Linda Weston « CBS Philly

Philly Prosecutors Step Aside For Feds In Tacony ‘Basement Of Horror’ Case

As expected, Philadelphia prosecutors will step aside so federal authorities can pursue charges over the alleged kidnapping of mentally disabled adults for their disability checks.

2013/01/28

Feds Add 2 Murder Charges In Tacony ‘Basement of Horrors’ Case

Prosecutors have announced federal charges against five people in a case in which authorities say mentally disabled adults were held in the basement of a Philadelphia home as part of an alleged Social Security fraud scheme.

2013/01/23

Niece Of Accused Woman At Center Of ‘Basement Of Horror’ Case Suing Aunt, City Of Philadelphia

The niece of a woman accused of imprisoning mentally disabled captives in a benefits fraud scheme is suing her aunt and the City of Philadelphia, claiming she suffered horrific abuse because she was placed into her aunt’s custody.

2012/08/20

Judge Drops One Lesser Charge In Tacony ‘Basement of Horror’ Kidnap Case

A Philadelphia judge has rejected most defense motions to dismiss charges against four defendants in the Tacony basement captives’ case.

2012/06/08

Trial Ordered for 4th Defendant in Tacony ‘Basement of Horrors’ Kidnap/Fraud Case

A man for whom all charges were previously dismissed in the so-called “Basement of Horrors” Tacony kidnap and fraud case is now being held for trial.

2012/02/02

DA’s Office Reverses; Will Refile Charges Against 1 ‘Basement of Horrors’ Figure

The Philadelphia district attorney’s office has changed its mind and now says it will recharge the defendant who was about to be freed in the local kidnap-and-fraud case.

2011/12/22

Philadelphia DA Won’t Try To Restore Charges Against 1 ‘Basement of Horrors’ Figure

The Philadelphia district attorney’s office says it will not try to get new charges filed against one defendant who was cut loose from the local “Basement of Horrors” fraud and kidnapping case on Tuesday.

2011/12/21

Judge: 3 To Be Tried In Philadelphia ‘Basement Of Horror’ Case

A Philadelphia judge has ordered three suspects to stand trial in a case involving four mentally disabled adults who were found locked in a filthy basement.

2011/12/20

Senator Casey Plans On Introducing Bill In Aftermath Of ‘Basement Of Horror’

Senator Casey says loopholes in the Social Security system allowed the situation to occur and he wants to introduce a new bill to prevent similar cases in the future.

2011/11/29

Attorney: DHS Places Children Of Tacony Basement Defendants Well Outside Of City

An attorney says the children of two defendants in the so-called “basement of horrors” case have now been formally adjudicated dependent and they have been placed outside the city by the Department of Human Services.

2011/11/22

Philadelphia Court Upholds Gag Order In Tacony ‘Basement of Horror’ Case

Judge Sheila Woods-Skipper has upheld a Municipal Court judge’s ruling that bars attorneys, defendants, witnesses, victims, and some minors from commenting on the case against Linda Weston and three other defendants.

2011/11/18

“Basement of Horror” Defendant Linda Weston Ruled Competent For Hearing

A psychiatric examination has determined that a woman accused of imprisoning four mentally disabled adults in a basement as part of an alleged Social Security fraud scheme is competent to proceed in her criminal case, a judge said Wednesday.

2011/11/16

(George Yacoubian represents defendant Linda Weston, the alleged ringleader of the scheme to hold people captive and steal their government checks. Credit: Steve Tawa)

Wide Gag Order Issued in ‘Basement of Horror’ Case

Prosecutors filed the motion citing “overzealous” media coverage, including “manipulating” victims into doing interviews, and trespassing.

2011/11/02

Philadelphia D.A’s Office Requests Gag Order In Tacony Dungeon Case

A Philadelphia judge will hear arguments Wednesday on the District Attorney’s motion for a gag order on participants in the basement captives’ case. The D.A.’s office, which will not comment, claims in court papers that the media is ‘hindering’ the case.

2011/10/31

More Charges Added As Niece’s Care Probed In Philadelphia ‘Basement of Horror’ Case

Three of the four defendants in Philadelphia’s basement captivity case are now facing additional charges, including aggravated assault, kidnapping and false imprisonment.

2011/10/28