Judge Kenneth McHugh said Ruggiero’s attempt to set up her ex-husband and use the legal system as a weapon was unlike any other case he has seen.

“There’s a lot of people, usually women, who have been subjected to abuse by their significant others,” McHugh said, during Ruggiero’s sentencing yesterday. “As a result of her actions, their cases, their safety, their security has been damaged. The web for this is much greater than what has just happened to Mr. Ruggiero.”

A jury found that Kristin Ruggiero registered a disposable cell phone under her ex-husband’s name and sent herself a dozen threatening and suicidal text messages. She then reported to East Kingston police in May 2008 that her ex-husband had violated bail conditions tied to a criminal threatening case, which police learned was also fabricated by the 34-year-old mother.

RUGGIERO

By portraying herself as a victim, she duped local police and portrayed her ex-husband, Jeffrey Ruggiero, as a violent monster while the couple was going through a contentious divorce in family court, according to prosecutors.

The couple battled over finances and their 7-year-old daughter.

While Jeffrey Ruggiero was being investigated, his ex-wife called him at all hours and taunted him over the phone, according to court testimony.

“She mocked him. She laughed at him. (She said) ‘I took all your money, I took your daughter and now I am going to take your career’,” Assistant County Attorney Jerome Blanchard said in court yesterday.

Video: Click below to view some of Judge Kenneth McHugh’s comments during sentencing.

He said Ruggiero’s folly came because claims in criminal court had to be backed up — unlike in family court where she made repeated claims about ex-husband’s behavior.

“Unfortunately for her, we’re not in family court anymore,” Blanchard said.

Blanchard argued that Ruggiero continued to try to manipulate the justice system, even after her conviction in May from her jail cell.

In a series of recorded phone calls from the jail played in court, Ruggiero asked her mother to get a letter from a doctor, which would claim that Ruggiero suffered a form of psychosis stemming from addiction to Adderall and alcohol.

“I’m going to pull the mental health card, you know what I mean?” Ruggiero says during the call, which was played in court. “It has to be outpatient in the United States and I can live at home.”

But yesterday, Ruggiero sobbed to McHugh. She apologized for comments she made about the judge and his heart bypass surgery during another phone call.

“Dad, guess what? Judge McHugh had a quadruple bypass!” Ruggiero said during the phone call, only a small portion of which was played in court.

McHugh told prosecutors to skip over that call, saying it wasn’t necessary for the sentencing hearing.

McHugh said it’s likely that Ruggiero cannot be rehabilitated. He told Ruggiero he found her apology yesterday disingenuous.

Defense lawyer Chuck Keefe argued that his client was a caring mother whose judgment may have been affected because she suffered from drug and alcohol dependency.

“I want to say here what the state offers is a sentence of extermination,” Keefe said, while proposing a 12-month jail sentence for Ruggiero.

Before her arrest in September 2008, Ruggiero nearly had the criminal justice and family court system fooled, according to prosecutors. A district court judge convicted Jeffrey Ruggiero of misdemeanor criminal threatening and related charges, but refused to jail him before sentencing.

That allowed Jeffrey Ruggiero to remain free on bail and return to his job as a petty officer in the U.S. Coast Guard.

It enraged Kristin Ruggiero so much that she came up with the scheme about receiving a series of threatening and suicidal text messages. Ruggiero was sentenced on 12 counts of falsifying physical evidence, which each carry a potential 3 1/2 to 7-year prison term.

The case that McHugh repeatedly described as “bizarre” yesterday may not be over.

Prosecutors revealed during Ruggiero’s sentencing hearing that a new criminal investigation related to her is under way.

Ruggiero was also ordered to pay $19,000 in restitution to the East Kingston police department, which conducted the investigation.

YOUR COMMENTS

Make people think twice about doing this again?

Raise your hand if you think the low life who do these things scour old newspapers to find out whether/how others have been punished for doing it.

You’re delusional. People who do this, act on emotion, not logic. They don’t consider the consequences. They all think they will get away with it.

Matter of fact, most of them do, thanks to a prejudicial family court system that determines quilt based on accusation alone.
- Marc, Brentwood

The PRIMARY function of the fraud known as the NH Family Justice System is VENGEANCE. It is first and foremost an instrument of violence to that end. The sound of the child-exploiting, child-maltreating gavels of the farscical masquerade pretending to be a some resemblence of justice shows that the TRUE violence associated with marriage is the about 900% increase [after population growth] in the NH State Prisons inmate population since 1969 when the first U.S. no-fault divorce law was signed into law in CA.

Gov. Lynch claims that NH has been recognized as the best and safest place in the US to raise a child, but omits the fact that compared to 1960′s, it really STINKS for NH kids overall other than for medical advances, opportunities for girls, and government give-away programs.
- Mike Smith, N. Hampton, NH

wow,left NH many years ago but my family still lives there. Very sad that only men(with a few exceptions) seem to understand how evil this woman is. Sorry guys that you have had similar experiences. All women are not the same and this nutcase has certainly made it difficult for true victims
- beth, temecula ca

Happens Nationwide! Federal IV and ASFA funds LEARN of! One Nation Under FRAUD!
- Jewell Flaherty, Bokoshe

It ISN’T just NH folks! Nation and Worldwide! The New allegation USED: Daddys’ RAPE the kids. Yes, go check. CPS for FEDERAL IV funds & ASFA $ too, help Promote Destroying Families, using ANY means, LIES needed, even Use SCHOOL Staff to gain results! Know All to be True-living it Now; Dad IN jail past 1O months, due to “HIS Moms Lies”, as he Didn’t Marry, who She wanted! Court, Cops, CPS know his Mom WELL-her Son, NOT only Man, she’s done this Ruieggero Vindictive Attack on -Long List of MEN, in Oklahoma!
- Jewell Flaherty, Bokoshe Oklahoma

