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 --> 00:00:15,282 - Hi, everyone, I'm Dan Abrams, and this is "Court Cam." 4 00:00:15,349 --> 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 --> 00:00:21,722 - Got a runner. 7 00:00:21,822 --> 00:00:23,590 [people yelling] 8 00:00:23,690 --> 00:00:24,591 - Hey! - Whoa, whoa, whoa! 9 00:00:24,691 --> 00:00:25,792 Hey! Whoa! Hey! 10 00:00:25,859 --> 00:00:29,596 - This is not TV court! This is for real! 11 00:00:29,663 --> 00:00:34,835 ♪ ♪ 12 00:00:35,669 --> 00:00:37,437 - First up, we go to a pretrial hearing 13 00:00:37,538 --> 00:00:39,473 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. 14 00:00:39,606 --> 00:00:42,042 [suspenseful music] 15 00:00:42,109 --> 00:00:44,211 44-year-old Corey Harris has been charged 16 00:00:44,311 --> 00:00:48,115 with driving with a suspended license. 17 00:00:48,215 --> 00:00:49,550 ♪ ♪ 18 00:00:49,683 --> 00:00:52,753 15 years earlier, Harris had his license suspended 19 00:00:52,819 --> 00:00:55,322 for failing to pay child support. 20 00:00:55,422 --> 00:00:58,992 A court then rescinded the suspension in 2022. 21 00:00:59,092 --> 00:01:00,694 But according to the state, 22 00:01:00,827 --> 00:01:04,097 Harris never followed up with the necessary paperwork, 23 00:01:04,231 --> 00:01:08,435 so the suspension was never officially lifted. 24 00:01:08,502 --> 00:01:11,438 So when Harris was pulled over in October of 2023 25 00:01:11,505 --> 00:01:14,541 and cited for driving with a suspended license, 26 00:01:14,675 --> 00:01:16,610 he was given a no-cash bond 27 00:01:16,710 --> 00:01:20,347 and ordered to return to court at a later date. 28 00:01:20,480 --> 00:01:21,481 ♪ ♪ 29 00:01:21,548 --> 00:01:23,083 Today, he's scheduled to appear 30 00:01:23,150 --> 00:01:24,885 before Judge Cedric Simpson 31 00:01:24,985 --> 00:01:27,955 to discuss next steps in the case. 32 00:01:28,021 --> 00:01:31,792 - Court calls case People versus Corey Harris. 33 00:01:31,892 --> 00:01:34,461 - Harris's attorney announces herself. 34 00:01:39,399 --> 00:01:40,901 - Harris joins the hearing, 35 00:01:41,001 --> 00:01:46,273 although it looks like he's in a car, driving. 36 00:01:46,406 --> 00:01:47,307 - Hello? 37 00:01:47,441 --> 00:01:49,042 - Are you driving? 38 00:01:49,109 --> 00:01:52,846 - Actually, I'm pulling into my doctor's office, actually. 39 00:01:52,913 --> 00:01:55,916 So--so just give me one second. 40 00:01:55,983 --> 00:01:57,517 I'm parking right now. 41 00:01:57,584 --> 00:01:59,920 ♪ ♪ 42 00:01:59,987 --> 00:02:02,556 - Judge Simpson appears confused. 43 00:02:02,622 --> 00:02:03,757 [quirky music] 44 00:02:03,824 --> 00:02:06,226 - So maybe I don't understand something. 45 00:02:06,360 --> 00:02:08,462 This is a driving while license suspended? 46 00:02:08,595 --> 00:02:10,063 - That is correct, Your Honor. 47 00:02:10,197 --> 00:02:14,835 - And he was just driving, and... 48 00:02:14,901 --> 00:02:17,170 he didn't have a license. 49 00:02:17,270 --> 00:02:18,805 ♪ ♪ 50 00:02:18,872 --> 00:02:20,040 - Uh-- 51 00:02:20,140 --> 00:02:21,475 ♪ ♪ 52 00:02:25,078 --> 00:02:26,680 - No, I'm looking at his record. 53 00:02:26,747 --> 00:02:28,348 He doesn't have a license. 54 00:02:28,482 --> 00:02:31,184 He's suspended and he's just driving. 55 00:02:31,318 --> 00:02:32,753 [suspenseful music] 56 00:02:32,853 --> 00:02:35,622 - That is correct, Your Honor. 57 00:02:35,756 --> 00:02:38,625 ♪ ♪ 58 00:02:38,759 --> 00:02:40,327 - Uh-- 59 00:02:40,427 --> 00:02:44,898 ♪ ♪ 60 00:02:45,032 --> 00:02:46,299 Hello? 