(Original post 6-12-08)
Roman Catholic priest Rev. Frank Murd, 66, is on trial for allegedly touching a 26 year old man in a hot tub at a YMCA at a Toledo, OH suburb.
Testifying in the sexual imposition trial of the Rev. Frank Murd, the victim said the priest joined him in the hot tub about 9:30 p.m. March 18 and began fondling him.The man says he then started to float on his back, which is when Murd started to masturbate the man.
The man said he was shocked so he let it go on for 45 seconds to a minute..The man told Judge James Jensen, who is hearing the case in lieu of a jury, that he was offended by the unsolicited act and informed Father Murd that it was inappropriate. He said the incident lasted no more than a minute."I felt like I had been violated," the victim said.
Murd admitted touching the other man inappropriately, but felt like it had been an accident.
"As I was getting out, I did touch him... by accident and I did apologize to him."
Prosecutors claimed that "[Murd] used the JCC as a playground, a hunting ground to look for his next victim," while the defense claimed that Murd was charged only after the victim found out he was a priest. The bench trial will continue until Friday.
Murd, formarly pastor of St. Joseph’s Church in Maumee, resigned after the victim reported the incident to the Sylvania Township police. Murd faces 60 days in jail and a $500 fine for the 3rd degree misdemeanor charge.
(Update 6-13-08) Murd is acquitted of all charges by Lucas County Common Pleas Judge James Jensen.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Toledo rapist sentenced to 8 years, to be served in full
Cordney Middlebrooks, 33, was convicted of the sexual assault of a woman on February 8 in a southwest Toledo neighborhood. the conviction came after a four day jury trial at Lucas County Common Pleas Court. The jury returned a conviction of a single rape count for the attack which occured.
Judge Linda Jennings after the verdict, sentenced Middlebrooks to 8 years in prison, and said that Middlebrooks' crime and the attempt to remove evidence would cause permanent damage to the victim.
"You attempted to smother her by wrapping a shower curtain around her. This victim will have the scars for the rest of her life for the emotional and psychological abuse she had to suffer that day."
County Assistant Prosecutor Rob Miller said he was satisfied with the conviction and the sentence. "The defendant unfortunately believed that he could engage in sexual activity with the victim, regardless of her lack of consent," he said.
After sexually assaulting the woman in a bedroom, Middlebrooks took the victim into the bathroom, where he pushed her against a towel rack and washed her with hydrogen peroxide in an attempt to remove physical evidence of the rape, Mr. Miller said.
All prison sentences in Ohio are served at 100%. There is no early release in Ohio's prison system. The DNA databank and the SO list are also in Middlebrooks' future.
Judge Linda Jennings after the verdict, sentenced Middlebrooks to 8 years in prison, and said that Middlebrooks' crime and the attempt to remove evidence would cause permanent damage to the victim.
"You attempted to smother her by wrapping a shower curtain around her. This victim will have the scars for the rest of her life for the emotional and psychological abuse she had to suffer that day."
County Assistant Prosecutor Rob Miller said he was satisfied with the conviction and the sentence. "The defendant unfortunately believed that he could engage in sexual activity with the victim, regardless of her lack of consent," he said.
After sexually assaulting the woman in a bedroom, Middlebrooks took the victim into the bathroom, where he pushed her against a towel rack and washed her with hydrogen peroxide in an attempt to remove physical evidence of the rape, Mr. Miller said.
All prison sentences in Ohio are served at 100%. There is no early release in Ohio's prison system. The DNA databank and the SO list are also in Middlebrooks' future.
Macon rapist sentenced to life with possible parole in 30 years
A Macon, GA man who raped his ex girlfriend June 5 of last year was sentenced to life with 30 years in prison. Daryl Sacar Finnelle, 28, was convicted by a Bibb County jury of rape and kidnapping with bodily injury yesterday afternoon. Bibb County Law Enforcement Center is currently holding him under $12,500 bond. He was arrested July 18 at a Pilot truck stop in Byron, GA.
The 24-year-old woman, who was held by Finnelle for hours and raped repeatedly on June 5, 2007, spoke in court prior to the sentencing."I'll be scared when he gets out," she told the judge.
The woman told the court how much her life has changed in the months that Finnelle has been in jail awaiting trial.
"I never knew what life was like until he disappeared," she said.
Her family embraced her as she returned to her seat.
When given the opportunity to speak, Finnelle denied harming or raping the woman.
"I still do love her," he said. "I have no hard feelings against her."
This morning Finnelle's attorney, Alan Wheeler, reminded the jury during his closing argument that evidence points to Finnelle being out of town at the time when the woman alleges she was raped."He wasn't there on June 5," Wheeler said. "If he's not there, he can't do it. He couldn't have committed the crime."
In her argument, Malcor questioned the validity of the records Wheeler argued show Finnelle, a long-haul truck driver, was on the road at the time of the alleged rape.
"The only person who wrote anything on these tickets was the defendant," she said. "There's nothing to show when they were filled out."
Wheeler told the jury that Finnelle doesn't dispute that his DNA was found, but he does dispute when it got there.
In his testimony Wednesday, Finnelle said he and the woman had sex June 3. The woman testified Tuesday that she hadn't seen Finnelle for a couple of months prior to the incident.
Wheeler also questioned the victim's credibility and why she would raise allegations of rape against Finnelle in 2002 and 2004 only to later drop the charges. He argued that Finnelle and the woman still were dating days before the alleged rape.
