Judges Rules Against Student
A federal judge has ruled that Burlington school officials acted within their rights to discipline a student for an Internet posting she wrote off school grounds. U.S. District Court Judge Mark Kravitz rejected Avery Doninger's claim that administrators at Lewis B. Mills High School violated her rights of free speech and equal protection. She had also alleged they inflicted emotional distress when they barred her from serving as class secretary because of a 2007 posting in which criticized the administrators for canceling a popular school activity. Doninger's attorney said they will appeal Kravitz's ruling and take the issue to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary.
Priest Cleared
A Roman Catholic priest from Naugatuck has been cleared of allegations that he sexually abused a teenage boy. The Rev. Robert J. Grant was acquitted by a Waterbury Superior Court jury Friday of all charges against him in the case. Grant was a priest for St. Mary's and St. Hedwig's churches in Naugatuck and has been on administrative leave since his arrest. A spokesman for the Archdiocese of Hartford said Archbishop Henry J. Mansell is pleased with the verdict. The spokesman said reinstating Grant to his church duties will be a high priority when a review board meets to discuss the matter.
Pet Store Robbed
Police in Plainville are investigating an armed robbery at a pet store. The PetSmart on New Britain Avenue was robbed Sunday, around 3 p.m., police said. Two men showed a handgun and made off with an undetermined amount of cash, according to police. Nobody was hurt.
Man Accused of Stabbing Mother
A Waterford man is accused of stabbing his 70-year-old mother. James Perkins, 36, stabbed his mother Edith Perkins Saturday on James Avenue, The Day of New London reports. Edith Perkin's injuries are not life-threatening, according to police. The motive for the stabbing is unclear.
