A Jersey City man was charged with 1st degree murder in the death of his baby's mother, a Canadian who moved to Jersey City, NJ to become a waitress. 38 year old Steven Acuna was charged with strangling his wife and dumping her into a cement-filled barrel which he then folded his wife's body into. The mother's remains were discovered Friday, Septem,ber 23 and Acuna was formally charged with 1st degree murder.
[Randy "Amanda"]Lehrer, 32, was reported missing on Aug. 17. One of the last times she was seen publicly was leaving Tommy’s Family Restaurant on Central Avenue where she worked on Aug. 12 with Acuna, officials said.
Tommy Diakos, owner of Tommy’s Restaurant where Lehrer worked for nearly four years last saw her on Friday Aug. 12 when she finished her shift at 2 p.m.
“I never thought he (Acuna) would do something like that. He was very quiet when he came here,” Diakos said yesterday. “I hope she rests in peace. The baby is going to miss her more than anybody else.”
Acuna was always a suspect in his wife's disappearance. After Jersey City police used cadaverdogs to search their apartment and found nothing, Acuna was held of outstanding warrants, then released. Officials went back late last week after surmising that Amanda's body might have been dumped in the basement.
Hudson County, NJ Prosecutor Edward DeFazio stated, “Last week, based on further investigation, Jersey City police ascertained that tenants in the building had access to the basement. Based on that information they got permission from the owner of the property to inspect the basement...They discovered this barrel that was hidden by construction-type debrisAnd when they saw that barrel, based on good intuition, they said something didn’t look right about the barrel.”
The barrel was opened and Lehrer’s remains were found “encased” in concrete, according to DeFazio. There was no evidence that she was dismembered. “It is almost like she was bent, folded,” the prosecutor said. As investigators examined the remains, they realized they belonged to a woman, DeFazio said.
“Although there was decomposition, they were of a mind that it was Amanda. Then, further corroboration was obtained at the time of autopsy.”
DeFazio went on to say, "We believe this (murder) occurred during the course of a domestic violence situation and it could be that she was strangled.We believe it happened shortly after she was last seen alive.”
Acuna is being held on $1 million bail for 1st degree murder at the Hudson County Correctional Facility. After his wife's body was found, neighbors organized a vigil outside their apartment. A woman who was visiting her daughter said, "It's so sad, just painfully sad. I was visiting my daughter and wanted to know why everyone was standing around this house. Now, I wish it wasn't so."
Showing posts with label arraignment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label arraignment. Show all posts
Monday, September 26, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Long term substitute teacher charged with misconduct with three boys
A British literature teacher who allegedly had sexual relationships with three Bay City Central High School students is free on $100,000 bond. 41 year old Heidi Lewis was charged with 6 counts of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct, punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment.
While the AOC in Michigan is normally 16, Michigan state law raises the AOC to 18 when dealing with teacher student sex under normal circumstances The same law raises it to 26 when dealing with Michigan special needs students. Lewis was arrested after the "girlfriend" of one of the alleged victims told Assistant Principal Joseph Buggs that her beau had had sex with the teacher. The teacher was a long term substitute, who taught between January and June 2010. This led to an interview with Buggs and a Bay City police officer.
The students, both 17, told Buggs and the officer they had been in Lewis’ class and that during the school year, their relationship had been of a typical teacher-student nature.
Near the end of the school year, Lewis and one of the students exchanged cell phone numbers, one of the teens said. A short while after school let out for the year, Lewis came over to the teen’s house and they had sex, the teen told investigators.
The second teen told investigators the first teen later told him of his relationship with Lewis while they were hanging out together. When the second teen said he did not believe his friend, the first teen called Lewis over to his house. Both teens then simultaneously had sex with Lewis, they said, according to court records.
Over time, the two teens told a third classmate about having sex with Lewis. Investigators interviewed the third teen, who claimed to have had sex with Lewis in the back of her silver Jeep Cherokee. This teen told his girlfriend what happened and she ended up passing the information to school authorities.
Lewis was arrested later that day. She was arraigned February 9, 2011 in Bay County District Judge Dawn A. Klida's courtroom. Bay County Assistant Prosecutor Jordan E. Case asked that an additional stipulation prohibiting her from contact with minors be added to her release conditions. Defense attorney Richard Lee Jr objected, but Judge Klida granted the prosecution request.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Maria Lauterbach's killer sentenced to life without parole
(Originally Posted 1-12-08)
"It is believed that he has reached a location where his need to move in high speed or long distance no longer exists,” said Onslow County Sheriff Ed Brown. A $25,000 reward has been postedfor information leading to Laurean's arrest.
Update (1-18-08): Marine officials did not believe that Lauterbach was the victim of foul play until she was found dead. Mrs. Laurean waited 24 hours before reporting Lauterbach's death to authorities, and an item, believed to be a crowbar, suspected as being the murder weapon, was recovered after being turned in by a witness. Police found Laurean's truck, and are going over evidence inside it.
“We believe that we have an item that may have been used in the murder of Maria Lauterbach,” Sheriff’s Department Capt. Rick Sutherland said. “It is consistent with what the Medical Examiner believes is the cause of death. We have not confirmed what this item is.”
Laurean is now believed to be in Mexico, where he allegedly told fellow Marines and his wife he would flee to if convicted in the rape.
The FBI filed court documents this week stating Laurean told members of his Marine Corps unit he would flee to Mexico if it appeared he would be found guilty of raping Lauterbach. Laurean's wife, Christina Laurean, also told authorities she believed her husband would head to Mexico if he was in legal trouble. Laurean is reported to have mailed letters back to his wife in North Carolina, according to two law enforcement officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The letters had a Houston postmark, the AP reported.
"We strongly suspect, but have not confirmed, that Laurean may be in Mexico," said FBI spokesman Richard Kolko in Washington. "We have a strong working relationship with law enforcement partners in Mexico, and we're working with them to locate and apprehend him." In addition to the original charges of first-degree murder, bank card theft and obtaining property by false pretense, Laurean has been charged by the FBI with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
Laurean has been captured in Morelia, capital of the Mexican state of Michoacan. Besides murder, charges include theft, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and fraud. Police carrying out an anti-kidnapping operation stopped Laurean because he was acting suspicious, and then ran him through a criminal database. It is believe that Laurean used Lauterbach's ATM card to with draw funds for his flight to Mexico, which according to prosecutors occured January 14.
U.S. Ambassador Tony Garza said in a statement that “Laurean fled to Mexico early this year in the hope of avoiding justice” and called the arrest “a clear message to all would-be fugitives from U.S. law that Mexico will not provide them refuge.”
Prosecutors dropped the death penalty as the maximum sentence to secure Laurean's extradiction.
Phone messages seeking comment left at Lauterbach’s parents’ home in Vandalia, Ohio, with Lauterbach’s uncle Pete Steiner, and with family attorney Chris Conard were not immediately returned late Thursday.
Another family attorney, Merle Wilberding, said Lauterbach’s mother, Mary, received the call from the FBI informing her of the arrest with “shock and surprise.”
“She’s been living with Cpl. Laurean being on the run ... and living without an expectation that he was going to be captured any time soon, so when the word came it really caught her by surprise, and she’s still trying to let it all sink in,” Wilberding told WDTN-TV in Dayton, Ohio.
(Update 8-24-10) Laurean was convicted by a jury after three hours of deliberation of bludgeoning Lauterbach to death and immediately sentenced to life without parole. The trial was moved to Wayne County, NC from Onslow County due to pre-trial publicity. Besides the 1st degree murder charge, Laurean was also convicted of theft and fraud by using Lauterbach's ATM card.
During closing arguments, Chief Assistant District Attorney Ernie Lee talked about the 4 weeks between when the victim's mother last saw her daughter and when Lauterbach's body was found in a burn pit. “On Jan. 11, 2008, Mary Lauterbach’s nightmare became a reality when her daughter’s body was found buried in the defendant’s backyard,” Lee said. Lee went on to say how Laurean's career was at stake, since sex with a subordinate is a crime in the Marine Corps. Despite the DNA test showing that Laurean was not the father of Lauterbach's unborn child, “as long as Maria Lauterbach was still out there he could not [be a good Marine].”
Meanwhile, Lauterbach's defense attorney, Dick McNeil, said that his client should not be convicted of 1st degree murder because Laurean's wife, Christina, also had motive. Texts and computer records make no record of Laurean and Lauterbach being in contact between the rape allegation and the murder. Laurean was eventually cleared of that rape allegation.
McNeil painted his client as a panicked Marine who was at home minding his own business when a troubled, distraught woman came to his door in violation of a protective order. McNeil says he questioned Lauterbach’s truthfulness during the trial, not to degrade her reputation, but to show she was depressed and confused.
Before sentencing but after the verdict, Maria Lauterbach told Laurean to look at his mother and think of his daughter. “I feel so sorry for your daughter. She will have to live with the shame that her father is in prison for murdering not one but two people,” she said.
McNeil said that he planned to appeal the verdict.
