A Baltimore judge threw out the murder conviction of a man who was to be sentenced Wednesday in the death of 16-year-old Phylicia Barnes, saying prosecutors withheld information about a key witness from defense attorneys.
Michael Maurice Johnson's second-degree murder conviction last month had appeared to close the book on the 2010 case of the North Carolina girl who disappeared while visiting family in Baltimore.
But Circuit Judge Alfred Nance's ruling will give the 29-year-old another chance to prove his innocence.
Prosecutors said they were "disappointed" in the ruling but planned to retry the case against Johnson, as Barnes' father expressed confidence that he will be convicted again.
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Heartwarming Lawyer Story
One afternoon, a lawyer was riding in his limousine when he saw two men along the road-side eating grass.
Disturbed, he ordered his driver to stop and got out to investigate.
He asked one man, "Why are you eating grass?"
"We don't have any money for food," the poor man replied. "We have to eat grass."
"Well, then, you can come with me to my house and I'll feed you," the lawyer said.
"But sir, I have a wife and two children with me. They are over there, under that tree."
"Bring them along," the lawyer replied.
Turning to the other poor man he stated, "You may come with us, also."
The second man, in a pitiful voice, then said, "But sir, I also have a wife and six children with me!"
"Bring them all as well," the lawyer answered.
They all entered the car, which was no easy task, even for a car as large as the limousine.
Once under way, one of the poor fellows turned to the lawyer and said, "Sir, you are too kind. Thank you for taking all of us with you.
The lawyer replied, "Glad to do it. You'll really love my place. The
grass is almost a foot high."
Disturbed, he ordered his driver to stop and got out to investigate.
He asked one man, "Why are you eating grass?"
"We don't have any money for food," the poor man replied. "We have to eat grass."
"Well, then, you can come with me to my house and I'll feed you," the lawyer said.
"But sir, I have a wife and two children with me. They are over there, under that tree."
"Bring them along," the lawyer replied.
Turning to the other poor man he stated, "You may come with us, also."
The second man, in a pitiful voice, then said, "But sir, I also have a wife and six children with me!"
"Bring them all as well," the lawyer answered.
They all entered the car, which was no easy task, even for a car as large as the limousine.
Once under way, one of the poor fellows turned to the lawyer and said, "Sir, you are too kind. Thank you for taking all of us with you.
The lawyer replied, "Glad to do it. You'll really love my place. The
grass is almost a foot high."
Lawmakers Offer Bill To Ban ‘Redskins’ Trademark
Del. Eni Faleomavaega (D-American Samoa) has authored the Non-Disparagement of American Indians in Trademark Registrations Act of 2013, which would cancel all existing federal trademarks using “Redskins” to refer to Native Americans and prohibit future trademarks as well. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) — a critic of the team’s name — is an original co-sponsor, along with Reps. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Karen Bass (D-Calif.).
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Congressman Andy Harris Encourages Participation In Congressional Art Competition
Winner’s Art will be Displayed for a Year in the Capitol
WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. officially announces the participation of Maryland’s First Congressional District in the 2013 Congressional Art Competition.Each spring, the House of Representatives sponsors an art competition that recognizes the artistic talent of high school students in each congressional district throughout the country.
“The Congressional Art Competition is an extraordinary opportunity to reward the talent and creativity of high school students in Maryland’s First Congressional District,” Harris said. “I’m glad to be participating again this year because I think it’s a great way to recognize the talents of our students.”
The competition is open to all high school students from Maryland’s 1st Congressional District. Each district will select one winner and that student will have the opportunity to display their artwork for one year in the U.S. Capitol building alongside the work of other contest winners from around the country.
The Congressional Art Competition is an important opportunity to encourage and recognize artistic talent throughout the nation. Since its inception in 1982, over 650,000 high school students have submitted entries to the competition.
WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. officially announces the participation of Maryland’s First Congressional District in the 2013 Congressional Art Competition.Each spring, the House of Representatives sponsors an art competition that recognizes the artistic talent of high school students in each congressional district throughout the country.
“The Congressional Art Competition is an extraordinary opportunity to reward the talent and creativity of high school students in Maryland’s First Congressional District,” Harris said. “I’m glad to be participating again this year because I think it’s a great way to recognize the talents of our students.”