She sounds like a scorned nutcase.
- Rebecca, Bethlehem

It ISN’T just NH folks! Nation and Worldwide! The New allegation USED: Daddys’ RAPE the kids. Yes, go check. CPS for FEDERAL IV funds & ASFA $ too, help Promote Destroying Families, using ANY means, LIES needed, even Use SCHOOL Staff to gain results! Know All to be True-living it Now; Dad IN jail past 1O months, due to “HIS Moms Lies”, as he Didn’t Marry, who She wanted! Court, Cops, CPS know his Mom WELL-her Son, NOT only Man, she’s done this Ruieggero Vindictive Attack on -Long List of MEN, in Oklahoma!
- Jewell, Bokoshe

I too am a victim of a broken court system. More money for something that should have been resolved without needing court intervention.
I recently had to take my ex back to court in Cheshire County. Contempt of court/failure to follow a court order. This after being divorced for nearly 2 years. Instead of a quick resolution ,a plea is made to the court by my ex for an unfair divorce settlement. My lawyer tells me the decision will be made whether to rehear the divorce by either the marital master – he favors women or the judge –he favors men.
How do you get justice from a system that operates this way? You have to hope for the right judge instead of expecting a fair hearing? After a divorce nearly two years you have to go through it again because of allegations that are untrue?
- Just another exploited victim, Cheshire County

Union Leader seems selective in posting opinions – this does not help those that have been abused by the system.

Agree with John in Warner, disagree with JC/Merrimack

Gal’s are just as manipulative in the system as the judges, the lawyers the sick, bitter, vindictive ex-wives.

Even with counseling records of my ex’s, in hand, the GAL Doug Thornton wouldn’t even take the time to look at this proof and take it into consideration.

Proves some only care about the women – not the kids.

Doug Thornton made a lame excuse that he didn’t have time to consider them. So to him it’s better to make a bad decision than to ask for a little more time from the court to do the best job?

In this system, the kids don’t count, the fathers don’t count.

The only thing that counts is a corrupt system that at least one judge admits to seeing.
- John, Keene

This is life altering. But it’s just a small step to it being something it will never become. Stories like this explain why my neighbor doesn’t want to get to know me or won’t socialize outside the circle they have now. You can let you’re guard down and go on with life not knowing this could be you next. And it’s not the courts doing this, we’re doing it to ourselfs. Makes me wonder how it is familes can survive in this climate of deceit and bait and switch. I thought I knew someone to at one time. Now, I’m not sure of anything.
- deter, derry

ACA Blanchard really hit the nail on the head: “He said Ruggiero’s folly came because claims in criminal court had to be backed up — unlike in family court…”

It’s time to end the anti-male sewer that is family court, to expose the lawyer-woman false allegation machine, and to put an end to the fatherless child creation machine in New Hampshire.

This woman got off easy.
- gokart-mozart, Concord

As a man , What would I have gotten for a sentence?
Twisted. This man was very lucky people saw through this womans story. The outcome could have been quite the opposite. Everyone knows a woman has the edge in a courtroom.
- deter, derry

If the passion poured out in these 73 comments is any indication, something is surely broken in the Family Court system.

I too was falsely accused of threatening and served with a restraining order. My ex never had to show any evidence and I never had a chance to defend myself.

I too was the victim of a marital master (Deborah Rein) who is predisposed to favor the female.

When in doubt, the man must be guilty.

I would hope–but don’t expect for a minute–that this incident would spark a review and correction of this foul system.
- Annonymous, Concord

Agree with John in Warner, disagree with JC/Merrimack

Gal’s are just as manipulative in the system as the judges, the lawyers and the sick, bitter, vindictive ex-wives.

Even with counseling records of my ex’s, in hand, explaining her multiple personality disorders and inability to function in the best interest of the children, the GAL Doug Thornton wouldn’t even take the time to look at this proof and take it into consideration.

Proves some only care about the women – not the kids.

Doug Thornton made a lame excuse that he didn’t have time to consider them. So to him it’s better to make a bad decision than to ask for a little more time from the court to do the best job?

In this system, the kids don’t count, the fathers don’t count.

The only thing that counts is a corrupt system that at least one judge admits to seeing.
- John, kEENE

Sounds like many making comments to this article have concerns with the NH Courts during divorce.

Please contact Mary Gile as she is the NH House of Reps Family Children and Family Law Committee Chair and would love to hear from you.

mary.gile@leg.state.nh.us

There are public Listening Sessions scheduled for this Fall to hear public issues in the Courts, DCYF and GAL’s.

This case will bring momentum to NH Court Reform if all that have concerns act.
- Greg, Chesterfield

I share the pain and frustration of many of the GOOD folks that have commented on this subject.

All to often I heard the GAL (KBS of New London) coining the phrase “what is in the best interest of the child”. We all know that is BS.

Family court matters are dealt with as a business, pure and simple … ALL ABOUT MONEY. The attorneys, which in most cases may include a GAL, are aware of the parties net worth from the beginning through financial affidavits. The more you have, the more they want. Many lawyers may advise clients of unethical practices to drag out the process which in turns leads to added expenses. Undoubtedly the most popular and favorite would be allegations of abuse, which involve police, DCYF, Womens Crisis … etc. Anyone that has been wrongly accused knows that evidence is not required just an accusation.

BOTTOM LINE – Although it does not happen enough, it is refreshing to occasionally see a judge have the moxie to carry out his/her duty and see that justice is served and Mr. Ruggiero’s reputation restored.
- Steve, Swanzey NH

Im so greatful for the awsome dective work and the judical system! These actions ruin it for people who are really going through abusive relationships!Kudos to the police and the judge for great work and make people think twice before they do something like this again !!
- Roger Cloutier, Bedford NH

men do this to. for the last 8 years a bit more. you dont even know the mental breakdown of a battle like this in the family courts esp these days. esp with one judge i had who thankfully retired. because of the court my kids were abused by there dad and all of us suffered emotionally/ mentally. my kids are still in therapy after 1 year of it finally coming to a halt. weither it starts up again i dont know he get out of jail again in a few months minimum (hes and 8 time felon, known druggie/alcoholic). the courts need changing esp in family court. i wanted to sew the court n judge for all that they did to my family but i was told it would be difficult because the fact it is the court. why should they hurt families and get away with it.
- Jay, nh

She should definitly face the full consequences of the law. I’m also going through similar situation with my current wife who has been fabricating all sorts of terrible accusations against me such as abuse that I never even dreamt of. The moment we have an arguement over family issues, she’ll pretend to collapse and call for medical help just to paint a negative picture about me just to make me look bad.
This is one sector of our judicaial system that I strongly think needs some reform. These ladies are really manupilating the system in their favors. I hope this case serves as a lesson.

