Sex Crimes

Player’s Alleged Assault on 2 Women

According to CNN, seven Green Bay Packers players were questioned for their possible involvement in an alleged sexual assault. Authorities brought the players in on Saturday, June 5th, and released them that same day. Six of the players are not considered suspects, however, one of them is still under investigation.

Reports indicate that the player still under investigation, invited two women back to a rental condo after the players met them at a local bar. This is where the alleged sexual assault took place. Police have been unable to find any evidence of illegal activity, and no charges have been filed at this point.

Although this case is relatively new, it is clear that the Packers will take disciplinary action if needed. The team is still gathering information on the case, and will wait to take disciplinary action until the story develops further.

For other interesting stories, find out what happened to Former Dolphin player OJ McDuffie, or check out more of our celebrity news stories at CelebLegalIssues.com.

The Story

Back in 1977, film director Roman Polanski was arrested and charged with a number of sexual offenses against 13-year-old Samantha Geimer.

At his arraignment, Polanski plead not guilty to all charges and Geimer’s attorney arranged a plea bargain which the film director accepted and – under those terms – five of the charges were to be dismissed. He plead guilty to the charge of “engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse,” which under California law is similar to statutory rape. The judge ordered Polanski to serve 90 days in prison, but he was released after 42 days.

Despite Polanski’s expectations that he would receive only probation at his sentencing, the judge told to his attorneys that he would be imprisoned and deported. After learning the judge’s plans, Polanski fled to France in February 1978 just hours before he was to be sentenced. As a citizen there, he was protected from any form of extradition.

Today

Two months ago, Polanski was arrested by Swiss police because of his outstanding U.S. warrant when he entered Switzerland to accept a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Zurich Film Festival. He was initially refused bail and his subsequent appeal was rejected by Switzerland’s Federal Criminal Court.

The Swiss court finally granted the director $4.5 million bail only if he remains under house arrest at his Alpine chalet. Polanski is now expected to be released soon.

The Swiss Justice Ministry reported it will keep Polanski in custody until at least next week.

Nice try escaping the law, Polanski. Better luck next time.

Just two weeks after Walt Disney World posted a third-quarter profit 26% LESS than this time last year, the Florida Magic Kingdom has been beleaguered with legal issues such as sexual assault, wrongful deaths, and personal injuries.

Minnie Mouse Victim of Sexual Assault

Most recently, Pennsylvania resident John Moyer, 60, was convicted of molesting Minnie Mouse during a visit Moyer and his family made to Toontown at the Magic Kingdom in Florida. Arguments were ridiculous – can you fondle a mouse? Criminal defense attorneys for Moyer said that Disney employees and Moyer’s family didn’t witness the sexual assault. Nonetheless, Moyer was convicted yesterday of misdemeanor battery for the fondling. The punishment for misdemeanor battery in Florida is a $1,000 fine and one year in jail.

Wrongful Deaths in Walt Disney World

Monorail Train Accident Causes Wrongful Death

Tragically, 21-year-old monorail operator Austin Wuennenberg was killed July 5, 2009 after a July 4th fireworks celebration. The part-time operator died when another monorail train operator backed up into his rail. Human error was said to have caused the accident.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating employee records, hours of employment, and training. Austin Wuennenberg’s family can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against Walt Disney World for pain and suffering and funeral expenses.

Slip and Fall Accident Reason for Wrongful Death

Also in July, 47-year-old Mark Priest died a few days after a slip and fall accident during a pirate show performance near the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Accident victim Priest slipped on a wet spot on the ground during a planned stumble of the performance. He hit his head on a wall and was brought to the hospital where he seemed to have been recovering. However, a few days later he died. The cause of death is still unknown.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office are investigating Priest’s wrongful death.

If someone is injured or dies as the result of a slip and fall at their workplace, their immediate family members can engage in a wrongful death lawsuit.

