| Happy hump day, Tampa Bay! We're in for sunny skies today accompanied by a high of 88 and low of 62.
Let's dig in: The state department will stop taking applications for a rental assistance program for low-income residents; Lightning fall to the Maple Leafs; and more. |
| [SEAN KRISTOFF-JONES | Times illustration] |
| Paul Means seldom goes for very long without getting in trouble. And when he's jailed, he tries to learn what can about the crimes alleged against the people there with him. Means is what's known as a jailhouse informant. In the last decade, he has surfaced as a witness in at least seven serious felony cases, alleging that he learned incriminating details while incarcerated with the defendants. He's testified for the state in three separate trials. His efforts helped him avoid prison at least once. The problem with jailhouse informants, according to academics and advocates for the accused, is they have a strong incentive to lie to lessen penalties or get other benefits. This can lead to wrongful convictions and unreliable testimony. But there can be other consequences. In 2018, a probation officer recommended that Means should go to prison for three years, noting his prolific history of violations. But a few months later, Means testified in a murder trial. Thereafter, he was allowed to continue on probation. Less than two years later, authorities say he caused a traffic crash while fleeing from sheriff's deputies, resulting in a man's death. Read our report. |