Malcor reminded the jury about police officer's testimony about DV victims. Many times, violence against "partners" occur after thr breakup of a relationship, whether rape or in some cases, murder. The victim testified that Finnelle would unexpectedly show up and beat her after the breakup.
The 24-year-old woman, who was held by Finnelle for hours and raped repeatedly on June 5, 2007, spoke in court prior to the sentencing."I'll be scared when he gets out," she told the judge.
The woman told the court how much her life has changed in the months that Finnelle has been in jail awaiting trial.
"I never knew what life was like until he disappeared," she said.
Her family embraced her as she returned to her seat.
When given the opportunity to speak, Finnelle denied harming or raping the woman.
"I still do love her," he said. "I have no hard feelings against her."
This morning Finnelle's attorney, Alan Wheeler, reminded the jury during his closing argument that evidence points to Finnelle being out of town at the time when the woman alleges she was raped."He wasn't there on June 5," Wheeler said. "If he's not there, he can't do it. He couldn't have committed the crime."
In her argument, Malcor questioned the validity of the records Wheeler argued show Finnelle, a long-haul truck driver, was on the road at the time of the alleged rape.
"The only person who wrote anything on these tickets was the defendant," she said. "There's nothing to show when they were filled out."
Wheeler told the jury that Finnelle doesn't dispute that his DNA was found, but he does dispute when it got there.
In his testimony Wednesday, Finnelle said he and the woman had sex June 3. The woman testified Tuesday that she hadn't seen Finnelle for a couple of months prior to the incident.
Wheeler also questioned the victim's credibility and why she would raise allegations of rape against Finnelle in 2002 and 2004 only to later drop the charges. He argued that Finnelle and the woman still were dating days before the alleged rape.
Malcor reminded the jury about police officer's testimony about DV victims. Many times, violence against "partners" occur after thr breakup of a relationship, whether rape or in some cases, murder. The victim testified that Finnelle would unexpectedly show up and beat her after the breakup.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Boston lawyer acquitted on two rape charges; third rape charge dropped by prosecutors in Miami
A Boston lawyer, named in 2001 on People magazine’s list of America’s "Most Eligible Bachelors," and even trying out for ABC's show "The Bachelor," is facing charges for grooming young women he "dated" for rape.
Zerola overcame a poor childhood, where he was shifted from foster home to foster home until finally being adopted by a suburban Boston lawyer. He attended Suffolk University, where he graduated with a law degree and public comminications degree.
Trial of Hub's Most Eligible Bachelor on Rape Charges to Start Tomorrow, from the Boston Herald, has more.
"He was bright and articulate," said John E. Fenton Jr., one of Zerola’s law professors. "I don’t remember what he spoke about, but I can tell you he gave an excellent speech."
He worked as a state prosecutor on child abuse and domestic violence cases and became
well-known in philanthropic circles as an advocate for foster children. He started a volunteer group that raised money to buy clothing and gifts for foster kids. He was regularly mentioned in newspaper gossip columns and fetched an $800 bid in a charity dating auction. In 2001, at age 29, Zerola was named one of People’s 50 most eligible bachelors.
In 2000, Zerola opened his own practice, where his clients included drug dealers, and ironically, rape defendants - something he is currently.
In court, he was known for his well-tailored suits, flashy style and the frequent compliments he paid female court employees.
"It’s a rare instance that you see a kid who has been through as many foster family situations as Gary who was able to rise above all of that, not to get into trouble as a kid, not to turn to substance abuse, but to go to college and then to go on and become a lawyer," said Michael Natola, a Boston defense attorney who is a close friend.
Zerola's MO, according to prosecutoirs, is to meet women in bars, charm them, get them back into his apartment or hotel room, then rape them. He stands trail for raping 2 19 year old Massachusetts women back in 2004 and 2006 tomorrow, and then he is scheduled to face charges in Florida for a 3rd sexual assault.
In the 2006 case, he allegedly took the woman shopping at Neiman Marcus, where he bought her a $700 dress and $250 shoes before trying to rape her in his Boston apartment. "He spent some time grooming these girls," prosecutor Suzanne Kontz said during a hearing in November. Zerola is free on $100,000 bail. He and his attorney, Janice Bassil, did not return calls seeking comment.
In the 2004 case, Zerola stands accused of repeatedly raping a woman in his apartment.
In 2006, a woman told police that after the two went out on their first date, she went back to his apartment to use the bathroom. She said that after she turned down Zerola’s sexual advances, he ripped off her dress and underwear, slammed her head against the wall and refused to let her leave. The woman dialed 911 on her cell phone and police tracked the call to Zerola’s apartment using a GPS system.
He violated bail by watching the New England Patriots defeat the Miami Dolphins in person down in Miami. Then according to Florida officials, he went hunting for a 3rd victim, 18, at a Miain Beach club.
A 3rd woman told police she had several drinks with Zerola at a club, then went to his hotel room, where Zerola stuffed pills down her throat. The woman, who told police she was a virgin, said she awoke naked and bleeding in bed beside Zerola. Zerola told police, "I never had sex with her." He would not submit to a DNA test, prosecutors said.
Zerola, whose law license has been suspended, has a website where he announces he's no longer practicing law at this time.
(Update 3-19-08) Zerola, acquitted in the rape of a 19 year old woman in January, is on trial for the rape of a second 19 year old Massachusetts woman. Opening statements were held in Suffolk Superior Court today.
