Bridgeport, CT — A pivotal legal case in Fairfield County is drawing attention to significant shortcomings and alleged rights violations in the handling of domestic abuse allegations. JMD has filed multiple legal actions against her estranged husband, SD, citing a sustained pattern of domestic violence, fraudulent evidence submission, and unethical practices by his legal representatives. The case is further complicated by the arrests of JMD and EB by the Easton Police Department, raising questions about constitutional rights and legal procedures.
Key Events and Allegations
The case gained prominence following a reported sexual assault on May 9, 2022, in Easton, Connecticut. Despite JMD’s repeated pleas for intervention, the Easton Police Department allegedly failed to act, purportedly influenced by powerful legal voices and financial interests. This inaction has sparked concerns about the department’s commitment to safeguarding domestic abuse victims.
“Life in the Digital Divide” (replaced 5x since December 2023) 1 day old operating system installed and software registered under cyber expe
Photo by Jess McDonald
In 2023, the couple’s children, (6 and 3), were exposed to severe disruptions and emotional distress due to ongoing conflicts. On March 29, 2023, during an exchange involving the children, JMD was unable to work as SD did not comply with the court order to hand over the children to their caregiver (Case Report) sustaining a pattern of violence against the children and their caregivers
Example: Digital Harassment Post Order of Protection (JMD + Children | Sep 2022)
DV: Technology Facilitated Abuse – use of Google Cloud and workspace to monitor, surveil, stalk, and deprive
Photo by Dani E
[October 2022 – Deportation of the children’s Au Pair – 20 year old girl, France – following A.P. filing criminal complaint for stalking and digital harassment against her former employer) after alledgedly deporting the children’s Au Pair}
Au Pair Statement (page 1/3) to the Easton PolicePhoto byEaston Police Department
Further incidents in April 2023 showcased recurring violations, as SD accessed the Nest and Smart Home systems against restraining orders, adding to the systemic failures in protecting the family’s privacy and security (Case Report).
Example of Au Pair’s unauthorized google account access circa September 2022.
Photo by Jess McDonald
JMD claims to have suffered years of physical and psychological abuse, exacerbated by a slow-reacting legal system. Court documents suggest that SD used advanced surveillance technologies to monitor and control her, turning their home into a place of captivity. Additionally, JMD and EB (family friend staying with JMD & Au Pair out of JMD’s families safety concerns), were both arrested by the Easton Police Department on June 23, 2023, for breach of peace, adding to concerns about the department’s actions and motivations.
JMD letter to Chief Doyle – EPDPhoto byEPD
Privacy Violations and Systemic Failures
JMD’s experience is further compounded by privacy invasions. The case report details how SD allegedly accessed her T-Mobile account without authorization, adding devices to her plan (Case Report). In April 2023, JMD reported to the police unauthorized access to her Google Home, highlighting serious breaches of privacy (Case Report).
Lookout Mobile Security – Financial + Identity Theft (repeated & ongoing)Photo byDani E
Impact on Children
The children have been caught in the crossfire of this tumultuous legal battle, experiencing emotional distress and inconsistency in their living arrangements. In 2023, incidents of harassment and non-compliance with court orders directly affected their well-being, prompting JMD to seek urgent protective measures (Case Report).
The involvement of legal professionals such as Caitlin Murphy and Ryan O’Neil, along with the law offices of Mark Sherman, has been scrutinized for potential ethical violations. Allegations suggest that these legal teams, along with GAL Krista Brazitis and attorneys Eric Broder, Pam Esposito, and Chris DeMattie, may have engaged in practices that undermine the integrity of the legal process and violate constitutional rights.
Broader Implications
This case illustrates the hurdles domestic violence victims face within the legal system. Last year, over 38,000 victims sought support services in Connecticut, underscoring the widespread nature of domestic abuse and the pressing need for systemic reform. The legal proceedings have unveiled a disturbing pattern of domestic violence and systemic failings, with protective orders against SD emphasizing inconsistencies in his testimonies and highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive legal intervention.
Conclusion
The ongoing legal drama in Fairfield County serves as a poignant reminder of the silent suffering endured by many domestic abuse survivors. It underscores the necessity for a responsive and accountable system that prioritizes the safety and well-being of victims. The legal community and society as a whole must rally behind victims like JMD, advocating for reforms that address systemic failures and ensure justice and protection for all.
Critical Admissions and Evidence
On September 4, 2022, SD admitted to manipulating JMD by pretending to take pills, closing the garage door on her, stealing private passwords, and monitoring her without consent. He also conceded to deleting her files (Admission of stealing private passwords, Video of SD preventing JMD from leaving, Photos of damage to car).
January 15, 2023 – JMD phone remains in Easton Police custody @ 700 Morehouse Rd Easton CT. Yet the google account was accessed & call fwd
Photo byJess McDonald
Other incidents include unauthorized access to personal accounts, threats of harm, and a pattern of coercive control (SD admits he uses JMD’s old phone, August Isolation & Intimidation).
February 2024, new devices, numbers, accounts – burned in less than 2 weeks.Photo byJess McDonald
Numerous old devices and phones long since gone but who’s icloud backup enables their resurrection from any web browser once hostile takeover.