I.B.
- Ibrahim Turay, Manchester

One down thousands of others to go. I have a novel idea, lets treat everyone equally and get proactive. I would love to see these loser judges get the boot, completely clean house of all the sleepers in black robes and start over.
- Jorma M., Merrimack

I’m very glad this monster is serving time. How the tide turns. Marital master Nancy Geiger is a disgusting rent a court master that hates men and will not allow any evidence that proves their case. You have a better chance at justice in Iran than her court. The ignorance of her court is like a clown posse gone wild.
- David B, Auburn

@jc, merrimack and John, Warner
I was going to say that GALs are mostly corrupt and that is a big part of the problem. It is not about them investigating, they decide early on that they like one side or the other, usually the mother, totally based on prejudices, and not what is best for the child…the only true criterion.

Frustrated step mom in manchester, Manchester NH is right on about this. My GAL did not call my references, whom she had included in the report until AFTER her report was already done. My references reported that she was very indifferent and didn’t seem to care about what they were saying.

Just read Andy in Northwood’s story. It is all too common.

@CAREFREE, FREMONT
You really can’t tell when you get married if a woman is going to put you through hell during a divorce. I never would have guessed it, but my ex sure did.
- Steve1, Nashua

This is a fair decision, why? because it happened in criminal court, where the rules of evidence and the Consitution is followed, not like in the “civil court family division” which is ruled by judges personal and political agendas.
- Dave, Ashland

In 4 days, it will be 19 years, since my lying, psychotic, Satanic ex-wife said to me…If I knew how to load your rifle, I would kill you with it to keep you away from the children.

With the help of several gutless judges, malignant police and Femarxist advocates, I’ve been turned into fish food in 3 New England States, with the AG and Bar Association of NH ignoring me.

I’m in exile, yet again, from Grafton, with F Troop and another psychotic little girl, trying to bring about my demise.

You have several gutless editors who’ve ignored me, as well.

Restraining orders are today’s guillotines and crosses.

We have 2 generations of children, raised by man hating, nihilistic, sociopathic, psychopathic, narcissistic self loathing, suicidal, homicidal, Children Of The Damned.

I like to refer to most police I’ve met in the last 19 years as The Witch’s Flying Monkeys…
- David Merchant, Manchester

I have been accused of child abuse 8 times, domestic violence 2 times, kidnapping 1 time. The GAL in my case sided with my ex the entire time, despite all of this I have custody of my Son. But the Judge also ruled I have to pay for all my sons expenses, medical care for my Son and my ex, and I have to pay child support for the 32 hours a month my ex has visitation. The entire New Hampshire Family Court needs to be destroyed and built up from scratch!
- KJ, Nottingham NH

These GALS are nothing but frauds. They take your money and never look at any real evidence and always side with the woman. GAL Karen Griswold Peterson should be relieved of her duties as she is incompetent at best.
- Frustrated step mom in manchester, Manchester NH

If the courts can tell people they can’t have animals after abusing them, then can the courts tell her NO MORE MEN?????
- EAP, Manchester, NH

The ignorant judges are to blame for the lopsided application of justice in these case’s. These self proclaimed intellectuals must know that these women are playing them for the fools they are. They support the disfunctional court so much that the pendulum has swung so far the other way a man cannot win. These gullible judges don’t want proof it just complicates the inevitable, giving the woman her way.
- Peter F., Francestown

Congratulations Jeff!!! Best wishes.. On another note, Thank the Jury for seeing all through her vengence, she deserves every minute of the 7-14 years.. Jeff made out pretty good, she is put away for a while, and his new wife is much more attractive>
Semper Paratus!
- KN, chester,nh

Tattoos originated from Japanese criminal justice system, where they tattooed the symbol of whatever crime had been committed such as “thief” – so once they are released, everyone will be able to know what they had been previously convicted of. It would be nice if we did the same with “murderer”, “pedophile”, “attacker”, “manipulator”, etc. Once this woman is released, she is going to do it to the next guy she is with.
- tattoo, NH

The union leader for some reason refuses to print my remarks, why? the domestic violence courts have made a mockery of the issue.My uncle, my mothers’ brother-in-law, filed domestic violence against me this March.I hadn’t ever lived with him(or anything else) . I hadn’t seen him in 17 years. We were arguing over my mothers care, she has Alzheimers. He told me to leave the picture,or he’d file d/v against me. He said it would cost him nothing, and no proof would be needed.Goodbye Mom,the state of NH can take care of you now.It’s too risky for me to have any contact with you(her).
- Dan, Manchester

Justice in Brentwood is finally served! I’ve been a victim to this exact oppresion for over three years now. My ex wife pulled the mental health card as well and backed it up with false allegations of abuse. The Marital Master awarded her my kids, my house, my money, and ruined my career by topping it all off with a 5-year restraining order and the GAL recommending my ex be allowed to kidnap my two boys (ages 12 (& 14) against there will to Florida just so she can replace me (their biological father) with her new boyfriend.
- Andy, Northwood

Paul from Goffstown, it seems you sound ignorant. You sound pretty tough behind a keyboard. You are all talk and no action. Just because someone has an opinion about women you need to bash someone. If that’s what this person’s opinion is, so be it. But thanks, for giving me a laugh though.
- Bob, Manchester

Men, please make better choices. There are nice and caring women out there. Not just these manipulating, mean and self centered ones.
- CAREFREE, FREMONT

POST #1
The tide may be turning on False Allegations of Domestic Violence or Sexual Abuse in a divorce custody battle in the NH Family Courts based on this one decision; yet there are many, many more that could have been used.

