ReportWire

Tag: criminal law

  • A massive prisoner swap involving the United States and Russia is underway, an AP source says

    A massive prisoner swap involving the United States and Russia is underway, an AP source says

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    WASHINGTON — A massive prisoner swap involving the United States and Russia is underway.

    That’s according to a person familiar with the matter on Thursday. The Americans considered by the U.S. to be wrongfully detained in Russia include Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, a corporate security executive from Michigan.

    Both had been convicted of espionage charges that the U.S. government considered baseless. Russia has long been interested in getting back Vadim Krasikov, who was convicted in Germany in 2021 of killing a former Chechen rebel in a Berlin park two years earlier, apparently on the orders of Moscow’s security services.

    Speculation had mounted for weeks that a swap was near because of a confluence of unusual developments, including a startlingly quick trial and conviction for Gershkovich that Washington regarded as a sham. He was sentenced to 16 years in a maximum-security prison.

    Also in recent days, several other figures imprisoned in Russia for speaking out against the war in Ukraine or over their work with the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny were moved from prison to unknown locations.

    Gershkovich was arrested March 29, 2023, while on a reporting trip to the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg. Authorities claimed, without offering any evidence, that he was gathering secret information for the U.S. The son of Soviet emigres who settled in New Jersey, he moved to the country in 2017 to work for The Moscow Times newspaper before being hired by the Journal in 2022.

    He had more than a dozen closed hearings over the extension of his pretrial detention or appeals for his release. He was taken to the courthouse in handcuffs and appeared in the defendants’ cage, often smiling for the many cameras.

    U.S. officials last year made an offer to swap Gershkovich that was rejected by Russia, and Biden’s Democratic administration had not made public any possible deals since then.

    Gershkovich was designated as wrongfully detained, as was Whelan, who was detained in December 2018 after traveling to Russia for a wedding. Whelan was convicted of espionage charges, which he and the U.S. have also said were false and trumped up, and he was serving a 16-year prison sentence.

    Whelan had been excluded from prior high-profile deals involving Russia, including the April 2022 swap by Moscow of imprisoned Marine veteran Trevor Reed for Konstantin Yaroshenko, a Russian pilot convicted in a drug trafficking conspiracy. That December, the U.S. released notorious arms trafficker Viktor Bout in exchange for getting back WNBA star Brittney Griner, who’d been jailed on drug charges.

    Litvinova reported from Tallinn, Estonia.

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    By Eric Tucker, Dasha Litvinova and Matthew Lee | Associated Press

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  • Transgender girl murdered in western Pa.; man charged in homicide

    Transgender girl murdered in western Pa.; man charged in homicide

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    SHARON, Pa. — A western Pennsylvania man is charged with homicide following the death and dismemberment of a transgender teenager.

    Dashawn Dale Depree Watkins, 29, of Sharon, Pa., was charged Wednesday with murder in the first degree, aggravated assault, abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence following the death of Pauly Likens.

    Pamela Ladner, director of the Shenango Valley LGBTQIA+ Alliance in Sharon said she has spoken to Likens’ mother, Jennifer, and she confirmed that Likens identified as a transgender girl.

    Likens was murdered June 23 near a canoe launch in downtown Sharon, police said.

    Mercer County District Attorney Peter C. Acker said he does not plan to charge Watkins with a hate crime. Acker said this is one of the worst homicide cases he’s ever seen in his 46 years as a lawyer. 

    “I’ve gotten several questions about whether or not we’re investigating this as a hate crime,” Acker said. “The answer is no because the defendant is an admitted homosexual and the victim was transitioning.”

    Likens was reported missing June 25. Her father said she planned to spend the night at a friend’s house on June 22. About 2:30 a.m. on June 23, Likens posted an image on Snapchat of a dark road and said she was out for a late-night walk to clear her mind and she was not heard from after that.

    On June 25, Hermitage police responded to a report of dismembered human remains at Shenango River Lake. Over the next week, more remains were recovered around the lake.

    Mercer County Coroner John A. Libonati confirmed the remains to be Likens. Upon completion of an autopsy for some of the recovered remains the coroner’s office ruled Likens’ cause of death to be sharp force trauma to the head with the manner of death as homicide. Acker said authorities have not yet all of Likens’ remains.

    Surveillance video from June 23 in the area of the canoe launch shows a vehicle entering and exiting the canoe launch when Likens’ phone last connected with cellular towers in the area. Video images later show the vehicle turning toward the apartment building where Watkins lives. After the vehicle leaves the canoe launch, the victim is not seen leaving the area, police said.

    Police also watched video surveillance from inside Watkins’ apartment complex in the early morning of June 23. The surveillance shows Watkins carrying a large duffle bag out of the apartment just before Likens’ last known phone activity. The video shows Watkins taking this duffle bag with him to make initial contact with Likens on June 23. At that time, the bag appeared to be empty.

    Watkins returns 20 to 25 minutes later carrying the duffle bag, which then appears to be heavy and awkward, into the first floor of the apartment building, police said.

    State troopers detained Watkins on July 2. According to the criminal complaint, Watkins told police he used the Grindr app to arrange a meet-up with someone.

    In the interview, Watkins said he did not previously know the person he met. Watkins explained the bag by telling police that he took a large bag from his car which had been there from a vacation from about a month ago.

    Police executed search warrants on the entryway of 335 Sterling Ave. and of Watkins’ apartment. Preliminary tests indicated that there was blood in the hallway and inside the apartment at multiple locations including the bathroom and under the bathroom flooring. A receipt from June 23 indicated that Watkins purchased a saw with exchangeable blades, which was found in the apartment. 

    A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 25.

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    By MELISSA KLARIC Sharon Herald Staff Writer

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  • Beverly man charged with trafficking cocaine

    Beverly man charged with trafficking cocaine

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    BEVERLY — The execution of a search warrant Wednesday has resulted in the arrest of a 58-year-old Beverly man on charges of drug trafficking.

    On Wednesday evening, members of the Beverly Police Drug Control Unit, with assistance from Salem police and detectives, executed a search warrant at the Beverly home of David Davis, 58, and charged him with trafficking over 100 grams of cocaine.

    A search of Davis’ home and vehicle located approximately 119 grams of cocaine in baggies of various sizes, a digital scale, and $1,033 in cash.

    A Beverly police detective was bitten by a dog while serving the search warrant. He was taken to Beverly hospital for treatment of injuries to his arm.

    Davis was taken into custody at the scene and pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Thursday in Salem District Court. He is being held on $10,000 bond, and a probable cause hearing has been set for July 24 in Salem District Court.

    The search was a result of an ongoing investigation.

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    By Buck Anderson | Staff Writer

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  • Case dismissed against teenage cousin of Uvalde school shooter for allegedly threatening school shooting | CNN

    Case dismissed against teenage cousin of Uvalde school shooter for allegedly threatening school shooting | CNN

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    Editor’s Note: (6/27/24) Since this story was published in August 2023, the case against Nathan James Cruz was dismissed due to a missing witness, according to court records in Bexar County, Texas.



    CNN
     — 

    The teenage cousin of the gunman responsible for the 2022 Uvalde, Texas, school shooting was arrested Monday on suspicion of threatening to “do the same thing” to a school, according to court documents obtained by CNN.

    Nathan James Cruz, 17, was arrested on a felony charge of making a terroristic threat to a public place and a misdemeanor charge of making a terroristic threat against a family member, according to Bexar County Central Magistrate records.

    Cruz is the cousin of Salvador Ramos, the 18-year-old who fatally shot 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in May 2022, San Antonio police Sgt. Washington Moscoso told the New York Times on Monday.

    CNN has sought comment from San Antonio police.

    Ramos stormed into Robb Elementary last year armed with an assault rifle and tactical vest and opened fire on two adjoining classrooms – perpetrating one of the deadliest school shootings in modern US history. Law enforcement’s response has been heavily scrutinized, as officers waited outside the classrooms for more than an hour before entering and fatally shooting Ramos.

    Cruz’s mother contacted police on Monday after her daughter reported that Cruz said he planned to “do the same thing” as his cousin, according to an affidavit obtained by CNN.

    His mother told investigators she was “especially concerned because the suspect is currently on probation, was intoxicated at the time” and because the family lives across the street from an elementary school, the affidavit states.

    Cruz’s sister told investigators that while she was giving her brother a ride, he “threatened to shoot her in the head and stated he would ‘shoot the school,’” according to the affidavit.

    The mother allegedly overheard a phone conversation in which Cruz was attempting to illegally acquire an AR-15-style assault rifle – the same style used by Ramos to carry out the Uvalde shooting, according to the affidavit.

    Following his arrest, Cruz “denied making any threats” when interviewed by a detective, the document states.

    CNN has been unable to confirm whether Cruz has an attorney. His charges carry a combined $160,000 bond, according to the magistrate records.

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  • Killer in 1987 Salem murder granted parole

    Killer in 1987 Salem murder granted parole

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    BEVERLY — A man who was serving a life sentence for a 1987 execution-style murder in Salem has been granted parole, despite the objections of the victim’s family and the Essex District Attorney’s office.

    Charles “Chucky” Doucette, who pleaded guilty to the second-degree murder of Raymond Bufalino, was granted parole by the state parole board on May 13.

    Doucette, who is now 64, shot Bufalino twice in the head as they were sitting in Bufalino’s car near Harmony Grove Cemetery on the Salem-Peabody line in 1987. He was also convicted of two violent home invasions while on bail awaiting trial, and was arrested when he was out on parole on two previous occasions.

    In its unanimous decision, the parole board said Doucette “has demonstrated a level of rehabilitation that would make his release compatible with the welfare of society.”

    In testimony before the parole board in March, Bufalino’s wife, Shauna O’Sullivan, pleaded with the board not to release Doucette.

    “With his tendency for violence I fear that he will reoffend,” she said in a video of the hearing. “I would hate to hear of another person having to live through the anguish and emotional turmoil that I went through. I believe he made his choice all those years ago and that he should be held accountable for his crimes.”

    O’Sullivan said her son was 9½ months old at the time his father was murdered.

    “I’m not angry or bitter,” she told the board. “I’m past that now, some 38 years later.

    “I feel I owe it to my husband’s memory to say something.”

    Bufalino’s sister and brother also spoke against giving Doucette parole. In a statement read by a victim service advocate at the parole hearing, Suzanne Maynard and Anthony Bufalino called Doucette a “menace to society and a true threat to society.

    “Look at what happened the first time he got paroled,” they said. “Nothing but trouble. So tell me, since being back in prison has he changed? I doubt it.”

    Essex County Assistant District Attorney Kayla Burns also spoke against parole, saying Doucette has continued to minimize his culpability and deflect blame.

    “He puts the blame on other people being in his life,” Burns said.

    During the hearing, Doucette, who has lived in Beverly and Peabody, said he has changed in his years in prison thanks to counseling and programs on subjects such as domestic violence and anger management.

    “I’ve always been bigger and stronger than most people. I always got my way through intimidation and being a total ass,” he told the parole board. “I’m not that person today. I have children. I have grandchildren. I have great-grandchildren. I don’t want them to make the mistakes I made. I want them to learn from the mistakes I made.”

    Doucette’s mother and sister spoke in favor of his release. His sister, Kim Malick, said Doucette has remained close to her children, who are now in their 20s.

    “He met my oldest daughter when she fit into the palm of his hand in prison,” Malik said. “I would love for him to have the opportunity to come home and see her.”

    Doucette had been granted parole twice previously and was arrested both times — once on a rape charge that was later dropped, and another on a domestic assault charge of which he was acquitted — and sent back to prison.

    In total, Doucette was serving seven life sentences for the murder, two counts of home invasion, two counts of armed robbery, and two counts of stealing by confining or putting a person in fear.

