Child Abuse in Halifax? ~by Legal Pub

Child discipline v. child abuse.  Where is the line drawn?  It is somtimes difficult to distinguish the two unless you see a case of classic abuse.  One such case appears to be the neglect of three Halifax children, ages 4,5 and 6.  Joshua Ross Weyant and Brandi Jene Weyant, of Halifax Township in Pennsylvania have been accused by State Police and Dauphin County Children and Youth Services of neglecting and abusing their children. "The kids were starving, nothing more than skin and bones," said Dauphin County District Attorney Ed Marsico to the media.

The children were apparently abused over a three-month span by their parents in a home that allegedly had no heat.  The four and five year old had bruises consistent with physical abuse.  The children were under weight and appeared to be suffering from malnutrition.  There were apparently 10 individuals living in the Weyant household.  The six year old boy sported an abrasion near the eye which allegedly came from his father throwing him across the floor. The children were allegedly locked in their room and had to pound on the wall to be let out to use the bathroom.

In speaking with the police, Brandi allegedly said that she was not the biological mother of the children. She claims that her husband forced her to withhold food from the children. She also denies being the one who kept the children “locked up.”  Neighbors claim that they did not even know that children lived in the residence. On the other hand, Joshua claims that the children were regularly seen by a mental health case worker who should be able to refute some of the allegations.

The children were taken to Penn State Hershey Milton S. Hershey Medical Center emergency room for care.  While the children were in poor health and underweight, they should recover, at least physically. The couple has been charged with aggravated assault, criminal conspiracy, false imprisonment, unlawful restraint, and endangering the welfare of children.   Keep in mind, all suspects are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law!

Oakland Art Fire Results in 36 Deaths ~by Legal Pub

Derick Almena is the 47 year-old manager of the Oakland, California warehouse that went up in flames during a weekend party.  The fire killed 36 people.  Many are complaining that the facility did not meet code nor did it have the requisite permits.  Almena, has publicly said that he was sorry for the tragedy that occurred at the residential art community.   "… I'm incredibly sorry and that everything that I did was to make this a stronger and more beautiful community and to bring people together… People didn't walk through those doors because it was a horrible place. People didn't seek us out to perform and express themselves because it was a horrible place."

Nevertheless, the site has become a mass grave and may lead to criminal and civil actions. Murder, manslaughter, wrongful death are just some of the legal terms being bantered around in the media.

Has Paul Newman Stereotype in "The Verdict" Come True? ~by Legal Pub

I remember when a movie starring Paul Newman titled "The Verdict" upset quite a few lawyers.  The movie portrayed the leading attorney as an alcoholic.  While the alcoholic attorney won a big case despite being outgunned, the movie portrayed the profession in a state of dysfunction.  Many attorneys spoke out publicly against the unfair portrayal of a clearly impaired attorney who tarnished the image of the trial attorney.  Some attorneys swore such alcoholics in the profession were a rare anomaly. However, recently CNN, announced the findings of a new study which strongly suggests that lawyers are struggling with depression, substance abuse, and alcoholism.  Furthermore, the study goes on to explain that the profession's suicide rates are quickly rising. Worst yet, the study concluded that there is a high percentage of practicing attorneys who are alcoholics.

A survey showed that a significant percentage of attorneys are unhappy with their legal job because of extreme stress from deadlines set by clients, partners, judges, and filing deadlines.  For some reason, lawyers complained of long hours of sitting at a desk and reading cases and/or technical documents. In an attempt to escape this stress, too many attorneys apparently drink heavily.

The American Bar Association and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation reported that approximately 21-36% of attorneys drink at levels consistent to alcohol addiction. (If true, this is 3-5 times higher than the general population.)  Please see The Journal of Addiction Medicine, 2016, for the published survey. Similarly, the study suggests high rates of depression among practicing attorneys. So why is substance abuse so rampant?  Is the practice of drinking away stress a generally accepted practice in the profession?  After all, attorneys all belong to the bar, right?  Wrong.  Excessive alcohol use is a poor escape that typically only adds to the attorney's problems.

If you know of an impaired lawyer or are an impaired lawyer, please contact your state bar association.  Almost every bar association has an impaired attorney help program.  The practice you save may be more than just a practice... it may be a life.

Halloween Hot Water Ends College Career of Jonnu Smith ~by Legal Pub

A Florida International University football player got in hot water.  Unfortunately, the reason why he was in hot water was because his pregnant girlfriend poured the water on him.  While not covered in many mainstream media outlets, this event was a serious assault, if true.  The injuries from the boiling water will prevent the victim from playing again in college. It is uncertain whether Jonnu Smith will ever have a chance to realize his dream of playing in the NFL.  

