1 00:00:02,002 --> 00:00:04,872 [dramatic music] 2 00:00:05,005 --> 00:00:11,011 ♪ ♪ 3 00:00:11,111 --> 00:00:14,915 - Hi, everyone, I'm Dan Abrams, and this is "Court Cam." 4 00:00:14,982 --> 00:00:17,084 - You should be ashamed of yourself. 5 00:00:17,184 --> 00:00:19,353 - I want dude off my case. [spits] 6 00:00:19,419 --> 00:00:20,354 ♪ ♪ 7 00:00:20,454 --> 00:00:21,722 - Got a runner. 8 00:00:21,822 --> 00:00:23,624 [people yelling] 9 00:00:23,757 --> 00:00:24,791 - Get out! 10 00:00:24,892 --> 00:00:28,962 - This is not TV court. This is for real. 11 00:00:29,062 --> 00:00:35,235 ♪ ♪ 12 00:00:35,302 --> 00:00:37,237 - First up, we head to Davenport, Iowa, 13 00:00:37,337 --> 00:00:39,239 for a sentencing hearing. 14 00:00:39,339 --> 00:00:41,909 ♪ ♪ 15 00:00:42,042 --> 00:00:43,277 20-year-old Madison Russo 16 00:00:43,377 --> 00:00:45,946 has pled guilty to first-degree theft. 17 00:00:46,079 --> 00:00:48,782 ♪ ♪ 18 00:00:48,916 --> 00:00:51,785 Two years earlier, Russo used social media 19 00:00:51,919 --> 00:00:55,389 to tell the world that she was battling pancreatic cancer. 20 00:00:55,455 --> 00:00:58,825 - I'm still doing round three of chemo. 21 00:00:58,959 --> 00:01:02,429 And I'm not going to lie. 22 00:01:02,496 --> 00:01:05,265 It has been a rough night. 23 00:01:05,399 --> 00:01:08,268 - The college freshman claimed she had a football-sized tumor 24 00:01:08,402 --> 00:01:11,271 around her spine and, through a crowdfunding site, 25 00:01:11,405 --> 00:01:16,043 collected almost $40,000 from 439 donors, 26 00:01:16,109 --> 00:01:18,045 including some charities. 27 00:01:18,111 --> 00:01:20,914 The whole thing was a lie. 28 00:01:20,981 --> 00:01:22,482 ♪ ♪ 29 00:01:22,549 --> 00:01:25,152 Russo's plan unraveled when medical professionals, 30 00:01:25,252 --> 00:01:26,954 who saw her online posts, 31 00:01:27,054 --> 00:01:29,189 noticed inconsistencies in her story 32 00:01:29,289 --> 00:01:31,325 and informed authorities. 33 00:01:31,425 --> 00:01:33,660 Police then subpoenaed her medical records. 34 00:01:33,794 --> 00:01:36,463 And when they found no cancer diagnosis, 35 00:01:36,596 --> 00:01:39,032 Russo was arrested and charged. 36 00:01:39,099 --> 00:01:41,635 She was released on $10,000 bond. 37 00:01:41,735 --> 00:01:44,771 And if found guilty, she's looking at a possible sentence 38 00:01:44,871 --> 00:01:47,107 of up to ten years in prison. 39 00:01:47,240 --> 00:01:49,643 Instead, the state took her clean record 40 00:01:49,710 --> 00:01:53,480 into consideration, deciding not to recommend prison time 41 00:01:53,547 --> 00:01:56,049 if Russo pled guilty. 42 00:01:56,149 --> 00:01:59,152 Today she appears before Judge John Telleen, 43 00:01:59,252 --> 00:02:01,421 hoping to receive a deferred sentence, 44 00:02:01,555 --> 00:02:04,224 which can later be wiped from her record. 45 00:02:04,358 --> 00:02:08,061 But first, Russo offers an apology to the court. 46 00:02:08,195 --> 00:02:10,831 - [crying] I fully acknowledge that what I did was wrong. 47 00:02:10,897 --> 00:02:12,966 And I am incredibly sorry. 48 00:02:13,066 --> 00:02:16,370 I didn't do this for money or greed. 49 00:02:16,470 --> 00:02:19,006 I didn't do this for attention. 50 00:02:19,072 --> 00:02:21,441 I did this in an attempt to try and get 51 00:02:21,508 --> 00:02:24,077 my family back together. 52 00:02:24,177 --> 00:02:28,148 I come from an extremely broken and separated family, 53 00:02:28,281 --> 00:02:30,951 ever since I was two years old. 54 00:02:31,018 --> 00:02:33,153 I thought if I said what I said, 55 00:02:33,253 --> 00:02:35,589 it would make everybody pull together. 56 00:02:35,656 --> 00:02:38,859 It didn't work, and it only got worse. 57 00:02:38,992 --> 00:02:41,595 I know I am still a good person. 58 00:02:41,662 --> 00:02:44,998 I ask for forgiveness and a second chance. 