    He was denied parole in his last three attempts before the board granted parole in May.

    According to the board’s decision, Doucette has invested in his rehabilitation, including participating in domestic violence programs and counseling, and working and volunteering in the prison law library. “He has strong vocational skills and work ethic,” the board said.

    Doucette has maintained stable relationships with his family and has been sober since 1990, according to the board.

    He told the board he wanted to get his commercial driving license and move to Texas to be near his family.

    Bufalino, of Salem, worked for Doucette’s father at a Salem gas station and was considering a lawsuit after getting injured while working. Doucette was also angry that Bufalino owed him money, according to the parole board’s statement of the case.

    While seated together in Bufalino’s car, Doucette shot him once behind the right ear and once in the mouth. Bufalino’s body was found by his wife, who had gone to search for him. He was 30 years old.

    At the hearing, Doucette apologized to Bufalino’s family. At one point he broke down crying when he said that his own daughter no longer talks to him.

    “I know how bad it hurt me with my own daughter not being part of my life,” Doucette said. “I can’t put into words what I must have cost Ray’s family and his son especially.”

    After gaining parole, Doucette was scheduled to be released to a long-term residential program. Conditions included a 10 p.m. curfew, electronic monitoring at the parole officer’s discretion, a substance abuse treatment plan, domestic violence counseling, counseling for intimate partner/co-dependence relations, and no contact with the victim’s family.

    Staff Writer Paul Leighton can be reached at 978-338-2535, by email at pleighton@salemnews.com, or on Twitter at @heardinbeverly.

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    By Paul Leighton | Staff Writer

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  • Authorities: Car meetup gatherings can be difficult to control

    Authorities: Car meetup gatherings can be difficult to control

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    Spontaneous “meetup” and “pop-up” gatherings in outdoor commercial areas and parking lots have dogged area police for the past several years.

    Seven people were shot at a pop-up gathering at 100 Lindberg Ave. in Methuen early Sunday. An eighth person suffered a head injury after falling while trying to flee. Authorities said two of the people injured were listed in critical condition.

    It’s not the first time a local car meetup has ended in violence. Earlier this spring, a person who went to a similar party on Glen Street in Lawrence was shot. Police learned about the shooting after the victim was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

    Fueled by social media posts and indicators, including Snapchat notifications, the meet-ups are attended by young people between roughly 16 and 20 years old. These people are too young to get into clubs, so they meet at outdoor locations to listen to music, dance, drink, vape and smoke marijuana, police said.

    Methuen Police Chief Scott McNamara said during a press conference Sunday morning that officers have been monitoring “hot spots” for these “spontaneous meetups.”

    Those attending are coming from all over Essex County “and beyond,” District Attorney Paul Tucker said during the press conference.

    Police sources said the meetups are primarily fueled through the Snapchat application, which allows messages and photos to be posted and later automatically deleted and locations to be “pinned” or illuminated on maps.

    Those who attend often drive souped-up or lowrider vehicles with powerful stereo speakers installed. Others are driving dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles that are illegal to operate on streets and roads. These drivers often congregate in large groups, hoping it gives them anonymity despite the chaos these events often create, police said.

    In September, local police and state troopers seized 19 bikes and issued more than 50 citations in a crackdown prompted by complaints about reckless and dangerous operation of motorcycles, dirt bikes and off-road vehicles on public ways.

    Local police regularly collaborate with the Massachusetts State Police airwing to pinpoint the meetup gatherings and errant drivers, officers said.

    Loud music from pop-up gatherings triggers noise complaints from the immediate area and also from surrounding communities, police said. McNamara said he wanted to stress in the wake of Sunday morning’s incident “that there is no ongoing threat to the larger community.”

    “The threat is compartmentalized to the smaller population of people who continue to engage in this type of high-risk behavior,” the chief said.

    Staff Writer Jill Harmacinski may be contacted at jharmacinski@northofboston.com and followed on X/Twitter @EagleTribJill.

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    By Jill Harmacinski | Staff Writer

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  • Georgetown PD: Local teen stole 2 cars

    Georgetown PD: Local teen stole 2 cars

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    GEORGETOWN — A local teen accused of stealing two cars was arraigned Monday in Haverhill District Court, according to police.

    Joseph Winthrop Lee, 18, of Georgetown was charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle (two counts); larceny of a motor vehicle, failure to stop for police, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene after property damage, resisting arrest, speeding in excess of posted limit and a marked lanes violation.

    Lee was arrested shortly after police say he stole a 2010 Toyota Camry early Sunday and led officers on a pursuit that ended with the car veering into woods off Church Street in West Newbury.

    He was later captured by officers with the help of Amesbury police K-9 Meatball and his partner, Thomas Nichols.

    The arrest came shortly after local police responded to a suspicious gathering at the Georgetown Park and Ride involving two men and a 2022 Toyota Prius. The officers identified the vehicle as being stolen from a Newton address.

    When approached by officers, the men fled. Lee then stole the Camry, police said.

    The second car theft took place in the early morning of May 31 when a 2008 Toyota Prius was stolen from a Georgetown home. Several hours later, the Prius was found abandoned with a flat tire outside the Museum of Science in Boston, according to police.

    Local police charged Lee with both thefts.

    Lee is due back in court July 10.

    In light of the two incidents, police are reminding residents to lock their vehicles.

    “Practicing responsible vehicle ownership isn’t just about protecting your property, it’s also about protecting the lives and property of other people,” Georgetown police Chief David Sedgwick said. “Motor vehicle theft is often a gateway crime to other crime, such as speeding and reckless driving, both of which pose a threat to the entire community. On this occasion, the motor vehicles were stolen as a matter of convenience, and their theft could have been prevented.”

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers the following commonsense tips for helping to prevent vehicle theft:

    Take your vehicle’s key and do not leave it in or on your vehicle; close and lock all windows and doors when parking; park in well-lit areas if possible; and never leave valuables in the vehicle, especially if they can be seen from outside.

    Dave Rogers is the editor of the Daily News of Newburyport. Email him at: drogers@newburyportnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @drogers41008.

    Dave Rogers is the editor of the Daily News of Newburyport. Email him at: drogers@newburyportnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @drogers41008. 

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    By Dave Rogers | drogers@newburyportnews.com

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  • Timeline of the case

    Timeline of the case

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    1990

    Newlywed Pam Smart, then a 22-year-old media coordinator at Winnacunnet High School in Hampton, New Hampshire, plots with her teenage students to have her husband, Gregg Smart, murdered. She has an affair with a student, William “Billy” Flynn of Seabrook, then 15, who shoots Gregg Smart in their Derry condominium.

    1991

    Pam Smart is convicted as an accomplice to first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole after a trial in Exeter, New Hampshire. The case gained international attention and was one of America’s first major cases involving a sexual affair between a school staff member and student. Flynn is later convicted of second-degree murder.

    1992

    Notable author Joyce Maynard writes the novel “To Die For” drawing from the Smart case.

    1994

    Pam Smart is transferred to Bedford Hills Correctional Facility in New York to serve her life sentence.

    1995

    “To Die For” inspires a film of the same name, starring Nicole Kidman and Joaquin Phoenix.

    2005

    Pam Smart is denied her first request at a commutation hearing that year.

    2010

    In interviews, Smart says she never wanted Gregg killed and never asked anyone to do it.

    2015

    Flynn is freed after serving a 25-year prison sentence.

    2019

    N.H. Governor’s Council votes 4-0 against Smart’s request for a commutation hearing.

    2022

    Smart appeals to N.H. Supreme Court, which dismisses her petition a year later.

    2024

    In a video sent to WMUR TV, for the first time at age 56, Smart says she accepts responsibility for Gregg’s murder and asks to have an “honest conversation” with Gov. Chris Sununu and the Executive Council.

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  • Authorities identify Pelham man shot, killed by officer

    Authorities identify Pelham man shot, killed by officer

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    NASHUA, N.H. — Authorities have identified a Pelham man who was shot and killed by police Sunday night outside Lowe’s at 143 Daniel Webster Highway.

    Ryan Prudhomme, 41, died of a single gunshot wound to the chest outside the home improvement store. The investigation of the officer-involved shooting continues.

    Attorney General John Formella and New Hampshire State Police Col. Mark Hall identified the man in a joint statement.

    An autopsy confirmed that Prudhomme died from the gunshot wound, according to the state’s chief medical examiner.

    Nashua police responded to Lowe’s about 8:45 p.m. They were following up on a report from the Pelham Police Department to be on the lookout for Prudhomme, who was armed when he left his home.

    Prudhomme still had a handgun when officers encountered him outside the store, authorities said.

    Two officers fired less-lethal munitions while another officer used deadly force. Lifesaving measures were attempted, but the man died from his injuries, the authorities said.

    The officers’ identities will not be released until formal interviews occur, which can take five to 10 days, according to the statement.

    The investigation is being conducted by the state Department of Justice and the New Hampshire State Police Major Crimes Unit.

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    By Angelina Berube | aberube@eagletribune.com

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  • Police/Fire: Gloucester woman held, accused of driving stolen Audi while drugged

    Police/Fire: Gloucester woman held, accused of driving stolen Audi while drugged

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    After a report of an Audi SUV driving erratically in the vicinity of the Bass Avenue traffic lights and East Main Street just after 5 a.m.last Monday, police arrested a 43-year-old Gloucester woman on charges of larceny of a motor vehicle; driving under the influence of drugs, a third offense; driving with a suspended license; negligent driving; a marked lanes violation; and receiving a stolen motor vehicle.

    Kimberly A. Ahearn, of 11 Chestnut St., Apt. 4, was ordered held without bail during her arraignment last Monday in Gloucester District Court. She was scheduled for a detention hearing this Monday, May 20, according to the district court’s clerk’s office.

    The person reporting the blue Audi SUV being driven erratically said it was “flying,” and believed it to be going in excess of 100 mph. The following driver said the Audi appeared to attempt to evade him, driving so fast and erratically he was no longer able to safely follow it.

    Earlier that morning, at 4:15, police had gone to Edgemoor Road for a report of a woman ringing a homeowner’s doorbell, with the resident reporting the woman appeared “hammered.” This caller said the woman came from what appeared to be a dark-colored Audi SUV.

    The Audi was reported to have gone down East Main Street toward Zeke’s Restaurant. Officers spotted the vehicle and dispatch informed them the vehicle came back to an address on Eastern Point Boulevard. Police followed the Audi as it weaved down the road and nearly struck the curb. Police stopped the car just before the stop sign heading toward Bass Avenue.

    Police approached the driver and noted a strong odor of heavy brake use coming from the SUV. The officer reported recognizing the driver as she had several run-ins with police recently and in the past, the report said. She reportedly laughed hysterically when the officer tried to speak with her and eventually the officer was able to confirm her identity. When asked if the Audi belonged to her, she said she came out of her apartment on Chestnut Street, saw the vehicle with its keys in the cup holder, and took it, the report said. Police informed her this was a crime, which she denied and said she needed the vehicle to get around to do errands. Ahearn said she did not have her license on her and it was confirmed her license was suspended.

    When she got out to take field sobriety tests, police noticed she was not wearing shoes. Police said she showed signs of impairment while taking the tests. Police contacted the Audi’s owner who told police she did not give anyone permission to use her car. The owner was given a ride to the scene where she saw damage to the Audi’s front driver’s side bumper that had not been there before. Police subsequently arrested Ahearn.

    — Ethan Forman

    In other news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments:

    GLOUCESTER

    Tuesday, May 14

    9:08 p.m.: Debris in the roadway was located on Rockland Street.

