BY PEGGY WRIGHT • STAFF WRITER [Daily Record] • September 8, 2009
Three men who were fondled by a volunteer at a now-defunct substance abuse resource center run by the town of Morristown have settled their lawsuit claims for a total of $780,000, according to records.
The men, whose names are being withheld by the Daily Record because they were victims of sexual abuse, were all referred in 2004 and 2005 by Morris County probation officers to the Morristown-run Beginnings substance abuse and counseling center to satisfy terms of sentences for drug offenses.
But instead of receiving healthy counseling, the treatment they got from volunteer Terence Michael Lynch involved spankings, genital exams, hernia checks and nosy questions about their sex lives.
Morristown went through a scandal when Lynch, a then-71-year-old town resident who called himself "Dr. Mike," was charged in December 2005 with criminal sexual contact on three adult probationers who attended Beginnings.
It was revealed that Lynch had been a volunteer counselor for the facility since 1997, the year he was released from prison after spending seven years behind bars for sexually abusing 12 boys at the exclusive boarding school he used to run in Mendham Township, called Chartwell Manor.
While a volunteer and to this day, Lynch, a Miller Road resident, was and is classified as a Tier 3 offender under Megan's Law, meaning he poses a high risk of re-offending.
Alleging battery, negligent hiring and supervision and other claims, five men sued. Two had their claims dismissed and three others accepted settlements over the past year, according to court records and information received through the Open Public Records Act.
The cases were transferred to Superior Court in Passaic County, and the defendants included Morristown, Beginnings, Terence Lynch and his wife, Judith, and the state of New Jersey, because probation services in counties are funded and overseen by the state.
On behalf of Morristown, its insurer, the New Jersey Intergovernmental Insurance Fund, agreed to pay a total of $482,500 to the three men, now ages 48, 52 and 56. Fund attorney Eric Nemeth said the insurer will pay the entire share of Morristown's settlement, plus attorney fees, and that the town paid no deductible.
The state of New Jersey paid a total of $117,500 to the trio. Lynch paid $180,000. The outcome is that one man received $380,000, the second $240,000, and the third, $160,000, for a global settlement of $780,000.
Town Mayor Donald Cresitello was not in office when Lynch became a volunteer but was mayor when he was arrested. He said the period of time around Lynch's arrest was frightening because the town didn't know what its liability exposure might be.
Right after the arrest, he learned that a state parole officer recommended Lynch volunteer for Beginnings because of his strong educational background, a fact confirmed by the state Parole Board.
"I think the position was 'he's a pedophile, he only goes after children, not grown men,"' Cresitello said. "He never should have been around people who are vulnerable. But I don't think anyone meant to do anything improper in having him there."
Soon after the Lynch scandal broke, the state shut down Beginnings because it never had received proper licenses to function as a substance abuse and counseling facility.
Several council members and Cresitello said at the time they were aware of Lynch's background but didn't know he was a town volunteer for the center that was overseen by a director, David McCoy.
Lynch, now 75, pleaded guilty in November 2006 to abusing three men at Beginnings and to holding himself out to them as a medical doctor qualified to give physical examinations. He was sentenced to a period in the county jail and is on probation now, and still is a Megan's Law registrant.
Peggy Wright: 973-267-1142; pwright@gannett.com
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Milwaukee serial killer taskforce announces arrest in prostitute murders
A 49 year old man was arrested by Milwaukee detectives Saturday for the murders and strangulation of 8 women over a 21 year period. Currently charged with the 1st degree murders of 2 women, more 1st degree murder charges are expected against 49 year old Walter E. Ellis, according to officials. Ellis is suspected in murders dating back to 1986, with the victims ranging from age 16 to 41. All eight of these victims were prostitutes. According to Milwaukee Police. A ninth victim was thought to have been killed by someone else after Ellis had sex with her.
Ellis was arrested in a Franklin, WI motel after DNA taken from a toothbrush linked him to the murders. he fled his Northwest Side residence, where he lived with a woman. Having caught wind of the investigation, Ellis struggled before his arrest by Franklin police. Franklin is a suburb about 10 miles south of downtown Milwaukee.
Ellis was caught four months after a taskforce was started after realizing that the same DNA profile was involved in the deaths of 7 women. The taskforce's investigative work is also responsible for progress on other cold cases involving prostitute murders, and has led to arrests in other, unrelated cases.
Terry Williams, the brother of the 41 year old victim, Joyce Mims, murdered on June 20, 1997, said that "We just hated that it had taken so long for them to find her killer, those women's killer. But you know, justice one day is better than no justice at all."
Mims' son, Purvis Mims, now 30, stated that his mother dated Ellis' uncle at the time of her death and that she "probably knew him much better than we did. I always thought that she did know the (killer), because of the environment they found her in. I know she wouldn't have gone in an abandoned house with a stranger, regardless of the circumstances. She probably had a rapport of some fashion with him."
