Miami‑Dade deputy cleared after accused victim refuses to cooperate in battery case
David Morgan•
Miami‑Dade deputy cleared after accused victim refuses to cooperate in battery case.
Lt. Daniel Chala faced battery and false imprisonment charges after allegedly assaulting a transgender woman he met at a nightclub—but state attorneys have dropped all charges.
In April 2025, Lt. Daniel Chala of the Miami‑Dade Sheriff's Office was arrested after a woman accused him of battery and false imprisonment. The incident reportedly occurred after they met at the E11EVEN nightclub and returned to his apartment, where she said he choked her and refused to let her leave.
On June 2, 2025, state attorneys formally dropped all charges, citing a lack of victim cooperation and insufficient evidence to support prosecution, even though a judge had initially found probable cause on the battery count.
Lt. Chala has denied all wrongdoing, claiming the woman left his apartment voluntarily. Meanwhile, Miami‑Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero‑Stutz released a statement expressing disappointment that an officer was arrested, and confirmed Chala is on paid administrative leave pending internal review.
Advocates for police accountability and LGBTQ+ rights expressed concern that the case highlights barriers for marginalized victims seeking justice. Critics argue that even without prosecution, the department should share findings and address systemic concerns around forced compliance and duty of care.
Lt. Daniel Chala faced charges of battery and false imprisonment after a nightclub encounter, but charges were dropped due to the victim's non-cooperation.
A judge initially found probable cause on battery, but prosecutors decided the available evidence wasn’t strong enough.
Chala denies wrongdoing and is on administrative leave; the department maintains professionalism is expected, even with no criminal trial.
Advocates worry this reveals obstacles for vulnerable victims and the need for stronger agency transparency.
“Devil in the Ozarks” escapee recaptured after two-week manhunt in Arkansas woods
David Morgan•
“Devil in the Ozarks” escapee recaptured after two-week manhunt in Arkansas woods.
Grant Hardin, ex-police chief,f and convicted murderer/rapist, escaped an Arkansas prison disguised as a corrections officer and led authorities on a nearly two-week Ozarks manhunt before being found just 1.5 miles from the facility.
Grant Hardin, former police chief of Gateway, Arkansas, was serving combined sentences totaling 80 years for first-degree murder (the 2017 killing of Water Dept. worker James Appleton) and a 1997 rape tied to him via DNA. On May 25, 2025, he escaped North Central Unit in Calico Rock by impersonating a corrections officer, wearing a homemade uniform, and convincing staff to open a secure gate.
A massive search operation unfolded across northern Arkansas, involving drones, bloodhounds, helicopters, horseback patrols, and U.S. Border Patrol forces. Hardin was found on June 6, roughly 1.5 miles northwest of the prison near Moccasin Creek, fatigued and tackled by authorities. His identity was confirmed via fingerprint analysis.
Known as the “Devil in the Ozarks,” Hardin’s former law enforcement experience reportedly helped him blend in and exploit weaknesses in prison security. He reportedly used staff escorts and food cart access from his kitchen job to engineer the escape. Investigators have opened probes into how he acquired or made the uniform, and why gate guards failed to verify his identity.
Arkansas officials—including Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders—praised the multi-agency response but acknowledged systemic failures. The escape has triggered calls for reform and disciplinary action. Legislative committees and the state prison board are now reviewing protocols to prevent future breaches.
Grant Hardin, serving life sentences for murder and rape, escaped Arkansas prison in a fake guard uniform.
Authorities recaptured him 13 days later—just 1.5 miles from the facility amid massive cross-agency searches.
His law enforcement past helped him mask his identity and exploit security gaps.
Fallout has sparked scrutiny of prison protocols and staff accountability in Arkansas.
Let me know if you’d like an infographic timeline of the escape, search strategy, or comparison of similar prison breach cases next.
