Latest news with #SexCrimesUnit
ABC News
17-07-2025
- ABC News
Police charge 34-year-old man with rape of child under 10 in Ludmilla
A 34-year-old man has been charged with the rape of a child under the age of 10 over an incident in Darwin's northern suburbs last month. In a statement, Northern Territory police said they received a report of a suspected sexual assault against a "young child" at a home in Ludmilla on June 14. Police said after further investigation, officers were "able to confirm a sexual assault had occurred," and arrested a man the next day. "On 15 July 2025, detectives from the Sex Crimes Unit, Fugitive Taskforce and general duties arrested a 34-year-old man at a location in Yarrawonga," the statement. "The [alleged] offender was not known to the victim." The man has been charged with sexual intercourse with a child under 10. He was remanded custody and is due to appear in the Darwin Local Court on Thursday. Detective Senior Sergeant Toby Wilson said the police investigation into the incident had been "complex" and "confronting" and involved "a very young victim". "The [alleged] behaviour exhibited against this child is nothing short of horrendous," he said.
Fox News
26-06-2025
- Fox News
San Diego police hunt for man who posed as rideshare driver to commit sexual assault
San Diego, California, police are asking for the public's help to identify a man who pretended to be a rideshare driver and allegedly sexually assaulted a woman who got into his vehicle. The San Diego Police Department learned that at about 1:10 a.m. on March 15, an adult woman got into the backseat of what she believed was a rideshare she had requested, in the Pacific Beach area. Investigators said the unknown man who was driving the vehicle pretended he was the woman's rideshare driver and proceeded to drive her away from her pickup spot for a few miles. He then allegedly sexually assaulted the woman before she was able to get out of the vehicle. Once out, the culprit drove away from the scene, though the victim could not remember which direction he left. Police said the suspect is described as a mixed-race man who is about 30 years old with brown eyes, an average to muscular build, shoulder-length curly hair, a large nose, and sporting a mustache and beard. At the time of the assault, the suspect was driving what police said was possibly a four-door 2022-25 red Toyota Prius or similar vehicle. Detectives hope to determine whether there are any additional victims who may have been sexually assaulted by the same suspect. Anyone who believes they were sexually assaulted by the same man, or who may have information about the suspect is encouraged to notify the San Diego Police Department's Sex Crimes Unit at 619-531-2554. For anyone wishing to leave an anonymous tip, police encourage them to call Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Readers sound off on a sex consent bill, traumatic childbirth and Zohran Mamdani
Buffalo: An Albany bill (A.101/S.54) intended to make it easier to prosecute certain sex offenses, including rape and sexual misconduct, is once again making its way through the New York State Legislature's houses. At first glance, the 'Rape Intoxication Bill' appears to seek to provide greater protections for victims of certain sex offenses. However, it not only duplicates existing protections but will increase the risk of unjust and wrongful prosecutions and convictions. It does not enhance protections of victims to any degree whatsoever. The bill purportedly makes proving lack of consent easier and removes a loophole in the penal law. But it does not specify what this loophole is. In fact, no loophole exists. Instead, the bill not only broadens what may constitute a lack of consent but also allows for the prosecution of vague, undefined conduct. It will sweep innocent acts into criminal conduct. Without notice as to what may constitute lack of consent, a person who may have initiated a sexual encounter but later regrets it could claim that he or she was 'temporarily incapable of giving consent.' Our current laws already protect those who are incapable of giving consent, whether due to physical or mental capacity. In fact, even voluntary intoxication when it renders a person incapable of giving consent can still result in a conviction for rape. The vague language contained in the proposed bill merely provides police officers and prosecutors with too much discretion to enforce this law, which creates too much of a risk for racially disparate enforcement that will result in wrongful convictions. Kevin M. Stadelmaier St. Albans: To Voicer Richard Warren, who writes that Miguel Jiraud savagely beat victim Diana Agudelo and should have been put away for life: I agree. During my time with the NYPD, I was assigned to the Sex Crimes Unit, now the Special Victims Unit. None of my cases were 'run-of-the-mill' rapes. All sexual assaults are serious, especially ones involving children. If your loved one was assaulted, would that be run-of-the-mill? Stephanie Revander Manhattan: I