A judge has granted a Boston investment banker accused of four rapes on girls as young as 13 permission to go crabbing on Cape Cod while he awaits trial.
Ivan W. Cheung, 43, was charged with four counts of forcible rape of a child under 16, two counts of rape of a child under 16, four counts of aggravated rape and a count of assault with intent to rape.
The former State Street vice president has pled not guilty and awaits trial at Suffolk Superior Court. Now, Judge Catherine Ham has allowed several concessions to Cheung’s $2 million bail.
Ham granted permission for Cheung to miss his 10pm curfew in order to go crabbing with his family on Cape Cod, move his son into an out-of-town college at the end of August and attend a concert with his sister and her husband.
‘Mr. Cheung states that his family is close-knit and frequently spends time together. Since his arrest, Mr. Cheung has had to miss out on several events,’ his lawyer E. Peter Parker wrote to the judge.
‘His eldest son will start college out of town at the end of August and opportunities for the entire family to spend time together will be put on a lengthy hold’ Parker added.
When requesting permission to go crabbing and fishing, the lawyer argued: ‘Those activities are tide-dependent and would likely result in returning home past the nighttime curfew.’
Cheung was initially charged in Boston Municipal Court on September 13, 2022, and was fired from his financial firm that day.
‘We have made the decision to terminate the individual’s employment,’ Ed Patterson, the company’s chief spokesman, said at the time.
Each of the four victims alleged being raped at knifepoint, and both adult women told police they were stabbed.
The first alleged rape Cheung has been charged with happened in July 2003, when prosecutors say Cheung, then 23, picked up a 13-year-old girl in Chinatown and assaulted her.
The second rape occurred in September when Cheung allegedly picked up a 14-year-old girl, drove her to Charlestown and assaulted her.
The next incident occurred in October 2005, when he allegedly picked up a woman from a Park Plaza bar and raped her inside his Lexus.
The fourth alleged attack took place against an 18-year-old woman who told police the suspect picked her up outside a pizza place in the North End and took her to somewhere in Wellesley to rape her.
Suffolk District Attorney Kevin R. Hayden’s office said DNA linked Cheung to the rapes of two women in 2005 and 2006.
A pattern of the assaults then allegedly linked him to the rapes of a 13-year-old girl and a 14-year-old girl in 2003.
Further DNA testing is being conducted, records show.
While on bail Cheung is subject to GPS monitoring, is to have no contact with the alleged victims, must surrender his passport and stay in the state – unless the judge grants exceptions.
Typically, he must also abide by a curfew barring him from leaving his $500,000 home in Rockland, Massachusetts, between 10 pm to 7 am every day, except where the judge has now granted concessions.
Hayden did not oppose the requests because they were minor and Cheung has not violated any conditions of bail, his office said.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was up more than 250 points in late-morning trading, led by strength in the base metal and technology sectors, while U.S. stock markets also charged higher.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 254.62 points at 23,847.22.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 432.77 points at 41,935.87. The S&P 500 index was up 96.38 points at 5,714.64, while the Nasdaq composite was up 486.12 points at 18,059.42.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.68 cents US compared with 73.58 cents US on Thursday.
The November crude oil contract was up 89 cents at US$70.77 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was down a penny at US2.27 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was up US$9.40 at US$2,608.00 an ounce and the December copper contract was up four cents at US$4.33 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the legal steps that follow can add even more stress to an already difficult time.
For years, families in Vancouver (and Canada in general) have struggled with a complex probate process—filled with paperwork and legal challenges.
Thankfully, recent changes to Canada’s probate laws aim to make this process simpler and easier to navigate.
Let’s unearth how these updates can simplify the process for you and your family.
What is probate?
Probate might sound complicated, but it’s simply the legal process of settling someone’s estate after death.
Here’s how it works.
Validating the will. The court checks if the will is legal and valid.
Appointing an executor. If named in the will, the executor manages the estate. If not, the court appoints someone.
