Jaycee Dugard Surfaces Alive And Well In The Backyard of Phillip and Nance Garrido

Back when it happened in Austria (Josef Fritzel Link) could never happen in the U. S. Now we know that it can happen. Jaycee Dugard was an 11-year-old, blue-eyed, blond when she disappeared from her California home eighteen years ago. Now she has surfaced as a 29-year-old mother of two children. Apparently, Jaycee Dugard was kidnapped and kept locked away in a backyard compound of sheds and tarps by a man and woman accused of abducting her. Her kidnapper, Phillip Garrido, was a registered sex offender prior to the kidnapping.

In 1991, Jaycee was apparently snatched from her front yard in South Lake Tahoe, California by Phillip and Nancy Garrido. Jaycee was then apparently kept in a locked shed in the Garrido's backyard in Antioch, California for 18 years. The Garridos have now been arrested and are charged with kidnapping. Kidnap victim kept in shed

Concealed in the back yard behind brush and trees were a series of sheds with a make shift bathroom and shower. Electricity was supplied by an extension cord. Dugard grew up and allegedly had her captor's children there. Neither Jaycee nor her children ever attended school They are in good health despite never having seen a doctor. Jaycee has two daughters, age 15 and 11. All indications are that Jaycee, her daughters, were well kept despite the primative conditions.

Phillip Garrido has a story to tell. Garrido, 58, is being held for investigation of various kidnapping and sex charges. Garrido was spotted Tuesday with two children as he tried to enter the University of California, Berkeley, campus to hand out religious literature. (Garrido had become a religious fanatic in recent years. ) Officers questioned him and did a background check revealing that he was a parolee and registered sex offender. Garrido appeared for a parole meeting and arrived with Dugard (who identified herself as "Allissa," his wife, and two children.) During questioning he allegedly admitted to kidnapping Dugard. (Garrido denies the admission to police.)

His 54-year-old wife, Nancy Garrido, was with him during the kidnapping in South Lake Tahoe. Both are scheduled to appear at an arraignment hearing on today. Garrido claims that he was a bad person but reformed. He begs the public not to rush to judgment. While in his own mind it may be true, one suspects he will be doing a lot more reforming behind by bars. However, in the meantime,

Tennessee's Answer To Prostitution?

First time male offenders have an option to attend a class in Nashville, Tennessee designed to reduce prostitution. All attendees have been caught trying to buy or barter for a prostitute's services. The one-day program is called the John School. Volunteers, city officials, and representatives of the Magdalene House (nonprofit organization that helps reform prostitutes) all attempt to educate johns about the danger of prostitution.

Part of the curriculum is to educate men about the risks of hiring a prostitute. (The theory is that Women won't stop selling sex until men stop buying.) So rather than arrest suppliers, they are trying to reduce demand through education. Atlanta, Georgia, and Baltimore, Maryland, are among many cities that plan to launch similar programs. John Schools

The contention is that prostitution is not a victimless crime. It contributes to the exploitation of women. It also hurts families and communities. Other countries have also sought to reduce prostitution. China targets prostitutes.

The FBI's 2007 Uniform Crime Report lists about 78,000 arrests for prostitution and commercialized vice. Some opine that the Internet has increased the problem.
But in Nashville the Internet is being used to combat the problem by displaying the johns' faces on a police Web site. Nashville's John school started in the 1990s and the program continues to grow. Only first-time offenders are eligible for John School. If the suspected John pleads guilty, pays a $250 fee and completes the course without another violation, the charge can be dismissed after a year.

San Francisco, California has one of the largest John programs in the country. Statistics indicate that re-arrest rates fell sharply after the school was launched. But some argue that John School are not enough punishment. They advocate more stricter punishment such as putting Johns on a sex offenders list. On the other hand, Sex Workers Outreach Project, advocates legalizing prostitution in California, and thus does not endorse the program. The answer to the demand for prostitution is not clear. In this growing era of sexless marriages, biological needs will always create a demand. Perhaps Blond Bombshell had the answer in her article. LINK. Another answer might be subsidized trips to Nevada where prostitution is a highly regulated legal business. Or, perhaps abstinence such as advocated by the Catholic Church will work. (Although past experience suggest otherwise. LINK. )

Update 9-3-09: Rosa suggests that those interested in reading more on John Schools view the following: VIDEO LINK

Aaron and Alfozo Castro Profit From Classic Comics or Methamphetamines?

The U.S. drug trade is no joke. But ironically, the trade may involve the sale of comics. A methamphetamine ring in the Denver apparently distributed drugs every week and laundered the profits using collectible comic books. Aaron Castro and his brother are accused of being the leaders of the methamphetamine ring according to Colorado Attorney General John Suthers.