61 00:02:46,433 --> 00:02:49,670 - One minute, Mr. Harris. 62 00:02:49,803 --> 00:02:52,439 - I--I don't even know why he would do that. 63 00:02:52,539 --> 00:02:57,077 So defendant's bond is revoked in this matter. 64 00:02:57,144 --> 00:03:00,914 - Now it's the defendant who looks confused. 65 00:03:01,014 --> 00:03:02,582 - So defendant is to turn himself in 66 00:03:02,716 --> 00:03:05,419 to the Washington County Jail by 6:00 p.m. today. 67 00:03:05,552 --> 00:03:07,154 Failure to turn himself in will result 68 00:03:07,220 --> 00:03:09,823 in a bench warrant with no bond. 69 00:03:09,956 --> 00:03:12,793 - Oh, my God. 70 00:03:12,859 --> 00:03:14,361 - Thank you. - Thank you, Your Honor. 71 00:03:14,461 --> 00:03:16,830 Mr. Harris, I'll be giving you a call. 72 00:03:16,930 --> 00:03:19,032 - OK. 73 00:03:19,099 --> 00:03:20,801 - Harris turned himself in that day 74 00:03:20,901 --> 00:03:24,704 and served two days in the county jail. 75 00:03:24,838 --> 00:03:27,374 Three weeks later, he had a new lawyer 76 00:03:27,474 --> 00:03:30,477 and another hearing where Judge Simpson confirmed 77 00:03:30,577 --> 00:03:33,480 that at the time of his last traffic stop, 78 00:03:33,547 --> 00:03:35,148 Harris was, in fact, 79 00:03:35,282 --> 00:03:38,885 driving with a suspended license. 80 00:03:38,985 --> 00:03:42,189 He was released on a no-fee personal bond 81 00:03:42,255 --> 00:03:43,790 and has yet to enter a plea. 82 00:03:43,890 --> 00:03:46,193 The case is pending. 83 00:03:46,293 --> 00:03:49,996 Harris did finally file the necessary paperwork 84 00:03:50,063 --> 00:03:55,702 and his driver's license suspension has been lifted. 85 00:03:59,239 --> 00:04:01,208 Next, we're in Greensboro, North Carolina 86 00:04:01,308 --> 00:04:02,843 for a sentencing hearing. 87 00:04:02,909 --> 00:04:05,612 ♪ ♪ 88 00:04:05,712 --> 00:04:08,915 21-year-old Amanda Sperduti has been found guilty 89 00:04:09,015 --> 00:04:11,351 of felony death by motor vehicle 90 00:04:11,451 --> 00:04:13,754 and driving while intoxicated. 91 00:04:13,854 --> 00:04:15,021 ♪ ♪ 92 00:04:15,155 --> 00:04:17,157 A year earlier, police say Sperduti 93 00:04:17,224 --> 00:04:19,726 was driving drunk on a winding road 94 00:04:19,826 --> 00:04:21,428 when she swerved, struck a sign, 95 00:04:21,495 --> 00:04:24,164 and crashed into a tree. 96 00:04:24,264 --> 00:04:28,268 Also inside the vehicle, 23-year-old Scott Bedwell, 97 00:04:28,401 --> 00:04:30,804 18-year-old Sascha Hoffman, 98 00:04:30,871 --> 00:04:33,273 and 18-year-old Taylor McCaskill. 99 00:04:33,406 --> 00:04:37,277 All three died in the crash. 100 00:04:37,377 --> 00:04:38,879 Sperduti was rushed to a hospital 101 00:04:38,979 --> 00:04:41,148 with non-life-threatening injuries 102 00:04:41,281 --> 00:04:43,784 and made a full recovery. 103 00:04:43,917 --> 00:04:46,753 Investigators later determined that Sperduti was driving 104 00:04:46,853 --> 00:04:50,657 around 90 miles an hour in a 45-mile an hour zone. 105 00:04:50,790 --> 00:04:53,660 The tests confirmed her blood alcohol level 106 00:04:53,794 --> 00:04:56,796 was 0.20 at the time of the crash, 107 00:04:56,863 --> 00:04:58,865 more than double the legal limit. 108 00:04:58,999 --> 00:05:01,034 After being released from the hospital, 109 00:05:01,101 --> 00:05:03,436 Sperduti turned herself in to police 110 00:05:03,503 --> 00:05:06,773 and was released on $100,000 bond. 111 00:05:06,873 --> 00:05:08,675 If found guilty at a trial, 112 00:05:08,742 --> 00:05:12,445 she was facing a possible life sentence. 