Melton, 2 others arraigned: All plead not guilty to federal charges Jul 17, 2008
A second civil rights count accuses the men of violating those constitutional rights while acting "under color of law." The two civil rights charges carry maximum penalties of 10 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines. The three men also are accused of possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, and that carries a minimum five-year sentence. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Mayor carries on as normal amid charges Jul 15, 2008
The three men are accused of violating the rights of the tenant and landlord to be free from unreasonable search and seizure, and the indictment says the violation occurred "under color of law." Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. A third charge is that the trio possessed or used guns in the commission of a violent crime. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Mayor of Jackson, Mississippi and His Two Bodyguards Indicted on Civil Rights Charges Jul 13, 2008
The indictment alleges that the Defendants did not have any lawful authority to destroy the home, and that they conspired to deprive the home's owner and occupant of their right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures by those acting under color of law. The three men are also charged with using a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence. (PR Newswire)
Former Dallas Transit Police Officer Convicted of Civil Rights Violation Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison Jul 13, 2008
Bonner pled guilty in April to one count of deprivation of civil rights under color of law. Judge Fitzwater also sentenced Bonner to a six- month period of home confinement to follow his 30- month sentence, which is a condition of his three-year term of supervised release Bonner is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on August 26, 2008. (PR Newswire)
Court dismisses flood damage case against town board Jul 13, 2008
In the motion filed against the town, it states that "the town and the Powell applicant have, under color of law, followed and continue to follow a course of conduct intentional and maliciously designed to deprive plaintiffs of the use and enjoyment of their property.". Litigation details. (Henrietta Post, NY)
Former Los Angeles Police Officer, Former Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy, and Three Co-Conspirators Sentenced for Civil Rights Violations Jun 24, 2008
In addition, Duran and Sevilla pleaded guilty to using a firearm during a crime of violence, and Duran pleaded guilty to deprivation of rights under color of law. Duran also testified in the January 2008 trial in which a federal jury found their fellow co-conspirators, William and Joseph Ferguson, guilty of conspiring to violate civil rights, conspiring to possess narcotics with intent to distribute, and possession of narcotics with intent to distribute. (PR Newswire)
Four sentenced in police home-invasion robberies Jun 24, 2008
Duran and Sevilla also pleaded guilty to using a firearm during a crime of violence and Duran pleaded guilty to deprivation of rights under color of law. Federal prosecutors said the four defendants were members of a wide-ranging criminal conspiracy that committed more than 40 burglaries and robberies throughout the Los Angeles area between early 1999 and June 2001. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
North Carolina Corrections Officers Sentenced on Federal Civil Rights Charges Jun 10, 2008
On March 12, 2008, a federal jury convicted Powell and another corrections officer co-defendant, Marquis Young, on each of the following counts: one count of depriving the civil rights of another while acting under color of law; one count of conspiracy; and two counts of false statements ... Conner had previously pleaded guilty to depriving the civil rights of another while acting under color of law, and Ruffin had pleaded guilty to making a false report following the beating. (PR Newswire)
Ex-SoCal officer faces federal charges May 30, 2008
A two-count indictment returned Wednesday by a federal grand jury accuses Sanchez of deprivation of rights under color of law and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence. If convicted, Sanchez could face a maximum of life in prison. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
Former Los Angeles Police Officer Sentenced For Civil Rights Violations May 20, 2008
