A 27 year old man who purposely caused a crash so he could rape a then 20 year old woman in Ohio was sentenced to 46 years in prison Friday by Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Alex Triantafilou. Triquero Terell was called "a monster" and his acts, according to the judge, made him unfit to live "among civilized society."
A jury found the 27-year-old Lockland man guilty Thursday evening on five charges, including kidnapping, felonious assault, rape and attempted rape.
Triantafilou also designated Terrell a level 3 sex offender, meaning once he is released he will have to register his address with the sheriff's office in the county where he lives for the rest of his life.
The woman was driving home from work in the 3600 block of Blue Rock Road in Colerain Township at 2 a.m. Oct. 13, 2006, when Terrell bumped her car, records show. The woman, then 20, pulled over in the parking lot of White Oak Christian Church, where Terrell attacked her in a grassy area.
A sketch of the suspect was done, but six months went by without a lead, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.
Hamilton County Sheriff's Deputy Al Cebulskie noticed a resemblance between the sketch of the rapist and Terell when he arrested Terrell on a child support case back in April 2007, and DNA results pointing to Terrell as the suspect led to his arrest May 21, 2007.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Friday, March 7, 2008
Dueling DNA experts at rape trial
The trial of a 52 year old man who is charged with holding two separate women captive at his home featured two dueling DNA experts, with cross examination from both sides painting each other as hired guns only out for the money.
Dennis Hisle, 52, is accused of kidnapping, forcible confinement, and rape of two victims, one in December 2004, and one in May 2005. He faces life in prison in convicted of all counts.
Sperm cells found on the vulva of victim Sandra H. showed a statistical probability of roughly one in 6.3 quadrillion, or 6,300,000,000,000,000, people having the same results - or DNA profile - as Hisle's, said Watkins, adding there are only about 7 billion people on Earth.
A test of a sample taken from a hand towel that victim Karin R. spit into after she said she submitted to oral sex with the defendant also contained Hisle's sperm, Watkins said.
Watkins testified at length about the painstaking procedures employed in her lab to avoid errors. She said she used extremely conservative estimates in all her tests.
She admitted she referred to a portion of a swab of one victim's vulva as having no sperm in her report, but that she also noted "very few sperm" were seen in the sample under the microscope in the first stage of review.
Defense analyst Elizabeth Anne Johnson questioned Watkins' results Wednesday, particularly those derived from Sandra H.'s vulva sample.
According to Johnson's calculations, the swab contained about 1,400 sperm. Johnson said it is unusual to find that high quantity and quality of material in a sample thought to have no or very few sperm.
To further establish doubt, Johnson said she reviewed the crime lab's records of contamination. In those reports, she found an unrelated case handled by Watkins on Nov. 17, 2005 where Watkins documented her contamination of one test sample with another sample of DNA.
Johnson said that the victim's DNA results and Hisle's results were handled within hours, potentially compromising the test results.
In the Hisle case, records showed Watkins conducted tests of the vulva samples from victim Sandra H. within hours of testing samples from the hand towel from victim Karin R., which contained "a great deal of (Hisle's) sperm," Johnson said.
Hisle's trial continues Friday.
Dennis Hisle, 52, is accused of kidnapping, forcible confinement, and rape of two victims, one in December 2004, and one in May 2005. He faces life in prison in convicted of all counts.
Sperm cells found on the vulva of victim Sandra H. showed a statistical probability of roughly one in 6.3 quadrillion, or 6,300,000,000,000,000, people having the same results - or DNA profile - as Hisle's, said Watkins, adding there are only about 7 billion people on Earth.
A test of a sample taken from a hand towel that victim Karin R. spit into after she said she submitted to oral sex with the defendant also contained Hisle's sperm, Watkins said.
Watkins testified at length about the painstaking procedures employed in her lab to avoid errors. She said she used extremely conservative estimates in all her tests.
She admitted she referred to a portion of a swab of one victim's vulva as having no sperm in her report, but that she also noted "very few sperm" were seen in the sample under the microscope in the first stage of review.
Defense analyst Elizabeth Anne Johnson questioned Watkins' results Wednesday, particularly those derived from Sandra H.'s vulva sample.
According to Johnson's calculations, the swab contained about 1,400 sperm. Johnson said it is unusual to find that high quantity and quality of material in a sample thought to have no or very few sperm.
