RI Federal and MA State Criminal Defense Attorney

FAIR Military Act Will Increase Accountability For Sexual Assaults

2014-06-17T15:13:00.000-04:00

The Department of Defense’s “Annual Report in the Military” was released last month, and showed a significant increase in sexual assaults. The report showed that the assaults were done to both men and women. Due to this report, the need for accountability is paramount in an attempt to reduce the crimes. Read more about this phenomenon below…

Among other things, the FAIR Military Act would limit the use of the "good soldier" defense, which allows a defendant to cite unrelated, subjective factors during trial, such as military record as a defense against sexual assault charges. It would also require commanders and service members to be assessed on their actions related to sexual assault prevention. And it confronts failures in the current system by improving specific elements in the areas of prevention, protection, and prosecution. To address the issue of lack of accountability, the bill requires that commanders be assessed in two new areas: first, on their ability to properly handle reports of sexual assault; and second, on their ability to create a climate where a victim can report a crime without fear of retaliation. Also, with the revelation of the prevalence of these crimes at all levels of the military, this bill takes the critical step of extending sexual assault prevention measures from past legislation to the military service academies.

— Read More At Adn.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Law Office of John L. Calcagni, III offers clients representation in the areas of Criminal Defense, Military Defense, Federal Criminal Defense, OUI Defense in MA , Assault and Battery and all criminal matters.

As a Criminal and Military Defense Attorney and former prosecutor with the US Army JAG Corps, John Calcagni, is admitted to practice in the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces and the U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals, as well as the state and federal courts in Rhode Island, New York, Connecticut, Florida and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Please call (401) 351-5100 to arrange for a free consultation about your case or visit our website at www,CalcagniLaw.com

If you cannot make it to one of our offices, we will to come to your home or detention center.

Soldier Charged With Kidnapping And Sexual Assault

2014-06-17T15:09:00.001-04:00

Richard Camacho assaulted a woman, both sexually and physically, after finding out about an affair with a noncommissioned officer. He was charged with 18 wrongdoings, 11 of which he was convicted of, and these charges included kidnapping and assault. The accused had to be escorted out of the courtroom after he stopped breathing. See more about this case below…

The sentence returned Camacho to his pale state from Thursday, and he followed his family to a back room in the courthouse. Moments later, a military police officer fetched a set of hand and leg irons from a Fort Bragg police vehicle outside and walked slowly to the defense room.

— Read More At Military.com

Another Service Member Arrested In Portsmouth Naval Medical Center Stabbings

2014-06-17T15:06:00.000-04:00

Petty Officer 3rd Class Wilbur Harwell has been charged in the multiple stabbings at the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center. Another service member has been questioned in relation to this case, and the service member who is suspected of aiding Harwell’s escape has not been charged. Harwell is accused of stabbing another soldier eight times and is currently in the custody of the Navy. Read more below…

Petty Officer 3rd Class Wilbur Harwell was in federal court Thursday for a bond hearing, where he was turned over to the Navy. He was taken into custody by Navy master-at-arms, and escorted out of the Norfolk federal courthouse in handcuffs and shackles. Harwell will be held in pretrial confinement at the Naval Consolidated Brig in Chesapeake.

— Read More At Military.com

Fort Bragg Soldier Accused Of Soliciting Sex Online From Child

2014-06-17T15:01:00.000-04:00

In relation to an investigation involving Bailey Joe Mills a Fort Bragg soldier is accused of soliciting sex from a child. The investigation showed that Jordan Everett Busse set up a chat room application for Mills to make it possible for him to solicit sex. Read more about this story below….

Jordan Everett Busse, 29, who is assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group, was charged Monday with soliciting a child by computer for sex and conspiracy, a Sheriff's Office arrest report said.

— Read More At Military.com

Soldiers Caught Sexting, Arranging Sexual Assault

2014-06-17T14:53:00.000-04:00

A laptop was caught being passed from sailor to sailor, and a suspicious commander investigated, finding evidence of child pornography. This investigation uncovered one soldier’s plot to kidnap and rape a young child. Authorities found evidence of “sexts” between the soldier and several underage girls. See more about this story below…

"True also suggested kidnapping a girl for a while and discussed the things he wanted to do with her," the affidavit says. The woman replied in a March 2013 message that his sexual fantasies didn't bother her. They then discussed having the woman place hidden cameras in her home to record video of her young sister's bedroom, the affidavit says, adding that what he suggested did not bother her and that "she would never judge him."

