Massachusetts Cop Faces Connecticut Harassment Investigation and Possible Charges

A domestic violence victim’s advocate has allegedly become a victim herself in a case involving her ex-boyfriend, a Holyoke Massachusetts cop. Paul Barkyoumb is now reported to be under investigation for harassment by the Connecticut State Police for threatening text messages he sent to Michelle Cruz.

According to Fairfield Weekly, Cruz works as the state of Connecticut’s victim advocate. Her position apparently helped convince her to come forward in reporting her ex to the police. “If the victim advocate is afraid to get a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend because he’s a cop, how could I ever tell anyone else to get one?”

Cruz apparently met and started dating Barkyoumb when she was an assistant district attorney in Massachusetts. The two broke it off in April of 2009. At that time, reportedly due to harassment, she asked for a restraining order from a Massachusetts judge who denied the request due to insufficient evidence of threat.

Now, however, there is a restraining order in place, an internal investigation at the Holyoke Police Department, and a harassment investigation by the Connecticut State Police.

The legal action is a result of anonymous threatening text messages that Cruz has been receiving on her cell phone. According to the report these messages conveyed threats of retaliation. Barkyoumb maintains his innocence, however.

As this Fairfield Weekly article shows, neither of the two are strangers to controversy. Cruz has made several opponents throughout her career and Barkyoumb has been accused of delivering false testimony and possibly mishandling evidence that resulted in several drug cases being lost by the state.

Stalking and harassment cases typically arise between two people who once had a relationship. When a lover is scorned, their emotional pain sometimes motivates them to do things outside the norm. Just like domestic violence, cases like these are heavy with emotion and stress for all parties involved.

If you are accused of harassing someone, you may not be guilty. Perhaps, however, you let your emotions get the best of you and are now facing serious criminal charges and even a potential jail sentence because of it.

Contact me today to discuss your domestic violence or harassment case. I will be happy to listen and offer some free legal advice.

High Profile Attorney Pleads Not Guilty in Ct. Domestic Assault Case

A high profile attorney in Connecticut that formerly worked under both Bush Administrations pled not guilty this week in a case that accused him of trying to kill his wife with a flashlight after learning she wanted a divorce. The not guilty plea sets the stage for plea negotiations that could begin in a pre-trial conference scheduled for February 16th.

The formal charges against 57 year old John Michael Farren include attempted murder, strangulation, and first degree assault.

The incident that led to these charges occurred on January 6th of last year when his 43 year old wife was beaten unconscious with a flashlight. According to the Stamford Advocate she was left with a broken jaw, facial lacerations and fractures. When she regained consciousness she was apparently able to hit a panic alarm and get out of the house with the couple’s two children.

Two days prior to the incident, Farren’s wife had served him with divorce papers.

Domestic violence incidents are rarely this violent. However, it sometimes takes an extreme assault for a victim of such violence to seek help. It is quite common for victims of domestic violence to be ashamed of the violent relationship and want to keep it a secret.

Being accused of domestic violence like this, or even less serious cases, can be stressful and humiliating for all parties. When you are accused of beating your wife, girlfriend, or mother of your child, you will face shame and judgment from even those who you are closest to.

The mere accusation of domestic violence can end close relationships as family and friends typically seek to protect the alleged victim. Like Farren, if freed on bail in a case like this, you are typically barred from contacting the victim and even members of their family.

If you are facing charges of domestic assault or even assault of a stranger, I can help. When you think no one is on your side, you need a defense attorney in your corner willing to fight for your interests. Contact me today to discuss the details of your case.

Connecticut Domestic Violence Laws Have Changed But Has It Helped?

Over the past several decades, the attitude towards domestic violence cases has dramatically shifted. Once brushed under the rug and considered to be a private matter, mandatory arrests and community awareness has brought these types of situations into the light.

As this article from the Hartford Courant shows, domestic violence cases have increased over the past year and many of these cases have been high profile ones. As the economy struggles, it is not unusual to see cases of domestic violence increase.

Women are typically the victims in these cases and more resources are available to them now than ever. However, that doesn’t necessarily make it easy for them to get out of the unhealthy relationship. Money, kids, and fear all work to keep an abused woman in this type of situation.

If an officer responds to a domestic violence call and there is evidence of abuse, an arrest must be made. This legal requirement is courtesy of the Tracey Thurman law.

In the Tracey Thurman case, she was beaten very badly by her husband at the time, in 1982, and left to die. She sued local law enforcement for failing to protect her. Thurman won a $2.3 million judgment and her name solidified in the law.

Incidents of domestic violence like this are horrifying, and naturally police aggressively arrest anyone involved in a suspicious incident. But that doesn't mean all arrests are legitimate threats.

It's understandable that police take these matters extremely seriously, but it can be complicated to sort out what really happened, and establish whether a crime actually took place.

Trivial incidents and heated arguments will result in an arrest, and prosecutors don't tend to be cooperative on any alleged domestic case. Even where the facts are extremely weak and there is no evidence of abuse of violence, it can take an experienced defense lawyer significant time and effort to work through the situation.

What Happens After a Domestic Violence Arrest?

Once arrested on a domestic violence charge a protective order will likely be issued. If violated, the offender can face additional charges.

There are many resources also available for domestic violence offenders as the state of Connecticut seeks to prevent this type of case. Even without being convicted of a domestic assault, you may be required to attend counseling or classes related to the offense.

If you are accused of domestic violence charges or charges of violating a restraining order, I can help. Contact me immediately for a free consultation on your case.

I know you feel alone, but I will work for you and with you, and not judge you.