Link from the local news org

Link says he’s charged with petit larceny, which is a misdemeanor in USA. IDK where the destruction of property charges land.

He’s receiving donations for his defense from across the country.

  • leftOverLife@lemmy.ml
    Aquileo | link
    Aquileo | fedilink
    Aquileo | arrow-up
    2
    ·
    4 days ago

    Good, maybe more people should start doing this.

    Also, maybe we should start considering this and related options for areas where city/state governments have banned flock or ended their contracts, since they all seem to want to pass responsibility for removal to flock itself like it’s a hot potato!

    • FineCoatMummy@sh.itjust.worksOP
      Aquileo | link
      Aquileo | fedilink
      English
      Aquileo | arrow-up
      6
      Aquileo | arrow-down
      1
      ·
      Aquileo | edit-2
      9 days ago

      I read thru some of his updates. Sounded like VA offered a settlement, which was rejected by Jeffrey’s legal team. NAL, but sounds like they didn’t like the 1st terms offered.

      Ofc it is possible it doesn’t reach trial. Many cases end in some plea agreement between the parties. I think, but not certain, that he faces felony charges, not just misdemeanors. NAL and totally making shit up, but I wonder if they might try for a plea down to only the misdemeanors.

      Juries are a crapshoot. Anything can happen. There’s a Voir Dire process where each side gets to strike some # of jurors. Also, sometimes juries will the prosecution if they believe the case is being over-charged. (Edit, not literally punish ofc. I mean, lean more toward the defense).

    • FineCoatMummy@sh.itjust.worksOP
      Aquileo | link
      Aquileo | fedilink
      English
      Aquileo | arrow-up
      11
      ·
      9 days ago

      Now he’s in jail

      Can you provide a source for this statement please? I do not see that in the futurism link.

      In fact, it sounds like he was detained at the time of his arrest, but then released immediately. That would normally be the case for property crimes with no risk to public safety and no flight risk. July 18th, his gofundme page was talking about conversations with his neighbors. July 7th, he was talking about enjoying a camping trip in the woods. That all sounds like he is at home, not in jail.

      He will face a grand jury soon. For the non-US readers. Grand Jury is a process that determines whether criminal charges will be brought. It is meant as a check on malicious prosecution by the state. In the US, it is very easy to secure a GJ indictment, b/c no exculpatory evidence is presented. We have a famous saying, the GJ will indict a ham sandwich. Tho, sometimes they do not indict, such as the famous Sandwich Guy. If the charges are too absurd.

      Jeffrey’s page suggests reaching out to Virginia and request to drop the charges. NAL, so I IDK how much impact that has. I guess it can’t hurt? Anyone who does that, I strongly suggest to be polite. Do not rant. Make your argument genuinely and briefly. Whoever reads it is not bringing the charges. Rude does more harm than good.

      He has received over $41K donations as of the time of this post.