An execution-style slaying in a Bartow drug house is the subject of a rare, federal death penalty trial starting this week. ...more

February 23, 2009

A star prosecution witness grew emotional Monday as she alleged at R. Kelly's child pornography trial several three-way sexual encounters with the R&B superstar and the alleged victim, some of which she said were videotaped. ...more

June 3, 2008

Pakistani officials have quietly begun consulting with other nations about the conduct of their investigation into opposition leader Benazir Bhutto's killing, despite a public insistence that they need no foreign help, U.S. officials say. ...more

December 30, 2007

On Nov. 1, there was a front page article about a convicted sexual predator named Dale Leland, titled "Family, Friends Plea for Man in Court." It was full of quotes from his friends, neighbors, co-workers and lawyer, all vouching for him. Dale already confessed to detectives. Evidence supported the charges and he was found guilty by the jury. Yet, despite the conviction, these character witnesses implied that the sweet, innocent girls lied, making Dale the victim. MSNBC ran the series, "To catch a predator." Predators would meet "underage" targets online, using sexually explicit language. When the predator showed up for pre-arranged sex, the MSNBC investigator spoke briefly to him, then allowed him to leave. Once outside, local police quickly arrested him. The series concluded with the trial and sentencing of each. Without even touching their underage victims, every predator was convicted. Among them was a doctor, a college professor and a child services worker, all liked and respected in their communities. Like Dale, probably many vouched for them. ...more

November 27, 2007

Samuel Matthews' record of crimes against children sent 'chills' down the spine of the federal judge who sentenced him Friday to life in prison. ...more

October 20, 2007

TAMPA - A 54-year-old convicted sex offender who authorities say tried to persuade another sex offender to help him find a young girl to pose for sexually explicit photographs is set to be sentenced this morning in federal court. ...more

October 19, 2007