59 00:02:45,065 --> 00:02:46,199 ♪ ♪ 60 00:02:46,266 --> 00:02:48,435 - Next were some of Russo's victims, 61 00:02:48,502 --> 00:02:50,837 beginning with Peggy Ohl, whose husband 62 00:02:50,904 --> 00:02:52,873 died from pancreatic cancer 63 00:02:53,006 --> 00:02:56,643 and who runs a cancer charity that supported Russo. 64 00:02:56,710 --> 00:03:00,714 - I never imagined someone so callously 65 00:03:00,781 --> 00:03:03,784 would fake that they had such a devastating cancer 66 00:03:03,917 --> 00:03:05,419 as pancreatic cancer 67 00:03:05,552 --> 00:03:08,755 and willingly accept our gift of love and kindness. 68 00:03:08,822 --> 00:03:11,191 She stood in front of me with her wig on, 69 00:03:11,258 --> 00:03:13,794 knowing she wasn't sick at all. 70 00:03:13,860 --> 00:03:15,028 ♪ ♪ 71 00:03:15,128 --> 00:03:18,632 She preyed on my emotions and my giving nature. 72 00:03:18,698 --> 00:03:21,568 She used my husband's legacy and our fund 73 00:03:21,668 --> 00:03:24,171 to better her story and to lend legitimacy 74 00:03:24,271 --> 00:03:26,706 to her fake cancer story. 75 00:03:26,840 --> 00:03:28,275 ♪ ♪ 76 00:03:28,341 --> 00:03:29,910 - Next is Rhonda Miles, 77 00:03:30,043 --> 00:03:32,612 president of a pancreatic cancer foundation 78 00:03:32,712 --> 00:03:34,047 in Nashville. 79 00:03:34,147 --> 00:03:36,983 - I used a precious ask 80 00:03:37,117 --> 00:03:40,787 with the world's best pancreas surgeon 81 00:03:40,887 --> 00:03:43,156 to get you a second opinion. 82 00:03:43,223 --> 00:03:44,558 ♪ ♪ 83 00:03:44,624 --> 00:03:46,126 That's hard to get. 84 00:03:46,226 --> 00:03:48,829 And you took that precious ask 85 00:03:48,895 --> 00:03:52,165 away from a deserving pancreas cancer patient. 86 00:03:52,265 --> 00:03:53,600 ♪ ♪ 87 00:03:53,667 --> 00:03:55,869 It's disgusting. It's disgusting. 88 00:03:56,002 --> 00:03:57,637 ♪ ♪ 89 00:03:57,738 --> 00:03:59,005 - When she's finished, 90 00:03:59,072 --> 00:04:01,408 the judge has a statement of his own. 91 00:04:01,508 --> 00:04:03,410 - It's just hard for me to fathom 92 00:04:03,510 --> 00:04:05,212 what was going through your mind 93 00:04:05,312 --> 00:04:09,549 while you were making yourself up and using a fake IV 94 00:04:09,683 --> 00:04:12,586 or fake bandages. 95 00:04:12,719 --> 00:04:14,654 Even if you did somehow think, 96 00:04:14,788 --> 00:04:18,592 in a misguided effort to bring the family together, 97 00:04:18,692 --> 00:04:21,428 you were going to report that you had cancer... 98 00:04:21,528 --> 00:04:25,398 ♪ ♪ 99 00:04:25,465 --> 00:04:28,268 - Judge Telleen decided against a deferred sentence, 100 00:04:28,401 --> 00:04:30,170 meaning the conviction will remain 101 00:04:30,270 --> 00:04:32,405 on Russo's permanent record. 102 00:04:32,472 --> 00:04:33,774 Instead, he gave her 103 00:04:33,874 --> 00:04:36,076 a ten-year suspended prison sentence, 104 00:04:36,176 --> 00:04:38,211 plus three years' probation. 105 00:04:38,311 --> 00:04:40,747 So, if she's arrested again while on probation, 106 00:04:40,881 --> 00:04:44,084 she could be ordered to serve the ten years. 107 00:04:44,184 --> 00:04:46,686 Russo also returned all the money to the donors, 108 00:04:46,786 --> 00:04:51,158 and was ordered to pay a fine of $1,370. 109 00:04:51,224 --> 00:04:57,030 ♪ ♪ 110 00:04:57,130 --> 00:04:58,798 Next, we go to Detroit, Michigan, 111 00:04:58,865 --> 00:05:00,433 for a pretrial hearing. 112 00:05:00,500 --> 00:05:02,969 ♪ ♪ 113 00:05:03,069 --> 00:05:06,573 34-year-old Larry Alderman has been charged with assault. 114 00:05:06,673 --> 00:05:08,475 ♪ ♪ 115 00:05:08,575 --> 00:05:11,111 Two and a half years earlier, Alderman was arrested 116 00:05:11,244 --> 00:05:14,548 and released on $5,000 bond. 117 00:05:14,681 --> 00:05:16,116 He's pled not guilty. 