Tag: news

Avignon, France – A Landmark Verdict in the Gisèle Pelicot Case

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A French court in Avignon has delivered a landmark ruling, convicting Dominique Pelicot of aggravated rape after he admitted to drugging and repeatedly assaulting his wife, Gisèle Pelicot, over nearly a decade. Additionally, 49 other men who participated in the assaults were also found guilty in one of France’s most shocking abuse cases.

A Decade of Abuse Uncovered

The assaults, which took place between 2011 and 2020, came to light when Dominique Pelicot was taken into custody, leading to the discovery of thousands of photos and videos documenting the abuse. He had invited dozens of men to assault his unconscious wife, luring them through online forums. Many of the perpetrators claimed in court that they believed the unconscious woman had consented or that her husband’s permission was enough.

During the trial, Gisèle Pelicot, now 72, recounted how she believed she was in a loving marriage. She described how her husband would bring her food and drinks laced with drugs, causing her to lose consciousness while he orchestrated the assaults. “I never found anything strange about my potatoes,” she told the court, recalling how she had trusted him completely.

Sentencing and Legal Repercussions

Dominique Pelicot received the maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, while his co-defendants were handed sentences ranging from three to 15 years. One man’s charge was reduced from rape to sexual assault, and two sentences were suspended.

In addition to his crimes against his wife, Dominique Pelicot was found guilty of the attempted aggravated rape of another woman, as well as taking indecent images of his own daughter and daughters-in-law. He remained emotionless in court as the verdicts were read, and his lawyer later indicated he was considering an appeal.

A Symbol of Strength and Justice

Gisèle Pelicot insisted on making her identity public and allowing court proceedings to be open, aiming to raise awareness about sexual violence. “I wanted to open the doors of this trial so society could see what was happening. I’ll never regret this decision,” she stated outside the courtroom. She was greeted by supporters holding signs that read, “Thank you for your courage.”

Her determination to seek justice has turned her into a symbol of resilience, with many seeing her case as a catalyst for change in France’s legal framework surrounding sexual consent.

Calls for Legal Reform in France

The case has reignited debates about France’s controversial sexual consent laws. Although the country introduced a legal age of consent in 2021, its rape laws still require proof of “violence, coercion, threat, or surprise”—a standard many legal experts argue fails to protect victims adequately.

Currently, only 14% of reported rape cases in France result in formal investigations, a statistic critics attribute to outdated legal definitions and societal biases about how a “true” victim should behave.

Gisèle Pelicot’s ordeal has brought renewed pressure for legal reform, with advocates pushing for consent to be explicitly defined in cases involving adult victims.

Looking Forward

As the trial concludes, Pelicot’s bravery continues to inspire change. “It’s not for us to feel shame—it’s for them,” she declared in court, vowing to fight for a future where survivors of sexual violence are heard and protected.

Her case stands as a harrowing reminder of the gaps in justice systems worldwide and the urgent need for stronger protections for victims of abuse.

Former High School Coach Javier Alejandro Cuenca Sued by Abuse Victims

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Two former students of Hialeah Gardens High School have taken legal action against their former basketball coach, Javier Alejandro Cuenca, as well as the Miami-Dade County School and School Board. The lawsuits, which were filed in December, seek $15,000 in damages, citing claims of prolonged abuse and misconduct.

The victims allege that Cuenca coerced them into exposing their genitals and engaged in inappropriate touching or attempted to do so. These claims trace back to Cuenca’s 2014 arrest, when a total of six students came forward with similar allegations of molestation, prompting an investigation into the former coach’s conduct at Hialeah Gardens High School.

Following his arrest, Cuenca entered a plea of no contest to felony battery charges and was sentenced to two years of probation. However, legal documents filed in the current lawsuits suggest that the Miami-Dade County School Board bears responsibility for failing to thoroughly investigate Cuenca’s background before allowing him to work closely with minor students. The lawsuits argue that had proper vetting procedures been in place, the school system could have prevented the abuse from occurring.