Maria Lauterbach, a 20 year old Marine who was 8 months pregnant, was found murdered yesterday in North Carolina along with her fetus after her disappearance December 19th. She last spoke to her mother December 14th and her car was found a week ago (January 7th). Yesterday, remains of a woman and her fetus were found in the primary suspect's home, that of another Marine she suspected of rape in April last year. The idea that the baby was the rape suspect's is plausible.
The suspect in her murder, Marine Cpl. Cesar Laurean 21, was accused of rape by Maria, and she was scheduled to testify against Laurean at a military hearing.
While Maria's mother described her as a liar, her uncle, Peter Steiner, described the pregnancy as due to the alleged rape, and maintained that the Marines did not protect his niece. When her car was found, a military protective order, similar to a restraining order, was found, but civilian officials said they were never notified. The order, which lasted from July to September, stated Laurean could not come within 1000 feet of Maria.
The Jacksonville (NC) Daily News has more.
Civilian investigators have said a military protective order — similar to a restraining order, but authorized by the commanding officer in charge of the Marine being restrained — existed for a pregnant Marine against the Marine accused of killing her, but they were never made aware of it by anyone from Camp Lejeune.
Paul Chiccarelli, special agent in charge of Naval Criminal Investigative Service aboard Camp Lejeune, said the "crucial information that brought the turn in the case came through the base," adding the base had been very cooperative throughout the investigation. Chiccarelli said Laurean was not taken into custody after Lauterbach reported the alleged rape because there were indications that Lauterbach and Laurean carried on "some sort of friendly relationship" after she filed the complaint against him.
Chiccarelli said Laurean had not been considered a flight risk after the Lauterbach disappearance.
Laurean ended up fleeing at around 4AM Friday, and is currently on the run. He is believed to be in either Louisiana or Texas as of 6:30 PM Sunday.
Lauterbach's uncle, Peter Steiner, a psychiatrist who lives in Louisville, Ky., and had been in Jacksonville in the past week looking into his niece's disappearance, said his niece called her uncle's home at least twice a week, because they were very close. "She was a very beautiful, athletic young lady. She volunteered to join the Marine Corps. She was very committed to the Marines, and she is being portrayed in a way that does not look well."
Because of the widespread coverage, Victimized Over The AOC will link to sources which provide more in-depth coverage of this story.
Holly's Fight Against Violence, a Canada-centric blog against violence against women, has this tribute to the young Marine.
The Jacksonville, NC Daily News has this special section related to coverage of her disappearance and murder.
The suspect in her murder, Marine Cpl. Cesar Laurean 21, was accused of rape by Maria, and she was scheduled to testify against Laurean at a military hearing.
While Maria's mother described her as a liar, her uncle, Peter Steiner, described the pregnancy as due to the alleged rape, and maintained that the Marines did not protect his niece. When her car was found, a military protective order, similar to a restraining order, was found, but civilian officials said they were never notified. The order, which lasted from July to September, stated Laurean could not come within 1000 feet of Maria.
The Jacksonville (NC) Daily News has more.
Civilian investigators have said a military protective order — similar to a restraining order, but authorized by the commanding officer in charge of the Marine being restrained — existed for a pregnant Marine against the Marine accused of killing her, but they were never made aware of it by anyone from Camp Lejeune.
Paul Chiccarelli, special agent in charge of Naval Criminal Investigative Service aboard Camp Lejeune, said the "crucial information that brought the turn in the case came through the base," adding the base had been very cooperative throughout the investigation. Chiccarelli said Laurean was not taken into custody after Lauterbach reported the alleged rape because there were indications that Lauterbach and Laurean carried on "some sort of friendly relationship" after she filed the complaint against him.
Chiccarelli said Laurean had not been considered a flight risk after the Lauterbach disappearance.
Laurean ended up fleeing at around 4AM Friday, and is currently on the run. He is believed to be in either Louisiana or Texas as of 6:30 PM Sunday.
Lauterbach's uncle, Peter Steiner, a psychiatrist who lives in Louisville, Ky., and had been in Jacksonville in the past week looking into his niece's disappearance, said his niece called her uncle's home at least twice a week, because they were very close. "She was a very beautiful, athletic young lady. She volunteered to join the Marine Corps. She was very committed to the Marines, and she is being portrayed in a way that does not look well."
Because of the widespread coverage, Victimized Over The AOC will link to sources which provide more in-depth coverage of this story.
Holly's Fight Against Violence, a Canada-centric blog against violence against women, has this tribute to the young Marine.
The Jacksonville, NC Daily News has this special section related to coverage of her disappearance and murder.
Update (1-15-08): According to the autopsy report, Maria Lauterbach died of blunt trauma to the head, putting to rest all doubt about her murder. There was a note written by Lauren claiming that she committed suicide by slitting her throat. Laurean is said to be in hiding, and not actively on the run.
"It is believed that he has reached a location where his need to move in high speed or long distance no longer exists,” said Onslow County Sheriff Ed Brown. A $25,000 reward has been postedfor information leading to Laurean's arrest.
Update (1-18-08): Marine officials did not believe that Lauterbach was the victim of foul play until she was found dead. Mrs. Laurean waited 24 hours before reporting Lauterbach's death to authorities, and an item, believed to be a crowbar, suspected as being the murder weapon, was recovered after being turned in by a witness. Police found Laurean's truck, and are going over evidence inside it.
“We believe that we have an item that may have been used in the murder of Maria Lauterbach,” Sheriff’s Department Capt. Rick Sutherland said. “It is consistent with what the Medical Examiner believes is the cause of death. We have not confirmed what this item is.”
Laurean is now believed to be in Mexico, where he allegedly told fellow Marines and his wife he would flee to if convicted in the rape.
The FBI filed court documents this week stating Laurean told members of his Marine Corps unit he would flee to Mexico if it appeared he would be found guilty of raping Lauterbach. Laurean's wife, Christina Laurean, also told authorities she believed her husband would head to Mexico if he was in legal trouble. Laurean is reported to have mailed letters back to his wife in North Carolina, according to two law enforcement officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The letters had a Houston postmark, the AP reported.
"We strongly suspect, but have not confirmed, that Laurean may be in Mexico," said FBI spokesman Richard Kolko in Washington. "We have a strong working relationship with law enforcement partners in Mexico, and we're working with them to locate and apprehend him." In addition to the original charges of first-degree murder, bank card theft and obtaining property by false pretense, Laurean has been charged by the FBI with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
(Update 4-11-08)
Laurean has been captured in Morelia, capital of the Mexican state of Michoacan. Besides murder, charges include theft, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and fraud. Police carrying out an anti-kidnapping operation stopped Laurean because he was acting suspicious, and then ran him through a criminal database. It is believe that Laurean used Lauterbach's ATM card to with draw funds for his flight to Mexico, which according to prosecutors occured January 14.
U.S. Ambassador Tony Garza said in a statement that “Laurean fled to Mexico early this year in the hope of avoiding justice” and called the arrest “a clear message to all would-be fugitives from U.S. law that Mexico will not provide them refuge.”
Prosecutors dropped the death penalty as the maximum sentence to secure Laurean's extradiction.
Phone messages seeking comment left at Lauterbach’s parents’ home in Vandalia, Ohio, with Lauterbach’s uncle Pete Steiner, and with family attorney Chris Conard were not immediately returned late Thursday.
Another family attorney, Merle Wilberding, said Lauterbach’s mother, Mary, received the call from the FBI informing her of the arrest with “shock and surprise.”
“She’s been living with Cpl. Laurean being on the run ... and living without an expectation that he was going to be captured any time soon, so when the word came it really caught her by surprise, and she’s still trying to let it all sink in,” Wilberding told WDTN-TV in Dayton, Ohio.
(Update 4-20-09) Laurean was formally extradicted back to North Carolina from Mexico last Friday. Earlier today, he was in court for a bond hearing in Onslow County District Court. The hearing, presided over by Judge Paul A. Hardison, enede with Laurean being denied bond. His next court appearence will be May 18. Official charges include 1st degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and numerous theft related charges.
(Update 8-24-10) Laurean was convicted by a jury after three hours of deliberation of bludgeoning Lauterbach to death and immediately sentenced to life without parole. The trial was moved to Wayne County, NC from Onslow County due to pre-trial publicity. Besides the 1st degree murder charge, Laurean was also convicted of theft and fraud by using Lauterbach's ATM card.
During closing arguments, Chief Assistant District Attorney Ernie Lee talked about the 4 weeks between when the victim's mother last saw her daughter and when Lauterbach's body was found in a burn pit. “On Jan. 11, 2008, Mary Lauterbach’s nightmare became a reality when her daughter’s body was found buried in the defendant’s backyard,” Lee said. Lee went on to say how Laurean's career was at stake, since sex with a subordinate is a crime in the Marine Corps. Despite the DNA test showing that Laurean was not the father of Lauterbach's unborn child, “as long as Maria Lauterbach was still out there he could not [be a good Marine].”
Meanwhile, Lauterbach's defense attorney, Dick McNeil, said that his client should not be convicted of 1st degree murder because Laurean's wife, Christina, also had motive. Texts and computer records make no record of Laurean and Lauterbach being in contact between the rape allegation and the murder. Laurean was eventually cleared of that rape allegation.
