Superfish suit
Lenovo is sued in Federal Court for pre-installing Superfish spyware on personal computers, allegedly violating the Federal Wiretap Act. Lead plaintiff Jessica N. Bennett:
…it takes up bandwidth over an Internet connection, uses up memory on a computer, causes the loss of data, compromises computer security features and frustrates computer users.
Burglary arrest
Vanilla Ice is arrested and charged with burglary and grand theft for allegedly stealing items from a vacant house near the location where he filmed The Vanilla Ice Project in Lantana, Florida. Police:
During the investigation, it was determined Robert Matthew Van Winkle played a role in the burglary and theft.
Sues food company
Garten sues California based OFI Imports Inc, alleging that the company’s Contessa Chef Inspired frozen dinners are unauthorized look-alikes of her Barefoot Contessa frozen dinners.
The continued production of products bearing the name Contessa Chef Inspired and sold in a way that is virtually identical to Barefoot Contessa dinners, represents clear infringement of our intellectual property rights.
Assault arrest
Afroman is arrested for assault after he punches a woman who jumps up on stage while he is performing at a concert in Biloxi, Mississippi. Biloxi Police Department arrest report:
On 17 February 15, the Biloxi Police Department responded to a reported assault at the Kress Live Entertainment Venue involving Mr. Joseph Edgar Foreman who performs under the stage name Afroman. Mr. Foreman was arrested for Assault as a result of a Citizen’s Affidavit, booked in, and released after paying a 330 Dollar Bond.
Murder indictment
Hicks is indicted on three counts of murder in the shooting of three Muslim students, Deah Shaddy Barakat, Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, and Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, during a dispute about a parking spot. Chapel Hill police and FBI continue to investigate the incident.
$10 million judgement
An arbitration panel in Texas orders Armstrong to pay prize-insurer SCA Promotions $10 million for lying under oath about doping. SCA’s president and founder Bob Hamman:
We are very pleased with this result. It is hard to describe how much harm Lance Armstrong’s web of lies caused SCA, but this is a good first start towards repairing that damage.
Sodomy appeal rejected
Malaysia’s highest court rejects an appeal by Ibrahim against a sodomy conviction, sending him back to prison for five years. Anwar denies the charge that led to his conviction in a statement read in court:
I will walk again for the third time into prison but rest assured that I will walk in with my head held high. I maintain my innocence.
Granted immunity
Jenkins is granted immunity in the murder trial of fiance Hernandez. CNN legal analyst Paul Callan:
It allows the prosecutor to force her to testify in front of the jury without taking the Fifth. If she lies, she can still be prosecuted for perjury because a grant of immunity never (immunizes) someone against committing perjury on the witness stand.
Files bankruptcy
RadioShack files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after Sprint and shareholder Standard General LP agree to buy 1,500 to 2,400 of its stores. RadioShack plans to operate normally through the bankruptcy process. Joe Magnacca, RadioShack’s chief executive:
These steps are the culmination of a thorough process intended to drive maximum value for our stakeholders.
Legal battle over estate
Williams’ widow, Susan, and Williams’ children from a previous marriages, Zachary, Zelda and Cody, file opposing court documents regarding the distribution of personal items and memorabilia from Williams’ estate. Allan Mayer, a spokesman for the Williams children:
Robin’s children want nothing more than to be left alone to grieve … The fact is that they have been barred from what had been their father’s house, and not even the trustees of the Robin Williams Trust have been able to conduct a complete inventory.
Soliciting prostitution arrest
Sapp is arrested for soliciting a prostitute and assault in Phoenix. Officials:
He was questioned and admitted involvement in the act of prostitution, but denied assaulting the females.
Murder charge
Knight is charged with murder and attempted murder due to his involvement in a fatal hit-and-run. He is held without bail. Knight’s attorney, James Blatt:
We feel strongly Mr. Knight did not do anything wrong in this matter. He was attacked by a number of individuals; that has already been corroborated by certain witnesses. He left the scene because he was in fear for his safety and life.
Employees file law suit
Ten former employees of a restaurant located in a Virginia McDonald’s, have made claims that they were discriminated against while on the job. Nine of the plaintiffs are African-American, and one is Hispanic. The suit alleges that they were wrongfully terminated and replaced with white employees.Plaintiffs were subjected to rampant racial and sexual harassment, committed by the restaurants’ highest-ranking supervisors. Together, these supervisors demeaned African American workers; often complained that:
There are too many black people in the store. Called African-American workers bitch, ghetto, and ratchet; called Hispanic workers dirty Mexican; disciplined African-American employees for rule infractions that were forgiven when committed by white employees; inappropriately touched female employees on their legs and buttocks; sent female employees sexual pictures; and solicited sexual relations from female employees.
Join defamation suit
Serignese and Traitz join a defamation lawsuit against Cosby, alleging that comments by Cosby’s representatives publicly branding them as liars. Attorney Joseph Cammarata:
The lawsuit provides an opportunity for women who claim to have been harmed to have their day in court in a forum where the truth can be tried.
Juror sues prosecuter
A member of the grand jury that doesn’t indict Ferguson police officer Wilson sues county prosecutor, McCulloch about the public’s impression of the grand jury’s inaccurate work. Grand juror:
I am seeking to speak out because the public’s impression of the grand jury’s work is not entirely accurate.
Begins prison sentence
Giudice begins her prison sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Connecticut, a minimum security prison for women. Giudice’s attorney James J. Leonard Jr.:
I think she was anxious to get in, get this thing started, get it behind her, and get back to her family. Her four girls are her primary focus.
Hires private investigators
Cosby pays six-figure fees to a team of private investigators, in an effort to find information to discredit his alleged accusers. Source:
The strategy isn’t new and it’s quite simple: You say I’m a bad guy, well, let’s see what gives you the right to throw a stone at my house when your home is also made of glass.
Diamond arrested
Diamond is arrested after allegedly stabbing a man at the Grand Ave Saloon in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin. Diamond faces charges of reckless endangerment in the first degree, possession of a switchblade, and carrying a concealed weapon. Port Washington P.D. statement:
At approximately 11:15 p.m. on Thursday, December 25, 2014, the Port Washington Police Department responded to the Grand Ave. Saloon for reports of a stabbing. Evidence quickly gathered at the scene indicates a male, age 37, had stabbed another male patron and left the bar in a white SUV with his 27-year-old girlfriend. Officers quickly located the suspect vehicle and suspects and took both into custody.
Domestic battery arrest
Nash is arrested and booked on domestic battery charges after a tussle with his teenage son Tristen at Nash’s home in Florida. Family attorney:
The kid was out of control, and the father was defending his wife. I’m pretty confident we will have a resolution in the next couple of months.
Pleads not guilty
Williams enters a not guilty plea to robbery charges filed by a photographer who accused Williams of stealing her camera.