filing an information instead. waive an indictment If there's a plea bargain on the table: Perhaps a prosecutor has presented you with an opportunity to plead guilty to less severe charges compared to what a grand jury might indict you for. Thus, you decide to waive your right to be indicted and accept the offer instead.

Toll

To a layperson, toll brings to mind bridges and bells. For a legal professional, however, this term evokes a distinct definition initially: "to halt the progression of a timeframe, particularly one specified within a statute of limitations," as stated. Wex , an online legal encyclopedia maintained by Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute. For instance, some of these include state laws that toll The timeframe within which minors can initiate a negligence lawsuit begins once they reach adulthood. Should the deadline for such claims be set at two years following the incident, this two-year period will only commence when the individual becomes 18 years old.

Venue

In law, a venue refers to a specific area—a typically designated judicial district or county—selected for conducting a trial (which also implies that the jury, should there be one, will serve therein). selected Criminal cases typically determine the trial location based on where the offense took place, whereas civil cases might rely on the residence of the defendant, the majority of the witnesses, or another sensible site. Either party can seek a change of venue if they believe it was improperly selected or exceptional conditions warrant such a move. For example, if extensive media coverage makes it difficult to assemble an unbiased jury within a specific jurisdiction, changing the venue could become essential.

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The article was initially published on Diwida.| 6 Frequently Used Words That Have Distinct Meanings in Legal Settings .



Bradford Man Faces Court for Giving False Info to Police

BRADFORD, Vt. ( ABC22/FOX44 A man from Bradford is scheduled to appear in court after police concluded that he filed a false report on April 3.

The state police proceeded to Munn Road to look into allegations suggesting that an individual might be in possession of child pornography. During this investigation, the complainant, Jakob Tanenhaus, aged 35, had discussions with law enforcement officials.

The investigation found that Tanenhaus submitted a falsified report and had video evidence 'which was deemed to have criminal implications'.

The officers gave him a ticket on April 7th. Tanenhaus is scheduled to appear at the Orange County Superior Court in May.

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