(Update 3-27-08) It's zero for Zerola's prosecutors as he's acquitted of charges in the second of three cases against him. He still faces a Florida trial for an incident after a Dolphins game.
A Suffolk Superior Court jury deliberated 2 hours before returning not guilty verdicts on multiple charges of rape and supplying liquor to a minor. Zerola’s alleged victim and her family clutched each other, wracked with sobs.
The People magazine hunk-turned-hunted told the Herald he was looking forward to “spending time with my family,” but the respite could be short-lived. Zerola, 36, is scheduled to go on trial for sexual battery of a third teen in Miami Beach in late May.
(Update 6-12-08) All charges against Zerola have been dropped. Miami police give credibility issues and lies about drug use and differing versions of events as reasons the Miami charges were dropped.
Zerola overcame a poor childhood, where he was shifted from foster home to foster home until finally being adopted by a suburban Boston lawyer. He attended Suffolk University, where he graduated with a law degree and public comminications degree.
Trial of Hub's Most Eligible Bachelor on Rape Charges to Start Tomorrow, from the Boston Herald, has more.
"He was bright and articulate," said John E. Fenton Jr., one of Zerola’s law professors. "I don’t remember what he spoke about, but I can tell you he gave an excellent speech."
He worked as a state prosecutor on child abuse and domestic violence cases and became
well-known in philanthropic circles as an advocate for foster children. He started a volunteer group that raised money to buy clothing and gifts for foster kids. He was regularly mentioned in newspaper gossip columns and fetched an $800 bid in a charity dating auction. In 2001, at age 29, Zerola was named one of People’s 50 most eligible bachelors.
In 2000, Zerola opened his own practice, where his clients included drug dealers, and ironically, rape defendants - something he is currently.
In court, he was known for his well-tailored suits, flashy style and the frequent compliments he paid female court employees.
"It’s a rare instance that you see a kid who has been through as many foster family situations as Gary who was able to rise above all of that, not to get into trouble as a kid, not to turn to substance abuse, but to go to college and then to go on and become a lawyer," said Michael Natola, a Boston defense attorney who is a close friend.
Zerola's MO, according to prosecutoirs, is to meet women in bars, charm them, get them back into his apartment or hotel room, then rape them. He stands trail for raping 2 19 year old Massachusetts women back in 2004 and 2006 tomorrow, and then he is scheduled to face charges in Florida for a 3rd sexual assault.
In the 2006 case, he allegedly took the woman shopping at Neiman Marcus, where he bought her a $700 dress and $250 shoes before trying to rape her in his Boston apartment. "He spent some time grooming these girls," prosecutor Suzanne Kontz said during a hearing in November. Zerola is free on $100,000 bail. He and his attorney, Janice Bassil, did not return calls seeking comment.
In the 2004 case, Zerola stands accused of repeatedly raping a woman in his apartment.
In 2006, a woman told police that after the two went out on their first date, she went back to his apartment to use the bathroom. She said that after she turned down Zerola’s sexual advances, he ripped off her dress and underwear, slammed her head against the wall and refused to let her leave. The woman dialed 911 on her cell phone and police tracked the call to Zerola’s apartment using a GPS system.
He violated bail by watching the New England Patriots defeat the Miami Dolphins in person down in Miami. Then according to Florida officials, he went hunting for a 3rd victim, 18, at a Miain Beach club.
A 3rd woman told police she had several drinks with Zerola at a club, then went to his hotel room, where Zerola stuffed pills down her throat. The woman, who told police she was a virgin, said she awoke naked and bleeding in bed beside Zerola. Zerola told police, "I never had sex with her." He would not submit to a DNA test, prosecutors said.
Zerola, whose law license has been suspended, has a website where he announces he's no longer practicing law at this time.
(Update 3-19-08) Zerola, acquitted in the rape of a 19 year old woman in January, is on trial for the rape of a second 19 year old Massachusetts woman. Opening statements were held in Suffolk Superior Court today.
(Update 3-27-08) It's zero for Zerola's prosecutors as he's acquitted of charges in the second of three cases against him. He still faces a Florida trial for an incident after a Dolphins game.
A Suffolk Superior Court jury deliberated 2 hours before returning not guilty verdicts on multiple charges of rape and supplying liquor to a minor. Zerola’s alleged victim and her family clutched each other, wracked with sobs.
The People magazine hunk-turned-hunted told the Herald he was looking forward to “spending time with my family,” but the respite could be short-lived. Zerola, 36, is scheduled to go on trial for sexual battery of a third teen in Miami Beach in late May.
(Update 6-12-08) All charges against Zerola have been dropped. Miami police give credibility issues and lies about drug use and differing versions of events as reasons the Miami charges were dropped.
Boyfriend sentenced to 17 to life in British hairdresser murder
From the BBC
A man who strangled his beautician girlfriend has been convicted of her murder and jailed for life. James Bellass, 36, of Walton-Le-Dale, Lancashire, attacked Jillinda Fisher, 26, after a heated argument at the flat above the salon where she worked. Preston Crown Court was told how her mother found her body above the Sybaris beauty salon at the Green in Eccleston, in the early hours of 15 December.
Bellass was found guilty on Monday and must serve at least 17 years in jail.
The prosecution had refused to accept his guilty plea to the lesser charge of manslaughter.
Det Supt Steve Brunskill, said: "Only James Bellass knows what drove him to cruelly murder Jillinda Fisher in the early hours of Saturday morning.