To further establish doubt, Johnson said she reviewed the crime lab's records of contamination. In those reports, she found an unrelated case handled by Watkins on Nov. 17, 2005 where Watkins documented her contamination of one test sample with another sample of DNA.
Johnson said that the victim's DNA results and Hisle's results were handled within hours, potentially compromising the test results.
In the Hisle case, records showed Watkins conducted tests of the vulva samples from victim Sandra H. within hours of testing samples from the hand towel from victim Karin R., which contained "a great deal of (Hisle's) sperm," Johnson said.
Hisle's trial continues Friday.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Rapist must serve above guidelines sentence - judge
A Lackawanna County (Pennsylvania) judge has denied a request by a rapist sentenced to between 43 and 86 years in prison to lighten his stiff sentence. Charles Lake, 39, raped an 18 year old Dunmore, PA woman then hid in the woods for 20 days, subsitsing on worms and creek water.
Under the plea agreement, prosecutors recommended a sentence of 25 to 50 years. Judge Michael Barrasse, presiding over the case, did not have to follow the suggestion. Mr. Lake admitted to raping the 18-year-old after tying her up and threatening her with a butcher knife. He also choked the victim, who managed to escape after telling her attacker she couldn’t breathe and needed her inhaler, according to court records.
After leaving the woman’s home, Mr. Lake hid in the woods for 20 days before surrendering to police. He told investigators he drank creek water and ate worms to survive while in hiding. The Times-Tribune does not identify victims of sexual assault.
At Mr. Lake’s sentencing, Judge Barrasse went outside the plea deal and state sentencing guidelines because of the brutality of the rape and the age of the victim. But in court paperwork asking the judge to reconsider the sentence, attorney Jamie Dench said he didn’t believe the judge weighed all the aspects of Mr. Lake’s situation, including the confession he gave investigators and his problems with alcohol abuse.
Deputy District Attorney Michelle Olshefski said she was glad Judge Barrasse didn’t change his mind. “We felt the sentence was more than appropriate,” the prosecutor said. “The judge stated in no uncertain terms the reasons for the sentence ... and that if he could, he would have raised it.”
Lake's attorney expects that the sentence will be appealed to a higher court.
“A judge has the right to sentence to whatever he or she feels is appropriate. So it’s hard to say whether an appellate judge would agree with the reasons he gave for the sentence.”
Under the plea agreement, prosecutors recommended a sentence of 25 to 50 years. Judge Michael Barrasse, presiding over the case, did not have to follow the suggestion. Mr. Lake admitted to raping the 18-year-old after tying her up and threatening her with a butcher knife. He also choked the victim, who managed to escape after telling her attacker she couldn’t breathe and needed her inhaler, according to court records.
After leaving the woman’s home, Mr. Lake hid in the woods for 20 days before surrendering to police. He told investigators he drank creek water and ate worms to survive while in hiding. The Times-Tribune does not identify victims of sexual assault.
At Mr. Lake’s sentencing, Judge Barrasse went outside the plea deal and state sentencing guidelines because of the brutality of the rape and the age of the victim. But in court paperwork asking the judge to reconsider the sentence, attorney Jamie Dench said he didn’t believe the judge weighed all the aspects of Mr. Lake’s situation, including the confession he gave investigators and his problems with alcohol abuse.
Deputy District Attorney Michelle Olshefski said she was glad Judge Barrasse didn’t change his mind. “We felt the sentence was more than appropriate,” the prosecutor said. “The judge stated in no uncertain terms the reasons for the sentence ... and that if he could, he would have raised it.”
Lake's attorney expects that the sentence will be appealed to a higher court.
“A judge has the right to sentence to whatever he or she feels is appropriate. So it’s hard to say whether an appellate judge would agree with the reasons he gave for the sentence.”
Arizona man with IQ of 62 sentenced to 3 1/2 years
A man with an IQ of 62 who dropped out of 6th grade was sentenced to 3 ½ years in prison March 3, the minimum sentence for the rape of a Tucson woman in July of 1998. She was raped as she was walking to work near the intersection of E. 14th St. & S. 6th Av. by Alvin F. Lambert, 50.
DNA evidence was collected from the victim and entered into a national database, but there were no arrests until Lambert was arrested last year on an unrelated felony and his DNA entered into the same database.
Lambert was facing charges of sexual assault, sexual abuse, and kidnapping, but plead to attempted sexual assault last month. The 3 ½ years in prison was the minimum sentence as stipulated in the plea agreement, he faced up to 8 ¾ years in prison.