The change is that there will be “eyes and ears” on those that orchestrate these allegations “Eyes and Ears” is a term use by GAL’s to propitiate ongoing external supervision between a parent and child as the result of false allegations in a divorce case. I understand those involved in supporting VAWA and NH CADV do not want to see this tide change as it has the potential to impact millions of dollars in Federal Funding that fuels their existence.

Image those in the Judicial Branch that litigate, recommend Federally Funded Supervised Visitation, and are appointed by the Court to make recommendations for the children, now being more cautious of those that fabricate false allegations. Presently, GALS, CASA, DCYF are “shovel ready” to believe the allegations that surface in a divorce custody dispute. It take Law Enforcement to investigate and allow for Due process, something these agencies fail to observe to fulfill their agenda.
- Greg, Chesterfield

I hope she has to serve the full 14. What a disgusting thing she has done to her ex and her child.
- Maria, Manchester, NH

white trash is alive and well in nh.
i’m sure she’ll be planning a trip to canobie lake park with all the others of her sort.
- mike b., manchester

women almost always lie to the authorities about things like these. i said almost always, not always. most of the time they start the arguements and assault the man and the man goes to jail! well done criminal justice system! now time to convict her new boyfriend who told her how to do these things… oh and he is 1 of those no good lying cops!
- pablo, nh

I had the same thing happen to me. For the last three years My ex-wife made up all kinds of false accusations about me abusing her. She never once took accountability for her violent and abusive behaviors during our marriage, she pinned the blame all on me. She fraudulently applied for a 5-year restraining order and after two days of days of hearings with multiple credible witnesses for my side, Guardian Ad Litem Vicki Silver, Marital Master Thomas Cooper, and Judge David G. LeFrancois over at Brentwood Superior Court let her get away with it and gave her everything she wanted: my kids my life, my career, my money, and my kids! Only because she had a snake for a lawyer and I was Pro-se. The battle is still waging on now, going on 4 years. I’m now dedicated to ending these criminal judicial tyrants careers for good. It’s the only way to get any justice in this state. Redress Grievances for all!
- Andy, Northwood, Northwood, NH

Nice roots, Kristin. I love the skunk look.
- Steve B, Derry

It is good to see they don’t always get away with it. The numbers of angry women gaming the court system to make weapons of the courts and children is astonishing and the lack of investigation or interest paid by the state in most cases is even moreso.
- Nick, Manchester

Unfortunately this knucklehead has made it a tad more difficult for legitemate abuse victims to be taken seriously. -John, New Boston

Your attitude/statement is part of the problem John. Finally the abuse victim WAS taken seriously. Inherent in your comment seems to be the idea that only women can be victims. That cannot be further from the truth.

This case is just one example of how women and lawyers manipulate the system, threaten and abuse families and drive men to and beyond the edge. It happens all the time.
This crazy creature pushed too far and often, but she is no isolated example of the future/former ex.

Fortunately this Knucklehead has made it easier for legitimate abuse victims to be taken seriously.

I hope as you do, that no woman who is a victim of abuse is harmed by this ruling.
- Steve, Lee

WOW – I am so happy for the ex husband in this case – he must be so relieved!!! He FINALLY got her nailed in court – and vindicated himself in the process. Unfortunately, he had to go through a lot of crap to get here, but it’s great to see that the justice system works for some people (only wish it had worked for me!)
- nhhorselady, weare, nh

I, like MANY other men I know of, have been victims of similar behavior (false allegations) from malicious women and their unscrupulous liers (lawyers).

I have been in court many times and seen men sent off to jail based solely on the “she said” so-called evidence. I find it remarkable that the general public doesn’t even blink when a father is separated from his children, but think it’s horrible even when a toxic poisonous d-bag like this is.

Hello, this judge did the right thing, and probably will feel the backlash from all of the VAWA grant-whores and “womens” groups who have fought so hard to establish the unfair system we have in place today. The judge did the daughter a potential favor by separating her from such a bad influence, a pathological lier who no doubt would have infected her innocent daughter with her multiple personality disorders and pathologies.
- John, Manchester, NH

Don’t get too excited folks. This ruling is the exception, not the rule. In today’s world, anytime a woman makes a charge against a man, he is guilty before proven innocent and even if he is found to be innocent, he will STILL have a stigma attached to him in one form or another.

I doubt she will serve even 7 years.
- Jim D, Hillsboro

Jim – we are excited because we see this as a potential turning point to a place where the child’s wellbeing is put first. Not the non custodial parent who wants to avoid financial obligations; Not the custodial parent who tries to use custody as a weapon. These children are the best of our times together and last far beyond the end of our relationships. We need to put them first!
All allegations in family courts should be substantiated – punishments issued for blatantly false accusations!
Physical custody should go to the better parent – if it cannot be shared – regardless of your gender!

People – take a good hard look at potential spouses before you commit!!!
- Traci, Manchester

How does sentenced to 12 counts each carrying 3.5 to 7 years in prison equal 7-14 years??
- James, Concord

its about time that woman are being punished for what they did. If this was a man it would be open and shut case. Just like all the teachers having relationships with kids. Woman see no jail time while men see no light for at least 7 years. about time
- stephen, manchester

This just made my day, good job court system……
- Ben, Concord, NH

I agree this should be a wake-up call for local courts. Check out those apps for restraining orders with a fine tooth comb!
- G. Paul, Concord

Post #1
The tide may be turning on False Allegations of Domestic Violence or Sexual Abuse in a divorce custody battle in the NH Family Courts based on this one decision; yet there are many, many more that could have been used.

The change is that there will be “eyes and ears” on those that orchestrate these allegations “Eyes and Ears” is a term use by GAL’s to propitiate ongoing external supervision between a parent and child as the result of false allegations in a divorce case. I understand those involved in supporting VAWA and NH CADV do not want to see this tide change as it has the potential to impact millions of dollars in Federal Funding that fuels their existence.