The competition is open to all high school students from Maryland’s 1st Congressional District. Each district will select one winner and that student will have the opportunity to display their artwork for one year in the U.S. Capitol building alongside the work of other contest winners from around the country.
The Congressional Art Competition is an important opportunity to encourage and recognize artistic talent throughout the nation. Since its inception in 1982, over 650,000 high school students have submitted entries to the competition.
HERE’S WHY YOU MIGHT WANT TO STOP GIVING OUT YOUR ZIP CODE TO STORES
According to privacy experts, giving out your ZIP code might reveal more about you than you intend to reveal.
In a recent interview with NBC’s Today show, Privacy Rights Clearinghouse Policy and Advocacy Director Paul Stephens advised customers against offering up their ZIP codes. He said when paired with information like the customer’s name on a credit card, these ZIP codes can help identify the person’s actual address and target them with marketing materials, like junk mail.
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Free College For Every Student
That's the plan proposed by one gubernatorial candidate in Arkansas. Former Lieutenant Governor Bill Halter is running as a democratic candidate in that state, and he believes that every student should have the right to a high-quality college education. According to his new plan, which he calls the Arkansas Promise, students who maintain a 2.5 GPA, and plan to attend a public university in Arkansas, would be eligible to attend college tuition-free. In his proposal, he wrote, “If you wouldn't hire a football coach who doesn't aspire to winning the national championship and have a plan to do so, then why would you hire a Chief Executive Officer of the state who doesn't aspire to make Arkansas the best state in America and have a plan to make it happen.” Mr. Halter recognizes that educating our future leaders is one of the best investments we can make as a nation. Hopefully, the voters of Arkansas also recognize the value in his plan, and that elected leaders in every state take a cue from Bill Halter.
GAY RIGHTS ACTIVIST BUYS HOUSE ACROSS FROM WESTBORO BAPTIST CHURCH, PAINTS IT TO LOOK LIKE A GIANT RAINBOW
In addition to its mere presence, the building’s aesthetics are also likely to create a stir among Westboro faithful, as the house’s siding has been intentionally painted to resemble a rainbow — a symbol that has been synonymous with the gay rights movement for decades.
The home, located opposite the church, has become 31-year-old Aaron Jackson’s newest project, Gawker reports. The young do-gooder has transformed into a center intended to target the anti-gay sentiment that so often comes from Westboro’s congregants.
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THINGS PARENTS TAUGHT US
1. TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE ..
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside…I just finished cleaning."
2. RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."
3. TIME TRAVEL.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"
4. LOGIC.
"Because I said so, that's why."
5. MORE LOGIC .
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."
6. FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."
7. IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."
8. science of OSMOSIS.
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper"
9. CONTORTIONISM.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"
10. STAMINA.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."
11. WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."
12. HYPOCRISY.
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"
13. CIRCLE OF LIFE.
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."
2. RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."
3. TIME TRAVEL.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"
4. LOGIC.
"Because I said so, that's why."
5. MORE LOGIC .
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."
6. FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."
7. IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."
8. science of OSMOSIS.
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper"
9. CONTORTIONISM.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"
10. STAMINA.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."
11. WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."
12. HYPOCRISY.
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"
13. CIRCLE OF LIFE.
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."
14. BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.
"Stop acting like your father!"
15. ENVY.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful
"Stop acting like your father!"
15. ENVY.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful
parents like you do."
16. ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get home."
17. RECEIVING.
"You are going to get it when you get home!"
18. MEDICAL SCIENCE.
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way."
19. ESP.
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"
20. HUMOR.
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."
21. HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."
22. GENETICS.
"You're just like your father."
23. ROOTS.
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"
24. WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."
25. JUSTICE.
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!"
16. ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get home."
17. RECEIVING.
"You are going to get it when you get home!"
18. MEDICAL SCIENCE.
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way."
19. ESP.
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"
20. HUMOR.
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."
21. HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."
22. GENETICS.
"You're just like your father."
23. ROOTS.
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"
24. WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."
25. JUSTICE.
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!"
