County

Multnomah County DA Implements New Jury Selection Rule to Combat Racial Bias in Misdemeanor Trials

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PORTLAND, Ore. — In a significant shift in courtroom policy, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt has announced plans to eliminate the use of peremptory challenges by prosecutors in misdemeanor trials. Citing concerns over racial and ethnic exclusion in jury selection, Schmidt expressed that this change aims to foster a more equitable legal process. Peremptory challenges allow both prosecutors and defense attorneys to dismiss potential jurors without stating a cause, often used to remove jurors deemed as having implicit biases. Historically, this practice has been critiqued for allowing subjective dismissals that could contribute to racial … Read more

Guilty Verdict Reached in Less Than an Hour: Man Convicted of Molesting Child in Vanderburgh County

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Henderson, Ky. – After deliberating for just 40 minutes, a jury in Henderson convicted Oscar Rax Xi on two counts of child molesting tied to allegations that he sexually abused an 8-year-old. The accusations came to light in July 2023 when Holly’s House conducted an interview that revealed the abuse. It was discovered during the investigation that Xi had repeatedly assaulted the child and employed tape to prevent the victim from screaming. Throughout the process, Xi expressed intentions of fleeing to his native Guatemala. Prosecutor Diana Moers conveyed the critical role played by the young … Read more

Sacramento County Grand Jury: Local Volunteers Spearheading Government Accountability and Reform

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Sacramento, Calif. — In Sacramento County, a grand jury composed of local volunteers plays a crucial role in holding public agencies and officials accountable. Each year, 19 residents of this Northern California county serve on this independent panel, investigating local government operations and suggesting improvements to enhance fairness and efficiency. The volunteers, chosen through a rigorous selection process that includes a Department of Justice background check and interviews, commit 20 to 30 hours weekly. According to Sacramento Superior Court Judge Steven Gevercer, who advises the jury, their findings often act as a springboard for change, … Read more

Stephens County Grand Jury Indicts Multiple Individuals on Charges Including Aggravated Assault, Gang Activity, and Official Misconduct

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TOCCOA, Ga. — A recent wave of indictments has swept through Stephens County, with 26 individuals facing serious charges including aggravated assault, drug offenses, DUIs, and more. Among them, two individuals stand out due to the severity and nature of their alleged crimes, which include affiliations with the Gangster Disciples street gang. On July 10, the Stephens County Grand Jury indicted Cornelius Devaughn Curry and Sarah Nicole Wyatt implicating them in multiple acts of violence and gun-related felonies. Reports indicate that in March of this year, Curry and Wyatt allegedly engaged in a spree of … Read more