Man Fatally Shot by Police Three Years After Release from 16-Year Wrongful Imprisonment
David Morgan•
Man Fatally Shot by Police Three Years After Release from 16-Year Wrongful Imprisonment
Leonard Cure spent 16 years imprisoned in Florida after being wrongfully convicted of armed robbery in 2004. Since his release three years ago, he has been trying to rebuild his life, delivering inspirational talks to high school students, working as a security guard, and contemplating college at the age of 53 after purchasing a home.
However, his life was cut short when a Georgia sheriff’s deputy pulled him over on Interstate 95, just north of the Florida line, on Monday. Authorities reported that Cure was speeding over 90 mph (145 kph) and was to be arrested for reckless driving. Instead of going to jail, Cure ended up dead.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Cure complied until he was informed he was under arrest. The GBI stated that the deputy tased Cure when he did not follow commands, after which Cure allegedly assaulted the deputy. The deputy then used the Taser again, along with a baton, before shooting Cure. The incident was captured on the deputy’s body camera and patrol car dash camera. The footage, the officer’s statement, and other evidence will be reviewed before the GBI submits its findings to prosecutors, according to Stacy Carson, the GBI agent leading the investigation.
Studies indicate that Black Americans face a disproportionate risk of wrongful convictions and fatal encounters with police. Seth Miller, executive director of the Innocence Project of Florida, noted the intense anxiety experienced by those freed after wrongful imprisonment. Miller, who assisted in Cure's exoneration, said many exonerees live with a persistent fear of being re-incarcerated.
Miller explained that Cure was traveling to his new home outside Atlanta after visiting his ill mother when he was stopped. Just two weeks prior, Cure had shared his story with high school students at an Innocence Project event in Georgia. “Lenny was a good soul, cared about people,” Miller said. “He was getting his life back together.” Florida prosecutors, who had maintained contact with Cure after his release, were equally shocked by the incident. Cure was the first person exonerated by the Conviction Review Unit of Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor.
“The Leonard we knew was a smart, funny, and kind person,” Pryor said. “He had been working in security, hoping to go to college, and wanted to work in broadcast radio production.” Many details surrounding the shooting remain undisclosed. Camden County Sheriff’s Capt. Larry Bruce stated that Cure was initially reluctant to exit his vehicle but complied after multiple requests. The situation escalated when Cure resisted handcuffing, leading to a violent confrontation, according to Bruce.
The GBI described Cure’s actions as an assault on the deputy following the use of a stun gun. Authorities have not released the deputy’s name, who has been placed on administrative leave. Carson confirmed that the deputy was a white man. Black Americans have been nearly three times more likely to be killed by law enforcement than white Americans over the past decade, according to the Mapping Police Violence project. Additionally, the Equal Justice Initiative reported last year that Black people are seven times more likely to be wrongfully convicted compared to white people, based on a review of 3,200 exonerations since 1989.
Cure had been sentenced to life in prison for a 2003 armed robbery in Dania Beach, Florida. His conviction came after a second trial following a deadlocked jury in the first. In 2020, Broward’s Conviction Review Unit secured his release, presenting solid alibis and highlighting the lack of physical evidence or credible witnesses against him.
Cure was freed in April 2020, and his conviction was vacated a few months later. In August 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill granting Cure $817,000 in compensation, along with educational benefits. Dr. Joshua Golden, a dentist in suburban Fort Lauderdale, recalled replacing Cure’s front teeth in 2021. Despite his long imprisonment, Cure remained upbeat and showed no signs of bitterness.
“He was a really upbeat guy and excited,” Golden said. “There were no signs when he came to our office of any anger or any rage. He was happy to be out.” However, the fear of re-incarceration lingers for many exonerees. Christopher Ochoa, who spent 12 years in a Texas prison for a wrongful murder conviction, still experiences anxiety when dealing with police, even after 21 years of freedom and a successful career in law.
