Latest news with #SexCrimesUnit
Yahoo
2 days ago
- 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
2 days ago
- 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
5 days ago
- 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.
CBS News
21-05-2025
- CBS News
Denver police arrest sexual assault suspect, believes there may be more victims
The Denver Police Department is looking for information on possible victims of a man suspected of sexual assault, kidnapping, and other offenses. Authorities said 36-year-old Glen Orion Meridith was arrested on May 13. The Denver District Attorney's Office charged him with sexual assault, kidnapping, menacing and second-degree assault. Denver Police Department Police said there may be more victims, and encouraged anyone who believes they were a victim of Meridith to contact the DPD Sex Crimes Unit at (720) 913-6040.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Yahoo
21-year-old man accused, arrested in central Austin sex assault
Editor's Note: This story features an account of alleged sexual assault. KXAN has withheld any identifying information for the privacy of those involved. If you are in distress or need someone to talk to, please call RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. AUSTIN (KXAN) — A 21-year-old man was arrested after he was accused of sexually assaulting a victim in central Austin last week, according to the Austin Police Department. That man was identified as Vince Presley Job Ward, according to a news release from APD. He was charged with three counts of sexual assault, one count of burglary of a residence (intent to commit sexual assault), one count of robbery and one count of burglary of residence, according to police. KXAN has reached out to Ward's attorney. We will update this if a statement is received. An investigation from APD revealed that around 3 a.m., March 27, Ward entered the victim's home on Mossrock Drive while they were sleeping. He then 'committed the sexual assault,' and the victim was able to 'get away and sought help from neighbors,' according to police. 'Ward then stole the victim's wallet, phone, and vehicle,' police said in the release. APD's Sexual Assault detectives responded to the scene and performed an 'extensive and rapid investigation.' Ward was later arrested and booked into the Travis County Jail, according to police. 'The combined efforts of our Sex Crimes Unit, Special Victims Investigation Unit (SVIU), and Tac Intel were critical in ensuring the rapid apprehension of this suspect. Our teams worked diligently to gather the necessary evidence and execute this operation with precision. This arrest is an important step in holding offenders accountable and making our community safer,' APD's Sex Crimes Unit Detective Vonholt said in the release. The incident remained under investigation Monday by police. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
