County

Macomb County to Pay $250,000 to Former Sergeant Following Retaliation Verdict

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Detroit, MI – A former Macomb County Sheriff’s sergeant, James Stanley, will soon receive a $250,000 payout following a decision by a federal appeals court. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati upheld the jury’s verdict that Stanley’s First Amendment right to freedom of speech had been violated through retaliation stemming from his support for a political opponent of Sheriff Anthony Wickersham. The conflict dates back to the 2012 election when Stanley supported Wickersham’s rival. This led to a series of punitive measures against Stanley, culminating in his demotion. Although an arbitrator later reversed … Read more

Veteran Convicted of Second-Degree Murder in Cousin’s Death Amid PTSD Defense in Converse County Trial

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DOUGLAS, Wyo. — A jury in Converse County delivered a second-degree murder conviction to a Douglas man, Mark Helms, aged 44, for the fatal shooting of his cousin last year. This verdict arrived after intense deliberations following a weeklong trial centered around the mental competency of Helms at the time of the crime. Helms, a military veteran with a substantial history of service and multiple deployments, was accused of killing Nicholas Velazquez, 38, on the night of September 13, 2023. Reports indicate that the cousins had been drinking together in Helms’ residence at the time … Read more

El Paso County Agrees to $1.5 Million Settlement Over Inmate Death Incident

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El Paso, Colorado – El Paso County officials have agreed to a $1.5 million settlement following a lawsuit over the death of a jail inmate, John Patrick Walter, in 2014. The settlement aims to resolve allegations of negligence against county officials and medical staff, highlighting critical issues regarding the health care and treatment given to prisoners under county supervision. The suit was brought by Walter’s family who claimed that the treatment he received while incarcerated at the El Paso County jail led to his untimely death. At the time of his death, Walter, who was … Read more

Blair County Man Faces Murder Charge After Neighbor’s Shooting, Some Charges Dropped

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BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. — In a recent courtroom development, local authorities have decided to dismiss specific charges against David Jenkins, a Blair County resident, who is accused of the fatal shooting of his neighbor, Zachary Smola, earlier in the month. During a preliminary hearing that took place on Thursday, details of the case emerged, illustrating a complex narrative that involves an alleged confrontation followed by the tragic death of Smola. David Jenkins, who appeared before the court, had reportedly surrendered to state police, admitting his role in the violent incident on Longview Drive in Allegheny … Read more