Harvey Weinstein Appeals Rape Conviction in NY ... I Didn't Get a Fair Trial!!!

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Harvey Weinstein's appealing his rape and sexual abuse conviction in New York, and has a laundry list of reasons why he believes he got a raw deal.

According to new legal docs ... Weinstein claims he was deprived of a fair and impartial jury trial, which resulted in guilty verdicts and a sentence of 23 years in prison.

Weinstein's team claims the jury was influenced by sensational, prejudiced media coverage, special interest groups and the public's "magnified moral outrage over claimed sexual misbehavior of powerful men."

Weinstein's appeal highlights several points his legal team brought up during his trial, including the allegation one of the jurors lied about writing a book focused on older men preying on younger women.

In addition, Weinstein claims the jury was permitted to hear allegations of prior bad acts and uncharged crimes ... which he argues is a major error that deprived him of his right to a fair trial.

Weinstein also claims he was barred from presenting a defense against the prosecution's expert witness, and even alleges the judge showed his own bias when he harshly admonished Weinstein for using his cell phone in court.

Finally, Weinstein slams the trial court for allegedly influencing the jury's decision by essentially letting the prosecution put Mr. Weinstein’s entire life on trial instead of just focusing on the charged offenses.

122018_harvey_weinstein_kal 12/20/2018
BIG DEFEAT

Even if the disgraced movie mogul's appeal is successful, he's still awaiting trial in another sexual abuse case in Los Angeles. He's currently serving his 23-year sentence in a NY state prison.

'OutDaughtered' Star Mimi Ducks Jail ... Gets Diversion Program for DUI Bust

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"OutDaughtered" star Michelle "Mimi" Theriot should be able to get the stink of her DUI arrest off her ... if she can obey court orders for a year.

Mimi's entered a diversion program stemming from her October DUI bust in Texas. It's 1-year community supervision for first-time offenders ... and Mimi's happy with it.

According to Theriot's agreement with the DA ... she can't drink alcohol or use controlled substances for a year. In fact, she has to stay clear of bars. She must also complete 24 hours of community service, along with a DWI education program.

And, there's more. Mimi must submit to random drug testing. And, the kicker ... she can't break any laws. If she checks all the boxes, her case will be dismissed.

We broke the story ... Grandma Mimi got arrested in League City, TX after cops say she was swerving on the road and was slow to stop when they tried pulling her over.

During the stop, cops say there was a strong odor of perfume wafting from her SUV ... something cops say is common for people trying to conceal odors.

Mimi is a big part of the TLC series which follows Danielle and Adam Busby, who are raising 6 daughters that include the only American all-girl quintuplets on record. Mimi is Danielle's mom.

MMA's Johnny Case Arrested for Domestic Battery In Vegas

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MMA fighter Johnny Case -- who once fought on a Conor McGregor undercard -- was arrested in Las Vegas on Thursday for domestic battery, TMZ Sports has learned.

The 31-year-old fighter is still in custody in Clark County, Nevada according to online records.

Details surrounding his arrest have not been released -- but we're told the alleged victim is a female MMA fighter.

Case -- who goes by the nickname "Johnny Hollywood" -- is currently signed with the PFL (Professional Fighters League) and has a fight scheduled for the end of the month.

Case is 27-7-1 as a pro fighter and has had stints with some of the top MMA organizations in the world ... including the UFC, where he fought from 2014 to 2017.

In fact, Case fought Frankie Perez on the undercard of the Conor McGregor vs. Dennis Siver card back in 2015 ... and he won.

We reached out to Case's camp for comment but so far nothing.

Story developing ...

U.S. Capitol Locked Down After Car Hits 2 Cops ... Suspect, 1 Cop Dead

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CAPITOL CONFUSION
UPDATE

2:25 PM PT -- The suspect has been identified as Noah Green, a 25-year-old man from Indiana ... according to multiple reports.

UPDATE

11:48 AM PT -- Yogananda Pittman, the acting chief of U.S. Capitol Police, announced one of the police officers died due to injuries suffered during the attack after the suspect jumped out of the car and lunged at officers with a knife. Pittman confirmed the suspect was fatally shot. The attack does not appear to be terror-related.

