Monday, December 31, 2012

One dead and two seriously injured in Harvey County accident

An accident in Harvey county leaves one young man dead and two seriously injured.  Matthew Krier, and Rachel Forsberg were seriously injured and Ronald Bacon, age 28 was killed in the roll-over accident.  Matthew Krier, of Salina was transported to the Wesley Medical Center, and Rachel Forsberg also of Salina was transported to the Newton Medical Center. Mr. Bacon was taken to St. Francis but attempts to save his life were unsuccessful.  According to the investigating officer for the Kansas Highway patrol, on December 16, 2012 at approximately 6:55 pm on Interstate 135 at Lincoln Street in Hesston, Kansas the accident occurred.  The Police report states that the accident took place when a 2004 Tahoe operated by Mathew Krier left the roadway to the left and over-corrected to the right and slid sideways.  The 2004 Tahoe overturned on an embankment and came to a rest.  It is unknown at this time why the vehicle left the roadway.. 


Police Report

When involved in an accident, especially if you were in the vehicle that was a fault,  many people believe that they may not be able to recover for their losses.  This may not be the case.  The operator of a vehicle is required to have insurance on their vehicle.  A passenger in a vehicle can often recover from the driver's insurance policy. If you, a loved one, or a family member has suffered the devastating , and oftentimes tragic consequences of a car accident, please do not hesitate to contact Copley Roth and Wilson, LLC (913-451-9500) to address any questions or concerns you may have.  The initial consultation(s) telephone and in person, are always free.  We invite you to call and speak with our experienced personal injury lawyers in your time of need.

Sperm Donor faces child support suit in Kansas

Now this is a strange one...A lesbian couple wanted to add to their family of seven children.  They contracted with a auto mechanic in Topeka to donate sperm for the pregnancy.  It is unknown at this time how the insemination occurred.  The man signed away any claim for the child and was not involved in the child life.  The lesbian couple eventually broke up and the mother of the child was unable to work due to an illness.  Now the State is coming after the auto mechanic to try to get the child support form the sperm donor.

Regardless if you believe in same sex unions it is crazy that the state will go after the "sperm donor" before it will go after the self-admitted parent of the child. (as Kansas does not recognize same sex unions the state has no way to enforce the payment of child support by the lesbian mother)

Here is the article...What do you think?

Kansas Sperm Donor for Lesbian Couple faces child support suit from state.
by John Celock

Kansas state officials are seeking child support from the sperm donor to a lesbian couple in exchange for the state providing the child's mother with financial aid.

The Kansas Department of Children and Families has filed a claim against William Marotta, a mechanic in Topeka, demanding child support for the 3-year-old daughter of Topeka residents Jennifer Schreiner and Angela Bauer, to whom he donated sperm in 2009, the Topeka Capital-Journal reported. Schreiner and Bauer had sought financial assistance from state welfare officials after Bauer stopped working due to illness and could not financially support Schreiner and their children.

According to the Capital-Journal, Schreiner and Bauer are no longer together but still co-parent their eight children. Because Schreiner is the 3-year-old's sole parent under Kansas law, which does not recognize same-sex unions, the state cannot seek child support from Bauer.

"More and more gays and lesbians are adopting and reproducing, and this to me is a step backward," Bauer told the Capital-Journal. "I think a lot of progressive movement is happening currently in the world as far as gays and lesbians go. Maybe this is Kansas' stand against some of that."

Bauer and Schreiner had signed an agreement with Marotta releasing him from all responsibility for the child. The state argues in court documents that because a doctor did not handle the artificial insemination as required by state law, the contract among the three is not valid.

Marotta is seeking to have the case dismissed. A state judge will hear arguments next month, The Kansas City Star reported. Marotta's lawyer, Hannah Schroller, told the Star that her client believed he was a sperm donor and not a parent. Schroller also argued in court papers that the state's interpretation of the artificial-insemination-by-doctor requirement fails to protect sperm donors because it would allow Kansas women to have sperm shipped to their home from a sperm bank and inseminate themselves with the intent of then demanding financial support from the donor.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Children and Families told the Star that she could not comment on the case.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Two Car Accident in Wyandotte County leave three seriously injured

An accident in Wyandotte county leaves three seriously injured.  Larry Tyrer, Shelby Tyrer, and Virginia Tyrer all of Wellsville were all transported to Overland Park Regional after the accident.    According to the investigating officer for the Kansas Highway patrol, on December 25, 2012 at approximately 7:48 pm at U.S. Hwy 73 about 4 miles North of Bonner Springs,  Kansas the accident occurred.  The Police report states that the accident took place when a vehicle operated by Larry Tyrer was stopped on Hollingsworth Road, the driver failed to yield to the driver of another vehicle and was struck while entering the intersection.  Larry Tyrer's vehicle was struck broadside.  It is unknown at this time why the vehicle did not yield. 

Police Report

When involved in an accident, especially if you were in the vehicle that was a fault,  many people believe that they may be out of luck on who can take care of their bills.  This may not be the case.  The operator of a vehicle is required to have insurance on their vehicle.  A passenger in a vehicle can often recover from the driver's insurance policy. If you, a loved one, or a family member has suffered the devastating , and oftentimes tragic consequences of a car accident, please do not hesitate to contact Copley Roth and Wilson, LLC (913-451-9500) to address any questions or concerns you may have.  The initial consultation(s) telephone and in person, are always free.  We invite you to call and speak with our experienced personal injury lawyers in your time of need.

Two men seriously injured in Johnson County car accident

Gary Maricle age 59, of Liberty Missouri and David Silberstein age 62, of Sedalia Missouri, were both seriously injured in a Johnson County Missouri car accident.  According to Trooper J.T. Langsdale of the Missouri Highway Patrol on December 26, 2012 at approximately 7:06 pm on Westbound Missouri Highway 50 at NW 1601 Road the accident occurred.  The Police report states that the accident occurred as a vehicle driven by David Silberstein, failed to yield to a westbound driver.   David Silberstein pulled into the path of Gary Maricle's 2012 Chevrolet and the vehicles made contact.  Both men were transported to local hospitals in Kansas City.  The reasons as to why  David Silberstein failed to yield are still unknown.