118 00:05:16,183 --> 00:05:18,752 And today he appears from the county jail 119 00:05:18,818 --> 00:05:21,421 before Judge E. Lynise Bryant to discuss 120 00:05:21,555 --> 00:05:23,190 next steps in the case. 121 00:05:23,256 --> 00:05:26,927 He's represented by public defender, Raed Mourad. 122 00:05:27,027 --> 00:05:31,832 But before things even begin, Alderman steps out of line. 123 00:05:31,898 --> 00:05:33,700 - Mr. Alderman, can you tell me 124 00:05:33,834 --> 00:05:36,770 why we have to look at your whole, you know, 125 00:05:36,870 --> 00:05:39,773 body, belly up to the camera? 126 00:05:41,708 --> 00:05:43,210 My name is not Ms. Bryant. 127 00:05:43,310 --> 00:05:45,011 ♪ ♪ 128 00:05:45,111 --> 00:05:48,114 My name is Judge Bryant. That's my name. 129 00:05:54,754 --> 00:05:58,525 - Hey, Mr. Alderman, let's just stop it. 130 00:05:58,625 --> 00:06:01,261 Let's just--nobody's going to say anything else. 131 00:06:01,394 --> 00:06:02,662 - Once the parties settle in, 132 00:06:02,796 --> 00:06:05,565 Judge Bryant begins the hearing. 133 00:06:05,665 --> 00:06:07,734 - I'm ready on Mr. Alderman, 134 00:06:07,868 --> 00:06:10,403 who's going to stop talking and laughing! 135 00:06:10,470 --> 00:06:12,706 ♪ ♪ 136 00:06:12,839 --> 00:06:14,908 What's all that for? 137 00:06:15,041 --> 00:06:18,011 We're either going to come to court, or we're not. 138 00:06:18,111 --> 00:06:19,713 Let's put him on another day. 139 00:06:19,846 --> 00:06:21,548 If he's not ready to come to court today, 140 00:06:21,681 --> 00:06:23,283 let's put him on another day. 141 00:06:24,551 --> 00:06:26,353 - Well, then act like it! 142 00:06:27,787 --> 00:06:30,390 - I don't want no smoke either, but don't talk to me like that. 143 00:06:30,490 --> 00:06:31,791 That's street language. 144 00:06:31,858 --> 00:06:33,960 ♪ ♪ 145 00:06:34,027 --> 00:06:36,162 That's slang. And I'm sick of it. 146 00:06:36,263 --> 00:06:37,397 I'm sick of it. 147 00:06:37,464 --> 00:06:40,267 Let me just indicate, I'm sick of it. 148 00:06:40,400 --> 00:06:42,235 When you coming in here to talk to me, 149 00:06:42,335 --> 00:06:44,771 talk to me like we in court and not in jail. 150 00:06:44,871 --> 00:06:47,040 I'm not in jail. I'm not your homegirl. 151 00:06:47,140 --> 00:06:48,675 ♪ ♪ 152 00:06:50,577 --> 00:06:53,446 - The defendant is charged with one count of assault 153 00:06:53,513 --> 00:06:55,448 or assault and battery. 154 00:06:55,548 --> 00:06:58,485 Today is the day set for pretrial conference. 155 00:06:58,585 --> 00:07:00,520 How are we proceeding? 156 00:07:00,587 --> 00:07:03,189 - Judge, we move for dismissal for continuous failure 157 00:07:03,290 --> 00:07:04,791 to appear. 158 00:07:04,891 --> 00:07:05,825 - Ms. Ritter? 159 00:07:05,959 --> 00:07:07,260 - Judge, this is the first occasion 160 00:07:07,394 --> 00:07:08,595 of the pretrial conference. 161 00:07:08,662 --> 00:07:10,430 I'm going to respectfully request the court adjourn 162 00:07:10,530 --> 00:07:12,832 this pretrial conference to give the complainant witness-- 163 00:07:12,932 --> 00:07:15,435 - I'm not going to do this case. 164 00:07:15,502 --> 00:07:18,071 I'm not doing this case, no. 165 00:07:18,204 --> 00:07:19,606 - Alderman seems upset 166 00:07:19,673 --> 00:07:22,042 about the prosecutor's request for adjournment. 167 00:07:22,108 --> 00:07:24,844 But the judge has had enough. 168 00:07:24,911 --> 00:07:28,915 - Mr. Mourad, does he have another case pending? 169 00:07:28,982 --> 00:07:30,116 - Yes, Your Honor. 170 00:07:30,216 --> 00:07:32,352 - While out on bond for this case, 171 00:07:32,452 --> 00:07:34,788 Alderman was arrested for domestic violence 172 00:07:34,888 --> 00:07:36,990 and a second assault charge. 