DUI News Round-up: Three DUI Cases Are Resolved
In this DUI news round-up, we review Miguel Cabrera's DUI plea deal, and take a closer look at two cases in which the DUI charges were dropped.
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DUI News Roundup: Charges Dropped in Three DUI Cases
In this DUI news roundup, we take a closer look at the DUI cases involving a high school principal, Nickelodeon actor, and manager at a local Alabama newspaper.
Inaccurate Breath Testing Results Dropped as Evidence in 100 Florida DUI Cases
Florida prosecutors have decided that the breath test results in about 100 pending DUI cases will not be included as evidence after it was revealed that faulty devices were producing inaccurate measurements.
Police Oppose New Bill Proposal Aiming to Limit Scope of DUI Checkpoints
A new bill proposed in the state of California that would require advanced notice of DUI checkpoints and limit punishments for unlicensed drivers is facing criticism from police agencies.
Chicago Sportscaster's DUI Charge Is Dismissed
The DUI charge against former NFL running back Mike Adamle and current Chicago sportscaster has been dismissed; a blood alcohol test showed that he was well under the legal limit set for driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Judge Dismisses DUI Charge; Rules Woman Was too Old for Field Sobriety Test
A Pennsylvania judge dismissed an Ohio woman's drunk driving charge, ruling that she was too old to take a field sobriety test.
Johnson & Johnson Accused of Defrauding Nursing Home Patients
Drug giant Johnson & Johnson is accused of conspiring with pharmaceutical consulting and supply company Omnicare, Inc., to defraud nursing home residents across the country in a class-action lawsuit filed recently in a Los Angeles federal court.
Botched Breath Test Forces Kansas Prosecutor to Drop DUI Charge
An improperly calibrated breath testing device forced the Galena, Kan., city attorney to drop a driving under the influence (DUI) charge against the Pittsburg (Kansas) State University athletic director.
College Students at High Risk for DUI
College campus culture can lead to a high incidence of students driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and illicit drugs, according to the results of several studies conducted in recent years.
New Laws to Increase Ignition Lock Use against Drunk Driving
New California laws will expand use of ignition interlock devices (IIDs) in the cars of convicted drunk drivers.
Ignition Interlock Device Designed to Prevent Drunk Driving
Ignition interlock devices can be installed in the cars/vehicles of DUI offenders to check their blood alcohol levels via a breath test before they can start or while driving their vehicles.
Missouri Police Arrest Suspect in Multiple Bank Robberies
On September 12, Missouri police arrested Chad Schaffner, 37, whom police believe robbed at least 10 banks in multiple states since May. Schaffner, who has a criminal record, faces multiple charges, including bank robbery, burglary, armed robbery, receiving stolen property, and drug charges.
Actress Lori Petty to Serve Five Years Probation for DUI
Actress Lori Petty, star of Tank Girl and A League of Their Own, pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor DUI charge at the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Under Petty’s plea deal, she will attend AA meetings, pay fines, and receive outpatient treatment.
Los Angeles County Coroner Rules Michael Jackson’s Death a Homicide
The Los Angeles County coroner reported Friday that Michael Jackson’s death was a homicide involving several prescription drugs. The coroner’s report will remain on security hold as authorities continue the criminal investigation into Jackson’s death.
Jury Sentences Columbine Copycat Murderer
A jury sentenced Alvaro Castillo, a so-called Columbine copycat, to life without parole in the murder of his father three years ago. The trial centered largely on whether or not Castillo’s history of mental illness was sufficient to deem him insane, thereby relieving him of responsibility for the murder.
Former Sunday School Teacher Indicted in Girl’s Death
A San Joaquin County, California grand jury charged Melissa Huckaby, 28, a former Sunday school teacher, with kidnapping, murder, and rape in the death of an 8-year-old girl. Huckaby, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, remains in jail without bail.
Actor Michael Douglas’ Son to Face Drug Charges
Cameron Douglas, son of actor Michael Douglas, was transferred from house arrest to jail this week following his July 28 arrest (in Manhattan) for alleged drug trafficking. Prosecutors say Cameron sold thousands of dollars worth of methamphetamine via Federal Express.
Cops Charged in Sarah Jessica Parker Surrogate Scandal
Two cops and a mayor’s son face felony charges in a scandal surrounding the surrogate mother who carried twins for celebrity couple Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick. The charged allegedly broke into the surrogate’s residence in order to gain information for the media.
“Three’s Company” Star Joyce DeWitt Arrested for DUI
“Three’s Company” star Joyce DeWitt was arrested on July 4 in El Segundo, California for DUI. Police pulled DeWitt over when she drove past a barricade and booked her when she failed field sobriety tests. DeWitt was released on $5,000 bail.
