CA - Child 🤬🤬🤬🤬 charges against John Mark Karr dismissed

[i.b.nora]

Karr's first court appearance today
Former substitute teacher skipped court date in 2001 on charges of possessing child

By JEREMY HAY
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

"John Mark Karr, his international infamy fading into the realm of bizarre trivia since DNA evidence undid his claim that he killed JonBenet Ramsey, is to appear in Sonoma County court today in relation to old charges of possessing child ."

"Today in Superior Court Judge Cerena Wong's courtroom, the arrest warrant issued after Karr skipped a 2001 court date is to be recalled. The process of setting a trial date will then go forward, said Assistant District Attorney Larry Scoufos.

"We're going to pick up where we left off," Scoufos said."

"Sheriff's detectives have reopened the investigation to determine if more evidence may be recoverable from Karr's computers seized five years ago, but in a statement issued Wednesday, Passalacqua said Karr faces only the original five counts.

Asked if the reopened investigation has produced additional evidence that may be used against Karr, Scoufos said only that: "We're starting to look again at the evidence we have, and it's conceivable we could find new evidence up to the time the case is resolved."

He said the District Attorney's Office does not have a laptop computer seized from Karr in Thailand, a computer Boulder authorities said was given to Sonoma County authorities as evidence in their case."

A good article, there is more.

 

[Buzz Mills]

That's why this case is going to be so interesting. Disregarding all that we know of John Mark Karr, we have a substitute teacher with no prior record being accused of being in possession of child . There is some question as to illegal search and seizure, and also possible entrapment.

Now, even that we know so much about John Mark Karr, and how sick he is, and how he shouldn't be walking the streets, it isn't part of this case.

How does the court system deal with John Mark Karr??

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua has said that because Karr spent six months in custody in 2001, he probably won't face much more jail time, but if he's convicted, he would be required to register as a sex offender for life.

Sheriff's detectives have reopened the investigation to determine if more evidence may be recoverable from Karr's computers seized five years ago, but in a statement issued Wednesday, Passalacqua said Karr faces only the original five counts.

 

[Buzz Mills]

Karr's first court appearance today
Former substitute teacher skipped court date in 2001 on charges of possessing child

SNIP

He said the District Attorney's Office does not have a laptop computer seized from Karr in Thailand, a computer Boulder authorities said was given to Sonoma County authorities as evidence in their case."

With regard to Karr's laptop computer, seized when he was arrested in Thailand, it seems that any effort to prosecute him, if any child is found on that laptop, if he can be prosecuted at all, would have to be done at the Federal level. An opportunity for all of us to learn about International Law. I personally don't think Sonoma has the jurisdiction to prosecute Karr for anything found on that Thailand laptop, so Sonoma can only prosecute Karr on the five Child (S311.11), and the flight to avoid prosecution charge.

 

[panthera]

That's why this case is going to be so interesting. Disregarding all that we know of John Mark Karr, we have a substitute teacher with no prior record being accused of being in possession of child . There is some question as to illegal search and seizure, and also possible entrapment.

Now, even that we know so much about John Mark Karr, and how sick he is, and how he shouldn't be walking the streets, it isn't part of this case.

How does the court system deal with John Mark Karr??

The prosecutor and judge in California can only go by the law as it was in 2001 when the charges were originally filed. Likewise he can only be sentenced as was applicable then, and normally these misdemeanor charges wouldn't bring the full one year terms, times five, served consecutively. If the judge were now to sentence him to that it would clearly be based upon information obtained recently, not at the time of the occurrence.

 

[panthera]

With regard to Karr's laptop computer, seized when he was arrested in Thailand, it seems that any effort to prosecute him, if any child is found on that laptop, if he can be prosecuted at all, would have to be done at the Federal level. An opportunity for all of us to learn about International Law. I personally don't think Sonoma has the jurisdiction to prosecute Karr for anything found on that Thailand laptop, so Sonoma can only prosecute Karr on the five Child (S311.11), and the flight to avoid prosecution charge.

That sounds absolutely correct. Sonoma County can't enter his computer (which he was using in Thailand in 2006) into evidence to prosecute the five misdemeanor charges they filed in 2001. Any criminal activity found on the computer would have charges filed by the Federal government; and only if what was found was applicable under the new Federal law on sex crimes. Otherwise, it would be a matter for Thai officials to deal with since he was living there.