The criminal complaint states that Mims was found nude and dead on June 20, 1997 in a residence on Milwaukee's north side. An autopsy confirmed that Mims was choked to death, and that bruising on her neck showed that there had been a struggle.
Besides Mims, a second victim, 28 year old Ouithreaun Stokes, was found strangled and injured in a way similar to Mims. There was more of a struggle, as blood on a pepper spray can beling to the suspect in the murder. The victim's jacket and shirt was pulled up, and there was blood on the floor near the victim's legs. Stokes was killed on April 27, 2007, barely a half a mile away from where Mims was murdered. DNA from both murders were linked to each other a few months after Stokes' murder.
Police officials have said they think someone else killed one of those victims, Jessica Payne, a white 16-year-old runaway whose throat was slashed. The other victims, all prostitutes and African-American, were strangled.
The State Crime Laboratory processed DNA found on two dozen slain prostitutes to see if there is a match with Ellis and discovered two other hits - on Irene Smith, 25, killed in 1992, and Carron D. Kilpatrick, 32, killed 1994, authorities said Monday. Both women were strangled.
Other victims linked to Ellis are Shelia Farrior, 37, strangled in 1995; Tanya L. Miller, 19, killed in 1986; Deborah L. Harris, 31, killed in 1986, and Florence McCormick, 28, strangled in 1995.
A task force of local, state and federal law enforcement was convened and in three months it received 193 tips, Flynn said last month. Some suspects were interviewed and ruled out.
Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm said Monday evening he anticipates more homicide charges to be filed against Ellis in the other slayings in the next day or so.
"We intend to bring justice to these victims and their families," said Chisholm.
Ellis has a criminal record consisting of violent and property offenses. Though all Wisconsin felons must submit DNA samples, the law requiring this was not in effect in 1998, when Ellis went to prison for recklessly endangering safety, serving three out of five years. No victims from the serial killer were killed between 1998 and 2006.
(Update 9-9-09) Ellis was being held on $1 million bond after being arraigned earlier today. Milwaukee County District Attorney John T. Chisholm requested such a high bond based on the severity of the criminal charges and Ellis' prior record. Alejandro Lockwood stated that he wanted his client to have a $50,000 bail because "there's no way on this planet that (Ellis) can raise that amount of bail."
Ellis' preliminary hearing is set for September 23.
The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel has an article about mistakes made that kept Ellis' DNA off of DNA databases even though it was taken from him back in 2001 when he was in the Oshkosh Correctional Center for the recklessly endangering safety conviction. While state records show that the DNA sample was taken, Justice Department records do not show receipt of Ellis' DNA samples, and neither did a Texas contractor.
Staff did collect the sample, and the samples were mailed out for processing," [Wisconsin Corrections spokesman John]Dipko said. "In terms of documentation, there is nothing inconsistent about it."
"In our institutional experience, this is the first time we've seen something like this," [Special Assistant Attorney General Kevin]St. John said of the confusion over Ellis' sample. "If it was happening more often, it would be concerning."
The Journal-Sentinel article also has more information on Ellis' past criminal convictions and contacts with authorities.
Ellis was arrested in a Franklin, WI motel after DNA taken from a toothbrush linked him to the murders. he fled his Northwest Side residence, where he lived with a woman. Having caught wind of the investigation, Ellis struggled before his arrest by Franklin police. Franklin is a suburb about 10 miles south of downtown Milwaukee.
Ellis was caught four months after a taskforce was started after realizing that the same DNA profile was involved in the deaths of 7 women. The taskforce's investigative work is also responsible for progress on other cold cases involving prostitute murders, and has led to arrests in other, unrelated cases.
Terry Williams, the brother of the 41 year old victim, Joyce Mims, murdered on June 20, 1997, said that "We just hated that it had taken so long for them to find her killer, those women's killer. But you know, justice one day is better than no justice at all."
Mims' son, Purvis Mims, now 30, stated that his mother dated Ellis' uncle at the time of her death and that she "probably knew him much better than we did. I always thought that she did know the (killer), because of the environment they found her in. I know she wouldn't have gone in an abandoned house with a stranger, regardless of the circumstances. She probably had a rapport of some fashion with him."
The criminal complaint states that Mims was found nude and dead on June 20, 1997 in a residence on Milwaukee's north side. An autopsy confirmed that Mims was choked to death, and that bruising on her neck showed that there had been a struggle.
Besides Mims, a second victim, 28 year old Ouithreaun Stokes, was found strangled and injured in a way similar to Mims. There was more of a struggle, as blood on a pepper spray can beling to the suspect in the murder. The victim's jacket and shirt was pulled up, and there was blood on the floor near the victim's legs. Stokes was killed on April 27, 2007, barely a half a mile away from where Mims was murdered. DNA from both murders were linked to each other a few months after Stokes' murder.
Police officials have said they think someone else killed one of those victims, Jessica Payne, a white 16-year-old runaway whose throat was slashed. The other victims, all prostitutes and African-American, were strangled.