    6:40 p.m.: Police responded to a report from a Viking Street homeowner who said someone in a maroon sedan pulled in her driveway and started taking pictures of her house. She told police she came out from behind her vehicle and approached the man who told her he was taking pictures for FEMA. The man did not show any ID and left abruptly. She was unable to get the plate number of the sedan. Police were given a description of a man who was large in stature wearing a black shirt with the letters “OSI” on it. Police advised the woman to lock her doors and call if the vehicle returned.

    3:23 p.m.: Police responded to a disturbance at Good Harbor Beach on Thatcher Road.

    Crashes with property damage only were reported at East Main and Wall streets at 11:17 a.m., and on Grant Circle on Route 128 north at 2:40 p.m.

    12:14 p.m.: Peace was restored after a caller reported juveniles drinking on Good Harbor Beach on Thatcher Road.

    11:06 a.m.: Fraud was reported on Elizabeth Road.

    Monday, May 13

    10:42 p.m.: Police responded to a report of a disabled vehicle in the roadway on Concord Street.

    6:20 p.m.: A 27-year-old Gloucester resident was arrested on charges of possession of a Class B drug, larceny under $1,200, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after police responded to Oak and Warner streets for report of a person hitting another person with a bat.  Police also filed a complaint against a 53-year-old on a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon.

    5:29 p.m.: Police planned to file a criminal complaint against a Gloucester resident in relation to a report of past harassment/domestic assault and battery.

    4:24 p.m.: Police assisted the Fire Department with an active fire on East Main Street. The road was closed at Chapel Street. Officers arrived to find an outside structure fire. Traffic was detoured around the fire site and the Fire Department responded to extinguish it.

    3:35 p.m.: A caller from Staten Street reported his neighbor has a camera intentionally facing his backyard.

    Crashes with property damage only were reported on Grant Circle at 11:23 a.m., Prospect Street at 12:03 p.m., and Route 128 northbound at 3:19 p.m..

    10:57 a.m.: Police took a report of credit card fraud.

    10:26 a.m.: Police responded to a disturbance at the 1-4, C-2 lot on Rogers Street.

    4:16 a.m.: A disturbance was reported on Edgemoor Road.

    ESSEX

    Thursday May 16

    10:46 p.m.: Suspicious activity was reported at a Centennial Grove Road address.

    7:51 p.m.: A police investigation was conducted at an Essex Avenue address.

    Individuals were assisted on Western Avenue at 8:44 a.m., John Wise Avenue at 4:31 p.m. and Harry Homans Drive at 5:17 p.m.

    11:51 a.m.: A call was made for a community policing event at a Martin Street address.

    MANCHESTER

    Thursday, May 16

    6:23 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on School Street, a written warning was issued.

    2:25 p.m.: A report was made about lost and found property at a Beach Street address.

    1:49 p.m.: A disturbance was reported at a School Street address.

    Individuals were assisted on Highland Avenue at 11:53 a.m., and Central Street at 8:18 a.m. and 1:10 p.m.

    Police investigations were conducted on Crooked Lane at 9:41 a.m. and Federal Street at 11:40 a.m.

    9:40 a.m.: A fire alarm, reported at a Bridge Street address, was later determined to be a false alarm.

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  • Police/Fire

    Police/Fire

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    In news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments:

    GLOUCESTER

    Thursday, May 9

    Disabled vehicles were reported on Kent Circle at 12:51 p.m., Grant Circle at 12:56 p.m., and at the Wingaersheek Motel on Concord Street at 10:59 p.m. when officers assisted.

    7:51 p.m.: Public Works was called out to Commercial Street.

    7:02 p.m.: A report of a disturbance on East Main Street proved to be unfounded.

    4:23 p.m.: Services were given to an incapacitated person who appeared unsteady on his feet on Main Street. The person refused medical attention.

    3:16 p.m.: Services were rendered for a reported unwelcome guest at Temple Ahavat Achim on Middle Street.

    Crashes with property damage only were reported on East Main Street at 10:17 a.m. and Porter Street at 2:48 p.m.

    10:51 a.m.: A false fire alarm was reported at Gloucester High on Leslie O. Johnson Road.

    9:08 a.m.: A suspicious person was reported on Main Street.

    8:40 a.m.: A hypodermic needle was retrieved from Prospect Street and disposed of safely.

    MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA

    Sunday May 12

    9:53 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Summer Street, a verbal warning was issued.

    7:08 p.m.: A police investigation was conducted at a Pine Street address.

    6:11 p.m.: A report was made about suspicious activity at a Central Street address.

    1:04 p.m.: A report was made about a disturbance on Pine Street.

    11:23 a.m.: A complaint was made about an animal on Central Street.

    8:45 a.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on School Street, no action was taken.

    1:34 a.m.: A report was made about suspicious activity at a Beach Street address.

    Saturday May 11

    4:59 p.m.: A report was made about a community policing call on Beach Street.

    Friday May 10

    9:47 p.m.: A report was made about suspicious activity at a Raymond Street address.

    9:43 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop at the intersection of Forest Street and Ledgewood Road, a citation was issued.

    7:57 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Beach Street, a verbal warning was issued.

    7:33 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on School Street, someone was reportedly spoken to.

    Thursday May 9

    3:09 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Pine Street, a written warning was issued.

    2:40 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Pine Street, a written warning was issued.

    1:02 p.m.: A report was made about a police investigation at a School Street address.

    12:03 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop at the intersection of Pine Street and Crafts Court, a verbal warning was issued.

    2:04 a.m.: A complaint was made about an animal at a Brookwood Road address.

    ESSEX

    Sunday, May 12

    Fraud/scams reported on Main Street at 1:52 p.m. with report to follow, and Conomo Point Road at 5:59 p.m.

    5:32 p.m.: A person on Main Street was spoken to about a hang-up after dialing 911.

    4:06 p.m.: An individual was assisted by police on John Wise Avenue.

    2:22 p.m.: Police assisted another agency on Coral Hill.

    1:38 p.m.: Vandalism to a fire tower off Southern Avenue was reported. Sgt. Ryan Davis said Monday the incident remains under investigation.

    10:20 a.m.: An abandoned 911 call from Brook Pasture Lane was confirmed to have been made in error.

    Saturday, May 11

    Individuals were assisted by police on John Wise Avenue at 9:14 and 9:30 a.m., and 1:35 p.m.

    9:47 a.m.: A complaint about parking on Wood Drive was lodged.

    6:14 a.m.: Police are filing a criminal application against an individual on a charge of property damage or vandalism after mail boxes were run over on Eastern Avenue.

    Friday, May 10

    10:19 p.m.: A person was spoken to about suspicious activity on Centennial Grove Road.

    4:28 p.m.: Police assisted making a notification to a person on Forest Avenue.

    4:09 p.m.: Police conducted parking enforcement on Main Street.

    11:41 a.m.: An unconscious person was taken by ambulance from Story Acres Road to a hospital.

    11:07 a.m.: A Pickering Street property was checked.

    Thursday, May 9

    9:49 p.m.: Essex Fire Engine 2 was dispatched for an alarm activation on Choate Street, which later proved to be false.

    Persons were assisted by police on John Wise Avenue at 11:11 a.m. with a report to follow, 12:40, 1:08, 7:42 and 8:58 p.m.; and with an animal complaint on Southern Avenue and Apple Street at 8:38 p.m.

    8:20 p.m.: Assistance was given to Hamilton Police, when a person was spoken to on Appaloosa Lane in that town.

    5:05 p.m.: A person was notified that their lost property had been found and was at the police station on John Wise Avenue.

    12:22 p.m.: Suspicious activity was reported on Western Avenue at Pond Street, but police found nothing amiss when they arrived.

    9:45 a.m.: Property on Pickering Street was checked.

    9:29 a.m.: A 911 hang-up was confirmed to have been an accidental call.

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  • Police/Fire

    Police/Fire

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    In news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments:

    GLOUCESTER

    Monday, May 6

    5:54 p.m.: The Fire Department was assisted with a call from Centennial Avenue.

    5:27 p.m.: A juvenile matter was reported on Patriots Circle.

    5:26 p.m.: A parked motor vehicle was reportedly hit on Leslie O. Johnson Road.

    Crashes with property damage only were reported on Grant Circle at 1:43 a.m., on Route 128 southbound at 7:18 a.m., and East Main Street at 5:25 p.m.

    4:07 p.m.: Harassment was reported on Alpine Court.

    2:30 p.m.: Police took a report of a person possibly missing from Brightside Avenue. Police made contact with three people who said everything was fine.

    1:27 p.m.: A disabled vehicle was reported on Washington Street.

    1:13 p.m.: No action was required for a 911 caller seeking help with towing on Essex Avenue.

    7:58 a.m.: A 61-year-old New Hampshire woman faces an additional charge of assault and battery on a police officer during her transport to court from the Rockport Police Department, according to a police report. The woman was arrested Saturday around 1:12 a.m. on charges of driving under the influence of drugs, disorderly conduct and negligent operation of a motor vehicle after police came upon her vehicle parked in the center of the Fisherman’s Memorial, between the Man at the Wheel statue and the cenotaph tablets on Stacy Boulevard, according to the police report. On Monday, two Gloucester officers arrived at the Rockport station to take the woman to Gloucester District Court in Peabody. The officer on prisoner watch informed them the woman was on her knees splashing toilet water on the cell floor. The officer told the woman to sit on the bench so he could open the cell and allow her to put on her shoes. The report says the woman aggressively approached the cell door and said: “You guys are all demons” and hurled an expletive at the officers. Police repeatedly asked the woman to back away from the door, and she appeared as if she were preparing for a fight, the report said. As the officers went in to handcuff her, the report said the woman lunged through the cell door and attempted to grab an officer’s vest, hitting him in the chest. The officer blocked her and told her to get back into the cell. The report describes a struggle as officers attempted to handcuff her hands behind her back. After being handcuffed, the report said the woman became “legless” and refused to stand or walk to the cruiser. The woman had to be picked up and walked to the cruiser. Once inside the cruiser, police were concerned she would attempt to kick them if they tried to put a seatbelt on her. She was taken to court without further incident.

    7:47 a.m.: The Fire Department was assisted with a call on Centennial Avenue.

    ROCKPORT

    Tuesday, May 7

    6:44 p.m.: A report was made about alleged larceny/forgery/fraud at a Thatcher Road address.

    Medical emergencies: Individuals were taken to a hospital by ambulance from Paradis Circle at 12:35 p.m., Smith Street at 4:26 p.m., and Bayridge Lane at 5:05 p.m.

    1:03 p.m.: A report was made about a neighbor dispute at a Forest Street address.

    11:18 a.m.: A complaint about noise at a Sandy Bay Terrace address was lodged.

    10:01 a.m.: Animal Control was notified of a report made about an animal at the intersection of Main and Beach Streets.

    9:47 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Thatcher Road, a violation was issued.

    MANCHESTER

    Tuesday, May 7

    Complaints about animals on Masconomo Street at 2:15 p.m., Central Street at 4:39 and 4:55 p.m., and Procter Street at 6:10 p.m. were lodged.

    3:03 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Summer Street, a verbal warning was issued.

    Vandalism was reported on Eaglehead Road at 11:28 a.m. and Beach Street at 2:33 p.m.

    9:59 a.m.: Assistance was given to an individual on Central Street.

    9:24 a.m.: A complaint was made about noise at a Summer Street address.

    7:34 a.m.: A traffic hazard was reported on the southbound lanes of Route 128 near School Street.

    Traffic stops were conducted on the southbound lanes of Route 128 at 2:17 and 2:34 p.m. Both drivers were given verbal warnings.

    1:10 a.m.: Suspicious activity was reported at a Beach Street address.