"Jill was a lovely young woman, much loved by her family and friends with a promising life ahead. Bellass is the sort of man parents dread their daughters meeting and forming a relationship with. He has a total lack of respect for women, and when fuelled by alcohol quickly resorts to the immediate use of extreme violence. This is one of the saddest cases I have had to investigate, and the whole investigative team was moved by the love quite openly displayed by Jill's parents and friends."
Ms Fisher's father, Barry Fisher, said: "No length of jail sentence for James Bellass could ever justify the devastating loss of our only child Jill."
A man who strangled his beautician girlfriend has been convicted of her murder and jailed for life. James Bellass, 36, of Walton-Le-Dale, Lancashire, attacked Jillinda Fisher, 26, after a heated argument at the flat above the salon where she worked. Preston Crown Court was told how her mother found her body above the Sybaris beauty salon at the Green in Eccleston, in the early hours of 15 December.
Bellass was found guilty on Monday and must serve at least 17 years in jail.
The prosecution had refused to accept his guilty plea to the lesser charge of manslaughter.
Det Supt Steve Brunskill, said: "Only James Bellass knows what drove him to cruelly murder Jillinda Fisher in the early hours of Saturday morning.
"Jill was a lovely young woman, much loved by her family and friends with a promising life ahead. Bellass is the sort of man parents dread their daughters meeting and forming a relationship with. He has a total lack of respect for women, and when fuelled by alcohol quickly resorts to the immediate use of extreme violence. This is one of the saddest cases I have had to investigate, and the whole investigative team was moved by the love quite openly displayed by Jill's parents and friends."
Ms Fisher's father, Barry Fisher, said: "No length of jail sentence for James Bellass could ever justify the devastating loss of our only child Jill."
Suspended lawyer sentenced to a year in jail, decade of SO registration
(Original Post 3-7-08)
A 56 year old attorney was sentenced to a year in jail and a decade of SO registration pending an appeal for sexually assaulting a 47 year old woman. Former Hebron Town Council President and suspended attorney Michael Haughee will report to the Porter County (IN) jail Monday if the sentencing judge, Judge Mary Harper, does not let him stay out on bond pending his appeal, which could take a year or more.
"I'm absolutely innocent," Haughee said. "I did none of these things."A jury found Haughee guilty in January on felony counts of sexual battery and criminal confinement and a misdemeanor count of interference with the reporting of a crime. If the charges remain after appeal, Haughee will be prohibited from going back to work as an attorney, the judge said.
A disabled Hebron woman said Haughee showed up at her apartment Feb. 18, 2006, and forced a kiss on her, began groping her chest and prevented her from using her telephone to call for help.The woman said Thursday she still fears Haughee and will not rest until he is behind bars. She called for the maximum seven-year sentence.
"He needs time in prison to think what a woman is and that women are not just sex toys," she said.
Deputy Prosecutor Cheryl Polarek opposed the delayed sentence, saying Haughee had earlier involvement with police, including accusations 20 years ago of having inappropriate contact with another woman. Four people testified on Haughee's behalf, including his son, Frank Haughee, who said his father taught him respect for all people. Harper sentenced Haughee to one year in jail, which can be completed in half that time with good behavior. Upon his release, he is to spend a year on formal probation, register for 10 years as a sex offender and undergo HIV testing, sex offender treatment and a mental health evaluation.
Haughbee is prohibited from any further contact with his 47 year old victim.
(Update 6-12-08) Haughee asked that he be transfered from jail to prison because prison has a more extensive law library which he needs to work on appeals he has filed more easily. The motion was denied.
A 56 year old attorney was sentenced to a year in jail and a decade of SO registration pending an appeal for sexually assaulting a 47 year old woman. Former Hebron Town Council President and suspended attorney Michael Haughee will report to the Porter County (IN) jail Monday if the sentencing judge, Judge Mary Harper, does not let him stay out on bond pending his appeal, which could take a year or more.
"I'm absolutely innocent," Haughee said. "I did none of these things."A jury found Haughee guilty in January on felony counts of sexual battery and criminal confinement and a misdemeanor count of interference with the reporting of a crime. If the charges remain after appeal, Haughee will be prohibited from going back to work as an attorney, the judge said.
A disabled Hebron woman said Haughee showed up at her apartment Feb. 18, 2006, and forced a kiss on her, began groping her chest and prevented her from using her telephone to call for help.The woman said Thursday she still fears Haughee and will not rest until he is behind bars. She called for the maximum seven-year sentence.
"He needs time in prison to think what a woman is and that women are not just sex toys," she said.
Deputy Prosecutor Cheryl Polarek opposed the delayed sentence, saying Haughee had earlier involvement with police, including accusations 20 years ago of having inappropriate contact with another woman. Four people testified on Haughee's behalf, including his son, Frank Haughee, who said his father taught him respect for all people. Harper sentenced Haughee to one year in jail, which can be completed in half that time with good behavior. Upon his release, he is to spend a year on formal probation, register for 10 years as a sex offender and undergo HIV testing, sex offender treatment and a mental health evaluation.
Haughbee is prohibited from any further contact with his 47 year old victim.
(Update 6-12-08) Haughee asked that he be transfered from jail to prison because prison has a more extensive law library which he needs to work on appeals he has filed more easily. The motion was denied.
