On This Date: Michelle MacDonald makes her first appearance in court for Sandra Grazzini-Rucki

February 27, 2017 Comments Off read Analysis, Michelle MacDonald

Michelle MacDonald made her first appearance in family court on behalf of Sandra Grazzini-Rucki on February 26, 2013. MacDonald’s work on behalf of Grazzini-Rucki created controversy and turmoil in court, and MacDonald’s law license may be suspended for her conduct while serving as Grazzini-Rucki’s attorney.

Minutes into the court hearing, the judge said “this is not the way that I expected to start off this hearing.”

According to court documents from February 23, 2013, MacDonald requested the court take a roll call to determine the names of everyone in the courtroom, including members of the public. The court documents also show that MacDonald repeatedly interrupted the court proceedings, with MacDonald later apologizing for comments she made during the court hearing. Continue reading →

Michelle MacDonald discloses law enforcement considered her a ‘suspect’

February 21, 2017 Comments Off read Analysis, Media, Michelle MacDonald

Michelle MacDonald has disclosed law enforcement considered her a “suspect” in the disappearance of the two sisters from Lakeville, according to a publication co-authored by MacDonald.

MacDonald serves as Sandra Grazzini-Rucki’s family court attorney. Grazzini-Rucki was convicted last July on six felony counts of deprivation of parental rights for her role in the disappearance of her two daughters, Samantha and Gianna Rucki.

In the publication, MacDonald provides details on a phone conversation she had with Lieutenant Jason Polinski of the Lakeville Police Department. According to MacDonald, Polinski said she was no longer considered a suspect:

“Finally, he said I was no longer a suspect unless someone came in with evidence I participated in the girls’ disappearance and I appeared on early on with eighteen others.”

MacDonald also admits in her publication that she “suspected the only evidence they have is that I’ve been Sandra’s attorney throughout her ordeal.” Continue reading →

Sandra Grazzini-Rucki’s dangerous quest

February 13, 2017 Comments Off read Analysis

Sandra Grazzini-Rucki walked out of jail last October looking to pick a fight after she finished the first portion of her jail sentence for her role in the disappearance of her daughters.

I doubt anyone believed Grazzini-Rucki was going to be reformed after serving just over 30 days in jail.

But even I was surprised, when hours after being released from jail, I found Grazzini-Rucki standing by my car as I left the Dakota County Northern Service Center in West St. Paul. Grazzini-Rucki momentarily blocked my exit, as she stood behind my car as I attempted to back out of my parking spot. I stepped out of my car and asked her, “can I help you with something?” Grazzini-Rucki said no and she walked back to a waiting vehicle.

Since October, Grazzini-Rucki’s disdain for law enforcement and the court system has become more flagrant, her rhetoric more incendiary, and her behavior increasingly dangerous.

Grazzini-Rucki has started down a very dangerous road. She thrives off of chaos and the attention it brings. Not satisfied with the damage and pain she has already inflicted, Grazzini-Rucki is working to create more lawlessness in society. Continue reading →

Dede Evavold to appeal conviction for role in hiding children

February 8, 2017 Comments Off read Deirdre Evavold, Legal Developments

Dede Evavold, who was found guilty for her role in the disappearance of two sisters from Lakeville, is appealing her conviction, according to documents filed yesterday afternoon with the Minnesota Court of Appeals.

Evavold was charged in December 2015 related to her involvement in the disappearance of Samantha and Gianna Rucki. The sisters were taken by their mother near their home on the night of April 19, 2013, during a custody and divorce dispute involving their parents – Sandra Grazzini-Rucki and David Rucki.

She was convicted in September on six felony counts of deprivation of parental rights related to the disappearance the girls.

Evavold will serve as her own attorney

Evavold is not an attorney, but is an activist, who also ran a blog focused on exposing what Evavold and her supporters believe are injustices and corruption in the judicial system.

She served as her own attorney during her criminal trial and she will serve as her own attorney for the appeal. During her criminal trial, Evavold did not offer any evidence on her behalf, nor did she cross-examine any witness or give an opening or closing statement during her trial.

Evavold is a strong opponent of family courts and attended numerous court hearings in Dakota County involving the Rucki family, providing assistance to Grazzini-Rucki and MacDonald.

The court document for Evavold’s appeal were served and delivered to the court by Tim Kinley, the former host of a cable-access show which focused on alleged “corruption” in the court system.

Evavold paid the $550 fee to file the appeal, and publicly available court records show Evavold made a $250 payment toward the over $12,000 in restitution, fines, and fees assessed by Dakota County related to her conviction.

Continue reading →

After caught lying on “20/20”, Grazzini-Rucki tries to stop rebroadcast

February 7, 2017 Comments Off read Analysis

Sandra Grazzini-Rucki is trying to stop the rebroadcast of an episode of ABC’s “20/20” which found no documentation to verify Grazzini-Rucki’s claim that she was abused by David Rucki.

Last April, ABC’s “20/20” broadcast an entire episode focused on the disappearance of Samantha and Gianna Rucki. The sisters were taken by their mother near their home on the night of April 19, 2013, during a custody and divorce dispute involving their parents – Sandra Grazzini-Rucki and David Rucki.

In July, Grazzini-Rucki was found guilty on six counts of deprivation of parental rights for her role in the disappearance of her daughters.

The episode of “20/20” which aired last April is currently being rebroadcast on numerous cable channels, including Investigation Discovery and the Oprah Winfrey Network. Both channels are owned by Discovery Communications.

Grazzini-Rucki has taken to Facebook, calling the show “rank propaganda” and encouraging people to register complaints with Discovery Communications. Continue reading →

Dede Evavold delinquent on paying restitution, fines, and fees

February 1, 2017 Comments Off read Analysis, Deirdre Evavold, Legal Developments

Dede Evavold has yet to pay any of the restitution, fines, and fees assessed by Dakota County after she was convicted last year for her role in the disappearance of two sisters from Lakeville.

She was convicted in September on six felony counts of deprivation of parental rights related to the disappearance of the girls. Continue reading →