So why would his pregnant girlfriend, Mary Gaspar, throw boiling water on him?  The incident allegedly occurred after the couple had an argument on Halloween night.   Jonnu Smith, a tight end for FIU,  – was arguing with Gaspar, who is five months pregnant.  Mary's primary complaint was that she wasn't getting enough attention from Smith. After the last argument, Smith returned to his dorm on campus.  Gaspar then allegedly went to the dorm and poured a boiling pot of water on Smith. 

Gaspar told police that she was feeling “emotional and stressed.” Gaspar hit Smith with the water because Smith did not react properly to her words. Smith sustained severe burns to various parts of his body, including his head, neck, back and arm. Gaspar was charged with aggravated battery and released on a pre-trial release order.

Smith has officially been ruled out for the rest of the FIU season. Smith was projected to be selected in the late rounds of April’s NFL Draft. The tightend caught 39 passes this season for 441 yards and three touchdowns.  Smith has 175 career catches for 1936 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Future of Driver-less Cars Should Be Now! ~by Legal Pub

Some say driver-less cars are many years away.  Others contend that the technology is already here but human acceptance is not.  Google's self-driving cars are already on the road.  To say that the car is largely a success is an understatement.  In theory, occupying such a vehicle allows the occupants to sleep, surf the internet, chat on the phone, watch internet television or actually do productive work while commuting. Think Lincoln Lawyer- only without the human chauffeur.

So will it happen?  Technology to date suggests that automated cars make fewer mistakes than humans. But self-driving cars raise major questions of social significance, mainly, will it interfere with personal injury lawyers ability to make a living?  For example, will lawyers still be able to bring law suits or will there be mandatory arbitration clauses to govern compensation for injuries?

Today, if an accident happens, the driver is the subject of legal scrutiny. Drives are also held to certain standards such as not driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or distraction.  With driver-less cars, is it suddenly acceptable to drink and ride? Do distracted driving laws become obsolete over night? Perhaps more troublesome is the quality of the individual who actually programs the vehicle to react when an emergency occurs.  As a driver, we may make a split second decision when faced with an emergency presenting a moral dilemma? For example, when the computer has a choice of hitting a pedestrian and saving the driver or steering into oncoming traffic to avoid the pedestrian, the decision seems to place God-like power in the hands of a computer programmer back at the factory.  Manufacturers such as Mercedes Benz have already written programs that make the decision for the automated cars. They choose the safety of the driver. LINK   Will the Mercedes Benz software choose the same option that you would have made if you were behind the wheel?  Moreover, should the government step in and mandate the choice the car manufacturer's software makes in emergency situations?

Time will tell as to the moral issues.  As to the legal issues, you can bet that the lawyers will find someone to try to hold responsible for accidents and their shrinking bank accounts.

Jim Carrey to Experience Real Life Courtroom Drama? ~by Legal Pub

Jim Carrey once played a lawyer in Liar Liar.  Now he may end up getting real life court experience. A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of of Cathriona White by her mother, Brigid Sweetman against Carrey alleging wrongful death. The lawsuit alleges that Jim Carrey gave three sexually transmitted diseases to his girlfriend, Cathriona White and that White's suicide was the result of her obtaining prescription medication from the actor.  Mark Burton (White's estranged husband) previously  filed a similar wrongful'death lawsuit against Carrey.  It is unclear how both plaintiffs can maintain separate suits.  law suit.  Michael Avenatti represents both plaintiffs.

Cathriona, 30, died in 2015 with a bottle of prescription medication nearby.  According to the coroner's report, it was suicide. Ambien, Propranolol and Percocet were all found in her system.  Carrey and White dated off and on from 2012 until the time of her death.  Carrey denies giving her the drugs. Martin D. Singer represents Jim Carrey.

Time to Stop the Heroin Madness ~by Legal Pub

It is time to stop the heroin madness.  Addiction is on the rise and there is no easy solution in sight. Recently,  a 7-year-old McKeesport, Pa. girl could not arose her parents.  She went to school anyway.  She told the bus driver that she was not able to wake up her parents. The bus driver reported the conversation to authorities who found the bodies of Christopher Dilly, 26, and Jessica Lally, 25, inside the little girl's apartment.  Both Dilly and Lally apparently died of drug overdoses.

Even more disturbing was the  discovery of three other children, ages 5 years, 3 years and 9 months left unattended in the apartment. The children were taken to a local hospital and determined to be in good health. This drug epidemic in Allegheny County is repeating itself all over America.  Opioid overdoses are becoming all too common all over the U.S.   recent report.  But Allegheny County may be one of the worst places.  There were 422 opioid-overdose deaths in Allegheny County in 2015 according to the Washington Post. [Heroin overdoses .] 