113 00:05:12,512 --> 00:05:15,916 Instead, Sperduti took a deal from the state 114 00:05:16,016 --> 00:05:19,319 and agreed to enter what's called an Alford plea, 115 00:05:19,386 --> 00:05:20,820 where a defendant acknowledges 116 00:05:20,954 --> 00:05:23,223 that there's most likely enough evidence against them 117 00:05:23,356 --> 00:05:25,926 for a conviction without admitting guilt 118 00:05:26,026 --> 00:05:27,194 to the charge. 119 00:05:27,294 --> 00:05:29,429 ♪ ♪ 120 00:05:29,496 --> 00:05:31,631 Today, Sperduti appears in court 121 00:05:31,698 --> 00:05:35,035 before an emotional gallery to enter her plea. 122 00:05:35,135 --> 00:05:38,605 But first, family members of the victims come forward 123 00:05:38,672 --> 00:05:40,707 to deliver statements to the court, 124 00:05:40,840 --> 00:05:42,842 starting with Sandra Rumley, 125 00:05:42,909 --> 00:05:45,011 Taylor McCaskill's grandmother. 126 00:05:45,111 --> 00:05:47,147 - My life has been changed forever. 127 00:05:47,280 --> 00:05:51,885 And, Lord, I know you can't possibly need Taylor 128 00:05:51,985 --> 00:05:54,087 as much as her mother and I do. 129 00:05:54,187 --> 00:05:56,256 [somber music] 130 00:05:56,389 --> 00:06:00,193 - Next is Walter Bedwell, Scott Bedwell's father, 131 00:06:00,293 --> 00:06:03,396 who speaks directly to Sperduti. 132 00:06:03,463 --> 00:06:05,398 - You can still talk to your mother. 133 00:06:05,465 --> 00:06:07,067 You can cry with your mother. 134 00:06:07,200 --> 00:06:09,269 Eventually, you'll laugh with your mother. 135 00:06:09,402 --> 00:06:11,438 [shakily] I can't, though. 136 00:06:11,538 --> 00:06:15,709 I want to hug my boy. 137 00:06:15,842 --> 00:06:18,278 - Finally, it's Sascha's Hoffman's mother, 138 00:06:18,345 --> 00:06:20,714 Sonya Hardy, whose words seem 139 00:06:20,847 --> 00:06:23,450 to touch a nerve with the defendant. 140 00:06:23,550 --> 00:06:26,553 - We had the typical mother and daughter issues. 141 00:06:26,653 --> 00:06:28,622 And like all teenagers and their parents, 142 00:06:28,755 --> 00:06:30,991 we would quarrel over simple things. 143 00:06:31,091 --> 00:06:36,229 And I would give anything to argue with her again. 144 00:06:36,296 --> 00:06:39,466 - When she's finished, Sperduti takes the stand 145 00:06:39,599 --> 00:06:42,502 and delivers an emotional apology. 146 00:06:42,636 --> 00:06:45,639 - [crying] I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. 147 00:06:45,739 --> 00:06:47,440 I'm just so sorry. 148 00:06:47,507 --> 00:06:49,743 I suffer from it every day of my life. 149 00:06:49,876 --> 00:06:53,546 I'm so--I'm so messed up. 150 00:06:53,680 --> 00:06:58,184 I suffer from this every single day of my life. 151 00:06:58,318 --> 00:07:02,422 I will for the rest of my life. 152 00:07:02,555 --> 00:07:03,857 - The judge sentenced Sperduti 153 00:07:03,990 --> 00:07:07,360 to seven to 12 years in a state prison. 154 00:07:07,427 --> 00:07:09,629 After serving almost eight years, 155 00:07:09,696 --> 00:07:12,232 she was released on parole. 156 00:07:12,299 --> 00:07:13,633 [dramatic music] 157 00:07:17,203 --> 00:07:20,373 - Next, we go to Houston, Texas for a bond hearing. 158 00:07:20,473 --> 00:07:22,609 ♪ ♪ 159 00:07:22,709 --> 00:07:27,280 25-year-old Xavier Robinson has been charged with assault. 160 00:07:27,380 --> 00:07:29,849 ♪ ♪ 161 00:07:29,950 --> 00:07:32,185 Two months earlier, according to court records, 162 00:07:32,319 --> 00:07:35,455 Robinson got into an argument with his girlfriend, 163 00:07:35,588 --> 00:07:38,358 who is also the mother of his baby daughter. 