The State Crime Laboratory processed DNA found on two dozen slain prostitutes to see if there is a match with Ellis and discovered two other hits - on Irene Smith, 25, killed in 1992, and Carron D. Kilpatrick, 32, killed 1994, authorities said Monday. Both women were strangled.
Other victims linked to Ellis are Shelia Farrior, 37, strangled in 1995; Tanya L. Miller, 19, killed in 1986; Deborah L. Harris, 31, killed in 1986, and Florence McCormick, 28, strangled in 1995.
A task force of local, state and federal law enforcement was convened and in three months it received 193 tips, Flynn said last month. Some suspects were interviewed and ruled out.
Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm said Monday evening he anticipates more homicide charges to be filed against Ellis in the other slayings in the next day or so.
"We intend to bring justice to these victims and their families," said Chisholm.
Ellis has a criminal record consisting of violent and property offenses. Though all Wisconsin felons must submit DNA samples, the law requiring this was not in effect in 1998, when Ellis went to prison for recklessly endangering safety, serving three out of five years. No victims from the serial killer were killed between 1998 and 2006.
(Update 9-9-09) Ellis was being held on $1 million bond after being arraigned earlier today. Milwaukee County District Attorney John T. Chisholm requested such a high bond based on the severity of the criminal charges and Ellis' prior record. Alejandro Lockwood stated that he wanted his client to have a $50,000 bail because "there's no way on this planet that (Ellis) can raise that amount of bail."
Ellis' preliminary hearing is set for September 23.
The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel has an article about mistakes made that kept Ellis' DNA off of DNA databases even though it was taken from him back in 2001 when he was in the Oshkosh Correctional Center for the recklessly endangering safety conviction. While state records show that the DNA sample was taken, Justice Department records do not show receipt of Ellis' DNA samples, and neither did a Texas contractor.
Staff did collect the sample, and the samples were mailed out for processing," [Wisconsin Corrections spokesman John]Dipko said. "In terms of documentation, there is nothing inconsistent about it."
"In our institutional experience, this is the first time we've seen something like this," [Special Assistant Attorney General Kevin]St. John said of the confusion over Ellis' sample. "If it was happening more often, it would be concerning."
The Journal-Sentinel article also has more information on Ellis' past criminal convictions and contacts with authorities.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Man sentenced to 50 years for shooting wife, daughter
Lauderdale County Circuit Court Judge Mike Jones sentenced Willie Dwight Adams to 50 years for the attempted murder of his wife and daughter. The sentences, 30 years for attempted murder for the attack on his wife, Sherry Adams, and 20 years for the 1st degree domestic violence attack on Lucinda Adams, will be served consecutively. A jury deliberated 50 minuted before finding Adams guilty on all charges Thursday, September 3.
The incidents occurred May 24, 2008, at the perpetrator's home. The then 50 year old Adams used a 9 mm handgun and a 12 gauge shotgun. Sherry was shot in the ankle with the shotgun and in her arms and legs with the handgun. Lucinda was shot twice in the leg with the shotgun when she tried to protect her mother.
At Thursday's sentencing hearing, Will Powell, chief assistant Lauderdale district attorney, asked Jones to impose a lengthy prison term.
"This man shot his daughter and tried to kill his wife. What the state would like to see happen is for him to receive the maximum sentence on the attempted murder charge and add 20 years to it for shooting his daughter," Powell said.
Adams could have been sentenced to life in prison for either conviction.
Defense attorney Marshall Gardner told Jones that Adams suffers from a variety of health problems and would likely die in prison if he were sentenced to anything more than the minimum sentence of 20 years. "Any significant sentence is likely to be the same as life without parole."
Margie Adams, Willie Adams' mother, asked for leniency, stating her son was upset be the pending divorce between himself and Sherry, while also suffering from bi-polar disorder. She also mentioned she trained her sons to go hunting, so "if he'd been aiming to kill her, she would be a dead woman. All of my sons are good at hitting what they shoot at."
Powell stated that the victims, pleased with the sentence, were "willing to allow him to plead guilty in exchange for a 40-year sentence," Powell said. "But he chose to go to trial, was convicted and received a 50-year sentence. They are satisfied with the outcome."
The incidents occurred May 24, 2008, at the perpetrator's home. The then 50 year old Adams used a 9 mm handgun and a 12 gauge shotgun. Sherry was shot in the ankle with the shotgun and in her arms and legs with the handgun. Lucinda was shot twice in the leg with the shotgun when she tried to protect her mother.
At Thursday's sentencing hearing, Will Powell, chief assistant Lauderdale district attorney, asked Jones to impose a lengthy prison term.
"This man shot his daughter and tried to kill his wife. What the state would like to see happen is for him to receive the maximum sentence on the attempted murder charge and add 20 years to it for shooting his daughter," Powell said.
Adams could have been sentenced to life in prison for either conviction.
Defense attorney Marshall Gardner told Jones that Adams suffers from a variety of health problems and would likely die in prison if he were sentenced to anything more than the minimum sentence of 20 years. "Any significant sentence is likely to be the same as life without parole."
