Police are currently seeking three men, John Laires, Julio Merida, and Ronald Fisher, who have made it on Rhode Island’s ten most wanted list.
John Laires is charged with first degree sexual assault, with the intention to murder.Known to be from Portugal, he has been wanted since 1987 in connection with rape of a juvenile and attempted murder.
Julio Merida is wanted for two counts of murder, for a fatal shooting in 1987.His he also goes by the alias of Salomon Andrade Martinez.
Ronald Fisher was an anesthesiologist before he fled during a state trial where he was charged with first degree sexual assault. He is now believed to be yachtsman and could be boating anywhere around the world.He was several aliases, including: Ron Stevenson, Jeff Fisher, Steve Harris, Emery Fischer.
If you have any information regarding these men contact the Rhode Island police. If you would like more information about criminal law, contact Rhode Island criminal defense attorney James P. Powderly at 401.662.9006.
Baltimore - The case of an alleged cop killer revealed that DNA evidence of suspected murder weapon has been contaminated. Technicians in the crime lab discovered the DNA from two people on the gun that police believe was used to kill a local detective outside his home last year in an attempted robbery.
A partial DNA sample had matched that of the defendant. The DNA technical leader from the lab told jurors that the second sample that was found turned out to be that of another crime lab technician who had dusted for prints at the crime scene.
The defense claims that this disturbance of the evidence raises more questions in a trial that has been lacking in physical proof.
If you have been convicted of murder or another criminal offense, contact Rhode Island criminal defense attorney James P. Powderly at 401.662.9006 to discuss your case and further legal options.
Alabama- A city councilperson for the town of Russellville was arrested on domestic violence harassment charges. The incident stemmed from the man entering his ex-girlfriend’s home and taking items he claims were his because he bought them.
Upon seeing him leave her residence, the ex-girlfriend called the council member on his cell phone and the two met in a parking lot and began arguing. Their arguing caught the attention of residents in the surrounding neighborhood who called the police.
According to police there was no physical struggle, only verbal abuse. This is not the first time the councilperson faces charges for domestic violence. He was arrested and charged with third degree domestic violence in an incident involving his former wife.
If you are facing domestic charges or other criminal offenses, contact the Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer James C. Powderly at 401.662.9006 to discuss your case and further legal options.
Maryland- State laws are being challenged over whether or not sex that started out as consensual can be considered rape if the victim withdraws consent. Assistant Attorney General argues that rape occurs if force or threat of force is used after a victim changes their mind. Maryland state law however stipulates that a sex act is not rape once consent is given.
The argument has arisen over a 2003 case in which two teenaged boys were convicted of raping a college student. The girl was forced to have sex with the younger of the two boys, and then was asked by the older if she would “let him hit it”. After initially giving consent, the girl told the boy to stop and he continued for several seconds.
The case has raised questions like how long after a woman withdraws consent is the act considered rape, where to draw the line.
If you are facing rape charges, contact Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer James Powderly at
401-622-9006 to discuss your case and further legal options.
With the help of officers from Memphis, as well as Shelby and Tipton counties, the police of Tennessee town Millington have been cracking down on users and sellers of illegal drugs. For the last nine months they have been video- and audio taping undercover drug deals. On Monday morning they finally made their move, arresting 56 people at their homes in the early morning hours. 41 of these people have been indicted, while 15 have arrest warrants issued against them.
If you have been accused of buying or selling illegal drugs, you need to speak with an experienced attorney right away. Call Rhode Island drug crime defense attorney James Powderly at 401-662-9006.
