In the News
Unfolding Investigation of Seaman Angelina Resendiz’s Death
The investigation into the death of Seaman Angelina Resendiz continues to unfold, with a fellow Navy sailor now in pretrial confinement in connection to the case. While the suspect’s identity has not yet been officially released, Attorney Robert Canoy, a former military Judge Advocate now in private practice, confirmed that the individual is likely being held at the Naval Consolidated Brig in Chesapeake. Canoy explained the steps that follow in the military justice process, including an Initial Review Officer’s Hearing, Article 32 Preliminary Hearing, and potentially a court-martial, highlighting key differences between military and civilian courts—such as the absence of cash bonds and the allowance of non-unanimous verdicts.
How a TikTok Video Got One Military Officer Court-Martialed
In the Navy Times article, civilian defense attorney Rob Canoy represented Lt. Cmdr. James Dickerson during his court-martial for posting a TikTok video deemed inappropriate by the Navy. Following Dickerson’s acquittal, Canoy stated that “the right decision was ultimately reached in court on the merits,” emphasizing that they harbored no ill will toward the command or the Navy for pursuing the case.
Four Indicted For Sex Crimes By Accomack Grand Jury
In the Shore Daily News article, defense attorney Jarrett McCormack represented Justin Travis Sokaitis, an Onley resident accused of possessing child pornography and related offenses. During the bond hearing, McCormack argued that the explicit material involved a girl who claimed to be over 18, emphasizing it was a single transaction. He also raised concerns about Sokaitis’s mental and physical health, noting inadequate treatment in jail.
Case Involving Alleged Embezzlement of $13K from Rivers Casino Portsmouth Moves Forward in Court
In the 13News Now article, defense attorney Jarrett McCormack represents Joshoua Thompson, one of two former Rivers Casino Portsmouth employees accused of embezzling approximately $13,670. During the preliminary hearing, McCormack, along with co-counsel Sonya Weaver Roots, raised questions about the testimony of the casino’s Director of Finance, challenging the completeness of the financial records presented.
Virginia Beach Man Arrested for Plotting to Abduct, Rape Teenage Babysitter
In the WTKR article, defense attorney Jarrett L. McCormack represents Richard Shusko, a Virginia Beach man accused of plotting to abduct and rape a teenage babysitter. McCormack emphasized that Shusko is presumed innocent until proven guilty and noted that he is awaiting a preliminary hearing in Virginia Beach General District Court.
Onley Man Accused of Child Pornography Related Charges Denied Bond
In the Shore Daily News article, defense attorney Jarrett McCormack represented an Onley man accused of child pornography-related charges during his bond hearing. McCormack argued for his client’s release, highlighting concerns about the defendant’s mental and physical health and the adequacy of treatment while incarcerated.
Judge Sentences Former Virginia Beach Teacher to 5 Years for Sexually Abusing Student
Defense attorney Jarrett McCormack represented Robert “Bob” Weisenbeck, a former Ocean Lakes High School teacher sentenced to five years in prison for sexually abusing a foreign exchange student. McCormack emphasized that Weisenbeck had no prior record, had begun sex offender treatment, and had already faced severe consequences, including the loss of his career and public scrutiny.
Accused Navy Commander Didn’t Have Clout to Benefit “Fat Leonard” in Conspiracy
In the article from The Virginian-Pilot, defense attorney Robert Canoy represented Navy Cmdr. Jason W. Starmer during a Norfolk hearing concerning the “Fat Leonard” bribery scandal. Canoy argued that Starmer lacked the influence to benefit Leonard Glenn Francis, known as “Fat Leonard,” in the conspiracy, suggesting that the allegations against his client were unfounded.
Va. Beach Woman Who Beat Victim with Baton, Called Racial Slur
In the 13News Now article, defense attorney Jarrett McCormack represents a Virginia Beach woman accused of assaulting another woman with a baton during a road rage incident. McCormack stated that the altercation was initiated by the alleged victim using a racial slur against his client.
Navy Commander Latest to be Charged in ‘Fat Leonard’ Scandal
In the Navy Times article, Coast Guard Lt. Robert Canoy served as the defense attorney for Navy Cmdr. Jason W. Starmer during an Article 32 hearing related to the “Fat Leonard” scandal. Canoy questioned the sufficiency of the evidence presented by Navy prosecutors, particularly regarding allegations of Starmer’s involvement with prostitutes, and argued for the dismissal of certain charges due to a lack of direct questioning by investigators on specific matters.
Navy Commander Accused in Bribery Scandal has Hearing
In the AP News article, Coast Guard Lt. Robert Canoy served as the defense attorney for Navy Cmdr. Jason Starmer, who faced allegations of accepting bribes from Malaysian contractor Leonard Francis, known as “Fat Leonard.” Canoy contended that Starmer’s role as operations director at the Joint U.S. Military Advisory Group in Bangkok, Thailand, lacked the significance necessary for involvement in such a conspiracy.