Cop accused of harassing Uber driver over immigrant status & 5 more legal cases
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Thousands of legal cases reach U.S. courts every year. From accusations of mistreatment in prisons to fraud to sexual abuse and beyond, here are some of the latest from across the country.
Puppy too young to bark is shot dead by Louisiana cop, suit says. Trial begins
In New Orleans, a federal jury trial has started in a civil case where the owners of a puppy say a police officer fatally shot their dog, Apollo, who was too young to bark. The lawsuit says the officer, Derrick Burmaster, shot the puppy during a noise complaint visit. Apollo’s owners are seeking damages for civil rights violations. The trial began on June 9. | Published June 9 | Read More
School teacher tries arranging sex acts with 9-year-old in Florida, feds say
In Florida, a third-grade teacher named Lee Hughes is accused of trying to arrange sex acts with a 9-year-old girl, according to federal prosecutors. Hughes was arrested in an undercover sting operation and now faces federal child exploitation charges, including attempted enticement of a minor, prosecutors say. He was ordered to be detained ahead of his trial, court records show. | Published June 10 | Read More
Wrong woman was strip searched 3 times, held in AZ cell overnight, lawsuit says
In Arizona, Penny McCarthy says she was wrongfully detained and strip-searched three times after being mistaken for a fugitive. McCarthy has filed a lawsuit against multiple U.S. Marshals Service employees, saying her arrest was a mistake and violated her rights. McCarthy is seeking damages for the ordeal. | Published June 11 | Read More
Man smuggling exotic protected birds in cardboard box is detained in CA, feds say
In California, Juandaniel Medina is accused of smuggling seven exotic, protected birds into the U.S. from Mexico. The birds, found in a cardboard box in Medina’s car, are protected under international law, according to federal prosecutors. Medina faces charges of illegal trafficking. Prosecutors say this is part of a “troubling pattern” of wildlife trafficking through Southern California. | Published June 11 | Read More
Mail carrier finds toddler lifeless at DC home, feds say. Now, mom is convicted
In Washington, D.C., Faneshia Scott has been convicted of first-degree murder in the death of her 16-month-old daughter, Rhythm Fields. Prosecutors say Scott’s daughter was found lifeless and had suffered multiple blunt force injuries. Scott is scheduled for sentencing in August, court records show. | Published June 12 | Read More
Cop harasses Uber driver living legally in CA due to immigrant status, suit says
In San Diego, Abdulkadir Bulgaz is suing the city and a police officer over harassment during an alleged illegal traffic stop while Bulgaz was working as an Uber driver. Bulgaz, a Turkish immigrant living legally in California, according to the federal lawsuit, says the officer illegally seized his driver’s license. The lawsuit says the incident is part of a larger pattern of discrimination against immigrants by the San Diego Police Department. | Published June 13 | Read More
McClatchy News continues to follow lawsuits and legal cases from around the country. Check back for more legal stories.
This story was originally published June 14, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Cop accused of harassing Uber driver over immigrant status & 5 more legal cases."