On Jan. 30, 2008, a Los Angeles jury convicted the defendant of conspiracy to violate civil rights, deprivation of rights under color of law, conspiracy to possess narcotics with intent to distribute, possession of narcotics with intent to distribute, and several firearms offenses. The defendant's brother and co-defendant, former Long Beach police officer Joseph Ferguson, was also convicted of participating in these conspiracies and was sentenced to 97 months imprisonment and four years of... (PR Newswire)
Former Long Beach, California, Police Officer Sentenced for Civil Rights Violations May 6, 2008
The defendant's brother and co-defendant, former Los Angeles police officer William Ferguson, was also convicted of deprivation of rights under color of law and several firearms offenses and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 19, 2008. The evidence at trial showed that the defendant and his co-defendants were members of a wide-ranging criminal conspiracy, led by former Los Angeles police officer Ruben Palomares and including other law enforcement officers and drug dealers. (PR Newswire)
Corbett mistrial leaves activists dissatisfied Mar 18, 2008
RAD wrote on Mar 13, 2008 6:38 AM:" Because of the jury being unable to reach a verdict, I hope the Judge dismisses the case, based on Supremacy laws as it is clear the Mexican Counsulate has had extreme influnce over the witnesses(I mean family). Also, If the jury couldn't convict, some must of thought he acted under the color of law. BTW, what happened to the three reportedly in the back of the truck who, also, witnessed the event. ". Dare you wrote on Mar 13, 2008 6:34 AM:" Cecile Lumer of... (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Business owner files suit against former police chief, town Mar 15, 2008
Simon alleges that on about July 25, Floyd and the unknown officer, while "acting under color of law and acting within the course and scope of their employment with the town of Vian, permanently deprived Joe Paul Simon and Simon's Inc. of their property" - a utility vehicle located at the business. As a result, the suit alleges that the plaintiffs have suffered damages in the amount of more than 10,000. (Sallisaw Sequoyah County Times, OK)
Waynesville cleanup crucial, city council told Mar 6, 2008
Jim McHeffey wrote on Mar 5, 2008 6:43 PM:" I thought I had a good part of the story before this got to the press. Guess I was wrong. If these people enter a dwelling, even with this administrative search warrant, they are NOT authorized to steal ANY property unrelated to their "search" And it IS theft under color of law. Most of these people would not know an "automatic" weapon if it bit them. They would automatically go after any evil looking rifle in the house and take it away without even a... (Waynesille Daily Guide, MO)
Obama's Class-War Court Feb 27, 2008
Obama does not want a Supreme Court that preserves the rule of law, he wants a Supreme Court that wages class war under color of law ... Obama does not want a Supreme Court that preserves the rule of law, he wants a Supreme Court that wages class war under color of law. (Townhall.com)
Telecom Amnesty Feb 14, 2008
FISA makes it a to "engage in electronic surveillance under color of law except as authorized by statute." The law included a variety of exceptions, but until the passage of the Protect America Act last summer, none of them involved "assurances from the highest levels of government." Firms like Verizon and AT&T have small armies of lawyers who know this area of law as well as anyone on the planet. They hardly needed the president's help to interpret it. (Slate)
Bond Revoked For LB Officer Convicted In Home Invasion Ring Feb 12, 2008
Ferguson -- who had been free on $1 million bond -- was found guilty by a jury last month of violating civil rights under the color of law and drug-related crimes after a three-week trial. He faces up to 40 years in federal prison. (NBC4.tv, CA)
One Former and Two Current Lucas County Sheriff's Office Corrections Officers Indicted for Civil Rights Violations Feb 8, 2008
Specifically, Bunke has been charged with multiple felony and misdemeanor counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, as well as conspiring with corrections officers James Kotlarcyk and Joel McConnell to falsify records in a federal investigation. Kotlarcyk and McConnell have also been charged with the substantive offense of falsifying records in a federal investigation. (PR Newswire)
Taxpayers United to ask Board of State Canvassers Today to Deny Certification of January 15 Michigan Presidential Primary Feb 4, 2008