Walt Disney World Bus Accident Causes Injuries

Just when it couldn’t get any worse, two Walt Disney World buses collided about a month ago. The collision caused injuries to twelve out of the 50 passengers. It occurred during a trip from the Magic Kingdom to the Contemporary Resort Hotel. The bus crash was outside the Contemporary Resort.

The twelve people that were injured would be wise to hire an Orlando personal injury attorney specializing in bus accidents. They can sue Walt Disney World for medical expenses, and loss of income relating to the accident.

Goes to show you … Disney World is no Fantasyland.

Thousands of Michael Jackson news stories have surfaced this week.

Custody of Michael Jackson’s Children

Earlier in the week a judge granted child custody to Michael Jackson’s mom, Katherine Jackson. Jackson’s ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, who is the mother of two of his three children, is deciding whether or not she is going to pursue custody of Jackson’s children. Rowe received a delay on the custody issue from a judge. I saw on the cover of a well-known newspaper that she is seriously going to try to win custody.

Michael Jackson’s Will

Earlier in the week it was reported that Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson’s sister, was the executor of his estate. There will be a court hearing on Monday regarding the distribution of Jackson’s assets. Jackson purposely left Rowe out of his will. Supposedly the Jackson estate has loads of debt. I am sure Jackson’s family law attorney has his hands full with the custody battle and filing the will in probate.

Neverland Ranch – Michael Jackson’s Former Home

Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch was his pride and joy for many years until he was accused of molesting a boy there a few years ago. I caught some stunning photos of Neverland ranch the other day. It’s actual address is 5225 Figueroa Mountain Boulevard in Los Olivos, CA 93441. Neverland was saved from foreclosure last year, and five years ago was said to have been worth approximately $120 Million. However, there have been different values for the ranch in a variety of news articles. If you are looking to see what the local real estate is in Los Olivos, go to realtor.com to search for Los Olivos homes. I am sure the price of homes in Los Olivos have come down substantially.
Jackson’s Memorial Service and Burial

Jermaine Jackson said the other day that his brother update wanted to be buried at Neverland Ranch. However, California burial statutes say that burials can only be in cemeteries in California. They were going to have a memorial service on Thursday at Neverland Ranch but that was stopped. Instead, Jackson’s memorial service will be Tuesday at the Staples Center in California. I found a handy map in Google Maps for the Staples Center.

Did Michael Jackson’s Doctors mess up?

The answer to this question is maybe. The DEA is looking into fraudulent prescription meds that Jackson was taking at the time of his death. There were also cases of Jackson receiving meds under a few aliases. Wonder if there will be a case of wrongful death or medical malpractice?

It’s been a sad few days in the music industry ever since Michael Jackson, Motown musician and legend, was pronounced dead on Thursday, June 25, 2009 from cardiac arrest.

Michael Jackson has given the baby boomer generation what Elvis Presley gave to his generation. Michael Jackson’s music and dance moves were ground breaking, and his videos, especially Thriller, were at cult status level. Thriller, recorded in 1982, is the biggest selling album of all time.

Michael Jackson broke barriers that were remarkable for one so young…color, race, and age barriers. His popularity transcended generations, and he received numerous music and humanitarian awards during his lifetime.

What I like to remember Michael for is his help fighting AIDS in Africa, and his creation of the song ‘Heal the World.’ He also provided Mt. Sinai NY Medical Center with equipment for its 19 bed facility for cancer victims. Part of the money from his Victory Tour was donated to three charities.

Throughout the years botched plastic surgery, criminal accusations of child molestation and pornography, and surrogacy and child custody issues kept Michael in the limelight. He was a victim of ridicule unfortunately, as many celebrities are that go down an unusual road.

However, he is still a son, and a father, and a brother. He will be missed by many people, as well as the millions of fans he had around the world. I wish, however, people would stop the jokes in bad taste, and the gossipy investigation into his estate, his corporate holdings, and the negative aspects of his life.

If there really is a Rock-n-Roll Heaven, Michael is probably there, finally at peace.