During the arrest of Aaron and Alfonzo Castro, officers seized about 100 boxes of first-edition collectible comic books. One of the comics alone is worth $3,500. The total value of the seized collection is around a half a million dollars. There were some first-edition Superman and Batman titles. The Castro brothers allegedly arranged for weekly, multiple-pound shipments of the meth from Phoenix, Arizona. The brothers then allegedly distributed the drugs to a network of dealers around the Denver area. Authorities allege that the brothers used females ("drug mules") to hide methamphetamine inside their vagina. The female delivers would then transport the meth to a series of houses where dealers would allegedly further distribute the drug.

The meth most likely was manufactured in Mexico. Monthly shipments had a street value of about $2 million according to officers. The indictment alleges 145 drug possession and distribution charges from October 2008 to earlier August of 2009. Besides the Castros, 39 other people are listed as defendants. The Castro brothers are also charged with racketeering.
Of the 41 defendants, 40 are in custody. The Castros are currently guests of the Adams County jail on $1 million bond.

Speaking of Superman, Legal Pub joins the world in mourning the death of the Lion of the Senate. While Ted Kennedy may have been far from perfect, few can question that he was entertaining and provided job security for the news media.

Keep in mind as we remember Senator Ted Kennedy, that all suspects, whether they be accused of drug dealing or simply bad politics, are to be considered innocent unless otherwise proven guilty in a court of law.

Brazen Bandit Remains Unidentified Because All Southern Rednecks Look The Same To The FBI?

The FBI is mad. They don't like to look bad. And bad is exactly how the Brazen Bandit has made the FBI look. Despite his image on bank surveillance cameras in eight states, the FBI is no where near catching the Brazen Bandit. The bandit has robbed at least 10 banks in Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

In near desperation, the FBI has posted the suspects image on electronic billboards throughout the South. What really makes the FBI look bad is that the suspect has made no effort to disguise his identity. He doesn't use a mask or any gimmick. FBI agent Kevin Keithley describes the suspect's modus operanda as "uncommon." One has to ponder are stereotypes hindering the investigation? Do all Caucasian, close-cropped hair with goatee redneck bandits look alike?

The bandit makes no effort to cover his face. He even displays his tattoos on both forearms as he gestures to bank employees. The robberies began in May and the most recent was last week in Tennessee. While the bandit puts the gun in the faces of tellers, he has not shot anyone.
The bandits description is: white, about 25 years old, 5 feet 9 to 5 feet 11, 170 to 175 pounds. He has short, reddish-brown hair and a goatee. He is also rumored to drive a pickup truck while listening to country music.

If any one can help the FBI out on this one, please call the FBI at 423-282-8090.

Update 09-14-09: The brazen bandit was allegedly identified by a retired state trooper and is now in custody. When his name is available it will be posted. Congratulations to law enforcement.

Second Update: Agents have have identified the man suspected of being the brazen bandit. The man's name is Chad Earl Schaffner, 36, of Indianapolis, Indiana. Keep in mind, Schaffner is innocent unless otherwise proven in a court of law.

Criminal Procedure And Terminology ~By Legal Pub

In order to best understand criminal procedure, contact a criminal lawyer in your state. For a general understanding of criminal terminology and procedure the following might be helpful in following stories in the news media.

Probable Cause This terminology is most commonly discussed in terms of a traffic stop. In general, before a police officer can stop you for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,the officer must have probable cause that you are impaired or have stopped you for some other valid reason. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration lists visual clues to help identity drunk drivers. If a driver is stopped for another reason and the officer notices an odor of alcohol, slurred speech, blood shot eyes then the officer may have probable cause to investigate further.

Stop

A citizen may be stopped for questioning by the police. A stop is not as an arrest. With a stop you may be detained, but you are not moved to a different location. During a stop the police officer has a right to ask questions; however, the person detained has a right to refuse to answer.

Search Warrants

A search warrant authorizes police to search a specific place such as a business or residence. A warrant must be signed by a judge who first determines that "probable cause" for the warrant exists. In this context, probable cause exists when it is more likely than not that the listed places to be searched for are connected with criminal activities and that the items are likely to be found in the place searched.

Warrantless Searches

While warrants are generally required for searches, a warrant is not required for searches incident to arrest. For example, police are generally permitted to search your body and/or clothing for weapons or other contraband when making a valid arrest. Similarly, if the arrest takes place in a motor vehicle, police may search the open areas of the vehicle. To enter a locked glove compartment; however, probable cause is necessary.

Searches Under Exigent circumstances

If there are "exigent circumstances" which demand immediate action ( such as to avoid the destruction of evidence), than searches may be conducted. Similarly, police do not need a search warrant when they see an object that is in plain view of an officer. An officer may also search your body, your vehicle, or your home with your consent. Such consensual searches do not require a warrant. A person who is stopped or detained by police does not have to consent to a search.