164 00:07:38,425 --> 00:07:39,859 Things became physical 165 00:07:39,993 --> 00:07:42,696 and when police arrived, Robinson was arrested 166 00:07:42,829 --> 00:07:47,200 and is being held on $75,000 bond. 167 00:07:47,267 --> 00:07:51,204 Robinson had been free on bond for another assault charge 168 00:07:51,271 --> 00:07:55,442 from 2022 involving the same alleged victim. 169 00:07:55,508 --> 00:08:01,081 His latest arrest violates that bond. 170 00:08:01,181 --> 00:08:03,283 Today, he appears before Judge David Fleischer 171 00:08:03,350 --> 00:08:06,152 to discuss his bond status. 172 00:08:06,219 --> 00:08:09,389 Robinson's represented by attorney Nathaniel Munier, 173 00:08:09,456 --> 00:08:12,659 who's asking that his client be sentenced to probation 174 00:08:12,792 --> 00:08:17,030 despite Robinson having missed multiple court appearances. 175 00:08:17,130 --> 00:08:20,033 - Let's go through your stuff, Mr. Robinson. 176 00:08:21,234 --> 00:08:22,702 - Yes, sir. 177 00:08:22,836 --> 00:08:25,972 - This case has been open since 2022. 178 00:08:26,072 --> 00:08:29,542 You failed to appear October 4th, '22, 179 00:08:29,676 --> 00:08:33,113 April of '23, October of '23. 180 00:08:33,246 --> 00:08:35,882 Again, in October, you failed to appear. 181 00:08:35,949 --> 00:08:38,284 We had to revoke and raise your bond. 182 00:08:38,385 --> 00:08:40,086 So a total of one, 183 00:08:40,186 --> 00:08:41,087 two, 184 00:08:41,187 --> 00:08:42,188 three, four, 185 00:08:42,288 --> 00:08:46,159 five times you absconded. 186 00:08:46,226 --> 00:08:49,629 And now, the only reason we have you is because 187 00:08:49,696 --> 00:08:53,233 you picked up a felony violation of a bond condition. 188 00:08:53,299 --> 00:08:57,237 And you want me to accept a probation on you? 189 00:08:57,303 --> 00:09:01,408 In what alternate reality do you live in, Mr. Robinson, 190 00:09:01,474 --> 00:09:02,842 that you actually think that 191 00:09:02,909 --> 00:09:06,279 you're going to be able to successfully complete this? 192 00:09:06,346 --> 00:09:11,518 Tell me, why on Earth would we take this probation? 193 00:09:15,755 --> 00:09:17,056 - How on Earth could you take care of a daughter 194 00:09:17,190 --> 00:09:18,758 when you can't even take care of yourself? 195 00:09:18,825 --> 00:09:21,327 ♪ ♪ 196 00:09:21,428 --> 00:09:22,762 You're in jail, man. 197 00:09:22,862 --> 00:09:25,165 How on--who's taking care of that daughter? 198 00:09:27,066 --> 00:09:29,803 - Really? Really? 199 00:09:29,869 --> 00:09:32,172 I'm not convinced, Mr. Robinson, 200 00:09:32,272 --> 00:09:33,873 because I don't think that you're going to make it. 201 00:09:34,007 --> 00:09:35,108 - Yes, sir. 202 00:09:35,241 --> 00:09:37,944 - Why are we going to waste our time when, 203 00:09:38,078 --> 00:09:42,749 if history is any indication, you're going to get out there, 204 00:09:42,882 --> 00:09:46,820 and you're going to do absolutely sh--nothing? 205 00:09:46,953 --> 00:09:49,055 ♪ ♪ 206 00:09:49,189 --> 00:09:51,958 What you have to remember is that 207 00:09:52,025 --> 00:09:56,029 this life is but one that you have. 208 00:09:56,129 --> 00:09:59,399 This journey can be a wonderful journey 209 00:09:59,466 --> 00:10:02,435 where you get to hang out with friends, 210 00:10:02,535 --> 00:10:06,639 friends, family, get to go on vacations. 