 

An NBC affiliate reported that the double overdose  in question was the second one on that block in less than a day.   NBC WPXI.  
 
This is truly become a public heath epidemic.  As many as 10 Pennsylvanians die each day due to addiction.  Nationwide, opioids  and prescription pain relievers killed more than 28,000 people in 2014 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 50% of Opioid overdose deaths involved a prescription drug.  Pennsylvania is not the only state with an Opioid addiction problem.    [174 heroin overdoses in 6 days in Cincinnati]

Where does it end?  While that answer may not be clear, it starts with education about the addictive properties of both prescription and nonprescription Opioids.

New Crime Statistics Fuel For Presidential Debate? ~by Legal Pub

Is the United States getting to be a bit more dangerous of a place to live?  One presidential candidate says no and the other says yes.  What do the latest statistics show?  2015 statistics show that violent crime in some U.S cities increased since 2014.  While this is disappointing, this is still a rate well below the overall crime rate which peaked in the early 1990s.

FBI statistics show an increase in homicides in Baltimore, Chicago, and Washington D.C. In Chicago, 54 more people were murdered in 2015 than the year before, a 13 percent jump in the city's murder rate, according to an April study by New York University's Brennan Center for Justice.  For example, in Chicago, 54 more people were murdered in 2015 than in 2014 according to an April study by New York University's Brennan Center for Justice. In fact, a U.S. Justice study documents almost 17% increase in violent crimes in 56 of the U.S. major cities.  Is this a product of the economy?  Police brutality?  Or perhaps the termination of "stop and frisk" programs is to blame. Quite frankly, the presidential candidates each have separate and distinct opinions on the matter and their views directly hinge upon police conduct.  One feels brutality has spawned violence and the other apparently feels that over blown publicity about a few questionable abuse of force claims has caused law enforcement to be hesitant to prevent crime.

While the trend in crime is concerning, will the candidates stick to the facts and propose real solutions or will they continue to sling mud?  The answer may come sooner than expected.  Stay tuned.

Brad Pitt to Experience the Pits of Divorce? ~by Legal Pub

Brad Pitt is soon to join the club of divorcees.  Recently Pitt commented on the Angelina Jolie announcement that she was filing for divorce.  The petition for divorce based on irreconcilable differences has been filed after only two years of marriage.  So much for the institution of marriage increasing the security of a relationship.  The pair had been together for ten years before they were married.  This obviously fuels the fire of the marriage strike supporters.

PEOPLE magazine published an interview Pitt's statement.  Additional details are contained in the

 Pitt (Report)

"I am very saddened by this," Pitt is quoted as saying. Thank you Captain Obvious.  No one is ever happy to lose half of their assets and lose time with one's children. The difference between Pitt and the typical divorce male is that even after the divorce, Pitt will still be wealthy, handsome, charming, have a good job and well, be Brad Pitt.

This Car Is On Fire!... This Girl Responsible Is Likely to Face Serious Charges by Legal Pub

"When we take revenge against another, we lose some of our innocence."

PATRICE REDD VECCHIONE, Revenge and Forgiveness

Carmen Chamblee made a couple of big mistakes.  The first was seeking revenge.  As stated above, revenge can cause one to lose the benefits of innocence (such as being free.)   As an angry woman, Carmen apparently wanted revenge on her ex-boyfriend.  This 19-year-old Florida woman set what she thought was her ex-boyfriend's Honda Accord on fire. The second mistake was to assume that there were no surveillance cameras in the area.  Surveillance is nearly everywhere.  Not surprisingly, Carmen's smile for the camera was memorialized on video surveillance, Third, if you are going to go against conventional wisdom and seek revenge, make sure it is your ex-boyfriend's car before you trash it.  Here, Carmen failed to properly identify the car as her boyfriend's and as a result, an innocent bystander's car was set ablaze.  (Thomas Jennings, the innocent owner of the vehicle, apparently did not even know this woman.)


Carmen Chamblee has been charged with second-degree arson.  She was taken to Pinellas County Jail for processing.  Carmen Chamblee is to be presumed innocent until otherwise proven in a court of law: however, given the video, don't be surprised if the defense does not seek a plea deal.  Perhaps temporary jealousy resulting in complete insanity?