understand that they are trying to keep the rats out of the garbage by putting these bins in the street, but I think they are taking up much-needed parking spaces that are already scarce! Not to mention the outdoor sheds for restaurants. Clyde Wallace Bloomfield, N.J.: I'm heartened by the variety of letters that appear in the Voice of the People. Recent ones praised a special graduate and the joy of seeing Johnny Mathis perform. Voicers have contributed witty one-liners and marked anniversaries. What a great chance to thank a mentor and an opportunity for young people to clarify their perspectives. This is also space to wish someone well, even belatedly. When Lori Stokes retired a few years ago after a respected television career, I looked for letters congratulating her but didn't find any. The esteemed journalist brought a graciousness to TV you don't see every day. Stokes had a down-to-earth kindness, like the gal most likely to nudge you if you had spinach in your teeth. Wish it would have dawned on me to write the letter I wanted to see. Christine Sparta Jamaica: My heart goes out to the parents of the poor baby who perished ('Tragic infant in Queens not killed by dog as first feared,' May 29). I'm also concerned for the poor puppy that did not cause the infant's death. An earlier version of the article mentioned that the parents planned to train the dog to be a service animal. Was there a plan to contact a certified Assistance Dogs International member program? No mention of it was made. I hope further investigation clears the dog completely and the puppy gets adopted by a loving family. Abby Frank Manhattan: On Friday night, I was standing at my local pharmacy counter. There was a somewhat irritated woman in front of me. As she was being helped, another worker started to help me. This customer was irritated at things taking so long. She muttered under her breath, not realizing we all heard her, 'Man, I've done drug deals faster than this!' We all burst out laughing. Lucky for us, no cops were in the pharmacy. Charles Adrian O'Connor Los Angeles: As a fan of Mexican cuisine and a regular customer at my local Mexican restaurant, Fiesta Mexico, would all social media users please stop using the 'TACO' acronym when referring to you-know-who? It really diminishes the enjoyment of this Mexican food favorite when I order a few at the bar during happy hour and two-for-Tuesdays. Otis Criblecoblis Clearwater, Fla.: In the event Sean 'Diddy' Combs is convicted, my sincere hope is that President Trump doesn't pardon him. One of the charges against Diddy is the physical abuse of his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. The 2016 video that was caught on hotel surveillance showing Diddy brutally assaulting Ventura (dragging and kicking her) is painful to watch. Pardoning Combs would send the wrong message by saying that it's OK to beat up on women. And being that Trump is adamantly against biological males in women's sports due to the unfairness, I don't see how he can justify physical abuse against women. Allowing Combs to take his lumps if found guilty is a message of virtue. JoAnn Lee Frank Charlotte, N.C.: What's up with Trump and Harvard University? Did they deny him admission in the 1960s and this is part of his revenge campaign? Barbara Haynes Staten Island: I am writing to shed light on an often overlooked yet deeply personal and impactful experience: traumatic childbirth. As a mother who recently endured a traumatic birth, I have come to realize how isolating and emotionally overwhelming it can be. While childbirth is commonly celebrated as a joyful milestone, for many women, including me, it can be marked by fear, complications and lasting psychological effects. Unfortunately, the silence surrounding traumatic births leaves many mothers feeling alone in their pain. It is not just about physical recovery, but also the mental and emotional healing that can take far longer, and often goes unsupported. I believe it's time to break the silence and normalize conversations about birth trauma. By sharing our stories and standing together, we can create a stronger, more supportive community for all mothers. Alexsis A. Gilles Hartsdale, N.Y.: I love the new LaGuardia Airport but hate the cell phone parking lot. Last Friday night, I had the unenviable opportunity to pick up my daughter and kids visiting from Chicago. Friday nights are a zoo at the airport, so I planned to arrive early. As I approached Terminal B, I was grateful to see signs for a cell phone lot where I could wait until she called to be picked up. When I arrived, I was greeted by a sea of black TLC Chevy Suburbans in this tiny lot. Every spot was taken, most without drivers sitting and waiting. These cars are obviously using it as a free parking lot. Now I understand why I see dozens of cars parked along the side of the road waiting to be called. Please put some controls in place. This parking lot is not meant for private limo services' convenience. Daniel Brea Manhattan: With due respect to Voicer Dennis Dunleavy, my word choice to describe Scott Stringer is 'nebbish' — that nasal, whiny voice is almost humorous when he tries to talk tough. All I remember of his time in office is having his city car chauffeur Mrs. Stringer to work. Robert J. Katz Manhattan: Thanks to Harry Siegel's column on the subject ('Mamdani's moment for momentum,' June 1), the core issue with the enthusiastic young candidate was made clear: Zohran Mamdani is dreaming the possible dream — a city all cleaned up with a whole lot of freebies and just a few problems. I hope that this time, we elect a realist with prior relevant job experience. Frankie Turchiano
