Category: battery

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assault battery Homicide Personal Injury Wrongful Death

Spousal Abuse Cases

Spousal Abuse Cases

Native American Spousal Abuse

Native American Spousal Abuse sadly isn’t uncommon. Kayla White was only twelve years old when her life changed forever. On January 2, 2009 her mother was killed by her father. This incident made her a victim of domestic violence.

Kayla’s Statement:

That’s when I heard my uncle say, ‘I don’t know how you’re going to tell Kayla your mom didn’t make it. That was the moment I found out my mother had passed on.

How tragic would that be? Now Kayla is twenty-two years old and a Navajo Nation member. When she was growing up she never realized there were so many signs of domestic violence right in front of her at her own home. Her older siblings told her that her father had always been mentally and verbally abusive towards their mother.

One in four women and one in seven men have experienced domestic violence in their lifetime. According to the ACESDV Native American women experience domestic violence at rates of 50% higher than the national average.

Kayla’s Statement:

Even just looking at my mom’s life insurance, the way she had things set up for my siblings and I, she knew something was going to happen to her.

Kayla said that her mother had even tried to file for divorce before but her father wouldn’t let her mother leave.

 

Spouse Domestic Violence

Native American reservations are said to have high rates of domestic violence. People think that that is mainly due to the lack of awareness.

Caroline Felicity Atone grew up in Southern Arizona as a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation.

Antone’s Statement:

I didn’t even know there was such a thing as domestic violence.

Antone said that she left the reservation when she was 14 years old due to the fact that she was abused when she was at home. She eventually cam back and is working as a counselor there now.

It  took a while for her to return home, she went to treatment and began to cope with her abuse in a healthy way.

Antone’s Statement:

Since our tribal members don’t know about counseling in general, it’s very difficult to get them into counseling. The shame, the hurt, the destruction of their souls, some of them, they feel it’s their fault.

Hopefully the exposure gains some awareness in the Native American culture and helps lower the domestic abuse numbers.

Woman Kills Her Husband During Spouse Abuse Case

There’s some pretty morbid things in the world, one of the most recent is when a Phoenix woman shot and killed her husband in their living room then smoked cigarette while he laid dying.

A few months ago Rebekah Mellon pleaded guilty to second degree murder and is set to be sentenced. The thirty-six year old woman is facing 18 to 22 years in prison after accepting a plea deal from prosecutors.

By taking the plea deal Rebekah will be avoiding a lengthy trial on a first degree murder charge that would probably have resulted in a life sentence for the 2012 killing. The killing was actually captured by surveillance cameras in the home.

According to reports a trial would have showed that there were several incidents that proved that they had a volatile marriage. Court documents say argue that Rebekah was acting in self defense against Donald Mellon. Apparently previous acts of domestic violence made her often fear for her life.

Mellon pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

 

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
assault battery felony Homicide Personal Injury Traumatic Brain Injury Wrongful Death

Odd Homicide Cases Severe Victims

Odd Homicide Cases Severe Victims

Driver Found Dead of Gunshot Wounds After Crashing into Home

 

The Phoenix police have found the driver of a vehicle. The driver was found dead and the cause was gunshot wounds. He was found after the car crashed into a Phoenix home on Tuesday night.

According to a Phoenix Police spokesman, Officer James Holmes, the Phoenix police were called to the home near 20th Street and South Mountain Avenue around ten,thirty in the evening on Tuesday. This was after a resident had called and said a car had driven into a home.

Gunshot Victim Found Dead

The investigators found the thirty-six year old man inside of the car. The man was dead. Officer Holmes said that they realized after examining the man that he had a gunshot wound. Police have not identified the victim at this time.

According to Officer Holmes, no one else was in the vehicle when it had went through the home’s garage and then into the bedroom of the home. A woman and her boyfriend were however, inside of the home at the time of the crash. They luckily did not suffer from any injuries.

Blanca Fernandez was in her bedroom when she hear a large crash. She though someone had broken into their home so she immediately ran into her daughter’s bedroom, however she could barely see anything because the furniture had been pushed so far back into the room.