 Police Report

When seriously injured in an accident like this you need to obtain an experienced personal injury lawyer to investigate the facts and determine whom is at fault.   If you or a loved one find themselves in need of an experienced personal injury lawyer please contact the attorneys of Copley Roth and Wilson LLC.  Our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims and is here to compassionately assist you in your time of need.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Three injured in Pettis County when young man loses control of his vehicle

Michael Dougas age 19, Jacob Haulcy age 17, and Demeitrus Scott age 21, were all injured in one car accident in Pettis County.  The accident ended with Jacob Haulcy being airlifted to University Hospital and the other boys transported to Bothwell Hospital.  According to Corporal R.S. Smith of the Missouri Highway Patrol on December 27, 2012 at approximately 1:15 am on Drake Road at Route T the accident occurred.  The Police report states that the accident occurred when a vehicle operated by Demeitrus Scott  failed to negotiate a curve and went off the right side of the roadway.  The vehicle then hit a ditch and an embankment before coming to a rest.  The reasons as to why the vehicle failed to make the turn are still unknown.  

Police Report

When involved in a one car accident many people believe that they may be out of luck on who can take care of their bills.  This may not be the case.  The operator of a vehicle is required to have insurance on their vehicle.  A passenger in a vehicle can often recover from the driver's insurance policy.  If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident like this and has questions feel free to contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Copley Roth and Wilson LLC.  Our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims and is here to compassionately assist you in your time of need.

Woman killed and man seriously injured in Lawrence County Train accident

In what is a strange set of circumstances a young women was killed and a man seriously injured in a Lawrence County train and vehicle collision.  The accident in Lawrence county has a horrible outcome for David Birch age 38, and Katie Wiggins, age 26.  According to Trooper Bryant May the investigating officer for the Kansas Highway patrol, on December 17, 2012 at approximately 5:25 pm O'dell Street in Marionville,  Kansas the accident occurred.  The Police report states that the accident took place when a vehicle operated by David Birch was struck by a Burlington Northern Train as Mr. Birch crossed the train's path with his 2006 Nissan Sentra.  Reasons are not known why David Birch tried to cross at that moment when red lights were apparently flashing.

Police Report

The death of this individual is a terrible loss to her family before the holidays and I am sure she will be greatly missed. If you or a loved one find themselves in need of an experienced wrongful death lawyer please contact the attorneys of Copley Roth and Wilson LLC.  Our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims and is here to compassionately assist you in your time of need.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Two car accident in Newton County leaves women dead and man seriously injured

Josh Vaughan age 34, of Neosho Missouri was seriously injured and Marguerite Ward was killed in a Newton County car accident.  According to Trooper Josey Long of the Missouri Highway Patrol on December 19, 2012 at approximately 5:40 pm on Business loop 49 just 4 miles south of Joplin the accident occurred.  The Police report states that the accident occurred as a vehicle driven by Josh Vaughan, pulled out to pass another vehicle and hit a vehicle operated by Marguerite Ward head-on.    The reasons as to why Josh Vaughan attempted to pass at that particular time are still unknown. Marguerite Ward was transported to Freeman West Hospital but they were unable to save her and she was pronounced dead at 6:45 pm.

Police Report

When a loved one is seriously injured or killed in an accident like this you need to obtain an experienced personal injury lawyer to investigate the facts and determine whom is at fault.   If you or a loved one find themselves in need of an experienced wrongful death lawyer please contact the attorneys of Copley Roth and Wilson LLC.  Our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims and is here to compassionately assist you in your time of need.

Man killed and woman seriously injured as they wait out bad weather on side of I70

Jillian Davidson, age 25 was seriously injured and Jason Harper, age 26 was killed in an accident on I70 in Geary County.  According to the Kansas Highway Patrol on December 20, 2012 at approximately 2:25 pm on I70 about .5 miles west of K57 highway the accident occurred.  The Police report states that the accident occurred when a vehicle operated by Jason Harper had pulled over on the side of I70 probably because of the dangerous road conditions.  Mr. Harper and Jillian Davidson were in there 2001 Chevy when a vehicle driven by  Jared Beary age 31, lost control of his dump truck and struck the victims.  Mr. Jason Harper was pronounced dead at 4:00pm and Jillian Davidson was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

Police Report

The death of this young man is an unimaginable loss to his family before the holidays and I am sure he will be greatly missed.  If you or a loved one find themselves in need of an experienced wrongful death lawyer please contact the attorneys of Copley Roth and Wilson LLC.  Our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims and is here to compassionately assist you in your time of need.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Two car accident leave two women seriously injured and 27 year old male dead.

Stephanie Toolate age 25 and Jessica Murphy age 19, were seriously injured and Cortez Robinson, age 27 was killed in an accident in Lewis County.  According to Trooper Kelly Hoover of the Missouri Highway Patrol on December 17, 2012 at approximately 9:45 pm on Missouri Highway 6, two miles west of Lewistown the accident occurred.  The Police report states that the accident occurred when a vehicle was parked partly in the roadway with Hazard lights activated on the westbound side of MO6.  Robinson was standing alongside the broken vehicle in the roadway and Stephanie Toolate was standing at the front of the vehicle.  A vehicle operated by Jessica Murphy did not yield to the disabled vehicle and rear ended the disabled vehicle.  The impact caused such damage to Cortez Robinson that he was pronounced dead at the scene.  Ms. Toolate was also seriously injured and was transported to Memorial Medical Center.

Police Report

The death of this young man is an unimaginable loss to his family before the holidays and I am sure he will be greatly missed.  If you or a loved one find themselves in need of an experienced wrongful death lawyer please contact the attorneys of Copley Roth and Wilson LLC.  Our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims and is here to compassionately assist you in your time of need.

Texas man killed in horrific Ford County Accident

Argelio Gaytan age 59, John Martin age 29, and James Pivonka age 74, were involved in a terrible accident in Ford County Kansas where a young man named Roy Gaytan lost his life.  According to the Kansas Highway Patrol on December 19, 2012 at approximately 7:45 pm on U.S. Highway 50 about 1 mile west of 126 road the accident occurred.  The Police report states that the accident occurred as a vehicle driven by Argelio Gaytan was east bound on U50, and the other two vehicles driven by John Martin and James Pivonka were traveling west bound.  Due to the weather Mr. Gaytan went left of center and struck the trailer of the vehicle driven by Mr. Martin.  A 1999 Honda driven by James Pivonka then struck the eastbound vehicle of Mr. Gaytan.  The accident resulted in the death of the passenger of the east bound vehicle, a 21 year old Texas man names Roy Gaytan.  Mr. Roy Gaytan a Texas resident, was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. 

