A federal judge is considering vacating Sean 'Diddy' Combs' two convictions related to transportation for prostitution, with a decision expected soon. The defense argues that the Mann Act's application is narrow and that Combs did not profit from the activities, while prosecutors maintain the law was violated. Combs faces potential sentencing of up to 20 years, with a hearing scheduled for October 3.
The Broward County State Attorney, Harold F. Pryor, plans to vacate up to 2,600 convictions from a controversial 1988-1990 drug sting operation by the Broward County Sheriff's Office, which was declared unlawful in 1993. The operation involved manufacturing and selling crack cocaine to arrest buyers, many of whom received lengthy sentences. Pryor aims to correct this injustice, acknowledging the severe impact on those convicted and their communities. The process will involve reviewing numerous cases to determine eligibility for record sealing or expungement.
President Joe Biden criticized former President Donald Trump over his recent convictions and accused him of posing a greater threat to American democracy than in 2016. Speaking at a fundraiser, Biden condemned Trump's claims that the justice system and elections are rigged, calling such assertions dangerous and irresponsible. Biden emphasized the importance of the justice system and warned that Trump’s potential second term would be more perilous. The president also referenced Trump’s reaction to losing the 2020 election, suggesting it has driven him to extreme behavior.
More than a dozen leading democracy figures in Hong Kong were convicted of subversion charges in the "Hong Kong 47" trial, marking the largest national security trial since Beijing's crackdown. The activists were found guilty of conspiracy to commit subversion for organizing an unofficial primary election in 2020. The trial, which saw 47 defendants, highlights the significant impact of the national security law on Hong Kong's political landscape, with most pro-democracy figures now in jail or exile. The verdicts have been condemned by human rights groups as a suppression of peaceful activism.
The Department of Justice is investigating dozens of threats made to election workers and has charged 20 individuals so far, with 13 of them being convicted. The DOJ official leading the Election Threats Task Force emphasized the seriousness of these threats, highlighting the significant prison sentences handed down to those convicted. The task force aims to proactively search for, investigate, and prosecute threats to election workers. The recent convictions include individuals who made threats against former Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, with one man sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for leaving threatening voicemails. The FBI reviews all reported communications, but for a communication to be considered a crime, it must include a serious expression of intent to commit an act of violence.
The UK government plans to overturn the convictions of over 900 people linked to the Post Office scandal and compensate more than 4,000 individuals. There are three main compensation schemes: the Group Litigation Order (GLO) scheme, the Overturned Convictions scheme, and the Horizon Shortfall Scheme. The GLO scheme offers at least £75,000 upfront, the Overturned Convictions scheme provides a fast-tracked £600,000 settlement, and the Horizon Shortfall Scheme is for sub-postmasters who weren't convicted. As of December 2023, £138m has been paid to 2,700 claimants, with individual payments ranging from £10,000 to "well over £1m".
Ministers are set to discuss measures to clear the names of hundreds of sub-postmasters convicted in the Post Office Horizon scandal, which led to wrongful imprisonments and financial ruin for many. The government is reviewing options to help victims, including potentially stripping the Post Office of its role in the appeal process. Renewed anger and headlines following an ITV drama have prompted the meeting to be brought forward, as concerns grow over the slow pace of overturning convictions and providing compensation. A public inquiry into the scandal is ongoing, and the Metropolitan Police is investigating the Post Office over potential fraud offences arising from the prosecutions.
Three years after the Capitol riot, over 1,230 people have been charged, with hundreds convicted, including members of extremist groups, former police, and an Olympic medalist. Trials continue, with new arrests still being made, and some defendants already released after serving sentences. The Supreme Court is set to hear a case that could affect many defendants, particularly regarding the charge of obstruction of an official proceeding. Authorities are still seeking to identify over 80 individuals involved in violence and several fugitives, while the identity of the individual who placed pipe bombs outside political party offices remains a major unsolved mystery.
President Joe Biden has issued a proclamation granting a full and unconditional pardon to all current US citizens and lawful permanent residents who have committed or been convicted of the offense of simple possession of marijuana, attempted simple possession of marijuana, or use of marijuana. This pardon aims to alleviate the unnecessary collateral consequences of these convictions, such as barriers to employment, housing, and education. The pardon applies to violations of federal and D.C. laws, as well as provisions in the Code of Federal Regulations, specifically related to simple possession or use of marijuana. The pardon does not extend to offenses involving other controlled substances or activities beyond simple possession of marijuana. The Attorney General will review applications for certificates of pardon and issue them to eligible applicants.
An Illinois appeals court has upheld actor Jussie Smollett's disorderly conduct convictions for making false reports of a hate crime to the Chicago Police Department in 2019. Smollett can appeal the decision to the Illinois Supreme Court. He was previously found guilty of five out of six felony counts of disorderly conduct and sentenced to 30 months of felony probation, including 150 days in jail, along with restitution and fines. Smollett's attorneys argued that his due process rights were violated and requested a new trial with a different judge, but the court dismissed these challenges. Smollett was released from jail after an emergency motion by his attorneys.
More than 200 members of Italy's 'Ndrangheta crime group have been sentenced to a total of 2,200 years in prison following the country's largest mafia trial in three decades. The trial, which lasted nearly three years, resulted in 207 mobsters being jailed and more than 100 acquitted. Among those convicted were politicians, police officers, and former regional councilors. The 'Ndrangheta is considered the most powerful mafia group in Italy and has a monopoly on European drug trafficking.
More than 230 defendants, including local mafia leaders, have been convicted in one of Italy's largest-ever mafia trials targeting the 'Ndrangheta crime group in Calabria. The trial, which lasted nearly three years, resulted in convictions for charges such as extortion, drug trafficking, and theft. The heaviest sentences of 30 years were given to Saverio Razionale and Domenico Bonavota. The verdict is seen as a significant blow to the 'Ndrangheta, considered Italy's most powerful mafia group. However, the prosecution did not secure as heavy sentences as it sought, and around 100 defendants were cleared. The ruling can be appealed by both the defense and the prosecution.
More than 200 individuals have been convicted and sentenced in Italy's largest mafia trial in three decades. The trial targeted members of the notorious 'Ndrangheta crime syndicate, with charges including criminal association, extortion, and bribery. While over 100 individuals were acquitted, the verdicts represent a significant blow to the powerful organized crime group, which dominates the European cocaine trade. The trial, which lasted three years, involved 900 witnesses and collected extensive evidence of the 'Ndrangheta's oppressive tactics, including violence, corruption, and manipulation of elections. The sentencing also included non-mafia individuals, such as police officials, mayors, and business people, signaling a departure from previous cases. Most of those sentenced plan to appeal.
Former NBA players Ronald Glen Davis and William Bynum have been convicted by a Manhattan jury for their involvement in a criminal scheme to defraud the NBA Players' Health and Benefit Welfare Plan, resulting in over $5 million in illicit profits. This conviction serves as a reminder that no one, regardless of their fame or success, is exempt from facing criminal charges if they engage in fraud.
Kathleen Folbigg, once dubbed "Australia's worst female serial killer," may have her convictions for killing her four children overturned after spending 20 years in prison. A government inquiry recommended that an Australian court consider clearing her criminal record, following her pardon earlier this year due to new evidence suggesting the siblings died of natural causes. The inquiry concluded that the deaths were likely the result of rare medical conditions, rather than suffocation as alleged by prosecutors. Scientists worldwide had petitioned for Folbigg's release, and her lawyer welcomed the recommendation as a positive milestone in her journey to clear her name.