Mother's Love Gone Astray or is Sheborah Thomas Mentally Ill? ~by Legal Pub

Mothers typically unconditionally love their children.  When this unconditional love is not present, bad things can happen. Similarly, bad things can happen when a primary care taker becomes mentally ill.  A 30 year-old Texas woman, Sheborah Thomas, is under strict scrutiny after the bodies of her two young children were found underneath a neighbor's home.

Thomas' seven year-old son, RayRay and her five year-old daughter, Kayana, are dead and Houston authorities want to know why.  Sheborah allegedly admitted told an acquaintance that she killed them.  KRIV.  Thomas also allegedly confessed to police that she drown the children in the bathtub.  She apparently unsuccessfully tried to bury her children; however, when that didn't work she hid them under her neighbor's house.

On the other hand, Thomas' 12-year-old son was not harmed. Thomas has no known history of mental illness and her motive remains a complete mystery at this time.  Thomas had been visited by Texas Department of Family and Protective Services a couple of times but the nature of those visits is confidential. The case is somewhat reminiscent of  Andrea Yates drowning her five children in the bathtub.  Yates was found not guilty by reason of insanity during a second trial in 2006.  Yates remains confined to a state mental hospital. 

Sheborah Thomas now faces capital murder charges for the deaths of her children. All suspects, including Ms. Thomas are presumed innocent unless otherwise proven in a court of law.

Tragic.  A ten year-old has died  at a water park in Kansas City.  Caleb Thomas Schwab was riding the world's tallest water slide when something went wrong, deadly wrong.  Schlitterbahn water park may never be the same.  Schwab's dad is a representative in the Kansas House of Representatives. A water park spokesperson said Caleb died riding the Verruckt water slide.  It is the tallest water slide according to Guiness World Records.  The thrilling water ride is more than 168 feet tall.

Apparently the water park postponed the 2014 water slide three times to make sure it was safe. (Apparently in early tests, rafts carrying sandbags flew off the slide before engineers revamped half of the ride and reconfigure some angles at a cost of $1 million.) Riders are suppose to be at least 54 inches tall (It has also been reported that they are suppose to be 14 years-old) Riders are strapped into a raft that has room for three people. The raft plus occupants are suppose to weigh at least 400 lbs so that the raft does not fly off the ramp. The ride drops 17 stories at a speed of 65 mph and then climbs five stories back up in a stream of rushing water.

An unconfirmed anonymous witness has suggested that the young boy separated from the raft and hit the netting. No matter what actually happened, water park safety will be scrutinized and hopefully parks will become safer in Caleb Thomas Schwab's memory.

Korryn Shandawn Gaines Death Should Not Warrant Protests or Riots ~by Legal Pub

http://www.inquisitr.com/3374115/korryn-gaines-facebook-instagram-videos-new-twitter-video-of-23-year-old-and-son-seeks-justiceforkorryn/

So will Baltimore have to deal with riots?  It should not!  While another civilian was killed by police; this time it is pretty clear that the woman had a gun and was threatening police.  She may also have been using a five year old child as a shield. At this point it is not clear if body cams were being worn; however, according to police, Korryn Shandawn Gaines pointed a shotgun at them when they  tried to serve her with a warrant yesterday in Randallstown, Maryland. The 23 year-old was being served a bench warrant for failing to appear for traffic court. The charges included failing to register her vehicle, failing to prove insurance and not having proper tags.

She was also charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, littering and failure to obey a reasonable and lawful order.   Yesterday while attempting to serve the warrant, Gaines refused to answer the door for ten minutes.  Consequently, the officers obtained a key to the apartment and entered accordingly.  When entering the apartment, Gaines aimed a shotgun at the officers who retreated and waited for backup.  After hours of waiting, an officer finally fired a shot. the woman responded by firing back.  The woman was then shot and killed.    During the incident, a five year old child was hit in the crossfire. The child has been hospitalized and is in good condition.

Should there be riots?  No. This woman wanted a fight.  Listen to the victim's own words from a prior traffic stop:  http://www.inquisitr.com/3374115/korryn-gaines-facebook-instagram-videos-new-twitter-video-of-23-year-old-and-son-seeks-justiceforkorryn/

Are Presidential Candidates Trump and Clinton Similar to Orlando Salinas? ~by Legal Pub

 Presidential candidate Donald Trump says a lot of things, some of which are better off not being said.  Hillary Clinton also says things that appear not to be accurate. However, on one point Trump and Hillary may both agree.  Specifically, the media is not above the law. The same principles that guide average citizens should also apply to those in the lime light. Former FOX and CBS news correspondent Orlando Salinas may be an example of a fallen star who forgot that no one is above the law.  Salinas has recently been arrested  and charged with rape and forcible sodomy.  The incident allegedly occurred back in January. Ironically, Salinas, a former law and order type of public figure, is now personally being held without bond courtesy of the Montgomery county jail.