— Read More At Military.com

Weird Sex Laws In Different States

2014-05-14T17:28:00.000-04:00

Some people may think that old laws regarding sex are humorous - and they are - but they are also taken seriously when the government gets involved. In New Hampshire it was illegal to cheat on your spouse, and that law remained until January, when lawmakers voted against. Read the article below for some interesting facts...

In Utah, it can be illegal to act too "sexy." A law aimed at curbing solicitation was broadened in 2011, so “lewd acts” that simply imply you want to trade sex for money, like exposing or touching yourself, are banned. Three escort services tried to fight it, but it was upheld in September.

— Read More At Newser

How A DUI Or OUI Can Change Your Life

2014-05-13T10:01:00.000-04:00

Rhode Island has very strict laws against drunk driving, and they are only continuing to increase guidelines for punishment. This state in particular defines driving while intoxicated as anyone who has a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher. Any DWI(driving while intoxicated) incident that results in death is consider a felony.
Most likely your first offense will result in a fine and a suspended license for a few months. An OUI is different from a DUI or DWI because this is when an officer suspects you of being under the influence of some type of drug. The officer may ask you to take a chemical test, and you can refuse to take part in it. If you refuse a chemical test or a breathalyzer test you must be prepared for the penalty. An officer has the right to confiscate your license on the spot. If you refuse the chemical test or breathalyzer and you have no prior OUI or refusal convictions there is an automatic license suspension is for 180 days for refusing the chemical test.
If you have prior convictions license suspension is more severe. In the state of Massachusetts you are considered to be operating a vehicle the minute you sit in the driver's seat, regardless of whether or not you actually drive somewhere. That means if you just sit in your car and turn it on, but change your mind about driving, you can still be charged with DUI or DWI. If you are facing the unfortunate situation of a operating under the influence or negligently operating a motor vehicle charge, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately to preserve your rights and avoid any possible prison sentence.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Law Office of John L. Calcagni, III offers clients representation in the areas of Criminal Defense, Military Defense, Federal Criminal Defense, OUI Defense in MA , Assault and Battery and all criminal matters.

As a Criminal and Military Defense Attorney and former prosecutor with the US Army JAG Corps, John Calcagni, is admitted to practice in the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces and the U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals, as well as the state and federal courts in Rhode Island, New York, Connecticut, Florida and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Please call (401) 351-5100 to arrange for a free consultation about your case or visit our website at www,CalcagniLaw.com

If you cannot make it to one of our offices, we will to come to your home or detention center.

Drunk Man Drives To Police Station To File report

2014-05-12T17:36:00.001-04:00

An intoxicated man drove to a Louisiana police station to report a hit and run that he was involved with. He was then arrested and held on $1,000 bail. Read below for more on this dumb crime story.

Trooper Jared Sandifer says Ruffner called state police Saturday, saying his vehicle was struck by a hit-and-run driver on Interstate 10 in Baton Rouge. He was told to come to Troop A's offices to fill out a crash report.

— Read More At Huffington Post

Florida Couple Fined For Feeding Homeless

2014-05-12T17:06:00.000-04:00

In an effort to feed the homeless, a Florida couple made it their mission to set up shop at Manatee Island Park every week. The police banned the couple from continuing their volunteer work and fined them $746. Read below for more...

Every Wednesday, the Jimenezes feed more than a hundred people a hearty lunch with dishes of chicken patties, macaroni salad, and fresh vegetables, among others. The meals are entirely funded by private donations and staffed with volunteers.

— Read More At ThinkProgress.org

Brazilian Village Takes Punishment Into Their Own Hands

2014-05-12T16:51:00.000-04:00

This Brazilian village took matters into their own hands when they executed punishment on man. The man was accused of sexually abusing a 3-year-old girl. Read more below...

An investigation has also been launched into the alleged rape of the 3-year-old, reports note. The girl's mother reportedly noticed that something was amiss when she arrived home Sunday evening. Castro, who works on a farm where the child was staying with her grandparents at the time, was accused of sexually abusing the girl.

