County

Historic Verdict: Blair County Man Sentenced to Over Two Decades for Human Trafficking and Rape of a Minor

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HOLLIDAYSBURG, Pa. — In a landmark case for Blair County, a Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to a minimum of 21 years in prison following his conviction in the area’s first human trafficking jury trial. The decision was finalized in a local court on Friday, marking a significant moment in the county’s legal history. Donald Hetrick, 40, of Alexandria, received a sentence that could extend up to 47 years after being found guilty of multiple charges, including raping an unconscious 14-year-old girl. The incident, which occurred in 2021 at an Altoona motel room, led to … Read more

Grand Jury Declines Murder Charge in Ex-Judge’s Fatal Overdose in Tarrant County

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Fort Worth, Texas — A Tarrant County grand jury recently decided not to indict a 35-year-old woman accused of murder in connection with the fentanyl overdose death of her boyfriend, a former Tarrant County associate judge. The case has gripped the local community due to its high-profile nature and the implications of fentanyl-related fatalities. The woman, Kami Ludwig, was arrested in February following the death of William Shane Nolen, 47, who succumbed to a fatal drug interaction involving fentanyl and trazodone, an antidepressant, on November 20. The incident occurred in their shared home in Grapevine. … Read more

Kelly Linger to Assume Role as Columbiana County Municipal Court Judge Starting July 23

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LISBON, Ohio — Kelly Linger, a seasoned attorney with extensive experience in both prosecution and defense, has been appointed as the new judge of the Columbiana County Municipal Court. Set to start on July 23, Linger steps into a role vacated by former Judge Katelyn Dickey earlier this year. Governor Mike DeWine announced Linger’s appointment late last week, marking a significant move in the local judiciary. Dickey had left her position following a new appointment to the Seventh District Court of Appeals at the end of March. Linger, an assistant prosecutor and one of three … Read more

Discrimination Lawsuit Against St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell Delayed Until Next Year, Amid Congressional Run

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CLAYTON, Mo. – The much-anticipated discrimination lawsuit trial against St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell has been postponed until next year. The trial, which was originally scheduled to begin on Monday, will now take place on January 27, according to St. Louis County Circuit Judge Bruce Hilton. The delay comes after lawyers Jerome Dobson and Gregory Rich, representing Susan Petersen, a former longtime prosecutor who was fired by Bell in October 2019, requested more time. Petersen filed the lawsuit in October 2020, claiming that she worked in the prosecutor’s office for 21 years before … Read more