The plaintiffs describe the severe emotional and psychological toll the abuse has taken on them, stating that they continue to suffer from mental anguish, distress, and long-term trauma. The emotional scars, they claim, have impacted multiple aspects of their lives, including their ability to trust authority figures and maintain healthy relationships.

Cuenca’s arrest in 2014 marked a pivotal moment in the case, as multiple students detailed disturbing accounts of misconduct that had allegedly persisted over time. According to reports, Cuenca used his position of authority to manipulate and intimidate his victims, creating an environment where they felt powerless to speak out. The latest legal action underscores the lasting repercussions of his actions, with victims now seeking justice years after the initial allegations surfaced.

The Miami-Dade County School Board has yet to release an official statement regarding the lawsuits, and Cuenca himself has not publicly responded to the latest legal developments. As the case unfolds, the victims hope that holding both Cuenca and the school board accountable will bring them a sense of closure and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Legal experts suggest that this case could have broader implications for how school districts handle background checks and allegations of misconduct among faculty members. The plaintiffs’ legal representatives stress that institutions entrusted with the education and safety of children must be more diligent in ensuring that those in positions of authority do not pose a risk to students.

As the legal battle continues, the victims remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice, determined to shed light on the failures that allowed their abuse to take place. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in educational institutions, emphasizing the need for systemic reforms to better protect students from potential harm.

Gary Miles and the Detroit News: A Decline in Journalistic Integrity

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In the world of journalism, credibility and accountability are the cornerstones of a respected news organization. However, recent actions by the Detroit News and its editor and publisher, Gary Miles, have raised serious concerns about the publication’s integrity and professionalism.

Misreporting and Misinformation

One of the primary responsibilities of any news organization is to ensure accuracy in its reporting. Unfortunately, the Detroit News has repeatedly published incorrect and misleading articles, failing to uphold journalistic standards. These errors not only misinform the public but also damage the credibility of individuals and organizations that are misrepresented in these reports.

Lack of Accountability and Professionalism

Rather than taking responsibility for these journalistic missteps, the Detroit News has demonstrated an alarming level of negligence. Readers and concerned individuals have attempted to reach out to the publication, seeking corrections or clarifications, only to be met with dismissiveness and unresponsiveness. This lack of accountability only fuels the perception that the Detroit News operates with little regard for factual accuracy.

Gary Miles: An Absent Editor-in-Chief

As the editor and publisher of the Detroit News, Gary Miles holds the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the integrity of the publication. However, his failure to respond to emails and address concerns demonstrates a disregard for the ethical obligations of journalism. Editors are expected to engage with their readership, acknowledge mistakes, and take corrective actions when necessary. Unfortunately, Miles’ apparent disinterest in addressing these issues speaks volumes about the leadership at the Detroit News.

A Silly and Rude Organization

Beyond its factual inaccuracies and lack of accountability, the Detroit News has also exhibited an unprofessional and dismissive attitude toward those who challenge its reporting. Rather than fostering an open dialogue and respecting differing viewpoints, the organization has been described as rude and uncooperative. Such behavior is unbecoming of a reputable news source and further erodes public trust in the publication.

The Need for Reform

Journalistic integrity is not a luxury—it is a necessity. If the Detroit News wishes to restore its credibility, it must take immediate steps to correct its errors, engage with its readership, and adopt a more transparent and responsible editorial approach. Likewise, Gary Miles must fulfill his duties as an editor and publisher by addressing concerns, responding to inquiries, and upholding the fundamental principles of fair and accurate journalism.

Until such changes are made, the Detroit News will continue to be perceived as an unreliable and unprofessional news source, doing a disservice to its readers and the broader journalistic community.

DANIELLE CLEARY: Lady SENTENCED FOR Crime CHILD ABUSE

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United States Lawyer Susan Lehr declared that Danielle Cleary, age 29, of Vermont, but as of late living in Pender, Nebraska, on the Omaha Country Indian Reservation, was sentenced December 19, 2024, in government court in Omaha, Nebraska for child mishandle. Joined together States Locale Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Cleary to 33 months’ detainment. There is no parole in the government framework. After Cleary’s discharge from jail, she will start a 1-year term of directed release.