Police Consider Whether To Charge Neighbor In Fatal Shooting Of Loudoun Teen
Sheriff Mike Chapman said his office is working with the commonwealth’s attorney’s office in deciding whether to pursue charges or close the investigation. James Plowman, Loudoun’s chief prosecutor, declined to comment.
Caleb Gordley, 16, sneaked out of his home in Sterling after he was grounded for not cleaning his room. He went to a party with some friends, where he drank alcohol. About 2 a.m. Sunday, his friends dropped him off after the party, but Caleb wrongly entered the house two doors from his by climbing through a window.
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3rd ANNUAL DOG WALK
SALISBURY MD KENNEL CLUB
CHARITABLE TRUST, INC.
3rd ANNUAL DOG WALK
SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2013
REGISTRATION 8: 00 A.M. TO 9:30 A.M. '" WALK 9:30 A.M.
SALISBURY MD KENNEL CLUB TRAINING CENTER
31663 WINTERPLACE PARKWAY, SALISBURY, MD
BENEFIT VESTS FOR OUR
POLICE K9'S IN THE TRI COUNTY AREA
(Bullet & Stab Proof Dog Safety Vest)
& OXYGEN MASKS FOR SMALL ANIMALS
FOR FIRE DEPTS IN THE TRI-COUNTY AREA
Canine Good Citizen Test to Follow $10.00
DOG WALK REGISTRATION FORM
NAME
--------------------------------------------
ADDRESS
-----------------------------------------
PHONE # _______________________ E-MAIL __________________________ _
DOG & HANDLER $20.00 ""-J ADDITIONAL DOGS $5.00 EACH
AMOUNT ENCLOSED
------------------------------
Bring Day of Event or Mail by 3/20/13 to' Bonnie Garris, 321 Cedar Dr., Salisbury, MD 21804
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO SALISBURY MD KENNEL CLUB CHARITABLE TRUST
[Contributions are tax deductible IRS code 501( c )(3)]
In consideration of the furtherance of the Salisbury MD Kennel Charitable Trust, and of the Salisbury MD Kennel Club Charitable
Trust permitting me and my dog(s) to participate in the SMKCCT Dog Walk, on behalf of myself, my heirs, executors, administrators
and assigns, by SUbmitting this form or participating in this event, I hereby waive and release any and all rights and claims for
damages or injuries that I and my dog(s) might sustain while taking part in this event or as a result there of: the Salisbury MD Kennel
Club Charitable Trust, Salisbury MD Kennel Club or any other person connected with the event. I give the Salisbury MD Kennel
Club Charitable Trust and Salisbury MD Kennel Club permission to take photographs or video of myself and dog(s) at this event and
use them on their websites, in print and in other media to promote the Salisbury MD Kennel Club Charitable Trust.
CHARITABLE TRUST, INC.
3rd ANNUAL DOG WALK
SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2013
REGISTRATION 8: 00 A.M. TO 9:30 A.M. '" WALK 9:30 A.M.
SALISBURY MD KENNEL CLUB TRAINING CENTER
31663 WINTERPLACE PARKWAY, SALISBURY, MD
BENEFIT VESTS FOR OUR
POLICE K9'S IN THE TRI COUNTY AREA
(Bullet & Stab Proof Dog Safety Vest)
& OXYGEN MASKS FOR SMALL ANIMALS
FOR FIRE DEPTS IN THE TRI-COUNTY AREA
Canine Good Citizen Test to Follow $10.00
DOG WALK REGISTRATION FORM
NAME
--------------------------------------------
ADDRESS
-----------------------------------------
PHONE # _______________________ E-MAIL __________________________ _
DOG & HANDLER $20.00 ""-J ADDITIONAL DOGS $5.00 EACH
AMOUNT ENCLOSED
------------------------------
Bring Day of Event or Mail by 3/20/13 to' Bonnie Garris, 321 Cedar Dr., Salisbury, MD 21804
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO SALISBURY MD KENNEL CLUB CHARITABLE TRUST
[Contributions are tax deductible IRS code 501( c )(3)]
In consideration of the furtherance of the Salisbury MD Kennel Charitable Trust, and of the Salisbury MD Kennel Club Charitable
Trust permitting me and my dog(s) to participate in the SMKCCT Dog Walk, on behalf of myself, my heirs, executors, administrators
and assigns, by SUbmitting this form or participating in this event, I hereby waive and release any and all rights and claims for
damages or injuries that I and my dog(s) might sustain while taking part in this event or as a result there of: the Salisbury MD Kennel
Club Charitable Trust, Salisbury MD Kennel Club or any other person connected with the event. I give the Salisbury MD Kennel
Club Charitable Trust and Salisbury MD Kennel Club permission to take photographs or video of myself and dog(s) at this event and
use them on their websites, in print and in other media to promote the Salisbury MD Kennel Club Charitable Trust.