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  • Police/Fire

    Police/Fire

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    In news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments:

    GLOUCESTER

    Sunday, May 5

    10:02 p.m.: A crash with property damage only was reported on Washington and Mansfield streets.

    5:16 p.m.: Police took a report of child abuse.

    4:23 p.m.: Trash dumping was reported on Eastern Point Boulevard. A pile of cutup posts and lumber dumped in a pile off to the side of a back driveway was discovered in a homeowner’s backyard. The homeowner gave a description of a man he had confronted on his property. The man told the homeowner he was “just checking the place out,” the report said. The homeowner said the man appeared to be acting suspiciously and he believed he was casing the home. The man then walked down the driveway and left. The homeowner did not see if he got into a vehicle. A neighbor did not see anything. Police planned to check with Eastern Point security to review footage to identify the man and a possible vehicle.

    3:15 p.m.: Police planned to file a criminal complaint against a 61-year-old New Hampshire woman on a charge of assault and battery on a police officer at the Rockport Police Department where people are held in custody with the Gloucester Police Department presently under renovations. 

    1:03 p.m.: Police provided mutual aid to Manchester police on Summer Street.

    5:59 a.m.: A hypodermic needle was retrieved from Commercial Street and dispose of safely.

    Saturday, May 4

    7:32 p.m.: Police assisted the Fire Department with a medical emergency.

    Crashes with property damage only reported on Grant Circle on Washington Street at 11:02 a.m., Washington and Addison streets at 3:03 p.m., Washington and Poplar streets at 4:02 p.m., Market Basket on Gloucester Crossing Road at 4:44 p.m., Elm Street at 5:53 p.m., andon Walker Street at 7:16 p.m. 

    Fire Department was assisted with calls from Walker Street at 2:05 p.m. and from McPherson Park on Prospect Street at 6:25 p.m.

    5:03 p.m.: Loitering was reported at Walgreens on Main Street.

    2:34 p.m.: Police responded to a disturbance on Essex Avenue.

    9:12 a.m.: A crash with injuries was reported at 54 Eastern Ave. Police planned to file a criminal complaint against a 53-year-old Gloucester man on charges of driving with a suspended license, negligent operation and a marked lanes violation. A vehicle was towed from the scene.

    9:07 a.m.: Debris was reported on Addison Street.

    7:11 a.m.: No action was required for a report of credit card fraud from Heights at Cape Ann.

    1:11 a.m.: As a result of a report of a suspicious motor vehicle at the Man at the Wheel statue on Stacy Boulevard and Western Avenue, police arrested a 61-year-old resident of Bow, New Hampshire, on charges of driving under the influence of drugs, disorderly conduct and negligent operation of a motor vehicle. Police arrived to find the vehicle parked on the boulevard in the center of the Fisherman’s Memorial, between the Man at the Wheel statue and the cenotaphs — the granite blocks and bronze plaques —and the railing. Police found the driver with her eyes closed, swaying her head side to side, and mumbling to herself. When ordered to put the car in park and shut it off, the woman at first refused, but eventually did so, th police  report said. The woman said she was on her way to New Hampshire from Logan Airport in Boston and decided to come to Gloucester “to speak with the ocean,” the report said. The woman became agitated as an officer asked her questions. She reportedly jumped out of her vehicle in an angry manner, telling police she could park somewhere else and there was no reason for them to be there. An officer informed the woman he had never seen a person park a vehicle in this manner in the 32 years he has lived in Gloucester. Police then asked her to submit to field sobriety tests, and after jumping up on the granite blocks and showing signs of impairment during two of the tests, police arrested her on a charge of disorderly conduct. The officer concluded the woman was driving under the influence of drugs, the report said. Police requested the vehicle be towed and saw fresh damage on both its sides. Police did not locate illegal drugs in the vehicle, but found the driver’s prescription for lorazepam. Police filed an immediate threat for her right to drive in Massachusetts.

    Friday, May 3

    9:14 p.m.: Police planned to file a criminal complaint with a charge of trespassing against a 49-year-old Gloucester resident of no known address. Police were dispatched for a report of a man sitting on the railroad tracks off Dory Road and refusing to move so that the inbound train could pass. While police were heading there, dispatch informed responding officers that witnesses said the man was walking toward the Cleveland Street crossing but was still on the tracks. Police walked the tracks about a half mile approaching the train but were unable to locate anyone on the tracks. The train engineer and conductor described the man as tall, balding with curly hair on the sides and wearing a red sweatshirt. This description matched that of a man police had escorted off the tracks in the same location the day before. Police eventually caught up with the man. Police reminded him of their prior conversation regarding trespassing on the tracks. He told police he has nothing to do and his family has always walked the tracks. He was not trying to harm himself, he was just bored, he told police, who told the man the tracks are posted as “No Trespassing,” and that they would be charging him for trespassing.

    Crashes with property damage only reported at the Blackburn Rotary at 2:13 p.m., and on Pirates Lane at 5:38 p.m.

    1:51 p.m.: Trash dumping was reported on Elm Street. A caller reported trash that has been put out a week in advance.

    10:40 a.m.: A 54-year-old Gloucester resident was arrested on an active warrant for a restraining order violation. The man was taken into custody after a motor-vehicle stop of a white Ford truck on Poplar Street and Bertoni Road. The man was taken to Peabody District Court.

    10:04 a.m.: A disabled vehicle was reported on Hesperus and Western avenues.

    7:42 a.m.: A report of annoying phone calls was under investigation. The log refers to charges being sought.

    ROCKPORT

    Monday, May 6

    Noon: The Fire Department was dispatched to a Drumlin Road address.

    Sunday, May 5

    2:48 p.m.: A medical emergency ambulance transport was conducted from a Main Street address.

    8:13 a.m.: The Fire Department was dispatched to a Granite Street address.

    Saturday, May 4

    Medical emergencies: Individuals were taken to the hospital by ambulance from the intersection of Beach and Main Streets at 10:36 a.m., the intersection of Thatcher Road and Tregony Bow at 11:19 a.m., the intersection of Thatcher Road and Highview Road at 11:34 a.m., and a Main Street address at 2:03 p.m.

    ESSEX

    Monday, May 6

    7:36 p.m.: A police investigation was conducted at a Pond Street address.

    7:27 p.m.: An ambulance transport was conducted from the intersection of Apple Street and Western Avenue.

    5:01 p.m.: A report was made about a motor vehicle crash on John Wise Avenue.

    1:17 p.m.: A report was made about a motor vehicle crash on Main Street.

    Sunday, May 5

    5:38 p.m.: After a report of an injury, a medical ambulance transport was refused at a Western Avenue address.

    9:56 a.m.: A medical ambulance transport was conducted from a Sagamore Circle address.

    Saturday, May 4

    7:29 a.m.: A request was made about a public utility on Martin Street.

    MANCHESTER

    Monday, May 6

    11:07 p.m.: Suspicious activity was reported on Ancient County Way at 9:59 p.m., at the intersection of Pine and Pleasant Streets at10:20 p.m., and at the Pine Street Fields at 11:07 p.m.

    4:53 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop at the intersection of Pine Street and Parsons Lane, a written warning was issued.

    4:34 p.m.: A complaint was made about an animal on Allen Avenue.

    2:46 p.m.: A report was made about lost and found property at a Central Street address.

    1:53 p.m.: A report was made about a motor vehicle crash on Jersey Lane.

    1:48 p.m.: A community policing event was attended to at a Lincoln Street address.

    1:27 p.m.: A report of a structure fire was confirmed at a Boardman Avenue address. “It was just contained to an oven,” said Lt. Robert Cavender. “It was out before we even got there. It was just a small oven fire contained to the oven.”

    1:17 p.m.: Acomplaint about noise at the intersection of Sea and Summer Streets was lodged.

    8:27 a.m.: A transport was conducted at a Central Street address.

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  • Medical aid in dying plan inches forward

    Medical aid in dying plan inches forward

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    BOSTON — A proposal that would authorize physicians to administer lethal doses of drugs to terminally ill patients is advancing on Beacon Hill after winning support from two key legislative committees.

    Both the Legislature’s Public Health and Health Care Financing committees have approved the bills with a recommendation that they ought to pass, sending the measures to the Senate Ways and Means Committee for consideration.

    Advocates praised the vote to advance the bills, noting that it was the first time that the Health Care Financing committee approved the proposal.

    Melissa Stacy, Northeast campaign director for the group Compassion & Choices Action Network, called it a “historic movement to help alleviate unbearable suffering for terminally ill patients.”

    More than 80 lawmakers have signed the proposals filed by Rep. Jim O’Day, D-West Boylston, and Sen. Joanne Comerford, D-Northampton. The bills would allow terminally ill patients to be prescribed a lethal dose of medication to end their lives.

    The proposals would require patients to make two verbal requests for a doctor’s intervention at least 15 days apart, as well as a written request signed by two witnesses. A physician would need to certify that the patient seeking access to lethal medicine is suffering from an incurable, irreversible condition.

    But the measures still face a tough slog on Beacon Hill, where perennial medical-aid-in-dying proposals have failed to win final approval despite increasing support and emotional testimony from terminally ill patients who pack hearings to tell their stories.

    If the Senate approves the legislation, it would still need to go before the House of Representatives before landing on Gov. Maura Healey’s desk for review.

    In 2012, Massachusetts voters rejected a ballot question that would have allowed the terminally ill to end their lives with medication prescribed by physicians. The referendum was narrowly defeated, with 51% voting against it.

    But a March poll by Beacon Research found more than 73% of Massachusetts residents believe doctors should be allowed to end a patient’s life by painless means.

    Critics of medical aid in dying laws, including medical and religious groups and advocates for those with disabilities, say misdiagnoses are common. They urged lawmakers not to approve the practice.

    Terminally ill patients suffer from depression, they noted, and may irrationally decide to end their lives.

    Others argue that legalizing physician-assisted suicide would encourage suicide among those suffering from depression and other mental health issues.

    Lawmakers who support proposals to authorize the procedure say it would include safeguards to prevent abuse and rules to keep doctors from prescribing lethal drugs to those with mental health issues or impaired judgment.

    Proponents of the practice got a boost in 2017 when the Massachusetts Medical Society dropped its longstanding opposition to physician-assisted suicide.

    A U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 1997 left the issue largely up to states. Thirty-seven states have since banned the practice, either at the ballot box or by legislative act.

    But at least eight states, including Vermont and Maine, have approved medical aid in dying laws, according to the advocacy group Death with Dignity.

    In December, the state Supreme Judicial Court upheld a Massachusetts law allowing state prosecutors to charge doctors for prescribing life-ending medication to terminally ill patients.

    Justices rejected claims in a lawsuit that the prosecution of physicians who provide lethal medication to mentally competent, terminally ill adults is unconstitutional.

    The high court didn’t rule on the constitutionality of medical aid in dying laws, saying the issue is best left to the “democratic process where the resolution can be informed by robust public debate and thoughtful research by experts in the field.”

    Christian M. Wade covers the Massachusetts Statehouse for North of Boston Media Group’s newspapers and websites. Email him at cwade@cnhinews.com.

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    By Christian M. Wade | Statehouse Reporter

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  • Area police news

    Area police news

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    BeverlyTuesday

    Officers were sent to Mechanic Street where they restored the peace after a disturbance.

    An ambulance was sent to Federal Street at 7:05 p.m., and another to Pratt Avenue at 9:01 p.m., to transport separate individuals to the hospital.

    Police were sent to the intersection of Essex and Winter streets at 10:41 p.m. to restore peace after a disturbance.

    Wednesday

    Police responded to Hale Street at Prides Crossing for a motor vehicle accident with property damage only.

    An officer was sent to Manor Road at 9:29 a.m. to report on a recent incident of vandalism.