 

[panthera]

The family had only been in Petaluma for about nine months when in April, 2001, all hell broke loose with John being arrested. I don't know what it was that kept her there at that time, but whatever it was must have had a strong hold on her. Admittedly Petaluma is nice place to live, close to a lot of very nice amenities--a short drive West to the Ocean, Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay, Jenner, the Russian River, a short drive East to Napa/Sonoma wine country, a short drive South to San Francisco, a short drive North to the Redwoods. It's all good.

I can see why Lara chose to remain in the Petaluma area, although I understand it is very expensive. It is beautiful country out there, good wine and a good road course for NASCAR racing!!!

 

[lighthouselover]

So his laptop is now missing? In whose custody was it last? Boulder?

Would this be the same laptop that would undoubtably contain ALL the emails between Karr and Tracey, not just the cherry picked ones for Mary Lacy to produce to the judge and later to the media?

Curious ain't it?

 

[Buzz Mills]

Karr Stands By Not-Guilty Pleas in Child Case

SANTA ROSA -- The man who confessed to murdering JonBenet Ramsey only to be exonerated plans to fight the 5-year-old misdemeanor child charges he faces in California, his defense lawyer said today.

Appearing in a Sonoma County courtroom for the first time since he fled the state in 2001 and then resurfaced as a suspect in the unsolved Ramsey slaying, John Mark Karr, 41, did not enter a new plea in the outstanding child case during his scheduled arraignment.

His lawyer, Robert Amparan, http://pier5law.com/robert-amparan.htm said Karr stood by the not guilty pleas he entered when he was arrested in April 2001 after police found images of children on his computer. Judge Cerena Wong set a trial date of Oct. 2.

A clean-shaven and unshackled Karr sat in court wearing a blue jail jumpsuit and seemed to follow the proceedings attentively, exchanging written notes and whispering with his team of three lawyers. He did not speak directly to the judge.

Since he was returned to California from Colorado on Monday, Karr has been held without bail at the Sonoma County jail. Amparan said he would seek to have bail set and argue for Karr's release during a hearing scheduled for Tuesday.

Amparan said the circumstances of Karr's life now are different from when he fled Sonoma County while awaiting trial on the child charges after serving six months in jail. His wife filed for divorce after his arrest and obtained a restraining order preventing him from contacting her or their three sons.

"He was probably in a very depressed state where he thought nothing was going to go right," Amparan said.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-091406karr,0,4887310.story?coll=la-story-footer

 

[Buzz Mills]

So his laptop is now missing? In whose custody was it last? Boulder?

Would this be the same laptop that would undoubtably contain ALL the emails between Karr and Tracey, not just the cherry picked ones for Mary Lacy to produce to the judge and later to the media?

Curious ain't it?

That Thailand laptop doesn't have a place in this 2001 CA case, and it would be best if the feds had it in their possession at this point in time. Other than John Mark Karr owning it, and eventually wanting it back, CA shouldn't have any legal reason to want it

 

[i.b.nora]

Would this be the same laptop that would undoubtably contain ALL the emails between Karr and Tracey, not just the cherry picked ones for Mary Lacy to produce to the judge and later to the media?

Curious ain't it?

I believe that would be the same laptop, and that is why I highlighted it in my original post.
Very curious, indeed!!!

 

[Buzz Mills]

I believe that would be the same laptop, and that is why I highlighted it in my original post.
Very curious, indeed!!!

He said the District Attorney's Office does not have a laptop computer seized from Karr in Thailand, a computer Boulder authorities said was given to Sonoma County authorities as evidence in their case."

He (Sonoma Asst D.A.) said the District Attorney's Office does not have a laptop computer seized from Karr in Thailand, a computer Boulder authorities said was given to Sonoma County authorities as evidence in their case.

Now track it back to which Boulder authority said that the Thailand seized laptop computer was given to the Sonoma County authorities. Most likely an uninformed spokesman for the Boulder County authorities; Boulder County either still has it, or it was given to the Feds.

 

[i.b.nora]

Now track it back to which Boulder authority said that the Thailand seized laptop computer was given to the Sonoma County authorities. Most likely an uninformed spokesman for the Boulder County authorities; Boulder County either still has it, or it was given to the Feds.

Reasonable perhaps, but utter speculation at this stage, imo.