UPDATE

11:18 AM PT -- NBC News is reporting the suspect was fatally shot by police.

The U.S. Capitol is in lockdown mode after someone in a car tried ramming a security barrier ... and hit 2 U.S. Capitol Police Officers.

Capitol Police issued an alert Friday telling people inside the complex to remain indoors due to an "external security threat" that required a massive police presence ... including the landing of a helicopter on the east side of the Capitol.

USCP said it responded to the north barricade vehicle access point along Independence Ave. "for reports someone rammed a vehicle into two USCP officers." The suspect is in custody. The officers, along with the suspect, were transported to a hospital.

Neither the House nor the Senate was in session at the time of the incident and President Biden had left Washington earlier in the day for Camp David. The alert instructed people inside the Capitol to "stay away from exterior windows, doors" and "if outside, seek cover."

According to reports ... Capitol Police opened fire when the suspect attempted to ram the car through the barriers. It's unclear if the suspect was hit but one of the officers is reportedly in critical condition.

Story developing ...

Originally Published-- 10:58 AM PT

Kendall Jenner Man Who Went for Naked Swim ... Arrested at Kylie's After Jail Release

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UPDATE

11:13 AM PT -- 3/2 -- Kylie has also filed for a temporary restraining order against King.

It turns out the man who was arrested after swimming naked in Kendall Jenner's pool had his sights set on Kylie as well -- showing up at her home after his release from jail -- and it's all laid out in terrifying court docs.

Kendall got a temporary restraining order Thursday against 27-year-old Shaquan King. In legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Jenner states King made it onto her property early Sunday morning, removed his clothes and got into her pool before her personal security ordered him out, detained him and cops came to make an arrest.

What's more frightening, Kendall says a day-and-a-half after his release -- which was only 6 hours because of jail COVID protocols -- King made his way to Kylie's gated community and was arrested Tuesday for felony stalking.

Kendall also details King's alleged criminal history in the docs, claiming he's been busted for kidnapping and has photos of her on his social media pages ... she says he's left her in fear for her own safety.

The restraining order also protects Kylie and Kris Jenner ... and orders that King stay at least 100 yards away.

TMZ broke the story, Kendall has since hired more armed security and left her home, we're told she has no plans to ever return.

We had previously been told King only attempted to get in the pool, but Kendall states in the new court docs that he actually got into the water.

Originally Published -- 3/1 3:36 PM PT

Ex-NFL WR Kenbrell Thompkins Charged With Identity Theft ... Facing Over 10 Years Behind Bars

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Ex-NFL WR Kenbrell Thompkins -- who famously caught TDs from Tom Brady in 2013 -- is now facing over 10 years in prison after he allegedly committed identity theft and fraud.

Federal prosecutors in court docs say the 32-year-old former Jets, Raiders and Patriots wideout stole identities to illegally obtain cash that was intended for people who were financially reeling from the coronavirus pandemic.

In the docs, prosecutors say Thompkins used personal information from multiple people to apply for financial aid in California in Aug. 2020.

Investigators claim when the requests were granted, Thompkins was sent the money in the form of debit cards. Prosecutors claim they then caught the ex-NFL player on surveillance video using them to withdraw cash at Florida Bank of America locations.

Investigators say in total, Thompkins' "scheme involves approximately $300,000 in California unemployment insurance funds credited to the fraudulent debit cards." Of the $300K, investigators claim Thompkins withdrew around $230,000.

Court records show Thompkins has been hit with 1 charge of use of one or more unauthorized access devices and 2 charges of aggravated identity theft.

If convicted on all counts, Thompkins is facing over 10 years behind bars.

Thompkins broke into the NFL as an undrafted free agent with New England in 2013 ... and he had a solid rookie year, tallying 32 catches for 466 yards and 4 TDs.

Thompkins, though, wasn't able to do much more in the NFL after that ... recording just a handful more starts before officially dropping out of the league in 2017.

