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sheriff’s

Online child sex sting snares three men, including 2 from Lansing area

by David Harrison – Chief Editor October 25, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

MASON — Two Lansing-area men and one from the Detroit area have been charged in connection with an online undercover child sex sting.

The Ingham County Sheriff’s Office said the men were arrested Oct. 22 after they arranged to meet a person they believed to be a 15-year-old girl for sex.

“The suspects engaged in extensive online communications with undercover officers posing as a 15-year-old girl and ultimately arranged to meet them for sexual purposes,” sheriff’s officials said in a news release.

The men each face four counts, including child sexually abusive activity and accosting a child for immoral purposes, court records indicate, The most serious charge is a maximum 20-year felony. They were arraigned on the charges on Oct. 24.

The sheriff’s department was assisted by Lansing police, Michigan State Police, the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Global Human Oppression Strike Team (GHOST).

The defendants are a 37-year-old Lansing man, a 30-year-old East Lansing man and a 24-year-old Farmington Hills man.

October 25, 2025 0 comments

News

Newark Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Assault, Kidnapping

by David Harrison – Chief Editor September 24, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

Newark Man Sentenced⁢ to Over⁤ 11 Years for Violent Crimes Against Girlfriend

newark, OH – A Licking‌ County man has been sentenced to 11 to 16 years in ⁣prison for a⁤ series of assaults, strangulations, and ⁢a ‍kidnapping committed against his⁤ girlfriend over a two-month period. Dylan W. Hess, 32, of Newark, ⁢pleaded guilty to two counts ⁢each of felonious ⁤assault, kidnapping, and strangulation,‍ as well as one‍ count of intimidating a witness or victim, during⁤ a hearing ‌on ‍September 2, according to court records.

Judge David Branstool of the Licking County⁢ Common Pleas‌ Court ordered Hess to serve the sentence, with credit given for‍ 126 days‍ already served.

The ⁢Licking County Prosecutor’s Office‍ stated⁢ that Hess ‌repeatedly assaulted and strangled his girlfriend,with many incidents occurring in the presence of children. the assaults often involved the‌ use⁣ of a wooden stick,resulting ⁤in notable bruising to the victim’s body.

Hess was ⁤initially indicted by⁤ a licking County grand jury on April 2,with the crimes alleged to have taken place in March. He had previously posted‍ a $20,000 bail following an arrest in March on a drug charge and a warrant related to a prior domestic case.

Concerns regarding Hess’s behaviour ⁣were raised by his⁤ probation officer on April ⁤25, and by a⁢ victim’s advocate with⁣ Licking Municipal Court.‌ According to a police‍ complaint,the⁢ victim reported being picked up by Hess on April 27 and not‌ returned home after requesting ⁣it.She further alleged that Hess assaulted her ‍after⁢ she attempted to seek help, and detectives observed multiple injuries on the victim.

A superseding⁣ indictment adding the kidnapping charges was delivered ‌by a ‍grand jury in May. Hess⁤ initially entered a plea of not guilty before reaching a plea agreement ‍with ‌prosecutors.

in addition ‌to the prison sentence, Judge Branstool ordered Hess to serve ‌two years of probation, with ⁣the possibility of up to five additional years if he violates the ⁣terms⁣ of his release. Court records also indicate Hess was found guilty of domestic violence involving the same victim in Licking County⁢ Municipal Court in august.

September 24, 2025 0 comments

Business

Cheryl Lynn Williams Found Guilty in Polk County Deputy’s Murder

by Priya Shah – Business Editor September 12, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Polk ⁣City Woman Found‍ Guilty in 2022 Murder ‌of Polk County Deputy

POLK CITY, FL – A Polk County jury delivered a guilty verdict Wednesday in the case of ‌Natalee Williams, finding her‍ responsible for the 2022 death of polk county Sheriff’s Deputy Blane Lane. Williams, 34, was convicted of second-degree murder of a law enforcement officer, among other charges, stemming from a shooting in Polk City that claimed the life of ‍the 28-year-old deputy.

Deputy Lane was ⁣responding to a disturbance at a residence in the Foxtown South community on Oct. 3, ⁢2022,‍ when he encountered‌ Williams. Authorities say ⁢Williams opened fire on Lane, ⁢striking him twice before she was apprehended. He was ⁣transported ‍to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, ‌but‍ succumbed to⁣ his injuries.

“This ‌suspect’s ‌outrageous⁤ criminal actions were the cause of my deputy being ⁤killed⁤ in the line of duty, and the‍ jury appropriately found her guilty as‍ charged,” Polk County Sheriff Grady⁣ Judd said in ⁤a statement following the verdict. “her family can visit her in prison, but Blane’s ⁢family has⁣ to visit his grave in a cemetery and can only have a one-sided conversation with him. We will never forget Deputy⁣ Blane Lane, and his family remains in our ‌prayers.”

Williams initially faced 13 felony charges, including three counts each ‍of⁣ aggravated assault on a law⁣ enforcement officer, posession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and resisting arrest, ⁤and also two counts of possession of ammunition by a convicted‌ felon and possession of methamphetamine.