DNA evidence was collected from the victim and entered into a national database, but there were no arrests until Lambert was arrested last year on an unrelated felony and his DNA entered into the same database.
Lambert was facing charges of sexual assault, sexual abuse, and kidnapping, but plead to attempted sexual assault last month. The 3 ½ years in prison was the minimum sentence as stipulated in the plea agreement, he faced up to 8 ¾ years in prison.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
6 women killed in first two months of 2008 in MA by violent "partners"
After a murder-suicide last Friday, the number of women killed in the past 2 months by abusive "partners" in Massachusetts has risen to six. Two men killed themselves after killing their "partners."
Friday’s grisly New Bedford murder-suicide came in the wake of the arrest of a Malden man in the murder of his ex-girlfriend, hairdresser Norma Dorce Gilles, who had vanished two weeks ago. Suspect Lesly Cheremond was scheduled to go on trial April 29 for allegedly assaulting Gilles.
The New Bedford murder was the sixth incident of suspected domestic violence homicide in Massachusetts since Jan. 1, said Toni Troop, spokeswoman for domestic violence organization Jane Doe Inc. In at least five of those cases, the victim either had already left or was trying to leave, her abuser, Troop said.
The number of domestic-violence-related deaths over the past three years has risen 289 percent, from 19 in 2005 to 34 in 2006 and 55 last year. Two of the eight deaths this year were suicides committed after a domestic-violence homicide.
Advocates state that a safety plan could have prevented lives from being lost - a plan which includes the intervention of others when domestic abuse happens.
“This is a wake-up call for everyone. These homicides can be prevented,” said Toni Troop, spokeswoman for Jane Doe Inc., a coalition of victims’ advocacy groups. “We need to intervene now.”
“In the same way that most people today realize they have a moral obligation not to let someone they know drink and drive, people need to take responsibility and get involved,” Troop said. “The burden should not be on the victim alone.”
Friday’s grisly New Bedford murder-suicide came in the wake of the arrest of a Malden man in the murder of his ex-girlfriend, hairdresser Norma Dorce Gilles, who had vanished two weeks ago. Suspect Lesly Cheremond was scheduled to go on trial April 29 for allegedly assaulting Gilles.
The New Bedford murder was the sixth incident of suspected domestic violence homicide in Massachusetts since Jan. 1, said Toni Troop, spokeswoman for domestic violence organization Jane Doe Inc. In at least five of those cases, the victim either had already left or was trying to leave, her abuser, Troop said.
The number of domestic-violence-related deaths over the past three years has risen 289 percent, from 19 in 2005 to 34 in 2006 and 55 last year. Two of the eight deaths this year were suicides committed after a domestic-violence homicide.
Advocates state that a safety plan could have prevented lives from being lost - a plan which includes the intervention of others when domestic abuse happens.
“This is a wake-up call for everyone. These homicides can be prevented,” said Toni Troop, spokeswoman for Jane Doe Inc., a coalition of victims’ advocacy groups. “We need to intervene now.”
“In the same way that most people today realize they have a moral obligation not to let someone they know drink and drive, people need to take responsibility and get involved,” Troop said. “The burden should not be on the victim alone.”
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Robert Ewing, NJ teacher charged with sex assault
Robert Godfrey, 23, of North Wales, Pa, a gym teacher at Ewing High School in Ewing, NJ, is accused of sexually assaulting a 17 year old student. Godfrey allegedly exchanged nude pics with the girl, who he had a 3 month sexual relationship with, according to police. The AOC in New Jersey is normally 16, but becomes 18 when a teacher or other position of authority is involved. Even so, teachers have been convicted of official misconduct when sleeping with over-18 students.
We were informed today by the Ewing Township police and the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office that Robert Godfrey, a first-year teacher of physical education at Ewing High School, has been arrested," Assistant Superintendent Michael Nitty said last night. "Mr. Godfrey has been suspended, effective immediately, without pay pending administrative action."
Godfrey, whose salary is just over $41,000 a year, was arrested yesterday by Ewing police and charged with two second-degree counts of sexual assault, one third-degree count of distributing obscene materials to a minor, and one fourth-degree count of child abuse, Mercer County Prosecutor Joseph L. Bocchini Jr. said.
Superior Court Judge Charles A. Delehey set bail in the amount of $25,000 cash or bond.