Ecast Founder Accused of $28 Million Investment Fraud
In a lawsuit filed last week in California, Ecast founder and executive Samuel Cohen is accused of defrauding a group of investors of over $28 million. Alleged victims included a nonprofit organization founded by actors Danny Glover and Harry Belafonte.
Prosecutors Consider Death Penalty in Kansas City Murder Trial
Prosecutors are considering seeking the death penalty for Adrian Burks, a man charged with murdering four at a Kansas City, Kansas-area residence. One of the victims was a three-year-old child. Prosecutors believe Burks is guilty of first-degree premeditated murder.
Teens Sentenced in Mexican Man’s Death – Plaintiffs Claim Racial Bias in Sentencing
Two Pennsylvania teens will serve jail time for the July beating of a Mexican man, which led to the man’s death. Plaintiff claims that the teens were motivated by racial prejudice, and that the jury’s relatively light sentence, too, was motivated by racial bias.
NFL Star to Enter Plea Deal in DUI Manslaughter Case
NFL star Donte` Stallworth, who is charged with DUI manslaughter, is expected to enter a plea deal, in which he will plead guilty to the lesser charge of DUI. The court’s acceptance of the plea deal would reduce his jail time and resolve the case.
Man Pleads Not Guilty in Baseball Pitcher’s Death
The man charged with murder in the April deaths of a Major League pitcher and two other victims pled not guilty Monday. His attorney is taking measures to ensure a fair trial. The man is charged with three counts of second-degree murder relating to an alleged DUI accident.
Jury Sentences Phil Spector to Nineteen Years to Life for Murder
A jury sentenced music producer Phil Spector to 19 years to life in prison for the 2003 murder of actress Lana Clarkson. In addition to jail time, the sentence also included punitive damages, which Spector paid to Clarkson’s mother.
Mark Cuban Denies Insider Trading, Sues SEC for Information
Billionaire Mark Cuban sued the Securities and Exchange Commission this week, demanding that the agency release information related to allegations that Cuban engaged in illegal insider trading in 2004. The SEC allegedly improperly withheld the information under an exemption in the Freedom of Information Act.
Mother Arrested for Murder of Three-Year-Old Son
Police arrested the woman they believe suffocated and killed her 3-year-old son on an Albuquerque, New Mexico playground last week. The woman faces charges of first-degree murder, abuse of a child under 12 that caused death, and other charges.
Police Identify Suspects in Kidnapping of Three-Year-Old
Police identified two men they believe kidnapped a three-year-old child in early May. The kidnappers abducted the child at gunpoint from the child’s San Bernardino, California home and abandoned him in Mexicali thirteen days later. Both suspects are illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds.
Professor Commits Suicide after Killing Three Others
Police found the body of a University of Georgia professor wanted for murder. Authorities, who found his body in a shallow, unmarked grave, suspect he committed suicide. Law enforcement had been searching for the professor since he murdered his wife and two colleagues on April 25.
Los Angeles Police Detain Serial Murder Suspect
Los Angeles police arrested a man they suspect committed numerous rapes and murders in the 1970s and 80s. Authorities suspect him of more than 25 killings. If convicted, the man will be the most prolific serial killer in the city’s history.
Suspect and Officers Killed in Shootout
Two officers and a domestic violence suspect were shot and killed Saturday in a shootout. The suspect shot two police who responded to a domestic violence complaint about the suspect. Then, when the suspect fled, police shot and killed him.
Murder Linked to Craigslist Ads
Boston police are searching for the man suspected of murdering a 26-year-old woman at a local hotel. The victim allegedly met the suspect through Craigslist, a popular online classified ads service, where she had advertised massage services.
Trustee Sues Profitable Madoff Investors for $150 Million
Investors who successfully withdrew money before the collapse of Bernard Madoff's mammoth Ponzi scheme should pay back $150 million to offset the losses of other investors, according to a lawsuit filed by Madoff Investment Securities trustee Irving Picard.
Man Charged in Death of Los Angeles Angels Pitcher
The Orange County district attorney’s office charged the man who police allege was driving drunk when he hit and killed a Los Angeles Angels pitcher and two other victims early Thursday morning. If convicted, the man faces up to life in prison.
Banks Agree to $586 Million Settlement with Disgruntled Investors
A group of banks agreed to a $586 million settlement with a group of investors after nearly a decade of negotiations. The investors sued over bank requirements that allegedly served to artificially inflate stock prices during the IPOs of tech companies.
Couple Finds Abandoned Infant in Diaper Bag
Milwaukee police are looking for the parents of an abandoned infant found Monday morning. The infant was found in a diaper bag on the trunk of a local couple’s car. Authorities believe the child to be approximately two days old.