Image those in the Judicial Branch that litigate, recommend Federally Funded Supervised Visitation, and are appointed by the Court to make recommendations for the children, now being more cautious of those that fabricate false allegations. Presently, GALS, CASA, DCYF are “shovel ready” to believe the allegations that surface in a divorce custody dispute. It take Law Enforcement to investigate and allow for Due process, something these agencies fail to observe to fulfill their agenda.
- Greg, Chesterfield

Yet more reasons to stay single to be happy. The US justice system is completely stacked against men. Luckily, in this case the woman was outed. Unfortunately, this doesn’t happen often….
- Kevin, greenland, nh

John from Warner:
I see and know your point about GAL’s. They are so backlogged with case work, that they do not take the time to seriously investigate the children and parents they are assigned to. To all of you men taking aim at women, I know where you are coming from, and how you feel, but, do not think that it is all women doing this to their spouses. Men are and can be just as evil as women, in these cases. I know it first hand. The Gal, and the judge, goes with the side that has the lawyer, and the side that can make themselves look better.
- Kathy, Manchester

It really sucks that a woman like that can ruin the system for women that are actually victims of Domestic Violence. Its sick.
- Rose, Manchester

I have been following this case from the beginning, this woman is disturbed and she is getting exactley what she deserves, hopefully she wqill have to serve the full 14 years and not a day shorter. One check up on the board for us fathers!!!!!!
- chris, Derry, NH

This woman got exactly what she deserves. Hope “Truth in Sentencing” applies.
- Divorced and harassed ex, Manchester

PLEASE UL print these coments from these fathers in a front page story so the judges and marital masters can see how they ruin mens lives with the ridicules decisions they make in favor of women because they are women and only because they are women, To many women get married to wonderful men have children only to divorce for whatever reason ,then use the family court for revenge and these court officers cant or wont see that 90% of the time the women are lawyerd up and throw whatever out and hope one thing sticks to make the guy out to be some abuser or miser who wants only to hurt the child he brought into the world. Isnt it funny the court thinks just because a couple divorces instantly the man becomes this monster who wants his family to suffer. This is only one of many stories that PROVE DIFFERENT but nobody in family court will do anything about it SO SAD for the men and children out there that are missing out on a great life together instead a vengeful mother wallows in her victory and the courts are the corrupt referees who look up proud to be part of a system that punishes those evil doers MEN!
- Disgusted, Manchester

Judging by the new law, SB500, and reduced prison sentences for women felons; she will be out in less than three years. By “reduced prison sentences”, I refer to the practice of NH corrections-courts releasing women early, when the women appeal for sentence reduction. Keep in mind, the numerous embezzlement felons (lunch ladies, city administrators, an administrator at the Concord Monitor) that have gotten their sentences reduced or changed to ‘home confinement’, so the state can save a few bucks. Yeah, she’ll request, and get a reduction. Guaranteed.
- Frank, Concord

It’s nice to see the judicial system issue due justice in this case. Never a good idea to bad mouth the presiding justice. Unfortunately this knucklehead has made it a tad more difficult for legitemate abuse victims to be taken seriously. That’s what “mean spirited” will get you.
- John, New Boston

To Amy, Deerfield:

This father has NOT gotten his rights back. He has been cleared but he is still fighting for custody in court. His daughter is living with the family that enabled this felon. The laws in this country are not protecting this precious child or her dad. These victims have been punished enough. Give Jeff his daughter back!!!
- Yeah Right, Portsmouth

@ West Coast Nancy;

Yes I am serious. I do absolutely agree with your point that the girls mother probably would not have been a positive influence in her life, however I find all motherless children sad. This woman probably already had won her case in Family Court, but that was not enough for her she became greedy, and good for her she is getting what exactly she deserves.
- Mike, Wolfeboro

John from Warner- don’t see your point at all. GAL’s no matter what profession they come from are competent and able to investigate for the child’s best interest. Fortunately, this woman is going away which is where she belongs. Sadly and I mean very sadly, she has set a negative stage for those that really are abused. She deserves that sentence.
- jc, merrimack

Do you know how many women actually do this? My husband ex did it for years. Filed restraining orders and lied on them. Took away the kids because she felt like it. We felt like the court systems didn’t care because she was a women. Glad they are actually doing something. But wondering how many other lives have been ruined by the state of nh court system?
- Sara, hooksett

This woman should rot in prison, there are lots of woman like this, I’m sure we all know someone that’s like this… IT’S Time we take a 2nd look before we imprison inoccent people, she played the system & in the end the SYSTEM put her right where she belongs
- Jim, Danvers, MA

I don’t think the time fits the crime, she should have gotten a lot more time.I bet this happens all the time in family court, and there should be guidelines put in place so it doesn’t happen. And finally I hope the child, and ex can move pass what this horrible person did to them, I wish them all the best!!
- Mike, Sanbornton

What an absolute freak.
- George, Keene

“The best way to avoid all of this is stay single and don’t date. Save you a boatload of cash.”
-Outsider, NH

Yes, if anything can possibly end badly it’s better to not even try. That’s the winning attitude this country was built on. I get the feeling that the ladies aren’t exactly banging down Outsider’s door anyway. Keep telling yourself that it’s because you’re not trying friend.
- Paul, Goffstown

I am a private investigator. I see thnis a lot in family court. Accusations with no substance.

That court handles it by appointing a GAL
to investigate.

All well and good except a GAL is a lawyer, paralegal, social worker, psychologist.

Who in that group is trained to INVESTIGATE?

Anyone see the problem?
- John, Warner

I feel she got a fair trial.

End of story.

See ya honey
- Harry, Atkinson

Don’t get too excited folks. This ruling is the exception, not the rule. In today’s world, anytime a woman makes a charge against a man, he is guilty before proven innocent and even if he is found to be innocent, he will STILL have a stigma attached to him in one form or another.

