Clay man arrested for criminal mischief

According to Syracuse.com, Seneca Falls Police arrested Junior A. DeOliveira for criminal mischief and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Police said that DeOliveira, 25, smashed a television screen with a hammer while three children were watching cartoons on October 5.

DeOliveria was arraigned and sent to the Seneca Country Correctional Facility. Bail was set at $20,000.

My Take: Any crime that involves children is disturbing. A man came after these kids with a hammer and intending on using it. Now the story does not state why DeOliveira smashed the TV, but I don't think that using a hammer was the necessary solution. I'm relieved that none of the children were hurt.

Ex-Army sergeant pleads guilty to bribery

Retired Army Sergeant Ronald Radcliff pleaded guilty on Friday to bribery and money laundering charges while he was on duty in Iraq.

Radcliff, 43, originally pleaded not guilty back in May, but switched his plea in part of an agreement with the prosecution. 

According to the indictment, during his tour from January 2004 to February 2005 Radcliff accepted money from Metin Subasi, a Turkish national. In exchange, Radcliff made sure some of the army contracts benefited Subasi's companies.

Radcliff also mailed money to his girlfriend in Hawaii. He told her specifically to deposit the money in small amounts to avoid suspicion from the IRS. 

Sergeant Radcliff faces at least 15 in years in jail for the one bribery charge and 20 years for one money laundering charge.

My Take: I would like to think I can put all my faith in the federal government and the men that fight for our country overseas. I support the troops, but this kind of story make me question some of the motives of some of the officers in the U.S. Military. I would like to know how the troops feel about this story.

Injured Trojan back with team

USC Trojans running back Stafon Johnson returned to the team for the first time since his weightlifting accident 18 days ago. Johnson accidentally crushed his neck and throat with a bar bell.

Johnson made an appearance in the Trojan's meeting on Thursday and was warmly accepted with a round of applause.

According to ESPN.com, Johnson will not play for the rest of the year and will continue to rehab at home. 

My Take: I remember when I first heard about this story on SportsCenter. Johnson, a premiere player on one of the best college football teams in the country, was in critical condition. He is a lucky man and I'm happy he is okay.