    A call to assist a citizen brought police to Foster’s Point at 2:57 p.m. An ambulance was dispatched, and the person was transported to the hospital.

    PeabodyWednesday

    Police and an ambulance were sent to Peabody Shell, 85 Lynnfield St., at 6:46 a.m. for a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident. The operator was evaluated by Atlantic Ambulance and refused treatment.

    A two-vehicle accident brought police to the intersection of Beckett and Sutton streets for an accident without injuries. Both vehicles were towed, and one operator was summoned to court for unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

    An ambulance was dispatched to the McVann O’Keefe Rink, 511 Lowell St., at 11:16 a.m. for a fall with a head strike. The patient was transported to Salem Hospital.

    Police were sent to an apartment at 50 Warren St. for a dispute over stolen medication. Two people, a man and a woman, were arrested and transported to Peabody District Court. The 45-year-old Malden man was charged with two counts of possessing a Class E drug and with larceny under $1,200; and the 57-year-old Peabody woman was charged with distributing a Class E drug.

    Police stopped a vehicle at 12:44 p.m. in the vicinity of 1 Lake Street and transported the 42-year-old Peabody male to Peabody District Court to face three charges: unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, driving an uninsured vehicle and driving an unregistered motor vehicle.

    A Forest Street woman called police at 1:53 p.m. to report that her goat had been stolen.

    Police were called to the intersection of Northend Street and Kenwood Road at 2:52 p.m. for a two-vehicle accident with an airbag deployment, a possible head injury, and fluids were leaking from the vehicle. Both vehicles were towed and one operator was cited for failure to yield. There was no hospital transport.

    A caller from 48 Washington St. called police to report her home had been burglarized. The officer reported there was no issue; window had fallen off.

    Police stopped a vehicle on Lynnfield Street at 5:25 p.m. after a caller reported a gray Jeep driving all over the road before hitting a pole in the vicinity of Bartholomew Street. Police located the vehicle and arrested the operator, a 31-year-old Salem man. He was charged with drunken driving and with leaving the scene of a property-damage accident.

    Police were called to DBVS, 79 Lynnfield St., for a vehicle parked in the fire lane. Arrington Tow was called, and the operator, a 39-year-old Peabody man will be summoned to court for operating an unregistered motor vehicle, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and for driving on a suspended license.

    A cruiser was sent to the Cabaret Lounge, 96 Newbury St., for a female who had called 911 at 11:53 p.m. to request a ride home. The caller disconnected and operator attempted to call back. On the first attempt, there was no answer and a voicemail was left. The second callback reached a crying female who said she wants to go home and declined medical services. On third callback attempt, the caller said she was crying because she had no way of getting home. She disconnected. The responding officer said the female is going home with the male party she came with.

    Thursday

    An officer was called to Route 128 north for a three-vehicle hit-run accident without injuries or hazards. The officer reported it was not an accident, it was a road-rage incident. The officer summoned the operator of Mass. license plate #49NCF49 for an attempted assault witnessed by the owner/operator of Mass. 9CF571 against the operator of Mass. #4NVM54. The officer attempted to contact the operator at a Peabody address, but the vehicle was not there. The officer spoke with a male who said he believes it was another family member operating the vehicle and he provided the name of the person, a 64-year-old Peabody male, and he was summoned to court on an assault charge.

    Salem

    Tuesday

    Police were called to 91 Lafayette St. at 4 p.m. to report on a larceny.

    An officer was called to 22 High St. at 5:02 p.m. to settle a dispute.

    Police went to 40 Leggs Hill Road at 5:28 p.m. to handle a juvenile issue.

    A report of being threatened brought police to 124 Boston St. at 6:51 p.m.

    Officers were sent to 227 Highland Ave. at 7:25 p.m. to settle a disturbance.

    Police stopped a vehicle at 8:42 p.m. in the vicinity of Loring Avenue and Station Road, and after a brief investigation, they arrested 33-year-old Salem man and charged him with disorderly conduct.

    Police reported at 11:29 p.m. that a person had been threatened in the vicinity of 259 Highland Ave.

    Wednesday

    An officer was sent to 30 Walter St. at 9:03 a.m. in response to a holdup or panic alarm. It was unfounded.

    At 11:34 a.m., Police arrested a 32-year-old homeless Salem man on an outstanding warrant after a traffic stop in the vicinity of 220 Highland Ave.

    The report of a shoplifting brought police to 250 Highland Ave. at 3:05 p.m.

    Danvers

    Tuesday

    Police were sent to Cemetery Road at 4:33 p.m. to assist Middleton and Peabody in a police chase.

    Officers were called to MB Spirits, 139 Endicott St. at 5:42 p.m. in response to a business alarm indicating a holdup at the left register.

    Police were sent to 2 Old Stonewall Ave. at 10:10 p.m. to check for a rider mower. Area search was negative.

    Wednesday

    An officer was sent to the vicinity of 125 High St. to check the well-being of an elderly male wearing a red jacket.

    Officers were called to the Liberty Tree Mall, 100 Independence Way, at 12:18 p.m. for an intoxicated male. The 36-year-old Danvers male was placed into protective custody until he sobered up.

    An officer was sent too 345 Locust St. at 1:07 p.m. for the larceny of a chicken.

    A Kirkbride resident notified police at 1:21 p.m. of a lost or stolen New Hampshire temporary license plate.

    A case of road rage was reported at 2:13 p.m. from the vicinity of the Thompson house, 160 Water St.

    Marblehead

    Tuesday

    Four officers were sent to the intersection of Spring and Elm streets at 1:14 a.m. for a motor vehicle stop. After a brief records check, they arrested a 47-year-old Salem man. He was charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and operating an unregistered motor vehicle.

    Three officers, fire and an ambulance were dispatched to the intersection of Creesy and Green streets at 6:57 a.m. for a motor vehicle crash. One person was transported to the hospital and a driver was cited. The log neglected to indicate how many vehicles were involved.

    An officer was sent to State Street at 10:38 a.m., to investigate a larceny, forgery or fraud.

    Two officers were sent to Baldwin Road at 1:04 p.m. in response to a burglar alarm.

    Two officers responded to a burglar alarm at 10:22 p.m. on Longview Drive, but it was a false alarm.

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  • US poised to ease marijuana restrictions | News – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

    US poised to ease marijuana restrictions | News – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

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    WASHINGTON — The US Drug Enforcement Administration will move to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, The Associated Press has learned, a historic shift to generations of American drug policy that could have wide ripple effects across the country.

    The proposal, which still must be reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget, would recognize the medical uses of cannabis and acknowledge it has less potential for abuse than some of the nation’s most dangerous drugs. However, it would not legalize marijuana outright for recreational use.

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  • Daisy reports for duty, makes splash in Manchester-by-Sea

    Daisy reports for duty, makes splash in Manchester-by-Sea

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    MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — Daisy, the newest hire at the Manchester-by-the-Sea Police Department, has already made her mark.

    The 5-month-old female, yellow Labrador retriever reported for duty April 17. She’s partnered with Officer Andrea Locke, the department’s school resource officer.

    Daisy will live with Locke, her husband, her two children and the family dog, Rudy.

    “She is adapting,” Locke said. “We’re just working on basic commands so far. She barks but she’s right at home. She’s very calm and loves people.”

    Daisy’s job will be to provide general support for Manchester Essex Regional School District students, faculty and staff, and for the town’s senior citizens.

    She’ll also serve as a “department ambassador” in the downtown area, including Masconomo Park, especially during community events.

    “While a comfort dog can create positive interactions within a community, it also can greatly assist with our public safety work,” Police Chief Todd Fitzgerald said. “A dog can be a calming influence when we meet with a child victim or witness, provide a sense of comfort during a mental health intervention, and reduce the stress felt by residents during a critical incident.”

    Fitzgerald described Daisy as having a “great temperament.”

    “That’s what they’re bred for,” he said. “It’s not only for the schools, but for the elderly, too. So far, it has worked out well.”

    Training for Daisy will take place for two weeks, starting the second week of July at Professional Canine Services in Middleboro. After that, she will have follow up visits to confirm the commands and skills she has learned, Lt. Mark McCoy said.

    “It just makes the relationship better between the police and the public,” he said of Daisy’s presence.

    But sightings of Daisy out and about in Manchester-by-the-Sea may take some time. Locke and other Manchester Police officers want to ease her into public appearances — especially at the Manchester Essex Regional School District schools.

    “We want to be low key,” Locke said. “We don’t want her to be overwhelmed. She takes it all in. She does bark.”

    Manchester Essex Regional High School first-year students Cate Vendt and Scarlett Lee proposed the idea for a comfort dog at the high school to Locke. Then the two met later with Fitzgerald and McCoy to formally pitch their idea. That meeting was followed by a presentation to the Select Board, which approved the idea April 16.

    The Manchester Essex Regional School Committee is slated to consider the plan for the comfort dog during its May 21 meeting.

    The cost to buy and train Daisy will total about $6,200, Fitzgerald said, and eventually there will be a swearing-in ceremony for the dog.

    McCoy is working with Hooper Fund officials to secure financial support for the initial costs of purchasing Daisy and for training. Additional financial support for the dog was provided by a gift from the Manchester Essex Regional High School Class of 2024, the Manchester Masons Lodge, the Manchester Rotary Club and resident Ralph Bates. Contributions of dog food and supplies were made by the Essex County Co-Op and Crosby’s Market.

    The comfort dog program will be financed, in part, by the Police Department’s account with North Shore Health Outreach for mental health programming and its K-9 allocation.

    Although Daisy is the Police Department’s first comfort dog, she is its second canine. The town’s first and only K-9, Kato, a German shepherd, joined the force in 2014 and retired in 2018 when his human partner went to work for another police agency.

    Kato and his partner located missing people, discovered illegal narcotics, tracked criminals together, worked as part of the Cape Ann Regional Response Team, and appeared on the NBC television show “American Ninja Warrior.” K-9 Kato is enjoying his golden years as ambassador for the nonprofit K9 PTSD Center of Seekonk, a therapeutic center for dogs who have worked in law enforcement and the military.

    Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or shagan@gloucestertimes.com.

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    By Stephen Hagan | Staff Writer

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  • Penn State Scandal Fast Facts | CNN

    Penn State Scandal Fast Facts | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Here’s a look at the Penn State sexual abuse scandal. On November 4, 2011, a grand jury report was released containing testimony that former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky sexually abused eight young boys over a period of at least 15 years. Officials at Penn State purportedly failed to notify law enforcement after learning about some of these incidents. On December 7, 2011, the number of victims increased to 10. Sandusky was found guilty in 2012.

    Included is a timeline of accusations, lists of the charges against Sandusky, a list of involved parties, a post grand jury report timeline, information about The Second Mile charity and Sandusky with links to the grand jury investigation.

    Jerry Sandusky

    Birth date: January 26, 1944

    Birth place: Washington, Pennsylvania

    Birth name: Gerald Arthur Sandusky

    Marriage: Dorothy “Dottie” (Gross) Sandusky (1966-present)

    Children: (all adopted) E.J., Kara, Jon, Jeff, Ray and Matt. The Sanduskys also fostered several children.

    Occupation: Assistant football coach at Penn State for 32 years before his retirement, including 23 years as defensive coordinator.

    Initially founded by Sandusky in 1977 as a group foster home for troubled boys, but grew into a non-profit organization that “helps young people to achieve their potential as individuals and community members.”

    May 25, 2012 – The Second Mile requests court approval in Centre County, Pennsylvania, to transfer its programs to Arrow Child & Family Ministries and shut down.

