Tag:

Criminal Justice Reform

WATCH: PA's Meek Mill Cuffed Outside NYC Club On Halloween—No Arrest After Viral Gun Claim WATCH: PA's Meek Mill Cuffed Outside NYC Club On Halloween—No Arrest After Viral Gun Claim
Watch: PA's Meek Mill Cuffed Outside NYC Club On Halloween—No Arrest After Viral Gun Claim Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill was handcuffed outside a New York City nightclub early Saturday, Nov. 1, in a dramatic Halloween encounter that was caught on camera and later went viral — but he says the situation was far more terrifying than the footage shows. “They just pulled me out the car and cuffed me in front of the whole club,” Meek wrote on X (formerly Twitter), calling the ordeal “embarrassing” and claiming NYPD officers aimed guns at him during the stop. They just pulled me out the car and cuffed me in front of the whole club embarrassed the shit out of me in nyc ! I'm not scared…
Ben & Jerry’s Co-Founder Quits, Merrick Native Blames Parent Company For Silencing Brand Ben & Jerry’s Co-Founder Quits, Merrick Native Blames Parent Company For Silencing Brand
Ben & Jerry’s Co-Founder Quits, Merrick Native Blames Parent Company For Silencing Brand After nearly five decades, Ben & Jerry's co-founder Jerry Greenfield has resigned, saying the popular ice cream company has been silenced politically under its corporate ownership. Greenfield's resignation letter was posted on the website FreeBenAndJerrys.com on Tuesday, Sept. 16. The 74-year-old Long Island native created Ben & Jerry's with Ben Cohen back in 1978. In his letter, Greenfield said that with a "broken heart," he can no longer work for Ben & Jerry's because it has lost its independence under Unilever. "This isn't because I've lost my love f…
500+ Child Porn Files Found On WNY Man: Cops 500+ Child Porn Files Found On WNY Man: Cops
500+ Child Porn Files Found On WNY Man: Cops A North Jersey man is accused of possessing hundreds of images of child sexual abuse, authorities said. In April 2025, West New York police launched an investigation after receiving a tip that images depicting child sexual abuse material had been uploaded and stored on a storage medium registered to Asael Benitez, 29, the department said Saturday, Sept. 6. Detectives determined Benitez possessed those images as well as more than 500 additional images of children being sexually abused, police said. On Thursday, Sept. 4, detectives from the West New York Police Criminal Investigation Divisio…
Three Progressive 'Reform' Bills Will Free Violent Criminals, Endangering New Yorkers Three Progressive 'Reform' Bills Will Free Violent Criminals, Endangering New Yorkers
Three Progressive 'Reform' Bills Will Free Violent Criminals, Endangering New Yorkers New York is still reeling from the spike in crime from the 2019 ‘Reforms.’ We can’t afford another progressive experiment. Public safety and compassion for victims must come first. Governor Hochul and Legislators must reject these bills which will embolden criminals and retraumatize victims. With the budget fight over, New York’s progressive legislators are now pushing a trio of bills—the Second Look Act, Elder Parole, and the Earned Time Act—that will fling open prison doors, putting thousands of violent criminals back on our streets. These measures, cloaked as compassionate reforms, prio…
Baltimore's Carmelo Anthony Headlines 2025 Basketball Hall Of Fame Class Baltimore's Carmelo Anthony Headlines 2025 Basketball Hall Of Fame Class
Baltimore's Carmelo Anthony Headlines 2025 Basketball Hall Of Fame Class The 2025 Basketball Hall of Fame class is stacked with stars — and packed with local roots. Baltimore native and Olympic superstar Carmelo Anthony is heading to the Hall of Fame, alongside fellow NBA All-Star Dwight Howard, UConn legends Sue Bird and Maya Moore, as well as the entire 2008 “Redeem Team,” the gold medal-winning Olympic squad that put USA Basketball back on top. The star-studded class was announced Saturday, April 5, and also includes Rockville Centre’s own Billy Donovan — a two-time NCAA champion turned NBA coach — and longtime NBA referee Danny Crawford.  Anthony, who …
Kim Kardashian Sued After Mistakenly Identifying Westchester Man's Photo As Death Row Inmate Kim Kardashian Sued After Mistakenly Identifying Westchester Man's Photo As Death Row Inmate