Arrest

If there is probable cause, the suspect can be arrested. In this case, probable cause is a reasonable belief that a crime was committed by the suspect. A warrant for arrest is not necessary. A person arrested has certain constitutional rights. One is the right to remain silent. The second is the right to have an attorney. (Do not waive either right without careful consideration.)

Miranda Rule

So often suspects claim that they were "never read their rights." Under the Miranda Rule, any suspect in police custody must be informed of specific constitutional rights prior to interrogation. The suspects rights include:
The right to remain silent
The right to have an attorney present during questioning
The right to have an attorney appointed if the suspect can not afford an attorney.

What lay people typically don't understand is that Miranda rights do not have to be read until the suspect is taken into custody. Consequently, police can question the suspect before taking them into custody. Prior to being taken into custody, anything said can be used against the suspect in court.

Booking

Once arrested, the suspect is brought down to the police station for booking. The suspect is fingerprinted and asked to give their name and date of birth. The suspect will be searched and photographed. The suspect's personal property will be inventoried, catalogued and stored. The suspect will typically be asked to put on a jail uniform and is then placed in a holding cell.

Arraignment

Criminal charges are filed by the arresting officer providing a report to the prosecutor and the prosecutor executing an affidavit of probable cause. During the arraignment, the suspect makes a court appearance. If the suspect is in jail, the arraignment hearing is usually within 72 hours of the arrest. The suspect is asked to enter a plea. If the suspect pleads "guilty," the suspect is admitting that the crime was committed. A "not guilty" plea asserts that the suspect did not commit the crime. After the plea is entered, a pre-trial hearing and a trial date are typically set. An omnibus date may also be entered. The omnibus date is simply a trigger date for when certain motions are due.

A plea of "no contest" means that while you are not admitting guilt, you do not dispute the charge. Arguably this is preferable to a guilty plea because no admission has been made and thus it may not be admissible in a civil suit. In Indiana and a few other states, a "Mute" plea allows suspect to remain silent as to any plea. A mute plea allows the defendant to attack all previous proceedings that may have been irregular.

A guilty plea will trigger a sentencing hearing where the punishment will be determined. For suspects pleading not guilty, the court will determine whether bail is appropriate. If appropriate, the court will determine the amount of bail or if the suspect can be released on his or her own personal recognizance. Bail" is money or property pledged as security to ensure that the defendant will show up for their next hearing. Bail can be paid:
In cash
A pledge of property

A bail bond

Speedy Trial

The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees that the trial be held within a certain time after a suspect has been charged with a crime. A defendant may waive this right.
In most states, a trial is to be held within 6 months if the defendant is detained in jail ∙ An incarcerated defendant in Indiana can ask for a trial within 70 days. If the defendant is not in jail, he must be tried within one year.

Classes of Crime

A felony is a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. A misdemeanor is usually punishable by a fine or less than a year of incarceration.

Trial

If a defendant does not enter into a plea agreement with the prosecutor, a criminal trial by jury is conducted unless the defendant elects to a trail by the judge. With a misdemeanor, the defendant must make a demand for a jury or the right to a jury will be waived.

Appeals

A convicted defendant is entitled to appeal. Typically, the defendant has 30 days following the judgment to file an appeal. Reasons for an appeal may include Allowing inadmissible evidence during the criminal process, including evidence that was obtained in violation of the defendants constitutional rights. Other reasons may include lack of sufficient evidence to support a verdict of guilty, mistakes in the judge's instructions to the jury, misconduct on behalf of the jurors, or newly discovered evidence that exonerates the defendant.

Expungement

Sometimes a criminal record can be expunged after a defendant has completed their sentence. Expungement means the records will be destroyed. Expungement may occur if there was an arrest but charges were dropped or if your conviction has been reversed. Juvenile records may also be expunged.

For those wishing to follow the news, hopefully this will help you better understand what is happening in and out of the court room. Our constitutional rights are precious and to be safeguarded. If you need legal help, always consult your local attorney.

Ryan Alexander Jenkins Wanted In Connection With the Murder of Jasmine Fiore

One could not help but cringe when the news of a woman's body being found stuffed in a suit case flashed across the screen. It was not too much later that it was revealed that the body was that of Jasmine Fiore, a 28 year old swim suit model who had been missing. Jasmine's body was found Saturday stuffed into a suitcase inside a dumpster behind an apartment complex in Buena Park in California. Jasmine's teeth and fingers had been removed. Jasmine was last seen alive Friday in San Diego at a poker game with her ex-husband, Ryan Alexander Jenkins.

