Category: Bizarre

Iraq Orders All Policewomen Disarmed as Un-Islamic

The United States has been working to guarantee equal opportunity for women in the new Iraq. However, this effort conflicts with the recent decision to allow sectarian groups greater powers (particularly Muqtada al-Sadr) in the government. Now, the Iraqi government has quietly ordered all women in the police force to turn over their weapons to men in an apparent bow to religious extremists. Continue reading “Iraq Orders All Policewomen Disarmed as Un-Islamic”

Radio Show Host Bernie Ward Indicted on Child Pornography Charges — Claims Novel Research Defense

Bernie Ward, a  San Francisco radio talk show host and former Catholic priest, has been indicted on federal child pornography charges.  Ward, 56, is raising an interesting defense that could have an impact on researchers and journalists in future cases.   Continue reading “Radio Show Host Bernie Ward Indicted on Child Pornography Charges — Claims Novel Research Defense”

If You Like Pina Coladas and Walks in a Prison Yard: Lawyer’s Case Goes to Jury for Bilking Thousands from Former Lovers

The bizarre case of Texas Lawyer Mary Roberts has captivated the bar and, with her testimony, did not disappoint those following the sordid details of the efforts by Roberts and her husband Ted Roberts.  It is now before the jury and Mary Roberts may soon join her husband, Ted, in jail. Ted was previously convicted and given five years for his role in extracting tens of thousands of dollars from Mary’s four lovers. For members of the bar, these two could not be put away too soon. Continue reading “If You Like Pina Coladas and Walks in a Prison Yard: Lawyer’s Case Goes to Jury for Bilking Thousands from Former Lovers”

Halliburton/KBR Accused of Cover-Up in Gang Rape

ABC News is reporting a shocking story of an woman who claims to have been ganged raped and then held in a container box by Halliburton/KBR in Iraq.  The story of Jamie Leigh Jones is shocking and demands a congressional investigation into whether this contractor and the Justice Department covered up a heinous criminal act. Continue reading “Halliburton/KBR Accused of Cover-Up in Gang Rape”

If You Like Pina Coladas and Walks in a Prison Yard: Lawyer Explains Her Effort to Extract Thousands from Former Lovers

The bizarre case of Texas Lawyer Mary Roberts has captivated the bar and, with her testimony, did not disappoint those following the sordid details of the efforts by Roberts and her husband Ted Roberts.  Both were rightfully labeled as two of the worst human beings to put a J.D. after their names (a tough competition). Remarkably, Mary Roberts still believes that it was perfectly legal to hold up her lovers under threat of public disclosure of their affairs.  However, until she cited Rupert Holmes’ “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” in her testimony, I was not sure of the depth of her depravity.   Continue reading “If You Like Pina Coladas and Walks in a Prison Yard: Lawyer Explains Her Effort to Extract Thousands from Former Lovers”

South Dakota Supreme Court Rules that Suicide Case Not Subject to Reasonable Person Standard for Contributory Negligence

In light of the Larry Manzanares suicide case in Denver, this South Dakota case for a couple years ago may be illustrative. It got very little attention but should have. The South Dakota Supreme Court has ordered a new trial in the suicide case of Kristi Dodson. At issue is an interesting question of the standard to apply to a suicidal mind and the concept of contributory negligence. Continue reading “South Dakota Supreme Court Rules that Suicide Case Not Subject to Reasonable Person Standard for Contributory Negligence”

Family of Former Judge and Denver City Attorney Sue District Attorney Over Suicide

The family of former judge and Denver City Attorney Larry Manzanares announced their intention to sue Jefferson County district attorney, Scott W. Storey, his deputy and an investigator for contributing to her husband’s death.  It is a case that raises disturbing questions over the causes of suicide and the increasing tendency of prosecutors to play to the media in high-profile cases. Continue reading “Family of Former Judge and Denver City Attorney Sue District Attorney Over Suicide”

Prosecution Finally Considered For Cyber-Bullying in Megan Meier Case: To Protect Lori Drew, the Alleged MySpace Hoaxster

It appears that there may finally be prosecution for cyber-bullying in the infamous Megan Meier case, but not to protect the Meier family, but the woman accused of triggering her suicide: Lori Drew. Continue reading “Prosecution Finally Considered For Cyber-Bullying in Megan Meier Case: To Protect Lori Drew, the Alleged MySpace Hoaxster”

Court of Appeals Rejects Necessity and Innocence Defenses to Unlawful Possession of Ammunition

The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has handed down an interesting decision that rejects a defense of innocent possession of ammunition by a felon.  James Baker of Wichita claims that he was in possession of a speed loader with bullets because he found it on the ground outside of a party and was in the process of turning it in.   Continue reading “Court of Appeals Rejects Necessity and Innocence Defenses to Unlawful Possession of Ammunition”