Nicki Minaj and her husband, Kenneth Petty, met as teens in Queens in the 1990s. Now, another woman who knew Petty from his youth is claiming the couple won’t leave the past in the past.

Jennifer Hough says the couple has been harassing her, insisting that she recant a rape accusation against Minaj’s husband that goes back to 1994.

What Happened in 1994?

Hough’s story is documented in a new civil lawsuit that she filed against both Petty and Minaj.

In 1994, when Hough was 16-years-old, she says she was waiting at a bus stop when she was approached by Petty, who was also 16 at the time. According to her story, Petty put a knife to her back and made her walk to his apartment. When they got to the apartment, he proceeded to rape her. The lawsuit states that when Petty got off Hough, he stood up, looked in a mirror, pounded his chest, and repeated, “I am the man. I am the man.”

Once Hough left the apartment, she sought help, and Petty was quickly arrested. Petty was charged and accepted a plea deal which put him in jail for nearly four years, according to NBC News.

Related: If You’re Arrested for a Crime, Immediately Take These 6 Steps

Why Is This Resurfacing Now?

In July 2019, Petty moved from New York to California. He was required to register as a sex offender, but he did not. In November of the same year, Petty was pulled over for a traffic stop. At that time, authorities learned he had not registered as a sex offender and arrested him.

The arrest brought the story into the news and initiated the events that led up to the recent harassment charges.

Hough says it was around this time that Minaj and her team began contacting her and asking her to recant her story.

The lawsuit says Minaj and her associates contacted Hough and her family multiple times offering cash bribes. Minaj and her team are said to have called Hough and offered to “help her out” by flying her and her family to California and also offered her as much as $500,000.

Hough says that this harassment and intimidation is stirring up old trauma she experienced during the time of the rape. At that time, she was reportedly intimidated and harassed by people in her neighborhood who were trying to get her to drop the charges against Petty. Now, she is experiencing a similar situation.

Hough believes the actions of Petty, Minaj, and their associates are intended to intimidate and inflict emotional distress on her. The situation has caused her pain and suffering and led her to move three times in one year. The lawsuit says she “has not worked since May of 2020 due to severe depression, paranoia, constant moving, harassment, and threats from the defendants and their associates. She is currently living in isolation out of fear of retaliation.”

Hough has also stated that she has no interest and has never expressed interest in a bribe or recanting her story.

Related: Dealing With the Media During a High-Profile Case: What to Expect

So, What Happens Next?

Hough’s lawsuit seeks unspecified damages. It is a civil case, so at this time, Minaj and Petty don’t face any criminal charges.

It’s worth noting that Petty has also been convicted and served time for another criminal charge. In 2006, he pleaded guilty to a manslaughter charge in the 2002 shooting death of Lamunt Robinson. Petty was sentenced to ten years. He served seven and was on supervised release for five years.

Despite Petty’s troubled past, Minaj is standing by him, stating on Instagram, “He was 15, she was 16… in a relationship. But go awf Internet. y’all can’t run my life. Y’all can’t even run y’all own life. Thank you boo.”

The lawsuit states that Petty and Hough were never in a relationship.

Related: What’s the Difference Between a Civil and Criminal Case? 

Get an Attorney Who Will Fight For You

Whether you find yourself in a civil or criminal case, it’s important to have an attorney who will stand by your side. If you are dealing with a legal matter and don’t know where to turn, contact the offices of TJ Grimaldi. TJ’s number one goal is to take care of his clients and ensure that they get the fairest and most just outcomes possible.

If you need legal advice on an upcoming case, contact TJ today. All consultations with TJ are free. Request your free consultation or call 813-226-1023 today.

There was a time when the phrase “Brangelina” filled people with interest, intrigue, and maybe, even a bit of jealousy. But, now when people hear about Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, one of the things that comes to mind isn’t their romantic Hollywood relationship, but instead, their contentious child custody case.