Margie Adams, Willie Adams' mother, asked for leniency, stating her son was upset be the pending divorce between himself and Sherry, while also suffering from bi-polar disorder. She also mentioned she trained her sons to go hunting, so "if he'd been aiming to kill her, she would be a dead woman. All of my sons are good at hitting what they shoot at."
Powell stated that the victims, pleased with the sentence, were "willing to allow him to plead guilty in exchange for a 40-year sentence," Powell said. "But he chose to go to trial, was convicted and received a 50-year sentence. They are satisfied with the outcome."
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Wife shoots husband to death after argument
By CINDY GEORGE HOUSTON CHRONICLE
Sept. 5, 2009, 11:31AM
Criminal charges are pending against a Houston woman police say admitted to fatally shooting her husband.
According to Houston police, Cesar Barrera and his wife got into an argument around 9:25 p.m. Friday at the couple's home in the 10700 block of Lumber Ridge Trail.
“At some point, the wife goes into a closet and retrieves the husband's handgun and shoots him while he's in bed,” Houston Police Department spokesman Victor Senties said.
The woman remained at the southeast Houston home until police arrived.
“She pretty much admits to her involvement in this deal,” Senties said.
The wife's name has not been released because she has not been formally charged, Senties said.
Barrera, 28, was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Sept. 5, 2009, 11:31AM
Criminal charges are pending against a Houston woman police say admitted to fatally shooting her husband.
According to Houston police, Cesar Barrera and his wife got into an argument around 9:25 p.m. Friday at the couple's home in the 10700 block of Lumber Ridge Trail.
“At some point, the wife goes into a closet and retrieves the husband's handgun and shoots him while he's in bed,” Houston Police Department spokesman Victor Senties said.
The woman remained at the southeast Houston home until police arrived.
“She pretty much admits to her involvement in this deal,” Senties said.
The wife's name has not been released because she has not been formally charged, Senties said.
Barrera, 28, was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Trooper allegedly fondles woman after DUI arrest
A former Maryland state trooper was charged with sexual assault Wednesday, September 2 after he sexually abused a woman in his custody for DUI. Marlon E. Iglesias, 42, of Montgomery County backed up a Montgomery County patrol officer who pulled her over on southbound I-270 for tailgating and suspicion of DUI. After Iglesias took over the stop from the county officer, the woman alleges that he squeezed her thigh in his patrol car, and kissed her when they went back to the Maryland State Police barracks in Rockville.
The woman reported the attack in May. Iglesias' police powers had been suspended in January because of a personnel issue, according to state police. A member of the force since 1994, he resigned in April, police said. Iglesias was charged with three counts of third-degree sexual offense, two counts of fourth-degree sexual offense and one count of second-degree assault. He was released from the Montgomery County Detention Center after posting a $30,000 bond.
Fourth degree sexual offense refers to nonconsensual sexual contact (not intercourse - that's 3rd degree sexual offense). It is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of a year in jail and/or a $100 fine. 2nd degree assault is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in jail and/or a $2500 fine. Sex offender registration is optional.
The woman reported the attack in May. Iglesias' police powers had been suspended in January because of a personnel issue, according to state police. A member of the force since 1994, he resigned in April, police said. Iglesias was charged with three counts of third-degree sexual offense, two counts of fourth-degree sexual offense and one count of second-degree assault. He was released from the Montgomery County Detention Center after posting a $30,000 bond.
Fourth degree sexual offense refers to nonconsensual sexual contact (not intercourse - that's 3rd degree sexual offense). It is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of a year in jail and/or a $100 fine. 2nd degree assault is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in jail and/or a $2500 fine. Sex offender registration is optional.
Denver serial rapist pleads to sex assaults - expected to get 120 to life
A Denver serial rapist will be sentenced to 120 years to life this fall after pleading guilty to numerous sexual assaults. Michael Lollis, 44, sexually assaulted women from December 2004 to July 2005, however, his DNA was only linked to all of the crimes in January of last year. Lollis' DNA was linked to 3 assaults in Denver and six assaults in Arapahoe County after Colorado changed its laws to require that all felons must surrender their DNA. Lollis was convicted of forgery back in 2007, triggering the DNA requirement.
Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey said about the plea, "I'm really proud on a day like today that one, we caught him, (and) two, he pleaded guilty to 120 years to life. We didn't have to have a trial; we didn't have to put numerous victims of sex assault through repeating what happened to them in front of strangers and jurors."
The Denver sexual assaults took place in the Capitol Hill, Country Club, north Washington Park and Mayfair neighborhoods. Lollis has yet to enter a plea for six assaults in Arapahoe County.
Morrissey said under the agreement in Denver, Lollis would likely be eligible for parole in 60 years -- when he is 104 years old.
During the attacks Lollis concealed his identity by wearing a ski mask to cover his face. Denver police could not have identified and arrested Lollis if not for the DNA match from the national database.
"Lollis is one of the most prolific sexual predators we have seen in our community in the last few years. This is another example of how good police work and DNA technology helps bring sexual predators to justice," Morrissey said.
