Latest news with #Prosecutor
Reuters
5 days ago
- Politics
- Reuters
French probe of Musk's X deepens as police are called in
PARIS, July 11 (Reuters) - A French probe into Elon Musk's social media platform X deepened on Friday, when the Paris prosecutor's office said it had enlisted police to investigate suspected abuse of algorithms and fraudulent data extraction by the company or its executives. The move adds to the pressure on Musk, a former ally of U.S. President Donald Trump who has accused European governments of attacking free speech and has also voiced support for some of the region's far-right parties. French police could conduct searches, wiretaps and surveillance against Musk and X executives, or summon them to testify. If they do not comply, a judge could issue an international arrest warrant. X did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Paris prosecutors launched a preliminary probe in January, after receiving complaints of alleged foreign interference by X from a lawmaker and a senior French official, Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau said in a statement. On July 9, after preliminary findings provided by researchers and French public institutions, they asked police to investigate X "as both a legal entity and through individual persons". The alleged crimes are "organised interference with the functioning of an automated data processing system" and "organised fraudulent extraction of data from an automated data processing system". Paris prosecutors' latest investigation of powerful tech figures may deepen a rift between Washington and European capitals over what sort of discourse is permitted online. Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder of the Telegram messaging app, is under judicial supervision in France after being arrested last year and placed under formal investigation for alleged organised crime on the app. He denies guilt. Durov's arrest, which Musk criticised, ignited a debate about free speech that has been taken up by senior Trump officials. Musk has used X to personally support right-wing parties and causes in France, Germany and Britain. After months in lockstep with Trump, he recently broke with the president over his federal budget, and he is now launching his own political party.
Forbes
30-06-2025
- Forbes
Idaho Murder Suspect Bryan Kohberger Agrees to Plead Guilty, Avoiding Death Penalty
Bryan Kohberger, the man suspected of murdering four University of Idaho students in November 2022, will plead guilty to all charges after accepting a plea deal from prosecutors, according to multiple reports. Kohberger reportedly accepted a plea deal to serve four consecutive life sentences. Getty Images Kohberger's trial was scheduled to begin in August, and prosecutors said they were seeking the death penalty. Kohberger will plead guilty in exchange for prosecutors dropping the death penalty, ABC News reported, and instead serve four consecutive life sentences without the possibility to appeal. A Facebook post reportedly from the family of victim Kaylee Goncalves seemingly confirmed the rumors, while admonishing the state of Idaho for offering the deal. The Latah County Prosecutor's Office said they could not comment on the potential plea deal at this time. This is a breaking story and will be updated.
Malay Mail
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
New York jury to decide Sean ‘Diddy' Combs's future as sex trafficking case wraps
NEW YORK, June 30 — Jurors today will begin deliberating whether Sean 'Diddy' Combs parlayed his celebrity, wealth and business empire into a decades-long criminal ring that saw him force women into drug-fueled sexual performances with escorts. The dozen New Yorkers tasked with deciding the music mogul's future will began poring over thousands of phone, financial and other records along with the stories of 34 people who testified against him over seven painstaking, and at times excruciating, weeks. Combs, 55, faces upwards of life in prison if convicted on five federal charges that include racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation for purposes of prostitution. The producer and entrepreneuer, once one of the most powerful people in the music industry, denies the charges. On Friday his lawyer vied to skewer the credibility of his accusers—namely two women he dated for years—saying they were out for money, while rejecting any notion he led a criminal ring. But in their final argument, prosecutors tore into the defense, saying Combs's team had 'contorted the facts endlessly.' Prosecutor Maurene Comey told jurors that by the time Combs had committed his clearest-cut offenses, 'he was so far past the line he couldn't even see it.' 'In his mind he was untouchable,' she told the court. 'The defendant never thought that the women he abused would have the courage to speak out loud what he had done to them.' 'That ends in this courtroom,' she said. 'The defendant is not a god.' Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo scoffed at the picture painted by prosecutors of a violent, domineering man who fostered 'a climate of fear.' Combs is a 'self-made, successful Black entrepreneur' who had romantic relationships that were 'complicated' but consensual, Agnifilo said. Combs, 55, faces upwards of life in prison if convicted on five federal charges that include racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation for purposes of prostitution. — AFP pic Manipulation The defense has conceded that Combs at times beat his partners—but insist the domestic violence does not amount to the sex trafficking or racketeering he's charged with. Key to the prosecution's case were witnesses Casandra Ventura and a woman who testified under the pseudonym Jane, both of whom described abuse, threats and coercive sex in wrenching detail. In their closing arguments the defense dissected their accounts and at times even mocked them, insisting the women were adults making choices that were best for them. Speaking for the government on Friday, prosecutor Comey snapped back at that notion, saying the women were 'manipulated' into 