Kim Kardashian Sued After Mistakenly Identifying Westchester Man's Photo As Death Row Inmate Reality TV star and business mogul Kim Kardashian is facing a lawsuit over allegations that she falsely identified a New York man as a convicted murderer on Instagram, causing him serious emotional distress. Westchester County resident Ivan Cantu filed the lawsuit against the celebrity on Thursday, Feb. 20, alleging that Kardashian wrongfully posted his photo on Instagram to her 350 million followers, claiming he was a convicted murderer on death row, according to New York-based Sobo & Sobo Personal Injury Attorneys.  The case includes six counts, including libel, slander…
Philly Kingpin Linked to 12 Murders, Deadly Firebombing Spared Death Penalty by Biden Philly Kingpin Linked to 12 Murders, Deadly Firebombing Spared Death Penalty by Biden
Philly Kingpin Linked to 12 Murders, Deadly Firebombing Spared Death Penalty by Biden The life of a notorious Philadelphia drug kingpin has been spared as President Joe Biden commuted the death sentence of Kaboni Savage, who was convicted in 2013 for orchestrating the brutal firebombing of a family home that killed six people. Savage, 49, was initially sentenced to death for the 2004 arson attack on the home of Eugene Coleman, a former associate who had begun cooperating with federal investigators. The fire killed Coleman's mother, infant son, and four other relatives, according to federal prosecutors. Savage, a former boxer turned drug trafficker, was also found guilty of i…
Fairfax County Death Row Killer Has Sentence Commuted By Biden Fairfax County Death Row Killer Has Sentence Commuted By Biden
Fairfax County Death Row Killer Has Sentence Commuted By Biden In a historic move just two days before Christmas, President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates, including individuals with ties to Virginia.  Their sentences have been reclassified from execution to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, the White House announced. This clemency decision aligns with President Biden’s long-standing opposition to the federal death penalty, except in cases of terrorism or hate-motivated mass murder. Biden’s administration imposed a moratorium on federal executions upon taking office, effectively halting the prac…
Election 2024: Winner Projected For PA's 5th US Congressional District Election 2024: Winner Projected For PA's 5th US Congressional District
Election 2024: Winner Projected For PA's 5th US Congressional District Election Day 2024 is in the books, and Pennsylvanians have chosen their next representatives in Congress, according to multiple outlets' projections based on unofficial results. In the commonwealth’s 5th congressional district race, Mary Gay Scanlon defeated Alfeia Goodwin for the House seat representing portions of Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery, and Chester counties, the AP projects. The incumbent was leading her republican party opponent by a margin of 64.5% to 35.3%, with 76% of the vote as of 11 p.m., according to the PA Department of State.  The 65-year-old Scanlon has …
NBA Star Just Opened Weed Shop In Hoboken NBA Star Just Opened Weed Shop In Hoboken
NBA Star Just Opened Weed Shop In Hoboken One of New Jersey's newest marijuana shops is owned by a former NBA star. Village Brands is a multi-state cannabis operator founded by industry pioneers, Al Harrington, and Dan Pettigrew. It's officially opening its first East Coast location in Hoboken.  Harrington is an Orange, NJ native who played for the Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, and more. After helping his grandmother find treatment for her glaucoma with cannabis, Harrington teamed up with Pettigrew to start Viola to help others in her honor. The duo then founded Village Brands in an effort to expand their footprint and ope…
Rutherford Police Chief Refuses To Leave Residents Behind In Assuming Statewide Leadership Role Rutherford Police Chief Refuses To Leave Residents Behind In Assuming Statewide Leadership Role