He added Lollis would have likely been located sooner under a new Colorado law that takes effect next year.
Katie's Law will allow law enforcement to take DNA samples in connection with serious (and not so serious) felonies at arrest. Rape, burglary, and forgery are three of the crimes it will apply to. Lollis' arrest on forgery charges back in 2003 would have triggered Katie's Law if it had been in effect.
According to Morrissey, "there would've been five women who got sexually assaulted that wouldn't have been sexually assaulted if we would've had a arrestee statute like we have now at the time in 2004."
Lollis' sentencing date will be either September 30 or November 13.
Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey said about the plea, "I'm really proud on a day like today that one, we caught him, (and) two, he pleaded guilty to 120 years to life. We didn't have to have a trial; we didn't have to put numerous victims of sex assault through repeating what happened to them in front of strangers and jurors."
The Denver sexual assaults took place in the Capitol Hill, Country Club, north Washington Park and Mayfair neighborhoods. Lollis has yet to enter a plea for six assaults in Arapahoe County.
Morrissey said under the agreement in Denver, Lollis would likely be eligible for parole in 60 years -- when he is 104 years old.
During the attacks Lollis concealed his identity by wearing a ski mask to cover his face. Denver police could not have identified and arrested Lollis if not for the DNA match from the national database.
"Lollis is one of the most prolific sexual predators we have seen in our community in the last few years. This is another example of how good police work and DNA technology helps bring sexual predators to justice," Morrissey said.
He added Lollis would have likely been located sooner under a new Colorado law that takes effect next year.
Katie's Law will allow law enforcement to take DNA samples in connection with serious (and not so serious) felonies at arrest. Rape, burglary, and forgery are three of the crimes it will apply to. Lollis' arrest on forgery charges back in 2003 would have triggered Katie's Law if it had been in effect.
According to Morrissey, "there would've been five women who got sexually assaulted that wouldn't have been sexually assaulted if we would've had a arrestee statute like we have now at the time in 2004."
Lollis' sentencing date will be either September 30 or November 13.
Sex offender and burglar sentenced to 5 years prison, 10 years extended supervision
An Eau Claire man convicted of peeping, child porn, and burglary charges was sentenced to 5 years in prison with 10 years of extended supervision Thursday, September 3 by Eau Claire County Judge William Gabler.
Judge Gabler told Trever R. Kuhnert, 24, that as "a classic sex offender," "there is a need to protect the public and a need to provide for your rehabilitation...These were thrill crimes for you," Gabler said. "You got a rush by them. You have difficulty controlling your urges."
Kuhnert was sentenced on felony burglary and child pornography charges, and misdemeanor invasion of privacy charges.
Kuhnert was charged in December 2007 with invasion of privacy and two felony counts of burglary.
According to the criminal complaint in that case:
Police were called to a Lake Street home Dec. 3, 2007, and found Kuhnert looking into a window. He claimed to be urinating, but officers found no evidence in the snow on the ground.
Kuhnert then admitted to peeping and showed officers 31 other residences in the area he had visited in the past. He also took a laptop computer and cash from three residences on prior occasions after he saw their owners leave.
Kuhnert later was charged with 18 felony counts of possession of child pornography after authorities found child pornography on the laptop computer Kuhnert was accused of stealing.
According to court records:
Police were called to a Hudson Street house Nov. 21 on a report of a male looking through a back window. The suspect was seen leaving in a black Chevrolet Cavalier.
A short time later, police detained a man - later identified as Kuhnert - for peeking in windows on Niagara Street. Kuhnert was driving a Chevrolet Cavalier.
Following Kuhnert's arrest, police found a laptop computer in his vehicle.
An examination of the computer on Nov. 22 found several stored images of child pornography. The children in the videos appear to be between the ages of 3 and 12.
Five felony counts of possession of child pornography and an additional felony count of bail jumping were then filed against Kuhnert.
When Kuhnert is released, he will barred from unsupervised Internet access, barred from unsupervised access to children, and barred from going out at night without approval from his probation officer.
Judge Gabler told Trever R. Kuhnert, 24, that as "a classic sex offender," "there is a need to protect the public and a need to provide for your rehabilitation...These were thrill crimes for you," Gabler said. "You got a rush by them. You have difficulty controlling your urges."
Kuhnert was sentenced on felony burglary and child pornography charges, and misdemeanor invasion of privacy charges.
Kuhnert was charged in December 2007 with invasion of privacy and two felony counts of burglary.
According to the criminal complaint in that case:
Police were called to a Lake Street home Dec. 3, 2007, and found Kuhnert looking into a window. He claimed to be urinating, but officers found no evidence in the snow on the ground.
Kuhnert then admitted to peeping and showed officers 31 other residences in the area he had visited in the past. He also took a laptop computer and cash from three residences on prior occasions after he saw their owners leave.
Kuhnert later was charged with 18 felony counts of possession of child pornography after authorities found child pornography on the laptop computer Kuhnert was accused of stealing.