Justin Bieber Getting Yard Time with CA Prisoners ... First Pics of Prison Trip

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The show Justin Bieber put on for a group of SoCal inmates was less about song and dance, and more about sitting and listening ... as photos of his recent prison visit reveal.

TMZ's obtained pics showing the Biebs surrounded by a big group of prisoners in the yard at the California State Prison of L.A. County. Justin and his pastor took a field trip to the correctional facility last week, but this is our first look at what went down.

In one shot you see Justin listening intently while seated outside, and in another, he appears to be praying. We're told Bieber specifically visited inmates taking part in the prison's Urban Ministry Institute ... a seminary program run by Prison Fellowship.

And, get this, JB also visited the Paws for Life K9 Rescue program, which is the first dog rehab program in a men's maximum-security prison. Inmates actually train them to become service dogs to military vets. Pretty awesome.

As we first reported ... Justin's RV was seen pulling into the prison last week where he was spreading the good word.

One other cool moment from the visit ... we're told Justin committed to personally chartering buses to help families get to remote prisons -- 10-12 hours away from SoCal -- to see loved ones behind bars.

Another Mass Shooting 4 Dead in Orange, CA ... Cops Drag Out Suspect on Video

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CAPTURING THE SUSPECT
UPDATE

10:26 AM PT -- According to the Orange PD, the alleged shooter's been identified as 44-year-old Aminadab Gaxiola Gonzalez. Police say Gonzalez's motive for the mass shooting was linked to a relationship with the business and the people in it ... it was not a random act.

UPDATE

The victims' identities have not been released, but cops say the child who was killed was a 9-year-old at work with his mother.

The alleged gunman who killed 4 people, including a child, in America's latest tragic mass shooting was apprehended by several cops after getting shot ... and the dramatic moment was caught on video.

Witnesses across the street from the office building in Orange, CA -- where the suspect allegedly opened fire around 5:30 PM Wednesday -- were recording as police officers swarmed and dragged the alleged shooter out.

The suspect sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to the hospital, though it's unclear if the wound was self-inflicted or at the hand of a responding officer.

In the video, the witnesses describe seeing a lot of blood and assume the suspect is dead. As the suspect's apprehended, it appears one officer kicks away a firearm.

Four people were killed in the shooting, including a child, and a fifth was critically injured. The identities of the victims have not been released. The suspect is also reportedly in critical condition.

The complex where the shooting went down houses multiple businesses, including an insurance company and a counseling center.

This is the 20th mass shooting in the U.S. since the Atlanta area spa attacks just 2 weeks ago, in which 8 people were killed.

Originally Published -- 6:56 AM PT

YouTube Stars Stokes Twins Plead Guilty In Bank Robbery Video Prank

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YouTube stars Alan and Alex Stokes are gonna dodge jail time for faking, and recording, a series of bank robberies in SoCal ... now that they've both entered guilty pleas.

The twin brothers pled Wednesday to false imprisonment and reporting false emergencies, both misdemeanors, in their fake bank robberies case. In exchange for the guilty plea, the Orange County judge reduced their original felony false imprisonment charges to a misdemeanor.

The 24-year-old twins, who had been facing a maximum of 5 years in jail if convicted, were each sentenced to one year probation and 160 hours of community service.

As we reported ... the YouTube stars were charged in August for staging the 2019 heists in Irvine, CA in order to produce a prank vid for their YouTube channel. One of the pranks led to cops holding an unsuspecting Uber driver at gunpoint.

The judge also ordered the twins to steer clear of the University of Irvine, where they shot one of the "robbery" videos.

Asian Hate Crime Suspect Charged With Hate Crimes For Brutal Assault Of 65-Year-Old Woman

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033021_asian_hate_nypd_search_kal_1 3/29/21
ASSAULTED IN BROAD DAYLIGHT
UPDATE

5:22 PM PT -- The suspect, Brandon Elliot, has just been charged with two counts of assault in the second degree as a hate crime and one count of attempted assault in the first degree as a hate crime ... according to Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr.

The guy cops say was caught on camera viciously beating an elderly Asian woman to the ground and kicking her in the head has been arrested ... and he's facing several hate crime and assault charges.