— Read More At Huffington Post

Woman Used Identity Of Someone Else To Purchase Watch

2014-05-10T17:18:00.000-04:00

Identity theft can take place in so many ways that it is difficult to fully protect yourself from such a crime. The woman in this story stole identification from someone else and then proceeded to apply for credit. She got away with the crime until the victim received a bill. Read more below...

The scam didn't come to light until recently, when the victim received a bill for the timepiece. There doesn't seem to be any connection between the Brooklyn resident and the thief, cops said.

— Read More At NY Daily News

Man Stabs Five In Front Of New York Clinic

2014-05-09T13:09:00.000-04:00

A man outside of a methadone clinic in New York got into an altercation and ultimately stabbed five people. He has now been caught. Read below for more information.

Corey Glover of Mott Haven was arrested for the alleged attack outside the Narcotics Freedom Methadone Clinic on E. 147th St. about 7 a.m. on Saturday and for slicing another man hours later.

— Read More At NY Daily News

Deputy Attorney General Of Delaware Charged With Rape Of Teen

2014-05-08T15:03:00.000-04:00

A Deputy Attorney General for Delaware is being charged with raping a teen boy he met through a dating app. He has resigned from his position and is being charged with four counts of rape. Read the article below for more information.

The suspect allegedly picked the teen up from school and took him back to Simmons' house. A teacher learned of the meeting and contacted authorities, according to 6ABC.

— Read More At Huffington Post

Woman Stabs Boyfriend To Death For Not Buying Her A Present

2014-05-07T13:20:00.000-04:00

A pregnant woman got into a fight with her boyfriend for not buying her a present, and now she is being charged with first-degree murder. She does not seem remorseful about the situation in the least bit, according to sources she told him that she hoped he would die as she stabbed him. Read below for more information.

Phelan was allegedly upset because Martin purchased gifts for his 8-year-old son and 25-year-old cousin at a shopping mall, but didn't get anything for her, whose birthday was the following day.

— Read More At Huffington Post

Woman Claims She Was Saving Her Children From Mental Illness

2014-05-06T15:13:00.000-04:00

A woman murdered her two teenage children in 2011 and is now in trial, where new evidence is being presented. The woman claims that she was trying to save her children from suffering the same mental illness that she has. Prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty due to her sever mental illness issues.

As my fellow HTML5 Doctor, Oli Studholme has showed, people seldom quote exactly – so sacrosanctity of the quoted text isn’t a useful ideal – and in print etc, citations almost always appear as part of the quotation – it’s highly conventional.

— Read More At Huffington Post

Woman Raises $21,000 With Cancer Scam

2014-04-24T14:48:00.000-04:00

When people ask for money for donations, it is normal to be skeptical or suspicious. The following case proves why you should be suspicious at times, and this woman took the scam too far. An Ohio woman feigned cancer and raised $21,000 for "treatments". Full story below.

Taylor had claimed to be suffering from cancer of the small intestine, lupus and heart disease. Police investigators say subpoenaed medical records show she once suffered a stroke and had been diagnosed with lupus when she was younger, but there's no evidence of cancer.

— Huffington Post

New York Cop Shot Partner After Drinks

2014-04-24T14:37:00.001-04:00

A cop allegedly shot his partner after stopping for drinks. He refused to take the breathalyzer to determine his blood alcohol level. The NYPD is investigating the incident. Read more below.

The cops, assigned to the detective squad at the 75th Precinct in East New York, Brooklyn, had signed out of the command, ostensibly to go to Far Rockaway for an investigation.

— NY Daily News

Teacher Facing Felony Charges

2014-04-24T14:25:00.000-04:00

A teacher in the Princeton school district is being accused of inappropriate relations with a student. She is now facing felony charges. Read more from Huffington Post below.

In an interview with authorities, her 17-year-old alleged victim, who is not enrolled in special education classes, said that the 30-year-old teacher began harassing him at school earlier this year. She would compliment his appearance and inappropriately brush against him and touch him, he said.