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Readers sound off on a sex consent bill, traumatic childbirth and Zohran Mamdani
Buffalo: An Albany bill (A.101/S.54) intended to make it easier to prosecute certain sex offenses, including rape and sexual misconduct, is once again making its way through the New York State Legislature's houses. At first glance, the 'Rape Intoxication Bill' appears to seek to provide greater protections for victims of certain sex offenses. However, it not only duplicates existing protections but will increase the risk of unjust and wrongful prosecutions and convictions. It does not enhance protections of victims to any degree whatsoever. The bill purportedly makes proving lack of consent easier and removes a loophole in the penal law. But it does not specify what this loophole is. In fact, no loophole exists. Instead, the bill not only broadens what may constitute a lack of consent but also allows for the prosecution of vague, undefined conduct. It will sweep innocent acts into criminal conduct. Without notice as to what may constitute lack of consent, a person who may have initiated a sexual encounter but later regrets it could claim that he or she was 'temporarily incapable of giving consent.' Our current laws already protect those who are incapable of giving consent, whether due to physical or mental capacity. In fact, even voluntary intoxication when it renders a person incapable of giving consent can still result in a conviction for rape. The vague language contained in the proposed bill merely provides police officers and prosecutors with too much discretion to enforce this law, which creates too much of a risk for racially disparate enforcement that will result in wrongful convictions. Kevin M. Stadelmaier St. Albans: To Voicer Richard Warren, who writes that Miguel Jiraud savagely beat victim Diana Agudelo and should have been put away for life: I agree. During my time with the NYPD, I was assigned to the Sex Crimes Unit, now the Special Victims Unit. None of my cases were 'run-of-the-mill' rapes. All sexual assaults are serious, especially ones involving children. If your loved one was assaulted, would that be run-of-the-mill? Stephanie Revander Manhattan: I understand that they are trying to keep the rats out of the garbage by putting these bins in the street, but I think they are taking up much-needed parking spaces that are already scarce! Not to mention the outdoor sheds for restaurants. Clyde Wallace Bloomfield, N.J.: I'm heartened by the variety of letters that appear in the Voice of the People. Recent ones praised a special graduate and the joy of seeing Johnny Mathis perform. Voicers have contributed witty one-liners and marked anniversaries. What a great chance to thank a mentor and an opportunity for young people to clarify their perspectives. This is also space to wish someone well, even belatedly. When Lori Stokes retired a few years ago after a respected television career, I looked for letters congratulating her but didn't find any. The esteemed journalist brought a graciousness to TV you don't see every day. Stokes had a down-to-earth kindness, like the gal most likely to nudge you if you had spinach in your teeth. Wish it would have dawned on me to write the letter I wanted to see. Christine Sparta Jamaica: My heart goes out to the parents of the poor baby who perished ('Tragic infant in Queens not killed by dog as first feared,' May 29). I'm also concerned for the poor puppy that did not cause the infant's death. An earlier version of the article mentioned that the parents planned to train the dog to be a service animal. Was there a plan to contact a certified Assistance Dogs International member program? No mention of it was made. I hope further investigation clears the dog completely and the puppy gets adopted by a loving family. Abby Frank Manhattan: On Friday night, I was standing at my local pharmacy counter. There was a somewhat irritated woman in front of me. As she was being helped, another worker started to help me. This customer was irritated at things taking so long. She muttered under her breath, not realizing we all heard her, 'Man, I've done drug deals faster than this!' We all burst out laughing. Lucky for us, no cops were in the pharmacy. Charles Adrian O'Connor Los Angeles: As a fan of Mexican cuisine and a regular customer at my local Mexican restaurant, Fiesta Mexico, would