Samuel Goldberg has been a Massachusetts criminal defense attorney for 20 years. Prior to that, he was a New York state prosecutor. He has published various articles regarding the practice of criminal law and frequently provides legal analysis on radio and television, appearing on outlets such as the Fox News Channel, Court TV, MSNBC and The BBC Network.
To speak to Sam about a criminal matter call 617-492-3000.

August 26, 2010

Recent MA Homicides, Robberies And Deadly Police Chases Make Renewed Pressure On Prostitution And Craigslist Timely

As expected, criminal justice history repeats itself in Massachusetts and its neighboring states. As discussed in earlier blogs, we have a new “Craigslist Robber” and our original “Craigslist Killer” has made the news again by robbing the Commonwealth of another high profile trial. He killed himself. As also discussed, armed robbery suspects are evading investigating officers, police officers are running over pedestrians and failing at picking them back up and even the heroic efforts of law enforcement politicians and our legislature’s efforts to stem the unstemmable tide of bullying has been called into question.

And that’s only over the past week or so! This can be embarrassing for our law enforcement leaders.

Fortunately, we have a solution.

Let’s crack down on the real plague to society…prostitution…and put some extremely public pressure on that damned Craigslist!

What? You think I’m kidding? Look, I’m kind of a creative sort, but I don’t think even I could make this stuff up.

Continue reading "Recent MA Homicides, Robberies And Deadly Police Chases Make Renewed Pressure On Prostitution And Craigslist Timely" »

August 16, 2010

A Boston Defense Attorney Discusses MA Tales Of Murder, Robbery And Craigslist

The Boston Criminal Lawyer Blog acknowledges that this was a bad weekend for Craigslist. Of course, some others would be quick to suggest it was a bad weekend for escorts. Let’s just say it was an eerily coincidental weekend for alleged criminals who prey upon Craigslist advertisers.

Remember the so-called “Craigslist Killer” from around a year ago? Well, before we hit the update on that particular gentleman, let’s discuss what may be his protégé…Luther H. (hereinafter, the “Defendant”) a man from Brockton. He is accused of robbing a female (alleged) escort at gunpoint after arranging a meeting with her through Craigslist, a classified advertisement website.

Although arraigned on August 5th for the July 9th incident, the Defendant’s tale hit the list of the infamous this past weekend. Plymouth District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz announced that the Defendant and his temporary ladyfriend had agreed to meet to exchange sexual services for pay at a “predetermined location”. Said location was apparently a vacant house.

At said house, the Defendant is said to have surprised the escort by what he pulled out. It was a gun. He then allegedly ordered her to strip and restrained her using zip-cuffs. Next, the Defendant asked his complainant-to-be what possessions she had for him to steal, to which she replied that her valuables were in her car.

According to Cruz, the Defendant stole the victim’s money, purse, laptop, and cellphone from her car.

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August 9, 2010

Fall River MA City Councilor Is Arrested In Prostitution Sting – A Boston Criminal Attorney’s Viewpoint

The Boston Criminal Lawyer Blog is so proud to announce that, thanks to local law enforcement, the good people of Fall River can sleep soundly tonight, knowing that they have once again been kept safe by intrepid police work.

By this, of course, I refer to the brave and brilliant criminal investigation that has led to the arrest of 24 foul demons for the crime against nature known as prostitution.

Yes, I am referring to the most recent prostitution sting win which 23 unknowns and a Fall River City Councilor have been arrested and are being brought to justice. With these dangerous criminals off the streets, the authorities can now focus on the lesser crimes of homicide, rape and drug trafficking.

After all, as we have often heard, there are only so many resources to go around...!

The science behind such police operations has been discussed before in this blog. Generally, it involves having a female police officer dress and prance in a sexually provocative manner so as to entice men to inquire about the possibility of paying for sex with her. Thus located, these offenders are snatched up as if by a Venus Fly Trap and awarded the Commonwealth bracelets of shame.

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August 6, 2010

Franklin MA Ex-Prostitute Violates Probation By Striking Police Officer With Vehicle

The Boston Criminal Lawyer Blog has discussed the seemingly newly “in vogue” crime of striking police officers with motor vehicles. Usually, these collisions turn out to be accidental. Sometimes, under the law, they are seen as either deliberate acts or the results of drunk driving.

For some reason, this summer has seen it almost become an epidemic.

The latest such alleged driver hails from Franklin and is 25-year-old Ari C. (hereinafter, the “Defendant”). The incipient happened this past Tuesday in Franklin. Apparently, she had even been told by an on looking construction worker that she had struck the officer.

She is said to have apologized and driven off.

Of course, since Tuesday, more news about the Defendant has surfaced. According to the Boston Herald, she is an “accused hooker who violated her probation".

Continue reading "Franklin MA Ex-Prostitute Violates Probation By Striking Police Officer With Vehicle" »

April 8, 2010

Three Boys and Two Men Charged in Gang-Rape of 7-Year-Old

Two adults and three underage teen boys have been charged in connection with the gang-rape of a 7-year-old girl. The alleged victim’s 15-year-old stepsister has been charged with aggravated assault, promoting prostitution, and other crimes related to the case.

According to police, the 7-year-old was worried about her stepsister’s safety and went with her to a party. The teen had sex with a number of men in exchange for payment and also charged them to touch the 7-year-old. Police say that the touching became forcible sex and that seven men ended up raping the young girl. The men are accused of threatening to kill the 7-year-old if she screamed or reported the incident.

Among those arrested are 20-year-old Gregory Joseph Leary and 19-year-old Timear Lewis. The others that were apprehended are ages 17, 14, and 13. All five of them were charged with child endangerment and aggravated sexual assault. Leary has also been charged with having sex with a juvenile (the 15-year-old) too young to consent. The assault allegedly took place on March 28.

Even though nearly everyone arrested are juveniles, prosecutors may attempt to try everyone as adults.

Massachusetts Sex Crimes
You could find yourself in big legal trouble if charged with a Boston sexual assault crime. A conviction can lead to years in prison and a lifetime on the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board, which will brand you as a convicted sex offender. It can be difficult to move on even after you have already completed your sentence and other penalties.

Outrage Follows Arrests in Rape of 7-Year-Old New Jersey Girl, ABC News, April 4, 2010

Five Charged in N.J. Child Rape Case; Girl, 7, Allegedly Pimped by Teen Sister, CBS News, April 5, 2010

Six Arrested After Girl, 7, Is Gang-Raped in New Jersey, The New York Times, April 3, 2010


Related Web Resources:
Massachusetts Law about Sex

Study: Many sex offenders are kids themselves, USA Today, January 5, 2010

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