211 00:10:06,706 --> 00:10:09,075 Or it can be a rotten, 212 00:10:09,142 --> 00:10:12,879 miserable toilet of an experience 213 00:10:12,946 --> 00:10:18,284 where you're in and out of jail, prison, 214 00:10:18,384 --> 00:10:21,721 scraping to get by. 215 00:10:21,788 --> 00:10:25,024 - Despite the judge's seeming lack of confidence, 216 00:10:25,158 --> 00:10:27,594 he gives Robinson another chance. 217 00:10:27,694 --> 00:10:32,098 - Against my better judgment, 218 00:10:32,232 --> 00:10:33,466 I will give you a chance, 219 00:10:33,600 --> 00:10:36,236 because everybody deserves at least one chance. 220 00:10:36,302 --> 00:10:38,438 But I'm going to tell you now, you muck with me, 221 00:10:38,538 --> 00:10:40,874 I'm going to light you up. 222 00:10:41,007 --> 00:10:42,609 ♪ ♪ 223 00:10:42,709 --> 00:10:45,278 I'm putting an ankle monitor 224 00:10:45,345 --> 00:10:48,047 so I know where you are at all times. 225 00:10:48,114 --> 00:10:51,150 And I'm going to tell you now, you muck this thing up, 226 00:10:51,251 --> 00:10:54,187 you're looking at an entire year. 227 00:10:54,320 --> 00:10:58,791 And I will do it in a heartbeat to protect the public 228 00:10:58,858 --> 00:11:01,794 so that you finally get 229 00:11:01,861 --> 00:11:05,632 real in business in the criminal justice system. 230 00:11:05,698 --> 00:11:08,201 You understand, Mr. Robinson? 231 00:11:08,268 --> 00:11:09,769 - Yes, sir. I do. 232 00:11:09,869 --> 00:11:13,840 - Now, no drugs, no alcohol, no weapons, 233 00:11:13,907 --> 00:11:16,276 no contact with the complainant witness in this case. 234 00:11:16,342 --> 00:11:19,279 And I'm going to test you like crazy, just so you know. 235 00:11:19,379 --> 00:11:22,315 If you want this, I'm going to make you work for it. 236 00:11:22,382 --> 00:11:27,186 And if you so much as step off it wrong, 237 00:11:27,320 --> 00:11:31,157 there's going to be H-E- double hockey sticks to pay. 238 00:11:31,224 --> 00:11:32,825 Do you understand? 239 00:11:32,959 --> 00:11:35,528 ♪ ♪ 240 00:11:35,628 --> 00:11:37,564 Are you sure you want to do this? 241 00:11:37,664 --> 00:11:39,198 ♪ ♪ 242 00:11:39,265 --> 00:11:40,600 - Really, there's not much of one. 243 00:11:40,667 --> 00:11:42,368 We could plea-- - Yes, sir. 244 00:11:42,468 --> 00:11:45,505 - You do this well, you won't end up with a conviction. 245 00:11:45,638 --> 00:11:47,040 You don't do this well, 246 00:11:47,140 --> 00:11:48,841 I'm going to put you over my knee and I'm going to spank you 247 00:11:48,942 --> 00:11:51,277 like a little child with a ton of jail time. 248 00:11:51,377 --> 00:11:52,345 Do you understand? 249 00:11:52,478 --> 00:11:53,680 - Yes, sir. 250 00:11:53,746 --> 00:11:55,481 ♪ ♪ 251 00:11:55,582 --> 00:11:57,083 - For his latest assault charge, 252 00:11:57,150 --> 00:11:59,953 Robinson was sentenced to 60 days in jail, 253 00:12:00,053 --> 00:12:02,822 but was freed that day after being given credit 254 00:12:02,956 --> 00:12:05,725 for 63 days' time served. 255 00:12:05,825 --> 00:12:09,429 For violating his bond and for his original assault case, 256 00:12:09,495 --> 00:12:12,031 he was sentenced to two years' probation. 257 00:12:12,131 --> 00:12:14,634 If he successfully completes the probation, 258 00:12:14,701 --> 00:12:23,476 Robinson will not end up with a conviction on his record. 259 00:12:23,476 --> 00:12:25,411 - Next, we head to Concord, New Hampshire 260 00:12:25,511 --> 00:12:26,879 for a bond hearing. 261 00:12:26,946 --> 00:12:28,748 ♪ ♪ 262 00:12:29,482 --> 00:12:32,352 81-year-old David Lidstone has been charged 263 00:12:32,452 --> 00:12:35,288 with violating a court-ordered injunction. 