Real Estate Fraud: Successful Jury Trial During COVID-19 And Fraud Awareness - Justice Journal Episode 41
Release Date: 11/18/2020
A Preventable Tragedy: The Reality of DUI Cases
Off the Record
Episode Title: A Preventable Tragedy: The Reality of DUI Cases Description: In this special episode of Off the Record, Sacramento County Deputy District Attorney Courtney Martin walks listeners through the tragic reality of DUI-related incidents. This episode includes real body worn camera footage from an investigation involving a driver whose choices led to devastating consequences. We are sharing this material to raise awareness about the real-life impact of impaired driving. A life was lost from a single decision that also...
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Click with Caution: Keeping Kids Safe from Online Exploitation (Part One)
Off the Record
Show Notes In this powerful two-part special, Deputy DA Catrina Ranum spoke with ICAC detectives and prosecutors on Safer Internet Day to shed light on the dark reality of online predators. This discussion reveals the critical work being done to protect children from internet crimes and the dangers lurking in digital spaces. Viewer discretion is advised. Part One: Covers the case background, including how these investigations start and the strategies law enforcement uses to track down online predators. Part Two: Features an in-depth conversation with an...
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Did You Know? How to Spot & Stop Hate Crimes
Off the Record
Episode Title: Did You Know? How to Spot & Stop Hate Crimes Description: In this episode, we explore the legal distinctions between hate crimes and non-hate crimes, and the complexities involved in proving a hate crime. Our expert guests explain how hate crimes are defined, how intent and motivation play a role, and the impact that a hate crime enhancement can have on sentencing. Additionally, they offer important advice for the public on how to report crimes, stay vigilant, and access support throughout the investigative and legal processes. Key Highlights: ...
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Inside the Case: Sarah's Story
Off the Record
Podcast Description: Welcome to the first-ever episode of Off the Record, the official podcast from the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office! Hosted by Deputy District Attorney Catrina Ranum, this brand new podcast dives into the inner workings of our justice system and showcases the dedicated professionals working to keep Sacramento safe. In this premiere episode, Catrina is joined by Deputy District Attorney Courtney Martin and Sacramento City Police Department Detective Jason Collins to discuss how prosecutors and law enforcement collaborate to pursue justice and protect the...
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Driving Under the Influence: Surviving Family & MADD Candlelight Vigil – Justice Journal Episode 61
Off the Record
Video available on Description: Discussion with parents who lost their young daughter to a repeat DUI offender and her sister, who is now a MADD victim advocate. The family shares how their loss has impacted their lives and how MADD has helped them through the years. Show Notes: Larry and Kathy Harris talk about their 12-year-old daughter, Irene, who was killed by a repeat DUI offender in 1981. They recount the day Irene was killed, the circumstances of what happened, how they found out and how the loss of Irene forever changed their family and lives. They also talk about the...
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Episode 60: Driving Under the Influence: California Highway Patrol’s Drug Recognition Experts & Field Sobriety Tests
Off the Record
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Driving Under the Influence-Spotlight: Department of Motor Vehicles Consequences and Accountability - Justice Journal Episode 59
Off the Record
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Driving Under the Influence-Spotlight: DUI Offender Program - Justice Journal Episode 58
Off the Record
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Driving Under the Influence-Spotlight: Misdemeanor DUI Deputy District Attorneys - Justice Journal Episode 57
Off the Record
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Driving Under the Influence: Spotlight: California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS)- Justice Journal Episode 56
Off the Record
Description: Discussion with longtime driving under the influence (DUI) prevention partner the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) about how the organization works to protect the safety of all those on our highways and roads as well as pedestrians. Show Notes: Guest Deputy Director of Marketing & Public Affairs Tim Weisberg from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and Lead Deputy District Attorney Gregory Hayes introduce themselves – their backgrounds and current roles. Weisberg describes his past professional background and his current role managing...
info_outlineDescription: Discussion on a real estate fraud case that went to jury trial in the age of the pandemic, the impact the case had on the victims and tips to avoid becoming a real estate fraud victim. Guests are DA Deputy District Attorney Sam Nong, DA Investigator Jason Halstead and fraud victims Carolyn, Maria and Eman.
Show Notes: This episode is part of a series highlighting successful jury trials held in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as an effort to raise awareness about fraud during International Fraud Awareness Week.
Sam and Jason introduce themselves and explain their roles within the Real Estate Fraud Unit. They also provide background on what kinds of cases they investigate and prosecute as well as how these cases are reported.
Sam and Jason talk through the case of People vs. Shaun Smith and Peter Halo by providing the facts in the case, including the crimes committed and the victims they targeted.
Some of the victims in this case, Carolyn, Maria and Eman, then introduce themselves and share what happened to them, how they were victimized by the defendants and the impact it had on them and their families.
Sam and Jason talk through the prosecution of this case – from the initial investigation and filing of charges, to jury trial and sentencing. They also discussed holding the jury trial during COVID-19 and how things were done differently to keep everyone safe through the court process. They brought up some challenges and inspirational aspects that came about from the experience.
Carolyn, Maria and Eman shared how their thoughts and feelings when the defendants were convicted and sentenced as well as having the jury trial under unprecedented circumstances.
The group offers tips and alerts to help others avoid becoming victims to similar fraud scams.
The discussion closes with silver linings, including how the victims developed friendships with each other and the prosecution team.
For updates on when programs will start again after COVID-19, visit the Invictus Youth Foundation website or Facebook page. There will also be information on upcoming fundraising events, including a potential golf tournament in October, a banquet and possible concert fundraisers.
Resources:
Press release: People vs. Shaun Smith and Peter Halo
For more information on Real Estate Fraud and to report suspected fraud, visit: https://www.sacda.org/in-the-courtroom/real-estate-fraud/
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