McNeil painted his client as a panicked Marine who was at home minding his own business when a troubled, distraught woman came to his door in violation of a protective order. McNeil says he questioned Lauterbach’s truthfulness during the trial, not to degrade her reputation, but to show she was depressed and confused.
Before sentencing but after the verdict, Maria Lauterbach told Laurean to look at his mother and think of his daughter. “I feel so sorry for your daughter. She will have to live with the shame that her father is in prison for murdering not one but two people,” she said.
McNeil said that he planned to appeal the verdict.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Mother of 3 strangled in home, allegedly by "husband"
Ian A. Alamilla, 33, a Westmont resident who is a Belize native, was charged by DuPage County, IL prosecutors with 1st degree murder for strangling his "wife," 34 year old Tara, in the basement of her Westmont home. Ian drove to the Central District Police Station in Chicago's near south side around 5:30 AM and turned himself to police. According to DuPage County prosecutor Robert Berlin, Alamilla said that he had been in a fight with his wife and that police should check on her.
Chicago police contacted their Westmont counterparts, who found the mother of three dead in her basement. Her kids, 2, 5, and 11, were found by police asleep and physically unharmed.
The couple had been separated since March 5, 2010, after Tara filed for divorce. The divorce papers make no allegations of DV, and according to neighbors, the couple, who still lived within several blocks of each other,were trying to repair their marriage. Ian was at his wife's home for the youngest child's birthday party.
Christin O'Malley said, "They were very cordial with each other. Never once did she ever say he was violent She was a good person, but so was Ian. That's why this is so shocking."
At Brookfield Zoo, where Tara Alamilla had worked since 2006, she had established a reputation for making inroads with Chicago Public Schools teachers in the zoo's new education program. A teacher-development program that she coordinated, Levels of Engagement, won the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Education Award in 2009, officials said.
More recently, Alamilla was helping with the design of wildlife clubs in Guyana, said Stuart Strahl, president and chief executive officer of the zoological society. Earlier, Alamilla also had managed the zoo's accessibility program for children with disabilities, arranging internships and volunteer opportunities, Strahl added.
"She was a remarkable woman with a huge heart that would reach almost anybody at any level," Strahl said. "Her passing is a great loss."
Brookfield Zoo made grief counselors available to employees and set up a memorial fund in Tara Aramilla's name to enhance the institution's education efforts.
DuPage County, IL State's Attorney Joe Birkett said that "Tragically, Tara's life was taken on the birthday of her youngest child. The heartbreaking, senseless loss of life in this case is compounded because it involves three young children who have lost their mother and now see their father accused of taking her life."
DuPage County Judge Liam Brennan set Ian's bail at $2 million.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Wyoming sex assault case highlights kids are not the only targets of online sexual predators
(AP) CASPER, Wyo. - Authorities say a Casper woman was assaulted at her front door, raped at knifepoint in her living room and left bound on the floor, and they say one of the men charged in the brutal attack claimed that he thought it was invited.
Two men are accused in the crime. One is charged with carrying out the rape. The other, the woman's ex-boyfriend, stands accused of posing as the victim online and claiming she harbored a rape fantasy and wanted to be assaulted.
The case in the central Wyoming city of Casper, population 54,000, illustrates that middle America isn't immune to the dangers of Internet anonymity and predators who target victims through online ads that hint at sex and prostitution.
Prosecutor Mike Blonigen, the Natrona County district attorney, declined to comment on the specifics of the ongoing rape case. But he said Internet cases generally pose a challenge to law enforcement.
"Tracking down who's involved is relatively difficult," Blonigen said. "It's pretty easy to set up a false identity in cyberspace, so that's always an issue. And of course, they have to make some overt act to actually accomplish any of these things. We're not the thought police."
In the Casper case, Blonigen's office has charged Ty Oliver McDowell, 26, of Bar Nunn, a Casper suburb, with three counts of first-degree sexual assault, one count of kidnapping and one count of aggravated burglary. Jebidiah James Stipe, 27, a Marine based in Twentynine Palms, Calif., is charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree sexual assault. Lawyers representing McDowell and Stipe declined comment.
A few days before the Casper woman was raped, she had complained to the Natrona County Sheriff's Department that someone had made a false Craigslist posting about her, including photographs and personal information. The ad read, "Need a real aggressive man with no concern for women," authorities said.
Craigslist took the advertisement down when the woman complained. Yet prosecutors say it was posted long enough to catch the attention of McDowell, a medical technologist.
According to a statement filed in court by Natrona County Sheriff's Deputy Todd Sexton, McDowell waived his right to remain silent and talked to deputies investigating the case. "McDowell admitted to going to the victim's residence ... and having sexual contact with (the woman) to fulfill a 'rape fantasy' for her," Sexton wrote.
McDowell told investigators that he had corresponded with a person he thought was the woman at an e-mail address featured on the advertisement, Sexton wrote. However, prosecutors charge that McDowell was actually communicating by e-mail with Stipe, the woman's former boyfriend. They say Stipe posted the ad to set the woman up for the attack without her knowledge.
The San Bernardino County (Calif.) Sheriff's Department on Dec. 16 arrested Stipe, a private first-class in the U.S. Marine Corps then stationed at Twentynine Palms. A spokeswoman for the Marine Corps said Stipe enlisted in July 2001 and, "was being processed for administrative separation as a result of a pattern of misconduct at the time of his arrest."
The Casper case is one of several sex crimes to grab headlines recently in which the Internet linked perpetrators and victims. Law enforcement officials around the country also have in the past accused Craigslist of promoting prostitution.
Scrutiny of Craigslist increased significantly when prosecutors in Boston last year charged that former medical student Philip Markoff used Craigslist to arrange a meeting with masseuse Julissa Brisman. He's accused of shooting her to death last April and of attacking other women he met through the site.
In 2008, Craigslist agreed to tighten its adult services advertisements as part of an agreement with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and with the attorneys general for 43 states and territories, including Wyoming.
Under the agreement, Craigslist started requiring a working telephone number and charging a small credit card fee for each such ad. "Requiring credit card verification and charging a fee to post in this category raises accountability to a point where we expect few illicit ads will remain," Craigslist CEO Jim Buckmaster said in November 2008 in a joint statement with the state prosecutors and the children's center.
Craigslist didn't respond to an e-mail sent to their San Francisco headquarters seeking comment on the Wyoming rape case, although a company phone message requests that press inquiries be made by e-mail.
Blonigen, the Casper prosecutor, said Craigslist was cooperative with Wyoming investigators. "I would prefer that they maybe not run these ads," Blonigen said. "You know somebody's going to do it even if they don't."
Wyoming State Sen. Tony Ross, R-Cheyenne, is a criminal defense attorney and chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee in the state Legislature. He said the committee may have to consider whether state law is up to the challenge of dealing with sexual predators who prowl the Internet. "The world is changing so rapidly here, particularly with regard to Internet, cyber crimes, and things like that, that we're going to see a whole new evolution of law, it seems to me," Ross said.
(Update 2-14-10) Last Tuesday, Ty Oliver McDowell, the alleged actual rapist, appeared before Judge Scott Skavdahl and entered a not-guilty plea in Natrona County District Court. He is being charged with conspiracy to commit sexual assault, which carries a maximum life sentence. He's being held on $250,000 bond in the Natrona County Detention Center and his trial is scheduled for late April.
His codefendant, Jebidiah James Stipe, the victim's ex-"boyfriend," is being held on $500,000 bond. He's yet to be arraigned.
Two men are accused in the crime. One is charged with carrying out the rape. The other, the woman's ex-boyfriend, stands accused of posing as the victim online and claiming she harbored a rape fantasy and wanted to be assaulted.
The case in the central Wyoming city of Casper, population 54,000, illustrates that middle America isn't immune to the dangers of Internet anonymity and predators who target victims through online ads that hint at sex and prostitution.
Prosecutor Mike Blonigen, the Natrona County district attorney, declined to comment on the specifics of the ongoing rape case. But he said Internet cases generally pose a challenge to law enforcement.
"Tracking down who's involved is relatively difficult," Blonigen said. "It's pretty easy to set up a false identity in cyberspace, so that's always an issue. And of course, they have to make some overt act to actually accomplish any of these things. We're not the thought police."
In the Casper case, Blonigen's office has charged Ty Oliver McDowell, 26, of Bar Nunn, a Casper suburb, with three counts of first-degree sexual assault, one count of kidnapping and one count of aggravated burglary. Jebidiah James Stipe, 27, a Marine based in Twentynine Palms, Calif., is charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree sexual assault. Lawyers representing McDowell and Stipe declined comment.
A few days before the Casper woman was raped, she had complained to the Natrona County Sheriff's Department that someone had made a false Craigslist posting about her, including photographs and personal information. The ad read, "Need a real aggressive man with no concern for women," authorities said.
Craigslist took the advertisement down when the woman complained. Yet prosecutors say it was posted long enough to catch the attention of McDowell, a medical technologist.