Police consider Ryan Alexander Jenkins to be a suspect. They believe that he may now be in Canada. Police are looking In Canada. If caught, prosecutors have requested bail be $10 million!
Prosecutors requested bail be set at $10 million. A black 2003 BMW X5 SUV outfitted with a boat trailer and a boat belonging to Jenkins were found just south of the Canadian border. Authorities believe Jenkins may have crossed the border on foot. A white 2007 Mercedes Benz CLS550 may also be linked to Jenkins.

Reality TV star sought
Nevada criminal complaint
Canadian complaint
A handgun is apparently missing from Jenkins' apartment, so he is to be considered armed and dangerous. Jenkins reported Fiore missing Saturday night. Her body was identified as Fiore on Monday. It appears the cause of death was strangulation. Jenkins and Fiore were apparently married for a few weeks but apparently got the marriage annulled. Nevada court records indicate that Jenkins was charged with battery in June for allegedly striking Fiore in the arm with his fist. Inan unrelated case in 2007, Jenkins pleaded guilty in Calgary to assault. He was sentenced to 15 months probation. Jenkins has appeared on VH1 shows, "Megan Wants a Millionaire" and "I Love Money 3."

Motel manager Kevin Walker told CTV that a 20 to 25 year old 5 feet, 9 inches tall woman dropped off Jenkins at a motel on Friday. She was driving a silver Chrysler PT Cruiser with Alberta tags.

Keep in mind, Jenkins is to be considered innocent unless otherwise proven in a court of law.

8-24-09 Update: Ryan Alexander Jenkins was found hanging from a coat rack in a motel room in Canada. He apparently committed suicide. The above described woman is a person of interest as she apparently rented the room for Jenkins.

DNA Causes The Release Of Another Innocent Man!

Kenneth Ireland served 21 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. After the discovery of exculpatory DNA, prosecutors dropped all charges against Ireland. Unfortunately, Ireland was not cleared until after he was tried and convicted of raping and murdering Barbara Pelkey. Pelkey was a 30 year-old mother of four who was found dead at the Wallingford manufacturing plant in 1986. In 1989, Ireland was convicted and sentenced to 50 years in prison.
Ireland always maintained his innocence. The Connecticut Innocence Project used DNA evidence from the original crime to exonerate Ireland. A re-test of the evidence proved that there was no way Ireland could have killed Pelkey.

Ireland is now 39 years old. He has spent his whole adult life incarcerated. If James Tillman (wrongfully imprisoned for 18 years) was awarded $5 million from the state, Ireland will likely receive a similar amount. However, no sum, will bring back the twenty years that have been stolen.

What If Any Role Did James Hataway Play In Tracy Ocasio's Disappearance?

Tracy Ocasio is still missing. The 28 year old woman disappeared three months ago after watching a ball game with friends at an Orlando, Florida, sports bar. Police have James Hataway in custody as a person of interest on unrelated charges of battery robbery and false imprisonment arising from a 2008 incident. His role in the disappearance, if any, is unknown. The reward for information concerning Tracy Ocasio's disappearance is $20,000.

Elizabeth Ocasio last spoke with her daughter about 8:30 p.m. May 26. Tracy Ocasio said she planned to come home after watching a televised basketball game with friends at the Florida Tap Room.. She never returned home.

On the afternoon of May 27, police found Tracy Ocasio's car in a rundown neighborhood three miles from the Ocasio home. The car was parked on private property. Tracy's purse was in the car. Tracy's ID, cell phone and car keys were not recovered. James Hataway, 28, is apparently seen on the bar's surveillance tape. It appears that Hataway left the bar with Tracy. Hataway claims that Ocasio had given him a ride home from the bar that night and that he didn't see Ocasio after she dropped him off. Hataway's home was just 200 yards from where Ocasio's car was found. Hataway allegedly took a polygraph test which police claim showed some discrepancies. (However, Legal Pub cautions on overreliance on polygraphs. LINK) No forensic evidence was found to suggest Ocasio was injured or killed inside her car.

Hataway faces charges on an alleged assault of a woman in 2008. He allegedly tried to hurt a woman who was giving him a ride in that incident. Hataway is held on $250,000 bail for the the charges stemming out of the 2008 incident. He has not been charged with regard to Ocasio's death. Hataway is to be considered innocent of all charges unless otherwise proven in a court of law. For any tips on Ocasio's disappearance, please call the tip line at 1-800-423-TIPS. A $20,000 reward is available through the family.

Eliminate Your Risk Of Exposure To Cocaine From Your Money

Could some one be wrongfully convicted based on traces of a narcotic? Before you discount the possibility, consider a recent finding. A dollar bill gets exposed to others through ATMs, trade, cash drawers and dirty pockets thousands of times over the course of its life. As a result, the dollar is exposed to dirt, germs, residue, human DNA and even drugs. A recent study found that 90 percent of paper money circulating in the U.S. contains traces of cocaine. While the amount of cocaine found on dollar bills is not enough to cause health problems, it may be enough to wrongfully convict someone of drug possession.