173 00:07:37,057 --> 00:07:38,658 - Okay, when is the court date for that case? 174 00:07:38,792 --> 00:07:40,593 Maybe by that time, he would've calmed down, 175 00:07:40,660 --> 00:07:42,762 because I'm not going to-- 176 00:07:42,862 --> 00:07:45,765 You're not calm. 177 00:07:45,865 --> 00:07:49,602 - I don't care if it's been going on since 1966. 178 00:07:49,669 --> 00:07:50,904 ♪ ♪ 179 00:07:51,037 --> 00:07:52,772 It's the first time 180 00:07:52,872 --> 00:07:56,042 that it is appearing in my courtroom. 181 00:07:56,109 --> 00:07:59,079 When is his court date for his other case? 182 00:08:02,982 --> 00:08:04,617 - Well, let me just say this. 183 00:08:04,751 --> 00:08:07,988 I'm sick of coming to work, getting up out of my bed, 184 00:08:08,088 --> 00:08:11,391 driving down my vehicle to be disrespected. 185 00:08:11,458 --> 00:08:15,562 I did not go to law school to be disrespected. 186 00:08:15,662 --> 00:08:19,766 I did not accept the Governor's appointment to be disrespected. 187 00:08:19,866 --> 00:08:21,468 ♪ ♪ 188 00:08:21,601 --> 00:08:23,036 - Judge Bryant returns 189 00:08:23,136 --> 00:08:25,438 to the prosecutor's initial request. 190 00:08:25,538 --> 00:08:27,907 - Court is going to grant the people's request 191 00:08:28,041 --> 00:08:29,909 for a one-time adjournment 192 00:08:30,043 --> 00:08:32,879 and set the matter for a pretrial conference. 193 00:08:32,979 --> 00:08:34,514 ♪ ♪ 194 00:08:34,581 --> 00:08:38,518 - For his new case, Alderman was released on $2,500 bond. 195 00:08:38,585 --> 00:08:41,588 But that case was later dismissed after the victim 196 00:08:41,654 --> 00:08:43,189 failed to cooperate. 197 00:08:43,256 --> 00:08:45,592 His original case is pending. 198 00:08:45,692 --> 00:08:51,064 ♪ ♪ 199 00:08:51,064 --> 00:08:53,967 - Next, we head to Pontiac, Michigan, for a civil hearing. 200 00:08:54,034 --> 00:08:56,036 ♪ ♪ 201 00:08:56,136 --> 00:09:00,240 37-year-old Brianna Kingsley is suing her ex-boyfriend, 202 00:09:00,340 --> 00:09:02,642 40-year-old William Wojciechowski, 203 00:09:02,709 --> 00:09:04,644 for $6,500. 204 00:09:04,711 --> 00:09:07,080 ♪ ♪ 205 00:09:07,147 --> 00:09:08,782 Almost two years earlier, 206 00:09:08,915 --> 00:09:11,151 Kingsley had transition surgery 207 00:09:11,251 --> 00:09:13,520 and now identifies as a woman. 208 00:09:13,586 --> 00:09:15,588 After the procedure, Kingsley, 209 00:09:15,655 --> 00:09:17,757 who was living in Wojciechowski's home, 210 00:09:17,824 --> 00:09:21,628 says she placed her testicles in a mason jar 211 00:09:21,761 --> 00:09:24,631 and left them in his refrigerator. 212 00:09:24,731 --> 00:09:26,399 But after she moved out, 213 00:09:26,466 --> 00:09:29,202 Wojciechowski threw them in the trash, 214 00:09:29,269 --> 00:09:31,404 so Kingsley sued. 215 00:09:31,471 --> 00:09:34,407 Wojciechowski then countersued for the same amount, 216 00:09:34,474 --> 00:09:36,676 claiming emotional distress. 217 00:09:36,743 --> 00:09:38,111 ♪ ♪ 218 00:09:38,244 --> 00:09:41,014 Today both parties are before Judge Jeremy Bowie, 219 00:09:41,114 --> 00:09:44,484 who appears off camera, to make their arguments. 220 00:09:48,154 --> 00:09:50,390 - That physical anomaly has been 221 00:09:50,490 --> 00:09:54,427 a point of stress in my life since I can remember. 222 00:09:54,561 --> 00:09:59,365 And my middle name that I chose is Dee, because my whole life, 223 00:09:59,466 --> 00:10:01,134 I've been called Big D. 224 00:10:01,234 --> 00:10:05,472 And I thank God that these nuts were extracted. 225 00:10:05,605 --> 00:10:07,073 ♪ ♪ 226 00:10:07,207 --> 00:10:09,809 I put them in a mason jar. 227 00:10:09,909 --> 00:10:13,680 And I put them in the fridge next to the eggs. 228 00:10:13,780 --> 00:10:14,914 - Okay. 229 00:10:20,653 --> 00:10:22,622 - A year earlier, according to police reports, 230 00:10:22,755 --> 00:10:25,925 Kingsley was allowed to enter Wojciechowski's home, 231 00:10:26,025 --> 00:10:27,994 along with a sheriff's deputy escort, 232 00:10:28,094 --> 00:10:30,363 to gather some personal items. 