For years, Brad Pitt and Angeline Jolie have been battling over the custody of their six children, and it may be getting even more complicated.

The Brangelina Backstory

Pitt and Jolie met on the set of “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” in 2004 when Pitt was still married to Jennifer Aniston. Reports swirled that Pitt and Jolie were having an affair. Pitt and Aniston filed for divorce in March 2005, and it wasn’t long before Pitt and Jolie were considered an item. Almost ten years and six children later, they got married in 2014.

Pitt and Jolie’s marriage didn’t last long, and they filed for divorce in 2016. They were legally separated in April 2019, but the details of their child custody have continued to be an issue.

When Jolie filed for divorce, she requested primary custody of the six children: Maddox (19), Pax (17), Zahara (16), Shiloh (15), and twins Knox and Vivienne (12).

The Pitt-Jolie Child Custody Case

After the divorce filing, there was child abuse investigation into Pitt after an alleged incident between Pitt and Maddox took place on the family’s private plane. It was investigated by The LA Department of Children and Family Services and the FBI, but there were no charges.

Shortly after, in January 2017, the couple hired a private judge and signed agreements to keep the details of their case private. Jolie had primary physical custody of the children, and it seemed the case was beginning to wrap up.

But it wasn’t long before things began to escalate again. A few months after a court ordered the kids to spend more time with Pitt, Jolie accused Pitt of not paying “meaningful” child support. In late 2020, Jolie filed documents saying that three of the children wanted to testify against Pitt.

Yet, in May 2021, the privately hired judge issued a tentative custody order providing joint custody of the children.

But, the disputes didn’t end here.

The Next Phase of The Custody Battle

Jolie has been trying to have the private judge hired to manage the case removed. Once she found out the judge had business relationships with Pitt’s team, she filed to have him disqualified. Up until recently, she had been able to remove him and was bound by his decisions.

But, in July 2021, a California appeals court agreed that the private judge should be disqualified, according to CBS News. This change gave Jolie back full-time custody of the kids. Now, Pitt is filing a petition of his own to review the case and possibly have the decision reversed.

This could mean that the child custody case will not find a simple and final resolution.

Understanding Child Custody Agreements

When parents split custody of a child (because the couple is getting a divorce, breaking up, or has never been a couple), they create a custody agreement that addresses multiple types of child custody that are usually in place until a child turns 18.

• Legal custody grants one or both parents the right to make legal decisions for the child as it relates to the child’s healthcare, religion, and education.
• Physical custody grants one or both parents the right to have the child live with them and care for them on a day-to-day basis.
• Sole custody may be awarded to one parent for legal custody, physical custody, or both.
• Joint custody splits the rights of parents as it relates to legal custody, physical custody, or both.

To determine a child custody agreement, parents typically have three options.

1. They can work together to develop a plan. In some cases, the courts don’t need to be involved and families can file a plan on their own. (Review our Guide to Florida Family Law Forms to see how parents can establish a custody plan on their own.)
2. The parents can work with a third-party mediator to develop an agreement.
3. If no agreement can be made outside of the court or with a mediator, the parents can go to court where a judge makes the final decisions.

In the case of Pitt and Jolie, they are at the mercy of the decisions of the judge so their case may continue to bounce around the court system with filings and appeals until both Pitt and Jolie are satisfied with the decisions or until all of the children turn 18.

Related: How Did Lamar Odom End Up Owing $380K in Child Support?

Have More Questions About Child Custody?

Child custody cases can be both confusing and contentious. But, they don’t have to be. The right family law attorney can guide you through the process and take steps to make the situation as easy as possible for everyone involved.

If you have questions about child custody, we’re here to help. Schedule a free consultation to talk with family law attorney, TJ Grimaldi about an upcoming child custody case. All consultations are free so contact us today to find out how TJ can guide you and your family through the legal custody process.

Schedule your consultation or call 813-226-1023 today.