Ex police officer sentenced to 3 to 6 years for assaulting acquaintance
Peter Paul Lieback, 43, a former police officer, will spend 3 to 6 years in a Pennsylvania prison for drugging and sexually assaulting a woman he knew. He will have to register as a sex offender for life, and also abstain from drugs or alcohol for life. He pleaded guilty to a single count of sexual assault, a 2nd degree felony in Pennsylvania. He could have received a maximum 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
The woman testified at a preliminary hearing last July and said she tried to stop Lieback, but his only response was, “Don’t worry, I have a condom on.”Luzerne County District Attorney Jackie Carroll Musto, Assistant District Attorney Jenny Roberts and Lieback’s attorney, Frank Nocito, did not return telephone messages Wednesday.
Lieback served as a member of the Jenkins Township police department in the 1990s and later worked as a security guard for the Pittston Area School District.At the time of his arrest, Lieback was employed as a maintenance worker by the Ben Franklin Kindergarten Center in Dupont.
The school received a resignaiton letter in March after placing him on suspension.
The woman testified at a preliminary hearing last July and said she tried to stop Lieback, but his only response was, “Don’t worry, I have a condom on.”Luzerne County District Attorney Jackie Carroll Musto, Assistant District Attorney Jenny Roberts and Lieback’s attorney, Frank Nocito, did not return telephone messages Wednesday.
Lieback served as a member of the Jenkins Township police department in the 1990s and later worked as a security guard for the Pittston Area School District.At the time of his arrest, Lieback was employed as a maintenance worker by the Ben Franklin Kindergarten Center in Dupont.
The school received a resignaiton letter in March after placing him on suspension.
Attempted rapist sentenced to 7 1/2 years, lifetime supervision
Reyes Lozano-Lozano, 26, of Red Bank, NJ, was sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison for attempted aggravated sexual assault and burglary on May 16. No explanation is given between the delay between sentencing and reporting. Lozano will serve at least 85% of his sentence, and will be under both parole supervision and SO registration for life, under Megan's Law. The Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office handled the case.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that on May 26, 2006, Lozano entered the victim's residence at approximately 4:30 a.m. He then entered her bedroom, lowered his pants and then her pants. The victim woke up and attempted to push Lozano off her. Lozano grabbed her by the wrists and held her down. The victim cried out for help, and her sister, who slept in the same room in another bed, woke up and turned on the lights, surprising Lozano. Both the victim and victim's sister recognized Lozano because he was the husband of a friend of the victim. Lozano fled the scene.
The Red Bank Police Department conducted an investigation, which resulted in Lozano's arrest at his place of work later that morning. During the trial, Lozano testified on his own behalf that he only went to the victim's apartment to ask if she wanted to have a cup of coffee with him.
Monmouth County Prosecutor Luis A. Valentin stated, "Lozano forced his way into the victim's apartment and then assaulted her. Fortunately for the victim, her sister's quick action prevented completion of Lozano's criminal intent. Lozano's conduct warrants this prison sentence."
Superior Court Judge Edward M. Neafsey presided over the week long jury trial that occured back in January and sentenced Lozano.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that on May 26, 2006, Lozano entered the victim's residence at approximately 4:30 a.m. He then entered her bedroom, lowered his pants and then her pants. The victim woke up and attempted to push Lozano off her. Lozano grabbed her by the wrists and held her down. The victim cried out for help, and her sister, who slept in the same room in another bed, woke up and turned on the lights, surprising Lozano. Both the victim and victim's sister recognized Lozano because he was the husband of a friend of the victim. Lozano fled the scene.
The Red Bank Police Department conducted an investigation, which resulted in Lozano's arrest at his place of work later that morning. During the trial, Lozano testified on his own behalf that he only went to the victim's apartment to ask if she wanted to have a cup of coffee with him.
Monmouth County Prosecutor Luis A. Valentin stated, "Lozano forced his way into the victim's apartment and then assaulted her. Fortunately for the victim, her sister's quick action prevented completion of Lozano's criminal intent. Lozano's conduct warrants this prison sentence."
Superior Court Judge Edward M. Neafsey presided over the week long jury trial that occured back in January and sentenced Lozano.
Convicted murderer accused of killing wife
Steve Michael Doyle, 56, who had already served time for the murder of a woman he knew back in 1988, is being charged for the shooting death of his wife before an arson which was intended to be a suicide. 54-year-old Mary Sue Doyle was his latest alleged victims. Collin County, TX authorities are charging him with 1st degree murder and 2nd degree arson.
Authorities were first called to the scene when an unidentified neighbor spotted the burning home located in the 5000 block of County Road 468, ran inside and pulled Mr. Doyle out of harm’s way around 10:30 p.m. Saturday, April 19. Several neighboring fire departments responded to the blaze and doused the flames when they discovered Mrs. Doyle’s body.
No one suspected Mrs. Doyle may have been murdered until an autopsy revealed she died before the fire had started. Collin County Medical Examiner Dr. William Rohr’s examination revealed Mrs. Doyle died from a single gunshot to the wound.Collin County Fire Marshal Steve Deffibaugh also said Dr. Rohr found no traces of carbon dioxide, meaning she had not been breathing during the fire and must have died before it started.
Fire officials found traces of accelerants after initially believing that the fire had been left by unattended candles.
Officials said that Deiffbaugh admitted to shooting his wife to death after an argument, then setting a fire to commit suicide, but according to officials, he did not think that a neighbor would pull up and rescue him.
