Verdict

Gucci Heiress Secures $115 Million Verdict Against Step-Father for Childhood Sexual Abuse, Plans to Channel Funds into Children’s Foundations

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A jury in Los Angeles awarded $115 million to Alexandra Zarini, the heiress of the Gucci fashion dynasty, in a civil case against her former stepfather, Joseph Ruffalo. The decision came after a trial where Zarini accused Ruffalo of persistent sexual abuse beginning in her early childhood. The jury determined that Ruffalo, who produced films in the 1980s including “Purple Rain,” was liable for sexual battery and causing intentional emotional distress. Despite the substantial verdict, Ruffalo’s defense claimed he was unable to pay the awarded damages. During the proceedings, Zarini’s attorney, Gary A. Dordick, pressed … Read more

10th Circuit Weighs Appeal as Denver Seeks to Overturn $14M Verdict from 2020 Protest Incident

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Denver, Colorado, is the focus of renewed legal scrutiny as the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals considers a contentious $14 million jury verdict linked to police actions during protests in 2020. This verdict, handed down in favor of certain protesters, stemmed from claims of excessive force employed by officers amidst widespread demonstrations following the murder of George Floyd. The case highlights the ongoing tension between law enforcement practices and public protests, particularly in a city that witnessed significant unrest during the summer of 2020. Legal representatives for the city and the involved officer argue that … Read more

Quick Verdict: Williamsport Man Sentenced for Fentanyl Sales in Swift 15-Minute Jury Decision

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Williamsport, Pa. — A jury swiftly convicted Sean Patrick Ford of selling fentanyl to undercover informants during a trial that lasted just five hours. The jury, comprising five women and 11 men, delivered the unanimous verdict after a brief 15-minute deliberation. Ford, 56, was found guilty of multiple drug-related charges, including two counts of selling fentanyl and illegal use of a cellphone. Following the ruling, his bail was revoked, and he was taken into custody. The case centered around controlled buys of fentanyl from Ford in January 2022, facilitated by a confidential informant who tragically … Read more

Federal Appeals Court Upholds $83.3 Million Defamation Verdict Against Trump in E. Jean Carroll Case

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A federal appeals court in New York upheld an $83.3 million jury award against former President Donald Trump on Monday, finding he defamed writer E. Jean Carroll in comments made in 2019. The decision from the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals confirmed that the amount awarded to Carroll was justified given the evidence presented during the trial. In their ruling, the panel of judges emphasized that the district court acted appropriately and that the jury’s award of damages was reasonable considering the “extraordinary and egregious” circumstances of the case. The court dismissed Trump’s argument for … Read more