I’ve been working for so long to bring attention to the issues at Project Strive that I’m almost sad that I’ve been joined by the Albany Times Union. Now, according to this article, Mr. Bosworth, who “runs” Project Strive, tells the TU that this is the first he’s heard of the problem…and he’s sure the accountants will rectify the situation quickly. Now, I don’t know if any of you have worked with a nonprofit or a board…but, this can’t possibly be the first time Bosworth’s heard of this…the IRS doesn’t just take action with no warning….well, maybe if they were ignored as I was by Project Strive. Ya see, by law, a 501 (c)(3) must make its annual tax filing documents (990) available to anyone who requests them…upon request.

So, awhile after beginning my coverage of the Albany County Legislature, concern with the organization began growing as I, along with every member of the legislature, was contacted about the neglect of the staff and the children…and a vacationing Executive Director. After countless meetings, phone calls and emails…and the legislature’s continued ignorance of the issues, I thought it might be time to take a peek at the Project Strive Financials. (I should add, there still has been no record of the federally required 990 since 2008…click here to see the last online document.)

This afternoon, the jury acquitted Dhoruba Shuaib for the murder of Tyler Rhodes in Hoffman Park last April 30^th, . Shuaib was, however, found guilty of the lesser charge of Manslaughter One.

This afternoon, I listened as Ms. Shuaib, dressed in traditional Muslim garb told her praying supporters from the mosque that she would be preparing all of Dhoruba’s favorite foods when he arrived home that night…after feeding her son and inviting all her friends over to welcome him home, she planned on sending him to St. Thomas where he could hike and climb and work out all his energy. As a mother, my heart was breaking as the “word on the street” was not leaning in favor of a celebration at the Shuaib home.

I’ve spoken to the candidate for Albany County District Attorney, Lee Kindlon, as I’m not even going to pretend to understand the logic of the lesser charge. (While the DA doesn’t share much with me other than a nod or two, since he escorted the Rhodes family out of the back of the courtroom, I didn’t think he was going to share his insights with me.) I’m told Kindlon that “intent to kill” is not included in the charge of manslaughter one so, legally, the case was proven. It seems, however, that the “trip” pointed out in the DA’s summation may have been the nail in the coffin of Dhoruba’s freedom. While I had seen the video more times than I cared to, it was out of my view in the summations when ADA Rossi suddenly brought up a “clear as day trip.” Ya see, while I didn’t hear any sworn testimony about any such tripping, it appears that Rossi discovered a rather convincing trip on the video. That, and he also saw a knife in the hand of Dhoruba where I didn’t see one.

A date has been set for the re-trial of the three defendants accused of killing Steve “Swag” Jackson….and that date is April 23rd. Now, you remember this trial, right? There was a interesting cast of witnesses, three wonderful attorneys, Holly “Trex” Trexler, Michael Mansion and Feit Esq.

There were also three defendants, Ricky Thornton, Lewis Chaney and Jason Benn. Besides this trial being a bit of an oddity because there are three defendants hitched together, it is a bit more than odd because there was never a body nor a cause of death…heck, Swag could be on vacation for all we know.

I guess the DA is testing that theory s he keeps the three defendants waiting in jail while the direction to take is being decided. If you remember, the boys all rejected a plea deal insisting instead on a re-trial. I’ve confirmed that Mr. Mansion will be sticking with his defendant but I am currently unable to reach Trex…hey, she’s a busy lady!

Mr. Feit will not confirm his commitment at this moment but we all anxiously anticipate his decision. An intresting side note…Mr. Benn, Feit’s client, after being in jail for, what, a year, was in City Courth on February 1st for “petty” larceny…something about stealing a snow blower? I find so many ways to entertain myself while waiting on deliberating juries.

Click here if you want to hear about the proposed details or to find links to the rather interesting Swag Murder Trial.

After nearly two days of deliberation, an Albany County jury seated in Judge Breslin’s court found Jamel Portis aka “Flame,” listed as a Blood Gang member in a September 2010 Times Union article, guilty on drug charges.

Portis was originally nabbed in “Operation Blood Trail,” which was part of a seven month long multi-agency investigation which included the AG and the APD. There were 41 members and associates of the violent “Bloods” street gang who were allegedly operating a narcotics distribution ring that sold cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and guns throughout the Capital Region and elsewhere in New York.

As part of a multi-agency investigation code-named “Operation Blood Trail,” state and local law enforcement agents led by the New York State Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) and the Albany Police Department conducted a seven month-long investigation that included undercover operations, hundreds of hours of covert surveillance, and wiretaps.

From the APD press release:

Albany police are investigating a stabbing in front 130 Bradford Street at 3:27 a.m.

Kammi Long, 45, said a unknown male stabbed her once in the back and once in the face. She was taken to Albany Med. She sustained a punctured lung. Her injuries are not life threatening.

No motive or any additional suspect information is available at this time.

I think I’m going to start keeping track of how many of my court cases and police reports involve addresses owned by a “Khan.” Guess what…the street address where this stabbing took place is owned by A Khan. (Not Mala or Shareen). Remember, however, this took place in front of the house.

[I'm so excited about the Courthouse Cafe lunch specials!! Well, one in particular...you know about the regular Friday special of Mac and Cheese so you remember to get your orders in early...and you know for large orders...on occassion...if you talk real nice....they may even deliver this specialty to your office. (You know who you are!)