4 million to conduct a meaningless and wasteful Presidential Primary under color of law. 9- The Board of State Canvassers is empowered by Michigan's Constitution to invalidate Michigan's Presidential Primary by a majority vote of 3 out of 4. (PR Newswire)
Shootout report backs US marshals Feb 2, 2008
The U.S. attorney's report focused on federal statutes governing action taken "under color of law." No violation of constitutional rights occurred during the marshal-led confrontation, it said. The report provided no new details of what happened at the airport just before dusk that day. (Anchorage Daily News)
Former Olive Branch, Mississippi Police Officer Pleads Guilty in Civil Rights-Related Case Feb 1, 2008
During the last seven years, the Criminal Section obtained convictions of 53 percent more defendants (391 v. 256) in color of law cases than the previous seven years. This case was investigated by special agents from the Jackson Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. (PR Newswire)
Former Los Angeles Police Officer and Former Long Beach Police Officer Found Guilty of Conspiracy to Violate Civil Rights Jan 31, 2008
William Ferguson was also found guilty of several firearm offenses and deprivation of rights under color of law ... During the last seven years, the Criminal Section obtained convictions of 53 percent more defendants (391 v. 256) in color of law cases than the previous seven years. (PR Newswire)
Former Los Angeles Cops Convicted in Robbery Ring Jan 31, 2008
William Ferguson, 35, a former Los Angeles policeman, and his 33-year-old brother, Joseph, a former Long Beach officer, were convicted of charges including conspiracy to deprive people of their rights under color of law and conspiracy to possess marijuana and cocaine. William Ferguson was found guilty of 13 charges and acquitted of five counts. (Fox News)
Former SoCal officers convicted in robbery ring Jan 31, 2008
A federal jury convicted them of charges that included conspiracy to deprive people of their rights under color of law and conspiracy to possess marijuana and cocaine. William Ferguson was found guilty of 13 charges and acquitted of five counts. (Fresno Bee -- State)
Cop hit on me, woman says Jan 30, 2008
He is being charged with two counts of violation of oath of office, one count of false imprisonment under the color of law, and one count of sexual assault against a person in custody all felonies. A warrant for his arrest was issued Monday. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Three Grant County, Kentucky, Detention Center Officials Indicted for Civil Rights Violation Jan 25, 2008
Defendants Clinton Shawn Sydnor, Wesley Lanham, and Shawn Freeman have been charged with conspiracy against rights; deprivation of rights under color of law; and destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in federal investigations. Sydnor has been charged with an additional count of destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in federal investigations, as well as one count of witness tampering. (PR Newswire)
How will you spend it? Jan 25, 2008
That is continues under color of law doesn t make it any less moral or constitutional. There will come a day. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Rights Division Fact Sheet: Safeguarding Civil Rights During 2007 Jan 20, 2008
From fiscal year 2001 to fiscal year 2007, the Department of Justice convicted over 50 percent more defendants with official misconduct, or color of law, violations than were convicted from fiscal year 1994 through fiscal year 2000 (391 vs. 256). In a recent case, the Section obtained a life sentence against a corrections officer who brutally beat an African-American inmate to death in a Mississippi county jail. (PR Newswire)
Trial opens for two former SoCal officers accused in robbery ring Jan 3, 2008
William Ferguson, 35, and his brother, Joseph Ferguson, 33, are charged with depriving people their rights under color of law, as well as drug and firearms counts. Federal prosecutors said during opening statements that William Ferguson, a former Los Angeles police officer, helped rob the homes because he needed money after his wife filed for bankruptcy. (Fresno Bee -- State)
Are the feds doing Jim Hood's job for him? Dec 23, 2007