Blanca Fernandez Statement:

We went outside, and that’s when we saw the vehicle completely through the garage in her bedroom.

 

Blanca lives in the house with two daughters. The girls are four years old and an eighteen year old. Luckily both girls weren’t home at the time of the crash. The car had hit an armoire in the four year old’s bedroom. The impact moved it into the bed then that pushed the rest of the furniture into the doorway.

 

 Fernandez Statement:

Had she been home, she would have been sitting there when it happened.

 

The investigation happened after the crash and lasted until around four o’clock that next morning. Fernandez was not allowed in her house while the investigation was going on since it was now a crime scene. The authorities finally removed the body and the vehicle then called in a clean up crew to clean the garage.

The police say that no one had witnessed the shooting and there was no motive or a suspect at this time. However there was one resident who reported that they had heard shots fired in the area.

Police are asking anyone with any information about this case to call Silent Witness at (480) WITNESS.

Criminal Defense Cases

The highly skilled Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC advise and represent people facing criminal charges for domestic violence often described as Spousal Abuse, Spousal Battery or Domestic Dispute, such charges do not always reflect a case between married people, but include those living in the same location (cohabitation), or sometimes just engaged in a domestic (dating) relationship.  Such cases can also lead to violation of a restraining order or protective orders.  They are NOT the same as a Domestic Violence Restraining Order however.

 

With a team of former prosecutors, Phoenix based Criminal Defense Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC offer a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system. They understand the necessary steps to take in developing an aggressive defense strategy focused on securing a dismissal or minimizing any potential penalties associated with a conviction.

 

Domestic Violence cases have become extremely political and are regularly treated as “guilty until proven innocent.”   Even with minor cases, that do not involve a documented injury, proactive and rapid action by a caring defense attorney may be they key to not only avoiding a damaging no contact order, but may play a significant role in custody issues and an eventual resolution in the case that does not result in a life-time ban on the possession of firearms, tragic orders separating you from your family and other consequences that can interfere with work, school and life.

 

At the Law Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, we are committed to helping you achieve a resolution to your immediate problems, while seeking opportunities to improve the troubled family dynamics that might be underlying factors.

 

In domestic violence cases, the district attorney and the judge will be especially interested in what you’re willing to do to improve relationships, conflict resolution skills, and anger management. Your demonstration toward positive change will often make the difference in the outcome of your case. We work closely with people charged with domestic assault or battery to obtain a dismissal, diversion to community treatment or deferred entry of judgment prior to eventually achieving a dismissal.

 

 

Phoenix Domestic Violence Lawyer

Our creative approach to difficult criminal defense problems can help you avoid the consequences of a conviction in situations such as the following scenarios:

 

  • Violence or assault between spouses, unmarried parents, or cohabiting adults
  • Elder Abuse
  • Child Abuse, Cruelty to a Child, or Child Endangerment
  • Restraining Order Violations
  • Criminal Threats
  • Harassment or Stalking

 

Our ability to connect you with the programs and services that are right for your circumstances can give you an extra layer of legal protection. At the same time, we work hard to help you get the most out of the presumption of innocence that stands between you and a conviction.

 

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Domestic Violence Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime such as Domestic Violence, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
assault battery drug possesion Drug Trafficking felony Narcotics Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury

Stabbings Near Phoenix

Stabbings Near Phoenix

Stabbings In Jail

Stabbings in jail probably happen quite often, However the county jails are usually pretty harmless. It’s a holding place for drunken people or minor things. Maybe even an inmate waiting trial. A fight between inmates broke out in a Maricopa County jail recently. The inmate was critically injured, however they say he is expected to survive his injuries.

According to Maricopa County Sheriff, Joe Arpaio’s office, the fifty-two year old inmate had fallen to the ground and even lost consciousness after he was hit in the face on Sunday night in a brawl at the Towers Jail which is located in West Phoenix.

Inmate Badly Injured in Jail Fight

The middle aged male inmate had to be put on a ventilator.  His identity has not been released at this time. The police officials have stated that he had been in jail for felony probation violation.