The second special is the Superbowl Special...no matter what your team...ya can't beat $3.95 for lunch in downtown Albany. That includes Two Chili Dogs with Cheddar Cheese and potato chips....I love me some chili dogs!! Of course you know I'll be tastie testing with a Texas tongue. All juries are under lunchtime "sequester" so there is a lot more room to spread out and enjoy your Superbowl Lunch!

Soups of the day are the New England Clam Chowder and Chicken Noodle...the Quiche is Spinach Bacon!]

The Lamont courtroom is silent except for the occassional Coleman Cackle and a note from the Rhodes Jury. So far, the jury asked for a readback of several bits of testimony. The first, was from the only adult eye witness, Evita Robinson and the second was from Mr. Cropper…Vanderhorst’s best friend.

As is the norm in these cases, the jury learns a lesson on the first readback and never asks for the readback of an entire witness’s testimony again. (I think the Reichel jury had  six hour readback…lesson learned!!) The next note came in the middle of slice of mushroom pizza and the jury wants the ability to zoom in on the video. The screen on the “blank” computer went blank but we’ve got that all resolved now. The jury looked beat up when they left the courtroom but the ones I knew were determined, didn’t show any signs of budging.

One camera man from Fox23 is hanging over the rear pew and the TU/Gavin are getting the crap beat out of them for posting the video of Rhodes being stabbed on their website. Fun times!!

In a moment between thoughts, I stopped Dhoruba’s mother for a burning question on her way out the door. I explained…”I have a son…I have  son who was in troubel when he was Dhoruba’s age. I’ve gotta ask…as much as you want him out of this mess…don’t ya just want to ‘beat the crap’ out of him when you get home?” Ms. Shuaib looked seriously at me and explained that they don’t “beat.” I quickly explained my terminology as not being literal and she said, “I just wanna ‘shake’ him!”

I’ll be reporting from the courtroom until about 10PM…if there’s a verdict I’ll tweet it so be sure to sign up for Twitter if you need to know immediately.

Oh, and I won’t be posting any distasteful video showing teens stabbing each other on my blog…especially when the trial of the second defendant…the stabber, is happening next month…if the media’s objective is contaminating the jury pool…to quote Mr. Rossi…Mission Accomplished.

It is 10:35 and the Jury asked to be sent home for the evening at 9:50 or so.

I’ve been getting a lot of sex offender relocation notifications lately and thought I’d share the most recent three to illustrte my concern with the system:

Last night, I attended the City of Albany’s Human Rights Commission annual reception where there were several people recognized for their commitment to the Human Rights of all individuals. While running between meetings inside of City Hall I ran into one of the Commissioners who is, most importantly, a friend of mine. In a quick exchange, she shared her concern with Mr. McCoy’s selection of Tom Marcelle for County Attorney. Now, this woman has known me since I first moved to Albany and she, being a lobbyist, has seen me at the Capitol and knows of my commitment to the Pride Agenda….to date.

I explained to my friend that the County should be happy to have Mr. Marcelle representing us…I explained that I’ve never been so impressed with an attorney. (Oh, and, knowing the herd of Judges and lawyers in Albany that I know…I have found only one who disputes the fact that Marcelle is a stellar lawyer.) I also explained to her that, with this evolution of the Pride Agenda as a party of hate, they will find one less supporter on their side at the Capitol going forward. My friend was shocked that I, after standing beside her in unity for years, abandoned the Pride Agenda for their actions. I stood strong…”never, ever will I support the Pride Agenda ever again.” To her gaping mouth, I asked if she would like to meet Tom Marcelle and decide for herself if the Pride’s opposition is justified…she agreed and I’ve sent a message. (Still no response…ya want her name?)

This morning, both the defense and the prosecution put forth their best effort to persuade the jury in the Rhodes Murder trial to find in their favor. Ms. Coleman was up first and, I told her after, deserves an award for her delivery. Of course, I admittedly lean a little in the Coleman direction.

Coleman kicks it off with a confession ya don’t normally hear from Coleman or her type…”I’m scared.” She goes on to explain, “I’m not scared to get up here in front of you and present this case…I’m scared to sit down and then turn it over to the prosecution, the judge and you.” She tells the jury with pride that she has been honored and privileged to represent Dhoruba Shuaib for the last nine months. She pointed to the DA’s table and says, “and YOU can’t have him!” “The only thing they’ve proven is that Tyler is dead “and you,” she says pointing at Rossi, “haven’t proven on other damn thing. Leave out the damn big boy sport analogies…and you’ve got nothing!”

This morning, both the defense and the prosecution put forth their best effort to persuade the jury in the Rhodes Murder trial to find in their favor. Ms. Coleman was up first and, I told her after, deserves an award for her delivery. Of course, I admittedly lean a little in the Coleman direction.

Coleman kicks it off with a confession ya don’t normally hear from Coleman or her type…”I’m scared.” She goes on to explain, “I’m not scared to get up here in front of you and present this case…I’m scared to sit down and then turn it over to the prosecution, the judge and you.” She tells the jury with pride that she has been honored and privileged to represent Dhoruba Shuaib for the last nine months. She pointed to the DA’s table and says, “and YOU can’t have him!” “The only thing they’ve proven is that Tyler is dead “and you,” she says pointing at Rossi, “haven’t proven on other damn thing. Leave out the damn big boy sport analogies…and you’ve got nothing!”