Back in the 1980s and early 1990s, the Mississippi political landscape was littered with the carnage of federal prosecutions of county and state elected officials on public corruption charges involving bribery and kickback schemes and extortion under color of law. As a result of the legendary "Operation Pretense" scandal, 55 county supervisors in 26 Mississippi counties, one county road foreman and 13 vendors eventually were convicted of engaging in corrupt practices. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Former Marana mayor avoids jail time with plea deal Dec 22, 2007
Sutton, 38, and Richard Westfall, 45, each pleaded guilty Wednesday to deprivation of rights under color of law, a misdemeanor. Westfall also pleaded guilty to making a false statement to FBI agents. (FOX 11, AZ)
Three Former Milwaukee Police Officers Sentenced on Civil Rights-Related Charges Nov 30, 2007
During the last seven years, the Criminal Section obtained convictions of 53 percent more defendants (391 v. 256) in color of law cases than the previous seven years. SOURCE U.S. Department of Justice. (PR Newswire)
Millions of Voters Disenfranchised by 4-3 Ruling of Michigan Supreme Court are Considering New Lawsuit to Again Cancel Corrupted Jan. 15, 2008 Early Primary Nov 24, 2007
"If a 2/3rds self-serving majority in both the Michigan Senate and House do revise the Presidential Primary enabling law next week, Taxpayers United must file a new lawsuit in the public interest to protect our constitutionally guaranteed purity of elections and secret ballot." "If Taxpayers United allows the Nov. 21 Supreme Order to stand, the Order will make Michigan the first State in American history to corrupt traditional election practices under color of law," McMaster reported. "We feel... (PR Newswire)
More of this story Nov 20, 2007
The government, and that includes all who operate "under color of law," such as police officers, are supposedly ultimately answerable to the citizens. If we don't question failings, they can just keep on going uncorrected. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Former Mississippi Corrections Officers Sentenced for Role in Abusing Inmates Nov 7, 2007
In the past seven years of this Administration, the Division has convicted over 50 percent more defendants for color of law, or official misconduct, violations than in the previous seven years. The Division continues to set records in the enforcement of criminal civil law. (PR Newswire)
Mississippi man at the center of federal indictment breaks his silence Nov 7, 2007
The 5 count federal indictment handed up Monday in the Northern District of Mississippi's Delta Division in Oxford says "Adam McHann, While acting under color of law, assaulting D.J. (Dedrick Johson) by ordering "Marko" to repeatedly attack D.J., therby willfully depriving D.J. of a right secured and protected by the Constitution and laws of the United States...". Johnson says, "I think they got what they deserve everybody else goes through they suppose to protect and serve they're serving but... (WREG.com, TN)
U.S. Marshals Service Deputy Convicted for Federal Civil Rights Violation After Striking a Handcuffed Suspect Oct 31, 2007
Cook was convicted today of one count of depriving the civil rights of another while under color of law, one count of false statements, and two counts of tampering with a witness ... For depriving the civil rights of another while under color of law, Cook faces a maximum punishment of 10 years of imprisonment. (PR Newswire)
Love: Mumia Case Oct 20, 2007
The Black Commentator. A group of journalists is determined to seek a fair retrial of death row prisoner, noted journalist and former Black Panther , and they point to evidence they say provides further proof of his innocence: photos from the crime scene that the jury never had the chance to see. (Zmag.org)
Chino prison guards convicted in assault case Oct 17, 2007
A Los Angeles jury yesterday found Robert McGowan guilty of two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law for assaulting two inmates. Thomas Ramos and Hector Flores were convicted of attempting to cover up the assaults. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
Former Dallas Area Rapid Transit Police Officer Indicted on Federal Civil Rights Charges Oct 6, 2007
"The FBI is the lead federal agency for investigating 'color of law' abuses and this indictment reflects the FBI's continued commitment in the investigation of civil rights violations." An indictment is only an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The case was investigated by investigators with DART and the Dallas Police Department and special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. (PR Newswire)
