Child

Disgraced City Councilor Flees to Russia, Joins Russian Army Before Trial on Child Pornography Charges

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Holyoke, Massachusetts – Wilmer Puello-Mota, a former city councilor, has reportedly evaded his trial on child pornography charges by fleeing the country. Puello-Mota, who had aspirations for a political career, believed that the criminal charges had ruined his life, according to his lawyer David Cicilline. Fearing a bleak future in his hometown, Puello-Mota opted to join the Russian army instead. The case has gained global attention after a video surfaced, showing Puello-Mota signing a contract to join the Russian armed services. Puello-Mota had been facing charges of possession of child pornography after police discovered explicit … Read more

Hailey Man Faces Jury Trial for Felony Charges of Child Exploitation and Possession of Child Pornography

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Hailey, Idaho – A Hailey man is set to face a jury trial in Blaine County on charges of sexually exploiting children and possessing child pornography. David Sebastian Hanks III, 21, was apprehended in Boise on May 15, 2023, by a special agent collaborating with the FBI, as per federal court records. If convicted of all three charges, Hanks could potentially be sentenced to 80 years in federal prison, in addition to a maximum fine of $750,000. The indictments, filed on May 9, 2023, by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kassandra J. McGrady, allege that Hanks coerced … Read more

Federal Judge Seeks Maryland Supreme Court’s Ruling on Controversial Child Victims Act, Shaping Future of Abuse Lawsuits

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Upper Marlboro, Maryland – A federal judge has sought clarification from the Maryland Supreme Court regarding the constitutionality of the state’s Child Victims Act. The act, which has sparked numerous child sex abuse lawsuits, was called into question by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a federal lawsuit involving allegations of sexual abuse by a Mormon priest. U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar has requested the Supreme Court of Maryland to define the state’s law, potentially expediting a definitive ruling on the matter. Judge Bredar’s decision comes amidst ongoing appeals of lawsuits … Read more

Special Grand Jury Report Exposes Failures in Suffolk County Child Protective Services Investigation of Thomas Valva’s Tragic Death

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Suffolk, NY – A special grand jury formed to investigate the Suffolk County Department of Social Services following the tragic death of 8-year-old Thomas Valva in 2020 has released a 75-page report. The report concludes that no criminal charges should be filed against Child Protective Services (CPS) caseworkers involved in investigating allegations of abuse by the child’s father and his fiancé. However, the report highlights the need for reform in confidentiality laws that effectively shielded the caseworkers from public scrutiny. The grand jury’s report does not recommend criminal charges against the CPS caseworkers or supervisors … Read more