Money can be contaminated with cocaine during snorts with a bill or just being in close proximity to other bills exposed to cocaine. Therefore, a dollar can become tainted with cocaine in the ATM or in a counting machine or just from being placed in a stack with a contaminated bill.

The American Chemical Society found that $5, $10, $20 and $50 bills were more likely to be positive for cocaine than $1 bills. So what lesson can be learned? Wash your hands after touching cash. This may help present disease. A Southern Medical Journal study published in 2002, found that 94 percent of the bills tested had potentially disease-causing organisms.
Second, keep in mind that contaminated bills could cause a false positive drug test if a person, such as a law enforcement officer or banker, handles contaminated currency repeatedly.
Money handlers could breathe in cocaine and subsequently test positive for cocaine.

Drug-contaminated money is believed to be geographically correlated with population size. A hundred percent of the sample bills collected from major cities tested positive for cocaine. The larger the city, the more likely a bill is contaminated. So, for all you in major cities who are concerned with being exposed to cocaine from your paper currency, send all your money to legalpub@legalpub.net and we will be happy to dispose of your money for you.

Legal Pub Chimes In On Anthony Peters Battering Of Mayor Tom Barrett~ by Patron

Reader: Who attacked the Milwaukee mayor?

Legal Pub: Anthony Peters is the 20-year-old Wisconsin man accused of attacking Tom Barrett, the mayor of Milwaukee with a metal pipe.

Reader: What is the real scoop behind the attack?

Legal Pub: You don't want to hear it. It can apparently be another example of violence arising out of a domestic dispute.

Reader: How could that be?

Legal Pub: The mayor was attacked at the Wisconsin State Fair in nearby West Allis. Mayor Barrett was leaving the event with his family when he heard a woman crying for help. When the mayor started calling 911, the man attacked the mayor and hit him with a metal pipe. Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn told CNN Radio. Police subsequently arrested Anthony Peters in connection with the attack.

Reader: But what is the domestic dispute angle?

Legal Pub: Police say that the original battery of the woman arose out of a domestic dispute. Peters wanted to see his 1-year-old daughter and the woman allegedly said no. Peters allegedly was intoxicated and threatened to shoot himself and others if he did not get to see his daughter.

Reader: How is the Mayor?

Legal Pub: He is going to be just fine. The 55 year old mayor was in stable condition yesterday with a fractured hand and a couple of head lacerations. He should be out of the hospital today.

Reader: So another potential example of a man being pushed over the edge by a woman who controls when and how he sees his kid?

Legal Pub: Perhaps. More information is needed. But keep in mind, violence is never the answer. A presumption of joint parenting may help reduce such incidents. But keep in mind we don't know all of the facts. Also, keep in mind that all of the parties are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

~Patron

Is Dr. Conrad Murray The Victim Of An Investigation Centered Around Proving A Conclusion Made Before Any Investigation Into Michael Jackson's Death?

Sometimes it is obvious when someone needs a good defense lawyer. Few would argue otherwise in the case of Dr. Conrad Murray. Dr. Murray finds himself at the center of the investigation into Michael Jackson's death. Allegedly, Dr. Murray purchased the powerful anesthetic believed to have played a role in Michael Jackson's death. TMZ reported that a supply of Propofol was found in Jackson's house. (According to TMZ, three large bottles and five small vials were found in Jackson's house.)

According to the Los Angeles Times, "three people familiar with the investigation," said that Dr. Conrad Murray admitted to police that he did indeed administer Propofol to Jackson on the day he died. Murray apparently legally purchased the propofol from a Las Vegas store. Dr. Murray is a cardiologist and doctor of internal medicine. He apparently administered medication to Jackson in order to help him sleep. (Jackson's chronic pain was such that he allegedly could not sleep well without being sedated.) It is certainly possible that Jackson was not truthful with his doctor as to all the other drugs that Jackson may have been taking. It is also possible that Jackson's doctor simply made a mistake that was negligent. But negligence does not necessarily mean that a crime was committed.

Murray's lawyer, Edward Chernoff, says that Dr. Murray has been treated unfairly by investigators. "From the beginning, they leaked that propofol killed him ... It has appeared the investigation was designed to support a conclusion they already made with regard to Dr. Murray." It is hard to disagree. It seems that Dr. Murray may be liable to the Jackson estate in civil court. But without an intent to harm Jackson, criminal charges seem overly aggressive. It appears that what Dr. Murray needs is a good lawyer. Only time will tell whether Edward Chernoff can stop the prosecution's momentum.