Godfrey could not be reached for comment.
Ewing police collabarated with the county Child Abuse/Sex Assault unit, and the agencies are still investigating.
Anyone with more info should contact Ewing Township Police Tip Line at (609) 882-7530 or the Mercer County Prosecutor's Child Abuse/Sex Assault Unit at (609) 989-6568.
We were informed today by the Ewing Township police and the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office that Robert Godfrey, a first-year teacher of physical education at Ewing High School, has been arrested," Assistant Superintendent Michael Nitty said last night. "Mr. Godfrey has been suspended, effective immediately, without pay pending administrative action."
Godfrey, whose salary is just over $41,000 a year, was arrested yesterday by Ewing police and charged with two second-degree counts of sexual assault, one third-degree count of distributing obscene materials to a minor, and one fourth-degree count of child abuse, Mercer County Prosecutor Joseph L. Bocchini Jr. said.
Superior Court Judge Charles A. Delehey set bail in the amount of $25,000 cash or bond.
Godfrey could not be reached for comment.
Ewing police collabarated with the county Child Abuse/Sex Assault unit, and the agencies are still investigating.
Anyone with more info should contact Ewing Township Police Tip Line at (609) 882-7530 or the Mercer County Prosecutor's Child Abuse/Sex Assault Unit at (609) 989-6568.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Louisiana parish deputy accused of rape, domestic violence
(Original Post 1-15-07)
A St. John The Baptist Parish sheriff's deputy is facing charges of aggravated rape, forcible rape, sexual battery, simple battery and malfeasance in office for the alleged sexual assaults of several women and domestic violence against his girlfriend.
One of the women, Lisa St. Martin, 30, of LaPlace, who claimed Schaeffer tried to sexually assault her behind the parish jail last year, said a grand jury subpoenaed her to testify against him.
According to the New Orleans Times Picayune's Grand jury considers rape case against ex-deputy:
Grand jury proceedings are private, but several people close to the investigation confirmed that a panel was hearing testimony on the case Monday. Schaeffer, a 16-year veteran with the Sheriff's Office, was fired Oct. 17 for "unbecoming conduct," Sheriff Wayne L. Jones said.
Another woman, Tracey Mutz, a former girlfriend of Schaeffer's who claims Jones did not take her accusations of domestic violence seriously, said Schaeffer was indicted late Monday evening.
Mutz said an attorney from the state's attorney general office held a meeting with her and the other women and told them that Schaeffer was being taken into custody. Mutz said they were told that Schaeffer will be charged with aggravated rape, attempted sexual battery and second-degree battery and held in lieu of $235,000 bond.
A spokeswoman from the attorney general's office said Monday that she did not know whether Schaeffer was indicted because the office closed Monday for the inauguration of Attorney General James "Buddy" Caldwell. Schaeffer and Jones could not be reached for comment.
The allegations by Mutz triggered an investigation by the Louisiana state police, and another woman linked to Schaffer's complaint was found. Schaffer failed ppolygraph tests related to both incidents, and was originally placed on paid leave. A week later, he was fired. District Attorney John Crum recused him self, and the State Attorney's Office will be in charge of the investigation.
"It's very emotional," Mutz said of the news of the indictment. "I can't even explain the way I feel; I'm sad but I'm relieved -- he won't be able to hurt anyone else. It's hopefully the beginning of the end.
(Update 1-16-07)
Schaeffer's bond was raised to $335,000 after being considered a flight risk by State District Judge J. Sterling Snowdy, and Snowdy issued a no-contact order on behalf of the women. Patrols around their homes were increased.
State Police and St. John deputies arrested Schaeffer on Monday. According to the indictment, Schaeffer is charged with one count of aggravated rape in connection with a November 2005 incident that involved Mutz, and one count of second-degree battery in connection with a May 2006 incident that involved Mutz. Mutz has said Schaeffer repeatedly hit her during their two-year relationship, beginning in July 2004. She alleges that he broke her hip, raped her at gunpoint and threatened to kill her.
Jones said Schaeffer was placed in a cell apart from the rest of the prison population.
As a safety precaution, plans were in the works Tuesday to transfer Schaeffer to another facility so he would not be incarnated with people he may have arrested, Jones said.
When asked what the mood was in the department after news of Schaeffer's arrest, Jones said employees were mostly surprised.