According to court records:
Police were called to a Hudson Street house Nov. 21 on a report of a male looking through a back window. The suspect was seen leaving in a black Chevrolet Cavalier.
A short time later, police detained a man - later identified as Kuhnert - for peeking in windows on Niagara Street. Kuhnert was driving a Chevrolet Cavalier.
Following Kuhnert's arrest, police found a laptop computer in his vehicle.
An examination of the computer on Nov. 22 found several stored images of child pornography. The children in the videos appear to be between the ages of 3 and 12.
Five felony counts of possession of child pornography and an additional felony count of bail jumping were then filed against Kuhnert.
When Kuhnert is released, he will barred from unsupervised Internet access, barred from unsupervised access to children, and barred from going out at night without approval from his probation officer.
Flasher sentenced to 5 1/2 months jail, 6 months probation for repeat offense
On August 31, Jerome Dean Pummel, 47, of Muskegon Township, MI, was sentenced to 5 1/2 months in prison, and 6 months probation by Muskegon County's 14th Circuit Court Judge James M. Graves Jr. In addition, Graves ordered Pummel to spend 6 months on tether are remain in an outpatient sex offender treatment program, and pay $328 in fines.
The incident occured February 24, 2009 when Pummel exposed himself, wearing only a shirt, to a young neighbor next door through his window while pleasuring himself. Pummel was charged in March, and plead guilty last month.
Aggravated indecent exposure is ordinarily a high-court misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of two years in prison.
But under a 1952 Michigan statute, the mandatory penalty for a person the sentencing judge finds to be "sexually delinquent" is one day to life in prison. The law defines a sexually delinquent person as anyone "whose sexual behavior is characterized by repetitive or compulsive acts which indicate a disregard of consequences or the recognized rights of others."
Pummel was charged with aggravated indecent exposure for violating his parole for another indecent exposure conviction back in 2008.
The incident occured February 24, 2009 when Pummel exposed himself, wearing only a shirt, to a young neighbor next door through his window while pleasuring himself. Pummel was charged in March, and plead guilty last month.
Aggravated indecent exposure is ordinarily a high-court misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of two years in prison.
But under a 1952 Michigan statute, the mandatory penalty for a person the sentencing judge finds to be "sexually delinquent" is one day to life in prison. The law defines a sexually delinquent person as anyone "whose sexual behavior is characterized by repetitive or compulsive acts which indicate a disregard of consequences or the recognized rights of others."
Pummel was charged with aggravated indecent exposure for violating his parole for another indecent exposure conviction back in 2008.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Civilly committed rapist Gary Cherry staying on supervised release
A Washington serial rapist convicted in the rapes of 2 women and the attempted rape of a third, but who has admitted to raping 18 others, will stay on supervision after a petition for release was denied. If granted, 50 year old Gary Cherry would have been the first Washington sex offender to sucessfully graduate from civil committment. Cherry's petition to be let off of supervision was denied by Mason County Judge Amber Finley on Tuesday, September 1.
In 1979, Cherry befriended a woman he met in a bar, and raped her after she offered to give him a ride home. While on parole for that attack, Cherry tried to rape a 19 year old woman he met at a Grays Harbor fishing pond, but she fought him off. After that incident, Cherry raped a 21 year old woman he met at a Mason County cafe.
Th state of Washington declared Cherry a sexually violent predator and committed him to the McNeil Island Special Commitment Center after he finished his prison sentence. Cherry advanced through almost all steps of the sex offender treatment program.
In 2003 he was released and allowed to live at his own home with his wife and children, but he was under strict supervision, including the following restrictions:
- He is not allowed out in the community alone
- His movements are monitored by GPS
- He is not allowed to contact kids or women without supervision
- He is not allowed at parks, schools or other locations frequented by children or women
- He is not allowed to drive a car without permission from supervisors
- He may not use the Internet without monitoring
- He is not allowed to drink alcohol and is not permitted in bars
- Department of Corrections officials are allowed to search his property at any time.
Police are authorized to arrest Cherry for violating any of these conditions, but if the judge had approved the request from the state attorney general's office Cherry would have been free of these restrictions.
Parents Against Sex Offenders founder Sherry Smith was pleased, stating that she was "very shocked, I thought it was going to go the other way, but I'm very pleased."
In 1979, Cherry befriended a woman he met in a bar, and raped her after she offered to give him a ride home. While on parole for that attack, Cherry tried to rape a 19 year old woman he met at a Grays Harbor fishing pond, but she fought him off. After that incident, Cherry raped a 21 year old woman he met at a Mason County cafe.
Th state of Washington declared Cherry a sexually violent predator and committed him to the McNeil Island Special Commitment Center after he finished his prison sentence. Cherry advanced through almost all steps of the sex offender treatment program.