— Huffington Post

Nursing Home Resident Murders Roommates

2014-04-24T14:16:00.001-04:00

A nursing home resident is being accused of beating two roommates to death with his wheelchair armrest. There was a history of complaints filed by residents against the accused. Read the article below for the full story.

Nursing home employees told investigators Correa did not get along with his roommates and got into a fight with them, police spokesman Victor Senties said. But exactly what sparked the fight is still not known, he said. Another person was in the room during the attack and is being questioned by police.

— Read More At Huffington Post

Transgender Babysitter Set To Be Indicted For Murder

2014-04-24T14:10:00.001-04:00

Kryzie King is being indicted on murder charges for the death of a 4-year-old boy. Weeks of abuse from the babysitter resulted in child abuse syndrome and the boy died of dehydration. Read the story for more details...

Kryzie King, 27, the transgendered gal pal of Myls Dobson’s dad, was in court for the first time since autopsy results confirmed little Myls died as a result of child abuse syndrome including dehydration.

— NY Daily News

Miami Cop Assisted Drug Dealers In New Jersey

2014-04-15T13:41:00.003-04:00

A Miami-Dade Police Officer was found to be secretly helping New Jersey cocaine dealers move money around, and assisting drug traffickers. He made it possible for the traffickers to bypass security and smuggled weapons to them when needed. He has been release on bail and has been released from his job. Read below for more.

About two years ago, he came under the FBI's radar during an investigation into a New Jersey-based drug gang that has been smuggling cocaine from the Dominican Republic and Ecuador in shipments of bananas and other produce. Investigators have intercepted at least 350 pounds of cocaine in the probe.

— Read More At Huffington Post

Father Arrested For Alleged Murder Of Daughter And Her Girlfriend

2014-04-15T13:06:00.000-04:00

In today's diverse society one would hope that every parent would at least try to come from a place of acceptance with their children. Sadly this is not the case, and some people still have major issues with the thought that their child might be gay. A young lesbian couple were tragically killed in Texas, and authorities have arrested the father of one of the victims as a suspect.

“Anytime you have a crime like this you want to talk to the family, co-workers, friends to gain any information you can and, during that interview, pretty much it became an investigation,” Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset said. “When we went to the residence to talk to him, some of the things we saw there, it increased and went further. We got a search warrant for the residence and our crime scene investigators were there last night, and after the event at the park, we drove him down to talk to us at the Sheriff’s Office.”

— Read More At Hellobeautiful

Man Wrongfully Convicted Tells His Story

2014-04-15T12:46:00.002-04:00

You may have heard his story in the media, but if you haven't it is a good idea to read his story as it serves as a warning. This man spent 25 years behind bars for a crime that he didn't commit. I have touched on this in a prior blog post, but I think it is important to read this man's firsthand account.

I went out to eat with my family and team, and I had a huge steak. It was amazing, and I remembered what real food tasted like. I went to my lawyer Taylor's house and played video games with his kids. His wife opened the closet and gave me sweaters and shirts because I have no clothing. I spent time with my lawyer Anthony and my investigators Bob and Kim. They have done so much for me. My lawyers put me up in a hotel for a few nights because I have nowhere to live.

— Read More At Huffington Post

Maryland Couple Charged In Baby's Death

2014-04-15T12:30:00.000-04:00

A young Maryland couple is being charged with the death of their 21-month-old daughter, along with a litany of other charges. There was a lot of alleged abuse taking place that resulted in the baby's death, and the mother neglected to call an ambulance for hours after the incident. The couple is being held on $1 million bail. Read more below.

“Our investigation finally revealed evidence that allowed us to prosecute him in that case,” J. Charles Smith, state attorney for Frederick County, told the Daily News.

— Read More At NY Daily News

Gunman Shot And Killed Three At Jewish Center

2014-04-15T12:21:00.003-04:00

A man by the name of Frazier Glenn Cross was a former "grand dragon" of the Ku Klux Klan in Carolina Knights. He is facing charges for allegedly killing three people outside Kansas City near a Jewish Center. Read the article below for more information.

He wrote a disturbing autobiography titled “A White Man Speaks Out” in 1999 about his lifelong involvement with white supremacist groups. He even tried running for Congress in 2006 and the U.S. Senate in 2010, but failed both times.

— Read More At NY Daily News