Prison

Court to Consider Prison Inmate’s Religious Liberty Claims

by

On Monday, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case of Damon Landor, a Louisiana man whose religious beliefs led him to grow long dreadlocks. The case raises significant questions regarding the balance between institutional authority and individual rights, particularly in the context of religious expression within the prison system. Landor’s situation began in 2020 when prison officials forcibly shaved his head, disregarding a federal appeals court ruling that affirmed his right to maintain his dreadlocks. The Legal Framework: RLUIPA At the heart of this case is the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized … Read more

Music Mogul Diddy Faces Potential 14-Month Sentence Amid Prostitution Charges as Prosecutors Seek Extended Prison Time

by

New York — Attorneys representing Sean “Diddy” Combs are advocating for a reduced prison sentence of no more than 14 months following his conviction on two prostitution-related offenses. This appeal was submitted to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian in a written document earlier this week. Combs, who had previously faced more severe charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking, was acquitted of those counts in July, but his current situation remains critical as he faces sentencing. Judge Subramanian has already denied bail for Combs, indicating a belief that imprisonment is necessary despite the recent exoneration. The … Read more

Ohio Man Sentenced to a Decade in Prison for Threatening Legal Officials in Road-Rage Case

by

PORT CLINTON, Ohio — A 49-year-old man from Bellevue was sentenced to a decade in prison for making threats against those involved in his legal case stemming from a road rage incident. Eric Braun was found guilty of multiple charges, including intimidating witnesses and aggravated menacing, following a jury trial in June. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office reported that Braun’s conviction stemmed from his behavior during the criminal proceedings connected to an earlier incident in February 2023, where he faced charges for unlawfully handling firearms in a vehicle and aggravated menacing. Authorities noted that during … Read more

Jefferson County Judge Orders St. Louis Man to Prison After Multiple Probation Violations in Drug Case

by

A Jefferson County judge has sentenced a St. Louis man to five years in prison after revoking his probation for the second time. Archie Smith, 45, had previously been convicted on two counts of possession of a controlled substance, as detailed in court records. Judge Brenda Stacey of the Jefferson County Division 4 Circuit Court made her decision on August 26, enforcing two concurrent five-year sentences. These sentences were issued following Smith’s earlier plea agreement related to drug charges he faced. The case, which was prosecuted by Assistant Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Lindsay Whalen, began … Read more