SR hit by ex-soldier’s civil rights lawsuit ... Cement for the clock ... City police not sure about tax for sheriff ... FLW crime rate low, but AWOL soldiers are challenge for MPs ... SR drug bust nets $168,000 ... Crocker program pairs kids, horses for lifetime experience ... ';var marqueewidth="350px";var marqueeheight="25px";var marqueebgcolor="#FFFFFF";////NO NEED TO EDIT BELOW THIS LINE////////////var pauseit=1;var marqueespeed=1 //slow speed down by 1 for NSvar copyspeed=marqueespeedvar pausespeed=(pauseit==0)? copyspeed: 0var iedom=document.all||document.getElementByIdif (iedom)document.write(''+marqueecontent+'')var actualwidth=''var cross_marquee, ns_marqueefunction populate(){if (iedom){cross_marquee=document.getElementById? document.getElementById("iemarquee") : document.all.iemarqueecross_marquee.style.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8+"px"cross_marquee.innerHTML=marqueecontentactualwidth=document.all? temp.offsetWidth : document.getElementById("temp").offsetWidth}else if (document.layers){ns_marquee=document.ns_marquee.document.ns_marquee2ns_marquee.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8ns_marquee.document.write(marqueecontent)ns_marquee.document.close()actualwidth=ns_marquee.document.width}lefttime=setInterval("scrollmarquee()",20)}window.onload=populate;function scrollmarquee(){if (iedom){if (parseInt(cross_marquee.style.left)>(actualwidth*(-1)+8))cross_marquee.style.left=parseInt(cross_marquee.style.left)-copyspeed+"px"elsecross_marquee.style.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8+"px"}else if (document.layers){if (ns_marquee.left>(actualwidth*(-1)+8))ns_marquee.left-=copyspeedelsens_marquee.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8}}if (iedom||document.layers){with (document){document.write('')if (iedom){write('')write('')write('')write('')}else if (document.layers){write('')write('')write('')}document.write('')}} SR hit by ex-soldier’s civil rights lawsuit Sep 27, 2007
Other allegations in the lawsuit include that St. Robert police acting under color of law, conspired together and amongst themselves and reached a mutual understanding to take a course of action that violated Brown s civil rights by using excessive force, failing to intercede when the other officers were assaulting Brown, conspired to ignore the policies and procedures of the police department and city, and prepared a false report regarding the incident so as to cover it up. Those actions led to... (Waynesille Daily Guide, MO)
Former MPD officer pleads guilty to civil rights violations Aug 30, 2007
During the past six years, the Department of Justice has prosecuted 25 percent more color of law cases and convicted nearly 50 percent more defendants for official misconduct than during the preceding six years. This case was investigated jointly by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the MPD Security Squad. (WREG.com, TN)
Former White County Tennessee Corrections Officer Sentenced for Civil Rights Violations Aug 28, 2007
In the past six fiscal years, as compared to the previous six years, the Criminal Section filed 25 percent more color of law cases and obtained convictions of 50 percent more such defendants. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. (PR Newswire)
Former Federal Corrections Officers in North Carolina Indicted for Civil Rights Violation and Cover-Up Aug 25, 2007
Powell and Young are charged with one count of depriving the civil rights of another under color of law, one count of conspiracy, and four counts of false statements ... If convicted, Powell and Young face the following maximum penalties for each of the counts listed: 10 years in prison for deprivation of the civil rights of another while under color of law; five years in prison for conspiracy; and five years in prison for false statements. (PR Newswire)
Inmate abuse detailed in trial Aug 20, 2007
Attorneys prosecuting former jailers Ryan Teel and Rick Gaston attempted to prove there was a conspiracy, under color of law, to injure, oppress, threaten or intimidate hundreds of inmates at the Harrison County jail. The trial was the result of an investigation prompted by the death of inmate Jessie Lee Williams Jr. after his beating in the booking room in February 2006. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Former Harrison County, Mississippi, Corrections Officer Found Guilty of Criminal Civil Rights Violations, Obstruction of Justice Aug 18, 2007