Man Gets Killed By Police Just 3 Years After Being Released From A 16 Year Wrongful Conviction
Ochoa recounted an incident a year after his release when he was pulled over by police. Although quickly cleared, the experience left him deeply shaken. “My girlfriend couldn’t understand why I was so shook up if I hadn’t done anything. Well, the last time I didn’t do anything, and I did 12 years in prison,” Ochoa said. He emphasized the importance of remaining calm and compliant in any interaction with police. “I just have to keep in mind not to say anything, not to rock the boat,” Ochoa said.
Georgia Driver Hit with $1.4 Million Fine for Speeding at 90 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone
David Morgan•
Georgia Driver Hit with $1.4 Million Fine for Speeding at 90 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone
A Georgia resident faced an astonishing $1.4 million ticket last month after being pulled over for speeding on a freeway. Connor Cato was driving through Savannah on September 2 when he was caught going 90 miles per hour in a 55-mile-per-hour zone by the Georgia State Patrol.
Anticipating a 'super speeder' ticket due to exceeding the speed limit by 35 miles, Cato was surprised by the excessively high fine, far beyond the usual $1,000 maximum. Suspecting a mistake, he contacted the court, only to be informed that he must either pay the astronomical amount or appear in court on December 21 at 1:30 pm.
According to Cato, the court representative stated, '"$1.4 million," the lady told me on the phone. I said, "This might be a typo," and she said, "No, sir, you either pay the amount on the ticket or you come to court on December 21 at 1.30 pm."'
Later, Cato discovered that the exorbitant $1.4 million fine was merely a placeholder generated by e-citation software used by the local Recorder’s Court for 'super speeders.' The actual fine would be determined by a judge during Cato's mandatory court appearance.
Joshua Peacock, a spokesperson for Savannah’s city government, clarified that the intention was not to intimidate individuals into court. He explained, 'The programmers who designed the software used the largest number possible because super speeder tickets are a mandatory court appearance and do not have a fine amount attached to them when issued by police.'
Although the city has employed this system since 2017, they acknowledge the need to adjust the placeholder language to prevent confusion. Criminal defense attorney Sneh Patel expressed astonishment at the initial fine, stating that he had never encountered such a high amount for a misdemeanor traffic violation.
In Georgia, misdemeanor traffic violation fines cannot exceed $1,000, along with state-mandated costs. Patel emphasized that even for a misdemeanor of high and aggravated nature, the fine would typically be $5,000. He added that bond amounts exceeding $5,000 are usually reserved for more serious offenses, such as drug trafficking, murder, aggravated assault, or for individuals expected to evade their upcoming court date.
In Other SMH America News
According to the probable cause affidavit initially obtained by NBC DFW and reviewed by PEOPLE, Chad Christopher Stevens, 42, was accused of tampering with evidence and fabricating evidence by disposing of the dead body of his ex-girlfriend Heather Louise Schwab.
"Detroit Police Commissioner Found in Car with Prostitute, Seeks Assistance from Deputies"
David Morgan•
"Detroit Police Commissioner Found in Car with Prostitute, Seeks Assistance from Deputies"
A Detroit Police Board of Commissioners member, Bryan Ferguson, has resigned amidst scandal after being caught engaging with a prostitute in his car and subsequently requesting assistance from officers. Representing District 1 for the DPBC and serving as the former chair of Detroit's police oversight board, Ferguson made the announcement following the revelation of his involvement with a sex worker on Wednesday morning.
Detroit Police Commissioner Caught in Car with Prostitute, asks Deputies to "Help Him Out"
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the residents of Detroit in police oversight, Ferguson stated, "After further consideration of the best interests of my family and the Board, I am choosing to resign as District 1 Police Commissioner effective immediately."
Undercover narcotics agents from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department observed Ferguson involved in a lewd act with a known sex worker at approximately 7:15 a.m. on Wednesday. Captain Jason Bates recounted that Ferguson, upon being discovered, identified himself as a Detroit police commissioner and requested assistance, stating his position. Bates emphasized that titles or positions do not exempt individuals from the law.