    August 27, 2012 – The Second Mile requests a stay in their petition to transfer its programs to Arrow Child & Family Ministries saying, “this action will allow any pending or future claims filed by Sandusky’s victims to be resolved before key programs or assets are considered for transfer.”

    March 2016 – After years of dismantling and distributing assets to Arrow Child & Family Ministries and any remaining funds to the Pennsylvania Attorney General to hold in escrow, the organization is dissolved.

    Source: Grand Jury Report

    1994-1997 – Sandusky engages in inappropriate conduct with different boys he met separately through The Second Mile program.

    1998 – Penn State police and the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare investigate an incident in which the mother of an 11-year-old boy reported that Sandusky showered with her son.

    1998 – Psychologist Alycia Chambers tells Penn State police that Sandusky acted the way a pedophile might in her assessment of a case in which the mother of a young boy reported that Sandusky showered with her son and may have had inappropriate contact with him. A second psychologist, John Seasock, reported he found no indication of child abuse.

    June 1, 1998 – In an interview, Sandusky admits to showering naked with the boy, saying it was wrong and promising not to do it again. The district attorney advises investigators that no charges will be filed, and the university police chief instructs that the case be closed.

    June 1999 – Sandusky retires from Penn State after coaching there for 32 years, but receives emeritus status, with full access to the campus and football facilities.

    2000 – James Calhoun, a janitor at Penn State, tells his supervisor and another janitor that he saw Sandusky sexually abusing a young boy in the Lasch Building showers. No one reports the incident to university officials or law enforcement.

    March 2, 2002 – Graduate Assistant Mike McQueary tells Coach Joe Paterno that on March 1, he witnessed Sandusky sexually abusing a 10-year-old boy in the Lasch Building showers. On May 7, 2012, prosecutors file court documents to change the date of the assault to on or around February 9, 2001.

    March 3, 2002 – Paterno reports the incident to Athletic Director Tim Curley. Later, McQueary meets with Curley and Senior Vice President for Finance and Business Gary Schultz. McQueary testifies that he told Curley and Schultz that he saw Sandusky and the boy engage in anal sex; Curley and Schultz testify they were not told of any such allegation. No law enforcement investigation is launched.

    2005 or 2006 – Sandusky befriends another Second Mile participant whose allegations would form the foundation of the multi-year grand jury investigation.

    2006 or 2007 – Sandusky begins to spend more time with the boy, taking him to sporting events and giving him gifts. During this period, Sandusky performs oral sex on the boy more than 20 times and the boy performs oral sex on him once.

    2008 – The boy breaks off contact with Sandusky. Later, his mother calls the boy’s high school to report her son had been sexually assaulted and the principal bans Sandusky from campus and reports the incident to police. The ensuing investigation reveals 118 calls from Sandusky’s home and cell phone numbers to the boy’s home.

    November 2008 – Sandusky informs The Second Mile that he is under investigation. He is removed from all program activities involving children, according to the group.

    November 4, 2011 – The grand jury report is released.

    November 5, 2011 – Sandusky is arraigned on 40 criminal counts. He is released on $100,000 bail. Curley and Schultz are each charged with one count of felony perjury and one count of failure to report abuse allegations.

    November 7, 2011 – Curley and Schultz are both arraigned and resign from their positions.

    November 9, 2011 – Paterno announces that he intends to retire at the end of the 2011 football season. Hours later, university trustees announce that President Graham Spanier and Coach Paterno are fired, effective immediately.

    November 11, 2011 – McQueary, now a Penn State receivers’ coach, is placed on indefinite administrative leave.

    November 14, 2011 – In a phone interview with NBC’s Bob Costas, Sandusky states that he is “innocent” of the charges and claims that the only thing he did wrong was “showering with those kids.”

    November 15, 2011 – The Morning Call reports that in a November 8, 2011, email to a former classmate, McQueary says he did stop the 2002 assault he witnessed and talked with police about it.

    November 16, 2011 – Representatives of Penn State’s campus police and State College police say they have no record of having received any report from McQueary about his having witnessed the rape of a boy by Sandusky.

    November 16, 2011 – A new judge is assigned to the Sandusky case after it is discovered that Leslie Dutchcot, the judge who freed Sandusky on $100,000 bail, volunteered at The Second Mile charity.

    November 21, 2011 – It is announced that former FBI Director Louis Freeh will lead an independent inquiry for Penn State into the school’s response to allegations of child sex abuse.

    November 22, 2011 – The Patriot-News reports that Children and Youth Services in Pennsylvania has two open cases of child sex abuse against Sandusky. The cases were reported less than two months ago and are in the initial stages of investigation.

    November 22, 2011 – The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts announces that all Centre County Common Pleas Court judges have recused themselves from the Sandusky case. This is to avoid any conflicts of interest due to connections with Sandusky, The Second Mile charity, or Penn State.

    November 30, 2011 – The first lawsuit is filed on behalf of a person listed in the complaint as “John Doe,” who says he was 10 years-old when he met Sandusky through The Second Mile charity. His attorneys say Sandusky sexually abused the victim “over one hundred times” and threatened to harm the victim and his family if he alerted anyone to the abuse.

    December 2, 2011 – A victim’s attorneys say they have reached a settlement with The Second Mile that allows it to stay in operation but requires it to obtain court approval before transferring assets or closing.

    December 3, 2011 – In an interview with The New York Times, Sandusky says, “If I say, ‘No, I’m not attracted to young boys,’ that’s not the truth. Because I’m attracted to young people – boys, girls – I …” His lawyer speaks up at that point to note that Sandusky is not “sexually” attracted to them.

    December 7, 2011 – Sandusky is arrested on additional child rape charges, which raises the number of victims from eight to 10 people. He is charged with four counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and two counts of unlawful contact with a minor. He also faces one new count of indecent assault and two counts of endangering a child’s welfare, in addition to a single new count of indecent assault and two counts of corruption of minors.

    December 8, 2011 – Sandusky is released on $250,000 bail. He is placed under house arrest and is required to wear an electronic monitoring device. He is also restricted from contacting the victims and possible witnesses, and he must be supervised during any interactions with minors.

    December 13, 2011 – Sandusky enters a plea of not guilty and waives his right to a preliminary hearing.

    December 16, 2011 – A hearing is held for Curley and Schultz. McQueary testifies he told university officials that he saw Sandusky possibly sexually assaulting a boy in 2002. Following the testimony, the judge rules that the perjury case against Curley and Schultz will go to trial. The incident is later said to have happened in 2001.

    January 13, 2012 – Curley and Schultz enter pleas of not guilty for their failure to report child sex abuse.

    January 22, 2012 – Paterno dies at the age of 85.

    February 14, 2012 – Penn State says that the Sandusky case has cost the university $3.2 million thus far in combined legal, consultant and public relations fees.

    June 11, 2012 – The Sandusky trial begins. On June 22, Sandusky is found guilty on 45 counts after jurors deliberate for almost 21 hours. His bail is immediately revoked, and he is taken to jail.

    June 30, 2012 – McQueary’s contract as assistant football coach ends.

    July 12, 2012 – Freeh announces the findings of the investigation into Penn State’s actions concerning Sandusky. The report accuses the former leaders at Penn State of showing “total and consistent disregard” for child sex abuse victims, while covering up the attacks of a longtime sexual predator.

    July 23, 2012 – The NCAA announces a $60 million fine against Penn State and bans the team from the postseason for four years. Additionally, the school must vacate all wins from 1998-2011 and will lose 20 football scholarships a year for four seasons.
    – The Big Ten Conference rules that Penn State’s share of bowl revenues for the next four seasons – roughly $13 million will be donated to charities working to prevent child abuse.

    August 24, 2012 – “Victim 1” files a lawsuit against Penn State.

    September 20, 2012 – Penn State hires Feinberg Rozen LLP (headed by Kenneth Feinberg who oversaw the 9/11 and BP oil spill victim funds).

    October 2, 2012 – McQueary files a whistleblower lawsuit against Penn State.

    October 8, 2012 – An audio statement from Sandusky airs in which he protests his innocence and says he is falsely accused.

    October 9, 2012 – Sandusky is sentenced to no less than 30 years and no more than 60 years in prison. During the hearing, Sandusky is designated a violent sexual offender.

    October 15, 2012 – Plaintiff “John Doe,” a 21-year-old male, files a lawsuit against Sandusky, Penn State, The Second Mile, Spanier, Curley and Schultz. Doe alleges that he would not have been assaulted by Sandusky if officials, who were aware he was molesting boys, had not covered up his misconduct.

    November 1, 2012 – The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania files eight charges against former Penn State President Spanier. The charges include perjury and endangering the welfare of a child. Former university Vice President Schultz and former Athletic Director Curley face the same charges, according to Attorney General Linda Kelly.

    November 15, 2012 – The Middle States Commission on Higher Education lifts its warning and reaffirms Penn State’s accreditation.

    January 30, 2013 – Judge John M. Cleland denies Sandusky’s appeal for a new trial.

    July 30, 2013 – A judge rules that Spanier, Curley and Schultz will face trial on obstruction of justice and other charges.

    August 26, 2013 – Attorneys announce Sandusky’s adopted son and six other victims have finalized settlement agreements.

    October 2, 2013 – The Superior Court of Pennsylvania denies Sandusky’s appeal.

    October 28, 2013 – Penn State announces it has reached settlements with 26 victims of Sandusky. The amount paid by the university totals $59.7 million.

    April 2, 2014 – The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania also denies Sandusky’s appeal.

    September 8, 2014 – NCAA ends Penn State’s postseason ban and scholarship limits. The $60 million fine and the 13 years of vacated wins for Paterno remain in place.

    January 16, 2015 – The NCAA agrees to restore 111 of Paterno’s wins as part of a settlement of the lawsuit brought by State Senator Jake Corman and Treasurer Rob McCord. Also, as part of the settlement, Penn State agrees to commit $60 million to the prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse.

    December 23, 2015 – A spokeswoman for the State of Pennsylvania employee retirement system says Sandusky will receive $211,000 in back payments and his regular pension payments will resume. This is the result of a November 13 court ruling that reversed a 2012 decision to terminate Sandusky’s pension under a state law that allows the termination of pensions of public employees convicted of a “disqualifying crime.” The judge said in his ruling that Sandusky was not employed at the time of the crimes he was convicted of committing.

    January 22, 2016 – A three-judge panel reverses the obstruction of justice and conspiracy charges against Spanier, Curley and Schultz, and the perjury charges against Spanier and Curley.

    May 4, 2016 – A new allegation purports Paterno knew that his assistant coach Sandusky was sexually abusing a child as early as 1976, according to a new court filing. The ongoing lawsuit, filed in 2013, seeks to determine whether Penn State or its insurance policy is liable for paying Sandusky’s victims. At least 30 men were involved in a civil settlement with Penn State, and the number of victims could be higher.

    May 6, 2016 – CNN reports the story of another alleged victim who explains how he was a troubled young kid in 1971 when Sandusky raped him in a Penn State bathroom. He says his complaint about it was ignored by Paterno.

    July 12, 2016 – Newly unsealed court documents allege that Paterno knew about Sandusky’s abuse and that he dismissed a victim’s complaint.

    August 12, 2016 – In a bid for a new trial, Sandusky testifies at a post-conviction hearing claiming his lawyers bungled his 2012 trial. On the stand, Sandusky describes what he said as bad media and legal advice given to him by his former lawyer, Joseph Amendola.

    November 3, 2016 – The Department of Education fines Penn State $2.4 million for violating the Clery Act, a law that requires universities to report crime on campuses. It’s the largest fine in the history of the act.

    March 13, 2017 – Curley and Schultz plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of endangering the welfare of children in exchange for the dismissal of felony charges.

