Court Roundup

New York Judge rules NYC pistol licensing fees are legal NEW YORK (AP) -- A New York judge says it's Constitutional for the city to charge an application fee for a handgun permit. Federal Judge John Koeltl Monday rejected a lawsuit brought by guns rights advocates including the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association and the Second Amendment Foundation. They sued last year, saying a $340 handgun license fee every three years is unconstitutional because it burdens a basic right. The judge says there's no evidence the fee has stopped anyone from exercising their rights. He says the city showed the fee helps cover administrative costs. City Attorney Michael Cardoza says the ruling upholds the city's ability to conduct meaningful checks into applicants' qualifications. A lawyer for the plaintiffs did not immediately respond to a message for comment. Ohio Appeals court upholds twin doctor's conviction MIDDLETOWN, Ohio (AP) -- An Ohio appeals court has upheld the conviction of a doctor who in 2009 was convicted of sex crimes involving former patients and of money laundering and drug charges. The 12th District Ohio Court of Appeals on Monday rejected ex-pediatrician Mark Blankenburg's claims that errors were made in the indictment against him and that the trial court improperly admitted evidence of other acts he committed. He was sentenced to 20 to 27 years in prison. His twin brother, pediatrician Scott Blankenburg, pleaded guilty in 2010 to charges including unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and compelling prostitution. Scott Blankenburg was sentenced to 13 years in prison. Mark Blankenburg's attorney did not immediately return a call for comment. Both Blankenburgs face civil lawsuits filed by former patients. Nevada Vegas police OK $100k for videographer in beating LAS VEGAS (AP) -- A Las Vegas police money committee has approved a $100,000 settlement for a man who says he was attacked and beaten in his driveway as he videotaped police in his neighborhood. The department's Committee on Fiscal Affairs signed off Monday on the settlement with Mitchell Crooks, of Las Vegas. Crooks was taping police as they investigated a burglary report on his cul-de-sac on March 20, 2011. Officer Derek Colling began to drive away from the scene, but stopped his vehicle, shined a light on Crooks and approached him. Video footage captures Colling telling Crooks to put down the camera. Crooks refuses, telling the officer he's within his legal rights to tape the incident and he's on his own property. The camera shakes and Crooks is heard howling while an officer is heard yelling at him to stop resisting. According to the federal civil rights lawsuit Crooks filed in November, that's when the officer beat him. At the end of the four-minute clip posted to YouTube, a voice is heard saying, "When you don't do what I ask you, then you're in a world of hurt." Crooks was arrested for battery against an officer, trespassing and resisting arrest. The charges were later dropped. Colling was fired in December after a departmental investigation. In five years as a police officer, he was involved in two fatal shootings that coroner's juries ruled were justified. Crooks moved to Las Vegas after making headlines in 2002 when he videotaped two Inglewood, Calif., police officers beating a 16-year-old boy. Published: Wed, Mar 28, 2012