The fight was due to an argument over a “commissary issue”. However the Sheriff’s Office is staying pretty mum on the situation. They have declined to explain the fight any further. Inmates are allowed to buy items such as: snacks, toiletries, and other items from the jail commissaries.

Sheriff Arpaio’s office would not say how many of the inmates took part in the fight. They also would not give any additional information about the inmate who had been severely injured.

It’s really hard to tell why the police authorities are keeping so quiet about the situation. Could be a gang related incident, maybe their family doesn’t know they’re there or whatever reason.

Teens Stabbed Due to Racially Related Attack

A mother claims that her son and two of his friends had been stabbed while they were skateboarding on a Saturday night. She calls it a “racially motivated attack”. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is now investigating the incident. The stabbing happened around eleven o’clock at night in the Anthem area.

Two of the teens have suffered from several stab wound in various areas of their body including their: legs and arms. Luckily both teens are expected to make a full recovery.

Sunny Bowen, the mother of one of the teens, was out with some friends when she got a very scary phone call from the local hospital.

 

Mother’s Statement About The Teens Being Stabbed

It was quite possibly the worst night of my life the worst feeling ever, because they didn’t elaborate. I didn’t know if he was stabbed bad enough he was going to die.

 

Sunny stated that her young son, who is only fifteen years old and his two friends had been skateboarding around their neighborhood. That is when they claim that a group of adult men pulled up to them and the men were in a white pickup truck.

 

Sunny’s Statement:

He said they had masks over their face, and I said ‘masks like a Halloween masks’ and he said ‘no, more like what a KKK mask looks like, They were screaming the ‘N’ word at the children, and I mean these were adult men.

 

According to the statement, all three of the teen males are bi-racial.

 

Sunny’s Statement:

It’s horrible to even think that in this day and age that that is an issue.Whoever this was, I mean they were adult men, attacking

children obviously in a racially motivated hate crime of some sort and they need to be brought to justice.

 

The boys did the right thing by running to a nearby home and calling 911. The teens said that the pickup truck had a large white cross on the back of it. Hopefully police can find their attackers.

 

Phoenix Violent Crimes Lawyer

Criminal Defense Cases

If you are suspected of murder, aggravated assault or another violent crime, an experienced criminal defense attorney can secure your rights. A skilled lawyer will not only look for ways to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed but will also focus on developing an effective criminal defense trial strategy. At Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, we have a substantial background defending clients accused of violent crimes in the state of Arizona and the greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Our lead criminal defense attorney, Daniel Perlman, is a former prosecutor who previously pursued charges against individuals suspected of violent crimes. Mr. Perlman and the entire Perlman Law Group offer a comprehensive view of the criminal justice system and know the right steps to take in developing a defense strategy while seeking to mitigate any potential damage.

Our ability to work with the facts in plea negotiations can turn a weak defense into a strong one. In our experience, a creative approach to your defense strategy can result in a sentence of probation or work release, even on a felony plea.

Effective Defensive Strategy for Violent Crimes

As a starting point for an effective defense strategy, we will evaluate the police report, witness statements and any physical evidence. Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC takes its approach a step further through identifying creative solutions by focusing on the actual risk of punishment you are currently facing. The threat of prison will probably be based as much on your prior record as it will be on the facts of the current criminal charges.

 

Our firm handles cases involving all types of Violent Crime allegations, including:

  • Assault and Assault with a Deadly Weapon
  • Murder, Attempted Murder and Manslaughter
  • Weapons Offenses
  • Armed Robbery
  • Kidnapping and False Imprisonment
  • Criminal Threats
  • Gang-Related Crimes
  • Resisting Arrest and Assault on an Officer
  • Domestic Violence

 

If weaknesses in the government’s case mean that you stand a good chance of success at trial, we will aggressively represent your interests before a jury. If the evidence against you makes a trial too risky, we will advise you and work with all parties — including prosecutors, probation officers, court services and community agencies — to show that you are an excellent candidate for favorable treatment.