Anyone who finds themself in legal trouble might be worried about fines, probation, or jail time. They probably wouldn’t expect a judge to sentence them to watching a television show. But, that’s what happened in one Florida case… kind of.

The Inciting Incident

Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Luis Orlando Santos Santiago, 56, was leaving his home in Seffner, Florida, when he saw a Black teenager on a bicycle with a backpack.

Santiago pulled up to the teenager and began questioning him about what he was doing in the neighborhood. The man asked the teen to give him his exact address, which he did, but it wasn’t enough for Santiago.

Santiago started filming the teen, stepped out of the car, and called 911 to report that he had caught someone breaking into cars.

The video and the recording of the call both show that Santiago was convinced the teen was committing a crime, while having no proof. As reported by Tampa Bay Time, Santiago is heard saying, “I got it on video.” After the teen says something in the background, Santiago says to him, “Because you can’t be breaking into people’s places. We got you on video. So relax. Relax.”

The teen was neither relaxed nor committing a crime.

False Accusations Lead to False Imprisonment

The teen, who hasn’t been identified by name, was on his way to athletic practice. His backpack held a basketball, gym shoes, and jump rope.

There was no evidence that he had been breaking into cars. The neighborhood had no reports of crimes that day. In fact, there had been no reports of crime in that neighborhood in the first half of 2020.

Knowing that he was innocent wasn’t enough to make the teen feel safe. Police said the teen had his hands raised and was hyperventilating when they arrived. The teen told officers he thought Santiago had a gun because the man kept putting his hand near his pocket.

In a statement later released by the teen’s mother, she explains how stressful the situation was for her son.

“As an African American mother, we have to have difficult conversations with our Black sons, about defusing situations, about keeping your hands up if you are stopped, and complying even if you did nothing wrong,” the statement read.

Related: 7 Years Later, Movie Theater “Stand Your Ground” Case Still Waiting for Trial 

The Consequences of False Imprisonment Charges

Santiago thought he was going to get the teen in legal trouble, and instead, found himself with a charge of his own.

Santiago was arrested and charged with false imprisonment.

In Florida, “false imprisonment” is defined by Florida Statute 787.02 as “forcibly, by threat, or secretly confining, abducting, imprisoning, or restraining another person without lawful authority and against her or his will.”

It carries a possible penalty of up to five years in prison, five years probation, and $5,000 in fines.

Related: The Best Criminal Defense Attorneys Have These 7 Qualities

The Details of Santiago’s Plea Deal

In the end, Santiago made a plea deal with prosecutors. He pleaded guilty to a single charge of assault with prejudice, a lesser charge than false imprisonment.

As part of the plea deal, the Tampa Bay Times reported that Santiago:

• Must complete an anger management and implicit bias course
• Write an apology letter to the teen
• Complete 25 hours of community service — which can include watching the Netflix documentary, 13th.

Hillsborough Circuit, Judge Lyann Goudie, saw this incident as a case of racial profiling, which is why she encouraged Santiago to use some of his community service time watching the Netflix documentary, 13th.

Watching a Movie as Part of Sentencing?

13th is a 2016 documentary that explores the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States. Goudie thinks Santiago has something to learn from the movie.

“It is a very enlightening view of the Black experience in the United States of America,” Goudie said. “Unfortunately for Black people, this is a common occurrence. Which is why everyone is protesting. Rightfully so.”

While Goudie urged Santiago to watch the documentary, she didn’t sentence him to watching it. 

He can choose to watch it to earn community service hours or choose to do a different activity.

It’s not clear whether or not Santiago will watch the documentary as his attorney insists that the incident wasn’t a case of racial profiling.

The teen mother sees it differently. In her statement, she says, “This is absurd, but unfortunately necessary in our community. I hope people hear this and change the narrative of judging young Black men. My son is an intelligent, well-respected college athlete with a bright future ahead of him.”