Rutherford Police Chief Refuses To Leave Residents Behind In Assuming Statewide Leadership Role John Russo never intended on becoming a police chief. He was going for an FBI agent, but while growing up in Rutherford and meeting his friends' parents and coaches who were police officers, he decided to switch gears. Twenty-six years into his law enforcement career, and 11 years in his role as Rutherford Police Chief, Russo has been sworn in to a one-year term as the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police's 109th president. The ceremony happened during the association's 112th annual training Training Conference & Police/Security Expo in Atlantic City last month. …
'Jury Of Our Peers Act' Allowing Convicted Felons To Serve On Juries Passes NY Legislature 'Jury Of Our Peers Act' Allowing Convicted Felons To Serve On Juries Passes NY Legislature
'Jury Of Our Peers Act' Allowing Convicted Felons To Serve On Juries Passes NY Legislature New Yorkers with felony convictions could soon serve on court juries after state lawmakers passed legislation reversing the lifetime ban on such service. The New York State Assembly on Friday, June 7, passed the “Jury of Our Peers Act,” which would allow those convicted of felonies to serve on New York juries once they are released from prison or have otherwise satisfied all of their sentencing requirements. Advocates say the move will help rectify an underrepresentation of minorities on juries. “Black New Yorkers have been systematically denied the right to serve on juries as they are dis…
CT Woman Pardoned By President Biden For Drug Offense CT Woman Pardoned By President Biden For Drug Offense
CT Woman Pardoned By President Biden For Drug Offense A 33-year-old Connecticut woman was one of 11 people in the country who received a pardon from President Joe Biden for a non-violent drug offense. Alexis Sutton of New Haven pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense and was sentenced to 48 months of probation in 2014. Since then, the White House has said that Sutton has taken classes to earn her nursing degree and is hoping to become a registered nurse.  According to the White House, she is an active participant in her church, and colleagues, friends, and neighbors describe her as resilient, reliable, caring, hard-working, and a ro…
Hudson Valley Man Who Refused To Stop Nabbed For DWI, Police Say Hudson Valley Man Who Refused To Stop Nabbed For DWI, Police Say
Hudson Valley Man Who Refused To Stop Nabbed For DWI, Police Say A 41-year-old Hudson Valley man was nabbed by police for alleged DWI and refusing to stop when police spotted him using a cell phone while driving. Rockland County resident Cristhian Cruz-Rojas of Stony Point was arrested on Sunday, July 16 around 10 a.m. on North Liberty Drive in Stony Point. When an officer attempted to stop the vehicle Cruz-Rojas refused to pull over and continued to drive to his residence which was approximately two miles away, said Lt. Greg Becker, of the Stony Point Police. Once at his home, Cruz-Rojas attempted to run into his house to avoid arrest. A…
Man Nabbed Using Fake ID Attempting To Cash $60K Check In Hudson Valley, Police Say Man Nabbed Using Fake ID Attempting To Cash $60K Check In Hudson Valley, Police Say
Man Nabbed Using Fake ID Attempting To Cash $60K Check In Hudson Valley, Police Say A Hudson Valley man was charged with attempted grand larceny after allegedly trying to cash a $60,000 check with a forged driver's license. The incident took place in Rockland County on Wednesday, July 5 at the TD Bank in Stony Point at 82 S. Liberty St. According to Lt. Greg Becker of the Stony Point Police, Jeremy Pierre, age 23, of New City, was charged with the crime following an investigation that found the driver's license was a fake. He was charged with attempted grand larceny and criminal possession of a forged instrument and released with an appearance ticket as per …
Hudson Valley Sex Offender Charged With Violent Assault, Cops Say Hudson Valley Sex Offender Charged With Violent Assault, Cops Say
Hudson Valley Sex Offender Charged With Violent Assault, Cops Say Police in the Hudson Valley have charged a sex offender with a violent assault and robbery of a man after it was caught on a public camera system. The incident took place in Orange County around 11:10 a.m., Sunday, March 12 in the area of 8-10 Main Street in Middletown. According to Lt. Jeffry Thoelen of the Middletown Police, officers responded to the area after receiving a call reporting a fight. Using the public camera system located at the front desk of the police department, Sgt. Jordan McInerney saw a Black man lying on top of another man on the sidewalk, violently assaulti…