    March 24, 2017 – Spanier is found guilty on one misdemeanor count of endangering the welfare of a child. Spanier was acquitted of more serious allegations, including conspiracy charges and a felony count of child endangerment.

    June 2, 2017 – Spanier and two other former administrators are sentenced to jail terms for failing to report a 2001 allegation that Sandusky was molesting young boys. Spanier whose total sentence is four to 12 months incarceration, will be on probation for two years and must pay a $7,500 fine, according to Joe Grace, a spokesman for Pennsylvania’s attorney general’s office.

    – Curley is sentenced to seven to 23 months’ incarceration and two years’ probation, Grace said. He will serve three months in jail followed by house arrest and pay a $5,000 fine.

    – Schultz is sentenced to six to 23 months’ incarceration and two years’ probation. He will serve two months in jail, followed by house arrest and pay a $5,000 fine, according to Grace.

    January 9, 2018 – Penn State reports that the total amount of settlement awards paid to Sandusky’s victims is now over $109 million.

    February 5, 2019 – In response to an appeal for a new trial that also questions the validity of mandatory minimum sentencing, the Superior Court of Pennsylvania orders Sandusky to be re-sentenced. The request for a new trial is denied.

    April 30, 2019 – US Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick vacates Spanier’s 2017 conviction for endangering the welfare of a child. Spanier was set to be sentenced on the one count conviction, instead, the court ordered the conviction be vacated because it was based on a criminal statute that did not go into effect until after the conduct in question. The state has 90 days to retry him, according to court documents. The following month, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro appeals the judge’s decision to throw out the conviction.

    November 22, 2019 – Sandusky is resentenced to 30 to 60 years in prison, the same penalty that was previously overturned. The initial sentence of at least 30 years in prison was overturned by the Pennsylvania Superior Court, which found that mandatory minimum sentences were illegally imposed.

    March 26, 2020 – The US Office for Civil Rights finds that Penn State failed to protect students who filed sexual harassment complaints. OCR completed the compliance review after it was initially launched in 2014, and found that the University violated Title IX for several years, in various ways. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announces that the US Department of Education and the university have entered into a resolution agreement that compels Penn State to address deficiencies in their complaint process, reporting policy requirements, record keeping, and training of staff, university police and other persons who work with students.

    December 1, 2020 – Spanier’s conviction is restored by a federal appeals court.

    May 26, 2021 – A judge rules that Spanier will start his two month prison sentence on July 9. Spanier reports to jail early and is released on August 4 after serving 58 days.

    Sandusky Verdict

    Victim 1
    Count 1 – guilty: Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (Felony 1)
    Count 2 – guilty: Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (Felony 1)
    Count 3 – guilty: Indecent Assault (Felony 3)
    Count 4 – guilty: Unlawful Contact with Minors (Felony 1)
    Count 5 – guilty: Corruption of Minors (Misdemeanor 1)
    Count 6 – guilty: Endangering Welfare of Children (Felony 3)

    Victim 2
    Count 7 – not guilty: Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (Felony 1)
    Count 8 – guilty: Indecent Assault (Misdemeanor 2)
    Count 9 – guilty: Unlawful Contact with Minors (Felony 1)
    Count 10 – guilty: Corruption of Minors (Misdemeanor 1)
    Count 11 – guilty: Endangering Welfare of Children (Misdemeanor 1)

    Victim 3
    Count 12 – guilty: Indecent Assault (Misdemeanor 2)
    Count 13 – guilty: Unlawful Contact with Minors (Felony 3)
    Count 14 – guilty: Corruption of Minors (Misdemeanor 1)
    Count 15 – guilty: Endangering Welfare of Children (Felony 3)

    Victim 4
    Count 16 – ****DROPPED****: Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (Felony 1)
    Count 17 – guilty: Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (Felony 1)
    Count 18 – ****DROPPED*****: Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (Felony 1)
    Count 19 – ****DROPPED*****: Aggravated Indecent Assault (Felony 2)
    Count 20 – guilty: Indecent Assault (Misdemeanor 2)
    Count 21 – guilty: Unlawful Contact with Minors (Felony 1)
    Count 22 – guilty: Corruption of Minors (Misdemeanor 1)
    Count 23 – guilty” Endangering Welfare of Children (Felony 3)

    Victim 5
    Count 24 – not guilty: Indecent Assault (Misdemeanor 1)
    Count 25 – guilty: Unlawful Contact with Minors (Felony 3)
    Count 26 – guilty: Corruption of Minors (Misdemeanor 1)
    Count 27 – guilty: Endangering Welfare of Children (Felony 3)

    Victim 6
    Count 28 – not guilty: Indecent Assault (Misdemeanor 1)
    Count 29 – guilty: Unlawful Contact with Minors (Felony 3)
    Count 30 – guilty: Corruption of Minors (Misdemeanor 1)
    Count 31 – guilty: Endangering Welfare of Children (Misdemeanor 1)

    Victim 7
    Count 32 – guilty: Criminal Attempt to Commit Indecent Assault (Misdemeanor 2)
    Count 33 – ****DROPPED****: WITHDRAWN BY PROSECUTORS (unlawful contact with minors)
    Count 34 – guilty: Corruption of Minors (Misdemeanor 1)
    Count 35 – guilty: Endangering Welfare of Children (Misdemeanor 1)

    Victim 8
    Count 36 – guilty: Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (Felony 1)
    Count 37 – guilty: Indecent Assault (Misdemeanor 2)
    Count 38 – guilty: Unlawful Contact with Minors (Felony 1)
    Count 39 – guilty: Corruption of Minors (Misdemeanor 1)
    Count 40 – guilty: Endangering Welfare of Children (Misdemeanor 1)

    (Due to 2nd indictment, counts start over with Victims 9 and 10)

    Victim 9
    Count 1 – guilty: Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (Felony 1)
    Count 2 – guilty: Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (Felony 1)
    Count 3 – guilty: Indecent Assault (Felony 3)
    Count 4 – guilty: Unlawful Contact with Minors (Felony 1)
    Count 5 – guilty: Corruption of Minors (Misdemeanor 1)
    Count 6 – guilty: Endangering Welfare of Children (Felony 3)

    Victim 10
    Count 7 – guilty: Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (Felony 1)
    Count 8 – guilty: Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (Felony 1)
    Count 9 – guilty: Indecent Assault (Misdemeanor 1)
    Count 10 – guilty: Unlawful Contact with Minors (Felony 1)
    Count 11 – guilty: Corruption of Minors (Misdemeanor 1)
    Count 12 – guilty: Endangering Welfare of Children (Felony 3)

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  • Notable US Spies Fast Facts | CNN

    Notable US Spies Fast Facts | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Here is a look at some US citizens who have been convicted of spying against the United States.

    1962 – Aldrich Ames, son of a CIA analyst, joins the agency as a low-level documents analyst.

    1967-1968 – Enters the Career Trainee Program at the CIA and becomes an operations officer.

    1970s – Specializes in Soviet/Russian intelligence services.

    April 16, 1985 – Volunteers to spy against the United States to KGB agents at the Soviet Embassy in Washington, DC. He receives a payment of $50,000.

    1986-1989 – Ames is stationed in Rome and continues to pass information to Soviet agents. He is paid approximately $1.8 million during this period.

    Late 1980s – The CIA and FBI learn that a number of Russian double agents have been arrested and some executed.

    May 1993 – The FBI begins investigating Ames, with both physical and electronic surveillance.

    February 21, 1994 – Ames and his wife, Rosario, are arrested in Arlington, Virginia, by the FBI, accused of spying for the Soviet Union and later, Russia. It is estimated that Ames has received approximately $2.5 million from Russia and the Soviet Union for his years of spying.

    April 28, 1994 – Ames pleads guilty and is sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. In October 1994, Ames’ wife receives 63 months in prison.

    October 31, 1995 – CIA Director John Deutch testifies before Congress about the scope of Ames’ espionage. He states that more than 100 US spies were compromised and that tainted intelligence was given to Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

    1970-1991 – David Boone serves in the US Army as a signals intelligence analyst. During the late 1980s, he is assigned to the National Security Agency as a senior cryptologic traffic analyst.

    October 1988 – In the midst of a divorce and financial problems, Boone goes to the Soviet embassy in Washington, DC, and offers to spy on the United States. He is paid about $20,000 a year for his work over the next three years. He continues spying after being transferred to a post in Germany.

    1991 – Boone loses his security clearance and retires from the Army, remaining in Germany.

    1998 – He is contacted by a retired FBI agent posing as a Russian agent. The agent meets with Boone in London and the United States and pays him $9,000 to return to spying for Russia.

    October 14, 1998 – Boone is charged with passing defense documents to the Soviet Union. He pleads guilty in December 1998.

    February 26, 1999 – He is sentenced to 24 years in prison.

    January 14, 2020 – Boone is released from prison.

    1996 – Peter Rafael Dzibinski Debbins makes visits to Russia to meet with their intelligence agents. He is given a code name and signs a settlement “attesting that he wanted to serve” them.

    1998-2005 – Debbins joins the Army, where he serves in chemical units before being selected for the US Army Special Forces.

    August 21, 2020 – The Department of Justice announces that Debbins has been charged with providing information about US national defenses to Russian agents.

    May 14, 2021 – The DOJ announces that Debbins is sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for conspiring with Russian agents to provide them with US defense intelligence.

    1968-1986 – Noshir Gowadia is employed by Northrop Grumman where he works on technology relating to the B-2 Spirit Bomber, aka the “Stealth” bomber.

    July 2003-June 2005 – Travels to China six times to “provide defense services in the form of design, test support and test data analysis of technologies to assist the PRC with a cruise missile system by developing a stealthy exhaust nozzle.” He is paid over $100,000 during this period.

    October 2005 – Arrested and charged with passing national defense information to China. Superseding indictments are issued in 2006 and 2007.

    August 9, 2010 – Gowadia is found guilty.

    January 24, 2011 – He is sentenced to 32 years in prison.

    January 12, 1976 – Robert Hanssen joins the FBI.

    1979 – Begins spying for the Soviet Union.

    1980 – Begins working for the counterintelligence unit, focusing on the Soviet Union.

    1981 – Transfers to FBI headquarters, initially tracking white-collar crime and monitoring foreign officials assigned to the United States. He is later assigned to the Soviet Analytical Unit.

    1981 – Hanssen’s wife catches him with classified documents and convinces him to stop spying.

    October 4, 1985 – Resumes spying.

    1991 – Breaks off relations with the KGB.

    1999 – Resumes spying, this time for the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service.

    2000 – The FBI identifies Hanssen from a fingerprint and from a tape recording supplied by a disgruntled Russian intelligence operative. The FBI also obtains the complete original KGB dossier on Hanssen.

    December 2000 – The FBI begins surveillance of Hanssen.

    February 18, 2001 – Hanssen is arrested in a Virginia park after making a drop of classified documents. Agents find a bag nearby containing $50,000 that they believe is Hanssen’s payment for the documents.

    July 6, 2001 – Pleads guilty to 15 counts of espionage and conspiracy in exchange for the government not seeking the death penalty.

    May 10, 2002 – He is sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

    June 5, 2023 – Hanssen dies in prison.

    1984 – Ana Montes is recruited to spy for Cuba. She is never paid for her spying.

    1985-2001 – She is employed by the Defense Intelligence Agency as an analyst. She is promoted several times, eventually becoming the DIA’s top Cuba analyst.

    Fall 2000 – The FBI and DIA begin investigating Montes.

    September 11, 2001 – In response to attacks on the United States, Montes is named acting division chief, which gives her access to the plans to attack Afghanistan and the Taliban.

    September 21, 2001 – Montes is arrested in Washington, DC, and is charged with conspiracy to deliver defense information to Cuba.