Photo by Jess McDonald
September 8th 2023 (1 Year Anniversary of Separation by Order of Protection of the Court). However there are so, so many more examples just like these.
September 8th 2023. The anniversary of the 1-year separation of the order of protection in effect (now lapsed due to criminal conduct EPD)Photo by Dani E
Appendix: Sources Cited
- “Admission of stealing private passwords.” Google Drive, Link.
- “Video of SD preventing JMD from leaving.” Google Drive, Link.
- “Photos of damage to car.” Google Drive, Link.
- “SD admits he uses JMD’s old phone.” SharePoint, Link.
- “August Isolation & Intimidation.” SharePoint, Link.
- Case Report. “Casereportdec92023.pdf.”
Plaintiff: JMD Defendant: SD
Supporting Statement and Argument for Plaintiff JMD
INTRODUCTION
This memorandum supports Plaintiff JMD’s motions and objections concerning the ongoing harmful actions and criminal conduct by Defendant SD, which have endangered the well-being of the Plaintiff and their children. This document outlines key events from March 2022 to August 2023, detailing the Defendant and his counsel’s unethical actions, perjury, false documentation, financial manipulation, and endangerment of the Plaintiff and her children. We request that the court recognize these patterns of behavior, enforce protective measures, and ensure fair proceedings are upheld.
FACTUAL BACKGROUND
- Events from March 2022 to September 2022
- Counsel Interference and Calls to Police
- The Defendant, with his legal counsel’s assistance, repeatedly called the police to prevent investigations into crimes committed by the Defendant.
- These actions led law enforcement to fail in protecting JMD and her children adequately.
- Filing of False Documents
- Phone records reveal that SD’s counsel was engaged prior to September 8, 2022. During this time, false documents were submitted to the court, misleading the judicial process and police investigation into sexual assault and multiple domestic assaults at the marital residence.
- Global Settlements and False Testimony
- SD and his counsel provided false testimonies and orchestrated misleading settlements aimed at delaying and manipulating court proceedings.
- Events from October 2022 to April 2023
- Financial Instability and Forced Relocation
- The Defendant orchestrated disruptions with rural fuels and conducted break-ins, forcing JMD and the children to flee their home multiple times. This created severe financial instability and an unsafe environment.
- Agreements for Condo Purchases and Withholding Evidence
- Repeated agreements for JMD to purchase condos in Fairfield and Ridgefield were manipulated and lied about by SD’s counsel, withholding key evidence required for the February 23, 2023 parenting agreement.
- Appointment of Biased GAL
- A Guardian ad Litem, previously associated with Broder Law and Associates, displayed extreme bias and neglect of duty, failing to act in the children’s best interests.
- Events from May 2023 to August 2023
- Mediation Delay Tactics
- On June 14, 2023, an agreement for mediation with Judge Drahginis was used as a delay tactic by SD to avoid financial responsibilities, contributing to prolonged financial strain.
- False Arrest and Legal Manipulation
- SD’s legal team utilized stall tactics to prevent the judge or prosecutor from understanding the full context of the case for nearly nine months. Under duress, JMD was coerced into signing a parenting agreement based on false promises.
- Agreement for Children’s Stability
- An agreement was reached for the children to remain in the marital home and Easton schools for the next year. However, SD continued efforts to disrupt Riley’s education and community ties.
LEGAL ARGUMENTS
- Violation of Connecticut General Statutes
- Interference with Official Acts (CT General Statutes § 53a-167a)
- The Defendant and his counsel’s actions in misleading police to prevent proper investigation constitute obstruction of justice.
- Perjury and False Statements (CT General Statutes § 53a-156)
- Filing false documents and providing perjured testimony are clear violations of Connecticut’s laws against perjury and false statements.
- Misrepresentation and Fraud (CT General Statutes § 53a-119)
- Engaging in fraudulent legal processes and bad faith negotiations demonstrate a pattern of misrepresentation and fraud.
- Ethical Violations by Legal Counsel
- Breach of Ethical Conduct (CT Rules of Professional Conduct)
- The misconduct by SD’s counsel, including lying to judges and withholding evidence, breaches the Connecticut Rules of Professional Conduct.
- Neglect of Duty by Guardian ad Litem (CT General Statutes § 46b-54)
- The appointed GAL failed to act impartially and in the best interests of the children, constituting neglect of duty.
III. Protective Measures Under Family Violence Statutes
- Family Violence Protective Orders (CT General Statutes § 46b-15)
- Given the repeated harassment, intimidation, and endangerment of the Plaintiff and her children, it is imperative to enforce protective orders to safeguard their well-being.
CONCLUSION
The Defendant’s continuous harmful actions, supported by unethical behavior from his legal counsel, have severely impacted the safety and stability of JMD and her children. We respectfully request that the court recognize these patterns, enforce stringent protective measures, and ensure fair and transparent legal proceedings. Further, we urge the court to address the financial and emotional damages caused by the Defendant’s conduct and to prioritize the children’s well-being in all future decisions.
Respectfully submitted,
JMD