According to a statement filed in court by Natrona County Sheriff's Deputy Todd Sexton, McDowell waived his right to remain silent and talked to deputies investigating the case. "McDowell admitted to going to the victim's residence ... and having sexual contact with (the woman) to fulfill a 'rape fantasy' for her," Sexton wrote.
McDowell told investigators that he had corresponded with a person he thought was the woman at an e-mail address featured on the advertisement, Sexton wrote. However, prosecutors charge that McDowell was actually communicating by e-mail with Stipe, the woman's former boyfriend. They say Stipe posted the ad to set the woman up for the attack without her knowledge.
The San Bernardino County (Calif.) Sheriff's Department on Dec. 16 arrested Stipe, a private first-class in the U.S. Marine Corps then stationed at Twentynine Palms. A spokeswoman for the Marine Corps said Stipe enlisted in July 2001 and, "was being processed for administrative separation as a result of a pattern of misconduct at the time of his arrest."
The Casper case is one of several sex crimes to grab headlines recently in which the Internet linked perpetrators and victims. Law enforcement officials around the country also have in the past accused Craigslist of promoting prostitution.
Scrutiny of Craigslist increased significantly when prosecutors in Boston last year charged that former medical student Philip Markoff used Craigslist to arrange a meeting with masseuse Julissa Brisman. He's accused of shooting her to death last April and of attacking other women he met through the site.
In 2008, Craigslist agreed to tighten its adult services advertisements as part of an agreement with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and with the attorneys general for 43 states and territories, including Wyoming.
Under the agreement, Craigslist started requiring a working telephone number and charging a small credit card fee for each such ad. "Requiring credit card verification and charging a fee to post in this category raises accountability to a point where we expect few illicit ads will remain," Craigslist CEO Jim Buckmaster said in November 2008 in a joint statement with the state prosecutors and the children's center.
Craigslist didn't respond to an e-mail sent to their San Francisco headquarters seeking comment on the Wyoming rape case, although a company phone message requests that press inquiries be made by e-mail.
Blonigen, the Casper prosecutor, said Craigslist was cooperative with Wyoming investigators. "I would prefer that they maybe not run these ads," Blonigen said. "You know somebody's going to do it even if they don't."
Wyoming State Sen. Tony Ross, R-Cheyenne, is a criminal defense attorney and chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee in the state Legislature. He said the committee may have to consider whether state law is up to the challenge of dealing with sexual predators who prowl the Internet. "The world is changing so rapidly here, particularly with regard to Internet, cyber crimes, and things like that, that we're going to see a whole new evolution of law, it seems to me," Ross said.
(Update 2-14-10) Last Tuesday, Ty Oliver McDowell, the alleged actual rapist, appeared before Judge Scott Skavdahl and entered a not-guilty plea in Natrona County District Court. He is being charged with conspiracy to commit sexual assault, which carries a maximum life sentence. He's being held on $250,000 bond in the Natrona County Detention Center and his trial is scheduled for late April.
His codefendant, Jebidiah James Stipe, the victim's ex-"boyfriend," is being held on $500,000 bond. He's yet to be arraigned.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Kansas city metro man faces death penalty for strangling wife, killing baby
A suburban Kansas City, KS man faces either the rest of his life in prison or the death penalty for killing his wife, then dumping her body along the side of the road. Jason Cott, 30, of Overland Park, KS, was charged with capital murder for strangling his wife, and killing their unborn child. Capital murder carries life without parole or the death penalty. Johnson County prosecutors also have the option of filing two 1st degree murder charges, which carry a minimum sentence of 50 years without parole.
On Jan. 20, authorities found the body of Angela Cott, 29, along U.S. 69 in Miami County but soon transferred the case to Lenexa police. They said they believed she was killed at the Knights Inn, 9630 Rosehill Road.
The capital charge is possible because of what is known as Alexa’s Law, passed three years ago. The Kansas law makes it a crime to kill or wound an unborn child during an attack on the mother. The law is similar to federal law signed in 2004. It was passed after Scott Peterson killed his wife, Laci, and her unborn son in California.
This is the second time the Kansas law has been used in Johnson County. The first time this charge was used was when Brandon Reed killed his "girlfriend," Christina Osburn, in her Shawnee KS apartment. He was sentenced to life without parole last year.
On Jan. 20, authorities found the body of Angela Cott, 29, along U.S. 69 in Miami County but soon transferred the case to Lenexa police. They said they believed she was killed at the Knights Inn, 9630 Rosehill Road.
The capital charge is possible because of what is known as Alexa’s Law, passed three years ago. The Kansas law makes it a crime to kill or wound an unborn child during an attack on the mother. The law is similar to federal law signed in 2004. It was passed after Scott Peterson killed his wife, Laci, and her unborn son in California.
This is the second time the Kansas law has been used in Johnson County. The first time this charge was used was when Brandon Reed killed his "girlfriend," Christina Osburn, in her Shawnee KS apartment. He was sentenced to life without parole last year.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Calgary, Alberta man's bail hearing on rape charges
(Original Post 5-7-08)
Obsession over a former co-worker led a city man to repeatedly rape her — and possibly contemplate killing her —a prosecutor charged today.
Crown lawyer Pat Yelle said the woman had to flee the man’s northwest Calgary home half naked, with her hands cuffed behind her back, to escape.
But defence lawyer Tonii Roulston said David Michael Gendreau has a right to be presumed innocent and will be taking his case to trial.
“I’m not going to put forward a case, I’ll save that for the trial judge,” Roulston said, at a hearing to determine if Gendreau could be released on bail.
The former supervisor with Canada Post faces charges of sexual assault and unlawful confinement in connection with an incident at his Charleswood home on Jan. 31.
Yelle told provincial court Judge Catherine Skene the woman fled Gendreau’s home after being held for nearly six hours and repeatedly raped.
The prosecutor said the woman was only able to escape when Gendreau fell asleep and she was able to loosen a rope he had tide to the handcuffs which bound her wrists behind her back.
The harrowing assault left the victim believing she would be murdered when Gendreau discussed having to go to her home to retrieve a glass which might contain his fingerprints after they had consumed beer there earlier.
“At that point she was terrified he was planning on killing her,” said Yelle.
Gendreau tied a rope to her handcuffs and laid on top of it so he could fall asleep, she said.
The woman, naked from the waist down, was able to escape to a nearby home and call police, who found Gendreau had loaded her abandoned purse and clothing into his car, said Yelle.
Roulston argued it was “sheer speculation” her client considered murdering the woman and argued there were inconstancies in her story.
The lawyer also dismissed suggestions he was obsessed with the victim, noting he has not tried to contact her while in the Calgary Remand Centre since Feb. 1.
Skene will decide this afternoon whether she’s ready to make a decision.
(Update 11-29-09) On December 18, Gendreau will be sentenced for 5 counts of sexual assault after being convicted of sexual assault and unlawful confinement. Justice Scott Brooker ruled that when he attacked his former coworker, that there were five separate sexual assaults in 5 hours, instead of the assault being treated as a single crime. Crown prosecutor Gary Cornfield stated that Gendreau's fantasies about the victim indicate planning of the attack against her.
"I find all five of those assaults took place essentially as described by the complainant," Jutice Brooker said.
Cornfield wants a prison sentence between 5 and 7 years, a permanent weapons ban, SO registration, a $100 fine, and a DNA requirement imposed on Gendreau at the sentencing. As for Gendreau, he continued to deny his involvement in the assault. "You're going to charge me, convict me, take my DNA, register me as a sex offender and then you want to fine me? For something I didn't do? Are you high?"
Obsession over a former co-worker led a city man to repeatedly rape her — and possibly contemplate killing her —a prosecutor charged today.
Crown lawyer Pat Yelle said the woman had to flee the man’s northwest Calgary home half naked, with her hands cuffed behind her back, to escape.
But defence lawyer Tonii Roulston said David Michael Gendreau has a right to be presumed innocent and will be taking his case to trial.
“I’m not going to put forward a case, I’ll save that for the trial judge,” Roulston said, at a hearing to determine if Gendreau could be released on bail.
The former supervisor with Canada Post faces charges of sexual assault and unlawful confinement in connection with an incident at his Charleswood home on Jan. 31.
Yelle told provincial court Judge Catherine Skene the woman fled Gendreau’s home after being held for nearly six hours and repeatedly raped.
The prosecutor said the woman was only able to escape when Gendreau fell asleep and she was able to loosen a rope he had tide to the handcuffs which bound her wrists behind her back.
The harrowing assault left the victim believing she would be murdered when Gendreau discussed having to go to her home to retrieve a glass which might contain his fingerprints after they had consumed beer there earlier.
“At that point she was terrified he was planning on killing her,” said Yelle.
Gendreau tied a rope to her handcuffs and laid on top of it so he could fall asleep, she said.
The woman, naked from the waist down, was able to escape to a nearby home and call police, who found Gendreau had loaded her abandoned purse and clothing into his car, said Yelle.
Roulston argued it was “sheer speculation” her client considered murdering the woman and argued there were inconstancies in her story.