I doubt she will serve even 7 years.
- Jim D, Hillsboro

I really feel for the victims of this woman. Can you imagine what hell it must have been to have some wacko like this trying to destroy your life? It is scary that she got as far as she did. This judge and the police deserve a pat on the back for this case. Thankfully they saw through her lies. She deserves a long jail sentence, and her daughter may be motherless but in this case I think it is better for her. What a freak this woman is!
- Stacey, Manchester

Family courts a joke. I’m amazed how any woman can’t walk into a court and say those 2 magical word “I’m scared or I’m afraid” an in a heartbeat they can get a restraining order but be a man and got told it could takes up to 3 days before issuing one. Told the marital master show me were it say’s a woman a better parent then a man. Took over 8 month and jumping through hoops to prove to the court that my ex was an unfit parent. Told the judge my only crime was being a divorced white male living in the United States and here’s another example to back up that claim. Hope she rot
s in prison.
- don, manchester

I can’t see why anyone would want to marry this deranged broad. (sarcasm noted for the reading comprehension impaired) Rot in prison wench.
- Will, Pittsfield

To Mr. Jeffrey Ruggiero, Peace, Love and Happiness to you and your daughter.

To Kristin Ruggiero, Seven to fourteen years and restitution are not enough!
You are despicable!
You should have been executed!
- art, Hampstead,NH

This is great news! Finally a father gets the rights he deserves too bad it was such a long and tedious battle. The family court system needs a HUGE wake up call here in NH. Just because they are men doesn’t automatically make them the bad parent, sometimes the woman is worse and a munipulator who just knows how to work the system or gets a pro bono lawyer who works it for them. When are they going to take a serious look at overhauling the family court system here in NH?
- Amy, Deerfield

Mike from Wolfeboro.. Are you serious? The child will be away from her mother?! That is good news! Girls grow into their mothers. You would want two of these women in society, who will breed more mini-mamas?! (Reminder to self~ that is why you left NH years ago, Nance!~ 1950′s view of the world living in the 21st century!)
- Nancy, West Coast, now…

“Defense lawyer Chuck Keefe argued that his client was a caring mother whose judgment may have been affected because she suffered from drug and alcohol dependency.”

No Mr. Lawyer, your client is just a horrible shrew. She didn’t get enough time in prison.

It is too bad that all women, who pull this crap (any lying) in divorce court don’t get sentenced, but the judges and marital masters NEVER punish them for OBVIOUS lies.

I totally agree with Mike in Auburn and Collin in Manchester. I love that recommendation Jim in Loudon. I have always said the same thing.
- Steve1, Nashua

Unfortunately, Judge McHugh is right: this woman’s lies will most likely affect the ability of hundreds of women who truly ARE abused & stalked to get justice.

There’s no question that many women play the abuse card as a preemptive strike in the family courts. Judges should be more in tune now with trying to verify the accuracy of those claims.
- PK, Manchester

Maybe some of her websites should come down now. This website shows her ex-husband’s picture under her name. How creepy is that!

http://www.plaxo.com/directory/profile/167505972436/9f41d462/Kristin/Ruggiero

- Yeah Right, Portsmouth

Family court in NH needs an adjustment. When the truth in directly in front of them they chhose to ignore it everytime.
I am happy that Mr. Ruggiero is able to move on and be the parent to raise his daughter.
- Angela, Derry

This happens a lot more than the general public knows. A spouse makes up totally false statements about abuse and the courts are terrified not to respond on the spot with warrants. In cases where the reports are proven to be false there is little done to the fabricator. Glad to see are starting to change.

If a person makes a statement (man or woman) accusing someone of a crime and the report is proven to be false then they should then be charged with a crime with a penalty equal to twice what the person was falsely charged with.
- Jim, Loudon

If the UL had a like button this story would would be off the charts!
I love this one “Keefe argued that his client was a caring mother whose judgment may have been affected because she suffered from drug and alcohol dependency” Really? Did you think the judge just fell of the turnip truck?? Seems to me that this was all planned with vengence and greed as motivation.
7 to 12 is not long enough, however she’ll have a great story to tell up in Goffstown.
- Sydney, Londonderry

@ Mike in Auburn

I agree, (from experience) that we SHOULD look at burden of proof in family court. Using unsubstantiated claims to make decisions on the welfare of children or the division of property is ludicrous.
- collin, manchester

This case will send a message to to others who think they can pull off this type of crap.

Justice should be for all not for some. That district court judge that convicted Jeffrey Ruggiero should be impeached. You don’t send innocent people to jail.
- Chris, Merrimack

Looks like the days of women winning everything in court is coming to an end. Now the judges will now question everything both sides have to say in court. The best way to avoid all of this is stay single and don’t date. Save you a boatload of cash.
- Outsider, NH

Maybe we should look at burden of proof in family court.
- Mike, Auburn

Judge Mchugh
- dhc, davecoltin

Perhaps now District Court Judges will be a bit more skeptical when listening to someone’s constant tale of threats, harassment and woe.

I bet the District Court Judge that convicted Jeffrey Ruggiero must feel like a schmuck.
- FearlessLdr, Hillsboro

7-14 years is a long jail sentice, but it is certainly necessary to send a message to any person considering this kind of tactic in the future. Unfortunately I found out from personal experience that an ex can get away with wild unsubstantiated allegations in Family Court. This woman will not get to be a mother to her child until she is a teenager. This is truly is sad for her daughter. Then to say she was going to pull the “mental health card” like the courts has never heard that one before. A classic case of being too clever for her own good.
- Mike, Wolfeboro

Thank you Judge McHugh and East Kingston PD for letting the Ruggiero’s be able to finally put this behind them.
- Firework guru, goffstown

Shaquan Duley, 29, is facing two counts of murder in the deaths of her sons, the Orangeburg County sheriff says.

See local coverage with CNN affiliates WOLO-TV, WIS-TV and WLTX-TV in Columbia.

(CNN) — Unemployed, single and apparently fed up with criticism from her mother, a 29-year-old Orangeburg, South Carolina, woman suffocated her two toddlers with her bare hands before strapping them into car seats and submerging her car in a river, authorities said Tuesday.