In the past six fiscal years, as compared to the previous six years, the Criminal Section filed 25 percent more color of law cases and obtained convictions of 50 percent more defendants. Federal prosecutors Lisa M. Krigsten and John Cotton Richmond of the Civil Rights Division handled this matter for the Department of Justice with assistance from the U.S. Attorney's Office. (PR Newswire)
Former Kentucky State Trooper Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Violation and Witness Tampering Aug 18, 2007
"Our office will continue to prosecute those who take advantage of the confidence placed in them and hold them accountable for their actions." O'Bannon pleaded guilty to a two-count criminal information charging witness tampering and deprivation of rights under color of law. The defendant faces a maximum sentence of 11 years in prison and a fine of up to $350,000. (PR Newswire)
Former Federal Corrections Officer Sentenced for Sexual Misconduct Violations Aug 11, 2007
In the past six fiscal years, as compared to the previous six years, the Criminal Section filed 25 percent more color of law cases, charged 15 percent more defendants, and obtained convictions of 50 percent more defendants. The investigation was spearheaded by Special Agent Monte Carson of the Justice Department's Office of Inspector General. (PR Newswire)
Taser victim seeks millions Taser victim suing Colonial Beach and two police officers for $4.5 million Aug 7, 2007
The suit alleges that Hood and Police Chief Courtlandt A. Turner acted together to deprive Keller of his constitutional right "to be free from the use of unreasonable force by a person acting under color of law.". After a four-day trial in May, U.S. District Judge James R. Spencer acquitted Hood and Turner on all 15 criminal counts arising from Hood's use of the Taser on Keller on Sept. 6, 2005, and on another man the previous month. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Jury selection today for 2 former jailers in Harrison County inmate-abuse case Aug 6, 2007
Both are accused of conspiring with others to threaten, injure and oppress inmates while acting under color of law. Former jailers Karl Stolze and Daniel Evans were scheduled to stand trial with Gaston and Teel, but both changed their pleas last week, admitting their roles in the conspiracy and agreeing to cooperate with the investigation. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Milwaukee Cop Pleads Guilty To Beating Jul 7, 2007
Ryan Lemke pleaded guilty to a single count of depriving Frank Jude Jr. of his civil rights while acting under color of law. As part of the plea agreement, the charge of conspiring to violate the Jude's civil rights as well as those of Lovell Harris, who had accompanied Jude to the party at a police officer's house, was dropped. (CBS News -- US)
Oglala activists plan alcohol blockade at Whiteclay Jun 29, 2007
4th Amendment wrote on Jun 28, 2007 7:49 AM:" The 4th amendment of the U.S. Constitution addresses search and seizure by the government. Search and seizure by private individuals is not addressed unless they are acting under the "color of law". If law enforcement were involved the blockade would probably be in violation of the 4th amendment. ". MJ wrote on Jun 28, 2007 7:46 AM:" There is no legality to this what so ever. Police cannot just stop you and search you for alcohol or drugs, what makes... (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Love: Color of Law Jun 16, 2007
The Color of Law On the Pope, Paternalism and Purifying the Savages. by David A. Love. (Zmag.org)
Waste Of Time Jun 13, 2007
The legal chaos we now have over the rights of so-called "enemy combatants" here at home, abroad at Guantanamo Bay, and anywhere and everywhere else they may be secreted away is sadly and simply what you get when a government tries over many years to treat similarly situated men differently (or to treat differently situated men equally) under the color of law. Last week it was because of legitimate and eminently avoidable definitional discrepancies. (CBS News)
Man sues city after vehicles towed away Jun 12, 2007
"Supposedly they?re operating under the color of law, yet there is no paperwork generated," said Mirza ... "At all times pertinent hereto, the defendant city of Woonsocket, while acting under color of law, deprived the plaintiff of his procedural due process rights ..by failing to provide the plaintiff with any pre-deprivation notice," the five-page suit says. (Woonsocket Call, RI)
Profiles of key players Jun 5, 2007