The lawyer also dismissed suggestions he was obsessed with the victim, noting he has not tried to contact her while in the Calgary Remand Centre since Feb. 1.
Skene will decide this afternoon whether she’s ready to make a decision.
(Update 11-29-09) On December 18, Gendreau will be sentenced for 5 counts of sexual assault after being convicted of sexual assault and unlawful confinement. Justice Scott Brooker ruled that when he attacked his former coworker, that there were five separate sexual assaults in 5 hours, instead of the assault being treated as a single crime. Crown prosecutor Gary Cornfield stated that Gendreau's fantasies about the victim indicate planning of the attack against her.
"I find all five of those assaults took place essentially as described by the complainant," Jutice Brooker said.
Cornfield wants a prison sentence between 5 and 7 years, a permanent weapons ban, SO registration, a $100 fine, and a DNA requirement imposed on Gendreau at the sentencing. As for Gendreau, he continued to deny his involvement in the assault. "You're going to charge me, convict me, take my DNA, register me as a sex offender and then you want to fine me? For something I didn't do? Are you high?"
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Federal marshal charged with coercing woman into sexual relationship
A 48 year old deputy US marshal was charged with luring, then coercing a woman less than half of his age into a sexual relationship, stating that she would lose her child if she did not comply with his advances.
According to the criminal complaint, 48 year old Timothy Moseley, charged with one count of capturing an image of nudity without consent and two counts of false imprisonment, met the then 20 year old woman online back in April and immediately told her that he was in law enforcement and coerced her into "dating" him.
In the summer, the sexual abuse escalated, with Moseley gagging and binding the woman while taking pictures of her he threatened to post of Facebook. In another incident, Moseley allegedly gave the victim a drink causing her to pass out. When she awoke, she was on his bead, nude and surrounded by rose petals. Investigators found photos of the victim bound and passed out with the rose petals American Beauty style.
Moseley, a supervisory deputy assigned to the Eastern District of Wisconsin, has been placed on paid administrative leave pending a review of his status with the agency, according to Jeff Carter, a spokesman for the U.S. Marshal's Service in Washington, D.C.
Moseley was assigned to the Eastern District in January after being transferred from Wyoming, where he was chief deputy for that district, Carter said in an e-mail.
Moseley made an initial court appearance Tuesday, October 13 and bond was set at $20,000.
According to the criminal complaint, 48 year old Timothy Moseley, charged with one count of capturing an image of nudity without consent and two counts of false imprisonment, met the then 20 year old woman online back in April and immediately told her that he was in law enforcement and coerced her into "dating" him.
In the summer, the sexual abuse escalated, with Moseley gagging and binding the woman while taking pictures of her he threatened to post of Facebook. In another incident, Moseley allegedly gave the victim a drink causing her to pass out. When she awoke, she was on his bead, nude and surrounded by rose petals. Investigators found photos of the victim bound and passed out with the rose petals American Beauty style.
Moseley, a supervisory deputy assigned to the Eastern District of Wisconsin, has been placed on paid administrative leave pending a review of his status with the agency, according to Jeff Carter, a spokesman for the U.S. Marshal's Service in Washington, D.C.
Moseley was assigned to the Eastern District in January after being transferred from Wyoming, where he was chief deputy for that district, Carter said in an e-mail.
Moseley made an initial court appearance Tuesday, October 13 and bond was set at $20,000.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Milwaukee's North Side Strangler suspect pleads "Not Guilty"
Milwaukee’s North Side Strangler, allegedly Walter E. Ellis, was arraigned during his preliminary hearing yesterday. His not guilty plea to the seven counts of 1st degree intentional homicide came after a preliminary hearing during which Ellis’ DNA match with the killer’s and the strangulation death of all seven women, played a crucial role in the state’s argument that Ellis should be tried for the murders.
The preliminary hearing featured a parade of 18 current and retired Milwaukee police detectives who testified about the crime scenes, the gathering of DNA evidence and its transport to the State Crime Laboratory.
Milwaukee County Medical Examiner Christopher Happy testified that the cause of death in each case was strangulation.
The state moved into evidence reports from the lab that matched DNA from the crime scenes to DNA taken from Ellis' cheeks on Sept. 8 after he had been arrested.
At the end of testimony, Ellis' attorney, Russell J.A. Jones, requested that the case be dismissed because the only evidence offered was that Ellis' DNA was found at the crime scenes - along with DNA from other men, in some instances. At best, Jones said, the state showed that Ellis had sex with six of the victims. In one case, his DNA was on a small can of pepper spray found under the victim.
Assistant District Attorney Mark Williams argued that it was not a coincidence or an accident that Ellis' DNA was found on or near all seven victims, over a 21-year period, and that all had died by virtually the same manner. Williams said the "only reasonable inference" was that Ellis committed the crimes.
Circuit Judge Rebecca Dallet ordered Ellis bound over for a May trial and also ordered no contact with his “girlfriend,” Tressie Johnson by any means except through his attorney. Johnson was arrested with Ellis September 5, but released a few days later.
Among the many relatives attending the preliminary hearing were Florence McCormick’s father and daughter. After detectives showed that she was found tied to a utility tub in a basement, nude except for a pair of socks because the killer had stuffed her underwear and pants down her mouth, they cried, recovering enough to give the following statements:
"I'm upset that he said 'not guilty,' but I'm glad they're putting him on trial," "I'm upset that he said 'not guilty,' but I'm glad they're putting him on trial," said Korona Richmond, whose mother, Florence McCormick, was murdered in 1995.
"What I want to know is, why did he kill my daughter?" asked Cornelius Thomas, after the hearing produced no hint of that answer.
Irene Smith’s older brother Sammy said "It's like a dream come true but like a nightmare all over again. It's like bringing her funeral back to the surface. I don't know how to deal with it, if I should be happy, sad, mad . . . I'm glad the killer's no longer on the streets. Who knows when he was going to kill next?"
Smith was killed in the fall of 1992 after Ellis bribed his way out of a halfway house, according to prosecutors.
The preliminary hearing featured a parade of 18 current and retired Milwaukee police detectives who testified about the crime scenes, the gathering of DNA evidence and its transport to the State Crime Laboratory.
Milwaukee County Medical Examiner Christopher Happy testified that the cause of death in each case was strangulation.
The state moved into evidence reports from the lab that matched DNA from the crime scenes to DNA taken from Ellis' cheeks on Sept. 8 after he had been arrested.
At the end of testimony, Ellis' attorney, Russell J.A. Jones, requested that the case be dismissed because the only evidence offered was that Ellis' DNA was found at the crime scenes - along with DNA from other men, in some instances. At best, Jones said, the state showed that Ellis had sex with six of the victims. In one case, his DNA was on a small can of pepper spray found under the victim.
Assistant District Attorney Mark Williams argued that it was not a coincidence or an accident that Ellis' DNA was found on or near all seven victims, over a 21-year period, and that all had died by virtually the same manner. Williams said the "only reasonable inference" was that Ellis committed the crimes.
Circuit Judge Rebecca Dallet ordered Ellis bound over for a May trial and also ordered no contact with his “girlfriend,” Tressie Johnson by any means except through his attorney. Johnson was arrested with Ellis September 5, but released a few days later.
Among the many relatives attending the preliminary hearing were Florence McCormick’s father and daughter. After detectives showed that she was found tied to a utility tub in a basement, nude except for a pair of socks because the killer had stuffed her underwear and pants down her mouth, they cried, recovering enough to give the following statements:
"I'm upset that he said 'not guilty,' but I'm glad they're putting him on trial," "I'm upset that he said 'not guilty,' but I'm glad they're putting him on trial," said Korona Richmond, whose mother, Florence McCormick, was murdered in 1995.
"What I want to know is, why did he kill my daughter?" asked Cornelius Thomas, after the hearing produced no hint of that answer.
Irene Smith’s older brother Sammy said "It's like a dream come true but like a nightmare all over again. It's like bringing her funeral back to the surface. I don't know how to deal with it, if I should be happy, sad, mad . . . I'm glad the killer's no longer on the streets. Who knows when he was going to kill next?"
Smith was killed in the fall of 1992 after Ellis bribed his way out of a halfway house, according to prosecutors.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
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.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Spouse charged with domestic battery for trying to forcibly impregnate wife
A woman from Pittsfield, MA was charged with domestic assault after trying to use her brother's sperm and a turkey baster to impregnate her wife on Tuedsay. According to police reports, Stepanie Lightner, 26, tried to inseminate her wife Jennifer Lightner, 33 with a turkey baster while she was drunk. The victim had said that Stephanie was thinking about impregnating her for "some time."
According to a report by Pittsfield Police Officer Kipp D. Steinman: "Jennifer said that Stephanie had a 'turkey baster and her brother's semen in a sealed container.' Jennifer said she told Stephanie that she didn't want to get pregnant."
The device was actually a large syringe with a catheter tip, police said, and it was still in its original package when officers confiscated the item. That's allegedly when Stephanie threw Jennifer on the couch, grabbed at her clothes and threatened to impregnate her, police said.
