Free Republic

NEWARK, N.J. - A London-based financial manager was sentenced Thursday to 24 months in prison for his role in a plot to smuggle shoulder-fired missiles into the U.S. to aid terrorists. Manthena Raja, 45, pleaded guilty in September to one count of money laundering. He admitted he facilitated two cash transfers from the U.S. worth $86,500 for British businessman Hemant Lakhani, even though he knew the money was for an illegal arms deal. Raja, an Indian citizen, had faced a sentence of between 37 and 46 months under federal guidelines, but the government recommended a lesser term because he cooperated...

Not naming Kobe Bryant's accuser is becoming almost pointless. As Bryant's trial is scheduled to begin this week in Eagle County, Colo., every major newspaper, newsmagazine, network and cable outlet still is keeping it taboo to release the name of the woman who reported the basketball star raped her. Even when bumblers in the courthouse inadvertently keep disseminating it to reporters covering the pending case and even when she filed a civil suit seeking monetary damages from Bryant under the name "Jane Doe." What the media have proceeded to do instead is to produce a paint-by- numbers portrait: her age,...

<p>March 25, 2004 -- EAGLE, Colo. - Kobe Bryant's young accuser - her hair dyed red and her figure clearly heavier than when the scandal broke - confidently took the witness stand yesterday, going face-to-face with the NBA superstar for the first time since accusing him of rape last summer. The 19-year-old underwent nearly four grueling hours of questioning from Bryant's defense team about her past sexual relationships - but never broke.</p>

Appeals court rules in Venegas' favor BY LAUREL ALMADA Times staff writer The Fourth Court of Appeals ordered that a Laredo man charged in a 12-year-old triple ax murder case must be released from custody or have his bond reduced Wednesday. The published opinion came as a result of Miguel Angel Venegas Jr.'s appeal of a decision rendered by visiting Judge Fred Shannon on March 5. Despite the order, the prosecution maintains Venegas cannot be released from the Webb County jail until the state has exhausted its appellate resources. The defendant is charged with three counts of murder and one...