Police Report

The death of this individual is a terrible loss to his family before the holidays and I am sure he will be greatly missed.  If you or a loved one find themselves in need of an experienced personal injury lawyer please contact the attorneys of Copley Roth and Wilson LLC.  Our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims and is here to compassionately asist you in your time of need.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Pedestrian Accident in Ford County leaves man dead

Gary Ives, age 72 was killed in a terrible accident in Ford County Kansas.  According to the Kansas Highway Patrol on December 21, 2012 at approximately 11:15 am at 10950 101 Road, the accident occurred.  The Police report states that the accident occurred as Leo Robertson age 71, was backing up from around a shop and was backing around a stationary truck when he made contact with, and ran over the pedestrian, Mr. Gary Ives.   The reasons as to why the Ms. Robertson failed to see the pedestrian are still unknown.  Mr. Ives a Kansas resident, were pronounced dead shortly thereafter. 

Police Report

The death of this individual is a terrible loss to his family before the holidays and I am sure he will be greatly missed.  If you or a loved one find themselves in need of an experienced personal injury lawyer please contact the attorneys of Copley Roth and Wilson LLC.  Our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims and is here to compassionately assist you in your time of need.

Semi-Truck accident leaves Stafford, KS female dead

Virginia Sell, age 78 and Jennifer Dale, age 35 were involved in an accident on December 17, 2012 with a semi-truck. Jennifer Dale was seriously injured and Virginia Sell lost her life in the Pratt County accident.   According to the Kansas Highway patrol on December 17, 2012 at approximately 3:16 pm on Kansas Highway 61 about 3 miles West of Preston the accident occurred.  The Police report states that the accident occurred when a vehicle operated by Jennifer Dale was traveling eastbound on K61 when she struck a vehicle driven by Virginia Sell.  The impact then pushed Ms. Sell into a third vehicle, a 2008 Peterbilt that was traveling westbound.  No further information was given as to the particular nature of the accident. Ms. Sell was transported to Larrison Family Mortuaries in Pratt..

Police Report

The death of this individual is a terrible loss to her family before the holidays and I am sure she will be greatly missed.  If you or a loved one find themselves in need of an experienced personal injury lawyer please contact the attorneys of Copley Roth and Wilson LLC.  Our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims and is here to compassionately assist you in your time of need.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Two car accident leaves two dead and two injured in Gasconade County

Alanna Perlman age 49, of Rosebud MO, and Seth Thornton age 19, of Owensville MO, were killed in a Gasconade County Missouri car accident.  According to officer B.F. Baker of the Missouri Highway Patrol, on December 20, 2012 at approximately 6:45 pm on Missouri Highway 28 west of Baker Road, the accident occurred.  The Police report states that the accident occurred as a vehicle driven by Alanna Perlman lost control on an icy road and crossed the center lane and was struck by a 2012 GMC truck driven by Raymond Bowers. The condition of the roadway and the reasonableness of operating the vehicle in such condition is still not known.  The Gasconade County Coroner pronounced Perlman dead at 8:19 p.m. and Seth Thornton dead at 8:21 p.m.

Police Report
 
If you or a loved one find themselves in need of an experienced wrongful death lawyer please contact the attorneys of Copley Roth and Wilson LLC.  Our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims and is here to compassionately assist you in your time of need.

Head-On collision in Lawrence County leaves one dead another seriously injured

Matthew Gann, age 32 and Brandy Acheson, age 38 were involved in an accident in Lawrence County Missouri on December 22, 2012.  The accident ended with Brandy Acheson losing her life and left Matthew Gann seriously injured.  According to Trooper Cook of the Missouri Highway Partol on December 22, 2012 at approximately 4:40 am on Missouri Highway 39 about 4 miles south of Mt. Vernon the accident occurred.  The Police report states that the accident occurred when a vehicle operated by Matthew Gann crossed the center lane and struck a vehicle driven by Brandy Acheson head on.  The reasons as to why the vehicle crossed the lane are still unknown.   In accordance with state law Mr. Gann was tested for alcohol consumption.  Mr. Gann was airlifted to Mercy Hospital in Springfield and Ms. Acheson was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police Report

This accident is a very sad ordeal.  Both people involved were young with a lot of life ahead to enjoy.  It is also a horrible loss to Ms. Acheson's family before the holidays and I am sure she will be greatly missed.  If you or a loved one find themselves in need of an experienced wrongful death lawyer please contact the attorneys of Copley Roth and Wilson LLC.  Our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims and is here to compassionately assist you in your time of need.

Monday, December 24, 2012

4 Firefighters shot and two killed after lured to fire in NY

This is just one of the sickest things I have seen in awhile.  People have absolutely just lost their minds. To shoot people out there trying to help is just so sad.  I hope that the media never says a word about the person who did this.  In my opinion, the media that popularizes these terrible people committing these crimes is partially guilty for promulgating this absolute madness.

Here is the article in the New York Times.

By Matt Flegnheimer

Four firefighters were shot — two fatally — after apparently being lured to an early morning blaze on Monday in Webster, N.Y., a lakefront town about 12 miles northeast of Rochester, officials said.
The suspected assailant also died there of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the town’s police chief, Gerald L. Pickering, said.  “It does appear that it was a trap that was set,” he said of the blaze that drew the firefighters about 5:30 a.m.  After starting the fire, he said, Mr. Spengler assumed a “position of cover” and began firing, sniper-like, at the first responders. Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester said two firefighters were in “guarded condition.” The two others died at the scene, Chief Pickering said.  He seven homes were destroyed and had not yet been searched.  “We don’t know if there are any additional victims in those homes,” he said. 