According to law enforcement ... cops arrested 38-year-old Brandon Elliot shortly after midnight Wednesday, and he's been booked on 2 counts of assault as a hate crime.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... during questioning Elliot identified himself as the man in the still image police released. We're told he repeatedly asked investigators if he was being questioned for an assault or a homicide, because he didn't know if the victim had died.

He's also been charged with attempted assault as a hate crime, assault and attempted assault for Monday's vicious attack in Midtown Manhattan on the 65-year-old woman who was walking to church.

According to police, Elliot was ID'd and investigators determined where he lived thanks to multiple tips to the NYPD CrimeStoppers Unit. Turns out he has a serious record ... we're told Elliot's already on lifetime parole for the 2002 murder of his mother. He was released in November 2019.

As we reported ... the attack on the woman was witnessed by building staff members nearby, who can be seen on video failing to help her. Cops say the attacker made anti-Asian statements like "F*** you, you don't belong here," and then left the scene like nothing happened.

We're told the victim suffered a broken pelvis and head and leg injuries.

The workers who did nothing to help her were suspended, according to the company that manages the building, while an investigation into their conduct is underway.

Originally Published -- 6:49 AM PT

Baltimore City State's Attorney Violent Crimes Rapidly Dropping ... COVID Paved The New Way

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The coronavirus pandemic's actually helping Baltimore curb violent crimes, thanks to a change in policy ... according to the city's top prosecutor.

Marilyn Mosby, the State's Attorney for the city of Baltimore, joined us on "TMZ Live" Wednesday and told us how an experimental approach to limiting the spread of the virus is paying big dividends.

Under Mosby, Baltimore stopped prosecuting low-level offenses like drug possession and prostitution when the pandemic first hit ... and ever since, she says violent crime is down a whopping 20 percent.

Marilyn tells us there are other benefits, like fewer folks entering the criminal justice system and less crowded jails, and that's why Baltimore is making the changes permanent.

Now, the city's blazing a new trail ... Baltimore's partnering with a local behavioral health service to help folks in need seek treatment, instead of placing them in handcuffs.

It's a pretty interesting conversation ... and Marilyn tells us why her city's policies could've saved the lives of folks like George Floyd and Eric Garner.

'RHOSLC' Star Jen Shah Strict Credit Card, Travel Limits After Wire Fraud Arrest

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UPDATE

11:49 AM PT -- Shah's arraignment has been pushed to Friday.

'Real Housewives of Salt Lake City' star Jen Shah is out on bond from federal custody following her arrest for wire fraud ... but there are some big strings attached.

According to new legal docs obtained by TMZ ... Shah is banned from traveling outside of Utah without permission, had to forfeit her passport so she can't leave the U.S. and she can't use her credit cards without prior permission either.

In addition, she's prohibited from transferring any assets worth more than $10k, and of course ... can't engage in any telemarketing activities while out on bond.

As we reported ... the 'Housewife' was busted by the feds Tuesday in Salt Lake City and is facing a conspiracy to commit wire fraud charge and a conspiracy to commit money laundering charge.

Shah is accused of participating in a nationwide telemarketing scheme with her assistant, Stuart Smith, in which they allegedly targeted many elderly people.

She's scheduled to appear before a federal judge Wednesday afternoon for her arraignment.

Originally Published -- 11:29 AM PT

Kendall Jenner I'm Done with This Place ... Leaves Home After Scary Incidents

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Kendall Jenner's had it with trespassers, stalkers and death threats ... so she's packing up and leaving her Bev Hills home, with no plans to return.

Sources close to Kendall tell TMZ ... after the latest scary incident Sunday, she's moved out of her house because the possible risk is too much to stay -- even though her armed security team has been increased.

We're told she's moved to a safe location with armed security ... and has no plans to return to her home. It's unclear if she will decide to sell the house.

TMZ broke the story ... an alleged trespasser showed up at her place at 2 AM Sunday and attempted a naked swim in her pool. Kendall also got a temporary restraining order Monday against another guy who told police he planned to shoot and kill her and then himself.