BREAKING NEWS: Senate Passes Gov't Funding Bill
Senate passes bill funding the government through Sept. 30 to avoid a shutdown, sending the bill to the House.
From Fox News
From Fox News
Fire Chief Supports Private Meetings With Employees
OCEAN CITY -- As City Manager David Recor holds private talks with members of the Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) this month, Fire Chief Chris Larmore has made it clear he is not worried about what his superior is going to hear from his personnel.
With questions continuing to abound about general operations with the OCFD and at least two internal investigations being conducted -- one by the city’s labor law firm, Miles & Stockbridge, and another less formal one by Recor and Human Resources Director Wayne Evans -- Larmore is endorsing the city manager’s decision to meet privately with staff members under his domain without command staff present.
“That originated from a staff meeting [back in January]. I invited Mr. Recor to that meeting. I and my command staff have nothing to hide. David made a comment at that meeting that he is very much into an open management form of government and that he reaches out to all the employees of the town of Ocean City. He said he wanted to let everybody know we are all here together as a team,” Larmore said. “What started as a simple introduction of sorts somewhere has been misconstrued that we are going to go out to the firehouses, and we are going to fix problems and hear something.”
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With questions continuing to abound about general operations with the OCFD and at least two internal investigations being conducted -- one by the city’s labor law firm, Miles & Stockbridge, and another less formal one by Recor and Human Resources Director Wayne Evans -- Larmore is endorsing the city manager’s decision to meet privately with staff members under his domain without command staff present.
“That originated from a staff meeting [back in January]. I invited Mr. Recor to that meeting. I and my command staff have nothing to hide. David made a comment at that meeting that he is very much into an open management form of government and that he reaches out to all the employees of the town of Ocean City. He said he wanted to let everybody know we are all here together as a team,” Larmore said. “What started as a simple introduction of sorts somewhere has been misconstrued that we are going to go out to the firehouses, and we are going to fix problems and hear something.”
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STATE’S ATTORNEY RELEASES REPORT AND CONCLUSIONS RELATED TO TRAFFIC FATALITY THAT OCCURED ON MARCH 7, 2013
On March 20, 2013, at a press conference attended by local media, Matthew A. Maciarello, State’s Attorney for Wicomico County released a document entitled Report and Conclusions of the State’s Attorney which detailed an investigation into a motor vehicle accident that resulted in the death of a minor, T.S., age 15, on Camden, Avenue on March 7, 2013. The report is attached hereto along with exhibits (except for audio communication and video that was distributed to the media at the press conference).
In the report, the State’s Attorney explained that the SPD officers observed J.S. manifest the following signs of impairment as he drove his vehicle through a Salisbury neighborhood: sharp turns, improper signaling, crossing prominent yellow lines, crossing white lines, driving through turn lanes, driving through red lights, driving through stop signs, swerving, driving through oncoming traffic, and failure to acknowledge the officer during a traffic stop. Based upon what the officers’ observed, and based upon the Maryland State Police Crash Team’s Oral Report, witness statements and other evidence obtained during the investigation, it was the opinion of the State’s Attorney that the officers acted prudently and professionally, and that charges were clearly not warranted.
The State’s Attorney provided copies of the report and the exhibits referenced therein to media attending the conference. A copy of the report is attached to this release for the media not in attendance. For more information or for an interview please call the Office of the State’s Attorney at (410) 548-4880 or go to www.wicomicosao.com.
