Bird Fighting Rings Warrants Animal Cruelty Charges in CT

Typically if you hear of animals being trained to fight for human pleasure you think of dogs or even roosters. A recent case out of Danbury, however, uncovered the lesser known practice of finch fighting.

According to this article from the Connecticut Post, 150 finches were seized from a suburban home where they were being pitted against one another in battles to the death. Nineteen men were arrested, all of them Brazilian natives.

Despite the similarities between the charged parties, the police caution that this isn’t just a South American phenomena. People who want to wager money on the fights come from all walks of life and all nationalities.

So what’s the allure of using finches? They are smaller and quieter than roosters and dogs. The majority of the birds seized were saffron finches, typically used as house pets.

Police Sergeant John Krupinsky reveals that a good fighting bird can bring in $1,000 a fight and can sell for around $5,000. At the time of the arrests, about $8,000 in cash was also taken.

Occurrences like this are not the norm, but they do happen. A few years back the dog fighting case involving NFL baller Michael Vick opened the nation’s eyes to an activity that has been going on for ages.

Although the Connecticut Post article doesn’t reveal what type of charges these men face, the Connecticut statutes reveal that for owning, possessing, keeping, training, or betting on a fight of this nature the men could be facing up to 5 years in prison for each count.

Little known criminal activities happen all the time. Sometimes you may not even realize you were breaking the law. Unfortunately, ignorance is rarely a supportable defense.

If you are facing any criminal charges in the Connecticut legal system, you need a skilled and aggressive attorney fighting for your freedom. Call me to talk about your case today. I may be able to help you get the charges dismissed or at least ensure you get the best outcome possible on your day in court.

Potential Charges for Cop Involved in Fatal Crash

Last month two young people died when the vehicle they were in was involved in an accident with a police cruiser. The investigation into that accident is now being treated as a negligent homicide, according to this article from the Connecticut Post.

Officer Jason Anderson from the Milford, CT Police Department was leaving a “mutual-aid call” in New Haven around 2:15 am on June 13th when he collided with the 2008 Mazda carrying 19 year olds Ashlie Krakowski and Dave Servin. Servin died at the accident scene while Krakowski was transported to a New Haven Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

The entire crash was recorded on the dash camera of fellow Officer Rick Pisani who was following Anderson at the time of the wreck. Witnesses have stated that Anderson may have been speeding.

While there is no current indication what could have made this a potential negligent homicide, a search and seizure warrant for the vehicles was issued on June 16th. The warrant application said there is “probable cause to believe” that the police cruiser contained evidence of a negligent homicide.

When the warrant was executed on June 17th, investigators took the powertrain control module from the Crown Victoria. This module can provide information such as vehicle speed, tire condition, and brake status at the time of the accident.

This investigation obviously isn’t over and we are likely to see more details emerge as time goes on.

This accident is evidence that not all traffic accidents are cut and dry. As a matter of fact, there are many criminal traffic offenses that you can be charged with.

Although they are nowhere near as serious as negligent homicide, charges like reckless driving and hit & run can land you jail time and a criminal record.

If you have found yourself on the wrong side of the law due to a traffic offense and you want help determining what course of action to take, call me today.

Fraud Charges for Milford Man

A Milford CT man is facing serious charges of fraud after he and an accomplice swindled $100,000 in donations from a local woman according to this article from the Connecticut Post.
Michael Kahn is facing charges first degree larceny, conspiracy to commit larceny, violating the state opportunities investment act, and charges of sale of unregistered securities.

Kahn and friend Barry Diamond received $100,000 in donations from a Fairfield woman who believed she was donating to see the rehabilitation of Norwalk condominiums for the poor. When she asked for status updates on the project and received none, she demanded her donation be returned.

The woman later found out that these men did not own the Norwalk project and Kahn had actually left for Singapore.

Diamond was charged for the incident back in April and is awaiting trial as well. He had previously served as the president of the Trumbell Chamber of Commerce and other fairly prestigious positions in the community.