264 00:12:35,388 --> 00:12:37,557 [rustic upbeat music] 265 00:12:37,624 --> 00:12:41,761 Two weeks earlier, Lidstone, known locally as River Dave, 266 00:12:41,828 --> 00:12:45,198 was arrested for living on someone else's property. 267 00:12:45,264 --> 00:12:46,866 Lidstone says he's lived in this home 268 00:12:47,000 --> 00:12:49,836 off the Merrimack River, which he built himself 269 00:12:49,969 --> 00:12:51,638 and equipped with solar panels, 270 00:12:51,738 --> 00:12:54,974 for over 26 years. 271 00:12:57,110 --> 00:12:59,512 - He says he grows his own food 272 00:12:59,646 --> 00:13:01,714 and spends most of his days walking the land 273 00:13:01,848 --> 00:13:05,184 and tending to his pet chickens. 274 00:13:05,318 --> 00:13:07,720 Lidstone also claimed he had a verbal agreement 275 00:13:07,787 --> 00:13:11,224 with the previous owner that he could live on the property. 276 00:13:11,357 --> 00:13:12,792 But the current owner, 277 00:13:12,892 --> 00:13:17,063 who wants Lidstone off the property, contacted police. 278 00:13:17,196 --> 00:13:20,233 A judge ordered him to vacate the premises. 279 00:13:20,333 --> 00:13:24,070 When Lidstone refused, he was taken into custody. 280 00:13:24,203 --> 00:13:26,239 [dramatic music] 281 00:13:26,306 --> 00:13:28,207 Today, he appears from the county jail 282 00:13:28,274 --> 00:13:30,243 before Judge Andrew Schulman 283 00:13:30,310 --> 00:13:32,545 to hear if he'll be released on bond. 284 00:13:32,679 --> 00:13:34,013 The judge explains that 285 00:13:34,113 --> 00:13:37,383 Lidstone can leave the jail any time he wants 286 00:13:37,550 --> 00:13:40,620 as long as he does not return to the property. 287 00:13:40,753 --> 00:13:44,023 - He holds the keys to the jailhouse in his hands. 288 00:13:44,157 --> 00:13:46,559 He can open the door and leave at any time. 289 00:13:46,626 --> 00:13:48,194 All he needs to do 290 00:13:48,294 --> 00:13:51,764 is agree to abide by the court's prior orders. 291 00:13:51,864 --> 00:13:56,402 - But Lidstone doesn't seem interested in negotiating. 292 00:14:17,824 --> 00:14:19,792 - A week later, at a follow-up hearing, 293 00:14:19,892 --> 00:14:23,262 the landowner's attorney, Lisa Snow Wade, 294 00:14:23,396 --> 00:14:25,898 lays out her client's position. 295 00:14:26,032 --> 00:14:28,534 - How far is he supposed to go 296 00:14:28,634 --> 00:14:32,505 in order to turn his woodlot into a habitable lot 297 00:14:32,638 --> 00:14:36,075 for somebody else who's there trespassing? 298 00:14:36,209 --> 00:14:41,114 - Judge Schulman maintains a sympathetic but firm stance. 299 00:14:59,499 --> 00:15:01,868 I can't go build a house on your property, trespass, 300 00:15:02,001 --> 00:15:05,037 and then say I get to stay there for the rest of my life. 301 00:15:05,104 --> 00:15:07,907 I mean, that doesn't work. 302 00:15:08,040 --> 00:15:12,211 - When the judge finishes, Lidstone does not hold back. 303 00:15:24,023 --> 00:15:25,124 [rustic somber music] 304 00:15:25,224 --> 00:15:26,592 - Later that day, 305 00:15:26,659 --> 00:15:29,796 Lidstone's cabin caught fire and burned to the ground 306 00:15:29,862 --> 00:15:33,766 while it was being dismantled by the property owner. 307 00:15:33,866 --> 00:15:36,035 He was released from jail the next day. 308 00:15:36,169 --> 00:15:38,671 And when his story hit the local news outlets, 309 00:15:38,805 --> 00:15:43,810 several people came forward and donated almost $200,000 310 00:15:43,910 --> 00:15:47,513 to help River Dave build a new home. 311 00:15:47,647 --> 00:15:49,348 He eventually moved to Maine, 312 00:15:49,482 --> 00:15:52,285 where he built himself a new cabin. 