National Roundup

New Jersey
Judge injured in fall files $1 ­million claim against city

CAMDEN, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey judge who was injured in a fall outside a courthouse has filed a $1 million claim against the city of Camden.

The Courier-Post reported Friday Camden County Assignment Judge Deborah Silverman Katz says in her claim that she suffered multiple fractures and injuries in a fall outside the courthouse May 25.

Silverman Katz says she was walking on a sidewalk when she tripped on an exposed metal object. She says in her claim that the sidewalk was in “dangerous condition,” and the city, parking authority and county were negligent in failing to fix it.

A county spokesman says the property is not owned or maintained by the county.

City officials have not responded to requests for comment.

Ohio
U.S. appeals court upholds state’s rules for judge campaigns

CINCINNATI (AP) — A federal appeals court has upheld Ohio’s rules for judicial campaigns.

The Cincinnati-based three-judge 6th U.S. Court of Appeals panel issued its ruling Monday. It said restrictions on political advocacy and limits on fundraising activities are within the state’s need to insulate the judiciary from the “most corrosive” elements of partisan politics to protect public trust in judges’ independence.

A candidate for judge had sued, contending that the restrictions violate his free speech and other constitutional rights.

The panel was unanimous in affirming a lower court’s decision for Ohio’s rules.

An attorney for the candidate didn’t respond immediately to a request for comment.

Washington
Man pleads not guilty in 1986 killing of 12-year-old girl

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — A Lakewood man suspected of killing a 12-year-old in Tacoma over three decades ago has been arraigned in Pierce County Court.

KCPQ-TV reports 66-year-old Gary Hartman pleaded not guilty Monday to murder and rape charges in the 1986 death of Michella Welch.

Prosecutors say she was playing in a Tacoma park on a spring day with her two younger sisters when she rode her bicycle home to get sandwiches. Her sisters went to play in another part of the park and when they returned found the sandwiches but no sign of Michella.

Searchers found her body later that day.

Hartman was charged Friday after investigators said DNA technology helped pinpoint him as the suspect.

Welch’s mother Barbara Leonard said Monday she finally feels that she has a little bit of closure.

Hartman is being held on $5 million bail.

Arkansas
Judge OKs ­merging 2 ­lawsuits over 10 Commandments monument

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A federal judge has agreed to merge two lawsuits by opponents of Arkansas’ Ten Commandments monument that seek to have the display removed from the state Capitol grounds.

U.S. District Judge Kristine Baker on Monday granted the request to consolidate the lawsuits challenging the privately funded display. A 2015 law required the state to allow its construction.

The monument was reinstalled in April after the original version was destroyed by a man who crashed his car into it.

The lawsuits claim the display is the government’s unconstitutional endorsement of religion. The American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas sued on behalf of four Arkansas residents. The second suit was filed on behalf of a coalition opposed to the monument.

Washington
School board member resigns after making slur against tribe

DARRINGTON, Wash. (AP) — A Washington school board member resigned after making a derogatory statement about Native Americans on social media.

The Daily Herald reports Jeff Koble, a former member of the Darrington School Board, wrote: “On the Indian Casino how about calling it Drunk Indians and government handouts casino.”

Koble wrote the comment after the Sauk Suiattle Indian Tribe announced plans to open a casino near Darrington later this summer.

A follow-up message reads: “I made a mistake in sending this out.”

Koble resigned on June 15.

Superintendent Buck Marsh said in a statement that the views expressed by Koble do not represent the views of the Darrington School Board or of the Darrington School District.

New York
Man pleads guilty to forging will, having tenant cremated

OYSTER BAY, N.Y. (AP) — A New York man has pleaded guilty to forging a dead tenant’s will and having her cremated in a scheme to steal $1.2 million.

Newsday.com reports that 53-year-old John Derounian pleaded guilty to mail fraud in connection with the theft Monday.

Prosecutors say the man found the body of 77-year-old Marilyn Mosberg-Shapiro in November 2015.

Prosecutors say that sometime between her death and his arrest in June 2016, Derounian forged her will and named himself the sole beneficiary of her assets, except for a $30,000 donation to charity.

Court records show Derounian had the woman cremated and sold her house in June 2016 for $1 million. He faces up to 20 years in prison.

Arizona
30 fined for missing jury duty in federal court

PHOENIX (AP) — The federal court in Arizona is letting people know it can be costly to skip out on jury duty.

Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Steven Logan called 32 people in the Phoenix and Prescott areas into court for a hearing over failing to show up for jury service.

Thirty people who were unable to show good cause for missing jury service were each fined in amounts up to $500.

Arrest warrants were issued for two people who didn’t show up for the hearing.

People who ignore jury summons can face a fine of up to $1,000, be jailed for three days and be ordered to do community service.