New Poll Reveals Who NYers Favor In Governor's Race Based On Inflation, Crime, Abortion New Poll Reveals Who NYers Favor In Governor's Race Based On Inflation, Crime, Abortion
New Poll Reveals Who NYers Favor In Governor's Race Based On Inflation, Crime, Abortion As Election Day draws nearer, new polling is highlighting the issues that are top of mind for New York voters when choosing their next governor. Overall, incumbent Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul leads her Republican opponent, Rep. Lee Zeldin, by six points, 47 to 41 percent, according to a SurveyUSA poll released Thursday, Oct. 20. Earlier Report: Zeldin Holds Edge Over Hochul In NY's Suburbs, Among Independents In Brand-New Poll Four percent of likely voters said they plan to vote for another candidate, while 8 percent were undecided. Hochul’s lead has shrunk dramatically from August …
3 Busted In Spree Of Attempted Car Burglaries, Madison Police Say 3 Busted In Spree Of Attempted Car Burglaries, Madison Police Say
3 Busted In Spree Of Attempted Car Burglaries, Madison Police Say Three suspects from Irvington were busted in a spree of attempted car burglaries throughout Madison, local police said. Officers responded to a report of three suspects trying to break into vehicles near Madison Plaza (300 Main St.) shortly after 4:50 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 23, Madison Police said. Officers then found Jaquane Simmons, Raemir Peaks, and Randolph Peaks, all age 20, in the immediate vicinity and matching the suspects’ descriptions, police said. The suspects were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit burglary to a motor vehicle, hindering apprehension, investigation, p…
Newark Man, 18, Stole 9 Cars From North Jersey Dealership: Prosecutor Newark Man, 18, Stole 9 Cars From North Jersey Dealership: Prosecutor
Newark Man, 18, Stole 9 Cars From North Jersey Dealership: Prosecutor A Newark man was slapped with a slew of theft and burglary charges after stealing a total of nine cars from a Morris County auto dealership, authorities said. Ahjhir Jones, 18, is accused of stealing the vehicles from GT Motors in Morristown August 6, 2021, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said Monday. He was identified via surveillance footage and fingerprinting, Carroll said. Jones was taken into custody Jan. 19 and charged with conspiracy to commit theft, theft by unlawful taking, conspiracy to commit burglary, burglary, criminal mischief and unlawful means of conveyance. Jon…
Memorial For Actor Michael K. Williams Held In Harrisburg [Video] Memorial For Actor Michael K. Williams Held In Harrisburg [Video]
Memorial For Actor Michael K. Williams Held In Harrisburg [Video] A memorial service for "The Wire" and "Boardwalk Empire" star, Michael Kenneth Williams was held in Harrisburg on Tuesday. The memorial service was held at St. Stephen's Episcopal Cathedral located at 221 N Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17101. Harrisburg is the adoptive city of Williams after he became friends with several locals when he was visiting the area around the time he was filming "The Wire," according to Pennlive. His mother current lives in  the city. Williams got his breakout role shortly after his 25th birthday when he was slashed across the face with a razor during a bar fight, g…
Lamont Signs Legislation Legalizing Cannabis In Connecticut Lamont Signs Legislation Legalizing Cannabis In Connecticut
Lamont Signs Legislation Legalizing Cannabis In Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont made it official and signed a bill into law legalizing the adult use of cannabis in Connecticut. Lamont signed legislation on Tuesday, June 22 that will legalize and regulate the use of marijuana in Connecticut with a bill that “contains comprehensive reforms that address many areas, including equity, criminal justice, public health, and public safety.” “For decades, the war on cannabis caused injustices and created disparities while doing little to protect public health and safety,” Lamont said. “The law that I signed today begins to right some of those wrongs by crea…