313 00:15:52,385 --> 00:15:58,858 His case is now closed. 314 00:15:58,858 --> 00:15:59,625 - Next, we head to Taylor, Michigan 315 00:15:59,759 --> 00:16:02,161 for a settlement conference. 316 00:16:02,228 --> 00:16:03,663 ♪ ♪ 317 00:16:03,796 --> 00:16:05,965 30-year-old Kevin Kowalcik 318 00:16:06,065 --> 00:16:08,334 has been charged with domestic violence. 319 00:16:08,434 --> 00:16:11,571 Kowalcik, who's free on a $10,000 bond, 320 00:16:11,671 --> 00:16:14,273 has pled not guilty 321 00:16:14,407 --> 00:16:16,442 and appears today with his attorney 322 00:16:16,542 --> 00:16:18,644 before Judge Victoria Shackelford 323 00:16:18,711 --> 00:16:20,446 to make a request. 324 00:16:20,513 --> 00:16:21,547 - Good morning, Your Honor. 325 00:16:21,681 --> 00:16:23,916 James Gizicki on behalf of Mr. Kowalcik, 326 00:16:24,050 --> 00:16:25,618 who's present on Zoom. 327 00:16:25,751 --> 00:16:28,888 Your Honor, he's requesting a new attorney. 328 00:16:28,988 --> 00:16:33,025 - You have a jury trial set for two weeks. 329 00:16:33,159 --> 00:16:36,829 Mr. Gizicki has been representing you. 330 00:16:36,963 --> 00:16:40,032 Why is it you're seeking a new attorney? 331 00:16:40,132 --> 00:16:42,001 - Your Honor, because he's not doing 332 00:16:42,101 --> 00:16:45,638 what I ask him to do for me. 333 00:16:45,738 --> 00:16:47,573 I have concerns about this. 334 00:16:47,673 --> 00:16:50,209 You know, I got voicemails that come through my phone 335 00:16:50,276 --> 00:16:51,677 of people calling my phone, 336 00:16:51,777 --> 00:16:53,312 threatening me they're going to kill me. 337 00:16:53,446 --> 00:16:56,249 - Sir, I can't hear all of that, though, right now. 338 00:16:56,315 --> 00:16:59,685 Those sound like things that you could present at trial, 339 00:16:59,785 --> 00:17:01,087 if they're appropriate. 340 00:17:01,187 --> 00:17:05,591 An attorney would know better than I at this point. 341 00:17:05,658 --> 00:17:07,159 - I no longer want him. 342 00:17:07,226 --> 00:17:09,528 - Sir, if you pay for your lawyer, 343 00:17:09,629 --> 00:17:13,232 you can go through as many as you want. 344 00:17:13,299 --> 00:17:17,136 But if you don't like--I mean, I'm not going to just continue 345 00:17:17,236 --> 00:17:19,238 appointing different attorneys 346 00:17:19,338 --> 00:17:22,642 because you don't like what they have to say. 347 00:17:22,708 --> 00:17:24,911 ♪ ♪ 348 00:17:25,044 --> 00:17:27,079 How are you going to get another attorney? 349 00:17:27,179 --> 00:17:29,248 - I've been trying to contact free legal aid, 350 00:17:29,315 --> 00:17:31,817 and they said that they will represent me. 351 00:17:31,951 --> 00:17:34,420 I just need-- I forgot. 352 00:17:34,554 --> 00:17:35,988 What did she say, babe? 353 00:17:36,122 --> 00:17:39,191 - Kowalcik's girlfriend, who's not the alleged victim 354 00:17:39,292 --> 00:17:42,595 in his domestic violence case, is also on the call. 355 00:17:42,662 --> 00:17:43,863 - What did she say, babe? 356 00:17:51,070 --> 00:17:53,039 - Did you hear my girlfriend, by any chance? 357 00:17:53,139 --> 00:17:55,808 - All right. I don't know what she said. 358 00:17:55,875 --> 00:17:57,109 So, listen... 359 00:18:11,223 --> 00:18:12,224 - Who are you talking-- 360 00:18:12,358 --> 00:18:14,126 no, Mr. Kowalcik, you need to chill. 