The gunman was identified as William Spengler, 62, who lived at 191 Lake Road, where the fire began, and had served about 18 years in prison for killing his grandmother, the police chief said. Officials said he was imprisoned until 1998, and had remained on supervised parole until 2006.  Mr. Spengler’s motives were unclear, though Chief Pickering said “there were certainly mental health issues involved.”
Chief Pickering said an on-duty Webster police officer exchanged “very brief” gunfire with Mr. Spengler and “in all likelihood saved many lives.”  But, he said, authorities scoured the area for hours trying to locate the gunman before he was found dead about 11 a.m. “It’s dark. We’ve got this raging inferno with black smoke everywhere,” he said. “We flooded the crime scene with officers.”

As for whether someone else might have been in the burned house where Mr. Spengler lived, Chief Pickering said that “it is possible that a sister of Mr. Spengler is unaccounted for.” He said “at least a rifle was used” by Mr. Spengler to fire at the first responders. He noted that as a felon, Mr. Spengler was not authorized to possess weapons.  The firefighters were from the West Webster Fire Department, about four miles from the blaze, and were believed to be volunteers.  One of the firefighters was “able to flee the scene on his own,” Chief Pickering said. “The other three were pinned down at the location.” 

As he recited the names of those killed and wounded, Chief Pickering repeatedly choked up. One of the deceased, Michael J. Chiapperini, was a police lieutenant in the Webster Police Department; the other, Tomasz Kaczowka, was a 911 dispatcher for Monroe County.  “These people get up in the middle of the night to go put out fires,” he said. “They don’t expect to be shot and killed.” John Ritter, an off-duty police officer from Greece, N.Y., who happened to be driving by and stopped to help, suffered shrapnel wounds from the shooting, Chief Pickering added. The firefighters who were injured, both volunteers, were identified as Joseph Hofstetter and Theodore Scardino.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said the State Police and the Office of Emergency Management were working with local officials. He said Webster firefighters and the police had initially responded to a car fire.

“New York’s first responders are true heroes as they time and again selflessly rush toward danger in order to keep our families and communities safe,” Mr. Cuomo said. “Volunteer firefighters and police officers were injured and two were taken from us as they once again answered the call of duty. We as the community of New York mourn their loss as now two more families must spend the holidays without their loved ones.”  The fire continued to burn through the morning, spreading to several homes, before being brought under control.  Chief Pickering added that, with authorities establishing and investigating the crime scene, “it took a while to make it safe” for firefighters to move in and combat the flames. 

The site of the fire runs along a narrow spit of land that divides Lake Ontario from Irondequoit Bay. The houses in the affected area are detached wood-frame homes with yards, across the street from the lake. Chief Pickering likened the area to “a little vacation nest.”  “We have very few calls for service in that location,” he said.  Michael D’Amico, a contractor who has lived on Lake Road for 20 years, said residents were evacuated to a school. “We still can’t go back,” he said. The area is home to many summer houses, he said, but some people lived there year-round.  “A lot of times I get woken up by gunfire, but I don’t think too much of it,” Mr. D’Amico said, noting that the area often attracted duck hunters.  “Usually the gunfire comes from the lake or the bay,” he added. “This was from further down the road.”

Vince DiPrima, an assistant manager at Bill Gray’s, a diner across the bridge from the fires, said some firefighters had visited his restaurant on Monday morning. He gave them some coffee.  “The stuff that happened in Connecticut the other day, and then this,” Mr. DiPrima said.  By noon, State Police helicopters swarmed overhead. Emergency vehicles zipped past.  “It’s a weird feeling,” Mr. DiPrima said. “It’s Christmas Eve.”

Accident in Wyandotte County causes prominent KC man Randy Beery to lose life


Randy BeeryAn accident in Wyandotte county has horrible outcome for local man Randy Beery, age 36 and Katrina Kobe, age 26.  According to Ian Ingram the investigating officer for the Kansas Highway patrol, on December 21, 2012 at approximately 10:44 pm at 5000 Shawnee Drive in Kansas City,  Kansas the accident occurred.  The Police report states that the accident took place when a vehicle operated by Randy Beery lost control on the icy road and went off the right side of the road and struck a tree.  This was a one vehicle accident involving a 2006 Crown Victoria owned by Wyandotte County.  Mr. Beery was a prominent member of his community serving as the president for the local school board and a major in the Wyandotte County Sheriff's office.

Police Report

The death of this individual is a terrible loss to his family before the holidays and I am sure they will be greatly missed in both his personal and professional capacity.  If you or a loved one find themselves in need of an experienced wrongful death lawyer please contact the attorneys of Copley Roth and Wilson LLC.  Our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims and is here to compassionately assist you in your time of need.

Two injured in Johnson County car accident

Maria Oropeza-Magana age 40, of Kansas City Kansas was seriously injured in a Johnson County Kansas car accident.  According to Kansas Highway Patrol on December 11, 2012 at approximately 3:40 pm on Northbound I35 just south of 75th street in Overland Park the accident occurred.  The Police report states that the accident occurred as a vehicle driven by Bernhard Dunnewind of Shawnee, slowed his car on I35, and a vehicle driven by Janette Johnson of Kansas City, swerved to avoid hitting the slowed vehicle and ultimately was T-boned by the operator of a third car, Ms. Maria Oropeza-Magana.  The reasons as to why Ms. Johnson had to take such maneuvers are unknown.  Maria Oropeza-Magana was seriously injured and taken to Overland Park Hospital for treatment.

Police Report

When seriously injured in an accident like this you need to obtain an experienced personal injury lawyer to investigate the facts and determine whom is at fault.   If you or a loved one find themselves in need of an experienced wrongful death lawyer please contact the attorneys of Copley Roth and Wilson LLC.  Our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims and is here to compassionately assist you in your time of need.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

2 car accident in Linn County leaves one dead and one injured

Stoney Whittle also known as Don Whittle, age 39 was injured and Dorthy Harvey, age 90 lost her life in a terrible accident in Linn County Kansas.  According to the Kansas Highway Patrol on December 17, 2012 at approximately 1:48 pm on Kansas Highway 7 about 8 miles west of La Cygne the accident occurred.  The Police report states that the accident occurred as Dorthy Harvey  failed to yield to traffic at a stop sign and was struck by Dodge pickup truck when she failed to yield the path of Stoney Whittle.   The reasons as to why the Ms. Harvey failed to yield are still unknown.  Ms. Harvey a Kansas resident, were pronounced dead shortly thereafter.  Mr. Don Whittle was transported by EMS to a local hospital.