In 2003 he was released and allowed to live at his own home with his wife and children, but he was under strict supervision, including the following restrictions:
- He is not allowed out in the community alone
- His movements are monitored by GPS
- He is not allowed to contact kids or women without supervision
- He is not allowed at parks, schools or other locations frequented by children or women
- He is not allowed to drive a car without permission from supervisors
- He may not use the Internet without monitoring
- He is not allowed to drink alcohol and is not permitted in bars
- Department of Corrections officials are allowed to search his property at any time.
Police are authorized to arrest Cherry for violating any of these conditions, but if the judge had approved the request from the state attorney general's office Cherry would have been free of these restrictions.
Parents Against Sex Offenders founder Sherry Smith was pleased, stating that she was "very shocked, I thought it was going to go the other way, but I'm very pleased."
Thursday, September 3, 2009
NC teacher charged with 9 counts for sexual relationship with student - sentenced to 45 days jail, 3 years probation
(Original Post 6-10-08)Shebana Rajput of Kinston, NC, a Jones High School teacher, was charged with 8 counts of sexual activity with a student and a single count of sex offense with a 17 year old student. She is being held on $100,000 bond in the Lenoir County Jail.
According to a news release, Lenoir County Sheriff's investigators were contacted May 23 by Jones County authorities regarding an investigation of sexual assault by a teacher with a 17-year-old student, who attended Jones Senior High. The incidents took place at Rajput's home, the news release said, which is why Lenoir County authorities got involved.
According to officials, all incidents occured between March and May. Rajput was arrested at her home. Sex between teachers and students, regardless of age, in North Carolina is a felony.
According to a news release, Lenoir County Sheriff's investigators were contacted May 23 by Jones County authorities regarding an investigation of sexual assault by a teacher with a 17-year-old student, who attended Jones Senior High. The incidents took place at Rajput's home, the news release said, which is why Lenoir County authorities got involved.
According to officials, all incidents occured between March and May. Rajput was arrested at her home. Sex between teachers and students, regardless of age, in North Carolina is a felony.
(Update 9-3-09) Rajput pled no contest to having sex with the victim at least 9 times Monday, August 31. Sentencing is set for September 28. The student attended Jones Senior High School, and was hired to clean the gutters of her home, which were only accessible thruogh Rajput's bedroom. When inside, Rajput lured the victim onto the bed, saying that he owed her something. During later sexual encounters, rajput bought the student a car and other expensive gifts, among other things. She resigned in May of last year.
(Update 10-28-09) Rajput was sentenced to 45 days in jail, 3 years probation and a $10,000 fine by the Lenoir County Superior Court yesterday on nine felony charges. According to Lead investigator Detective Christy Smith, “This was the first time the defendant had been charged with a felony. The victim in this case was not underage, but the fact that he was a student of Rajput’s makes it a felony.” The now 19 year old victim is currently undergoing counseling.
The boy and his parents filed a federal lawsuit Monday.
The lawsuit says the 17-year-old boy suffered severe physical, mental and emotional trauma after being "sexually exploited, assaulted and abused" by Shebana Rajput.
The suit says the science teacher made sexually provocative contact with the student on school property, both during and after school hours. It says the sex began in March 2008, with Rajput providing alcohol, gifts, money and a cell phone to the 17-year old.
It claims the teacher purchased the student a car and even promised to marry him. The lawsuit says the boy was ridiculed by a former coach, who blamed him for the teacher's arrest.
(Update 10-28-09) Rajput was sentenced to 45 days in jail, 3 years probation and a $10,000 fine by the Lenoir County Superior Court yesterday on nine felony charges. According to Lead investigator Detective Christy Smith, “This was the first time the defendant had been charged with a felony. The victim in this case was not underage, but the fact that he was a student of Rajput’s makes it a felony.” The now 19 year old victim is currently undergoing counseling.
The boy and his parents filed a federal lawsuit Monday.
The lawsuit says the 17-year-old boy suffered severe physical, mental and emotional trauma after being "sexually exploited, assaulted and abused" by Shebana Rajput.
The suit says the science teacher made sexually provocative contact with the student on school property, both during and after school hours. It says the sex began in March 2008, with Rajput providing alcohol, gifts, money and a cell phone to the 17-year old.
It claims the teacher purchased the student a car and even promised to marry him. The lawsuit says the boy was ridiculed by a former coach, who blamed him for the teacher's arrest.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Kansas police officer who sexted woman facing DUI charges pleads guilty to wire fraud
A Goddard, KS police officer pled guilty to a single count of wire fraud Wednesday, September 2, for sexting a picture of himself and demanding sex from a woman motorist in exchange for her DUI charges being dropped. Calvin Schaffer, 44, was charged with wire fraud because his actions defrauded the citizens of Goddard, KS of his honest services as a police officer, according to U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch.
In his plea, Schaffer admitted to arresting a woman for driving under the influence of alcohol on Feb. 27, as well as later contacting the woman and suggesting he could arrange for the charge to be dismissed if she would have sex with him, Welch said. Prosecutors said Schaffer used police department computers to send e-mails and photographs to the woman while he was on duty. Welch said Schaffer was partially undressed and nude in the photos.
