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The George Zimmerman trial begins
In February of 2012, George Zimmerman shot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, allegedly in self-defense. The crime sparked a nationwide debate about gun control and racial profiling. This week, his trial begins. Zimmerman will plead not guilty to second-degree murder for reasons of self-defense. The prosecution argues that Zimmerman racially profiled Martin, who was wearing a dark … Read More
Corrupt US border agents to be sentenced
Since 2004, over 150 Border Patrol agents have been charged with some form of corruption, including taking bribes and cooperating with human trafficking groups. Raul and Fidel Villarreal, who are both former Border Patrol agents, will both be sentenced today for running a smuggling operation. The operation, which was run along the international border in … Read More
Gun owner charged in accidental shooting death
55-year-old Todd Conrad Francis is being charged with three felony counts: involuntary manslaughter, child endangerment and criminal storage of a firearm. Francis’ 9-year-old daughter was playing with her neighbor Eric Klyaz in the garage on June 4. They were handling Francis’ 9 mm pistol when it apparently went off, killing Klyaz. At the time, the … Read More
FBI arrests 14 in connection with international gambling ring
The FBI staged raids on Wednesday during which they arrested 14 people, one of whom may be a manager in an international gambling ring. This violent ring, which has been operating for a decade, is alleged to have taken millions of dollars in illegal sports bets. The FBI launched a full-scale investigation into the case, … Read More
Attempted murder suspect arrested
Police arrested an attempted murder suspect in Vista on Tuesday, eight hours after he went on the run. Kenneth Wayne Welch, 42, allegedly beat his girlfriend, then left the scene in his pickup truck with their 5-month-old son. Welch left the unharmed child with a relative. Welch’s girlfriend said that he hit her on the … Read More
Alleyne vs. the United States
On June 17, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of ALLEYNE vs. UNITED STATES, Case # 11–9335, in a 5-4 opinion, overruled the 2002 Supreme Court case of Harris v. United States, 536 U. S. 545, and in doing so held any mandatory minimum sentence that increase the penalty for a crime must be … Read More
Chargers doctor steps down
David Chao, the team doctor for the Chargers, stated this Thursday that he’ll be stepping down. He’s been with the team for 17 seasons. Chao said he wants time to spend with his wife and children, and also has a back injury that will require him to get surgery this month. He said his time … Read More
Las Vegas couple pleads guilty to fake insurance scam
Michael and Melissa Woodward pleaded guilty Wednesday to state tax fraud and other charges. The Woodwards were charged with 11 counts each, including grand theft, tax fraud, residential burglary, theft from an elder and selling insurance without authorization. The couple are alleged to have scammed 240 to 250 elderly people in San Diego County and … Read More
Peugh vs. United States
On June 10, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of PEUGH vs. UNITED STATES, Case # 12-62, in a 5-4 opinion, ruled the Ex Post Facto Clause of the U.S Constitution was violated when the newer 2009 version of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines was applied because it provides (an increased risk of) a much greater punishment when … Read More
Evidence from hidden camera was properly authenticated, court ruled
An Ohio doctor was charged with sexual misconduct after his inappropriate sexual comments were secretly taped by one of his patients. Larry Lee Smith argued before the Court of Appeals that the hidden camera violated his due process rights, but the court found that the secret tape was proper and did not violate any of … Read More