Jennifer was able to break free by locking herself in the bathroom, but Stephanie managed to break down the door (and hurt her wrist). Jen attempted to escape in the couple's SUV while Steph tended to the hurt wrist, but managed to jump on the side of the vehicle and swing the door open.
Detective Thomas H. Harrington stated Jennifer declined to press charges for assault with intent to rape because the victim didn't believe "Stephanie was going to sexually assault her with the syringe." These charges can always be brought up at a later time, according to Massachusetts law. Stephanie was released on her own recognizance, and ordered to refrain from violence and show up at Central Berkshire District Court for a pretrial hearing April 29.
According to a report by Pittsfield Police Officer Kipp D. Steinman: "Jennifer said that Stephanie had a 'turkey baster and her brother's semen in a sealed container.' Jennifer said she told Stephanie that she didn't want to get pregnant."
The device was actually a large syringe with a catheter tip, police said, and it was still in its original package when officers confiscated the item. That's allegedly when Stephanie threw Jennifer on the couch, grabbed at her clothes and threatened to impregnate her, police said.
Jennifer was able to break free by locking herself in the bathroom, but Stephanie managed to break down the door (and hurt her wrist). Jen attempted to escape in the couple's SUV while Steph tended to the hurt wrist, but managed to jump on the side of the vehicle and swing the door open.
Detective Thomas H. Harrington stated Jennifer declined to press charges for assault with intent to rape because the victim didn't believe "Stephanie was going to sexually assault her with the syringe." These charges can always be brought up at a later time, according to Massachusetts law. Stephanie was released on her own recognizance, and ordered to refrain from violence and show up at Central Berkshire District Court for a pretrial hearing April 29.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Woman held in beatings, object rapes of 16 year old niece
Mara L. Escobar, 35, of Worcester, MA was held on $25,000 bond and ordered to stay away from the 16 year old niece that she allegedly held in a "Cinderella" type situation for 5 years, where the victim suffered beatings, deprivtions as compared with cousins who lived in the same home, and rapes during her last year in servitude.
Arraigned yesterday in Worcester District Court, Escobar was charged with assault and battery, three counts of assault and battery on a child with injury, five counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and two counts of rape of a child with force.
Ms. Escobar was arrested last week after police said she held the girl in a “Cinderella-type situation” for five years, during which Ms. Escobar beat and raped the girl. Police said the girl told a social worker in September that she had been sexually assaulted and physically abused. The social worker notified the Department of Children and Families, which in turn notified the district attorney’s office and Worcester police. Detective Laura J. LaLiberte was the lead investigator for the Special Crimes Division.
Police said that while the girl lived with the woman and her two biological daughters, her mistreatment went beyond physical assault. For example, her daughters’ bedrooms were well-appointed with televisions, DVD players, video games, toys and wall posters. The other girl’s room was Spartan, with bare walls, a bureau, a single bed with one fitted sheet and a single blanket. The girl did the housework, police said.
According to authorities, the rapes, which involved objects such as a rose with thorns, ocured between June 1 last year and September this year. Escobar's next court appearance will be December 12.
Arraigned yesterday in Worcester District Court, Escobar was charged with assault and battery, three counts of assault and battery on a child with injury, five counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and two counts of rape of a child with force.
Ms. Escobar was arrested last week after police said she held the girl in a “Cinderella-type situation” for five years, during which Ms. Escobar beat and raped the girl. Police said the girl told a social worker in September that she had been sexually assaulted and physically abused. The social worker notified the Department of Children and Families, which in turn notified the district attorney’s office and Worcester police. Detective Laura J. LaLiberte was the lead investigator for the Special Crimes Division.
Police said that while the girl lived with the woman and her two biological daughters, her mistreatment went beyond physical assault. For example, her daughters’ bedrooms were well-appointed with televisions, DVD players, video games, toys and wall posters. The other girl’s room was Spartan, with bare walls, a bureau, a single bed with one fitted sheet and a single blanket. The girl did the housework, police said.
According to authorities, the rapes, which involved objects such as a rose with thorns, ocured between June 1 last year and September this year. Escobar's next court appearance will be December 12.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Memphis officer arrigned on threats against estranged wife
A Memphis police officer who has been with his department since June 2006 was arraigned in a Shelby County, TN court Wednesday afer being accused of allegedly pointing his service revolver at his estranged wife, Mattie Burch and threatening to "blow her to hell." Robert Burch, 39, was relieved of his duties pending an internal investigation, according to police spokeswoman Monique Martin.
Burch was the 3rd Memphis officer arrested on violence charges in the past month. On September 15, Regina Thompson, 23, was charged with aggravated assault and aggravated battery for threatening her ex-boyfriend, and Chancy Jones, 37, was accused of shooting to death 31 year old Phyllis Malone behind the wheel of her car September 9.
Burch was the 3rd Memphis officer arrested on violence charges in the past month. On September 15, Regina Thompson, 23, was charged with aggravated assault and aggravated battery for threatening her ex-boyfriend, and Chancy Jones, 37, was accused of shooting to death 31 year old Phyllis Malone behind the wheel of her car September 9.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
"Butcher of Bega" charged with assaulting patients
Australian doctor charged with assaulting patients
By KRISTEN GELINEAU Associated Press Writer
Posted: Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2008
SYDNEY, Australia A former gynecologist was arrested Wednesday in Australia on charges that he sexually assaulted several patients and mutilated the genitals of at least one of them during surgery, authorities said.
Graeme Reeves, 58, was arrested in Sydney following an investigation into 113 allegations of misconduct involving at least 10 patients between 2001 and 2003 in Sydney and the southern New South Wales town of Bega.
Reeves, dubbed the "Butcher of Bega" by the Australian media, was charged with nine counts of aggravated sexual assault, six counts of indecent assault, one count of female genital mutilation and one count of maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm.
He faces life in prison if convicted on all charges.
Reeves appeared briefly in court Wednesday but did not enter a plea. His lawyer, Greg Murray, argued for bail, but Parramatta Local Court Magistrate James Garbett rejected the request, calling the former doctor a flight risk. Reeves' next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 5.
A message left on Murray's mobile phone seeking comment was not immediately returned.
Child Protection and Sex Crimes Squad Superintendent John Kerlatec said in a statement that the charges filed against Reeves "are a testament of the courage demonstrated by these women who have bravely come forward to report such traumatic events."
One patient, who underwent surgery in 2002 to remove a lesion from her labia, told reporters earlier this year that as she was falling asleep from general anesthesia before the operation, Reeves whispered to her that he planned to remove her clitoris. The woman said all her external genitalia were removed during the operation.
Reeves was appointed as a visiting medical officer in obstetrics and gynecology at Sydney's Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital in 1985. Over the next 15 years, 35 complaints were lodged against him by co-workers and patients, including accusations that he bullied staff and failed to offer patients proper anesthesia and pain relief during procedures.
In 1997, a professional standards committee of the state's medical board held an inquiry into
Reeves' conduct after one of his patients died of septicemia after giving birth because he refused to give her antibiotics. The board found him guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct and ordered him to stop practicing obstetrics - though he was allowed to continue working as a doctor at various hospitals.
Reeves also was ordered to receive psychiatric treatment after the board determined he suffered from personality problems and depression that impaired his ability to practice medicine.
But Reeves continued to practice obstetrics. In 2004, his license was revoked for defying the board's orders.
Police declined to release additional details of the allegations against Reeves.
By KRISTEN GELINEAU Associated Press Writer
Posted: Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2008
SYDNEY, Australia A former gynecologist was arrested Wednesday in Australia on charges that he sexually assaulted several patients and mutilated the genitals of at least one of them during surgery, authorities said.
Graeme Reeves, 58, was arrested in Sydney following an investigation into 113 allegations of misconduct involving at least 10 patients between 2001 and 2003 in Sydney and the southern New South Wales town of Bega.
Reeves, dubbed the "Butcher of Bega" by the Australian media, was charged with nine counts of aggravated sexual assault, six counts of indecent assault, one count of female genital mutilation and one count of maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm.
He faces life in prison if convicted on all charges.
Reeves appeared briefly in court Wednesday but did not enter a plea. His lawyer, Greg Murray, argued for bail, but Parramatta Local Court Magistrate James Garbett rejected the request, calling the former doctor a flight risk. Reeves' next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 5.
A message left on Murray's mobile phone seeking comment was not immediately returned.
Child Protection and Sex Crimes Squad Superintendent John Kerlatec said in a statement that the charges filed against Reeves "are a testament of the courage demonstrated by these women who have bravely come forward to report such traumatic events."
One patient, who underwent surgery in 2002 to remove a lesion from her labia, told reporters earlier this year that as she was falling asleep from general anesthesia before the operation, Reeves whispered to her that he planned to remove her clitoris. The woman said all her external genitalia were removed during the operation.
Reeves was appointed as a visiting medical officer in obstetrics and gynecology at Sydney's Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital in 1985. Over the next 15 years, 35 complaints were lodged against him by co-workers and patients, including accusations that he bullied staff and failed to offer patients proper anesthesia and pain relief during procedures.