On January 11, 2023, Cleary struck a 3-year-old minor child in the head with a huge toy causing extreme head injury to the child. The minor child was life-flighted from the healing center in Pender to Children’s Nebraska in Omaha, where he was treated for his life-threatening wounds. The minor child eventually recuperated and was discharged from the healing center a month afterward. Cleary at first denied causing the minor child’s damage, but afterward conceded to striking the child in the head arguing blameworthy to careless child manhandle coming about in genuine substantial injury.

This case was arraigned in government court since the casualty was Local American (or Indian) and Cleary is not an Indian, and the offense happened on a Local American Reservation giving rise to government jurisdiction.

This case was examined by the Government Bureau of Examination.

Senators learn new allegations about Hegseth in affidavit by former sister-in-law

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Washington — The previous sister-in-law of Pete Hegseth, President Trump’s candidate to gotten to be secretary of defense, told representatives in a sworn sworn statement that he caused his moment spouse to fear for her individual security and mishandled liquor over the course of numerous years.

In the affirmation to individuals of the Senate Equipped Administrations Committee that was gotten by Authentic News, Danielle Hegseth said she was hitched to Pete Hegseth’s brother from 2011 to 2019. She described what she had told FBI specialists who conducted a foundation check into Hegseth as portion of the assignment prepare. She composed that her explanation came in reaction to a letter from Sen. Jack Reed, the beat Democrat on the committee.

In the sworn statement, she composed that Samantha Hegseth, Pete Hegseth’s moment and presently ex-wife, had told her that she once stowed away in the closet from Hegseth for fear of her security, an occurrence she said happened between the a long time of 2014 and 2016. She famous the account was steady with what she watched of Hegseth’s behavior over a number of a long time.

Hegseth’s previous sister-in-law moreover charged that his ex-wife had a arrange that she would utilize if she required to get absent from her spouse. The arrange included Samantha Hegseth texting a secure word to Danielle Hegseth, who would at that point call a companion who seem offer assistance her. Danielle Hegseth composed that she gotten a content with the secure word and called the companion once between 2015 and 2016. Pete and Samantha Hegseth were hitched from 2010 to 2018.

Danielle Hegseth recognized that she did not by and by witness mishandle and famous that what she knows of the circumstance she listened from Hegseth’s ex-wife.

At his affirmation hearing final week, Hegseth was inquired by Majority rule Sen. Tim Kaine: “Did you ever lock in in any acts of physical viciousness against any of your spouses?” He answered: “Congressperson, completely not.”

Danielle Hegseth too claimed that he had unsteadily shouted at her and had to be pulled absent amid a 2009 occurrence, and that she by and by seen Hegseth manhandling liquor on different events. She said Hegseth would drink to the point of passing out at family occasions, depicted one evening where she said he was dragged out of a bar, and another where she said he passed out in a bar washroom, among other occurrences.

The testimony was marked Tuesday in Hennepin District, Minnesota. Hegseth’s previous sister-in-law famous in the affirmation that her articulation rehashes what she told the FBI.

Danielle Hegseth said she was giving the reaction since she does not think her previous brother-in-law is fit to serve as defense secretary. She energized the Senate to consider the affirmation in its vote on Hegseth’s assignment, which progressed out of committee on Monday.

Parlatore, Hegseth’s lawyer, denied the charges in a explanation, saying that Hegseth’s ex-wife “has never affirmed that there was any mishandle.” He said Samantha Hegseth marked court archives to that impact and reaffirmed that there was no manhandle amid her FBI meet.