This was Deiffbaugh's 2nd murder charge regarding a woman he knew. He served 7 years of a 20 year sentence for the muder of Renee Morris in Orlands, FL in 1988. Morris was working under him at the former company Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin).
Morris failed to show up for work on Aug. 2, 1988 and Doyle claimed he went to her apartment to look for her when he discovered her body in her ransacked apartment. Orange County Sheriff’s deputies discovered Morris had not been killed during a burglary attempt and only she and Doyle had a set of keys to her apartment, according to story archives.
Doyle admitted to police that he and Morris went out for tacos the same night and returned to her apartment before he went home. An autopsy revealed the tacos Morris had eaten had not been fully digested and a former Orange County medical examiner concluded Morris had to have died one to two hours after she had eaten them, which was during the time Doyle admitted he had been with her, according to story archives.
Orange County prosecutors weren’t able to make a murder charge stick and dropped the charge in October of 1989 due to lack of solid evidence. After two more attempts, prosecutors charged Doyle with second degree murder in August of 1991 with only a year left before the case’s statue of limitations would have run out, according to Orange County Sheriff’s Office records.
Prosecutors tested the medical examiner’s digestion theory by feeding tacos to six volunteers and discovered the volunteers had digested as much food as Morris did in the amount of time they believe she was still alive. A jury found the evidence was enough to convict Doyle of second degree murder and sentenced him to 20 years in state prison. Doyle would only serve six years and six months of his sentence in prison before earning an early release in 1993, according to jail records.
Australian rape advocates denounce police for implying victims deserve blame
Rape expert slams police who said women drink too much
From The Daily Telegraph
NSW RAPE crisis experts have blasted police for claiming that fewer sex attacks would happen if women drank less.
Police in Cairns sparked controversy by speaking out on the issue, saying women need to take responsibility for their actions, get less drunk and stop wandering off with strangers.
Some victims of sex crimes in the Queensland party town were so drunk they could not remember what had happened, police said.
But Karen Willis, manager of NSW Rape Crisis Centre, was scathing in her response. “Saying that a woman is asking for or deserved it or somehow participated in sexual violence is an antiquated way of thinking,” she said. "The responsibility is totally and utterly with the perpetrator. Women should not have to spend their lives doing or not doing something to avoid sexual assault."
Earlier today, The Cairns Post reported local officers said sex attacks in the Cairns CBD could be reduced if revellers took care not to drink too much and not wander off with people they have just met.
Ms Willis said in 70 per cent of cases, the attacker is well known to the victim - being a family friend or a school friend - and alcohol isn’t a factor. "I’d be very surprised if police said the same thing if a young man had a few drinks and was sexually assaulted, that young men shouldn’t drink, yet they are quite happy to say that sort of thing when it comes to women."
She said suggesting that women somehow ask for it is a "myth" that has two roles: to blame the victim and to give the perpetrator excuses. "In no other crime do we ask ‘where was she, what was she wearing, what was she saying or doing’. What we should be asking is where the hell does he get off thinking he can do that?" she said. “I’m sure rape crisis services in Queensland would be more than happy to give police some training.”
From The Daily Telegraph
NSW RAPE crisis experts have blasted police for claiming that fewer sex attacks would happen if women drank less.
Police in Cairns sparked controversy by speaking out on the issue, saying women need to take responsibility for their actions, get less drunk and stop wandering off with strangers.
Some victims of sex crimes in the Queensland party town were so drunk they could not remember what had happened, police said.
But Karen Willis, manager of NSW Rape Crisis Centre, was scathing in her response. “Saying that a woman is asking for or deserved it or somehow participated in sexual violence is an antiquated way of thinking,” she said. "The responsibility is totally and utterly with the perpetrator. Women should not have to spend their lives doing or not doing something to avoid sexual assault."
Earlier today, The Cairns Post reported local officers said sex attacks in the Cairns CBD could be reduced if revellers took care not to drink too much and not wander off with people they have just met.
Ms Willis said in 70 per cent of cases, the attacker is well known to the victim - being a family friend or a school friend - and alcohol isn’t a factor. "I’d be very surprised if police said the same thing if a young man had a few drinks and was sexually assaulted, that young men shouldn’t drink, yet they are quite happy to say that sort of thing when it comes to women."
She said suggesting that women somehow ask for it is a "myth" that has two roles: to blame the victim and to give the perpetrator excuses. "In no other crime do we ask ‘where was she, what was she wearing, what was she saying or doing’. What we should be asking is where the hell does he get off thinking he can do that?" she said. “I’m sure rape crisis services in Queensland would be more than happy to give police some training.”
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Arkansas doctor faces sex charges involving at least 2 patients
Dr. Clarence Jay Arendall, a doctor who practices in Alma, AR, is a fugitive, wanted for two counts of 2nd degree sexual assault of women patients at his clinic. The warrant for his arrest went out two days ago. His clinic has a sign posted stating "Closed For Spring Break," which ended a week ago.
The doctor, who according to reports is married with several kids, reportedly took on patients who could not afford monetary payment, and worked them into his schedule. [Perhaps this is how he allegedly was able to take advantage of vulnerable women - by payment in sexual favors instead of cash?]
Meanwhile, Jennifer Porter who works next door says Arendall has taken several mission trips with his church. She says that patients have come in repeatedly over the last week looking for the physician.
"They just want know where he is if we've heard anything seen anything," Porter explained. "They're just really concerned about how they're going to get their records and what to do a lot of them needed follow up care. He's had a lot of them on medications they had questions about. It's sad because they don't know what to do."