233 00:10:33,399 --> 00:10:36,302 - I don't know if the specimen was in the fridge at the time 234 00:10:36,436 --> 00:10:38,838 that I returned. 235 00:10:38,905 --> 00:10:40,573 - Okay, understood. 236 00:10:40,673 --> 00:10:43,743 So you're suing for $6,500? 237 00:10:46,279 --> 00:10:50,183 - In regards to deez nuts, I wanted them back. 238 00:10:50,316 --> 00:10:52,385 They are priceless. 239 00:10:52,519 --> 00:10:55,922 So the amount that I'm claiming is for the damages 240 00:10:56,022 --> 00:10:59,459 of not having these nuts with me. 241 00:10:59,592 --> 00:11:01,794 I want them in my fridge, not his. 242 00:11:01,861 --> 00:11:06,266 I'm not sure why he would want to keep them. 243 00:11:06,399 --> 00:11:08,434 He claims he disposed of them. 244 00:11:08,568 --> 00:11:09,636 I don't believe it. 245 00:11:09,702 --> 00:11:11,905 I bet you a dollar it's at his house. 246 00:11:12,038 --> 00:11:13,673 - When Kingsley's finished, 247 00:11:13,806 --> 00:11:16,042 the judge hears from Wojciechowski. 248 00:11:16,109 --> 00:11:18,711 - When we did pick them up, in order to keep them, 249 00:11:18,845 --> 00:11:20,280 they had to be preserved properly, 250 00:11:20,380 --> 00:11:24,584 meaning they had to be submerged in brine or alcohol, 251 00:11:24,717 --> 00:11:25,952 which they never were. 252 00:11:26,052 --> 00:11:28,021 And they were left in the fridge. 253 00:11:28,154 --> 00:11:30,390 I wanted nothing to do with it. I thought it was odd. 254 00:11:30,490 --> 00:11:33,560 But I try not to judge because everybody's a little different. 255 00:11:33,626 --> 00:11:35,795 And if it's what made her happy, whatever. 256 00:11:35,862 --> 00:11:37,230 - So let me ask you this. 257 00:11:37,330 --> 00:11:39,832 Was the conversation ever from you, I'm done with you? 258 00:11:39,933 --> 00:11:42,135 Could you please get your testicles 259 00:11:42,235 --> 00:11:43,236 out of my refrigerator? 260 00:11:43,303 --> 00:11:44,637 ♪ ♪ 261 00:11:44,737 --> 00:11:45,772 - That never came up. 262 00:11:45,872 --> 00:11:47,240 And if they were so important to her, 263 00:11:47,307 --> 00:11:49,409 I don't understand why she didn't grab them then. 264 00:11:49,509 --> 00:11:51,911 - But you're saying you didn't prevent her from grabbing 265 00:11:52,045 --> 00:11:53,146 whatever she wanted. 266 00:11:53,279 --> 00:11:54,614 Is that correct? - That's correct. 267 00:11:54,714 --> 00:11:56,316 ♪ ♪ 268 00:11:56,382 --> 00:11:58,351 The testicles were disposed of 269 00:11:58,418 --> 00:12:00,486 because they were rotting in my fridge. 270 00:12:00,587 --> 00:12:01,788 And it's disgusting. 271 00:12:01,921 --> 00:12:04,057 And I've got food in there that I want to eat. 272 00:12:04,190 --> 00:12:05,658 ♪ ♪ 273 00:12:05,792 --> 00:12:08,027 They were not preserved properly. 274 00:12:08,161 --> 00:12:09,862 - After hearing from both sides, 275 00:12:09,996 --> 00:12:12,565 Judge Bowie is prepared to make a ruling. 276 00:12:12,665 --> 00:12:16,436 - My ruling is, obviously, she was there. 277 00:12:16,536 --> 00:12:17,837 I don't know why Miss Kingsley 278 00:12:17,937 --> 00:12:19,305 didn't think about the specimens. 279 00:12:19,439 --> 00:12:20,506 I don't know why, 280 00:12:20,640 --> 00:12:22,508 if Mr. Wojciechowski was so grossed out, 281 00:12:22,642 --> 00:12:25,712 he didn't say, hey, if you're gonna grab one thing, 282 00:12:25,845 --> 00:12:27,246 you're going to grab these testicles 283 00:12:27,313 --> 00:12:28,648 out of my refrigerator. 284 00:12:37,056 --> 00:12:40,159 - They were my testicles. 285 00:12:40,226 --> 00:12:41,995 They absolutely are! They're my balls! 286 00:12:42,061 --> 00:12:45,498 [laughs] How are you saying that he gets awarded 287 00:12:45,632 --> 00:12:47,834 for stealing and throwing away my balls? 