The fall from public stardom is seldom pleasant.  Salinas lost his last media job (CBS affiliate WDBJ) in April of 2015 for alleged insubordination. Since that time, Salinas has been working as a real estate agent.Salinas, like all suspects, is to be considered innocent unless otherwise proven guilty in a court of law.  This presumption would normally also be extended to Hillary Clinton (email issue) and Donald Trump (tax return issue) but for their continuing self incriminatory public declarations.

Gavin Eugene Long Just Another Loser ~by Legal Pub

Gavin Eugene Long is not a hero.  He is not a freedom fighter nor any person to be admired.  Mr. Long, you are not the alpha male you pretended to be.  You, the gunman in the deadly shooting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, are just another loser begging for attention. Long perhaps used to be a hero.  He served as a marine in the middle east.  But since returning to the U.S., Long took a wrong turn.  Understandably, he was upset by allegations of unfair treatment of African Americans by police officers.  However; rather than peacefully air his views, he cowardly opened fire on police officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  He killed three officers (including an African American officer) and wounded three other officers. Long was reportedly carrying a rifle and wearing all-black attire when he ambushed police.  Several videos within recent weeks discuss various police-involved shootings and demonstrate one thing, Long became a loser and sunk to the lowest common denominator! 

Long authored many angry posts on "Convos With Cosmo" prior to the shooting. Long describes himself as a "Freedom Strategist, Mental Game Coach, Nutritionist, Author and Spiritual Advisor" but instead, he should have simply admitted that he was a selfish loser seeking attention. He also listed organizations he may be affiliated with -- including the Nation of Islam ( he claimed membership), Floyd Mayweather's The Money Team (hat) and terror groups like ISIS.  Yet he concludes: "I thought my own stuff; I made my own decisions; I'm the one who gotta listen to the judgment." 

Spoken like a true loser who would prefer anarchy to the rule of law.

Beau Solomon Killed by 40 Year-old Homeless Man in Italy? ~by Legal Pub

Justice can be swift in Italy.  But is it always just?  Massimo
Galioto, a 40 year-old homeless Italian man, was detained on Tuesday on suspicion of murdering 19-year-old Beau Solomon. While this is potentially a swift response to a genuine fear of American's traveling abroad, is Galioto really the killer? 

To be clear, Massimo Galioto, is only being held for questioning concerning a suspicion of aggravated homicide.   Solomon, from Wisconsin, was found dead tangled in vegetation in the Tiber River three days after he went missing. The 19 year old student was suppose to start a study program at John Cabot University, in the central Trastevere district.

Solomon had apparently been drinking Thursday night and was last seen leaving a pub early Friday morning. A check of Solomon's credit card revealed that several hundred dollars of unauthorized charges had been made in a city several hundred miles away.  Such credit card activity seems unlikely to be attributed to a homeless man.  

So what will the questioning reveal?  Will there be a short but real answer to the "who done it" or will Italian law enforcement sweep this matter under the rug?

Massimo Galioto is to be presumed innocent unless otherwise proven in a court of law.

Deonte Carraway Faces Serious Charges of Involving Filming of Children ~by Legal Pub

A former Maryland teaching assistant (aide), Deonte Carraway, has been indicted on 270 child sex charges that include filming videos of students at an elementary school. The twenty two year-old resident of Glenarden, Maryland faces serious charges after an indictment by a grand jury.  Carraway was a teaching assistant and former church choir director which may add to the serious nature of the allegations since prosecutors and grand juries tend to look down upon people in positions of authority who appear to inappropriately interact with children.

Carraway, must now defend himself against charges of sexual abuse of a minor, sex offenses and child pornography.  The charges appear to arise out of actions allegedly involving students from Judge Sylvania Woods Elementary School.  The alleged actions apparently occurred both on and off school property. Carraway had worked there as an aide and then a volunteer until his arrest. Sixty or more videos may exist where minors were involved. Police became involved after one of the children’s parents discovered pornographic images on his phone.

Carraway, has plead not guilty to federal charges in March.  He is now held in jail without bond. Carraway is to be considered innocent unless otherwise proven in a court of law.