The case became federal because the electronic correspondance traveled through servers on Virginia and California servers. Schaffer faces 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine at sentencing November 16.
In his plea, Schaffer admitted to arresting a woman for driving under the influence of alcohol on Feb. 27, as well as later contacting the woman and suggesting he could arrange for the charge to be dismissed if she would have sex with him, Welch said. Prosecutors said Schaffer used police department computers to send e-mails and photographs to the woman while he was on duty. Welch said Schaffer was partially undressed and nude in the photos.
The case became federal because the electronic correspondance traveled through servers on Virginia and California servers. Schaffer faces 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine at sentencing November 16.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Fashion designer Anand Jon found guilty of rape of teens, young women - sentenced to 59 years to life
(Original Post 11-16-08)
An up and coming fashion designer was found guilty of raping and molesting seen female models between 14 & 21. Anand Jon Alexander, born in India but based in Beverly Hills, was convicted Thursday after seven days of deliberation and a two month trial of a single count of rape and 15 counts of other sex charges. Jon is expected to be sentenced to life without parole on January 13(at 34, parole technically should come after 67 years, which may as well be life).
Jon, who trained at the prestigious Parsons the New School for Design in New York, starred as a guest designer on the reality television show "America's Next Top Model." In December 2006, Newsweek magazine included him in a list of people to watch in 2007.
In March 2007, Beverly Hills police arrested Jon after a woman accused him of rape.A grand jury later indicted him on 59 counts, but prosecutors eventually dropped more than half of them before trial. On Thursday, they said they did so to focus on the strongest allegations.
During the trial, prosecutors accused Jon of using the promise of modeling jobs to lure girls as young as 14 to a squalid-looking apartment in Beverly Hills, where he acted out sadistic fantasies.
Prosecutors played a homemade videotape in which he asked a 17-year-old girl to strip and then sexually abused her. The girl said on the tape that she was 18 but testified in court that Jon told her to lie about her age.
Other models, some from New York & Texas, testified that they were either touched or forced to perform sex acts with Jon without consent. Indictments and future trials in those states are upcoming. Jon's defense lawyers tried to paint the female victims as golddiggers and out to get revenge for past mistreatment.
In their closing arguments, prosecutors conceded that the Beverly Hills police investigation was "sloppy" and that some of the accusers had acted recklessly in trusting Jon. But on Thursday, they also expressed gratitude to the women who testified in the case.
Jon, prosecutors said, was the one who initiated contact with many of the women after the alleged assaults as part of a strategy to stop them from reporting him to authorities."It was his way to keep them silent," said Deputy Dist. Atty. Mara McIlvain."
Deputy Dist. Atty. Frances Young stated outside the courtrom that Jon was a"pedophile masquerading as a fashion designer." She stated that the verdict sent a message of zero tolerance to rapists and molesters.
"This jury today has sent a message that our communities will not tolerate serial rapists and child molesters like Anand Jon. They will be held accountable, and the victims will get justice."
Leonard B. Levine, Jon's defense attorney, stated that they would appeal the verdict, despite their disappointment. "He's disappointed, obviously, but he hasn't given up hope," Levine said. "We're not through by a long shot." Richard Bernard, Jon's brother-in-law, stated that "I can't believe that I was in the same courtroom."
The presiding judge is Superior Court Judge David S. Wesley, and sentencing is scheduled for January 13.
(Update 9-1-09)
After 6 hours of explaining why he should get a new trial, Alexander was sentenced to 59 years to life. This sentence, imposed by Judge Wesley August 31, consists of a 14 year sentence and a 45 years to life sentence served consecutively. This sentence was near the maximum sentence Alexander could have received, and the prosecutor, Deputy Dist. Atty. Frances Young, stated the sentence was appropriate.
After 6 hours of explaining why he should get a new trial, Alexander was sentenced to 59 years to life. This sentence, imposed by Judge Wesley August 31, consists of a 14 year sentence and a 45 years to life sentence served consecutively. This sentence was near the maximum sentence Alexander could have received, and the prosecutor, Deputy Dist. Atty. Frances Young, stated the sentence was appropriate.
Judge Wesley's rational for the long sentence was Alexander's lack of remorse, the brutality of the assaults, and his manipulation of teenage girls and young women.
Alexander tried to argue for a new trial because his sister was contacted by a juror, prosecutors failed to hand over evidence to the defense in a timely manner, and the defense lawyers he fired did not handle his case properly. Wesley ruled that the juror did contact Alexander's sisted Sanjana, but the juror misconduct was not enough to affect Alexander's chance for a fair trial.
"I was 14. You took my adolescence, my trust, my dream and completely manipulated them for your sexual desires," one of the victims said, reading from a statement.The victims said they continue suffering from depression and paranoia, and that their trust in others has been completely shattered by what they went through. Their families were also tormented by what their daughters went through, they said in statements.
Alexander faces similar charges in Texas and New York, and any time he'll serve if found guilty in those states will be served consecutively with the California sentence.
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