Instead of running his own 2016 Republican campaign for presidential nominee, former Republican Governor and once rising GOP star Bob McDonnell will be awaiting the outcome on his Supreme Court hearing on April 27. McDonnell and his wife Maureen were convicted at trial of receiving gifts and loans in exchange for official government assistance to Star Scientific, the dietary supplement company, of businessman Jonnie Williams, Sr. A federal appeals court upheld their convictions. So now their last Hail Mary is with the Supreme Court. And the Supreme Court vacancy may seal his fate. The gifts from businessman Williams ranged from golf outings, catering for their daughter’s wedding, 2 loans, expensive shopping sprees to New York for Mrs. McDonnell, a Rolex watch and an assortment of other gifts, including as specifically outlined in the indictment, as follow: $50,000 loan, without loan papers, used to pay of the McDonnell’s’ credit card debt $20,000 additional loan … [Read more...] about SCOTUS Vacancy May Send Frmr VA Gov. McDonnell to Prison
Archives for April 2016
Why Tamir Rice $6 Million Settlement is not Justice
Tamir Rice’s family received a $6 million settlement as did the families of Freddie Gray and Eric Garner for wrongs committed by the police resulting in their loved ones’ deaths. Money does not equal justice. In America, where a twelve year old African American child is gunned down for playing in a park near his home and no one is held accountable, indicted, charged or arrested, there is no justice. When a 26 year old African American man is taken into police custody in a police van and receives a spinal cord injury and dies, justice remains elusive as 6 Baltimore police remain free awaiting trials. And when an African American man is arrested by police on the streets of New York City who then yells “I can’t breathe” and dies in a police choke hold with no charges against the police officers, there is no justice. The word "justice" is often used but rarely defined in our culture. The legal symbol of justice is the statue of the blind folded woman holding the equally balanced … [Read more...] about Why Tamir Rice $6 Million Settlement is not Justice
Johnny Manziel Joins Ray Rice with Domestic Violence Case
Former Cleveland Browns NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel joins the long list of NFL players who have been charged with domestic violence. A Dallas County Grand Jury indicted Manziel on a misdemeanor assault charge against his ex-girlfriend Colleen Crowley for an alleged assault occurring on January 29, 2016. Crowley received a civil stay away court order until February, 2018, ordering Manziel to remain 500 feet away from her. And if Ray Rice’s case is any indication of what will happen in a criminal court, Manziel is likely to receive a slap on the wrist. Rice was able to enter a New Jersey Court intervention program where his record was wiped clean—despite the egregious elevator footage of his attack on his now wife. Manziel and Rice do not stand alone in their domestic violence cases. Jerry Angelo, a former Chicago Bears general manager spoke out about hundreds of domestic violence complaints during his 30 years in the league that went unpunished. Famed NFL player Jim … [Read more...] about Johnny Manziel Joins Ray Rice with Domestic Violence Case
My Tribute to Prince
Prince Rogers Nelson left what we celebrate as “this thing called life” on April 21, 2016. Prince’s legacy will remain eternal in this life and in the after-life. When news broke of Prince’s death, I was numb at the thought of his passing too soon. People from around the world are celebrating his life and legacy. Prince Rogers Nelson (1958-2016) deserves all the accolades for his life, legacy, music and message. From multi-talented musician, singer, song writer, record producer, actor, to film director, there will never be another musical genius like Prince in our lifetime. Prince was more than a musician. In the words of President Obama, Prince was a “creative icon.” As one Twitter user, “@ElusiveJ eloquently stated, “Thinking about how we mourn artists we’ve never met. We don’t cry because we knew them, we cry because they helped us know ourselves.” And Prince’s music, message and life helped us to know ourselves and who we should become in this thing called … [Read more...] about My Tribute to Prince
Former Baltimore Prosecutor’s Perspective on Freddie Gray-1 Year Later
On April 19, 2015 Freddie Gray died from spinal injuries sustained on April 12, 2015 after being found unconscious 45 minutes after being placed in a Baltimore police van. In the one year since Freddie Gray’s death, there has been no accountability for his death. Six police officers were charged in the death of Gray on May 1, 2015. Whether Baltimore prosecutors will be able to convict any of the six officers still remains a mystery. The death of Freddie Gray is only one part of what the Freddie Gray case exposed about Baltimore. On May 1, 2015, State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby charged 6 police officers in the death of Freddie Gray with charges ranging from second degree murder, manslaughter, second degree assault, and various counts of misconduct. The first trial of William Porter ended in a mistrial in December. While some legal scholars and analysts derided Mosby for overcharging the officers and swiftly charging them weeks later following the incident, as a former … [Read more...] about Former Baltimore Prosecutor’s Perspective on Freddie Gray-1 Year Later
Why No Charges Filed In MD Firefighter Killed by Homeowner?
One Maryland firefighter was shot and killed and another one seriously injured after knocking on the resident's door responding to a check for the person’s welfare. No charges are filed at this time. And social media is weighing in on both sides of the argument –to file charges and those wondering why firefighters responded in the first instance and attempted to bust in the door. And as a former Maryland prosecutor, I wonder why no charges were filed by Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks. And charges might still be filed at a later time. On Friday, April 15, Prince Georges County firefighters responded to a home for a well person check, following a call by the brother of the resident-to check on his state of health. Firefighters respond as first responders in these types of cases which may need paramedic/medical assistance. Upon arriving at the home, presumably with the customary siren sound on and flashing lights on upon arrival, the firefighters … [Read more...] about Why No Charges Filed In MD Firefighter Killed by Homeowner?