Police Report

The death of this individual is a terrible loss to her family before the holidays and I am sure they will be greatly missed.  Hopefully Stoney Whittle is on a path to full recovery.  If you or a loved one find themselves in need of an experienced personal injury lawyer please contact the attorneys of Copley Roth and Wilson LLC.  Our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims and is here to compassionately assist you in your time of need.

2 dead after head-on collision in Wyandotte County

Otis Estell, age 66 and William Jerdee, age 47 both lost their lives in a terrible accident in Wyandotte County Kansas.  According to the Kansas Highway Patrol on December 5, 2012 at approximately 7:47 pm on I70 Westbound at milepost 424 at the Lewis and Clark Viaduct the accident occurred.  The Police report states that the accident occurred when a vehicle operated by Otis Estell was driving on the wrong side of the highway without headlights. William Jerdee was operating his vehicle in the westbound lanes when Mr. Estell struck his vehicle head on.  The reasons as to why the vehicle was driving on the wrong side of the highway with no headlights are still unknown.  Both the drivers, Kansas residents, were pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

Police Report

The death of these individuals is a terrible loss to their families before the holidays and I am sure they will be greatly missed.  If you or a loved one find themselves in need of an experienced wrongful death lawyer please contact the attorneys of Copley Roth and Wilson LLC.  Our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims and is here to compassionately assist you in your time of need.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

High School girl injured in rear end accident in Jackson County

A young women was injured in a Jackson County accident involving three vehicles.  Briana Emert, age 17, was seriously injured in an accident with two other cars driven by Rhonda Tracy and Zane Richter. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol on December 18, 2012 at approximately 7:58 am on US. 75 approximately one mile North of Holton in Jackson County the accident occurred.  The Police report states that the accident occurred when a vehicle operated by Rhonda Tracy stopped to make a left hand turn onto Parkway Ave and Briana Emert stopped behind the turning vehicle.  A third car driven by a 15 year old, did not slow and ran into the rear end of Briana Emert's vehicle.Ms. Emert was transported to the Holton Hospital.

Police Report

The injury of this young lady should not have happened and we wish her a full and speedy recovery.  If you or a loved one find themselves in need of an experienced personal injury lawyer please contact the attorneys of Copley Roth and Wilson LLC.  Our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims and is here to compassionately assist you in your time of need.

One killed and three injured in Leavenworth County wreck

Terry Sullins, age 56 and Daniel Watkins, age 31 were involved in an accident over this last week.  Daniel Watkins was seriously injured and Terry Sullins lost his life in a Leavenworth County accident.   According to the Kansas Highway patrol on December 14, 2012 at approximately 6:27 pm on Kansas Highway 73 about 4 miles north of Leavenworth the accident occurred.  The Police report states that the accident occurred when a vehicle operated by Terry Sullins crossed the center lane in an attempt to pass another vehicle  and struck a vehicle driven by Daniel Watkins head on. Mr. Watkins had two small children in the car, both of which were transported to the local hospital.

Police Report

The death of this individual is a terrible loss to their families before the holidays and I am sure he will be greatly missed.  If you or a loved one find themselves in need of an experienced wrongful death lawyer please contact the attorneys of Copley Roth and Wilson LLC.  Our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims and is here to compassionately assist you in your time of need.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Semi-Truck accident in Polk County leaves one dead

Sharon Price, age 46 of Dunnegan Missouri lost her life in a terrible accident in Polk County Missouri this morning.  According to Trooper Travis Inman and others of the Missouri Highway patrol on December 19, 2012 at approximately 8:10 am on Missouri Highway 123 and Missouri Highway 13 in Humansville the accident occurred.  The Police report states that the accident occurred when a vehicle operated by Sharon Price pulled into the path of the 199 Kenworth Tractor Trailer and the vehicles collided. The reasons as to why the vehicles impacted were unknown and the surviving truck driver was tested for impairment.  The results of which have not been released   Ms. Price a Missouri resident was pronounced dead shortly thereafter by Dr. Daniel Vogl.

Police Report

The death of this individual is a terrible loss to her family right before the holidays and I am sure she will be greatly missed.  If you or a loved one find themselves in need of an experienced wrongful death lawyer please contact the attorneys of Copley Roth and Wilson LLC.  Our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims and is here to compassionately assist you in your time of need.

Four injured in Lafayette County Crash

Walter Johnson age 16, Cameron Miles age 24, Karen Miles age 53, and Ralph Gadt age 61, all of Lexington Missouri were seriously injured in Lafayette County Missouri.  According to TPR J.D. Spire on December 3, 2012 at approximately 4:35 pm on Route O, .7 miles north of I-70 the accident occurred.  The Police report states that the accident occurred as Karen Miles was driving southbound when her vehicle crossed the center line into the path of a northbound vehicle driven by Ralph Gadt. Ms. Miles vehicle hit an embankment and spun to a stop in the center of a northbound lane.  Ralph Gadt took action and traveled off road to avoid a collision.  All parties were injured seriously.  The reasons as to why the Ms. Miles lost control are still unknown.  All members of the accident were transported to a local hospital.

Police Report

When seriously injured in an accident like this you need to obtain an experienced personal injury lawyer to investigate the facts and determine whom is at fault.   If you or a loved one find themselves in need of an experienced wrongful death lawyer please contact the attorneys of Copley Roth and Wilson LLC.  Our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims and is here to compassionately assist you in your time of need.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Kansas City attorney who was convicted of murder wants law license back


Richard Buchli IIA Kansas City Attorney that was found guilty of murdering his law partner in a downtown office is fighting to get his license back.  Richard Buchli as an attorney licensed in the state of Missouri and at one time he was convicted of murdering his law partner.  The case was later turned over because the prosecutors failed to turn over exculpatory evidence.  Mr. Buchli was released and given back his freedom, with the promise from the prosecutors office that he would be tried again for the offense.  That promise was squashed when a court of appeals threw out all of their evidence.  Here is the updated article in the KC Star.