361 00:18:14,226 --> 00:18:15,995 Calm down. 362 00:18:16,095 --> 00:18:17,463 ♪ ♪ 363 00:18:17,596 --> 00:18:18,965 - I'm calm. I'm calm, ma'am. 364 00:18:19,065 --> 00:18:21,367 If you want, you can take the tether off my leg 365 00:18:21,467 --> 00:18:24,003 and you could send me 14 months in prison. 366 00:18:24,070 --> 00:18:25,237 $100. 367 00:18:25,304 --> 00:18:26,238 - I have no further to speak, Your Honor. 368 00:18:26,305 --> 00:18:28,107 - $200. 369 00:18:28,240 --> 00:18:31,077 Mr. Kowalcik, you are held in direct contempt of court. 370 00:18:31,210 --> 00:18:33,879 You owe this court $200 fine. 371 00:18:33,980 --> 00:18:37,883 You want to keep going? 372 00:18:37,950 --> 00:18:40,553 You're not going to talk over me in this courtroom. 373 00:18:40,653 --> 00:18:42,622 - But don't I have the right to speak? 374 00:18:42,755 --> 00:18:46,025 - Sir, no, you have the right to remain silent. 375 00:18:46,158 --> 00:18:47,226 - OK, OK, OK. 376 00:18:47,360 --> 00:18:49,562 - And if I were you, I would exercise it. 377 00:18:50,429 --> 00:18:54,500 - OK. I'm sorry, ma'am. I apologize. 378 00:18:54,634 --> 00:18:57,603 - After the judge holds Kowalcik in contempt of court, 379 00:18:57,703 --> 00:18:59,705 things appear to settle down. 380 00:18:59,839 --> 00:19:03,275 - Do you want a one-week adjournment 381 00:19:03,409 --> 00:19:06,345 so that you can try and retain an attorney? 382 00:19:06,479 --> 00:19:08,614 - I don't know how to do nothing, ma'am. 383 00:19:11,350 --> 00:19:13,819 ♪ ♪ 384 00:19:13,953 --> 00:19:16,555 - Well, sir, you listen to me. 385 00:19:16,656 --> 00:19:17,757 - And I thought the conference was-- 386 00:19:17,857 --> 00:19:19,525 - You will listen to me! 387 00:19:19,625 --> 00:19:21,594 Listen to me! 388 00:19:21,660 --> 00:19:23,462 - Right. - You're indicating now that 389 00:19:23,596 --> 00:19:25,297 you want to go to legal aid, and you want 390 00:19:25,431 --> 00:19:27,500 to get the advice of a legal aid attorney 391 00:19:27,633 --> 00:19:30,436 to see if they'll represent you on this matter. 392 00:19:30,569 --> 00:19:32,438 And you have a right to do so. 393 00:19:32,505 --> 00:19:34,807 So I will give you a one-week adjournment 394 00:19:34,874 --> 00:19:36,475 so that you can retain counsel. 395 00:19:36,609 --> 00:19:40,613 This is set for a jury trial-- 396 00:19:40,713 --> 00:19:44,316 in--in a week-- in a week and a few days. 397 00:19:44,450 --> 00:19:45,751 - Ma'am, I don't even care. 398 00:19:45,851 --> 00:19:47,820 I'm just going to go with it with the flow. 399 00:19:52,658 --> 00:19:54,960 - No, [indistinct]. I'll see you in one week. 400 00:19:55,027 --> 00:19:56,062 - I'll represent-- can I represent myself? 401 00:19:56,195 --> 00:19:57,997 - We'll readdress this in one week. 402 00:19:58,097 --> 00:20:01,867 You're to be back here next Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. 403 00:20:01,967 --> 00:20:03,069 and you can give me an update 404 00:20:03,202 --> 00:20:06,072 on your legal aid attorney at that time. 405 00:20:06,205 --> 00:20:09,708 And the matter is adjourned until that day. 406 00:20:09,842 --> 00:20:11,877 - Kowalcik's next hearing was canceled 407 00:20:11,977 --> 00:20:14,313 and his trial's been postponed. 408 00:20:14,447 --> 00:20:16,048 He's yet to retain a new attorney 409 00:20:16,115 --> 00:20:18,050 and remains free on bond, 410 00:20:18,150 --> 00:20:22,755 but still must pay his $200 fine for contempt of court. 411 00:20:22,822 --> 00:20:24,023 [dramatic music] 412 00:20:24,156 --> 00:20:26,025 That's it for this edition of "Court Cam." 413 00:20:26,158 --> 00:20:28,461 I'm Dan Abrams. Thanks for watching.