Understanding the Potential Legal Consequences of a Criminal Case

If you have questions about possible sentencing in a criminal case, talk to an attorney right away. A criminal defense attorney can help you understand what potential consequences you face and work with you to ensure that there is a fair and just outcome.

Get legal advice for your case today. Talk to TJ Grimaldi. Schedule or call 813-226-1023 today.

Andy Dick is most well-known for his comedy roles, but he is gaining notoriety in another way. His long list of legal troubles is becoming more tied to his name than his stand-up shows and movies. Most recently, Dick made headlines when he was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon.

What happened to lead to this recent charge, and what potential consequences can you expect from an assault charge like this?

The Details of Andy Dick’s Assault Charge

On June 26, 2021, Dick was arrested in Hollywood for felony assault with a deadly weapon.

It is reported by Page Six that Dick got into a physical altercation with Lucas Crawford, a man who is said to have had an intimate relationship with Dick. The two men were joking around, play-fighting when it turned serious.

Dick claims that Crawford body-slammed him, broke his femur and ankle, and caused damage to his tendons and ligaments. At that time, Dick says he responded in self-defense by grabbing a metal chair, throwing it in Crawford’s direction, and hitting him.

Crawford was taken to Cedars-Sinai hospital, and Dick was later arrested.

Related: If You’re Arrested for a Crime, Immediately Take These 6 Steps

Dick’s Troubled Past

This recent incident is added to a list of legal troubles and bad behavior from Dick.

Dick, who has publicly battled with sobriety, has had run-ins with the law that include drug possession, indecent exposure, and multiple sexual assault and groping charges. While a few charges were dropped or dismissed, a drug charge resulted in three years probation, and a sexual assault charge led to a civil suit resulting in unspecified damages awarded to the victims.

As of now, the recent assault charge has left Dick with a $50,000 bail which was paid, and Dick was released from jail.

Related: What Does It Take to Be an Attorney for a High-Profile Case? 

The Consequences of Assault and Battery Charges

The assault incident involving Dick took place in Hollywood and will abide by California law. The consequences will be based on statutes outlined in California laws.

In Florida, the rules on assault and battery are outlined in Chapter 784.

Assault is defined as “an intentional, unlawful threat by word or act to do violence to the person of another, coupled with an apparent ability to do so, and doing some act which creates a well-founded fear in such other person that such violence is imminent.” It is considered a misdemeanor of the second degree and can result in:

• Probation up to sixty days
• Fines up to $500
• Up to sixty days in jail

Aggravated assault is defined as assault that includes the use of a deadly weapon without the intent to kill or with an intent to commit a felony. It is a felony of the third degree and can result in:

• Probation up to five years
• Fines up to $5,000
• Up to five years in prison

Battery is defined as when a person “actually and intentionally touches or strikes another person against the will of the other or intentionally causes bodily harm to another person.” It is considered a misdemeanor of the first degree and can result in:

• Probation up to one year
• Fines up to $1,000
• Up to a year in prison

If Dick’s incident had happened in Florida, he could be facing an aggravated assault charge, as it was deemed that he used a deadly weapon against Crawford. Dick may have also been charged with battery as he seemed to intentionally cause bodily harm to another person.

At this time, Dick’s charges stand with a felony assault with a deadly weapon in the California court system.

Related: The Best Criminal Defense Attorneys Have These 7 Qualities

Get a Criminal Defense Attorney for Assault and Battery Charges

Assault and battery charges are serious. They can result in fines, probation, and jail time. If you or someone you know has been arrested for or accused of assault and battery, talk to a criminal defense attorney right away.

An experienced attorney can guide you through a misdemeanor or felony charge to ensure that your case is processed fairly and that you reach a just outcome. Act quickly to protect yourself, especially if you feel you have been unjustly charged.

Get help today. Contact criminal defense attorney, TJ Grimaldi. Schedule your free consultation or call 813-226-1023.

Jared Drake Bell is known to many families and kids as one half of the “Drake & Josh” duo from the hit Nickelodeon show which began airing in 2004. Drake Bell was known for entertaining kids. Now, he may be known for endangering them.