Attorney whose murder conviction was tossed fights to regain law license

By Tony Rizzo and Mark Morris

A disbarred Kansas City attorney once convicted of killing his law partner is fighting to regain his law license.  Richard Buchli II wants the Missouri Supreme Court to set aside its 2005 disbarment order, which was based on his 2002 first-degree murder conviction in the death of Richard Armitage in their downtown office.  Citing evidence withheld from the defense, a judge overturned Buchli’s conviction six years ago. Though Jackson County prosecutors had planned to retry Buchli, they dismissed the case earlier this year after an appeals court threw out all their evidence.

“In order to move forward and have the opportunity to reclaim some financial security,” Buchli’s law license “should be reinstated without any further delay,” attorney Robert Ernest Gould wrote in a court filing on Buchli’s behalf.  Reached by phone last week, Buchli, 62, declined to comment, but on a website devoted to his case, he thanked the attorneys who fought for years on his behalf.

“Due to a hurried and incomplete investigation of the circumstances surrounding the death of my friend and partner, Richard E. Armitage, I was wrongly accused and tried for his murder,” Buchli wrote.  When the Missouri Supreme Court disbarred Buchli, it cited the murder conviction as its sole reason, but the lack of a murder charge or conviction doesn’t necessarily mean a lawyer will be reinstated, said Ellen Suni, dean of the University of Missouri-Kansas City law school.

Disciplinary authorities are not bound by the same standard of proof that is required to obtain a conviction, Suni said.  “They could look at all of the underlying facts and determine whether or not they believed a crime was committed,” she said. “It doesn’t require that there be a conviction.”  No jury or judge has acquitted Buchli. With no statute of limitations on murder, charges could be filed again some day. “We are actively working the case,” said Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.  Baker does not want Buchli to regain his law license. Neither does Richard Armitage’s widow, Kathy Armitage.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/12/19/3974578/attorney-battles-to-regain-law.html#storylink=cpy

Terrible accident in Cass County leaves one dead and one injured

Anthony Wilson, age 38 was injured and Jackie Powell, age 66 lost her life in a terrible accident in Cass County Missouri.  According to TPR B.R. Dehaan on December 13, 2012 at approximately 8:40 am on Missouri Highway 7 at Sycamore Grove Rd. the accident occurred.  The Police report states that the accident occurred as a Jackie Powell was traveling north on Sycamore Grove Road when she failed to yield the path of Anthony Wilson and pulled into his path. As a result, Mr. Wilson's vehicle struck Ms. Powell's vehicle and both vehicle skidded to their respective places.  The reasons as to why the Ms. Powell failed to yield are still unknown.  Ms. Powell a Missouri resident, were pronounced dead shortly thereafter.  Mr. Anthony Wilson was transported by EMS to a local hospital.

Police Report

The death of this individual is a terrible loss to her family before the holidays and I am sure they will be greatly missed.  If you or a loved one find themselves in need of an experienced wrongful death lawyer please contact the attorneys of Copley Roth and Wilson LLC.  Our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims and is here to compassionately assist you in your time of need.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Semi-Truck accident leads to Salina man's death

Charles Kerth, age 57 and Danial Haynes, age 50 were involved in an accident on December 4, 2012.  Danial Haynes was seriously injured and Charles Kerth lost his life in the Edwards County accident.   According to the Kansas Highway patrol on December 4, 2012 at approximately 3:05 pm on U.S. Highway 56 about 2 miles East of Kinsley the accident occurred.  The Police report states that the accident occurred when a vehicle operated by Charles Kerth was traveling eastbound on US 56 and he left the roadway and struck Danial Haynes as he sat at a stop sign. No information was given as to Mr Kerth's condition while driving.  He was pronounced dead a few hours later, and Danial Haynes was transported to St Francis Regional Medical Center with injuries.

Police Report

The death of this individual is a terrible loss to his family. before the holidays and I am sure he will be greatly missed.  If you or a loved one find themselves in need of an experienced personal injury lawyer please contact the attorneys of Copley Roth and Wilson LLC.  Our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims and is here to compassionately assist you in your time of need.

Two car accident outside of Fairgrove ends with tragic death

Krystal Cook, age 22 and Darrel Wilson, age 23 were involved in an accident on December 8, 2012.  Krystal Coo was seriously injured and Darrel Wilson lost his life in a Greene County accident.   According to the Trooper Andrew R. Dill of the Missouri Highway patrol on December 8, 2012 at approximately 2:10 am on U.S. Highway 65 about 1 miles South of Fairgrove the accident occurred.  The Police report states that the accident occurred when a vehicle operated by Krystal Cook was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes, then veered back onto the median.  Ms. Cook then over corrected and veered back into northbound traffic striking a vehicle driven by Darrel Wilson head-on.  Mr. Wilson was pronounced dead after his vehicle went of the road and he was partially ejected. No information was given as to Ms. Cook's condition while driving..

Police Report

The death of this individual is a terrible loss to his family before the holidays and I am sure he will be greatly missed.  If you or a loved one find themselves in need of an experienced wrongful death lawyer please contact the attorneys of Copley Roth and Wilson LLC.  Our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims and is here to compassionately assist you in your time of need.

1 Dead and 2 Seriously Injured in Johnson County Car accident.

Bretton Ripley, age 30 and Stephanie Saxton, age 31 were seriously injured and Mary Webb, age 24 lost her life in a terrible accident in Johnson County Missouri.  According to Trooper J.W. Miller and Cpl. R.W. Shaul on December 12, 2012 at approximately 1:15 am on Missouri Highway 58 and 1501 Rd. the accident occurred.  The Police report states that the accident occurred when a vehicle operated by Bretton Ripley ran off the right side of the road over an embankment and was overturned.  At this time the reasons as to why the accidnet occurred are still unknown, however Bretton Ripley was arrested at the scene for DWI.  Sadly, Mary Webb was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police Report

The death of this young lady is a terrible loss to her family before the holidays and I am sure she will be greatly missed.  If you or a loved one find themselves in need of an experienced wrongful death lawyer please contact the attorneys of Copley Roth and Wilson LLC.  Our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims and is here to compassionately assist you in your time of need.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Terrible accident in Saline County leaves two dead

Jeremy Radar, age 20 and Sherry Hess, age 60 both lost their lives in a terrible accident in Saline County Missouri.  According to Sgt. M.D. Degraffenreid on December 3, 2012 at approximately 7:54 am on Missouri Highway 40 about 1.3 miles south of Route P the accident occurred.  The Police report states that the accident occurred when a vehicle operated by Sherry Hess crossed the center lane and struck a vehicle driven by Jeremy Rader head on.  The reasons as to why the vehicle crossed the lane are still unknown.  Both the drivers, Missouri residents, were pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

Police Report

The death of these individuals is a terrible loss to their families before the holidays and I am sure they will be greatly missed.  If you or a loved one find themselves in need of an experienced wrongful death lawyer please contact the attorneys of Copley Roth and Wilson LLC.  Our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims and is here to compassionately assist you in your time of need.

