Crimes and Courts
Prosecutors dismiss Alec Baldwin charge, citing new evidence
Published
3 years agoon
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Prosecutors on Friday formally dismissed an involuntary manslaughter charge against Alec Baldwin in the fatal 2021 shooting of a cinematographer on the set of the Western film “Rust, ” citing new evidence and the need for more time to investigate.
In a stunning turnaround for the 65-year-old A-list actor, special prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis filed the notice to dismiss the only remaining criminal allegation against Baldwin in state District Court in Santa Fe. Prosecutors say the investigation of the shooting that killed Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza is ongoing.
An involuntary manslaughter charge against Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the weapons supervisor on the film, is unchanged.
Friday’s court filing echoed early statements from prosecutors that new facts had been revealed that demand further investigation and forensic analysis.
On Thursday, after Baldwin’s attorneys announced the decision, the special prosecutors said the “decision does not absolve Mr. Baldwin of criminal culpability and charges may be refiled.” They have declined further comment and only vaguely addressed the matter during a virtual status conference Friday in Gutierrez-Reed’s case.
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Central Florida News
Bodycam Shows Deputy Shoot Suspect After Taser Fails Outside Walmart, Authorities Say
Published
4 weeks agoon
March 19, 2026By
Willie DavidORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — The Orange County Sheriff’s Office released body-worn camera footage from a deputy-involved shooting involving a suspected shoplifter outside a Walmart store nearly a month after the incident.
Deputies Respond to Armed Shoplifting Call
According to investigators, deputies responded around 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 22, 2026, to a reported shoplifting incident at the Walmart on East Colonial Drive.
A caller told dispatchers a man wearing a black ski mask was attempting to steal merchandise, appeared to have a knife and was declaring “martial law” as he exited the store with a shopping cart full of items.
Bodycam Shows Confrontation Before Shooting
Deputies said a responding deputy encountered the suspect on Colonial Drive near the store pushing a cart loaded with merchandise.
Body-camera footage shows the deputy giving multiple commands for the man to stop. Authorities said the suspect ignored the commands. The deputy then deployed a Taser, but it had no effect.
Shortly afterward, the deputy can be heard warning the suspect at least three times not to reach. Moments later, the deputy fired his service weapon, striking the man.
Deputies on scene secured the suspect and provided first aid before he was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators said two knives were recovered at the scene.
Suspect Identified; Investigation Underway
Authorities identified the suspect as Jason Anthony Beal, 48. He was charged with robbery with a deadly weapon and resisting an officer with violence.
The shooting remains under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which will submit its findings to the State Attorney’s Office for review.
As part of standard protocol, the deputy involved has been placed on temporary paid administrative leave pending the initial FDLE review. The sheriff’s office will also conduct an internal investigation once the state probe is completed.
Crimes and Courts
Attorney General Uthmeier: Central Florida Woman Charged in Child Sexual Abuse Material Case
Published
4 months agoon
December 16, 2025TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the Office of Statewide Prosecution has charged a Central Florida woman with multiple felony offenses involving the sexual abuse of a child and the creation and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Taylor Michelle Dorsey, 33, of Ocoee, faces eight felony counts, including sexual abuse of a child over the age of 12 and several charges related to the production, possession, and promotion of CSAM.
“The details in this case are gut-wrenching, and there is zero place for this kind of vile behavior in Florida,” said Attorney General Uthmeier. “I am confident in our statewide prosecutors’ ability to fight for the maximum penalty that fits these heinous crimes against children.”
Investigation and Arrest
The investigation was conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) following a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The tip originated from Yahoo, which reported that Dorsey had uploaded multiple files containing child sexual abuse material.
According to investigators, Dorsey sexually abused the victim, produced the illegal material, and actively shared it with an inmate in federal prison who is serving time for sexual abuse of a child and possession of child pornography.
On Dec. 10, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Dorsey’s residence, where she was arrested without incident.
Charges Filed
Dorsey is charged with the following offenses:
Promote Sexual Performance of a Child
Lewd and Lascivious Molestation
Child Abuse
Child Neglect
Possession of Child Pornography (four counts)
She is currently being held in the Orange County Jail without bond.
Prosecution and Ongoing Case
The case will be prosecuted in the Ninth Judicial Circuit by Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Lauryn Day. Officials stated the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed as evidence continues to be reviewed.
Crimes and Courts
Attorney Ben Crump Announces Settlement Between Universal and Family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala
Published
4 months agoon
December 13, 2025By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala and Universal have reached a confidential resolution, according to a statement released by nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump.
Crump, speaking on behalf of the Rodriguez Zavala family, confirmed that the matter has been resolved amicably. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“The family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala and Universal have reached an amicable resolution in this matter. The terms are confidential,” Crump said. “The family is grateful for the community’s support and asks for privacy at this time.”
No further details were provided.
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