    March 20, 2002 – Pleads guilty to espionage and is sentenced to 25 years in prison.

    January 6, 2023 – Montes is released from prison.

    1977 – Walter Kendall Myers begins working for the US State Department on contract, as an instructor.

    1978 – Myers travels to Cuba and is recruited by Cuban intelligence.

    1979 – Myers and his girlfriend [later his wife], Gwendolyn, begin spying for Cuba. It is believed they receive little to no payment for their services.

    1985 – He is hired by the State Dept. as a senior analyst.

    October 31, 2007 – Myers retires from the State Dept.

    June 4, 2009 – The Myers are arrested.

    November 20, 2009 – He pleads guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy to commit espionage. Gwendolyn Myers pleads guilty to conspiracy to gather and transmit national defense information.

    July 16, 2010 – Myers is sentenced to life in prison. His wife is sentenced to 81 months.

    1980 – Harold Nicholson joins the CIA after serving in the United States Army.

    1982-1989 – Nicholson works for the CIA in the Philippines, Thailand and Japan.

    1992-1994 – Deputy Chief of Station/Operations Officer in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

    June 1994-November 1996 – Provides Russian Intelligence with sensitive information.

    November 16, 1996 – Arrested at Dulles International Airport carrying classified CIA information.

    November 27, 1996 – Nicholson pleads not guilty.

    June 5, 1997 – He is convicted of espionage and sentenced to 23 years in prison.

    2008 – Nicholson’s son, Nathaniel, is arrested on charges he met with Russian agents to collect money owed to his father.

    January 18, 2011 – Harold Nicholson is sentenced to an additional eight years in prison on charges of conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Nathaniel Nicholson is sentenced to five years probation.

    1965-1979 – Ronald Pelton works for the National Security Agency, with top-level security clearance.

    1979 – Pelton leaves the NSA due to financial problems.

    January 1980 – After declaring bankruptcy in 1979, Pelton begins spying for the Soviet Union. He discloses classified information on the United States’ ability to intercept Soviet communications.

    November 25, 1985 – After a KGB defector reveals his name, Pelton is arrested and charged with espionage.

    June 5, 1986 – He is convicted of spying.

    December 17, 1986 – Pelton is sentenced to three concurrent life sentences plus 10 years.

    November 24, 2015 – Pelton is released from prison.

    1983-1996 – Earl Edwin Pitts works at the FBI.

    1987-1992 – Pitts passes information on FBI operations to the Soviet Union and Russia.

    1995 – A Russian diplomat at the UN names Pitts as a former spy. FBI agents posing as Russian intelligence officers contact Pitts to attempt to lure him back to spying. Pitts delivers documents in exchange for $65,000.

    December 18, 1996 – Pitts is arrested. He is charged two days later with conspiring and attempting to commit espionage.

    February 28, 1997 – Pleads guilty. At the time, he is only the second agent in the FBI’s history to be found guilty of espionage.

    June 23, 1997 – He is sentenced to 27 years in prison.

    December 20, 2019 – Pitts is released from prison.

    1979 – Pollard is hired to work at the Navy Field Operational Intelligence Office. He had been rejected previously from employment at the CIA due to drug use. His specialty is North America and the Caribbean.

    June 1984 – He begins spying for Israel, passing on information on Arab countries. He earns $1,500-$2,500 a month.

    November 21, 1985 – Pollard is arrested outside the Israeli Embassy after his request for asylum is denied.

    June 4, 1986 – Pleads guilty to conspiracy to commit espionage.

    March 4, 1987 – US District Judge Aubrey Robinson Jr. rejects a plea agreement reached by federal prosecutors and Pollard. Instead, he sentences Pollard to life in prison. Pollard is the only person in US history to receive a life sentence for spying on behalf of a US ally. Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama have rejected pleas for clemency.

    1995 – Israel grants Pollard citizenship.

    May 11, 1998 – Israel admits for the first time that Pollard was working as its agent.

    2002 – Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Pollard in prison.

    July 28, 2015 – Pollard’s attorney announces that Pollard has been granted parole and will be released in November.

    November 20, 2015 – Pollard is released on parole.

    November 20, 2020 – Pollard completes his parole. A month later Pollard and his wife arrive in Israel to start a new life.

    1969-1994 – George Trofimoff, a naturalized American citizen of Russian parentage, works as a civilian for the US Army at the Joint Interrogation Center in Nuremberg, Germany. He also attains the rank of colonel in the Army reserve.

    1994 – Trofimoff and a priest in the Russian Orthodox church, Igor Susemihl, are arrested in Germany on spying charges. The charges are later dropped.

    1994 – Retires and moves to South Florida.

    June 14, 2000 – Trofimoff is arrested. US Attorney Donna Bucella describes him as “the highest-ranking US military officer ever charged with espionage. He is accused of passing classified information on Soviet and Warsaw Pact military capabilities from 1969-1994. Allegedly, he received payment of over $250,000 during that time.

    June 27, 2001 – He is convicted of spying for the Soviet Union and Russia. He is later sentenced to life in prison.

    September 19, 2014 – Trofimoff dies in prison.

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  • Genocide Fast Facts | CNN

    Genocide Fast Facts | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Here’s a look at genocide, the attempted or intentional destruction of a national, racial, religious or ethnic group, whether in wartime or peace.

    The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide was adopted by the United Nations after World War II.

    Article II of the Convention defines genocide as any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group:
    (a) Killing members of the group;
    (b) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group;
    (c) Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part;
    (d) Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group;
    (e) Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group.

    1932-1933 – Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union inflict a famine upon Ukraine after people rebel against the imposed system of land management known as “collectivization,” which seizes privately owned farmlands and puts people to work in collectives. An estimated 25,000-33,000 people die every day. There are an estimated six million to 10 million deaths.

    December 1937-January 1938 – The Japanese Imperial Army marches into Nanking, China, and kills an estimated 300,000 Chinese civilians and soldiers. Tens of thousands are raped before they are murdered.

    1938-1945 – Nazi Germany, under Adolf Hitler, deems the Jewish population racially inferior and a threat, and kills six million Jewish people in Germany, Poland, the Soviet Union and other areas around Europe during World War II.

    1944 – The term “genocide” is coined by lawyer Raphael Lemkin.

    December 9, 1948 – The United Nations adopts the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide.

    January 12, 1951 – The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide enters into force. It is eventually ratified by 142 nations.

    1975-1979 – Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot’s attempt to turn Cambodia into a Communist peasant farming society leads to the deaths of up to two million people from starvation, forced labor and executions.

    1988 – The Iraqi regime under Saddam Hussein attacks civilians who have remained in “prohibited” areas. The attacks include the use of mustard gas and nerve agents and result in the death of an estimated 100,000 Iraqi Kurds.

    1992-1995 – Yugoslavia, led by President Slobodan Milosevic, attacks Bosnia after it declares its independence. Approximately 100,000 people – the majority of whom are Muslims, or Bosniaks, – are killed in the conflict. There are mass executions of “battle-age” men and mass rape of women.

    1995 – Ratko Mladic, former leader of the Bosnian Serb army, is indicted by the UN-established International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia for war crimes and atrocities. In 2011, Mladic is arrested in Serbia. On November 22, 2017, Mladic is sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of genocide and crimes against humanity.

    1994 – In Rwanda, an estimated 800,000 civilians, mostly from the Tutsi ethnic group, are killed over a period of three months.

    July 17, 1998 – The Rome Statute, to establish a permanent international criminal court, is adopted.

    1998 – The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) establishes the precedent that rape during warfare is a crime of genocide. In Rwanda, HIV-infected men participated in the mass rape of Tutsi women.

    1998 – The first genocide conviction occurs at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. Jean Paul Akayesu, the Hutu mayor of the town, Taba, is convicted of genocide and crimes against humanity.

    July 1, 2002 – The International Criminal Court (ICC) opens at The Hague, Netherlands, as the first permanent war crimes tribunal, with jurisdiction to try perpetrators of genocide. Previously, the UN Security Council created ad hoc tribunals to try those responsible for genocide in the former Yugoslavia and in Rwanda.

    2003-2004 – In the Darfur region of Sudan, the United Nations estimates that 300,000 people have been killed. In July 2004, the US House of Representatives and the Senate pass resolutions declaring the crisis in Darfur to be genocide.

    2008 – Fugitive Radovan Karadzic, former Bosnian Serb leader, is arrested. He is charged with genocide in connection with the Srebrenica massacre of 1995. On March 24, 2016, Karadzic is found guilty of 10 of the 11 charges against him, including one count of genocide. He is sentenced to 40 years in prison. Three years later, the sentence is changed to life in prison by appeal judges at a UN court in the Hague, Netherlands.

    March 4, 2009 – The ICC issues an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes.

    June 4, 2013 – The ICTR unseals a 2012 updated indictment against Ladislas Ntaganzwa. The former mayor of a town in south Rwanda is indicted on charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and other violations of international humanitarian law during the 1994 killings in Rwanda.

    August 2014 – ISIS fighters attack the northern Iraqi town of Sinjar, home of a religious minority group called the Yazidis. A Yazidi lawmaker says that 500 men have been killed, 70 children have died of thirst and women are being sold into slavery.

    December 9, 2015 – The arrest of Ntaganzwa is announced. On May 28, 2020, Ntaganzwa is convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity and other serious violations of international humanitarian law by the High Court Chamber for International Crimes in Rwanda. He is sentenced to life in prison for his role in the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

    January 2016 – According to a 2016 United Nations report, ISIS is believed to be holding 3,500 people as slaves, most of which are women and children from the Yazidi community and other minority groups. On March 17, 2016, US Secretary of State John Kerry announces that the United States has determined that ISIS’ action against the Yazidis and other minority groups in Iraq and Syria constitutes genocide.

    September 18, 2018 – In its “Report of the independent international fact-finding mission on Myanmar,” the United Nations finds that “there is sufficient information to warrant the investigation and prosecution of senior officials” on charges of genocide against Rohingya Muslims.

    November 2018 – Two Khmer Rouge senior surviving leaders are found guilty of genocide and other charges against Cambodians between 1975 and 1979. Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan, now 92 and 87, are sentenced to life in prison by an international tribunal in Cambodia.

    January 23, 2020 – The UN’s top court orders Myanmar to prevent acts of genocide against the country’s persecuted Rohingya minority and to stop destroying evidence, in a landmark case at The Hague. The case was brought to the International Court of Justice by the tiny West African nation of The Gambia, which in November alleged that Myanmar committed “genocidal acts.”

    May 16, 2020 – Félicien Kabuga, one of the last key suspects in the Rwandan genocide, is captured in Asnières-Sur-Seine, a Paris suburb. Indicted in 1997 on seven counts including genocide, he has been a fugitive for more than 20 years. Kabuga is transferred to the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) October 26. In an order published June 6, 2023, the IRMCT rules that Kabuga is no longer capable of “meaningful participation” in his trial.

    March 21, 2022 – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announces that the United States has determined that the military of Myanmar committed genocide against the country’s Rohingya population in 2016 and 2017.

    December 29, 2023 – According to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), South Africa has filed an application at the court to begin proceedings over allegations of genocide against Israel for its war against Hamas in Gaza. In a hearing on January 26, 2024, the ICJ orders Israel to prevent genocide against Palestinians in Gaza but stopped short of calling for Israel to suspend its military campaign in Gaza, as South Africa had requested.

    February 2, 2024 – The ICJ says that it will move forward with a 2022 case brought by Ukraine over Russia’s justification of its February 2022 invasion. Kyiv had asked the court to declare it did not commit genocide in eastern Ukraine – a claim made by Russia as a pretext for launching its attack.

    Remembering the Rwanda genocide, 25 years on

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