A search of the residence ⁤following the shooting‌ revealed three⁤ firearms – a.22-caliber rifle,a 12-gauge shotgun,and a .410 shotgun – displayed ⁤on a wall ⁣rack. Two men who were also at the residence with Williams were arrested and charged with firearms violations.

Deputy Lane had ⁣been with the Polk County sheriff’s‍ Office for just over two years at the time of his death. ⁣He is survived by his ‌wife and daughter. The case garnered‌ significant attention in the central Florida community, prompting an outpouring of support for law enforcement and the Lane family.

September 12, 2025 0 comments

News

Phoenix Police Chief: New Leader Addresses Community Concerns

by Emma Walker – News Editor August 12, 2025

written by Emma Walker – News Editor

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Michael Giordano Named Phoenix Police Chief After Search Restart

Phoenix, AZ – August 11, 2025 – Michael Giordano has been officially appointed as the new chief of the Phoenix Police Department, the city announced today. The decision comes after a revised search process following the initial selection process yielding no suitable candidate. Giordano, who had been serving as interim chief, will now lead the department full-time.

Giordano’s appointment follows a period of scrutiny and reform efforts within the department. The city initially planned to have a new chief in place earlier this year, but the search was relaunched after failing to identify a candidate who met the city’s requirements.

“It’s a privilege to lead the Phoenix Police Department at such a pivotal time,” said Giordano in a statement released by the city. “I am committed to building trust with our community, supporting our officers, and ensuring we deliver effective, accountable, and compassionate policing.”

Giordano acknowledged the meaningful challenges facing the department, including ongoing concerns about police conduct and community relations. He emphasized the dedication of the department’s approximately 1,388 sworn officers and 800 civilian staff, and pledged to work collaboratively to enhance public safety throughout the 518 square miles of Phoenix.

The appointment arrives in the wake of a critical U.S. Department of Justice report released in June 2024. The 126-page report detailed widespread issues within the Phoenix Police Department, citing patterns of excessive force, discriminatory practices against communities of color, and violations of the rights of protestors and individuals experiencing homelessness.The investigation, initiated in 2021, focused on allegations of civil rights violations. The Trump administration closed the investigation and rescinded its findings in May 2025.

During a community forum held on June 18, 2024, at the Burton Barr Central Library, Giordano and other finalists for the chief position outlined their plans to address the concerns raised by the federal probe. They highlighted recent changes implemented by the department, including enhanced de-escalation training, body-worn camera upgrades, and revised use-of-force policies. The city’s proposed police budget for fiscal years 2025-2026 totals $835 million.

August 12, 2025 0 comments

Entertainment

Dog Rescue: Over 50 Animals Saved from Neglect in Arizona

by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor August 4, 2025

written by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor

RIO VERDE, AZ – August 3, 2024 – Authorities in Maricopa County have rescued dozens of neglected animals from a property in Rio Verde, Arizona, amid scorching summer heat.The operation, conducted on August 3rd, involved the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and the Rural Metro Fire Department.

The animals, discovered on a property located approximately 40 minutes east of Scottsdale and north of Fort McDowell, included a diverse and unusual collection: horses, camels, goats, rams, sheep, and tortoises. More exotic animals were also found, such as a cockatoo, a bull, and a zebra, according to the MCSO.

Sheriff’s Office images documented the animals’ condition, revealing horses with visible ribs and a ram suffering from severely matted fur, indicative of prolonged neglect. The rescue occurred as temperatures reached 110 degrees Fahrenheit,according to the National Weather Service.

The Rural Metro Fire Department responded swiftly, providing over 2,000 gallons of water to rehydrate the dehydrated animals. The rescued animals were then transported to the maricopa animal Safe Haven (MASH) unit, a specialized division of the MCSO dedicated to animal welfare, and local veterinary clinics for further care.

Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan personally participated in the rescue, photographed with one of the rescued camels. “Sheriff Sheridan, who assisted in the rescue, remains committed to fighting for those who can’t speak for themselves,” stated the MCSO in a Facebook post. “Today is another powerful reminder: neglect will not be ignored. Every life matters.”

MCSO spokesperson William Jinks confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances leading to the animals’ neglect and to identify any potential violations of animal cruelty laws. As of August 3rd, no arrests have been made. The property is owned by [Property Owner Name Redacted Pending Investigation], according to county records.

MASH, established in 2017, provides shelter, medical attention, and rehabilitation services for abused, neglected, and abandoned animals within Maricopa County. The unit handles an average of 300 cases annually, often involving large-scale neglect situations like this one.The cost of caring for the animals is funded through donations and county resources.

The MCSO has pledged to provide updates on the animals’ recovery and eventual placement in suitable homes. Individuals interested in supporting MASH can find details on donations and volunteer opportunities at [MASH Website Address – Placeholder].

Rey Covarrubias Jr. reports breaking news for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email him at: rcovarrubias@gannett.com, and connect with him on Instagram, Threads, Bluesky and X (formerly twitter) at @ReyCJrAZ.

August 4, 2025 0 comments

sheriff’s

Newark Man Sentenced⁢ to Over⁤ 11 Years for Violent Crimes Against ​Girlfriend

Michael Giordano Named Phoenix Police Chief After Search Restart

Newark Man Sentenced⁢ to Over⁤ 11 Years for Violent Crimes Against Girlfriend