Shaquan Duley is facing two counts of murder in the deaths of her sons, ages 1 and 2, said Orangeburg County Sheriff Larry Williams. She is set to appear in court Wednesday.

“She was a mother that was unemployed. She had no means of taking care of her children,” Williams told reporters. “She lives with her mother and her mother was a very, I guess, firm individual. … She often talked with her daughter about, I guess, maybe being more of a mother or being more reliable.”

Mother and daughter argued the night before the children’s bodies were found early Monday in Duley’s Chrysler sedan, submerged in the Edisto River, he said.

“We believe this is a direct response (to the argument) from Ms. Duley,” he said. “I believe she was just fed up with her mother telling her she couldn’t take care of the children and she wasn’t taking care of her children and she just wanted to be free.”

Video: Police: Mom admits to killing sons//

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Video: Sheriff: Murder charges sought//

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Video: Car sinks with boys inside//

However, he said, “this wasn’t a hardened criminal. This was a young lady in trouble, in trouble in more ways than she realized.” Duley has no previous criminal history, he said.

Duley’s third child, a 5-year-old daughter, was at the home of Duley’s mother. Police identified the dead children as Ja’van T. Duley, age 1, and Devean C. Duley, 2.

Under questioning, Duley told authorities she smothered the boys by putting her hand over their mouths at the Trumps Inn in Orangeburg, Williams said. She drove them to the river while “trying to find a way to discard the bodies,” he said.

“She just wanted to get rid of the children, as sad as it may be,” Williams said. Authorities do not know how long the boys had been dead before they went into the water, he said.

Duley initially reported that she had lost control of the car and it had rolled into the river. But authorities from the outset believed her story didn’t add up, Williams said. Her clothes were dry, he said, and there were no skid marks or other indications of an accident at the scene.

In addition, Duley reported she had walked a mile before flagging down a motorist to call for help, Williams said previously. The sheriff told CBS’ “The Early Show” that she could have run to residences nearby.

Authorities responded to a report of a car accident near a boat landing on the river Monday, and divers found the children’s bodies.

Williams said Monday he couldn’t confirm reports that the key was still in the car’s ignition, but he said the car apparently was in neutral.

Ramona Milhouse told CNN she lives next to the boat landing, and her house and a neighbor’s house are clearly visible from the road. She said she was at home around the time Duley told authorities she lost control of her car.

“I don’t know why the young lady would walk that far when we are here, that’s easy to see, and we have phones so we could have called someone for her,” Milhouse said.

In addition, she said, the road near the landing is a busy one. “It’s not a quiet country road,” she said. “There’s a lot of people driving up and down, all parts of the day and night.”

She said she did not see the car go into the water, but heard sirens as authorities responded.

“When I heard what happened, I just couldn’t go to sleep at all, thinking about those two little boys,” she said.

It wasn’t immediately known whether Duley had retained an attorney.

Williams described Duley as distraught, but said she showed no signs of remorse.

“I don’t believe she woke up and said, ‘I’m going to the Shillings Bridge Road to get rid of my children,’” he said. “Of course, that hasn’t been determined. I believe she was just angry, upset and for some reason found the boat ramp, but mind you the children were deceased … so (she was) trying to find a way to discard the bodies.”

The father of the two children has not been found, Williams said. Duley “was more or less being mother and father for the children,” he said.

“The mom has basically been a good mom,” he said, but was just unable to financially support the children. “For whatever reason, this was her weakest moment,” he said.

The South Carolina Department of Social Services has no record of prior involvement with Duley, department spokeswoman Marilyn Matheus said.

The incident has striking similarities to a 1994 case, also in South Carolina. The bodies of Michael Daniel Smith, 3, and 14-month-old Alexander Tyler Smith were found in their mother’s car, still strapped into their car seats, in John D. Long Lake in Union, South Carolina. Their mother, Susan Smith, was convicted on two counts of murder, but jurors opted to spare her the death penalty and she was sentenced to life in prison.

The case inflamed racial tensions in Union, because Susan Smith claimed at first she had been carjacked by an African-American man. She stuck to that story for nine days, issuing tearful pleas for her sons’ return on national media outlets, before confessing to authorities. Prosecutors alleged she killed her children after being rejected by a man she was dating who did not want children.

Duley spent two years as a cashier at a Dairy-O fast-food restaurant a couple of years ago, said assistant manager Grace Simpson.

“She was such a good-natured person, very friendly, but quiet,” Simpson recalled. “Never disciplined. Never in trouble with our boss. She left because she chose to. We don’t have health insurance here, and she wanted to just move on and up with her life maybe.”

At the time Duley worked for Dairy-O, she did not have children, Simpson believes. Simpson did not know if she was married at the time.

“Whatever compelled Shaquan to do what she did … Lord please be with her,” said Simpson. “I cannot judge Shaquan. I will not judge her. But God, be kind to her.”

HLN’s Natisha Lance and CNN’s Ashley Fantz contributed to this report.

Sheriff: Woman suffocated sons before submerging bodies in car – CNN.com.

CYFD Speaks Out About Child Abuse In Dona Ana County

Posted: 6:11 pm MDT July 21, 2010Updated: 9:29 pm MDT July 21, 2010

FILE -This July 20, 2009 file photo provided by the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office… (AP Photo/Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, File)

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DALLAS (AP) — A mother whose three children were found starving after being shut away in a hotel bathroom for as long as nine months was sentenced to life in prison Friday after changing her plea to guilty in the middle of her trial.

Abneris Santiago, 31, had faced between five years and life in prison on a felony charge of injury to a child.

Police rescued Santiago’s 11-year-old daughter and 10- and 5-year-old sons from a bathroom at an extended-stay hotel along one of Dallas’ busiest freeways in July 2009. The children, whose skeletons were visible beneath their flaky, stretched skin, were near death from chronic starvation. Authorities say the girl was repeatedly sexually assaulted by her mother’s boyfriend.