288 00:12:47,934 --> 00:12:50,903 So he can get $6,500 for throwing the balls away? 289 00:12:51,037 --> 00:12:53,072 That's what it works out to, you're saying? 290 00:12:55,908 --> 00:12:57,210 ♪ ♪ 291 00:12:57,310 --> 00:12:59,112 - The judge denied both claims, 292 00:12:59,245 --> 00:13:01,648 and no money was exchanged. 293 00:13:01,714 --> 00:13:04,150 The case is now closed. 294 00:13:09,255 --> 00:13:10,390 - Next, we head to Green Bay, Wisconsin, 295 00:13:10,490 --> 00:13:11,624 for a sentencing hearing. 296 00:13:11,758 --> 00:13:14,060 ♪ ♪ 297 00:13:14,193 --> 00:13:18,031 23-year-old Tyana Putzlocker has pled no contest 298 00:13:18,097 --> 00:13:20,500 to child neglect causing death. 299 00:13:20,633 --> 00:13:22,168 ♪ ♪ 300 00:13:22,235 --> 00:13:24,837 A year and a half earlier, investigators say Putzlocker 301 00:13:24,904 --> 00:13:28,107 and her 23-year-old boyfriend, Derreck Young Jr, 302 00:13:28,241 --> 00:13:32,445 were home with their 18-month-old son, Derreck. 303 00:13:32,512 --> 00:13:35,081 Young told police they'd just woken up from a nap 304 00:13:35,181 --> 00:13:39,419 when they discovered little Derrek was unresponsive. 305 00:13:39,552 --> 00:13:42,488 Putzlocker performed CPR, and they called 911 306 00:13:42,588 --> 00:13:45,324 before the child was taken to a hospital. 307 00:13:45,425 --> 00:13:47,627 He died later that same day. 308 00:13:47,760 --> 00:13:49,328 ♪ ♪ 309 00:13:49,429 --> 00:13:53,666 An autopsy determined that he'd overdosed on fentanyl. 310 00:13:53,800 --> 00:13:55,435 Putzlocker initially told police 311 00:13:55,568 --> 00:13:57,103 she hadn't been doing drugs. 312 00:13:57,236 --> 00:13:58,971 But Young admitted to officers 313 00:13:59,072 --> 00:14:00,840 that he was addicted to fentanyl 314 00:14:00,940 --> 00:14:03,276 and that his son most likely ingested 315 00:14:03,376 --> 00:14:06,045 one of his pills. 316 00:14:06,112 --> 00:14:08,648 Six months earlier, according to court documents, 317 00:14:08,715 --> 00:14:11,818 Putzlocker and Young lost custody of the toddler 318 00:14:11,951 --> 00:14:13,886 after authorities discovered drugs 319 00:14:13,986 --> 00:14:15,922 and weapons in their home. 320 00:14:15,988 --> 00:14:17,990 He'd been living with his paternal grandmother, 321 00:14:18,091 --> 00:14:21,861 and his unsupervised stay with his parents without her 322 00:14:21,994 --> 00:14:24,364 had not been authorized by the court. 323 00:14:24,464 --> 00:14:26,065 ♪ ♪ 324 00:14:26,199 --> 00:14:28,201 The couple were both charged with child neglect 325 00:14:28,267 --> 00:14:29,635 causing death. 326 00:14:29,769 --> 00:14:32,238 Putzlocker pled no contest. 327 00:14:32,338 --> 00:14:34,006 ♪ ♪ 328 00:14:34,073 --> 00:14:36,743 Today she appears before Judge Tammy Jo Hock 329 00:14:36,876 --> 00:14:38,544 to hear her sentence. 330 00:14:38,678 --> 00:14:40,913 The state and defense have both agreed 331 00:14:41,047 --> 00:14:43,583 to a sentence of four years in prison, 332 00:14:43,716 --> 00:14:45,184 plus six years' probation. 333 00:14:45,318 --> 00:14:47,954 Before the judge imposes sentence, 334 00:14:48,020 --> 00:14:50,590 Putzlocker has a statement for the court. 335 00:14:50,656 --> 00:14:53,126 - I know that there are no words that I could say 336 00:14:53,226 --> 00:14:54,861 that will bring Baby D back. 337 00:14:54,994 --> 00:14:59,499 [sniffles, crying] Being away from my son and my family 338 00:14:59,632 --> 00:15:03,436 has showed me how I was blinded by an addiction 339 00:15:03,536 --> 00:15:06,439 that was taking over every aspect of my life... 340 00:15:06,506 --> 00:15:07,807 ♪ ♪ 341 00:15:07,874 --> 00:15:10,643 And that led to... 342 00:15:10,710 --> 00:15:12,445 the death of my son. 343 00:15:12,512 --> 00:15:14,714 [sniffles] Every day I wake up, 344 00:15:14,847 --> 00:15:17,617 and I know that I'm to blame for his living soul 345 00:15:17,750 --> 00:15:19,986 no longer being here. 346 00:15:20,119 --> 00:15:21,354 - When she's finished, 347 00:15:21,420 --> 00:15:23,990 Judge Hock has a statement of her own. 348 00:15:24,056 --> 00:15:26,993 - The facts are... 349 00:15:27,093 --> 00:15:29,595 horrifyingly tragic. 