 

[Buzz Mills]

Reasonable perhaps, but utter speculation at this stage, imo.

I was just trying to keep the alleged "missing" Thailand laptop back on the Boulder/Ramsey forum side of the fence.

 

[Buzz Mills]

It could be my imagination, but italmost seems as if there is some discord between the head D.A., and his assistant; they sem to be conflicting in their statements to the media.

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua has said that because Karr spent six months in custody in 2001, he probably won't face much more jail time, but if he's convicted, he would be required to register as a sex offender for life.

Sheriff's detectives have reopened the investigation to determine if more evidence may be recoverable from Karr's computers seized five years ago, but in a statement issued Wednesday, Passalacqua said Karr faces only the original five counts.

Asked if the reopened investigation has produced additional evidence that may be used against Karr, Scoufos said only that: "We're starting to look again at the evidence we have, and it's conceivable we could find new evidence up to the time the case is resolved."

I've noticed it twice now, once in another article.

 

[panthera]

It could be my imagination, but italmost seems as if there is some discord between the head D.A., and his assistant; they sem to be conflicting in their statements to the media.

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua has said that because Karr spent six months in custody in 2001, he probably won't face much more jail time, but if he's convicted, he would be required to register as a sex offender for life.

Sheriff's detectives have reopened the investigation to determine if more evidence may be recoverable from Karr's computers seized five years ago, but in a statement issued Wednesday, Passalacqua said Karr faces only the original five counts.

Asked if the reopened investigation has produced additional evidence that may be used against Karr, Scoufos said only that: "We're starting to look again at the evidence we have, and it's conceivable we could find new evidence up to the time the case is resolved."

I've noticed it twice now, once in another article.

I'm wondering if Karr had stayed in California in 2001 and served his time on these charges, would the computer have been returned to him (without the images) when he was freed? Or would it have been kept in the possession of LE for them to research it further when the technology became available? It seems if they, through the enhanced technology available today, find further evidence to prosecute him on additional charges that they're "getting that second bite of the apple" on this case. What do you think?

 

[Buzz Mills]

I'm wondering if Karr had stayed in California in 2001 and served his time on these charges, would the computer have been returned to him (without the images) when he was freed? Or would it have been kept in the possession of LE for them to research it further when the technology became available? It seems if they, through the enhanced technology available today, find further evidence to prosecute him on additional charges that they're "getting that second bite of the apple" on this case. What do you think?

We were discussing the Thailand laptop computer, as being off limits to CA. Sonoma should still have the computer/evidence seized in April, 2001. Let's see what develops now. The trial begins in only three weeks.

 

[i.b.nora]

I think Karr will get off in Sonoma, and I think it will all come down to what Wendy Hutchens did, and when she did it.
I am extremely bothered by the fact that Hutchens seems to have in her possession items that I would think would
be evidence belonging to Sonoma County. Or wait, would that tape she has been playing be one that she made before
she involved the County Sheriffs? Hmmm. Too many things associated with Hutchens that are smelly.

Her Security Expert, AJ, claims that the "all the journals on sale on ebay are stolen property and any reprint are also stolen.
One location that had copies was already raided by Sonoma County authorities last week. There is an investigation pending
on this auction. Their sale has nothing to do with Wendy and is selling stolen property both physical and intellectual."
- from a post at crimerant

 

[lighthouselover]

I think Karr will get off in Sonoma, and I think it will all come down to what Wendy Hutchens did, and when she did it.
I am extremely bothered by the fact that Hutchens seems to have in her possession items that I would think would
be evidence belonging to Sonoma County. Or wait, would that tape she has been playing be one that she made before
she involved the County Sheriffs? Hmmm. Too many things associated with Hutchens that are smelly.

Her Security Expert, AJ, claims that the "all the journals on sale on ebay are stolen property and any reprint are also stolen.
One location that had copies was already raided by Sonoma County authorities last week. There is an investigation pending
on this auction. Their sale has nothing to do with Wendy and is selling stolen property both physical and intellectual."
- from a post at crimerant

Yeah, that little revelation about stolen items being sold on Ebay was long after the initial bid advertisement. In it "she" claimed she was keeping the originals and all that was being sold was a copy. In addition to her notes, (in which she indicated she emailed 5 photos to Karr, BTW), there was also that so-called psychological profile of Karr. IMO, she only came up with the "stolen" story after several people emailed Nancy Grace (among others who had her on their shows) pointing it out. Like you, I am also bothered by Wendy hitting the talk show circuit playing her evidence tapes. As far as I'm concerned she sold her testimony to the highest bidder and any evidence she might offer the court is now tainted.