That man's currently in a mental health facility but could be released at any time ... and the alleged trespasser from Sunday was arrested but is already back on the streets.

Kendall also had to deal with an alleged stalker getting onto her property twice in 2018 before getting a restraining order against him.

And, keep in mind, she moved to her current home after selling her WeHo home in 2017 following another string of scary incidents, including a burglary.

As for where Kendall might move ... the neighborhood she's in now is touted as being one of the most secure places in the city, so it's a tough situation.

Drake Cops Arrest Woman Near Papi's Home

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Drake's massive mansion was buzzing with police activity Tuesday, and cops say one woman is in custody after being found near the sprawling Toronto property.

Toronto Police tell TMZ ... officers responded to a call around 5 PM ET and apprehended a woman before she could gain entry to Drake's estate.

We're told there were no reported injuries and police are investigating after clearing the scene.

A source close to Drake tells TMZ ... the rapper was home at the time, but the woman got nowhere near the inside.

There was a report of a woman allegedly armed with a knife storming Drake's home and using a metal pipe to strike one of his security guards ... but Toronto Police tell us the report is NOT true.

As you know ... Champagne Papi built the 35,000 square foot mansion on a 2-acre lot, and it's decked out with 2 saunas, a massage room, a 10-car garage, a gym, a screening room and a full-sized indoor basketball court.

Story developing ...

Kendall Jenner Beefs Up Armed Security Team ... After Man Attempts Naked Swim in Pool

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Kendall Jenner is done with trespassers, beefing up her armed security team after a man attempted to help himself to a nude swim at her place -- the latest shocking security breach at her gated community home.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... a 27-year-old man made his way onto Kendall's L.A. property around 2 AM Sunday and began to knock on windows while yelling her name.

We're told Kendall was home at the time, in a safe location -- and her security was alerted and tracking the man's movements -- but the guy stripped off his clothes in an attempt to get in her pool.

Our sources say he was detained by the security guards until cops showed up and arrested him for misdemeanor trespassing. We're told he never made any contact with Kendall, and after spending 6 hours behind bars ... he was released due to COVID protocols at the jail.

Sources close to Kendall tell us there have been additional security measures put in place at her home since the incident, including more armed guards. We're also told she's been toying with the idea of moving.

Mind you, Kendall's attorneys just ran to court on Monday to get a temporary restraining order against a different individual. TMZ broke the story ... a man who was in a mental health facility last week told police he planned to shoot Kendall and then himself.

He remains hospitalized, but could be released at any point, so Kendall has very real concerns about security -- especially considering she lives in a gated community where residents pay for an extra layer of protection.

As we reported, an alleged stalker ended up getting onto her property twice in 2018, and coincidentally was also spotted by her pool. Kendall got a restraining order, and then he was deported to Canada.

That all went down after she sold her WeHo home in 2017 following a string of scary incidents, including a burglary.

Trump Supporter Pulls Gun on Antifa Protesters ... After They Maced Him

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Images of a Trump supporter pulling out a gun in a standoff with Antifa protesters is a stark reminder -- nearly 5 months after the Presidential election, tensions remain dangerously high in Oregon.

The heated incident went down Sunday in Salem at a rally near the Oregon Capitol where the man wearing an American flag hoodie and driving a truck with Trump stickers clashed with Antifa protesters ... who pelted his truck with rocks and paint.

The man's truck windows appear to be shattered from the encounter and you can see the windshield's smeared with yellow paint, but it seems getting maced was the final straw -- prompting the man to pull out his gun, cock it and point it at protesters.

Moments later ... you see the man put his hands up and surrender to cops before he's taken away. It's unclear what charges he's facing, if any.

Protesters clashed throughout the day on what was supposed to be a "Freedom Rally" dedicated to those who "fought for our freedoms." But, things apparently went south fast after protesters started pelting rocks and paint at a pro-Trump caravan. At least 3 people were arrested.

This violent encounter's nothing new in Oregon, where protesters have been clashing with law enforcement and other citizens since well before the election ... and well after as well.