Omar Mateen Demonstrates the Need To Require Mental Competency Exams For Gun Licenses ~by Legal Pub

The country needs leadership.  True leadership.  A leader who will address the issues and not be ashamed to admit he or she made a mistake.  This need for leadership in the aftermath of the Orlando tragedy has never been more clear. Leadership needs to identify the Omar Mateens of the world and get them in mental hospitals before they murder innocent people.  Lack of leadership with a clear plan to identify dangerous radical nut cases is to blame for Omar Mateen shooting up a popular gay nightclub which resulted in 49 people dead and another 53 wounded. Prior to spraying bullets, this mentally ill nut case called 911 and pledged his support to the Islamic State.

How does anyone get an assault rifle and a pistol into a club?  More importantly, why shouldn't gun owners be required to submit to a mental examination every three years as part of a licensing requirement?  Why should it be easier to purchase and own a gun than it is to drive a commercial motor vehicle?

Terrorism does not exist in the absence of mental illness.  No sane person of any religion believes that unjustly taking another's life will win him bonus points in the after life. Mateen, 29,  had been previously been investigated by the F.B.I.  Why didn't they see that this individual was troubled?  Matteen's father, Seddique Mir Mateen and his mother are both from Afghanistan; however, Matteen was born in New York. Mateen apparently had a wife and a child.  He was educated and was employed as a security guard.  But his wife allegedly left him because he was not right in the head. In short, he was nuts and unworthy of gun ownership.  

Politicians take heed, a leader leads and is not afraid to admit when he or she makes mistakes.  A true advocate will promulgate laws that require periodic mental examinations in order to obtain and maintain a license to own a firearm.

Slide Sho A. Lee Bentley, the United States attorney for Central Florida, said the investigators had collected a large amount of electronic and criminal evidence and were trying to determine whether Mr. Mateen acted alone.

Teresa Vanover Prostitutes Disabled Children to Support Drug Addiction? ~by Legal Pub

Don't believe that drug addiction is a powerful disease?  Why else would a parent go to such disgusting lengths to support a habit? Teresa Vanover, age 52, has plead guilty to 48 charges related to prostitution in Rockingham County Superior Court.  What makes this case disgusting is that this Eden woman allegedly committed child abuse by allowing her disabled minor child to have sex for hire with older men.  Specially, there were 24 counts of child abuse by prostitution and 24 counts of promoting prostitution with a minor with a disability!

The alleged acts apparently took place at Woodall's Barber Shop in Eden, North Carolina. It allegedly involved one or more of Vanover's disabled children. Besides the criminal charges, a December of 2015 civil suit was also filed on behalf of the mentally disabled girls allegedly sold into prostitution.  The lawsuit alleges that the children (now age 17 and age 15) need long-term medical and psychiatric attention for repeated sexual abuse.  Attorney Sam McGee of Charlotte is representing the girls in the civil lawsuit. 

In court, Vanover attempted to explain that her offensive behavior occurred inorder to support her drug addiction. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Tersa Vanover was sentenced to six and a half to thirteen years in prison for two counts of child abuse by prostitution. In addition, Vanover was sentenced to six and a half to thirteen years for one count of promoting prostitution with a minor with a disability. Remaining counts were consolidating into a consecutive sentence of six and a half to thirteen years. 

Everette Ferris Jr., 67, was also sentenced to jail time and three years of probation for six counts of patronizing a prostitute with mental disability and indecent liberties with a child. Donnie Ray Carter, 65, is charged with two counts of indecent liberties with a minor, one count of patronizing a prostitute and two counts of first-degree statutory sex offense.  Mickey Dale Snow, 75, is also charged with  six counts of statutory rape and six counts of patronizing a prostitute who is mentally disabled. in the same case.  

Rockingham County District Attorney Craig Blitzer told Fox: "I've been doing this 20 years,” said  “This is the first one that I know of, of a mother prostituting her daughter. It makes you speechless."

The individuals charged are to be presumed innocent until otherwise proven in a court of law.

D.C. Madam, Deborah Jeane Palfrey, to Kiss and Tell from the Grave? ~by Legal Pub

D.C. Madam, Deborah Jeane Palfrey, may kiss and tell from the grave.  As you may recall, she apparently committed suicide in 2008 after being convicted of some federal offenses. We all know D.C. frowns upon telling on political figures.  LINK.  While Palfrey is long gone, her ex lawyer may have some phone records that could be embarrassing. That may make politicians and businessmen nervous after the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision to not intervene with regard to the phone records. That decision may give Montgomery Blair Sibley, who is no longer licensed to practice law, the key to decide if the records will be released now that the 2007 restraining order was not modified. Assuming the records are released, how might they affect this years elections? Election 

Apparently Sibley gained possession of the records when he represented Palfrey.  He apparently kept the records even after Palfrey fired him before trial. Sibley potentially may release phone logs with phone numbers of clients and Verizon Wireless numbers produced in response to a subpoena.  Could someone like Ted Cruz be on the list?  It is highly unlikely or it would have surfaced by now.  After all, some of  these records were released back in 2007. Senator David Vitter, R-La,comes to mind as one politician potentially embarrassed at the time.  Could there be additional records that may embarrass someone else?  Sibley has certainly suggested that the records may contain the names of TV stars, elected officials and perhaps even a judge or two.