Father Kills Children – Motivated by Suspicion of Wife’s Infidelity
A Washington State man killed his five children, ages 7 to 16, while they slept Friday night. He then committed suicide. Authorities believe the killings may have been related to the man’s suspicion of his wife’s infidelity.
Family Dispute over Urinating Dog Results in Three Officers’ Deaths
Three Pittsburgh police offers were fatally shot while responding to a 911 call from a mother in a dispute with her 22-year-old son over the family’s urinating dog. The son opened fire on the police officers, killing three and wounding two others.
Doctors File Suit Against Price-Fixing Insurer
The American Medical Association, a leading advocacy association for doctors and patients, is suing WellPoint, the nation's largest health insurance provider. The suit is the latest in a series against insurance providers alleging price-fixing to maximize profits.
Hawthorne Police Pay $1 Million to Couple Victimized by Misconduct
The police department of the City of Hawthorne in Los Angeles County recently settled for $1 million with a married couple who were allegedly the victims of systematic police misconduct and what has been described as an attempted cover-up.
Judge Rules to Withhold Suicide Note in Caylee Murder Case
A judge ruled that a suicide note written by the grandfather of Caylee Anthony will be withheld from the investigation into Caylee’s murder. The judge ruled that the note would be of little evidentiary value and would embarrass the victim’s family.
Jury Hears Testimonies in Albuquerque Triple Murder Trial
An Albuquerque jury heard testimonies in the trial of a man charged with the shooting deaths of three high school students in 1999. Witnesses described the shootings, which allegedly involved a drug deal gone wrong between the victim and the defendant’s girlfriend.
Jury Recommends Death Penalty for Arsonist Responsible for Firefighters’ Deaths
A jury recommended the death penalty for Raymond Lee Oyler, the arsonist responsible for the deaths of five firefighters in 2006. Oyler was convicted on five counts of first-degree murder, 11 counts of arson, and other charges.
Woman Claims Cop Groped Her During Raid, Asks for $600,000
A Philadelphia woman claims a police officer sexually assaulted her during a 2007 drug raid under the guise of searching her for weapons. She is seeking $600,000 from the officer and eight others who participated in the raid.
AIG Sued by Ex-CEO for Securities Fraud
Maurice Greenberg, former CEO of foundering insurance giant AIG, is suing the company for securities fraud. He claims the company's misrepresentations led him to acquire its stock at an artificially inflated price as part of his executive compensation plan.
Actor Who Played a Steroid Dealer Faces Real-Life Steroid Dealing Charges
Actor Scott Siegel, who played a steroid dealer in “The Wrestler”, was arrested for real-life steroid-related offenses Wednesday night in Eastchester, New York.
Child Hospitalized in Methamphetamine-Soda Pop Tragedy
An 11-year-old girl is fighting for her life in the hospital after drinking acid in a soda pop can on her family’s property in Alabama. Investigators believe the tainted can to be the doing of the child’s 42-year-old cousin, who police believe was operating a “shake and bake” meth lab on the family’s property.
Pennsylvania Juvenile Judges Face Civil Rights Lawsuit
After pleading guilty to fraud, two judges in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania face litigation alleging civil rights violations. The judges accepted millions of dollars in kickbacks in exchange for allegedly improperly sending juvenile offenders to privately run detention centers.
New York Cop Faces Assault Charges in Beating of Suspect
A New York City police officer faces charges of assault in the beating of a suspect he had placed under arrest. Surveillance videos show the cop beating the suspect before putting him in handcuffs. The officer has pled not-guilty to the charges.
Governor Spares Mother Killer the Death Sentence, Sentences to Life in Prison
Ohio’s governor spared the life of a man convicted of murdering his mother while on cocaine. The man, whose execution was set for March 3, received a sentence of life in prison instead, due in part to the victim’s family’s objections.
Hulk Hogan’s Son Granted Limited Driver’s License
Nick Bollea, son of wrestling star Hulk Hogan, was granted a limited driver’s driving permit last week despite its three-year revocation after a crash in 2007. The permit is the result of Bollea’s attorneys’ efforts to modify Bollea’s sentencing for the accident.
Former TV Host Arrested for DUI
Gary Collins, former TV host, was arrested Saturday night for DUI in Santa Barbara, California. Since the arrest, Collins has posted bail and obtained release. The arrest is one of several Collins has faced over the years.
Man Holds Hostage, and Shoots, Former Romantic Interest
A South Carolina man held his former romantic interest hostage after shooting her in the head, after she told him she wasn’t in love with him anymore. The woman is expected to recover, and the man is faces multiple charges.
Man Kills Family and Self in Unemployment Scare
A Los Angeles man killed his wife, five children, and finally himself, in an alleged reaction to losing his job. He sent a fax to his former employer blaming being fired for the murders. The story has sent shock waves through the community.