In the report, the State’s Attorney explained that the SPD officers observed J.S. manifest the following signs of impairment as he drove his vehicle through a Salisbury neighborhood: sharp turns, improper signaling, crossing prominent yellow lines, crossing white lines, driving through turn lanes, driving through red lights, driving through stop signs, swerving, driving through oncoming traffic, and failure to acknowledge the officer during a traffic stop. Based upon what the officers’ observed, and based upon the Maryland State Police Crash Team’s Oral Report, witness statements and other evidence obtained during the investigation, it was the opinion of the State’s Attorney that the officers acted prudently and professionally, and that charges were clearly not warranted.
The State’s Attorney provided copies of the report and the exhibits referenced therein to media attending the conference. A copy of the report is attached to this release for the media not in attendance. For more information or for an interview please call the Office of the State’s Attorney at (410) 548-4880 or go to www.wicomicosao.com.
In Rare Move, Delegates Nix Double Jeopardy Bill In Final Vote
Sponsored by Del. Curt Anderson, D-Baltimore City, HB 152 sought to prohibit the state prosecution of a defendant who was acquitted in a federal court for the same crime.
Del. Jay Walker, D-Prince George’s, led the opposition to the bill during debate on the floor of the House, opening with a very direct question to the chair leader of the Judiciary Committee: “Why do we need this bill?”
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4th Circuit Weighs Inmates’ Right To Visitation
RICHMOND, Va. — A lawyer for a South Carolina inmate told a federal appeals court Tuesday that the prisoner’s constitutional rights were violated when his visitation privileges were suspended for two years without proof that he had done anything wrong.
Jerome Williams, an inmate at Evans Correctional Institution, claims the suspension violated his rights of association and due process, as well as the constitution’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.
“Inmates do not lose all their constitutional rights just because they are incarcerated,” Williams’ attorney, Kirsten E. Small, told a three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
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Jerome Williams, an inmate at Evans Correctional Institution, claims the suspension violated his rights of association and due process, as well as the constitution’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.
“Inmates do not lose all their constitutional rights just because they are incarcerated,” Williams’ attorney, Kirsten E. Small, told a three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
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Subject Apprehended By Canine After Fleeing From Shoplifting
Location:
Kohls, 4437 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE
Date of Occurrence:
Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at 4:55 p.m.
Defendant, Charges, and Bail Information:
Bryan Politakis, 27, of Newark, DE
Shoplifting Under $1,500
Resisting Arrest
Committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institute on $5,000 secured bail.
Resume:
Wilmington – A Newark man was apprehended by a State Police canine yesterday after he fled from a shoplifting at the Kohls, 4437 Kirkwood Highway.
The incident occurred at 4:55 p.m. when Troopers responded to the Kohls after a man, later identified as Bryan Politakis, 27, of Newark, stole clothing from the store and fled from a store employee. A responding Trooper spotted Politakis as he ran into an office building located at 2055 Limestone Road.
When Troopers entered the building they found it mostly unoccupied, and utilized a State Police canine to conduct a search of the building. After conducting an extensive search, the canine located Politakis in a closet on the top floor of the building. The canine engaged Politakis, who was quickly apprehended.
Politakis was transported to Christiana Hospital where he was treated for a bite wound to the abdomen and released. He was charged with shoplifting under $1,500 and resisting arrest, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institute on $5,000 secured bail.
Kohls, 4437 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE
Date of Occurrence:
Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at 4:55 p.m.
Defendant, Charges, and Bail Information:
Bryan Politakis, 27, of Newark, DE
Shoplifting Under $1,500
Resisting Arrest
Committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institute on $5,000 secured bail.
Resume:
Wilmington – A Newark man was apprehended by a State Police canine yesterday after he fled from a shoplifting at the Kohls, 4437 Kirkwood Highway.
The incident occurred at 4:55 p.m. when Troopers responded to the Kohls after a man, later identified as Bryan Politakis, 27, of Newark, stole clothing from the store and fled from a store employee. A responding Trooper spotted Politakis as he ran into an office building located at 2055 Limestone Road.
When Troopers entered the building they found it mostly unoccupied, and utilized a State Police canine to conduct a search of the building. After conducting an extensive search, the canine located Politakis in a closet on the top floor of the building. The canine engaged Politakis, who was quickly apprehended.
Politakis was transported to Christiana Hospital where he was treated for a bite wound to the abdomen and released. He was charged with shoplifting under $1,500 and resisting arrest, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institute on $5,000 secured bail.
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