350 00:15:29,695 --> 00:15:31,097 ♪ ♪ 351 00:15:31,230 --> 00:15:34,267 You admitted that you were using. 352 00:15:34,400 --> 00:15:36,436 You admitted the baby was in your care 353 00:15:36,569 --> 00:15:37,670 and shouldn't have been. 354 00:15:37,804 --> 00:15:39,972 You admitted the child wasn't supervised 355 00:15:40,072 --> 00:15:41,641 and should have been. 356 00:15:41,707 --> 00:15:45,144 When I look at all of that, Miss Putzlocker, 357 00:15:45,278 --> 00:15:49,615 I find that this is such a serious offense. 358 00:15:49,715 --> 00:15:51,150 ♪ ♪ 359 00:15:51,217 --> 00:15:53,619 When I look at your character, 360 00:15:53,753 --> 00:15:55,087 I can't just look at the fact 361 00:15:55,188 --> 00:15:56,923 that you're young and you have no prior record. 362 00:15:57,023 --> 00:16:00,993 I have to look at all of that, as I've already indicated. 363 00:16:01,060 --> 00:16:02,995 And I can't agree, then, 364 00:16:03,062 --> 00:16:06,499 that the recommended joint sentence is appropriate. 365 00:16:06,632 --> 00:16:08,568 It's simply too low. 366 00:16:08,634 --> 00:16:10,169 ♪ ♪ 367 00:16:10,269 --> 00:16:12,905 It unduly depreciates the seriousness of the offense. 368 00:16:13,039 --> 00:16:14,974 And it certainly doesn't provide adequate protection 369 00:16:15,074 --> 00:16:16,442 to the public. 370 00:16:16,542 --> 00:16:19,478 So, instead, I'm going to sentence you 371 00:16:19,545 --> 00:16:21,848 to 15 years in the Wisconsin State-- 372 00:16:21,914 --> 00:16:23,149 [crowd gasps] 373 00:16:23,282 --> 00:16:25,518 If there's any more outbursts, 374 00:16:25,585 --> 00:16:28,721 you can all exit the courtroom now. 375 00:16:33,226 --> 00:16:34,861 - This woman here needs to leave. 376 00:16:34,994 --> 00:16:36,796 - [screams] 377 00:16:36,863 --> 00:16:39,198 ♪ ♪ 378 00:16:39,265 --> 00:16:41,868 - Ma'am you need to leave the courtroom now. 379 00:16:44,504 --> 00:16:46,038 ♪ ♪ 380 00:16:48,207 --> 00:16:49,842 ♪ ♪ 381 00:16:49,909 --> 00:16:51,911 - After one family member is removed, 382 00:16:52,044 --> 00:16:54,480 the judge continues with the sentencing. 383 00:16:54,580 --> 00:16:55,915 - I sentence you to 15 years 384 00:16:56,048 --> 00:16:57,783 in the Wisconsin State Prison System, 385 00:16:57,917 --> 00:17:00,353 to be bifurcated as ten years of initial confinement 386 00:17:00,453 --> 00:17:02,421 and five years of extended supervision. 387 00:17:02,555 --> 00:17:06,626 You'll receive credit for 501 days previously served. 388 00:17:06,759 --> 00:17:08,995 ♪ ♪ 389 00:17:09,095 --> 00:17:12,832 - Putzlocker will be eligible for release in 2032. 390 00:17:12,899 --> 00:17:15,268 She'll be 32 years old. 391 00:17:15,401 --> 00:17:17,803 As for Young, he's pled not guilty. 392 00:17:17,870 --> 00:17:19,639 His case is pending. 393 00:17:19,705 --> 00:17:24,677 ♪ ♪ 394 00:17:24,677 --> 00:17:26,479 - Next, we're in Grand Traverse, Michigan, 395 00:17:26,579 --> 00:17:28,681 for a small-claims case. 396 00:17:28,748 --> 00:17:30,683 ♪ ♪ 397 00:17:30,783 --> 00:17:32,718 50-year-old Brandi Kelly 398 00:17:32,785 --> 00:17:37,356 is suing 59-year-old Pam Silva for $3,500. 399 00:17:37,456 --> 00:17:39,125 ♪ ♪ 400 00:17:39,225 --> 00:17:41,928 Four months earlier, the two got into a car accident, 401 00:17:42,028 --> 00:17:46,432 and Silva paid Kelly $3,000 through her insurance company 402 00:17:46,532 --> 00:17:48,034 for damages to her car. 403 00:17:48,167 --> 00:17:51,504 Kelly also injured her hand but has made a full recovery. 