Alfred Santiago was convicted Tuesday of injury to a child and continuous sexual abuse. He was sentenced to two 99-year sentences, to be served concurrently.

The former couple share a last name but never married.

Abneris Santiago’s plea on the third day of testimony came a day after she apologized to her daughter in a tearful courtroom reunion, saying she wasn’t strong enough to stop the abuse. The girl said she loved her mother and did not want her to go to prison.

Prosecutor Eren Price addressed the girl’s concern in her closing argument, asking the jury to sentence Santiago to life in prison.

“One day (the girl) will understand,” Price said, adding that she wanted the jury to let Santiago know that she was the “worst of the worst.”

The defendant apparently thought her guilty plea Friday would end the proceedings and was confused after testimony continued before the jury for purposes of sentencing.

“I think this is unnecessary since I already pleaded myself guilty,” Santiago told the judge. “I want it over with. This is pointless.”

Instead, prosecutors called to the stand the doctors who treated Santiago’s children last summer.

Dr. Susan Scott, an emergency room physician, said the girl “looked like a skeleton with skin.” A photograph pinned to the courtroom wall showed the girl’s bare back, her ribs and spine clearly defined.

Police look for mother accused of abducting son

Last Updated: Thursday, August 5, 2010 | 12:40 PM ET Comments8Recommend3

CBC News

Police are looking for Emilla Sardaru and her one-year-old son Robin Stanciu. (Toronto Police Service)Toronto police are looking for a 23-year-old woman who they allege abducted her son during a parental visit.

Emila Sardaru and her one-year-old son, Robin Stanciu, were last seen July 23 at around 10 p.m. near Dawes Road and Danforth Avenue.

Police are asking for the public’s assistance to find them.

They say Sardaru is of Romanian descent and speaks limited English.

She is described as white, about five feet and five inches tall. and about 165 pounds.

American mom charged with murdering 3 children

EDINBURGH, Scotland – Scottish police on Friday charged the American mother of three children who were found dead in an Edinburgh town house with their murder.

Theresa Riggi, 46, was arrested late Friday after police completed autopsies on her children: 8-year-old twins Augustino and Gianluca and their 5-year-old sister Cecilia.

The children were discovered after a gas explosion Wednesday at the town house, but are not thought to have died as a result of the blast. Riggi is hospitalized in serious but stable condition after apparently falling from an upper story of the house on the same day.

“Due to the medical condition of the accused, it is not at this time known when she will appear in court,” a police spokesman said on condition of anonymity in line with policy.

Riggi and her husband, American oil industry executive Pasquale Riggi, 46, of Colorado, were getting divorced and contesting the custody of their children.

Scottish authorities said the couple were due to attend court hearings in the case this week, and on Tuesday a judge raised concerns over the children’s safety when their mother failed to appear for the divorce proceedings.

Police said they are investigating the circumstances of the deaths and have interviewed the children’s father, but confirmed he is not a suspect in the case.

They said the autopsies on the children were completed Friday. No details were disclosed, but a report has been submitted to prosecutors, police said.

Pasquale Riggi described his anguish over the death of his children.

“Our family is struggling to come to terms with the immense and tragic loss of three beautiful children,” he said in a statement issued by Edinburgh’s Lothian and Borders police department.

His wife and the children went missing from the family’s home in Aberdeen, a port town about 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of Edinburgh, on July 21, prompting police to launch a search.

Pasquale Riggi grew up in Colorado, where he attended Denver’s Regis Jesuit High School, graduating in 1982. He serves as an executive with Royal Dutch Shell PLC in Scotland, and had previously worked with the company in the Netherlands.



Son found wandering in neighborhood

Updated: Tuesday, 02 Mar 2010, 4:31 PM EST
Published : Tuesday, 02 Mar 2010, 12:05 PM EST

North Side Mother Sentenced To 6 To 12 Years For Beating Son

POSTED: 1:04 pm EST March 2, 2010
UPDATED: 1:31 pm EST March 2, 2010

Abusive mothers would be tracked throughout their lives, if a recommendation in a report to be released today is adopted by Government.

The Experts Forum on Child Abuse report highlighted problems where officials were not told when a further child was born into an abusive family, The New Zealand Herald newspaper reported today.

Currently cases are closed when a child dies from abuse or has been removed by social services, but the report recommended changing that so cases remained open and health professionals would be alerted about the family history when a new child was born.

Other recommendations included better prevention such as assessment and advice before birth, followed by intensive support at home, more agencies such as schools and hospitals to have a legal responsibility to protect children from abuse and neglect, and sharing of information between all agencies.

The change would mean a mother was effectively tracked throughout her life even if she changed partners.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett, who convened the forum last November, said there was a case last year of a child who died in suspicious circumstances which was currently before the courts. CYF had removed two children from the same couple previously but had not known of the third.

“I found it pretty incredible when I became minister that we didn’t know about subsequent children, and that was because cases were closed.”

The forum included Starship hospital’s Dr Patrick Kelly, Children’s Commissioner John Angus, Principal Family Court Judge Peter Boshier, Archdeacon Dr Hone Kaa, Paediatric Society president Rosemary Marks and university academics.

Dr Kelly said the proposals could raise civil liberty concerns.

“Just because we are aware of that past history doesn’t always condemn her to having all [her] children removed. But it is a safety issue. I don’t think that’s any different from someone’s past driving record being relevant to a job which requires driving.”

The forum was part of a wider review Ms Bennett is undertaking following findings that 1800 children subjected to abuse or neglect in 2008 were abused again within six months.

Part III – Female Sexual Abusers: Who are They?

January 13th, 2010  |  // ShareThis

Mother of scalded boy pleads guilty in 2-year-old’s death

written by: Jeffrey Wolf 1 hr ago

via 9NEWS.com | Denver | Colorado’s Online News Leader | Mother of scalded boy pleads guilty in 2-year-old’s death.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A Charleston mother who was arrested for felony child neglect causing risk of injury was evicted from her apartment on Indiana Avenue.