(Update 3-1-07)
On Monday, February 25, Schaeffer was released on $335,000 bond, though he was ordered not to leave St. John the Baptist Parish until the device was installed. Prosecutors had also sought a hearing on whether Schaeffer's bond was valid, but District Court Judge Mary Hotard Becnel postponed the hearing until March 5.
A St. John The Baptist Parish sheriff's deputy is facing charges of aggravated rape, forcible rape, sexual battery, simple battery and malfeasance in office for the alleged sexual assaults of several women and domestic violence against his girlfriend.
One of the women, Lisa St. Martin, 30, of LaPlace, who claimed Schaeffer tried to sexually assault her behind the parish jail last year, said a grand jury subpoenaed her to testify against him.
According to the New Orleans Times Picayune's Grand jury considers rape case against ex-deputy:
Grand jury proceedings are private, but several people close to the investigation confirmed that a panel was hearing testimony on the case Monday. Schaeffer, a 16-year veteran with the Sheriff's Office, was fired Oct. 17 for "unbecoming conduct," Sheriff Wayne L. Jones said.
Another woman, Tracey Mutz, a former girlfriend of Schaeffer's who claims Jones did not take her accusations of domestic violence seriously, said Schaeffer was indicted late Monday evening.
Mutz said an attorney from the state's attorney general office held a meeting with her and the other women and told them that Schaeffer was being taken into custody. Mutz said they were told that Schaeffer will be charged with aggravated rape, attempted sexual battery and second-degree battery and held in lieu of $235,000 bond.
A spokeswoman from the attorney general's office said Monday that she did not know whether Schaeffer was indicted because the office closed Monday for the inauguration of Attorney General James "Buddy" Caldwell. Schaeffer and Jones could not be reached for comment.
The allegations by Mutz triggered an investigation by the Louisiana state police, and another woman linked to Schaffer's complaint was found. Schaffer failed ppolygraph tests related to both incidents, and was originally placed on paid leave. A week later, he was fired. District Attorney John Crum recused him self, and the State Attorney's Office will be in charge of the investigation.
"It's very emotional," Mutz said of the news of the indictment. "I can't even explain the way I feel; I'm sad but I'm relieved -- he won't be able to hurt anyone else. It's hopefully the beginning of the end.
(Update 1-16-07)
Schaeffer's bond was raised to $335,000 after being considered a flight risk by State District Judge J. Sterling Snowdy, and Snowdy issued a no-contact order on behalf of the women. Patrols around their homes were increased.
State Police and St. John deputies arrested Schaeffer on Monday. According to the indictment, Schaeffer is charged with one count of aggravated rape in connection with a November 2005 incident that involved Mutz, and one count of second-degree battery in connection with a May 2006 incident that involved Mutz. Mutz has said Schaeffer repeatedly hit her during their two-year relationship, beginning in July 2004. She alleges that he broke her hip, raped her at gunpoint and threatened to kill her.
Jones said Schaeffer was placed in a cell apart from the rest of the prison population.
As a safety precaution, plans were in the works Tuesday to transfer Schaeffer to another facility so he would not be incarnated with people he may have arrested, Jones said.
When asked what the mood was in the department after news of Schaeffer's arrest, Jones said employees were mostly surprised.
(Update 3-1-07)
On Monday, February 25, Schaeffer was released on $335,000 bond, though he was ordered not to leave St. John the Baptist Parish until the device was installed. Prosecutors had also sought a hearing on whether Schaeffer's bond was valid, but District Court Judge Mary Hotard Becnel postponed the hearing until March 5.
Man convicted of assaulting 3 military men, one 14 year old boy - sentenced to life
Oliver Newell, 29, from Colorado Springs, was convicted of the kidnapping and rape of 4 males, three military men and a 14 year old boy. The counts Newell was convicted of included kidnapping, which carries a 48 year maximum sentence, and sexual assault, which results in an indeterminate sentence with a life maximum.
Newell picked up 2 Air Force Academy cadets at a downtown Colorado Springs bar in July 2006, and either drugged or made them drunk. One cadet awoke naked while Newell was performing oral sex; the other man told jurors Newell tried to sodomize him.
The other two victims were made to believe that they were meeting a woman from Live Links, a chat line. One victim, a then 14 year old boy, was taken to Newell’s house September 2006 befor being raped at gunpoint, and a then 26 year old Fort Carson soldier went to Newell’s home Christmas Eve where he got drunk and passed out. He woke of too Newell performing oral sex.