Notable cases: successfully helped prosecute Jackson police officer Maceo Simmons in 2005 for assaulting a young African-American girl after a traffic stop under the color of law after he was acquitted of rape in state court; successfully prosecuted former Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics agents Gregory Reynolds and John Forman for violating the civil rights of two gay motorists they assaulted during an unjustified traffic stop in 2004; successfully helped prosecute Earnest Avants in 2003 for the... (The Clarion-Ledger)
Marty Lederman authors May 19, 2007
Here's the language:"A person is guilty... if he intentionally --(1) engages in electronic surveillance under color of law except as authorized by statute..."The intent here would be the intent to engage in surveillance under color of law, etc. If someone thought, wrongly but in good faith, that he was "authorized by statute", then that would negate the required intent. (Harper's Magazine)
Former Memphis Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights Violations Apr 20, 2007
Additionally, Arthur Sease was indicted in August 2006 on 50 counts, including conspiracy to violate civil rights, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, robbery in interstate commerce, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, violation of civil rights under color of law, and distribution of controlled substances ... A fifth defendant, Laterrica Woods, a civilian who allegedly helped Sease and Hunt, was indicted in December 2006 on charges of conspiracy to violate... (PR Newswire)
Immigration And Customs Enforcement Agent Accepts Bribe Apr 19, 2007
An El Paso federal jury convicted Santiago Valle, 43, of bribery and extortion under color of law on Tuesday. He faces up to 18 years in prison. (KFOXTV.com, TX)
Prosecuting the Prosecutor: Apr 16, 2007
According to federal statute, it is a crime for any person acting "under color of law" to willfully deprive a person of a constitutional right. Acting "under color of law" essentially means using the power of the government, and it includes the actions of state prosecutors in criminal cases. (Slate)
Aliens settle for $100,000 after border ... (Jerry Seper) Apr 5, 2007
" Hernandez, 25, was sentenced March 19 by U.S. District Judge Robert T. Dawson in federal court in Del Rio, Texas, to one year and one day in prison and ordered to pay $5,347 in damages to Mrs. Rodriguez-Garcia. The judge also ordered three years of supervised probation and an additional $5,000 fine. He was convicted on charges of violating "under the color of law" the civil rights of Mrs. Rodriguez-Garcia during the Rocksprings traffic stop. Hernandez told investigators that the driver of the... (Washington Times, DC)
Smuggled aliens to sue Texas deputy Apr 2, 2007
He was convicted on charges of violating "under the color of law" the civil rights of Mrs. Rodriguez-Garcia, who was struck by fragments from one of four bullets the deputy fired at the vehicle after it fled following an April 2005 traffic stop in Rocksprings, Texas. Hernandez told investigators the driver of the vehicle tried to run him down after he stopped him shortly before midnight for running a red light. (Washington Times)
Ex-Police Officer Suing For Back Pay Mar 21, 2007
Murtha, who is now a lawyer, was "acting under the color of law. ... We are asking for back pay from the date of termination until he is reinstated," Rodriguez said. Georgetti said Murtha is entitled to much more. (FOX61, CT)
Ex-lawman jailed, fined in shooting (Jerry Seper) Mar 20, 2007
Hernandez, 25, has been held without bail since his Dec. 1 conviction on charges of violating "under the color of law" the civil rights of Maricela Rodriguez-Garcia. The woman, a Mexican national, was being smuggled into the United States when she was struck in the lip by metal fragments after an 11:50 p.m. traffic stop in Rocksprings, Texas, in April 2005. (Washington Times)
Deputy in border shooting to be sentenced ... (Jerry Seper) Mar 19, 2007
Edwards County Deputy Sheriff Guillermo F. Hernandez, 25, has been held without bond since his Dec. 1 conviction after a jury trial in U.S. District Court in Del Rio, Texas, on charges of violating "under the color of law" the civil rights of Maricela Rodriguez-Garcia. The woman, a Mexican national, was being smuggled into the United States when she was struck in the lip by bullet or other metal fragments after an 11:50 p.m. traffic stop in Rocksprings, Texas, in April 2005. (Washington Times, DC)