ConradMurray, michael jackson death, MichaelJackson, MichaelJacksonDeath

The Prosectution Advocates Rebuttal:

Thanks for the opportunity to submit a rebuttal. Michael Jackson's personal physician Conrad Murray had money problems when he took the gig with Jackson for $150,000 a month. Murray owed at least $780,000 in judgments against him and/or his medical practice, his house mortgage, delinquent student loans, child support and credit cards debt. (See A.P.) Financial pressures could be a motive leading to manslaughter. Murray may have given Jackson a fatal dose of the powerful anesthetic propofol to help him sleep. He may have intentionally violated medical protocol for financial gain. Murray was under court orders to pay more than $363,000 for equipment for his heart clinic. He owed $71,000 in student loans dating to the 1980s. Two pending lawsuits claim he owes $240,000 for unpaid equipment.

Murray's 5,268-square-foot home is in "pre-foreclosure" after he failed to make payments on his $1.66 million loan. He stopped paying the $15,000-per-month mortgage in December. It also turns out that neither Jackson nor AEG Live paid Murray for the two months the doctor worked for Jackson. Murray filed for bankruptcy in California in 1992. He struggled with tax liens in California and Arizona between 1993 and 2003. A former business partner also claimed Murray owed him $68,000.

So, there may be motive to please Jackson, even though it violated protocol, simply in return for a handsome compensation which apparently was desperately needed.

Update 2-4-10: Dr. Conrad Murray is negotiating with prosecutors on plans to surrender. He will likely face felony charges related to Jackson's death. Murray will likely be arraigned at the courthouse near the Los Angeles International Airport at 1:30 p.m. PT (4:30 p.m. ET) Friday.
Update 11-9-11: The jury convicted Dr. Conrad Murray of involuntary manslaughter. Murray will likely lose his medical license, and faces up to four years in prison.
Update 11-29-11: Dr. Conrad Murray sentenced to four years in jail. However, due to overcrowding in California, he will likely only spend two years in jail.

Betsey Wright May Have Got Caught Because of The Munchies!

One always wondered what kind of folks William Clinton surrounded himself with. We know Hillary, or at least we think we know a lot about her. But what about his other confidants? How about Betsey Wright? She was Clinton's chief of staff when he was governor of Arkansas. A bench warrant has been issued for her arrest because she supposedly smuggled contraband into a state prison. She served as chief of staff for 7 years in Arkansas and ran 3 successful campaigns for governor.

Supposedly, Betsey Wright smuggled a red Doritos bag containing 48 tattoo needles, a pen with tweezers and a needle inside, a Swiss Army knife and a box cutter into the Varner Unit. Varner is a high-security state prison in Grady, Arkansas. Jeff Rosenzweig, is representing Wright. In the past, Wright was known as an advocate for prisoners. She allegedly has become friends with several inmates housed at Varner. Rosenzwieg says his client will "seek vindication in court."

Keep in mind, just like President Clinton during his impeachment trial, she is to be presumed innocent unless otherwise proven in a court of law.

Rick Pitino Points the Finger At Karen Sypher or Just Another Adulteress?

While in trial yesterday, Legal Pub vetoed a submitted story about a popular basketball coach from publication. After all, why anger Louisville Cardinal fans who regularly read this site? Besides, who would believe that Rick Pitino could be so stupid? The famous Louisville men's basketball coach, Rick Pitino, certainly would not have sex with a woman in a public restaurant. Nor would Pitino (who is Catholic) suggest that any baby of his be aborted. Or would he? Pitino has apparently come clean with police admitting that he had sex with a woman in a restaurant. Pitino even admitted to paying her $3,000 for an abortion after she claimed he impregnated her.

Apparently, Pitino finally went to police with the facts after the woman allegedly tried to extort $10 million from him. The Courier-Journal of Louisville Web site says that Pitino told police he had been drinking in the restaurant and had consensual sex with Karen Sypher in August 2003. The police report indicates that Pitino denied allegations by Sypher that he raped her. In Pitino's defense, the restaurant had closed so there was no audience. He may also have had sex with her one other time at a different location.

On a puzzling note, Sypher failed to report the rape allegations until last month. There is some question whether Sypher has some sort of mental health issues. As for Pitino, there will not be any prosecution because the rape allegations "lacked supporting evidence." In the meantime, Sypher, 49, has plead not guilty to federal charges of lying to the FBI and trying to extort money from Pitino. (So far no reaction from Pitino's wife. However, one can imagine that her converstations with Rick about impregnating another woman were not pleasant.)

While an affair for any Catholic is troublesome, the post affair conduct may be even more appalling to followers of the faith. Apparently when Pitino found out that Karen Syphers was pregnant, he told her that he had five children and she had four, and that he didn't know what he wanted to do. Sypher allegedly told him she was going to have an abortion but needed money. Pitino apparently agreed to give her the $3,000. (The story seems similar to the catechism story of "blood money" and Judas...) Pitino is represented by Steve Pence. But Pitino faces no charges. All seems to be forgiven in the land of the Louisville basketabll. In fact, it is Karen Sypher who is charged for extortion. It has also apparently destroyed Karen's marriage. It may have even destroyed Karens health.

Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich stands behind Coach Pitino. However, Kentucky Open Records Act allows any interested recruits (or their Catholic parents) to read details of the Pitino-Sypher investigation. Pitino and his wife Joanne have five children. Pitino professes to be a practicing Catholic. Perhaps he sought confession and has been forgiven by his friend and spiritual adviser, the Rev. Edward Bradley. Bradley often prays with the team before Louisville games. Perhaps now we know why God might be so interested in sporting events, their coaches and all of the "players."

Sypher is represented by James Earhart. She is currently going through a divorce with the team's equipment manager, Tim Sypher. Tim Sypher served as Pitino's personal assistant with the Boston Celtics from 1997-2001. From 2001 to the present, he has been Louisville's equipment manager. According to the criminal complaint, Tim Sypher allegedly brought Pitino a written list of his wife's demands. The demands supposedly included that Pitino pay the cost of the college tuition for her children, two cars, and pay off her mortgage. She also supposedly requested $3,000 per month. Tim Sypher has not been charged. Karen may be tested to see if she lacks the capacity to understand the charges against her.

Keep in mind, all suspects are innocent unless otherwise proven in a court of law. In the mean time, you can bet that "Slick Rick" will be keeping a local florist busy.

Update 6-23-10: Slick Rick's alleged perpetrator (Karen Sypher) is going on trial. Here is a link to the jury questionnaire to be answered by prospective jurors. Jury Questionnaire.

Dalia Dippolito May Have Sought An Alternative To Divorce

Women file over 70% of all divorces. Since the economy is tight, the number of divorces being filed has been reduced. But that does not mean that there is suddenly more love for husbands. Take the recent case of Dalia Dippolito. Dippolito is a beautiful newly wed who was video taped crying when police told her that her husband had been murdered. The 26-year-old could barely stand as a Florida police officer comforted her. But the truth is that she had been married less then six months and apparently already had an exit plan. It turns out that Dippolito had apparently secretly hired a hit man to kill her husband Michael Dippolito.

An effective exit plan except, the contract killer turned out to be an undercover police officer. So, when police told her that her 38-year-old husband was murdered, they fibbed as he was actually alive and in protective custody. Dippolito has let it be known that she was interested in hiring a hitman. So an undercover policeman posed as the hitman and recorded Dippolito apparently saying she wanted her husband dead. She even provided the 'killer' money to buy a gun. Dippolito appears cold on the tape. She made it clear that she didn't want any excuses for why the crime wouldn't happen.

Dippolito is an unemployed estate agent. Police in Boynton Beach, Florida, know how to play the game. When Dippolito left for a morning workout at the gym, police sealed off her street as a crime scene.Yellow police tape was put across the road. A CSI van parked outside the couple's home. Police called Dippolito while she was at the gym and told her to come home immediately. Dippolito was confronted by more than half a dozen police officers when she arrived home. When told her husband had been murdered, Dippolito sobbed uncontrollably. (So much for so called experts who opine that Casey Anthony did not cry enough when learning of her daughters death.) At the police station she was then confronted by the 'hitman' and her husband.

Police charged Dippolito with solicitation to murder. Why not divorce? Was she obsessed with money? Apparently she had encouraged her husband to sign over their home in only her name. Michael Had met Dalia about a year ago and they married about six months ago within days of his divorce from his first wife becoming final. Was there another man? Court papers reveal that "Dippolito's lover" had tipped off police about the plot.S he had urged her husband to sign over the deeds to their flat and he had agreed to put the property in her name. According to Michael's lawyer, Sam Caliendo, Dalia never loved Michael. Rather, she married Michael to obtain his property. Dipploito has been released on bail. She could get life in prison if convicted. However, until proven otherwise in a court of law, she is to be considered "innocent." Well, perhaps "not guilty is a better term than "innocent."

Update 12 28-09: Dippolito's bond was originally set at $25,000. Seems like a small amount after hearing tapes of her conversation with the under cover hitman.

U.S. Rep. William Jefferson Illustrates The Problem With Cold Hard Cash!

For decades, democrats have been accused of treating tax money as a disposable commodity. Former U.S. Rep. William Jefferson of Louisiana may now become the poster child for such criticism. Jefferson was convicted Wednesday on 11 of the 16 corruption charges against him arising out of the discovery of $90,000 in his freezer.