Dr. Arendall graduated from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2003. He was issued a license by the Arkansas State Medical Board in December 2002. It expires in May of this year. Any potential actions taken against his license would have to come from the board.
Detective Hartley stated that there were two women victims, and the investigation, and there was joint effort between the Alma and Arkansas State police forces in the investigation.
(Update 4-3-08) The number of women allegedly abused by Arendall has grown from 2 to 4, and he was captured Tuesday, along with money from a Ft. Smith deposit box and records which contained patient information. The accounts at his bank are frozen due to a pending divorce. On Wednesday, April 2, Arendall pled not guilty to two counts of 2nd degree sexual assault. Sexual assault in Arkansas carries a 5 to 20 year prison sentence and a $15,000 fine. Arendall was released on $25,000 bail under conditions including no contact with alleged victims and surrendering his passport.
(Update 6-11-08) Dr. Arendall was brought before the Arkansas State Medical Board Thursday, June 5.
Dr. William Clarence Jay Arendall is accused of fondling two patients who visited him at his Alma clinic in mid-February. Arendall is charged with two counts of second-degree sexual abuse in Crawford County Circuit Court. The board issued an emergency order to suspend his medical license April 17.
Arendall, who has been licensed to practice medicine since 2002, denies the women’s charges. The board delayed action on his case until its Aug. 7-8 meeting to allow him to have an attorney present, and so the board can summon other women to testify.
During Thursday’s hearing, a 25-year-old Lavaca woman testified Arendall touched her inappropriately when she went to see him about back pain on Feb. 13. She said he pulled down her pants and underwear, touched her inappropriately and made sexual comments about her body. The woman reported the incident to the Alma Police Department that day.
A 45-year-old woman testified that Arendall removed her pants, rubbed her genitals and made sexually suggestive comments. The woman said she was in shock after it happened. She said she had been a patient of Arendall’s for six years, and he had never acted inappropriately before.
“Dr. Arendall I considered my friend, not only my doctor,” she said crying. “It was really hard for me to [report him].”
Arendall said he didn’t do “unclothed” exams on either woman.
“I always had a chaperone present when there would have been any type of unclothed physical,” he said.
His wife, Karla Arendall, testified that she was working in the office the days the women came in. Her desk is only about 10 feet from the exam rooms, and she would have heard if anything inappropriate were said, she said.
“The walls are thin,” Karla Arendall said. “It’s a small clinic and you can hear just about anything.” Both women have filed lawsuits against Arendall in Crawford County Circuit Court.
According to Brett Hartley of the Alma Police Department, 14 women have brought complaints against him, and there are now 2 lawsuits against him.
The doctor, who according to reports is married with several kids, reportedly took on patients who could not afford monetary payment, and worked them into his schedule. [Perhaps this is how he allegedly was able to take advantage of vulnerable women - by payment in sexual favors instead of cash?]
Meanwhile, Jennifer Porter who works next door says Arendall has taken several mission trips with his church. She says that patients have come in repeatedly over the last week looking for the physician.
"They just want know where he is if we've heard anything seen anything," Porter explained. "They're just really concerned about how they're going to get their records and what to do a lot of them needed follow up care. He's had a lot of them on medications they had questions about. It's sad because they don't know what to do."
Dr. Arendall graduated from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2003. He was issued a license by the Arkansas State Medical Board in December 2002. It expires in May of this year. Any potential actions taken against his license would have to come from the board.
Detective Hartley stated that there were two women victims, and the investigation, and there was joint effort between the Alma and Arkansas State police forces in the investigation.
(Update 4-3-08) The number of women allegedly abused by Arendall has grown from 2 to 4, and he was captured Tuesday, along with money from a Ft. Smith deposit box and records which contained patient information. The accounts at his bank are frozen due to a pending divorce. On Wednesday, April 2, Arendall pled not guilty to two counts of 2nd degree sexual assault. Sexual assault in Arkansas carries a 5 to 20 year prison sentence and a $15,000 fine. Arendall was released on $25,000 bail under conditions including no contact with alleged victims and surrendering his passport.
(Update 6-11-08) Dr. Arendall was brought before the Arkansas State Medical Board Thursday, June 5.
Dr. William Clarence Jay Arendall is accused of fondling two patients who visited him at his Alma clinic in mid-February. Arendall is charged with two counts of second-degree sexual abuse in Crawford County Circuit Court. The board issued an emergency order to suspend his medical license April 17.
Arendall, who has been licensed to practice medicine since 2002, denies the women’s charges. The board delayed action on his case until its Aug. 7-8 meeting to allow him to have an attorney present, and so the board can summon other women to testify.
During Thursday’s hearing, a 25-year-old Lavaca woman testified Arendall touched her inappropriately when she went to see him about back pain on Feb. 13. She said he pulled down her pants and underwear, touched her inappropriately and made sexual comments about her body. The woman reported the incident to the Alma Police Department that day.
A 45-year-old woman testified that Arendall removed her pants, rubbed her genitals and made sexually suggestive comments. The woman said she was in shock after it happened. She said she had been a patient of Arendall’s for six years, and he had never acted inappropriately before.
“Dr. Arendall I considered my friend, not only my doctor,” she said crying. “It was really hard for me to [report him].”
Arendall said he didn’t do “unclothed” exams on either woman.