'brazen' acts of sex trafficking. Ventura and Jane both said they experienced emotional manipulation and threats which made them feel obliged to meet Combs's sexual demands. Throughout the trial, jurors were shown voluminous phone records, including messages from both women that Agnifilo argued implied consent. But prosecutors said those messages do not paint the whole picture, and referenced testimony from a forensic psychologist who explained to jurors how victims become ensnared by abusers. Central to their case is the claim that Combs led a criminal enterprise of senior employees who 'existed to serve his needs' and enforced his power with offenses including forced labor, kidnapping, bribery, witness tampering and arson. But Agnifilo underscored that none of those individuals testified against Combs, nor were they named as co-conspirators. Many witnesses were given immunity orders so they could speak without fear of incriminating themselves. To convict Combs on racketeering, jurors must find that prosecutors showed beyond reasonable doubt that he agreed with people within his organization to commit at least two of the eight crimes forming the racketeering charge. On Monday, Judge Arun Subramanian will explain to them how apply the law to the evidence. Then, the eight men and four women will begin deliberating. They must reach a unanimous decision, reaching either a guilty or not guilty verdict on each count. — AFP
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ontario County GOP voters to decide DA primary June 24: What to know
Voting in the Republican primary for Ontario County District Attorney will take place on Tuesday, June 24, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at all 44 county polling sites. According to the Ontario County Board of Elections, more than 29,000 registered Republicans are eligible to vote in the race between incumbent District Attorney James Ritts and challenger Jason MacBride, a career prosecutor. This high-profile contest has drawn attention since MacBride launched his campaign in February, citing concerns over an internal investigation into a controversial courthouse election night party that involved costumes, alcohol, decorations, and karaoke. MacBride, formerly Ritts' First Assistant DA, said the incident raised ethical concerns and motivated his candidacy. In a statement, he wrote: 'It is not silly for the public to expect their District Attorney to be truthful during an official investigation.' Ritts has defended the event, stating it was a long-standing tradition started by his predecessor and only became controversial during his re-election bid. This is the only countywide primary in Ontario County. Republican primaries are also being held in the towns of Farmington, Gorham, Naples, Phelps, and Richmond. James Ritts (Incumbent) First elected in 2017 as a Republican and Conservative. Previously served as First Assistant DA under R. Michael Tantillo. Ran unopposed in 2021, now seeking a third term. In a statement, Ritts said: 'Our 96% conviction rate and lowest dismissal rate in Western NY (4% compared to the statewide 14%) is a point of pride. I've recruited an amazing team to fight for victims, public safety, and justice for all.'' He pledged to continue expanding support for victims and maintaining Ontario County's reputation as a safe place to live and raise a family. Jason MacBride (Challenger) Currently serves as an Assistant County Attorney, prosecuting juvenile cases and advising child protection investigations. Has 21 years of prosecutorial experience, including felony cases such as homicides and child abuse. Formerly worked in both the Monroe and Ontario County DA's Offices. In his statement, MacBride emphasized restoring "ethical and effective leadership" and wrote: 'I lead by example through hard work, ingenuity, and partnering with others to best serve victims.' To verify your registration, party enrollment, or polling location, visit: Ontario County Voter Info Center NY State Voter Lookup Or call the Ontario County Board of Elections at 585-396-4005. Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy. Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who edited our Weld Street Project and also did reporting for it. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn't help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@ This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Ontario County GOP voters to decide DA primary June 24: What to know
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Yahoo
Prosecutor: Jennifer Crumbley is a greater flight risk now more than ever
The Oakland County Prosecutor's Office is imploring the Michigan Court of Appeals to keep the mother of the Oxford High School shooter locked up, maintaining she is a greater flight risk now, more than ever. In a June 20 filing with the appeals court, the prosecution argues that Jennifer Crumbley cannot be trusted to be free, especially at this stage of the game when she has already been convicted and sentenced, and the "presumption of innocence no longer applies." Crumbley was convicted and sentenced last year to 10-15 years in prison for the deaths of four students murdered by her son in the Nov. 30, 2021, mass shooting at Oxford High School. Letting her out now, the prosecution argues, is too risky, especially given her actions in the days following the shooting. Prosecutors allege the shooter's parents fled their home and hid from authorities in a building in Detroit to avoid prosecution over their actions, and inactions. "(Crumbley) has been a flight risk from the moment she was charged," Assistant Oakland County Prosecutor Joseph Shada writes in a June 20 filing with the court of appeals, alleging Crumbley "presents a greater flight risk" now, more "than ever." According to the prosecution, in the days after the shooting, Jennifer and James Crumbley, the shooter's parents, hid out in an art studio in a commercial building in Detroit, where they were discovered by police following a massive manhunt. "(The parents) liquated their assets, emptied their son's bank account, abandoned