Newell, public defender, Dennis McGuire, said that he will appeal the verdicts. “This is a travesty. It’s difficult for the jury to look solely at each charge without feeling overwhelmed by all of them. He certainly would have had a better shot if it had been three separate trials. Newell will be sentenced February 29th.
(Update 3-1-08)
Newell was sentenced to 178 years to life in prison for the attacks.
“I don’t know where all this started, or how it came about,” said 4th Judicial District Judge J. Patrick Kelly. “But hearing the evidence and observing the victims it was, quite frankly, despicable. ... The effects on these victims won’t go away anytime soon.”
One of the victims attempted suicide and is in a wheelchair.
“This man came to the United States looking for opportunity and instead he preyed on these men and this boy,” said Colorado Springs police detective Adam Romine. “Many lives were ruined because of this man’s actions ... Two men who proudly serve their country were so disgusted and shamed by this, they didn’t want to be here today.” Romine said it would be a travesty if Kelly gave Newell, who came to Colorado Springs from Jamaica, anything less than the maximum.
Deputy District Attorney Melissa Burchell spoke for the victims, none of whom were present Friday. One victim made a brief statement via telephone. “On the outside, the defendant appears calm,” Burchell said. “But on the inside he’s obviously a monster.” She urged Kelly to “keep him out of the community” so he couldn’t victimize anyone else.
Newell picked up 2 Air Force Academy cadets at a downtown Colorado Springs bar in July 2006, and either drugged or made them drunk. One cadet awoke naked while Newell was performing oral sex; the other man told jurors Newell tried to sodomize him.
The other two victims were made to believe that they were meeting a woman from Live Links, a chat line. One victim, a then 14 year old boy, was taken to Newell’s house September 2006 befor being raped at gunpoint, and a then 26 year old Fort Carson soldier went to Newell’s home Christmas Eve where he got drunk and passed out. He woke of too Newell performing oral sex.
Newell, public defender, Dennis McGuire, said that he will appeal the verdicts. “This is a travesty. It’s difficult for the jury to look solely at each charge without feeling overwhelmed by all of them. He certainly would have had a better shot if it had been three separate trials. Newell will be sentenced February 29th.
(Update 3-1-08)
Newell was sentenced to 178 years to life in prison for the attacks.
“I don’t know where all this started, or how it came about,” said 4th Judicial District Judge J. Patrick Kelly. “But hearing the evidence and observing the victims it was, quite frankly, despicable. ... The effects on these victims won’t go away anytime soon.”
One of the victims attempted suicide and is in a wheelchair.
“This man came to the United States looking for opportunity and instead he preyed on these men and this boy,” said Colorado Springs police detective Adam Romine. “Many lives were ruined because of this man’s actions ... Two men who proudly serve their country were so disgusted and shamed by this, they didn’t want to be here today.” Romine said it would be a travesty if Kelly gave Newell, who came to Colorado Springs from Jamaica, anything less than the maximum.
Deputy District Attorney Melissa Burchell spoke for the victims, none of whom were present Friday. One victim made a brief statement via telephone. “On the outside, the defendant appears calm,” Burchell said. “But on the inside he’s obviously a monster.” She urged Kelly to “keep him out of the community” so he couldn’t victimize anyone else.
Kansas rapist convicted after two previous hung juries
After two previous mistrials and a lengthy deliberation, a Kansas man was convicted of raping a 19 year old Olathe, KS woman at her home May 19, 2006. Cesar Lopez-Martinez, 30 was convicted of rape even while maintaining his innocence and that the sex was consensual.
The ruling comes after juries in August and December couldn’t reach unanimous verdicts. District Court Judge John Anderson III declared each of the previous trials mistrials. Anderson said before this trial that another hung jury may have caused him to dismiss the case.
“Justice took a long time in this case,” Assistant District Attorney Jill Kenney said. “The jury was ultimately able to reach a decision, and that’s how the system works.”
Kenney added that she’s pleased for the victim’s sake that the case was resolved.
Defense attorney Jessica Travis argued at each trial that the sexual act that occurred between Lopez-Martinez and the victim was consensual, which has been Lopez-Martinez’s stance since the beginning.
“He maintains his innocence, and he was hoping to be found innocent today,” she said.