Duke Lacrosse players claims dismissed by U.S Court of Appeals

Another court ruling in this ongoing saga.  It appears that many of the Duke Lacrosse players who were not accused of raper were also suing the city for damages.  Most of those claims were dismissed against the city.  Here is the article in the Kansas City Star.

Most of Duke lacrosse players' claims dismissed by U.S. Appeals Court
By Anne Blythe

Though five years have passed since North Carolina’s attorney general exonerated three former Duke University lacrosse players of phony rape allegations, the lawsuits they filed against the prosecutor, the city of Durham, its top administrators and law enforcement officers remain open in federal court.  But on Monday, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling that takes the heft out of much of the former players’ claims. The three-judge panel rejected their claims for damages filed under federal law against the City of Durham and its police department.

The panel allowed the former players to continue with their claims under North Carolina law that Durham officials violated their state constitutional rights. The panel also allowed the three wrongfully accused players to proceed with their state claims that two police investigators – Mark Gottlieb and Benjamin Himan – engaged in malicious prosecution.

David Evans, Collin Finnerty and Reade Seligmann filed their claims after being falsely accused of gang-raping a dancer at a 2006 team party.  The case raised questions about Durham’s justice system, eventually leading to the ouster and disbarring of Mike Nifong, the district attorney who led the prosecution.  It also touched on the prickly issues of race, sex and privilege, both in Durham and nationally. The mentally ill accuser, Crystal Gail Mangum, who now faces a murder charge on an unrelated case, is black and from a low-income Durham neighborhood. The lacrosse players, for the most part, were largely affluent, white students from outside North Carolina.

Duke University, which canceled the lacrosse season shortly after the accusations emerged, settled out of court with the three exonerated players.  But other members of the team filed two other lawsuits in federal court against Duke, the city of Durham, Nifong and others.  In the 58-page ruling released Monday, the appeals court also threw out all federal claims filed by the team members who were not charged criminally. Though their cases were different from that of the three exonerated players, they claimed to have suffered damages through the course of the investigation. Despite the surviving claims under state law, Patrick Baker, Durham’s city attorney, said he was heartened by the ruling.

“From the city’s perspective, we’re certainly pleased by the 4th Circuit’s decision to relieve the city from the vast majority of the case,” Baker said.  Baker said the city has spent $5 million defending claims by the 2006 lacrosse team. Insurance has covered the bulk of the cost, he said.  The players can appeal the court’s decision several ways. They can ask the three-judge panel to take another look at their case or they can seek a review by the full bank of judges.

It was unclear Monday what the next step would be.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/12/18/3971230/most-of-duke-lacrosse-players.html#storylink=cpy

Monday, December 17, 2012

Platte County accident involving pedestrian causes serious injury

Timothy Young age 29, of Kansas City Kansas was seriously injured in a Platte County Missouri car accident.  According to TPR T.I. Goolsby on December 12, 2012 at approximately 6:48 pm on Southbound Us. 69 just south of I35 the accident occurred.  The Police report states that the accident occurred as Timothy Young was walking southbound along the highway when TJ Hunt of Kansas City Missouri, struck the pedestrian with his side mirror of his car.  The pedestrian was seriously injured and taken to North Kansas City Hospital for treatment.

Police Report

When seriously injured in an accident like this you need to obtain an experienced personal injury lawyer to investigate the facts and determine whom is at fault.   If you or a loved one find themselves in need of an experienced wrongful death lawyer please contact the attorneys of Copley Roth and Wilson LLC.  Our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims and is here to compassionately assist you in your time of need.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Kansas City woman seeks payment for proving man's wrongful conviction

Two wrongfully convicted men were released from prison.  That's a good thing. But their actions after their release are questionable if what Anne Danaher is saying is true.  She claims she is the lady responsible for their release and they haven't shared any of the nearly $12 million they have collected in settlement for their claim against the city for the wrongful conviction. If the facts as stated are true these men owe her their lives and probably some of their money.   The story follows.

Kansas City Woman seeks payment for proving man's wrongful conviction

DES MOINES, Iowa — Anne Danaher is largely responsible for freeing two Omaha men wrongly convicted in a 1977 murder and now seeking $100 million from the police officers they claim framed them for the crime, but as she watches the civil trial in a federal courtroom she wonders why she’s never been compensated for her years of work on their behalf.

Danaher, now of Kansas City, hopes Terry Harrington and Curtis McGhee will ultimately remember she’s the one who pursued their freedom for nine years after they had exhausted appeals and attorneys had given up. If not, a lawsuit she’s filed could force at least one of the men to pay Danaher for her work.  “That’s what this is all about,” she said. “They do not want to pay me.”  The civil trial began Nov. 1 in Des Moines and could conclude next week.  Lawyers for the men declined to comment on Danaher’s role in the matter.

Danaher was 37 and a prison barber at the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison in 1993 when she met members of Harrington’s family at the prison. That meeting and discussions with Harrington during 15-minute haircuts convinced her he was innocent in the killing of a former Council Bluffs police officer.  “I sensed an injustice based on my background of coming from Kansas City and growing up in the inner city,” Danaher said. “I’ve always had a passion for the pursuit of justice and I just took on that role and wanted to correct an error that I believed had been committed.”

Harrington insisted that he wasn’t involved in the shotgun murder of former police Capt. John Schweer, who was killed one night in July 1977 while working as a security guard for car dealerships in Council Bluffs.  In 1994 Harrington asked Danaher for help. She had no law degree and no background in criminal investigation, but she was determined to understand how Harrington could have been convicted with no physical evidence and on the testimony of several scared teenagers.
She soon discovered that Harrington had exhausted his appeals and without new evidence, he’d have to serve his life prison sentence.