IMO, the journals were not stolen and were placed on Ebay before she started getting taken seriously by the media. Only after it was brought to their attention that she had the items up for bid was the "stolen property" story conceived. You have to ask yourself who all had access to her journals (which should have been long turned over to Sonoma County in order to benefit any prosecution of Karr) besides Wendy herself?

And there is something up with that laptop and I personally don't think the feds have any interest in it. Boulder says they gave it to Sonoma County and Sonoma County says they didn't. Who's telling the truth? Remember in the extradition hearing in Boulder, Karr's attorney requested the laptop back and the Asst. DA said "they" (Boulder) were "going over it with a fine tooth comb" (according to Jean Cazarez) and would not return it to him. At that time, they did not indicate that the laptop had been requested by either Sonoma County or the Feds.

Considering everything that has transpired in the last month, I doubt you'll ever hear anything about the laptop again and if, and when, it is returned to Karr, it'll be minus the hard drive or at the least, minus every email copy to and from Michael Tracey. IMO, the Boulder DA's office does not want that info released. There will never be any proof of what really transpired between those two.

 

[Leila]

I think Karr will get off in Sonoma, and I think it will all come down to what Wendy Hutchens did, and when she did it.
I am extremely bothered by the fact that Hutchens seems to have in her possession items that I would think would
be evidence belonging to Sonoma County. Or wait, would that tape she has been playing be one that she made before
she involved the County Sheriffs? Hmmm. Too many things associated with Hutchens that are smelly.

Her Security Expert, AJ, claims that the "all the journals on sale on ebay are stolen property and any reprint are also stolen.
One location that had copies was already raided by Sonoma County authorities last week. There is an investigation pending
on this auction. Their sale has nothing to do with Wendy and is selling stolen property both physical and intellectual."
- from a post at crimerant

I'm not thrilled with Wendy Hutchings, but the comments made by John Karr to her during their conversations are chilling to say the least! I hope he's not simply let go and allowed to walk free. If he'd not already molested children, I fear he's very likely to.

 

[i.b.nora]

In addition to her notes, (in which she indicated she emailed 5 photos to Karr, BTW), there was also that so-called psychological profile of Karr.

Considering everything that has transpired in the last month, I doubt you'll ever hear anything about the laptop again and if, and when, it is returned to Karr, it'll be minus the hard drive or at the least, minus every email copy to and from Michael Tracey. IMO, the Boulder DA's office does not want that info released. There will never be any proof of what really transpired between those two.

Lighthouse, I missed her indications that she emailed 5 photos to Karr. Do you know where you saw that? or read that? or heard that? I have 3 images of notes that were included on the original eBay site. I thought I had retreived all, but maybe not.

I agree with you regarding the laptop.

I was doing a little research and found some interesting statements made on Larry King Live on August 24, 2006. Larry was interviewing both Wendy and AJ:

"FARDELLA: Yesterday the Sonoma County Sheriff's Department, Richard -- excuse me, Bob Giordano (ph) who is the head of their violent crimes unit put out a press release that acknowledged Wendy's involvement in the undercover work.

KING: Have you been involved in this from the start too?

FARDELLA: Only on a cursory level. I found out a little bit about it when it first happened in 2001 but Wendy realized that she was going to be a little overwhelmed with the media and I guess she ascertained that she thought I had the best skill set to help her out in this."

and then, a little further into the interview:

"KING: You're a criminal investigator. We don't know the -- we're not going to presume guilt ever on this show. We're not going to presume anything or enter into conjecture. What's your read on this guy, A.J.?

FARDELLA: Well, you know, I've had a chance to listen to all the tapes several times and I have to say that, you know, in my work in criminal investigation I have to listen to a lot of slimy things but I've never had so much difficulty sitting through any kind of evidence as I have listening to this man say these things about this girl. And, I wouldn't be able to put out a guess about whether or not he's guilty in the JonBenet killing."

CNN LARRY KING LIVE

Fardella's statement saying he had listened to ALL the tapes, several times, indicates to me that Hutchens made and has retained, copies of all the tapes. Bad, Wendy. Very dishonest, I think.