Travis said she will file a motion of acquittal before Lopez-Martinez’s sentencing hearing because she doesn’t believe the prosecution presented enough evidence for a jury to find him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Kenney said she would file a response to Travis’ motion.
Lopez-Martinez, who is facing 147 to 165 months when he is sentenced April 17, will be credited for 22 months he has served in jail.
The ruling comes after juries in August and December couldn’t reach unanimous verdicts. District Court Judge John Anderson III declared each of the previous trials mistrials. Anderson said before this trial that another hung jury may have caused him to dismiss the case.
“Justice took a long time in this case,” Assistant District Attorney Jill Kenney said. “The jury was ultimately able to reach a decision, and that’s how the system works.”
Kenney added that she’s pleased for the victim’s sake that the case was resolved.
Defense attorney Jessica Travis argued at each trial that the sexual act that occurred between Lopez-Martinez and the victim was consensual, which has been Lopez-Martinez’s stance since the beginning.
“He maintains his innocence, and he was hoping to be found innocent today,” she said.
Travis said she will file a motion of acquittal before Lopez-Martinez’s sentencing hearing because she doesn’t believe the prosecution presented enough evidence for a jury to find him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Kenney said she would file a response to Travis’ motion.
Lopez-Martinez, who is facing 147 to 165 months when he is sentenced April 17, will be credited for 22 months he has served in jail.
Man who raped woman twice will be going away for 16 years
A man who raped a woman at knifepoint twice within a two month timeframe was sentenced to 190 months in prison. Medford, OR police are happy that the rapist, Jeffrey Edward Kuehner, will be going away.
"We are glad to be done with Mr. Kuehner that's for sure," Medford police Deputy Chief Tim George said. "And we hope and wish for the best for the victim in this case."
Kuehner raped the woman in her home at knifepoint last March. He posted bond, was released May 19, and returned to her home o sexually attack her again June 7.
The woman managed to flee her home with her two children and call the police after the second attack on June 7. Kuehner held Medford officers at bay by threatening to kill himself with the knife. Eventually, he stabbed himself in the throat and was rushed to the hospital and treated for his injuries.
Jackson County Deputy District Attorney Rachel Bridges reached an agreement with defense officials to ensure Kuehner will spend the next 190 months behind bars.
Kuehner pleaded guilty to charges of first-degree rape, first-degree kidnapping and first-degree burglary.
The rape charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 100 months' prison time under Oregon law. Kidnapping carries a mandatory 90-month sentence. The burglary charge will run concurrent with the above sentences, Bridges said.
When Kuhner is released from prison, provided he isn't shanked or served with "prison justice," he will have to register as a sex offender for life.
"We are glad to be done with Mr. Kuehner that's for sure," Medford police Deputy Chief Tim George said. "And we hope and wish for the best for the victim in this case."
Kuehner raped the woman in her home at knifepoint last March. He posted bond, was released May 19, and returned to her home o sexually attack her again June 7.
The woman managed to flee her home with her two children and call the police after the second attack on June 7. Kuehner held Medford officers at bay by threatening to kill himself with the knife. Eventually, he stabbed himself in the throat and was rushed to the hospital and treated for his injuries.
Jackson County Deputy District Attorney Rachel Bridges reached an agreement with defense officials to ensure Kuehner will spend the next 190 months behind bars.
Kuehner pleaded guilty to charges of first-degree rape, first-degree kidnapping and first-degree burglary.
The rape charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 100 months' prison time under Oregon law. Kidnapping carries a mandatory 90-month sentence. The burglary charge will run concurrent with the above sentences, Bridges said.
When Kuhner is released from prison, provided he isn't shanked or served with "prison justice," he will have to register as a sex offender for life.
Woman who groped male Santa granted "accelerated rehabilitation"
Sandrama Lamy, a 33 year old women who groped a male Santa Clause at a Danbury, CT mall last December, was granted accelerated rehabilitation, which dismisses charges if the offender stays out of trouble for two years. The defense lawyer, who argued that the December 15th incident was caused by Lamy's medication, deserves an assist.
Deputy Assistant State's Attorney Colleen Zingaro told the judge that Lamy grabbed Santa's crotch.
Authorities said this occurred while Lamy and a friend were having photographs taken with Santa. When Lamy got off his lap, she was heard laughing, "I grabbed Santa's crotch," Zingaro said.