Ferguson, however, asserted that the allegations were a "big misunderstanding" and claimed to have nothing to hide. He described the situation as rough, explaining that the woman, whom he professed not to know, approached his truck unexpectedly.
Despite Ferguson's protestations, he received a misdemeanor citation for indecent or obscene conduct involving a sex act with a prostitute, according to Bates. Earlier, Ferguson had hinted at stepping away from the board, and he formalized his resignation on Thursday.
The Detroit Police Board of Commissioners did not immediately respond to inquiries from The Post regarding the incident.
In Other SMH America News
A Nevada rapper was arrested on murder charges after implicating himself in a music video by sharing details of the crime that only a killer could have known, police said.
Man left paralyzed after his head was slammed against back of police van
David Morgan•
Man left paralyzed after his head was slammed against back of police van
A man from Connecticut was left paralyzed after he was injured while riding in a police van, and his family is claiming that several officers ignored his pleas for help. The man, Randy Cox, was handcuffed and incapacitated when police in New Haven dragged him out of the van. The incident occurred on June 19th, after officers arrived in response to a weapons complaint. Authorities arrested Cox, who was carrying a firearm illegally and were taking him to jail when the officer driving the van suddenly stopped, causing Cox's head to slam against the back of the vehicle.
A video of the incident showed Cox repeatedly calling for help while an officer ignored him for almost four minutes before calling for an ambulance to meet him at the station. Several other officers then berated Cox, and he was dragged out of the van before being placed in a holding cell where he was shackled despite being paralyzed from the chest down. The family is pursuing damages against the city, and the five officers involved have been placed on paid leave pending an investigation.
The city has announced policy changes, including installing seat belts in all police department transport vans and requiring officers to buckle in detainees. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is representing Cox's family and plans to seek a civil settlement from the city to cover Cox's medical care and lifelong injuries, as well as criminal accountability for the officers involved.
Sheriffs: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
David Morgan•
Sheriffs: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
Sheriffs are elected officials who are responsible for maintaining law and order in their respective counties. However, in recent years, there has been increasing concern about the overreach of sheriffs in the United States. This article will discuss some of how sheriffs have overstepped their bounds and the potential consequences of their actions.
One of how sheriffs have overreached is by refusing to enforce laws with which they disagree. For example, some sheriffs have publicly stated that they will not enforce gun control laws, claiming that these laws violate the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. Similarly, some sheriffs have refused to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, claiming that they must protect their citizens rather than enforce federal laws.
Another way in which sheriffs have overreached is by engaging in misconduct and abuse of power. There have been numerous cases of sheriffs using their positions to intimidate and harass their political opponents, engage in financial misconduct, and even commit crimes. In some cases, sheriffs have been found guilty of using excessive force or other forms of misconduct against citizens.
One example of sheriff misconduct was seen in Maricopa County, Arizona. Sheriff Joe Arpaio was found guilty of criminal contempt for defying a court order to stop racially profiling Latinos during traffic stops. He was later pardoned by President Trump, but his actions illustrate the potential consequences of sheriffs who act outside the law.
Another example is the case of Sheriff David Clarke in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. Clarke was accused of using his position to intimidate and harass political opponents, as well as misusing public funds for personal gain. While he resigned from his position in 2017, his actions illustrate the potential for sheriffs to abuse their power.
The overreach of sheriffs is a serious concern for a number of reasons. First, it undermines the rule of law by allowing elected officials to pick and choose which laws to enforce. This creates confusion and uncertainty for citizens who may not know which laws they are expected to follow.
Second, it can lead to abuses of power and violations of civil rights. When sheriffs engage in misconduct or use their positions to intimidate or harass citizens, it erodes the trust that citizens have in law enforcement.
Finally, it can have serious consequences for public safety. When sheriffs refuse to enforce certain laws, they create a situation in which some citizens are above the law. This can lead to an increase in crime and a breakdown of social order.
