Convicted

Justice at Last: Nevada Woman Wrongfully Convicted as a Teen Wins $34 Million for Police Misconduct and Years Lost

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Las Vegas, Nevada — A federal jury in Nevada awarded over $34 million to Kirstin Lobato, who at the age of 18 was wrongly convicted for a 2001 murder she did not commit, marking a significant verdict in a case that underscored issues of police misconduct and wrongful imprisonment. Now 41, Lobato responded emotionally, embracing her legal team as the judgment was announced, according to reports. In 2001, Lobato, then a teenager, was implicated in the murder of Duran Bailey, a homeless man found dead near a trash receptacle in Las Vegas with severe injuries. … Read more

Jury Awards $34 Million to Woman Wrongly Convicted of 2001 Murder After Nearly 16 Years Behind Bars

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Las Vegas, NV — A Las Vegas woman who endured nearly 16 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of a 2001 murder received a vindication in federal court this week. A Nevada jury awarded over $34 million to Kristin Lobato, now 41 and going by the name Blaise, for her wrongful arrest, two erroneous convictions, and the subsequent time she spent incarcerated. The moment of justice unfolded in U.S. District Court where an emotional Lobato, tears streaming down her face, embraced her legal team following the announcement of the verdict. At the heart of … Read more

Former Mayoral Candidate Bill Brooks Convicted on Charges of Disruption at City Council Meeting

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St. Clairsville, Ohio — Former mayoral candidate Bill Brooks has been found guilty of disrupting a public meeting and criminal trespass during a city council session in St. Clairsville, a verdict brought by the Belmont County Western Division County Court. This development follows an incident that took place during a May 15 public meeting focused on a zoning change, which Brooks attended despite a prior ban from council activities. Brooks’ contentious relationship with the city council had previously resulted in this prohibition due to several disputes with city leaders, including derogatory remarks aimed at council … Read more

Justice Prevails: Las Vegas Police Found Guilty of Fabricating Evidence, Woman Wrongfully Convicted in 2001 Murder Case Awarded $34 Million

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Las Vegas, NV — A U.S. jury has awarded $34 million to a woman who was exonerated after serving several years in prison for a 2001 murder, concluding that Las Vegas police officers falsified evidence in her case. The landmark decision marks a significant condemnation of police practices in evidence gathering and highlights systemic issues within law enforcement that can lead to wrongful convictions. Cathy Woods, now 73, was originally convicted in 1980 for the murder of Michelle Mitchell, a young nursing student whose body was found in Reno. Woods was accused based on a … Read more