Sibley has not been licensed to practice law since his 2008 suspension in Florida for allegedly filing merit-less lawsuits and a child support dispute.  Sibley's legal status, however, is no reflection upon whether the information may harm other public figures.  So what will Sibley do?  If he chooses to release the information, will he sell the list to the highest bidder?  A public figure may conceivably be able to outbid even the media.  Only time, and money, will tell.

Royalty, Even a Prince, is not Exempt From Death ~by Legal Pub

The rich and famous are not exempt from death, No one is, not even royalty.  Prince is dead.  The music icon showed his mortality as he apparently succumbed to the grim reaper. The Minneapolis Star Tribune suggests that the cause of death may be abuse of pain medication.  Report. Keep in mind that Prince's plane ride was aborted to Moline, Illinois and the singer hospitalized only a few days before his death.  Did the pain pills prematurely end Prince's life? 

Opiods are killers.  Legal Pub first published a warning article back in 2007 long before most folks knew what Oxycontin and Oxycodone were all about.  LINK.  Keep in mind, the drugs addictive properties resulted in executives being fined. The role of opiod medication in Prince's death is more than just rank speculation.  Reports out of Moline suggest that Prince took too many pills on the plane and received an opiod antidote during his hospital visit.  Report. Attorney Mike Padden who represented two of Prince's half-siblings in the past suggested that Prince abused Percocet in the past Pain killers have been linked to numerous deaths.  In 2010, the New England Journal of Medicine documented 17,000 fatalities in 2010. Article  

Opiods include Hydrocodone (Vicodin) and oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet, Percodan).   Other drugs with similar characteristics include codeine, fentanyl (Duragesic patch), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), meperidine (Demerol), morphine (MS Contin), and tramadol (Ultram). Opiods are designed to block pain perception in the brain. The Annals of Internal Medicine, Publication and a 2014 position statement by the National Institute of Health  Position Statement all suggest that the harms of opioids often outweigh the benefits for patents who are not terminally ill. 

Prince supporters deny that drugs played any role in his death.  L. Londell McMillan, an attorney for the estate, said medication might have been used to treat pain, but none "that would be any cause for concern... Everybody who knows Prince knows he wasn't walking around drugged up." Source.  Sheila E. also disputed alleged drug abuse by Prince. Sheila.   Nevertheless, it seems undisputed that Prince did have pain. Whether he took too much medication to relieve the pain is up to the Carver County authorities to decide after reviewing toxicology studies.   What is clear is that there were no signs of trauma or intent to commit suicide. Thus the world is left to mourn the fall of another pop star, no matter what the cause of death, the music world lost a great one.

Sick or Was She A Victim of Being Drugged? ~by Legal Pub

A twenty-six year-old woman in New Orleans was arrested last week and accused of raping a three-year-old boy on video. Also caught on video appears to be the same woman having intercourse with a dog. The Huffington Post.  (Legal Pub does not verify any name provided by any other publication.) 

Video and still photos allegedly depicting the woman are in the possession of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office.  It appears one of the woman's relatives may have forwarded the evidence to the child's father. The father allegedly turned the matter over to police. The woman has been charged with aggravated rape of a victim under 13, pornography with a juvenile, crimes against nature and sexual battery.  The woman apparently admits that it is her in the photos and video but claims she was drugged.  (The suspect made no admission as to whether she was attracted to the canine.)

Police have not publicized the relationship between woman and the boy, if any.  The woman allegedly could not identify the child or the dog allegedly involved. Nevertheless, the police know the identity of the child.  (No mention as to whether the dog was a stray or someone's pet but one would expect involvement from the Humane Society.   If convicted for aggravated rape, a mandatory sentence of life could follow. (Furthermore, even if the the court thought leniency was in order, there is no way any community service would be allowed in an animal rescue center or pound.) In the meantime, Legal Pub has chosen not to publish the name of the woman, child or dog; however, all persons of interest are to be considered innocent unless otherwise proven in a court of law.