Secaucus PD: Burglar Injures Resident During Break-In, Found Hiding By K9 Officer In Warehouse Secaucus PD: Burglar Injures Resident During Break-In, Found Hiding By K9 Officer In Warehouse
Secaucus PD: Burglar Injures Resident During Break-In, Found Hiding By K9 Officer In Warehouse A man who injured a Secaucus resident during a burglary was found hiding in a nearby warehouse by a police K9, authorities said. George Maztek, 29, had forced his way into a woman's County Avenue apartment, stole an item then fled around 2:40 p.m. June 3, Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Miller said. During the incident, Maztek pushed the resident into a wall causing minor injuries to her hand and arm, police said. Maztek fled the apartment complex toward Windsor Drive, where he broke into the second floor and was located in a darkened, second-floor office by Police K9 Strobe, Miller said. Ma…
WRONG NUMBER: Atlantic County Prosecutor's Telephone Number Is 'Spoof-Scammed' WRONG NUMBER: Atlantic County Prosecutor's Telephone Number Is 'Spoof-Scammed'
Wrong Number: Atlantic County Prosecutor's Telephone Number Is 'Spoof-Scammed' If you get a call from the main number for the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, and they ask for money, hang up. The public office number has been misused recently in a so-called "spoof-scam," allegedly to solicit money for a family member's bail, according to Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner. Multiple people have called the ACPO and reported that they have received a call from the ACPO’s phone number—609-909-7800– and the caller requested money and stated that a family member is in jail and needs bail money, Tyner said. The public is advised that the ACPO’s phone number is no…
Popular Morris County Restaurant Owner Accused Of Sexually Assaulting His 17-Year-Old Staffer Popular Morris County Restaurant Owner Accused Of Sexually Assaulting His 17-Year-Old Staffer
Popular Morris County Restaurant Owner Accused Of Sexually Assaulting His 17-Year-Old Staffer The owner of a popular Morris County restaurant was arrested on accusations he sexually assaulted his 17-year-old employee, authorities said Wednesday. Robert Grow, 61 -- the owner of Potbelly's Riverside Cafe in Rockaway -- was arrested March 8 and charged with sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child, Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said. Grow engaged in sexual acts with the female victim between Dec. 1, 2018 and March 8, 2019, Carroll said alongside Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker and Rockaway Borough Police …
Prosecutor: Morris County Man, 29, Harassed Woman, Followed Her Home And Watched Her Change Prosecutor: Morris County Man, 29, Harassed Woman, Followed Her Home And Watched Her Change
Prosecutor: Morris County Man, 29, Harassed Woman, Followed Her Home And Watched Her Change A Morris County man is facing charges for stalking and invasion of privacy after he was accused of harassing a woman, following her home and looking into her bedroom window while she changed clothes on several occasions, authorities said. Luis Rodriguez-Ponce, 29, allegedly stalked a woman he knew as an acquaintance, harassing her, following her home and looking into her bedroom window while she changed numerous times between Dec. 1 and Jan. 9, Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said in a joint release with Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Investigations Christoph Ki…
NJ Man Arrested For Selling Heroin, Coke Hours After Parole Release Under Murphy COVID Law NJ Man Arrested For Selling Heroin, Coke Hours After Parole Release Under Murphy COVID Law
NJ Man Arrested For Selling Heroin, Coke Hours After Parole Release Under Murphy COVID Law A Sussex County man was arrested for selling heroin and crack cocaine, just hours after being released from parole supervision last week, authorities said. Leighton A. Brown, 42, of Newton, was arrested at his home last Wednesday, and charged with distribution of heroin and crack cocaine, as well as selling CDS within 1,000 feet of a school zone, police said. Brown was released from parole supervision on Nov. 4, under Gov. Murphy’s COVID-19 law that reduced and ended parole time, police said. He was being held at Morris County Jail in accordance with the Criminal Justice Reform Act. …
