Recent Blog Posts in June 2010

This week, a man that robbed a gas station in West Scranton and a drug store was sentenced to 23 years in state prison in Lackawanna County Court.  The man told police that he robbed the gas station and store to support his crack addiction.

30 year old Amin Gibson was sentenced by Judge Michael J. Barrasse after being charged with two counts of robbery. 

The incidents allegedly took place on November 20^th.   Police say that Gibson held up a Sunoco gas station on the 1200 block of South Main Avenue and then four hours later, he targeted a CVS drug store.  While robbing the gas station, Gibson allegedly held a knife to the throat of the clerk.

On November 24^th, police issued an arrest warrant in Gibson's name.  He later confessed to committing both crimes after being detained by police on December 21^st.  He told officers that he was motivated to steal because of his crack habit.

If you have been charged with robbery, it is important that you retain legal representation from a Phoenix criminal defense attorney who can protect your rights.  Contact the Knowles Law Firm today!

This Monday, a Phoenix doctor was accused of inappropriately touching a female patient.  Now, reports indicate that the doctor, 54 year old Galen Johnson, has been in the process of closing his practice for the past two months. 

According to reports, the doctor worked as a gynecologist for 10 years at a health center that is located near 99^th Avenue and Indian School Road.  During the past two months, Johnson was "ramping down" from his position at the health facility.  On Monday, the doctor was placed under arrest for sexual abuse and physical assault of a female patient.

Documents from the Maricopa County Superior Court show that police suspect two separate incidents of sexual assault and sexual abuse.  One incident allegedly took place on April 27^th and another on May 18^th while Johnson was performing a routine checkup on a patient.

Court documents state that Johnson inappropriately touched a 28 year old patient that was eight months pregnant.   Officers stated that Johnson grabbed the woman's buttocks during the first incident and during the second incident he allegedly put his hand down her shirt and touched her breast.

Johnson was arrested on June 14^th and questioned by police.  He was later booked in the Fourth Avenue Jail, but was released without posting a bond.

Have you been charged with a sex crime?  Now is the time to contact the Knowles Law Firm and discuss your case with a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer.

In Phoenix, it is reported that the top prosecutor for Maricopa County plans to seek the death penalty for a man that was charged with shooting and killing a police officer in May 2010.

County Attorney Rick Romley made an announcement last week Thursday.  He confirmed that he had decided to seek the death penalty in a case involving 30 year old defendant, Danny Ledezma Martinez.

According to court documents, Martinez was indicted on 11 counts, including first-degree murder.  He stands accused of fatally shooting Officer Travis Murphy with an AR-15 rifle.  The shooting took place on May 26^th in front of a residence in central Phoenix.

This is not the first time Martinez has been in trouble with the law.  He served 5 years for attempted sexual assault and was released in 2003.  He also served 3 years for charges of felony weapons misconduct before being released in April of 2009.

If you have been charged with a serious crime in Phoenix, contact the Knowles Law Firm and set up an initial consultation with a Phoenix criminal defense attorney immediately.

At this time, Phoenix law enforcement is requesting assistance from the public in finding two men that are wanted on warrants.

According to a recent news release, the first man police are looking for is 22 year old Melvin Leroy Grayson.  He is wants for failure to appear on charges of misconduct involving weapons and possession of marijuana with intent to sell.  Police say that Grayson is 6'2" and approximately 210 pounds.  He has black hair and brown eyes and also has tattoos that read "get money stay true" and "MLG".  Law enforcement officers reiterate that Grayson may be armed and should be considered dangerous.

Police are also trying to locate 29 year old Christian Cerna.  He is wanted for aggravated DUI and violating his original charges.  Officers report that Cena is 6 feet tall, 200 pounds, has a shaved head and green eyes.  He reportedly has a tattoo of a lizard on his left shoulder.

If you have news about these men, police encourage you to contact them immediately.

Have you been charged with a criminal offense in Phoenix?  If so, a Phoenix criminal defense attorney can help you fight your charges.  Contact the Knowles Law Firm now!

According to authorities, a native of Mexico has been arrested and is facing additional criminal charges.  Prior to his recent arrest, 47 year old Evelio Padilla-Ortega had served time in jail for prison and was deported at least twice to Mexico.

Last Friday, police arrested Ortega and he was charged with re-entering the United States after deportation.  It is a felony offense that could result in 20 years of jail time if Ortega is convicted.

Police report that Ortega was deported to Mexico in 2003.  He was also deported in 2005 after he served one year of prison time for aggravated DUI and auto theft charges.   Officers say that in 1988, Ortega committed murder in the state of California.  He then fled to his native Mexico to avoid prosecution.   He was later arrested in Mexico and found guilty of homicide committed in a foreign country.

If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Phoenix and you are in need of legal representation, contact the Knowles Law Firm to schedule a consultation with a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer.

Phoenix police recently reported that six individuals have been detained for the crimes of identification theft and forgery. 

On Monday, police said that the three women and three men were not arrested.  Police were able to detain the individuals on Friday after they attempted to pick up stolen credit cards and falsified driver's licenses.  Officers say that the cards and licenses were shipped to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport via a commercial airline.

Law enforcement was alerted then an airline employee became suspicious of the package and opened it.  The employee found three fake Taxes driver's licenses and two credit cards that had been reported as stolen.

After coming to the airport to pick up the package, police detained all six people, who arrived in Phoenix from California on June 3^rd.  Officers say that the suspects used a stolen credit card and fake driver's license from Oregon to rent a car.  They then went to a metro area in the city and withdrew thousands of dollars from banks using cash advances from the stolen credit cards.

Have you been charged with a theft crime or a serious felony in Phoenix?  If you answered "yes", it is imperative that you have a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer on your side.  Contact the Knowles Law Firm to retain the legal services you need.

In Phoenix, a 15 year old Liberian refugee was placed on probation after being charged with sex crimes.  The juvenile was charged after allegations surfaced that he participated in the gang rape of an 8 year old girl in Arizona. 

Several boys came together to rape the young victim in a storage closet in a Phoenix apartment complex.  The ages of the rapists were 9, 10, 13 and 15. 

The oldest in the attack, an unidentified teenager, pled guilty to criminal charges of kidnapping, sexual assault, sexual conduct with a minor and also attempted sex with a minor.  He told police that he held the girl down while the other boys attacked her. 

The youngest of the boys were found incompetent to stand trial and the 13 year old is due back in court on June 14^th.  The outcome of his case will largely depend upon a psychological evaluation.

All of the children involved in the incident, including the girl, are refugees from Liberia.  They have all been placed in foster care and remain there at this time.

If you have been charged with a sexual offense in Phoenix, you need to speak with a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer from the Knowles Law Firm. Contact our law office today.