Defense lawyer Catherine Rivard, who pushed Lamy around court in a wheelchair Wednesday, told the judge her client "has been on a lot of medications" and implied the medications caused her to behave impulsively.
"She does have periods where she does not recall, and we think this is one of the incidences that occurred," Rivard said. "She has a clean record, and I think she would be most grateful if the court would grant this program."
At that point, Judge Susan Reynolds asked, "Am I ever going to see you in this court again, ma'am, on another charge?"
"No, your honor," Lamy replied.
Rivard declined to comment after the hearing. Lamy's reason for being on medication or in a wheelchair was not revealed during court proceedings.
If Lamy stays out of trouble for 2 years, the charges of 4th degree sexual assault and breach of peace will be dismissed. Prosecutors did not make any arguments related to the diversion program, and Lamy was barred from the mall where she groped the Santa, who wasn't present in court.
Deputy Assistant State's Attorney Colleen Zingaro told the judge that Lamy grabbed Santa's crotch.
Authorities said this occurred while Lamy and a friend were having photographs taken with Santa. When Lamy got off his lap, she was heard laughing, "I grabbed Santa's crotch," Zingaro said.
Defense lawyer Catherine Rivard, who pushed Lamy around court in a wheelchair Wednesday, told the judge her client "has been on a lot of medications" and implied the medications caused her to behave impulsively.
"She does have periods where she does not recall, and we think this is one of the incidences that occurred," Rivard said. "She has a clean record, and I think she would be most grateful if the court would grant this program."
At that point, Judge Susan Reynolds asked, "Am I ever going to see you in this court again, ma'am, on another charge?"
"No, your honor," Lamy replied.
Rivard declined to comment after the hearing. Lamy's reason for being on medication or in a wheelchair was not revealed during court proceedings.
If Lamy stays out of trouble for 2 years, the charges of 4th degree sexual assault and breach of peace will be dismissed. Prosecutors did not make any arguments related to the diversion program, and Lamy was barred from the mall where she groped the Santa, who wasn't present in court.
British woman gets 30 years for poisoning husband for intended financial gain
A British woman who attempted to do her best Mark Jensen impression by feeding her husband antifreeze laced wine and curry was sentenced to 30 years in prison with parole possible after 15 years. The poisoning, which took place on their 7th wedding anniversary, was partly to cash in on a life insurance policy, and partly to keep debts her husband did not know about hidden.
"The devastation you have brought to his life is apparent to everyone who saw him giving evidence in this case," said [Judge Simon]Tonking. "But while he did so there was little or any sign of remorse on your part."
There were cheers and applause from the public gallery as the judge read out his sentence at Stafford crown court.
After a jury found his wife guilty last month, Lee Knight said in a statement he had "hardly any independence" and had lost "everything I worked for".
He expressed concern about the impact on their son, saying: "Kate has ruined my life and what she has done will have a big effect on Jack's future."
"The devastation you have brought to his life is apparent to everyone who saw him giving evidence in this case," said [Judge Simon]Tonking. "But while he did so there was little or any sign of remorse on your part."
There were cheers and applause from the public gallery as the judge read out his sentence at Stafford crown court.
Judge Tonking said that her offence was "committed wholly or predominantly for gain", adding that her crime fell into the "top of the scale" for sentencing attempted murder cases.He told Knight: "Your first thought about killing your husband may well have been born out of fantasy, which then drifted into a reality."But he said: "You were fully responsible for putting it into effect and for its consequences."
Knight, 28, stood to receive £250,000($500,000) upon her husband's death and was hoping to clear mounting debts.
She had confided in her neighbour, Sarah Johnson, who initially dismissed her talk as attention-seeking. But when Johnson found out Lee Knight had been in intensive care for three weeks she went to the police.
Knight denied murder. She claimed her marriage was an unhappy and violent one.
The court heard she had hoped her husband's death would be blamed on his heavy drinking.
Kate Knight settled on antifreeze as her intended murder weapon after researching poisoning on the internet. She thought about having Lee overdose on Ecstasy or iron pills before choosing her weapon.
Lee Knight was left blind, deaf, and has impaired kidney and liver functions after the attempted murder, and cannot work anymore. He is waiting for a kidney transplant from his brother.
After a jury found his wife guilty last month, Lee Knight said in a statement he had "hardly any independence" and had lost "everything I worked for".
He expressed concern about the impact on their son, saying: "Kate has ruined my life and what she has done will have a big effect on Jack's future."
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