Regional Briefs – February 9, 2015

Court Stops Parole Bid for Cop Killer

TRENTON – New Jersey’s Supreme Court on Thursday ended the parole bid of a man convicted in the 1973 murder of a state trooper, The Associated Press reported. Sundiata Acoli and Joanne Chesimard were convicted of killing Werner Foerster during a traffic stop. Chesimard escaped to Cuba. Acoli had been scheduled for a parole hearing.

Mark Twain Plaque Stolen From Gravesite Recovered

ELMIRA, N.Y. – A bronze plaque stolen from Mark Twain’s upstate gravesite last month was recovered in good condition Saturday and details of any arrest will be released on Monday, The Associated Press reported. The 12-by-12-inch likeness of the famed writer was in Elmira, N.Y.

Dive Planned to Determine if Shipwreck Is Legendary Griffin

LANSING, Mich. – Divers will explore a shipwreck in Lake Michigan discovered by two treasure hunters to see if it’s the long-lost Griffin, which disappeared in 1679 as it was led by legendary French explorer La Salle, WZZM reported. Maritime archaeologist Wayne Lusardi doubts it’s the ship, but says it’s a historic find.

Mom Threatens to Blow Up Daughter’s School

STATEN ISLAND – A Staten Island mom angry that her daughter failed an exam threatened that she was “going to blow up the school,” the Staten Island Advance reported. Karen Shearon was arraigned Friday. She denies making that call.

Court Rejects Long Island Officer’s Claim of Immunity

MINEOLA, N.Y. – An appeals court rejected immunity for an officer convicted of giving false evidence in an arrest, Newsday reported. Craig Buonora now faces an $80 million suit by the man he arrested in 2004 for speeding on the false gun charges.

Flight Attendant Stole $5K Intended for UNICEF

NEW YORK – An American Airlines flight attendant was arrested Wednesday for stealing 700 pounds of coins intended for UNICEF, The Associated Press reported. Marco Costa, 56, collected $4,850 in euros, pounds and U.S. coins from passengers for the children’s agency. The theft was discovered when his car was found sagging from the coins.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the February 9th, 2015 edition of Hamodia.