Latest news with #felony
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Minn. State Senator Found Guilty of Breaking Into Her Stepmother's House
NEED TO KNOW Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell was found guilty of felony first-degree burglary and possession of burglary or theft tools She broke into her stepmother's home in Detroit Lakes, Minn., in 2024 She faces a mandatory minimum of 180 days in jailMinnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell was found guilty of felony first-degree burglary and possession of burglary or theft tools for breaking into her stepmother's home in Detroit Lakes, Minn., by a Becker County jury on Friday, July 18. Mitchell, 50, who is from Woodbury, Minn., allegedly broke into the home on April 22, 2024, dressed in black and equipped with a flashlight covered with a sock, per local news outlet MPR News. The jury of nine men and three women deliberated for about three hours after getting the case at 12:38 p.m. local time on July 18. The state senator claimed that she entered her stepmother's house without permission for a welfare check on Carol Mitchell, who allegedly has Alzheimer's disease. This was contrary to what she told police officers who arrested her after Carol called 911 to report an intruder at the time, the outlet reports. Becker County Attorney Brian McDonald brought up the police body cam footage during his closing arguments. He began by repeating a statement Mitchell made while in police custody: "I know I did something bad.' McDonald added, 'Now she wants to lie about it.' He continued, 'This is convenient testimony by an admitted liar. Ladies and gentlemen, do not buy it.' The Becker County attorney concluded that he was "pleased for Carol Mitchell, for some justice." Mitchell's Defense attorney Dane DeKrey said his team said there are "arguments for mercy" in Nicole Mitchell's sentencing. The judge overseeing the trial said Mitchell could remain free pending sentencing. A date for sentencing has not yet been set, per CBS News. She faces a mandatory minimum of 180 days in jail, the outlet reports. Take PEOPLE with you! to get the latest details on celebrity news, exclusive royal updates, how-it-happened true crime stories and more — right to your mailbox. Democratic Minn. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy said Mitchell "has told colleagues that she intended to resign if found guilty of this crime, and I expect her to follow through on that pledge." Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson said the verdict confirms Nicole Mitchell's actions "failed to meet the level of ethical behavior we expect from elected officials, and her continued participation in the Minnesota Senate leaves the body with a stain on its record for every time her vote was the deciding vote in passing legislation." Read the original article on People
New York Times
11 hours ago
- Politics
- New York Times
Minnesota Lawmaker Convicted of Burglary, Leaving Democrats' Majority in Question
Minnesota police officers responding to a reported break-in last year found a state lawmaker in her stepmother's basement, dressed in black and carrying a flashlight covered with a sock. The pre-dawn arrest of that legislator, State Senator Nicole Mitchell, a Democrat, brought felony charges and calls from Republicans for her to resign or face expulsion. But Ms. Mitchell maintained her innocence, and her fellow Democrats, who hold a one-seat Senate majority, continued to rely on her vote as the case against her moved forward. On Friday, a jury in northern Minnesota convicted Ms. Mitchell of burglary and possession of burglary or theft tools, felonies that can carry prison sentences. The verdict, which came after a weeklong trial, raised new questions about whether Ms. Mitchell would continue to serve, and whether Democrats might now join Republicans in seeking her resignation or removal. The case was watched closely because both chambers of the Minnesota Legislature are narrowly split between Republicans and Democrats, and a series of circumstances, including Ms. Mitchell's trial, have tested those margins. Already this year, special elections have been held to replace a Democratic senator who died and a Republican senator who resigned after being accused of arranging to meet with an underage prostitute. Another special election filled a House seat after a judge determined that the Democrat who won the regular election did not meet residency requirements. Then last month, State Representative Melissa Hortman, a Democrat, was assassinated and State Senator John A. Hoffman, a Democrat, was shot and wounded in what the authorities described as targeted political violence. If Ms. Mitchell leaves office, the Senate would be evenly divided until Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, calls a special election for voters to choose a replacement, which could happen before lawmakers return to the Capitol in 2026. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Japan Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Japan Times
Chiefs ace Rice gets 30-day jail term for hit-and-run crash
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice was given a 30-day prison sentence and placed on probation for five years on Thursday after pleading guilty to charges arising from a high-speed crash that left several people injured, prosecutors in Texas said. Rice, 25, admitted two felony counts of collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury, the Dallas County District Attorney's Office said. The Chiefs ace, a member of Kansas City's 2023-2024 Super Bowl-winning team, left the scene of the crash in Dallas on March 30 last year after racing in his Lamborghini at speeds of up to 191 kilometers per hour. Dallas prosecutors said Rice had made "multiple aggressive maneuvers" which led to the crash causing a "chain reaction that affected multiple vehicles." Rice fled the scene of the crash on foot. As part of his plea agreement, he was ordered to pay just under $115,500 toward victims' medical expenses. In a statement released through his attorney, Rice apologized to his victims. "There have been a lot of sleepless nights thinking about the damages that my actions caused," Rice said. "I am profoundly sorry for the physical damages to person and property. I fully apologize for the harm I caused to innocent drivers and their families." Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot said it had been "extremely fortunate that no lives were lost that day." "And Mr. Rice is fortunate to have walked away unharmed," Creuzot added. "We hope he takes this as an opportunity to mature and leads by example moving forward." U.S. media reports said Rice would be able to serve his 30-day prison term at any point during the five years of his probation. With criminal proceedings concluded, the receiver is now likely to face a hefty multi-game suspension from the NFL for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Green Bay man charged with harboring a felon in relation to reckless homicide charge against his son
