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3 - Investigations / 4 - Cases / California / California Watch / California's Broken Public Defense System / Criminal / Family Court / Family Court Reform / The Reyna Files

The Criminalist and the Coerced Plea

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Former criminalist Rhonda Reyna once testified for prosecutors in homicide cases. Years later, she says the same justice system ignored exculpatory evidence, pushed her into a no contest plea, and helped separate her from her daughter. Part one of Riptide’s investigation into California’s broken public defense system.

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4 - Cases / Ada Accommodations / Beyond Barriers and Disability Rights / Court Corruption / Disability / Disability Rights / Disability Rights / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Federal Court / Institutions / Legal Reform / Maryland / Maryland Watch / The Reichert Files

Two Courts, Two Answers: How a Federal Accommodation Order Exposed the Anne Arundel Circuit Court’s ADA Defiance

- by Michael Phillips - 1 Comment

In January 2026, a federal magistrate granted Jeffrey Reichert remote ADA accommodations for pretrial hearings, while the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court repeatedly denied his requests, even barring him from future filings. This stark contrast raises questions about court compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and retaliation against disabled litigants.

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3 - Investigations / 4 - Cases / Brenna Gano Case / California / California Watch / Family Court / Family Court Reform / The California Custody Cartel

Court Denies Brenna Gano’s Motions — But Sets the Stage for Trial

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

A San Mateo judge rejected attempts by Brenna Gano to overturn a 2022 settlement, citing statute of limitations concerns. Gano argued she was coerced into the agreement without proper accommodations for her disabilities. While the denials were procedural, a full-day trial is set for December 28, 2026, where core issues will be examined.

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3 - Investigations / 4 - Cases / Accountability / Ada Accommodations / Brenna Gano Case / California / California Watch / Child Custody / Child Custody / Court Corruption / Disability / Disability Rights / Disability Rights / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Government / Government Accountability / Institutions / Institutions & Accountability / parental rights / Parental Rights / The California Custody Cartel

The Gatekeeper

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Brenna Gano alleges that Samantha Esver-Poon, a Family Court Services counselor in San Mateo County, fabricated agreements and neglected evidence, leading to her estrangement from her son Jacob. Despite ongoing complaints, including violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Esver-Poon remains employed, and the county has yet to address the allegations.

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4 - Cases / Ada Accommodations / Disability / Disability Rights / Disability Rights / Family Court / The Reichert Files

Locked Out

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

A father who once had primary custody now finds himself locked out—not just of his child’s life, but of the courtroom itself. As proceedings move forward without his participation, filings raise urgent questions about jurisdiction, due process, and whether access to justice in Maryland depends on who the system allows through the door.

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Child Custody / Child Protective Services / Child Welfare / Crime & Violence / Domestic Violence / Family Court / Government / Gun Violence / Michigan

A Custody Dispute Turns Deadly in Detroit: What This Tragedy Says About Family Breakdown

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

A custody handoff on a Detroit street ended with one man dead and another wounded. Beyond the crime scene tape lies a deeper crisis: family courts that fuel conflict, custody disputes left unsupervised, and a culture that treats family as disposable. Unless reforms take root, this tragedy will not be the last.

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Accountability / Child Custody / Child Custody / Child Support / Child Support / Child Trafficking / Court Reform / Crime & Violence / Crime Violence / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Legal Reform / Texas

Texas Woman Charged with Burglary to Steal Custody Documents: When Family Courts Drive Parents to Desperation

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

America’s family court system often harms parents and children, as highlighted by the arrest of Tiffany Renee Ogeda, who attempted to steal custody documents. The system, burdened by costly litigation and unfair practices, drives desperate parents to reckless actions. Reform is essential for fairness and accountability to prevent ongoing tragedies like Ogeda’s.

Texas Woman Charged with Burglary to Steal Custody Documents: When Family Courts Drive Parents to Desperation Read More
Greece / International

Murder in Broad Daylight: Was the UC Berkeley Professor’s Killing in Greece More Than a “Custody Dispute Gone Wrong”?

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

A world-renowned professor traveled to Greece to see his children and fight for custody. He was murdered on the spot before he could knock on the door. The system says “senseless tragedy.” We say: how is the ex-wife not a suspect?

Murder in Broad Daylight: Was the UC Berkeley Professor’s Killing in Greece More Than a “Custody Dispute Gone Wrong”? Read More