In conclusion, the overreach of sheriffs in the United States is a serious concern that must be addressed. While sheriffs play an important role in maintaining law and order, they must do so within the bounds of the law and with respect for the civil rights of all citizens. Failure to do so undermines the rule of law and can have serious consequences for public safety and the well-being of our communities.
Grandma Arrested for trying to give Toys to Detained Children
David Morgan•
Grandma Arrested for trying to give Toys to Detained Children
A group of 35 volunteers, including a grandmother, Elizabeth DeCou, and Jesse Ingber, were arrested while attempting to deliver toys to a shelter for migrant children in the Bay Area on Sunday. The Berkeley group, “Solidaridad con Niños,” organized the effort to bring toys, books, and sing lullabies in Spanish to the Baptist Child and Family Services shelter on Pennsylvania Avenue. Police and a security guard from the shelter blocked their entry to the facility and asked them to step off the property. The police arrested DeCou, 66, for misdemeanor trespassing and Ingber, 27, for the same offense. DeCou, a registered nurse and child abuse victim advocate from Oakland, said she demanded information on the safety and well-being of the children, but officers refused to provide any information.
She spent six hours in custody and was cited for trespassing. Baptist Child and Family Services is a nonprofit organization that contracts with the federal government to house unaccompanied migrant children. The shelter in Fairfield has been identified in several news reports as one of the nonprofits currently sheltering some of the migrant children who were separated from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Bad Cops: Lying about Being Shot
David Morgan•
Bad Cops: Lying about Being Shot
A Georgia police officer's account of a shooting was recently revealed to be fabricated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Sherry Hall, a newly hired Jackson police officer, claimed to have been shot by a black man on September 13th. She said that the bullet had been stopped by her body armor and that the shooter had escaped after firing three shots at her. A 10-day search for the alleged shooter followed.
However, Hall's account began to unravel after two weeks of investigation. After several interviews, inconsistencies in Hall's story were discovered, and evidence surfaced that indicated that she had shot herself. She was subsequently charged with four felonies, including giving false statements to investigators and evidence tampering.
GBI officials have stated that there was never a shooter at large in Jackson and that Hall's story caused unnecessary fear in the community. After checking herself into a private facility, Hall is now on paid administrative leave but will be arrested upon release.
The incident has been a blow to the Jackson Police Department, and the community has lost trust in the department as a result. The District Attorney has promised that Hall will be prosecuted and brought to justice.
Good Cops: Vehicle Code 1739
David Morgan•
Good Cops: Vehicle Code 1739
Ice cream seems to be the latest tool in developing better relationships between police officers and the communities they serve. Following the lead of the St. Louis police department, the Halifax police department in Virginia is pulling over unsuspecting drivers and handing out ice cream cones. Police Chief Kevin Lands and his officers have been stopping drivers and making them aware of “Vehicle code 1739” – driving on a hot day without an ice cream cone.
The officers handed out cones to the drivers instead of tickets, and the shocked reactions were captured on video, which has gone viral on Facebook. Officer Brian Warner said the reactions were the best part of the experience, and the Halifax police department is continuing the initiative to promote positivity between law enforcement and the community.
Female Corrections Officer caught having Sex with inmates in view of 11 others
David Morgan•
Female Corrections Officer caught having Sex with inmates in view of 11 others
A former female corrections officer from California has been sentenced to seven months in county jail for engaging in sexual activity with an inmate, while 11 other prisoners watched. Tina Gonzalez, 26, reportedly cut a hole in her pants to make it easier to have sex in full view of the other inmates at Fresno County Jail. She was also found guilty of providing the same prisoner with razors, a mobile phone, and advanced warnings about cell searches.
Her former boss, Assistant Sheriff Steve McComas, said in court that he had witnessed many shocking incidents, but Gonzalez's behavior was particularly "depraved." Despite her early plea and lack of criminal history, the judge still expressed disappointment and emphasized that Gonzalez had ruined her career.
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