Schedule a Free Consultation –  Phoenix Violent Crimes lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

 

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
assault battery felony Homicide Personal Injury Wrongful Death

Extreme Spouse Abuse

Abuse Happening at Home

Man Facing Assault Charges for Choking His Girlfriend

On Saturday evening a woman got choked by her boyfriend because she wasn’t cooking his dinner fast enough. The twenty-seven year old man is now facing aggravated assault charges after choking his girlfriend.

The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office says that a physical altercation had taken place between the couple because of the girlfriend’s slow cooking.

The twenty-two year old female victim told the authorities that the twenty-seven year old, Dustin Eric Green had threatened to beat her with a rubber mallet. However he then started to choke her.

The Choking Girlfriend Fights Back

According to the police officials, the woman grabbed a knife and stabbed the man in the leg as a defense. However, the male then started to beat the young woman in the back of her head.

According to the Mohave police, they were called to respond to a home near the Thompson and Northern Avenues. This was around six o’clock in the evening. They found out that Dustin had two warrants for his violation of probation as well as failure to pay fines.

Dustin told the police officials that he was stabbed and then he was taken to a local hospital so that he could be treated. He was later released from the hospital and booked into the Mohave County Jail.

 

Man Gets Shot in Back for Talking to Another Man’s Ex-Girlfriend

Police have now found a thirty-five year old man that is suspected of shooting someone in the back on early Tuesday morning. Apparently the two gentleman had gotten into an argument over the suspect’s ex-girlfriend in West Phoenix.

According to the Phoenix Police Department, the suspect and a thirty-one year old man got into an argument near the 51st Avenue and McDowell Road around three o’clock in the morning. The argument started when the victim talked to the suspect’s ex-girlfriend. How crazy is that? People are getting absolutely crazy these days!

The police said that the suspect took out a gun and then the two gentlemen struggled. The gun then went off and hit the suspect on his backside. The suspect then shot the other gentleman in the back and fled the incident scene.

Victim Taken to Hospital for Wound from Suspect Shooting

The gunshot victim was taken to the local hospital for surgery and luckily he is expected to survive according to the Phoenix Police. The Officers came to the scene when they responded to reports of a shooting in the area and was able to track down the suspect to the area around Buckeye Road and the 17th Avenue, according to the police. He was then taken to the hospital for treatment of his gunshot wound as well. The suspect is expected to be booked into jail as soon as he is discharged.

So people should apparently be careful who you talk to these days. You never know who might have a crazy ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend. Seriously though, people, try to stay calm. If you’re jealous don’t shoot someone. Then you’ll end up being a suspect.

Phoenix Homicide Lawyer

Criminal Defense Cases

If you have been charged with murder, the attorney you choose to defend you will likely be one of the most important decisions you ever make. Obtaining a strong defense could be the difference between freedom and a life behind bars.

 

At the Phoenix based Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, you will find the experienced, dedicated and highly skilled trial attorneys you need to protect your rights. Each of our attorneys made a conscious decision to become a criminal defense lawyer. We could have chosen any other field of law, but defending the freedom and liberty of people who are facing the possibility of incarceration was our first choice. We believe strongly that skilled and passionate defense attorneys can make a difference in the lives of their clients. We go into every case feeling that we can make that difference.

 

Hiring the Right Homicide Lawyer in Phoenix

Having a skilled homicide defense attorney is important in any criminal case, but it is even more critical in a murder case. To properly defend a client against a murder charge, a defense lawyer must be prepared to effectively challenge the prosecution’s evidence. To do so, a Phoenix Murder Defense Attorney must be prepared to effectively cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses, including any expert witnesses.

 

Expert Witnesses

In some cases, a Phoenix Homicide Defense Attorney may need to use expert witnesses on behalf of the defendant to challenge forensic evidence, ballistics evidence and other scientific evidence presented by the prosecution. We are prepared to do so and have worked with expert witnesses in the past to provide a vigorous defense on our clients’ behalf.

 

In addition to fighting your charges at trial (or seeking a case dismissal for lack of probable cause), we can also negotiate with the prosecution to seek a favorable plea agreement. A plea agreement might involve a plea to a lesser offense or an agreement on sentencing that will significantly reduce the penalties you face.