The now 35-year-old actor recently plead guilty to felony attempted child endangerment and a misdemeanor charge of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles.

How did Bell go from entertaining kids to endangering them, and what does that mean for his future as a free man?

The Case Against Drake Bell

In October 2018, a 15-year-old girl contacted police in Toronto, Canada to report an incident that happened between her and Bell in December 2017.

The victim, who is now 19-years-old, told investigators that she and Bell had engaged in sexual conduct at a concert venue in Cleveland, Ohio. She told investigators she had a relationship with Bell that started when she was just 12. She believed Bell had been “grooming” her since she was a child, keeping in touch with her until eventually sharing explicit photos and becoming “blatantly sexual” with her after she turned 15.

The information that Toronto investigators uncovered led them to forward their findings to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office in Cleveland, Ohio.

Under that jurisdiction, Bell, who is a California resident, was eventually charged for the incident occurring at the Cleveland concert. He was charged with felony attempted child endangerment and a misdemeanor charge of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles.

Drake Bell’s Changing Pleas

Bell originally pleaded not guilty to the charges. His attorney Ian Friedman disputed the girl’s claims that Bell sent her explicit photos and engaged in sexual conduct with her. Bell seemed to want to fight the charges with Friedman stating, “All facts will be revealed in a courtroom.”

But, Bell eventually changed his plea.

Bell plead guilty to felony attempted child endangerment and a misdemeanor charge of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles.

“I accept this plea because my conduct was wrong,” Bell said. “I’m sorry the victim was harmed. It was not my intention. I have taken this matter very, very seriously, and again I just want to apologize to her and anyone else who may have been affected by my actions.”

Related: What You Should Expect from Your Attorney in Every Case

What Consequences Does Bell Face?

Bell’s case was held in the Ohio court system. Under Ohio law, child endangerment can come with a range of penalties. Depending on the severity of the charges, penalties can range from a few months to a few years in prison as well as resulting in community service hours, fines, and probation.

But, Bell will face no prison time.

He was sentenced in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court by Judge Timothy McCormick to two years probation, 200 hours of community service, and have no contact with the victim.

Related: If You’re Arrested for a Crime, Immediately Take These 6 Steps

Taking a Plea Deal But Not Accepting Full Responsibility

While Bell may have faced less serious consequences by admitting fault and acknowledging some wrong-doing, his attorney continued to state that the charges weren’t warranted.

In a statement to NBC News, Friedman said, “The victim’s allegations that went beyond that which all parties agreed, not only lack supporting evidence but are contradicted by the facts learned through extensive investigation. As the court made clear, this plea was never about sexual misconduct or sexual relations with any person, let alone a minor.”

Regardless of what Friendman said after the hearing, Bell admitted to wrong-doing by making his guilty plea and will face the consequences laid out by the judge.

Related: The Best Criminal Defense Attorneys Have These 7 Qualities

How Serious Are Child Endangerment Charges?

In Bell’s case, it was said that he “violated his duty of care” for the young fan.

Child endangerment laws punish behavior that can endanger a child’s life, health, or emotional well-being. They refer to a range of activities that put a person under the age of 18 at risk. Child endangerment charges can relate to activities such as:

• Driving a car while intoxicated with a child in the vehicle
• Exposing a child to drug transactions
• Failing to secure a child in a car seat properly
• Having unsecured firearms near a child
• Leaving a child without supervision

There does not need to be intent in child endangerment cases. If a child is harmed or could have been harmed by the adult’s actions, the adult can face legal consequences. Child endangerment is a serious charge and can lead to serious consequences. If you have any questions about a criminal case, talk to an experienced defense attorney who can help you understand the full scope of the charges and potential outcomes.

Get answers and advice from an experienced criminal defense attorney. Schedule a free consultation with T.J. Grimaldi. Request your free consultation or call 813-226-1023.