a vehicle, bought burner phones, and traveled 30 to 40 miles to hide in a commercial building in Detroit," Shada writes, adding the couple also tried to hide the license plate when they parked their car outside the building they were hiding in. According to trial testimony, a 911 tipster spotted the couple's car and called authorities. "Despite the overwhelming police presence, the mass of flashing lights, and the sound of doors being broken down, the defendants did not surrender themselves, but pretended to be asleep," Shada writes. "Their deceit was laid bare when text messages from defendants came to light showing that they suspected they had been found and were 'laying low.' " Flight risk allegations aside, the prosecution also argues that Crumbley's appeal has no merit. "A jury unanimously found that defendant was grossly negligent, and her gross negligence was a cause of the four deaths in the Oxford High School shooting. She was properly convicted of four counts of involuntary manslaughter," Shada writes, adding her "request for bond pending appeal should be denied." The prosecution's filing comes four days after the defense asked the court of appeals to release Crumbley on bond pending the outcome of her appeal, maintaining she is no threat to anyone, and that her appeal raises a "substantial question of law or fact." Perhaps most notably, it has argued, is that a judge has concluded that the prosecution intentionally withheld evidence from the defense during and before trial, yet let that misconduct slide in denying Crumbley a retrial. Additionally, the defense insists that the alleged fugitive story is not true, maintaining that the couple were never on the run, but only hiding out of fear due to death threats they were receiving. Perhaps more importantly, the defense says, the couple had plans to turn themselves in — with their lawyers — and the prosecutor knew this. But the prosecutor still launched a manhunt for the couple and declared them fugitives, the defense argues in court filings, despite knowing of the couple's surrender plans. In a court filing this week, Crumbley's appellate lawyer Michael Dezsi cites a text message that Crumbley's trial lawyer had sent Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald in 2021, telling her of plans "to walk the Crumbleys in to be booked and process." It was sent at 6:53 p.m. on Dec. 2, 2021. Prosecutor McDonald texted back: 'Ok, Let's talk in the morning.' " There was no such morning conversation, trial testimony shows. Instead, that following day, a SWAT team was amassed and a manhunt was launched, ending with the arrest of the Crumbleys in an art studio at about 1 a.m. on Dec. 4, 2021. "So why didn't the prosecution work with counsel to allow the Crumbleys to walk into a police station for processing?" Dezsi writes. "Seemingly, the prosecution was motivated by a desire to sensationalize the Crumbleys arrest as part and parcel of its broad ranging public relations 'smear campaign' that started in the hours following the incident.' Dezsi also urged the appeals court not to "give weight" to prior bond decisions involving Crumbley, who was denied bond at least eight times pending the outcome of her trial. Dezsi argues the standards for bond pretrial are different from on appeal. Specifically, he says, the only two legal standards that Crumbley must meet to be released on bond pending her appeal are proving she is not a danger to society, and that her appeal raises "a substantial question of law or fact." Dezsi maintains Crumbley meets both standards. "Mrs. Crumbley is not a danger to the public," Dezsi writes, adding she's also not a flight risk, despite the prosecution's assertions. And if the court has any flight risk concerns, he writes, it can address those by placing an electronic monitoring device on Crumbley. "The prosecution's main objection to Mrs. Crumbley's instant bond motion is that she is a 'flight risk.' … Nowhere in its response brief does the prosecution argue that Mrs. Crumbley poses a danger to others. Because she does not," Dezsi writes. More: Judge: Prosecutor broke the rules, but Crumbleys still not getting new trials Jennifer and James Crumbley made history last year after separate juries convicted both parents of involuntary manslaughter, concluding the couple's actions and inactions led to the deaths of four students murdered by their son: Tate Myre, 16; Hana St. Juliana, 14; Madisyn Baldwin, 17, and Justin Shilling, 17. Six other students and a teacher also were injured. Prosecutors argued at trial that the Crumbleys, more than anyone else, could have prevented the massacre had they done even the "smallest of things," like lock up the gun that their son snuck out of their home and used to shoot up his school, tell school officials that he had access to a gun, or brought him home from school after being notified about his troubling behavior on the morning before the shooting, when he drew a picture of a gun, a bleeding human body, and scrawled the words: "The thoughts won't stop, help me." After seeing the cryptic message during a meeting with school officials on the morning of the shootings, the Crumbleys returned to their jobs and promised to get their son help within 48 hours. Their son returned to class after school officials concluded he was no threat to himself, or others. His backpack, which contained the gun, was never searched. Two hours later, he fired his first shot. The Crumbleys maintain they had no idea their son planned to shoot up his school, never saw signs that he was mentally ill — despite prosecutors claiming otherwise — and that the gun at issue was hidden in their bedroom armoire, unloaded, with the bullets hidden in another drawer. More: Jennifer Crumbley appeals to higher court: I'm no threat. Release me on bond The shooter, who was 15 at the time of the massacre, pleaded guilty to all his crimes and is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. He also is appealing. Contact Tresa Baldas: tbaldas:@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Prosecution fights to keep Oxford school shooter's mom locked up