Virginia Tech Graduate Student Decapitates Fellow Student
A male Virginia Tech graduate student attacked and decapitated a female graduate student at the University’s Graduate Life Center on Wednesday. Reports indicate that the two knew each other, but that no argument preceded the attack. The man faces charges of first-degree murder.
Drunk Driver Hits Cyclist, Kills Puppy
On Thursday, a pickup truck driver hit a cyclist before plowing into a Phoenix condo, killing a puppy in the condo and injuring the cyclist. Authorities suspect the driver had been drinking before the accident. Police took the driver into custody.
Property Owner Sues New York City Developer for Misappropriated Funds
In a bizarre legal filing alleging kickbacks, strong-arm tactics, and millions of dollars in missing funds, New York City property owner Ciao-Di Restaurant Corp. has sued development official Alan Friedberg to recover losses stemming from the construction of a new condo building in Greenwich Village.
Child Slain in Shooting
Roberto Lopez, a four-year-old Echo Park resident, was killed in crossfire last Tuesday night. Although the investigation is in process, police suspect the shooting to be gang-related.
Judge Sentences FBI Agent in Mob Killing
A Miami judge sentenced John Connolly Jr., a former FBI agent, to 40 years in prison on Thursday, in relation to the 1982 death of a witness about to testify against Boston mob members.
Jury Convicts Gang Member of First-degree Murder of Blind Man
On December 2, Ruben Alejandro Oliveros, 27, received a conviction of first-degree murder in the 2006 death of legally blind Raffi Yessayan, 26.
Man in Santa Costume Massacres Ex-In-Laws’ Christmas Party
Bruce Jeffrey Pardo, dressed as Santa, killed nine people and injured several others at his ex-in-laws’ Christmas Eve party at their Los Angeles residence. Pardo began shooting indiscriminately before setting the house on fire and, finally, committing suicide.
Investigators Search Caylee Anthony’s Grandparents’ Residence
Investigators searched and removed evidence from the Orlando residence of the grandparents of murder victim Caylee Anthony.
RIAA Will End Filesharing Lawsuits
The industry's new approach may take the form of a 3-strikes policy, in which Internet service providers would be required to eventually suspend service to customers who download illegally.
Legendary Wall Street Trader Faces Fraud Charges
Bernard L. Madoff, a prominent stock trader and fixture on Wall Street for more than four decades, was arrested at his Manhattan home on Thursday, December 11 by federal agents and charged with defrauding investors of billions of dollars.
Sarah Palin’s to-be In-law Arrested on Drug Charges
Alaska governor Sarah Palin’s in-law-to-be, Sherry Johnston, was arrested for misconduct involving a controlled substance.
Supreme Court Considers Re-Examining Convicted Murderer’s Case
Supreme Court justices deliberated whether prosecutors had committed misconduct in giving a convicted murderer the death sentence in the 1980 murder of a Memphis couple.
Judge Reduces Murder Suspects’ Bail in Slaying of College Student
On December 10, a San Diego judge reduced the bail of four suspects in the October murder of a college student.
Former Morgan Stanley Broker Sanctioned for Robbing Accounts of Minor Malpractice Victims
New York Stock Exchange regulators today banned stockbroker Charles Winitch from working for member firms for a period of five years after he pocketed over $100,000 making unauthorized trades using the accounts of injured children.
Convicted Hedge Fund Swindler to Undergo Medical and Psychological Evaluation
Judge Kenneth Karas has ordered convicted swindler Samuel Israel to undergo a thorough evaluation in order to determine whether or not Israel is competent to plead guilty to bail-jumping charges.
Off-duty Chicago Police Officer Shoots Son, Kills Self and Daughter
Chicago Police Officer Dannie Marchan committed suicide Monday morning by turning his gun on himself after fatally shooting his young daughter and grievously wounding his 9-year-old son.
Tracy, CA Man Receives 10 Month Prison Sentence for Asbestos Violations
Wassim Mohammad Azizi was convicted by a federal jury on three counts of violating the Clean Air Act in conjunction with the demolition of a building containing asbestos.
Disgruntled San Francisco IT Administrator Relents, Hands Over Network Passwords to Mayor
Terry Childs, who has been jailed since July 13 on suspicion of computer tampering, handed passwords for San Francisco's FiberWAN network over to Mayor Gavin Newsom Monday.
Disney, Universal Studios, and Georgia-Pacific Claim Exemptions from Florida Gun Law
A new Florida law allowing employees to bring guns to work has come under fire from Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and paper manufacturer Georgia-Pacific.
Mysterious New Mexico Death Solved By Viewing of Five Year-Old CSI Episode
New Mexico State Police have closed their case on a Texas man's death after determining he killed himself in a manner similar to that shown in an episode of CSI.