Settling debts and taxes. The executor (and you) pays debts and taxes before anything can be given.
Distributing the estate. Once everything is settled, the executor distributes the remaining assets according to the will or legal rules.
Probate ensures everything is done by the book, giving you peace of mind during a difficult time.
Recent Changes in Canadian Probate Laws
Several updates to probate law in the country are making the process smoother for you and your family.
Here’s a closer look at the fundamental changes that are making a real difference.
1) Virtual witnessing of wills
Now permanent in many provinces, including British Columbia, wills can be signed and witnessed remotely through video calls.
Such a change makes estate planning more accessible, especially for those in remote areas or with limited mobility.
2) Simplified process for small estates
Smaller estates, like those under 25,000 CAD in BC, now have a faster, simplified probate process.
Fewer forms and legal steps mean less hassle for families handling modest estates.
3) Substantial compliance for wills
Courts can now approve wills with minor errors if they reflect the person’s true intentions.
This update prevents unnecessary legal challenges and ensures the deceased’s wishes are respected.
These changes help make probate less stressful and more efficient for you and other families across Canada.
The Probate Process and You: The Role of a Probate Lawyer
(Image: Freepik.com)
Working with a probate lawyer in Vancouver can significantly simplify the probate process, especially given the city’s complex legal landscape.
Here’s how they can help.
Navigating the legal process
Probate lawyers ensure all legal steps are followed, preventing costly mistakes and ensuring the estate is managed properly.
Handling paperwork and deadlines
They manage all the paperwork and court deadlines, taking the burden off of you during this difficult time.
Resolving disputes
If conflicts arise, probate lawyers resolve them, avoiding legal battles.
Providing you peace of mind
With a probate lawyer’s expertise, you can trust that the estate is being handled efficiently and according to the law.
With a skilled probate lawyer, you can ensure the entire process is smooth and stress-free.
Why These Changes Matter
The updates to probate law make a big difference for Canadian families. Here’s why.
Less stress for you. Simplified processes mean you can focus on grieving, not paperwork.
Faster estate settlements. Estates are settled more quickly, so beneficiaries don’t face long delays.
Fewer disputes. Courts can now honor will with minor errors, reducing family conflicts.
Accessible for everyone. Virtual witnessing and easier rules for small estates make probate more accessible for everyone, no matter where you live.
With these changes, probate becomes smoother and more manageable for you and your family.
How to Prepare for the Probate Process
Even with the recent changes, being prepared makes probate smoother. Here are a few steps to help you prepare.
Create a will. Ensure a valid will is in place to avoid complications.
Choose an executor. Pick someone responsible for managing the estate and discuss their role with them.
Organize documents. Keep key financial and legal documents in one place for easy access.
Talk to your family. Have open conversations with your family to prevent future misunderstandings.
Get legal advice. Consult with a probate lawyer to ensure everything is legally sound and up-to-date.
These simple steps make the probate process easier for everyone involved.
Wrapping Up: Making Probate Easier in Vancouver
Recent updates in probate law are simplifying the process for families, from virtual witnessing to easier estate rules. These reforms are designed to ease the burden, helping you focus on what matters—grieving and respecting your dead loved ones’ final wishes.
Despite these changes, it’s best to consult a probate lawyer to ensure you can manage everything properly. Remember, they’re here to help you during this difficult time.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was higher in late-morning trading, helped by strength in energy stocks, while U.S. stock markets also moved up.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 34.91 points at 23,736.98.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 178.05 points at 41,800.13. The S&P 500 index was up 28.38 points at 5,661.47, while the Nasdaq composite was up 133.17 points at 17,725.30.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.56 cents US compared with 73.57 cents US on Monday.
The November crude oil contract was up 68 cents at US$69.70 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was up three cents at US$2.40 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was down US$7.80 at US$2,601.10 an ounce and the December copper contract was up a penny at US$4.28 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2024.