In 1997, a professional standards committee of the state's medical board held an inquiry into
Reeves' conduct after one of his patients died of septicemia after giving birth because he refused to give her antibiotics. The board found him guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct and ordered him to stop practicing obstetrics - though he was allowed to continue working as a doctor at various hospitals.
Reeves also was ordered to receive psychiatric treatment after the board determined he suffered from personality problems and depression that impaired his ability to practice medicine.
But Reeves continued to practice obstetrics. In 2004, his license was revoked for defying the board's orders.
Police declined to release additional details of the allegations against Reeves.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Australian stripper ordered to stand trial for "rape" by sex toy
Mex Cooper
September 10, 2008
A STRIPPER has been ordered to stand trial for the alleged rape of a best man at a bucks' party.
Linda Maree Naggs, 39, pleaded not guilty to penetrating the man with a sex toy at the party on the Mornington Peninsula in September last year.
The best man told police he felt violated, disgusted and less of a man after Naggs sexually penetrated him with a vibrator during a striptease performed in front of a cheering crowd of up to 30 men.
The man, who cannot be identified, told police he was participating in the act when he was shocked to feel a sharp pain. Melbourne Magistrates Court was told that guests at the party intervened when the pair then became involved in a heated argument.
Naggs told police that she had told the man that he had "pushed back on me".
"I said, 'I apologise if you're hurt but I didn't do it'."
Naggs said the best man punched her in the back of the head, causing her to bleed, and demanded his money back.
Naggs' minder, Cheryl Buckley, told the court that guests at the party had been "off their heads", loud and aggressive. She said a stripper who performed before Naggs at the party warned the women the men were "nasty arrogant pigs".
Magistrate Elizabeth Lambden said there had been inconsistencies in the accounts given by party guests, but there was enough evidence to support a conviction. Naggs was ordered to stand trial in the County Court in July.
September 10, 2008
A STRIPPER has been ordered to stand trial for the alleged rape of a best man at a bucks' party.
Linda Maree Naggs, 39, pleaded not guilty to penetrating the man with a sex toy at the party on the Mornington Peninsula in September last year.
The best man told police he felt violated, disgusted and less of a man after Naggs sexually penetrated him with a vibrator during a striptease performed in front of a cheering crowd of up to 30 men.
The man, who cannot be identified, told police he was participating in the act when he was shocked to feel a sharp pain. Melbourne Magistrates Court was told that guests at the party intervened when the pair then became involved in a heated argument.
Naggs told police that she had told the man that he had "pushed back on me".
"I said, 'I apologise if you're hurt but I didn't do it'."
Naggs said the best man punched her in the back of the head, causing her to bleed, and demanded his money back.
Naggs' minder, Cheryl Buckley, told the court that guests at the party had been "off their heads", loud and aggressive. She said a stripper who performed before Naggs at the party warned the women the men were "nasty arrogant pigs".
Magistrate Elizabeth Lambden said there had been inconsistencies in the accounts given by party guests, but there was enough evidence to support a conviction. Naggs was ordered to stand trial in the County Court in July.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Probation officer charged with sexual battery by an authority figure for groping DUI offender
77 year old William Baker, a Maury County, TN probation officer, is in jail charged with groping one of his clients twice during a routine visit.
As a probation officer, Baker handled misdemeanor cases for years. About two weeks ago, Maury County Sheriff's detectives received a complaint from a woman who claimed her probation officer groped her during a meeting.
The woman said that she was at Baker’s mercy because because “he holds our fate in his hands. Basically we're probationaries and all he could do with a phone call is can mess up our entire life."
In an exclusive interview with NewsChannel 5, she said Baker abused his power to sexually assault her. She said he touched her in the upper torso area.
During the interview she started to cry. She said her experience also made her mad, mad enough to go to the sheriff's office. Detectives said she bravely agreed to go back to Baker with a hidden camera. This meant facing more of the alleged abuse.
"He did the exact same thing he had done the Monday before," she said. "I wasn't going to let this guy continue doing this to me. I'm sorry.
The woman agreed to wear a wire and meet with Baker again, when she was allegedly groped a second time – this time, on tape. After a grand jury review, Maury County prosecutors indicted Baker on a sexual assault and a sexual battery by an authority figure charge.
Baker said that he did not touch the woman intentionally. "I gave her a cup and my hand was up and when I turned around she was right there. My hand fell on her and that's it," he said.
Baker said the complaint is a misunderstanding. "No, I have been there for all these years, and I haven't done it," he said.
When asked if he thought the complainant was lying, he said, ‘No, I tried to help her, to keep her from losing her job and going to jail."
Baker was booked into the Maury County jail on a $20,000 bond. He will answer to the charges against him on Thursday.
Maury County investigators believe there are more victims out there, and want any potential victims to call the Maury County Sheriff’s Office. The victim believes that the call for additional victims is necessary.
"He touches women inappropriately and I am not the only one. Surely to goodness, there will be others that come forward."
As a probation officer, Baker handled misdemeanor cases for years. About two weeks ago, Maury County Sheriff's detectives received a complaint from a woman who claimed her probation officer groped her during a meeting.
The woman said that she was at Baker’s mercy because because “he holds our fate in his hands. Basically we're probationaries and all he could do with a phone call is can mess up our entire life."
In an exclusive interview with NewsChannel 5, she said Baker abused his power to sexually assault her. She said he touched her in the upper torso area.
During the interview she started to cry. She said her experience also made her mad, mad enough to go to the sheriff's office. Detectives said she bravely agreed to go back to Baker with a hidden camera. This meant facing more of the alleged abuse.
"He did the exact same thing he had done the Monday before," she said. "I wasn't going to let this guy continue doing this to me. I'm sorry.
The woman agreed to wear a wire and meet with Baker again, when she was allegedly groped a second time – this time, on tape. After a grand jury review, Maury County prosecutors indicted Baker on a sexual assault and a sexual battery by an authority figure charge.
Baker said that he did not touch the woman intentionally. "I gave her a cup and my hand was up and when I turned around she was right there. My hand fell on her and that's it," he said.
Baker said the complaint is a misunderstanding. "No, I have been there for all these years, and I haven't done it," he said.
When asked if he thought the complainant was lying, he said, ‘No, I tried to help her, to keep her from losing her job and going to jail."
Baker was booked into the Maury County jail on a $20,000 bond. He will answer to the charges against him on Thursday.
Maury County investigators believe there are more victims out there, and want any potential victims to call the Maury County Sheriff’s Office. The victim believes that the call for additional victims is necessary.
"He touches women inappropriately and I am not the only one. Surely to goodness, there will be others that come forward."
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Worcester, MA man held on $100,000 bond for attack on girlfriend
Robert P. Abrahamian, 41, remains held in Worcester, MA on $100,000 cash bail for charges stemming from a relationship which a prosecutor characterized as abusive “from beginning to end.” Judge Bruce R. Henry refused a request from his lawyer, Christopher P. LoConto to lower bail to $20,000 cash, an amount which LoConto said Abrahamian’s family may be able to post.
[Abrahamian] is awaiting trial in Worcester Superior Court on two counts each of rape, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, and single counts of unarmed robbery, larceny of property valued at less than $250 and intimidation of a witness, crimes that allegedly occurred on various dates from July 2, 2007, to Jan. 26 of this year.
While acknowledging that the charges in the case were “very serious,” Mr. LoConto said Mr. Abrahamian denied the allegations against him and had been found not guilty on a charge of assaulting the same woman in the past. Mr. LoConto also said he had information that Mr. Abrahamian and the complaining witness went to Maine together after the crimes against her were alleged to have been committed. LoConto said that his client would abide by an order of protection regarding the victim.
Assistant District Attorney Paula J. Frasso argued that bail remain the same, saying that the two were involved in a “stormy relationship” which lasted over a year before she “couldn’t take it any more” and went to authorities.
[In July 2007, the victim] reported to authorities that Mr. Abrahamian became violent with her when under the influence of crack cocaine and alcohol and also forced her to have sex with him, Ms. Frasso said.
At the end of the hearing, Judge Henry continued the case to August 21 and refused reduction of bail, stating “Based on the serious nature of the charges, I’m not going to reduce the bail.”
[Abrahamian] is awaiting trial in Worcester Superior Court on two counts each of rape, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, and single counts of unarmed robbery, larceny of property valued at less than $250 and intimidation of a witness, crimes that allegedly occurred on various dates from July 2, 2007, to Jan. 26 of this year.
While acknowledging that the charges in the case were “very serious,” Mr. LoConto said Mr. Abrahamian denied the allegations against him and had been found not guilty on a charge of assaulting the same woman in the past. Mr. LoConto also said he had information that Mr. Abrahamian and the complaining witness went to Maine together after the crimes against her were alleged to have been committed. LoConto said that his client would abide by an order of protection regarding the victim.
Assistant District Attorney Paula J. Frasso argued that bail remain the same, saying that the two were involved in a “stormy relationship” which lasted over a year before she “couldn’t take it any more” and went to authorities.
[In July 2007, the victim] reported to authorities that Mr. Abrahamian became violent with her when under the influence of crack cocaine and alcohol and also forced her to have sex with him, Ms. Frasso said.