404 00:17:51,637 --> 00:17:53,105 ♪ ♪ 405 00:17:53,239 --> 00:17:56,976 Today Kelly and Silva appear before Judge Geno Salomone, 406 00:17:57,076 --> 00:18:01,280 because Kelly is seeking an additional $3,500. 407 00:18:01,380 --> 00:18:03,683 - Ms. Kelly, you were paid $3,000... 408 00:18:03,783 --> 00:18:05,952 - Yes, sir. - By the insurance company? 409 00:18:06,018 --> 00:18:09,021 And that was from Ms. Silva? - Correct. 410 00:18:09,155 --> 00:18:12,191 - Okay, my understanding of the law 411 00:18:12,291 --> 00:18:14,527 is that would be all that you could collect 412 00:18:14,627 --> 00:18:16,128 at this point in time. 413 00:18:18,497 --> 00:18:21,167 - Kelly and the judge seem to have a different understanding 414 00:18:21,267 --> 00:18:22,401 of the law. 415 00:18:22,468 --> 00:18:24,470 - Do you have any law that says it's different? 416 00:18:24,604 --> 00:18:28,007 - Well, my State Farm agent instructed me 417 00:18:28,074 --> 00:18:31,277 I could still collect another $3,500 per the law, 418 00:18:31,377 --> 00:18:32,812 if I chose to. 419 00:18:32,912 --> 00:18:35,915 - Yeah, and I have to disagree with your State Farm agent. 420 00:18:36,048 --> 00:18:38,184 The pain and suffering from your hand-- 421 00:18:38,317 --> 00:18:40,319 Your hand is healed, I think. - It is. 422 00:18:40,386 --> 00:18:42,555 I had to pass a new job up for it, but, yes. 423 00:18:42,655 --> 00:18:45,558 When I was hit, I was actually working that day. 424 00:18:45,624 --> 00:18:49,762 And I could not do that any longer due to that. 425 00:18:49,829 --> 00:18:53,065 So it's caused a lot more than just a broken car. 426 00:18:53,199 --> 00:18:55,801 - Yeah, but not enough, I think, 427 00:18:55,868 --> 00:18:59,205 to get us to the serious impairment standard 428 00:18:59,271 --> 00:19:00,673 required by law. 429 00:19:00,806 --> 00:19:02,208 ♪ ♪ 430 00:19:02,274 --> 00:19:05,544 And so I'm going to have to just indicate, 431 00:19:05,678 --> 00:19:07,513 I'm dismissing your case at this point in time 432 00:19:07,646 --> 00:19:10,249 because you were paid the $3,000. 433 00:19:10,316 --> 00:19:12,551 - Kelly does not seem pleased with the ruling. 434 00:19:17,990 --> 00:19:19,392 ♪ ♪ 435 00:19:21,694 --> 00:19:23,362 - Okay, I have no idea what you're talking about. 436 00:19:23,429 --> 00:19:25,431 I'll be honest with you. - I don't either. 437 00:19:29,168 --> 00:19:32,171 ♪ ♪ 438 00:19:34,340 --> 00:19:35,441 - Hey, that's enough. 439 00:19:35,541 --> 00:19:37,476 You want to be in contempt of court, Brandi? 440 00:19:37,610 --> 00:19:39,078 - Nope, I'm getting off the phone. 441 00:19:39,145 --> 00:19:40,246 You have a great day. 442 00:19:40,312 --> 00:19:41,914 - Yeah, no, you should come into court. 443 00:19:42,048 --> 00:19:43,849 Then we can hold you in contempt. 444 00:19:43,916 --> 00:19:45,151 - Okay. 445 00:19:45,251 --> 00:19:47,720 - So hang up your phone and be quiet about it. 446 00:19:47,787 --> 00:19:50,956 - The judge gives Kelly a chance to leave quietly. 447 00:19:53,893 --> 00:19:57,163 - Ah, there we go. Come on in, Ms. Kelly. 448 00:19:57,229 --> 00:19:59,432 Hey, Miss Sylvia, what are you going to do? 449 00:19:59,498 --> 00:20:01,400 - [laughing] I'm sorry. 450 00:20:01,467 --> 00:20:02,535 - It's outrageous. 451 00:20:02,635 --> 00:20:04,904 So we'll see. Take care. 452 00:20:05,037 --> 00:20:06,806 ♪ ♪ 453 00:20:06,872 --> 00:20:09,975 - Judge Salomone ultimately decided to let the comment go 454 00:20:10,076 --> 00:20:13,079 and not hold Kelly in contempt. 455 00:20:13,179 --> 00:20:15,347 The case is now closed. 456 00:20:15,481 --> 00:20:16,882 ♪ ♪ 457 00:20:16,949 --> 00:20:18,818 That's it for this edition of "Court Cam." 458 00:20:18,951 --> 00:20:21,387 I'm Dan Abrams.9 Thanks for watching. 459 00:20:21,520 --> 00:20:25,991 ♪ ♪