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – A Green Bay father was in court on Thursday as he faces charges of harboring/aiding a felon and resisting an officer. 48-year-old David Vanderleest was in court on accusations that he lied to officials with the Green Bay Police Department to protect his son, concerning two-year-old Leo Escalante's death. 'Violent behavior will not be tolerated': Wisconsin's biggest city addresses gun violence in downtown entertainment area The following charges have officially been filed against David: Harboring or Aiding a Felon Class G Felony – Possible punishment includes up to $25,000 in fines and/or 10 years in prison Obstructing an Officer Class A Misdemeanor – Possible punishment includes up to $10,000 in fines and/or up to nine months in prison In Davids' criminal complaint, acquired by Local 5, police say he was interviewed by local officers when he claimed to be the only one at home when Escalante had to be airlifted to a hospital, where he died from injuries on June 23. The interview reportedly continued, and David began complaining about the 'system' and admitted to lying to the police 'to protect his son.' According to the complaint, David said to charge him with contempt, and that he didn't 'give a (expletive)' as he continued to complain, claiming that local courts are violating people's right to a speedy trial. David also mentioned in an interview that James had a lot of emotional problems, and that James had finally eaten for the first time in several days. The two were arrested at a cabin in Florence County after a search warrant. Sheboygan PD releases statement on teen's drowning at quarry, arrest made for online threat David is set for an additional hearing on July 22 at 2 p.m. Local 5 will provide updates as needed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
a day ago
- CBS News
Santa Monica hotelier accused of impersonating a firefighter faces 28 criminal charges after LAPD seizes fire truck from home
A Santa Monica hotel owner has been charged with 28 felony counts after allegedly impersonating a high-ranking firefighter from the fictitious Santa Muerte Fire Department. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office wrote in a court motion that suspect Steve Farzam used the fabricated role to obtain government-issued exempt license plates, enter the Palisades Fire zone and acquire firearms reserved for law enforcement. The 28 criminal charges include assault with a deadly weapon, impersonating first responders, perjury and discharge of a laser at an aircraft. He's been booked with no bail. Prosecutors said Farzam used the Shore Hotel, which he owns and operates, as the "base of operations for several fraudulent activities." On July 16, a task force consisting of local, state and federal law enforcement arrested Farzam and served a multi-location search warrant at his residences in West LA. Investigators seized two vehicles with California-exempt license plates, radios, first responder credentials, a fire engine, ammunition, fraudulent documents related to the Santa Muerte Fire Department and light packages for police and fire vehicles, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The litany of charges against Farzam stems from a months-long investigation led by the LAPD and involved numerous state and federal law enforcement agencies. On February 21, 2025, Farzam allegedly shined a "high-intensity blue laser beam" into the cockpits of a news helicopter, a California Highway Patrol helicopter and three passenger jets on February 21, 2025. The LA County District Attorney's Office said in one instance, the laser temporarily blinded the pilot of the news helicopter. In another incident, an American Airlines pilot was descending into LAX and had to duck below his cockpit panel to avoid the laser. Using footage from the news helicopter, LAPD detectives familiar with Farzam identified him as the person allegedly shining the laser at aircraft, according to the prosecutors. The investigation into Farzam uncovered that the 46-year-old had a lengthy criminal history of impersonating first responders, fraudulent access to government systems and unlawful firearm possession dating back nearly three decades, according to the LA County District Attorney's Office. Prosecutors said his earliest known instance of Farzam impersonating a police officer happened in 1999 while he was applying to become a deputy. In court records, the LA County DA said Farzam was arrested by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department for impersonating a police officer and committing perjury. However, he accepted a plea agreement for providing false information on DMV documents and giving unlawful registration, which resulted in the dismissal of the impersonation and perjury charges. Prosecutors said LAPD officers arrested him three years later for impersonating a firefighter. While the LA City Attorney's Office filed a 19-count complaint, he was convicted of five misdemeanors in 2003. In 2014, the California Department of Justice investigated Farzam after he used an alias to access DMV records to run license plate and driver's license queries. In the same case, prosecutors said Farzam impersonated an FBI agent during a call to the City Attorney's Office to influence a driving under the influence case. Posing as a federal agent, Farzam claimed the defendant in the case was a key member of a "covert federal task force," according to court documents. Investigators said they seized 16 firearms, 12 radios programmed to emergency channels, 43 forged badges, a fully marked CHP Crown Victoria cruiser with emergency lights when law enforcement raided Farzam's home, business and vehicles in June 2014. He pleaded guilty to impersonating a peace officer, possession of an assault weapon and unauthorized computer access. In 2022, the convictions were reduced to misdemeanors and expunged. In September 2022, Farzam allegedly began registering vehicles to the Santa Muerte Fire Department with the California DMV. A California DOJ investigation determined that at least 10 cars were registered to the fictitious agency, according to court documents. The following year, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department arrested a Chino Hills man for allegedly posing as a fire investigator with the Santa Muerte Fire Department. Deputies arrested suspect Andrew De Boer on July 20 after he allegedly pulled over a resident. Between 2023 and 2024, Farzam allegedly used forged documents and police identification to purchase at least nine firearms, including several handguns reserved for law enforcement under California law. The most recent impersonation allegation happened during the Palisade Fire earlier this year. Between January and March, Farzam allegedly posed as a firefighter three times, according to court documents. In one instance in January, Farzam dressed in full firefighter gear to bypass a National Guard checkpoint in the restricted zone. LAPD detectives are asking anyone with additional information about Farzam's alleged crimes to contact the Major Crimes Division at (213) 486-7220. Outside of business hours, detectives asked people to call 1(877) 527-3247. Those wishing to stay anonymous should call the LA Crime Stoppers at 1(800) 222-8477 or go directly to their website