“I always had a chaperone present when there would have been any type of unclothed physical,” he said.
His wife, Karla Arendall, testified that she was working in the office the days the women came in. Her desk is only about 10 feet from the exam rooms, and she would have heard if anything inappropriate were said, she said.
“The walls are thin,” Karla Arendall said. “It’s a small clinic and you can hear just about anything.” Both women have filed lawsuits against Arendall in Crawford County Circuit Court.
According to Brett Hartley of the Alma Police Department, 14 women have brought complaints against him, and there are now 2 lawsuits against him.
18 can get you 5 in Ohio if you're a pervy teacher - but probaly will get probation
(Original Post 12-16-07)
Michael McKinney, a 25 year old former teacher at Arlington Heights Academy faces 3 counts of sexual battery for having sexual encounters with a 18 year old student. Sexual battery counts carry a penalty of 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine on each count.
“One of the awful things about this situation is that under the new law, he’d be required to register for life as a tier-three sex offender,” said Scott Rubenstein, his defense attorney. “This will have inordinately dire, collateral consequences for a consensual act between a couple of adults.”
According to school officials, McKinney taught social studies for a year at Arlington Heights, an alternative high school Lockland runs for at-risk students. He earned $31, 412 and resigned in May. He cited a desire to go to law school, but an indictment handed down last month stated he and the woman had sex at least 3 times between March & April.
The student was 18, and still a registered student as Arlington Heights High, even though she had enough credits to graduate and was taking courses at Arlington. McKinney was not the woman’s teacher, but thought she was a Cincinnati State student.
Detective Ted Ober of the Lockland police said that Ohio’s sexual battery statutes make it a crime for a teacher to have contact with a student at their school, regardless of them being over the age of consent or even majority, and regardless of whether the teacher actually had authority over the student.
(Update 6-11-08)
McKinney pleaded guilty to a single count of attempted gross sexual imposition, and will have to register as a sex offender for 15 years. He also faces a year in jail, but according to prosecutors, will probably receive probation.
The law does not make an exception if a student is 18 or has enough credits to graduate. That is because the law is directed at the adults in charge, not the students, said Katie Pridemore, the assistant prosecutor who negotiated the plea deal. Teachers and coaches are supposed to know and respect professional boundaries when dealing with students, including teenagers, she said.
“It wasn’t an issue of the age of the child or when she was to graduate. No matter how old they are, you cannot have teachers having sex with kids. You can have zero tolerance for that.”
McKinney’s attorneys objected to the sexual offender registration, in part because McKinney is in law school and wants to be an attorney. Judge Steven Martin said the attorneys can lobby to have the law changed and can make their case with whatever panel decides if McKinney can take the bar exam.
Meanwhile, Pridemore said, McKinney should be listed as sexual offender, saying that if he did not adhere to professional boundaries as a teacher, he’ll have even more boundaries to comply with as a lawyer.“He preyed on somebody who was subordinate to him. That’s somebody you keep an eye on,” she said.
The victim declined comment, and in the past, has objected to prosecution of McKinney. Sentencing is July 2.
Michael McKinney, a 25 year old former teacher at Arlington Heights Academy faces 3 counts of sexual battery for having sexual encounters with a 18 year old student. Sexual battery counts carry a penalty of 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine on each count.
“One of the awful things about this situation is that under the new law, he’d be required to register for life as a tier-three sex offender,” said Scott Rubenstein, his defense attorney. “This will have inordinately dire, collateral consequences for a consensual act between a couple of adults.”
According to school officials, McKinney taught social studies for a year at Arlington Heights, an alternative high school Lockland runs for at-risk students. He earned $31, 412 and resigned in May. He cited a desire to go to law school, but an indictment handed down last month stated he and the woman had sex at least 3 times between March & April.
The student was 18, and still a registered student as Arlington Heights High, even though she had enough credits to graduate and was taking courses at Arlington. McKinney was not the woman’s teacher, but thought she was a Cincinnati State student.
Detective Ted Ober of the Lockland police said that Ohio’s sexual battery statutes make it a crime for a teacher to have contact with a student at their school, regardless of them being over the age of consent or even majority, and regardless of whether the teacher actually had authority over the student.
(Update 6-11-08)
McKinney pleaded guilty to a single count of attempted gross sexual imposition, and will have to register as a sex offender for 15 years. He also faces a year in jail, but according to prosecutors, will probably receive probation.
The law does not make an exception if a student is 18 or has enough credits to graduate. That is because the law is directed at the adults in charge, not the students, said Katie Pridemore, the assistant prosecutor who negotiated the plea deal. Teachers and coaches are supposed to know and respect professional boundaries when dealing with students, including teenagers, she said.
“It wasn’t an issue of the age of the child or when she was to graduate. No matter how old they are, you cannot have teachers having sex with kids. You can have zero tolerance for that.”
McKinney’s attorneys objected to the sexual offender registration, in part because McKinney is in law school and wants to be an attorney. Judge Steven Martin said the attorneys can lobby to have the law changed and can make their case with whatever panel decides if McKinney can take the bar exam.
Meanwhile, Pridemore said, McKinney should be listed as sexual offender, saying that if he did not adhere to professional boundaries as a teacher, he’ll have even more boundaries to comply with as a lawyer.“He preyed on somebody who was subordinate to him. That’s somebody you keep an eye on,” she said.
The victim declined comment, and in the past, has objected to prosecution of McKinney. Sentencing is July 2.
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