Justice (courts/crime/law)
Violent behavior overlooked by the system
A Journal Sentinel investigation into the violent life of Markus Evans reveals a series of “miscalculations by law enforcement and poor communication between authorities.” Evans’ violent background began as early as kindergarten, when he stabbed a teacher with a pencil. He was arrested twice before the age of 10 and shot a cousin in the…
Read MoreBusiness College undergrads rack up criminal convictions
This investigation by The Gazette reveals that more than 18 percent of students graduating from the “University of Iowa’s prestigious Tippie College of Business” have “at least one non-traffic criminal conviction.” The percentage of convictions possessed by students of the Business College is 6 percent higher than any other University of Iowa undergraduate. Some of…
Read MoreSurgeon with nine malpractice suits continues operating
In this investigation by the Duluth News Tribune, reporters Brandon Stahl and Mark Stodghill revealed that one of the “highest-paid physicians at St. Luke’s,” neurosurgeon Stefan Konasiewicz, had a lengthy track record of complaints and malpractice suits. Konasiewicz cut and failed to repair a young woman’s aorta during a spinal surgery that resulted in her…
Read MoreKids held in detention centers receive heavy doses of antipsychotic drugs
A Palm Beach Post investigation finds that kids who have been placed in state juvenile facilities have been receiving heavy doses of antipsychotic drugs, which are meant to have a tranquilizing effect on the brain. The pills were passed out to children in the facilities “for reasons that never were approved by federal regulators.” The…
Read MoreDoctors in juvenile jails linked to drug company’s wallet.
“A Palm Beach Post investigation found that Florida is doling out heavy doses of antipsychotic drugs to kids locked up in state juvenile jails. The drugs, which can cause suicidal thoughts and other dangerous side effects, are being prescribed by contracted doctors who, in some cases, have taken tens of thousands of dollars in speaker…
Read MoreSheriff’s office in one AZ county ignore children’s plea for help.
Christina Boomer and Mark LaMet at KNXV-TV in Phoenix discovered more than 400 sex crimes cases, many involving young children, were ignored by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. Detectives never interviewed victims, witnesses or potential suspects, despite having solid leads in most cases. In the City of El Mirage, AZ, 43 of 51 sex crimes…
Read MoreOfficers keep jobs despite sexual misconduct charges
Three Milwaukee police officers disciplined by the department after women accused them of on-duty sexual misconduct continue to wear the badge, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel investigative reporter Gina Barton found. One of the officers served a 60-day suspension and has since been promoted to sergeant. The other two were fired but reinstated after appealing to the…
Read MoreWoman who lost law license appointed as guardian, stole from clients
As part of a continuing investigation into problems with guardians in Minnesota, the Star Tribune reported how a woman who lost her law license for negligence and dishonesty found a new career in the courthouse as a guardian and conservator for vulnerable adults. Now the woman is charged with stealing $68,000 for 10 of her…
Read MoreGrounded pilots promoted to key California National Guard positions
A report by the Sacramento Bee shows revealed that “four pilots who are under criminal investigation for receiving possibly illegal payments of public funds have been appointed to key leadership posts in the California National Guard’s 144th Fighter Wing based in Fresno. Two former commanders, also targeted in the probe, previously were relieved of their…
Read MoreSearching for the Truth
In this three-part series, Brandon Stahl of the Duluth News Tribune reports on a rape case that remains unsolved. In a classic case of “he said, she said,” a 34-year-old woman accused a 17-year-old male of coming into her home and raping her while holding a gun to her throat. Andrew Lawrence, the accused, maintains…
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