Danaher, now 55, said Harrington agreed if he was ever freed, she’d be paid for her help. Harrington even wrote and signed a promise to share with her 20 percent of anything he might receive for a wrongful conviction. She considers this a contract.  Danaher quit her prison job to devote her time to researching the case, working with Mary Kennedy, a lawyer from Waterloo who helped inmates with appeals.  Kennedy said Danaher’s commitment and belief in Harrington cannot be overstated.

“It was many, many years of just dead end after dead end after dead end,” Kennedy said. “She drove everywhere and did everything. She slept in her car. She drove five times a month for 10 years to the prison.”

Although two decades had passed since the original murder trial, Danaher found key witnesses who said they had been threatened and coerced to lie by police investigators and prosecutors.  But it was in 1999 that Danaher stumbled upon the evidence that would free the two men.  She obtained the complete Council Bluffs police files in the Schweer murder case and uncovered police reports that had not been provided to the attorneys defending Harrington and McGhee.  The reports describe a white man who had been seen by witnesses near the car lot with a shotgun and that Schweer had confronted the man days before he was shot. The reports indicated that police had considered the man a suspect but stopped pursuing him after they began focusing on Harrington and McGhee, two black teenagers from neighboring Omaha.

“When I looked at those reports my jaw just dropped,” Kennedy said. “It’s unprecedented. Usually by that time the evidence is gone.”

Kennedy sought a new trial for Harrington based on newly discovered evidence. It took three years and several appeals, but the Iowa Supreme Court in February 2003 found that the withheld reports would have allowed Harrington’s defense attorney to present an alternative suspect in the Schweer murder. The evidence could have placed doubt in the minds of jurors about the guilt of Harrington and McGhee.

The Supreme Court reversed Harrington’s conviction. It took a few more legal maneuvers but by October 2003 both men were released after spending 25 of their 43 years in prison.  In 2005 they sued the prosecutors, Pottawattamie County, the investigating police officers and the city of Council Bluffs.
A federal judge found that the prosecutors violated the men’s constitutional right to due process. Appeals in the case ended up before the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2009 the court heard arguments but before it could rule, the county settled the case in January 2010 by offering Harrington $7 million and McGhee nearly $5 million.

Danaher sought to be paid but has received no money from either man.  Last year she filed a lawsuit seeking payment. A judge dismissed McGhee’s portion of the case in March, concluding she couldn’t prove he promised to pay her.  McGhee’s attorney, Steve Davis of Chicago, declined to comment.
The case involving Harrington is pending in U.S. District Court in Des Moines and is scheduled for trial late next year. Harrington’s attorneys did not respond to calls and emails seeking comment.

Danaher said she and Harrington had grown close, but that ended once he was released. Within nine days of getting out of prison he was back in Omaha living a life that didn’t include her, she said.
Danaher has been in court daily during the trial, in which Harrington and McGhee allege two retired Council Bluffs police officers and the city should be held responsible for their wrongful imprisonment.
The city of Council Bluffs and the retired officers dispute allegations they framed McGhee and Harrington and contend they had enough evidence to take to prosecutors, noting the men were convicted in two separate jury trials.

Danaher watches lawyers representing McGhee and Harrington use the information she uncovered as they seek $100 million. Their attorneys will get tens of millions of dollars if the jury rules in their favor.
Kennedy said she finds it unbelievable that they won’t share any money with Danaher.
“They don’t even acknowledge that she did anything,” Kennedy said. “Even if they just reimbursed her for her expenses it would be a phenomenal amount.”

Thursday, November 29, 2012

NY man suing Facebook claims 50% ownership

Came across this article and found it interesting.  Looks like this man can't keep a lawyer after all the recent allegations.

NY MAN suing Facebook wants lawyer to stay

By CAROLYN THOMPSON


BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) - A New York man claiming part ownership of Facebook indicated Tuesday that his lawyer wants off the case because he's received threats, but he opposed the lawyer's motion to withdraw.  "I appreciate the fear for his own safety that he has and the threats that have been made against him," Paul Ceglia of Wellsville said during a telephone conference to consider Ohio attorney Dean Boland's request to leave the case.

"Worse has happened to me," he said. He didn't elaborate.

But Ceglia said it would be hard to find another attorney for his 2-year-old lawsuit, especially since his arrest last month on criminal charges accusing him of doctoring and destroying evidence to support his Facebook claim. He's pleaded not guilty.  Boland filed the request to withdraw last month, a few days after Ceglia's arrest on federal charges. He detailed his reasons in two private letters to the judge.
On Tuesday, Facebook attorney Orin Snyder asked that Boland's reasons be made public to determine whether "they might be overblown, exaggerated or worse."

The judge gave Boland until Dec. 4 to respond and said he'd rule on the request after that.  Boland said he would stand by his belief that "I can no longer professionally and ethically represent Mr. Ceglia's interests over my own interests."  "I have to deal with my own life, my own career, my own existence," he said.  At least a half dozen lawyers or law firms have withdrawn as Ceglia's attorney before Boland. Their reasons have not been publicly disclosed.

Ceglia's original attorney, Paul Argentieri of Hornell, has stayed on the case in a secondary role. But he said Tuesday that his own future is uncertain because he'd recently received a subpoena to testify about Ceglia before a grand jury.  Snyder, from the New York City firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, dismissed Ceglia's suggestion that he'd influenced federal prosecutors downstate to bring the criminal charges to better Facebook's chances in the civil case.

In his 2010 lawsuit, Ceglia claims he and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg signed a software development contract in 2003 that included a provision entitling Ceglia to half-ownership of Facebook in exchange for $1,000 in startup money for Zuckerberg's then-fledgling idea.

Zuckerberg counters the document he signed had only to do with a street-mapping database called Streetfax that Ceglia had hired Zuckerberg, then a Harvard University student, to help develop.

Earlier this year, attorneys for Menlo Park, Calif.-based Facebook and Zuckerberg filed a motion to have Ceglia's lawsuit dismissed, asserting that Ceglia had forged documents, fabricated emails and destroyed evidence. They also said he had waited too long - six years - to bring his claim and the statute of limitations had expired.
The motion is pending.