all social media users please stop using the 'TACO' acronym when referring to you-know-who? It really diminishes the enjoyment of this Mexican food favorite when I order a few at the bar during happy hour and two-for-Tuesdays. Otis Criblecoblis Clearwater, Fla.: In the event Sean 'Diddy' Combs is convicted, my sincere hope is that President Trump doesn't pardon him. One of the charges against Diddy is the physical abuse of his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. The 2016 video that was caught on hotel surveillance showing Diddy brutally assaulting Ventura (dragging and kicking her) is painful to watch. Pardoning Combs would send the wrong message by saying that it's OK to beat up on women. And being that Trump is adamantly against biological males in women's sports due to the unfairness, I don't see how he can justify physical abuse against women. Allowing Combs to take his lumps if found guilty is a message of virtue. JoAnn Lee Frank Charlotte, N.C.: What's up with Trump and Harvard University? Did they deny him admission in the 1960s and this is part of his revenge campaign? Barbara Haynes Staten Island: I am writing to shed light on an often overlooked yet deeply personal and impactful experience: traumatic childbirth. As a mother who recently endured a traumatic birth, I have come to realize how isolating and emotionally overwhelming it can be. While childbirth is commonly celebrated as a joyful milestone, for many women, including me, it can be marked by fear, complications and lasting psychological effects. Unfortunately, the silence surrounding traumatic births leaves many mothers feeling alone in their pain. It is not just about physical recovery, but also the mental and emotional healing that can take far longer, and often goes unsupported. I believe it's time to break the silence and normalize conversations about birth trauma. By sharing our stories and standing together, we can create a stronger, more supportive community for all mothers. Alexsis A. Gilles Hartsdale, N.Y.: I love the new LaGuardia Airport but hate the cell phone parking lot. Last Friday night, I had the unenviable opportunity to pick up my daughter and kids visiting from Chicago. Friday nights are a zoo at the airport, so I planned to arrive early. As I approached Terminal B, I was grateful to see signs for a cell phone lot where I could wait until she called to be picked up. When I arrived, I was greeted by a sea of black TLC Chevy Suburbans in this tiny lot. Every spot was taken, most without drivers sitting and waiting. These cars are obviously using it as a free parking lot. Now I understand why I see dozens of cars parked along the side of the road waiting to be called. Please put some controls in place. This parking lot is not meant for private limo services' convenience. Daniel Brea Manhattan: With due respect to Voicer Dennis Dunleavy, my word choice to describe Scott Stringer is 'nebbish' — that nasal, whiny voice is almost humorous when he tries to talk tough. All I remember of his time in office is having his city car chauffeur Mrs. Stringer to work. Robert J. Katz Manhattan: Thanks to Harry Siegel's column on the subject ('Mamdani's moment for momentum,' June 1), the core issue with the enthusiastic young candidate was made clear: Zohran Mamdani is dreaming the possible dream — a city all cleaned up with a whole lot of freebies and just a few problems. I hope that this time, we elect a realist with prior relevant job experience. Frankie Turchiano
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Tips lead to arrest in 2024 rape, kidnapping case in Cleveland
Editor's Note: The video above is previous coverage on this story. CLEVELAND (WJW) – A suspect has been arrested in connection with the June 2024 kidnapping and rape of an elderly woman, Cleveland police announced Thursday. James Collins was taken into custody on May 27 by members of the Cleveland Division of Police NICE Unit after investigators received multiple tips from the public, police said. He was located on the city's West Side following a renewed appeal for help in identifying the suspect. Sandusky man enters plea in dog stabbing; Ivy the pitbull recovering The assault occurred June 25, 2024, near East 79th Street and Rawlings Avenue. The victim, an elderly woman, was severely beaten and raped. The suspect fled the scene in a dark-colored Chevy Equinox with a distinctive small spare tire on the rear driver's side. After a renewed call for help in the case was issued, police said the Sex Crimes Unit received several leads that ultimately led to Collins' arrest. Cleveland Clinic updates new copay policy after backlash 'The Cleveland Division of Police extends its sincere thanks to the public for their assistance and to all officers involved in the investigation and apprehension,' the department said in a statement. The investigation remains ongoing. Collins was given a $150,000 bond in court Wednesday. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 6. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
