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Divine Intevention, Psychics Among January's Top Verdicts

From psychics to divine intervention, here are some notable verdicts from January.

Most Psychic Verdict: ‘Psychic’ Sentenced to Prison for Ducking IRS

Sally Ann Johnson, who claims to be psychic, was sentenced to two years and two months in prison after being charged with tax evasion, according to an article from the Associated Press. Johnson was said to have charged a Massachusetts woman $3.5 million for “spiritual cleansings” and exorcisms, and was ordered to repay the woman and $725,000 to the IRS. Prosecutors said Johnson tried to hide her earnings and failed to report her income. She pleaded guilty to “attempting to interfere with the administration of IRS laws.”

Most Dismissed Verdict: Case Against Nevada Rancher, Cohorts Dropped After Mistrial

A Las Vegas judge dismissed the criminal charges against rancher Cliven Bundy, his sons and a militia leader from Montana, according to an article from NBC. Bundy, his sons Ryan and Ammon and Ryan Payne were accused of leading an uprising against the federal government in 2014. Last month, Chief U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro declared a mistrial, which led some to speculate the case might be dropped. The judge said prosecutors intentionally violated the rights of the defendants, but gave the government a chance to provide support opposing the dismissal. According to the article, Cliven Bundy remained jailed after refusing the judge's offer of house arrest.

Most Vacant Verdict: Judge Tosses Prison Sentence After Man Wrongfully Served Two Decades

Larry McKee, a Bronx man who spent the last 20 years in prison, will be released after his conviction was vacated due to newly uncovered evidence not shared with his defense, according to an article from The New York Daily News. McKee, who is black, was serving a 24-year-to-life prison sentence for the murder of Theodore Vance. However, an investigation by Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark's office found evidence the victim told a witness, as he was dying, he saw "a Spanish guy," the article reads. McKee unsuccessfully made at least two appeals prior to the Clark’s findings. His attorney expects the state could be on the hook for approximately $20 million for the wrongful conviction.

Most Divine Verdict: Judge Says God Told Him Defendant Didn’t Do It

Despite Judge Jack Robison's claim that God told him to intervene on her behalf, Gloria Romero-Perez was found guilty of human trafficking in a Texas court, according to an article from the Statesman. Robinson, a state district judge in Comal County, said divine intervention caused him to suggest to jurors that Romero-Perez was not guilty. However, the jury returned a guilty verdict anyway and Romero-Perez was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Prior to sentencing, Robison recused himself and was replaced by Judge Gary Steele. A motion by the defense for mistrial was denied. While intervening in jury deliberations is not specifically addressed in the state’s canonized ethical code for judges, it does state judges must “comply with the law and should act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary,” according to the article.

Most Sexual Verdict: Lesbian Ex-firefighter’s $806K Award Upheld on Appeal

Lori Franchina, a former Providence firefighter who claims she faced homophobic and misogynistic slurs, was successful in showing the city is liable for sexual harassment in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, according to an article from BNA. Franchina said she was called “lesbo” and “bitch,” spit-on, shoved and even had blood and brain matter thrown at her. The appeals court upheld an $806,000 award. According to the article, the ruling indicates the court may be moving toward considering sexual harassment as a form of sexual discrimination under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

 

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