Jury

Federal Jury Awards $1 Million to Aurora Man After Excessive Force Incident During Traffic Stop

by

Aurora, Illinois — A federal jury has awarded over $1 million to a local man after determining that a police officer used excessive force during a traffic stop in 2020. The case highlights ongoing concerns about law enforcement practices and community relations. George Gutierrez, 52, was pulled over on April 26, 2020, for allegedly failing to signal within 100 feet of a turn. Seeking accountability, he requested a supervisor to the scene. According to Gutierrez’s legal team, officers ignored his requests, forcibly removed him from his vehicle by breaking a window, and slammed his head … Read more

"Swift Justice: Jury Delivers Record Verdict in Trumbull County Escape Case After Just Five Minutes"

by

WARREN, Ohio — A Trumbull County jury made quick work of a case involving a man who failed to report to his parole officers, delivering a unanimous guilty verdict in just five minutes. James Finlaw, 50, was found guilty after a one-day trial for not adhering to the conditions of his parole since late 2020. The case was prosecuted by First Assistant Christopher Becker in the courtroom of Common Pleas Judge Sarah Kovoor, who will determine Finlaw’s sentencing after a background check is completed. Finlaw’s defense was provided by two public defenders. According to the … Read more

Four Suspects Bound for Grand Jury Following Complex Burglary Case in Murray

by

MURRAY, Ky. — Calloway County District Court Judge Randall Hutchens ruled Wednesday that there is sufficient probable cause to forward the cases of four suspects in a recent burglary to a grand jury. The burglary occurred in Murray on April 16 and involved various charges against the suspects. Cameron Malone, 25, of Princeton, faces multiple charges, including first-degree burglary and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. Kered James Miles, 18, from Carbondale, Illinois, is charged with first-degree burglary and third-degree fleeing or evading. Two additional suspects, Channon Catlett, 19, of Murray, and Marissa … Read more

"Federal Jury Awards $28 Million to Former Inmate Brutally Attacked in Montana Private Prison"

by

GREAT FALLS, Mont. – In a significant ruling, a federal jury awarded Nathaniel Lake, a former prisoner, nearly $28 million after he sustained serious injuries while incarcerated in a private facility in Shelby, Montana. The jury determined that CoreCivic, the corporation operating the prison, failed to adequately protect Lake during his time behind bars. Lake’s ordeal began when he was attacked by another inmate, known for a violent history, who was serving two life sentences without the possibility of parole. The assailant was able to exit his locked area and entered Lake’s cell, where he … Read more