“Belated claims by Danielle Dietrich, an anti-Trump distant cleared out Democrat who is separated from Mr. Hegseth’s brother and never got along with the Hegseth family, do nothing to alter that,” Parlatore said. “After an bitter separate, Ms. Dietrich has had an hatchet to crush against the whole Hegseth family. Ms. Dietrich concedes that she saw nothing but is presently dishonestly denouncing Sam of lying to both the Court and to the FBI since of private, undocumented explanations that she supposedly made 10 a long time ago.”

Samantha Hegseth seem not instantly be come to for comment, but told NBC News in an e-mail that “I do not accept your data to be exact” and declined to talk approximately her marriage to Hegseth.

Hegseth showed up some time recently the Equipped Administrations Committee for his affirmation hearing on Jan. 14, where he handled extreme questions from Democrats over his sees on ladies in the military and an charge of sexual ambush, which he too denied.

Hegseth confronted seriously investigation over reports approximately his foundation, and for weeks was considered to have the steepest way to affirmation out of Mr. Trump’s Cabinet candidates. But Republican representatives on the Equipped Administrations Committee protected his designation amid the hearing, after which one key part, Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, made her bolster for Hegseth’s affirmation known.

Michigan couple indicted of personality burglary sentenced to government prison

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A Michigan couple sentenced of personality robbery was sentenced to in government jail, authorities said.

Gregory Hite and Bridget Bureau, both 39 and of Lake, were sentenced Monday in the U.S. Area Court for the Western Area of Michigan, Southern Division, in Amazing Rapids, said U.S. Lawyer for the Western Area of Michigan Check Totten.

A judge sentenced Hite to 12.5 a long time in government jail and sentenced Bureau to 4.25 a long time, Totten said.

He said the judge moreover requested the respondents to pay $1,952,186 in compensation to their victims.

“Hite and Bureau betrayed clueless casualties out of millions of dollars for their individual pick up,” Totten said in a articulation. “Offenders do not continuously wear covers and carry a weapon; some of the time they carry out their deeds with a write and paper and a sprint of charm. We are decided to hold fraudsters responsible whoever they are.”
Hite’s government open protector, Sean Tilton, said Wednesday that he had no comment.

However, Tilton said in a sentencing notice to the court that his client “apologizes to the casualties and extreme to reimburse them.”

“He wishes that he might take his activities back,” the reminder said. “Upon discharge, he extraordinary to pay compensation and repair his family connections. In spite of his circumstance, Mr. Hite is hopeful almost his future and extraordinary to stay law-abiding.”
An lawyer for Bureau was not instantly accessible for comment on Wednesday.

Authorities charged the couple bilked about 40 casualties out of more than $3 million in a long-running extortion and personality robbery scheme.

Hite and Bureau argued blameworthy final year to planning with each other to commit wire extortion and unlawfully utilizing the characters of others to get financing for their previous businesses.
Their businesses worked beneath a few names, counting Hites RV, Snow capped Trailer Deals, Extraordinary Lakes Recreational, Awesome Lakes Trailer, GLR Transport and Incredible Lakes Trailer Fabricating, concurring to government officials.

Investigators said the two accepted the personalities of credit-worthy people between 2016 and 2020 the respondents to falsely get more than $5 million in advances to bolster their juvenile business.
The couple lied on credit records, unlawfully utilized other people’s characters to get financing they might not get on their possess, mimicked those casualties on phone calls with other casualties, and utilized different constrained risk companies to stow away their scheme

Officials said the extortion conspire collapsed when the respondents ran out of cash and loan specialists started looking for reimbursement from the character robbery victims.

The couple are the most recent Michiganians to get jail time for personality robbery and fraud.

An Oakland Province lady sentenced of mimicking a healthcare specialist, character burglary and threatening a witness was sentenced to a least of 12 a long time in jail final month.

In Eminent, a Muskegon lady was sentenced to serve 61 months in jail for bank extortion, misappropriation and character theft.

Three months some time recently that, an Allen Stop man and a previous assess preparer was given more than five a long time in jail for taking people’s individual distinguishing data to yield wrong claims with the Michigan Unemployment Protections Office from Walk through Eminent 2020 for unemployment benefits amid the COVID-19 widespread.