The federal jury convicted Jefferson on four bribery counts, three counts of money laundering, three counts of wire fraud and one count of racketeering. On the other hand, Jefferson was acquitted on five other counts including wire fraud and obstruction of justice. The 62 year-old
Democrat was indicted two years ago. The cash in his freezer consisted of marked bills from an FBI informant in a video taped transaction. He faces up to 150 years in prison. His sentencing hearing will be held on October 30, 2009.

Despite the conviction, U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis denied the prosecution request for Jefferson to be taken into custody. "No person, not even a congressman, is above the law," said U.S. Attorney Dana Boente. Jefferson was represented by Robert Trout, who will undoubtedly initiate an appeal. U.S. v. Jefferson

Did Jefferson use his congressional clout from 2001 and 2005 to solicit monetary bribes for himself and his family in exchange for promoting products and services in Africa? Descriptions and pictures of the open freezer show bills wrapped in foil and tucked into frozen food containers. Jefferson is no dummy. He graduated from Harvard Law School. He served as a representative of Louisiana's 2nd Congressional District, which includes most of the New Orleans area. He held office for 18 years (nine terms.) Anh Joseph Cao won his seat in the December 2008 election. Jefferson served on the House Ways and Means Committee's subcommittee on trade and on the Budget Committee. Jefferson co-chaired the caucus on Africa Trade and Investment as well as the caucus on Nigeria. Jefferson to this day maintains his innocence.

Diane Schuler Loses Everything After Drinking And Driving

Drinking can kill you. Marijuana can cause a careless fatality. Negligent driving can translate into homicide. Drinking, impairment from marijuana and negligent driving all at the same time can be suicide, murder or both. Diane Schuler, 36, caused a head-on collision that killed eight people. Among the dead was Diane, Diane's daughter and her three nieces. The collision happened on Taconic State Parkway north of New York City. Toxicology reports apparently indicate that Diane was drunk (0.19%) and had smoked marijuana. The result was a three-vehicle collision when she was driving the wrong direction on the high way. The exact reason why Diane was driving in such an impaired state is unknown. What is known is that Diane's impaired judgment has forever destroyed her family.

Diane's blood alcohol was 0.19 percent. She also had high levels of marijuana in her system according to New York State Police. There was an additional "6 grams of alcohol in her stomach that had yet to be metabolized" according to the State Police. In other words, she was only becoming more intoxicated as she drove. And drive she did. Apparently she drove up to two miles in the wrong direction on the highway. Perception, judgment and memory would likely have been impaired. A broken bottle of vodka was discovered in the minivan. The minivan contained five precious children. Diane's minivan crashed into an oncoming SUV carrying three adults. A third vehicle was also damaged.

Schuler and four of the children died. Of the children, one was Schuler's daughter and three were Schuler's nieces. The surviving child in the minivan was Schuler's son. Three adults in the SUV died. Two adults in a third vehicle suffered minor injuries. Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore will continue the investigation of this fatality. However, no investigation can ever right the horrible wrong caused by this lapse in judgment.

Trina Thompson Wants Monroe College Of New York To Do More In Helping Her Get A Post Graduation Job

The cost of failing to educate may have just gotten a little more expensive. Trina Thompson can't find a job. So she is suing her alma mater, Monroe College of New York for $72,000 -- the full cost of her tuition plus damages..

Trina Thompson, 27, is no stranger of street smarts. She survived living in the Bronx and obtained a bachelor of business administration degree in information technology from Monroe College. However, frustrated by the inability to secure gainful employment, she sued in Bronx Supreme Court, alleging that Monroe's "Office of Career Advancement did not help me with a full-time job placement. I am also suing them because of the stress I have been going through."

Monroe College denies any liability. The defendant claims that it offers job-search support to all its students. Thompson apparently does not have a beef with the quality of her education. Rather she feels that Monroe's career-services department has put forth insufficient effort to help her secure employment. After all, her attendance is good and she does have a 2.7 GPA.

Apparently only two employers have responded to Thompson's search for employment and no offers arose out of those contacts. Has the Monroe Career Advancement Center done too little or do employers prefer students with closer to a 4.0 GPA?

Thompson is not represented by an attorney. Perhaps the lawsuit itself will be an educational experience.

The Death of Hassan Itani Should Remind Parents To Watch Their Children

When tragedy strikes, folks are quick to blame others. Sometimes the scrutiny must fall on one's self. In Sandusky, Ohio, a toddler has drowned. One can only hope that this tragedy will inspire others to watch their children more closely. The 3-year-old was from Michigan. He was found face down in a children's pool at Kalahari Resorts water park. The boy, Hassan Itani,
Capt. Paul Sigsworth of the Erie County Sheriff's office called the death a "tragic accident." was playing with his older brother around the poo when his mom lost sight of him. The pool was approximately 3 feet deep.

This is just one of many unfortunate accidents where parents momentarily lose track of their children.

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