NJ Lawmakers Approve Early Prison Releases For Thousands Of Inmates, It's Up To Murphy Now NJ Lawmakers Approve Early Prison Releases For Thousands Of Inmates, It's Up To Murphy Now
NJ Lawmakers Approve Early Prison Releases For Thousands Of Inmates, It's Up To Murphy Now It’s now up to Gov. Phil Murphy whether thousands of New Jersey inmates will soon be freed early from state prisons following approval of the move Thursday by the state Assembly. The state Senate, which had already approved a broader version, rubber-stamped the more limited bill that passed the Legislature’s other house. Murphy has said he’ll sign the measure into law. Early releases could begin a little over two weeks after that. Initial estimates are that 2,500 to 3,000 inmates whose prison sentences end within the next 12 months could be granted early release – nearly 20% of the current…
Harckham, Astorino Trade Barbs Over Parole For Killer Of Northern Westchester Moms Harckham, Astorino Trade Barbs Over Parole For Killer Of Northern Westchester Moms
Harckham, Astorino Trade Barbs Over Parole For Killer Of Northern Westchester Moms State Sen. Peter Harckham and Republican challenger Rob Astorino traded barbs over the New York State Parole Board's recent decision to release Sam Ayala, convicted for murdering two Northern Westchester mothers in their homes in 1977 within earshot of their children.  Earlier story - Parole Of Man In Rape/Murder Case Of Two Northern Westchester Women Sparks Outrage Harckham and Astorino are battling it out in the race for the 40th district, which includes parts of Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess. "The New York State Parole Board should resign in disgrace after voting to re…
Pressure Grows For State Attorney General To Probe Police-Involved Westchester Shooting Pressure Grows For State Attorney General To Probe Police-Involved Westchester Shooting
Pressure Grows For State Attorney General To Probe Police-Involved Westchester Shooting Pressure is mounting on New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Attorney General Letitia James to launch an outside investigation into a fatal police-involved shooting in Westchester. Earlier story - Video Released Of Police-Involved Shooting In Westchester Police in New Rochelle attempted to stop a vehicle in which 24-year-old city resident Kamal Flowers shortly before 11 p.m. on Friday, June 5. When the vehicle stopped, Flowers took off on foot fleeing at the intersection of Potter Avenue and Pierce Street. It is alleged that after a struggle with officers, Flowers displayed a handgun and attempt…
Move To Scale Back New York's Hotly Contested Cash Bail System Added To State Budget Move To Scale Back New York's Hotly Contested Cash Bail System Added To State Budget
Move To Scale Back New York's Hotly Contested Cash Bail System Added To State Budget New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state lawmakers are scaling back the state’s cash bail system that has angered law enforcement officials since the measures took effect at the start of the year. An agreement was struck that added a number of new misdemeanor and felony crimes to the long list of those subject to a cash bail order. The lawmakers are expected to approve the measure on Thursday, April 2 as part of the state budget. The previous bail reforms went into effect in January, which no longer permitted judges to demand cash bail for non-violent misdemeanor crimes, no exceptions. Bail cou…
Furor Erupts Over Killing Of Witness Who Intervened In MS-13 Long Island Assault Furor Erupts Over Killing Of Witness Who Intervened In MS-13 Long Island Assault
Furor Erupts Over Killing Of Witness Who Intervened In MS-13 Long Island Assault A 36-year-old man who was found dead earlier this week in a Long Island residence was scheduled to testify against MS-13 gang members, authorities said. Wilmer Maldonado Rodriguez, who was allegedly attacked by nine members of the gang in 2018 when he intervened from them intimidating two teenagers, was found dead. Rodriguez was scheduled to testify against the gang members, who were arrested due to his interference in the 2018 assault. He was found dead on Sunday, Feb. 2, State Police said. His body was discovered behind an abandoned home in New Cassel on Broadway. Reportedly, gang member…