 

Homicide Defense Strategy

We will take the time to talk to witnesses, investigate what really happened in your case, understand what evidence is in the prosecution’s possession, look for holes in the prosecution’s case, and determine if the police violated your constitutional rights or made other critical errors that can be used to your advantage.

We are committed to raising a strong and comprehensive defense on your behalf. Depending on the facts of your case, the following defenses and strategies may be helpful:

 

  • Self-Defense
  • Insanity
  • Mistaken Identity
  • Suppression of Evidence
  • Challenging DNA, Fingerprint Evidence and other Forensic Evidence
  • Challenging Ballistics Evidence (Relating to Firearms and Bullets)
  • Challenging the Reliability of an Eyewitness
  • Challenging Whether the Evidence Sustains a Murder Conviction
  • Negotiation with the Prosecution to Determine if a Plea Agreement Could

Significantly Minimize the Charges or Penalties you Face

 

We have defended clients against murder charges and other felony violent crimes. You can be confident that you will have a highly skilled and dedicated defense lawyer who will advise you of your rights, help explain the process and work diligently to seek the best possible outcome on your behalf.

 

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Homicide Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime such as Homicide, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

 

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
assault battery Car Accident Crossing Accidents felony Homicide Narcotics Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Wrongful Death

Phoenix Shooting Homicide Cases

Phoenix Shooting Homicide Cases

Father Tries to Kills Son in Shooting Incident

Phoenix Police are constantly busy with shooting cases. This time one happened near 52nd Street and Bell Road.

The reports say that the police said that the dispute happened between a father and his adult son. How sad is that? Police say that the eighty-one year old father, Michael Zukoski  sadly shot his own son in the back and then shot himself.

According to reports, the officers arrived on the scene of the heartbreaking scene at around 7:35 a.m. that is when they found the son, a forty-nine year old male who had been wounded with a gunshot wound. They were able to get him to the hospital, where is still in serious condition.

The father, Zukoski, was also found at the scene by officers. He was found with an apparent “self-inflicted” gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Family Killed in Shooting Incident

When you think of family you usually think of happy, loving togetherness. However, that’s not always the case. Sadly, one family got the surprise that no one would ever want.

Five family members are sadly dead after the son, opened fire at their house. The house was located near 51st Avenue and Cactus Road. According to the Phoenix Police, the son was killed by officers.

Police said that a man and woman were sadly found already dead at the scene. There were also two girls found. One in her teens and then a six year old little girl. The six year old had to be transported to a local hospital for treatment. Luckily both girls were expected to make a recovery.

According to the reports, the police had to fatally shoot the shooter after a confrontation inside of the home.

Phoenix Police Sgt. Trent Crump said that the man and woman who died were the shooter’s parents, Vic and Kimberly Buckner. The girls were Kaitlin and Emma. The shooter was later identified as twenty-six year old, Alex Buckner.

At first Crump said that the shooter had killed himself but later confirmed that the shooter was actually killed by the police officers.

Crump’s Statement:

I’m not sure if it was an exchange of fire, but that ended the confrontation.

The neighbors had to be interviewed by the local police after the shootings were reported and hearing an argument just thirty minutes before the police were called to the house.

One of the people that were injured were one of the ones who called 911 just before 5 a.m. The caller said that a family member was firing at the other family members.

 

Criminal Defense Cases

If you are suspected of murder, aggravated assault or another violent crime, an experienced criminal defense attorney can secure your rights. A skilled lawyer will not only look for ways to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed but will also focus on developing an effective criminal defense trial strategy. At Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, we have a substantial background defending clients accused of violent crimes in the state of Arizona and the greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Our lead criminal defense attorney, Daniel Perlman, is a former prosecutor who previously pursued charges against individuals suspected of violent crimes. Mr. Perlman and the entire Perlman Law Group offer a comprehensive view of the criminal justice system and know the right steps to take in developing a defense strategy while seeking to mitigate any potential damage.