Did Patricia Terry Get Neglected by a Renal Center, a Nursing Home or an Ambulance Service? ~by Legal Pub

Back in October, 71 year-old Patricia Terry was allegedly abandoned at a dialysis facility. She died a few days later.  Terry's estate is suing the DaVita Renal center in Joliet, an ambulance company and a nursing home, Alden Estates of Shorewood.. Terry's family claims in a lawsuit that Patricia Terry was left alone in the waiting room of a dialysis facility due to negligence. Her dialysis treatment on Halloween had ended just after 7 p.m.. Patricia allegedly sat in the lobby in a wheelchair waiting for an ambulance to pick her up. The staff allegedly left the building at 8:45 and locked up. Terry's daughters called police who apparently were not able to get inside the center until around midnight.   that police were able to get inside. Terry was disoriented. She later died. On Wednesday the family filed a lawsuit against all three defendants.  

Was an ambulance ever called to transport Terry back to the hospital?  If not, who dropped the ball?  If so, why did the staff leave before Terry was safely in the care of the ambulance company?  Lots of questions with very few answers.

Psychopathic Killer Dies: Why You Should Care ~by Legal Pub

So there is one less psychopathic killer in the world.  Why should anyone give the time of day to dwell on the subject?  Perhaps there is no other reason besides Winston Moseley was notorious for killing Kitty Genovese in 1964 at a time when apathy allowed such psychopaths to perform nasty deeds in a vacuum of apathy.  Details of the grizzly killing of Moseley were highly publicized because the murder took place while Genovese's neighbors ignored her cries for help.  Genovese was only 28 years-old at the time of her murder.  The refusal of her neighbors to get involved was highly publicized and studied.  Such ridiculous behavior is now labelled as "bystander effect."  Does the presence of other people witnessing the crime discourage others from intervening in an emergency?  Psychological genius suggest yes.  Other's claim it was a generation of apathetic indifference with a genuine desire to avoid "a hassle."

The New York Times reported that as many as 38 people observed the stabbing murder.  Kew Garden residents were labeled as having "diffusion of responsibility."  Other historians argue that the number who actually saw the stabbing was substantially less and that perhaps as many as two people did call the police.  What is clear is that no one seemed to want to get involved by explaining to the police how serious the situation sounded.  Similarly no one attempted to physically intervene over the course of several minutes of Genovese screaming.  Some reports indicate that one neighbor screamed from a window to "leave that girl alone" and perhaps that temporarily provided some relief as Winston Moseley apparently drove off and Genovese sought the safety of her apartment building. Unfortunately, Mosely returned to the scene and finished the job inside of the apartment complex.

Regardless of how many actually heard and ignored the victim, the Genovese murder inspired the use of 911 to report crimes and other emergencies.  Mosely was 81 at the time of his recent death.  Let him forever be the symbol of why good people need to get involved so as to prevent evil.

Hulk Hogan is No Poor Dumbbell ~by Legal Pub

There may be an alternative way to rise above financial problems.  What you need is apparently a good friend, the friend's hot wife and some idiot to publish an adulterous video without your permission.  Sound complicated?  Perhaps it is and we certainly can't recommend it as a path to success.  Nevertheless; it appears that Terry Bollea, aka Hulk Hogan, may never have to worry about money again. Balancing free speech against privacy, a Florida jury found in favor of Hulk Hogan and awarded a stunning $115 million verdict against Gawker.   The jury found that Gawker's posting of a Hulk Hogan sex tape in 2012 violated his right to privacy.

Terry Bollea, the Hulkster, filed the lawsuit three years ago after Gawker, a digital news site founded by Nick Denton, published a video the wrestler claimed was secretly recorded. The sex tape allegedly showed the Hulkster having sexual intercourse with Heather Cole.  At the time, Cole was the wife of Tampa-area radio shock jock Bubba the Love Sponge (real name: Todd Alan Clem). Gawker also included an article from A.J. Daulerio which discussed celebrity sex and the alleged encounter between Hogan and Cole.

The jury reached its verdict after two weeks of testimony.   Gawker founder Nick Denton suggested that the digital news site will appeal the verdict based on Hulk Hogan being a public figure.  While we never saw the video, one can imagine it got more views than old WWE footage.  

Another Month, Another Maniac ~by Legal Pub

Cedric Ford is the maniac suspected of killing three people at the Kansas lawnmower factory where he used to work.  The lunatic rage began about 90 minutes after he was served with a protection order. 14 other people were wounded by Ford's assault with a .223-caliber rifle and a pistol.  Ford was eventually killed by the first police officer to reach the scene.

Ford shot his weapon as he drove through two cities.  All 14 wounded victims remain hospitalized.  At least five were initially listed in critical condition.Michigan had a shooting last weekend involving a Uber driver.  When will the nationwide madness end? .