Fraud cases often deal with fraudulent charities and misdirected donations. People are often willing to come out of pocket for a good cause and some see this as an opportunity to make money the wrong way.

Facing charges like 1st degree larceny, as these two men do, can be very intimidating. These particular men could be going to prison for a long time.

First degree larceny in itself carries a potential 20 year prison sentence along with $15,000 in fines. It is a Class B Felony charge.

Even stealing less valuable goods and services can carry a hefty penalty. Sixth degree larceny occurs when the value of the stolen goods is less than $250. This offense is considered a Class c misdemeanor and carries a potential 3 months in jail.

If you are looking at doing time or paying huge fines because of fraud or larceny charges, call me today to discuss your case. You want an experience local attorney going to bat for you and I could be the right one for the job.

Arson Conviction Upheld in High Profile 2006 Case

Fifty-two year old Randall Licari was convicted in Bridgeport Superior Court in November of 2006 of 1st degree arson, first-degree larceny, insurance fraud, and conspiracy. The former supervisor for the New York Department of Environmental Protection was sentenced to 18 years in prison.

According to the Connecticut Post, the Connecticut Appeals Court recently upheld his conviction despite his claims that the prosecution fabricated evidence and controlled the lineup of testimony from people called by the defense at trial.

Licari’s Cape Cod style home burned to the ground in December of 2003. The family received an outpouring of support from the Red Cross and the community. They also received a sizable check from the insurance company.

Licari used this $350,000 check and gifts to build a bigger and better home following the fire. Later, the investigation into the fire was opened back up after the adult daughter of Licari stated her father started the fire himself in order to collect on the insurance policy.

Investigators found what they had formerly believed to be wrapped Christmas gifts to actually contain DuraFlame logs wrapped in Christmas paper and placed below the wires for the Christmas tree lights. Licari claimed those were a gift from his wife, despite not owning a fireplace.

The motive for the arson: financial problems. Often this is why crimes of arson take place. People get caught in rough financial times and see insurance money as a potential savior.
Arson, however, is a serious crime and not the best way to get out of debt. If caught and convicted of 1st degree arson, you could be sentenced to several years in prison and carry around a serious rap sheet for the rest of your life.

A property crime doesn’t have to be as serious as arson, however, to change your life. Criminal mischief and theft crimes also carry heavy penalties under Connecticut law.

If you are facing criminal charges and wonder if you will get a fair shake in court, let me know. Call me for a free consultation on your case today.

CT Man Allegedly Hid Crack-Cocaine in Buttocks

Police were working in the Sanford Place area of Bridgeport earlier this week when they found a man hiding some serious loot.

Officers on the Strategic Enforcement Team recognized Elliot Rankin, who has previous drug convictions according to this brief article in the Connecticut Post. When they approached Rankin, however, officers noticed he was standing as if he had his buttocks clenched together.

Rankin initially denied he had anything and refused to relax. However, police were able to recover 53 small baggies containing a total of more than 5 grams of crack cocaine that Rankin had been hiding in between his buttocks.

Some may be laughing but Rankin certainly isn’t as he faces charges of possession of narcotics with intent to sell, within 1500 feet of a school, trespass, and possession of narcotics.

As the police move in on someone with drugs, it’s not uncommon for the suspect to stash the drugs wherever possible. While the pants are an obvious choice, it may be a little more unusual to find drugs between the buttocks.

Regardless of where the substance is found, facing charges for being in possession of any controlled substance is not a laughing matter.

As a matter of fact the drugs don’t even have to be on you to be charged with possession. If the police see you hide drugs or throw them away, you can be charged. If they are under the seat in your car or even under the seat of a car you are a passenger in, you can face charges.

Whether you are facing charges of possession of marijuana or something more serious like possession with intent to distribute cocaine, the experience of a criminal defense attorney on your side is crucial. Call me for a free consultation on your case today.