Our ability to work with the facts in plea negotiations can turn a weak defense into a strong one. In our experience, a creative approach to your defense strategy can result in a sentence of probation or work release, even on a felony plea.

Effective Defensive Strategy for Violent Crimes

As a starting point for an effective defense strategy, we will evaluate the police report, witness statements and any physical evidence. Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC takes its approach a step further through identifying creative solutions by focusing on the actual risk of punishment you are currently facing. The threat of prison will probably be based as much on your prior record as it will be on the facts of the current criminal charges.

Our firm handles cases involving all types of Violent Crime allegations, including:

  • Assault and Assault with a Deadly Weapon
  • Murder, Attempted Murder and Manslaughter
  • Weapons Offenses
  • Armed Robbery
  • Kidnapping and False Imprisonment
  • Criminal Threats
  • Gang-Related Crimes
  • Resisting Arrest and Assault on an Officer
  • Domestic Violence

If weaknesses in the government’s case mean that you stand a good chance of success at trial, we will aggressively represent your interests before a jury. If the evidence against you makes a trial too risky, we will advise you and work with all parties — including prosecutors, probation officers, court services and community agencies — to show that you are an excellent candidate for favorable treatment.

Schedule a Free Consultation –  Phoenix Violent Crimes lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me
Categories
assault battery

Sexual Assault in Communities

Phoenix Crimes

 

Man Arrested for The Sexual Assault of a 16 Year Old

The police have been investigating a sexual assault claim. according to the Police a sixteen year old Valley girl was sexually assaulted by an Uber Driver. This happened during her ride home from school in the 2015 year.

An Uber driver is an app that allows you to become or use a personal taxi service pretty much. If you have a car, you can sign up to pick up people in your area and get paid for it. If you need rides to places then you can also put in a request to be picked up.

From the Uber Website

Uber is a smartphone app that makes it easy to get paid for driving your own car. It’s simple to use. When you want to make money just turn on the app and pick up riders. You’ll see how much you made after every ride and you’ll get paid weekly.

It sadly an easy target for predators, even though it shouldn’t be. It’s a great idea, just needs a way to beef up the security a little better.

According to court records, on June 1, 2015 a 16 year old high school student sent in a request for an Uber ride home from her school in Phoenix. She needed to go to her home in North Scottsdale after just finishing up her exams.

The police said that the driver was fifty-three year old, James Richard Stough II. He picked her up as she requested and started talking to her. She told Stough that she was an athlete and she was recovering from a severe ankle injury.

Of course the pervert, must have decided to take his chance to prey on the poor, injured teen.  Before they go to the victim’s home Stough had told her that he was actually a nurse. He pulled over in an undeveloped home lots area. This was in Pinnacle Peak and Pima. The man opened the back door of the vehicle and claimed that he was going to look at her ankle.

The girl later told the police that she was scared and did whatever he told her to do as he touched her inappropriately. I can’t imagine the fear that young girl was going through.

Stough later released the victim about a half mile from her home. You would think that he would have taken her the whole way after all of that. The girl’s father called the police and requested an Uber ride, knowing that the same driver might be still in the area. The Scottsdale Police arrived to the victims home the same time as the suspect arrived.

Of course Stough denies any involvement in the incident. But luckily the Uber records support the victims story. The records show that he did stop the fare in the location that the victim said. This is one predator that isn’t going to get away with lying. Thankfully her family was home and was able to quickly think of something with the police.

The victim had give the police her shorts so that the Lab could do some DNA investigating on it. The lab work came back showing Stough’s DNA on the girl’s shorts. Stough was then arrested and is facing charges of kidnapping, sexual conduct with a minor and assault.

Stough was removed from the Uber account. Uber showed that he had no prior complaints against him. Which some girls might have been too scare to come forward or maybe this was his first time doing that. He knew she was injured and she couldn’t put up much of a fight. It’s sad that young girl had to go through that.

Hopefully Uber finds a way to keep track of their drivers a little better. Maybe keep a dash cam going and have someone monitor the driver’s GPS…if they stop other than the intended place, call the person who needed the ride to check on things.

 

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC

668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445

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