At the end of the hearing, Judge Henry continued the case to August 21 and refused reduction of bail, stating “Based on the serious nature of the charges, I’m not going to reduce the bail.”
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wife who died after lingering on life support leads to murder charge
Eugene A. Shade II, 34, of North Adams, MA, was charged with murder yesterday after the wife he allegedly strangled died at the local hospital Wednesday morning. He plead not guilty to murder in Northern Berkshire District Court On July 22, Eugene Shade strangled his wife, 22 year old Julie, and was charged with attempted murder, domestic assault and battery, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (a knife) the next day.
The murder happened after an argument where he snapped after discussing separation with his wife. Shade allegedly strangled his wife with a pillow and his hands, then tried to place a knife to her throat, but could’t go through it. He called 911 turned himself in, and let the police videotape him.
Julie Shade's father, James E. Burdick of North Adams, said her mother and grandmother were with her when she died, sometime after midnight.
"We're at a standstill right now," Burdick said. "I have two grandchildren who have no parents, and I'm going to bury a murdered daughter. I'm holding it together with toothpicks right now. I can't tell you how much crying I've done."
He said his daughter had been on life support since July 22 and survived surgery for a collapsed lung on Saturday.
"Every day she kept breathing was a miracle in itself," he said. "She fought with everything she had. She just did not quit at all, but there was only so much she could take."
Burdick and other members of Julie Shade’s family will set up a trust fund for their two daughters, ages 1 and 3. Funeral arrangements was postponed pending the autopsy, which revealed a "preliminary cause of death was listed as cardiac arrest, secondary to strangulation," Judge Michael J. Ripps ordered Shade held without bail and continued the case until September 8. Thew daughters are in the custody of the Department of Social Services.
The murder happened after an argument where he snapped after discussing separation with his wife. Shade allegedly strangled his wife with a pillow and his hands, then tried to place a knife to her throat, but could’t go through it. He called 911 turned himself in, and let the police videotape him.
Julie Shade's father, James E. Burdick of North Adams, said her mother and grandmother were with her when she died, sometime after midnight.
"We're at a standstill right now," Burdick said. "I have two grandchildren who have no parents, and I'm going to bury a murdered daughter. I'm holding it together with toothpicks right now. I can't tell you how much crying I've done."
He said his daughter had been on life support since July 22 and survived surgery for a collapsed lung on Saturday.
"Every day she kept breathing was a miracle in itself," he said. "She fought with everything she had. She just did not quit at all, but there was only so much she could take."
Burdick and other members of Julie Shade’s family will set up a trust fund for their two daughters, ages 1 and 3. Funeral arrangements was postponed pending the autopsy, which revealed a "preliminary cause of death was listed as cardiac arrest, secondary to strangulation," Judge Michael J. Ripps ordered Shade held without bail and continued the case until September 8. Thew daughters are in the custody of the Department of Social Services.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Serial Seattle gropers claims 2 dozen victims - a suspect arrested
(Original Post 5-23-08)
A groper who attacked a South Seattle woman over the weekend may have assaulted as many as 23 other in Seattle’s Rainier Valley and Beacon Hill neighborhods.
Seattle police reported that the groper ran up behind a woman walking with her child around 10 AM Saturday morning, and touched her on the buttocks. The victim screamed and ran, bringing out witnesses. The groper, described as a fortyish black man standing 5’-10” with skin blemishes, fled into a vehicle described as a 1994 green Jeep Cherokee.
Police think the same man has continued to prey on women despite increased police patrols, widespread publicity and community meetings about the attacks.
Detectives have not yet spoken to the most recent victim and were urging her to come forward, and asking anyone who knows her to refer her to police.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Sexual Assault Unit at 206-684-5575.
The suspect's behavior became more aggressive in the past year, police said. He tried to drag one woman into a dark alley and in January, preyed on two girls, 13 and 14, as they were crossing the street in the 5200 block of 42nd Avenue South.
Groping is considered a “gateway” sexual crime, just like flashing and peeping, and many gropers have turned into rapists, according to authorities.
"That's why are bringing this to the public seeking assistance... ," police spokeswoman Renee Witt said. "It's really important that we talk to this victim from the last attack and any other victims that may be out there."
(Update 5-24-08) There's a suspect in some of the groping cases. Darin Bolar, a father of 2, has been charged with 4th degree assault in the Saturday, May 17 groping and theft of the cell phone of the man who reported it. He was convicted of molesting a teenage girl at a water park and assaulting his girlfriend in the 1990s, and the assault of his girlfriend was pled down from a rape charge. The water park incident lead to a guilty plea and 2 years in prison.
Bolar is a registered Level 1 sex offender, which is the category considered by authorities at minimal risk of recidivism. He is required by law to inform police each time he changes an address, but is not held to more-stringent regular check-ins mandated for higher-risk sex offenders.
A State Patrol sex-offender database shows that Bolar, who has more than a dozen aliases, registered his last known address at 4247 S. Thistle St.
Police think they are looking for at least one other man, possibly a copycat or an accomplice, because of disparities in the descriptions given of the attacker, Witt said.
In all the cases, Asian women were targeted.
(Update 6-6-08) Bolar was in court June 4 for his arrignment. He pleaded not guilty to robbery and assault for the last alleged attack, and is being held on $500,000 bond.
A groper who attacked a South Seattle woman over the weekend may have assaulted as many as 23 other in Seattle’s Rainier Valley and Beacon Hill neighborhods.
Seattle police reported that the groper ran up behind a woman walking with her child around 10 AM Saturday morning, and touched her on the buttocks. The victim screamed and ran, bringing out witnesses. The groper, described as a fortyish black man standing 5’-10” with skin blemishes, fled into a vehicle described as a 1994 green Jeep Cherokee.
Police think the same man has continued to prey on women despite increased police patrols, widespread publicity and community meetings about the attacks.
Detectives have not yet spoken to the most recent victim and were urging her to come forward, and asking anyone who knows her to refer her to police.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Sexual Assault Unit at 206-684-5575.
The suspect's behavior became more aggressive in the past year, police said. He tried to drag one woman into a dark alley and in January, preyed on two girls, 13 and 14, as they were crossing the street in the 5200 block of 42nd Avenue South.
Groping is considered a “gateway” sexual crime, just like flashing and peeping, and many gropers have turned into rapists, according to authorities.
"That's why are bringing this to the public seeking assistance... ," police spokeswoman Renee Witt said. "It's really important that we talk to this victim from the last attack and any other victims that may be out there."
(Update 5-24-08) There's a suspect in some of the groping cases. Darin Bolar, a father of 2, has been charged with 4th degree assault in the Saturday, May 17 groping and theft of the cell phone of the man who reported it. He was convicted of molesting a teenage girl at a water park and assaulting his girlfriend in the 1990s, and the assault of his girlfriend was pled down from a rape charge. The water park incident lead to a guilty plea and 2 years in prison.
Bolar is a registered Level 1 sex offender, which is the category considered by authorities at minimal risk of recidivism. He is required by law to inform police each time he changes an address, but is not held to more-stringent regular check-ins mandated for higher-risk sex offenders.
A State Patrol sex-offender database shows that Bolar, who has more than a dozen aliases, registered his last known address at 4247 S. Thistle St.
Police think they are looking for at least one other man, possibly a copycat or an accomplice, because of disparities in the descriptions given of the attacker, Witt said.
In all the cases, Asian women were targeted.
(Update 6-6-08) Bolar was in court June 4 for his arrignment. He pleaded not guilty to robbery and assault for the last alleged attack, and is being held on $500,000 bond.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Ex-boyfriend charged in suburban Detroit woman's death
Robert Howard, 25 was charged with 1st degree murder for the disapperance and strangulaiton death of his girlfriend, Laci Anne Green, 22. He was Green's live-in boyfriend for 2 years until they broke up a month ago. Green returned to his mother's home in Dearborn Heights.
Green's parents awoke Wednesday morning and noticed their daughter was not in her bedroom; she had left for a walk with Howard hours earlier, police said. The parents did spot Howard in their backyard, but they were unable to find Green after a search of the area.
Police responded about 4:45 a.m. to a 911 call from Green's father and about 6:30 a.m. spotted the body lying in a field about a half-mile south on Hawley near Glenwood.
Howard was arrested shortly after. He gave police several admissions, but hasn't given a formal confession, said Sgt. Steve Borisch.
The arrignment was held in 18th District Court on Friday, as was Green's funeral. Howard's preliminary hearing will be on May 22.
Green's parents awoke Wednesday morning and noticed their daughter was not in her bedroom; she had left for a walk with Howard hours earlier, police said. The parents did spot Howard in their backyard, but they were unable to find Green after a search of the area.
Police responded about 4:45 a.m. to a 911 call from Green's father and about 6:30 a.m. spotted the body lying in a field about a half-mile south on Hawley near Glenwood.
Howard was arrested shortly after. He gave police several admissions, but hasn't given a formal confession, said Sgt. Steve Borisch.
The arrignment was held in 18th District Court on Friday, as was Green's funeral. Howard's preliminary hearing will be on May 22.
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