Video
In another episode on the Law&Crime network, Ms. Townsend shares her legal opinion, emphasizing that although the murder occurred 12 years ago, the evidence linking the lawyer to the crime is digital, data, that doesn’t fade like human memory. She adds that the big challenge for the prosecution may be the jury’s occasional “lack of willingness” to judge older cases.
In another collab with Law&Crime, Ms. Townsend comments on the case of alleged killer lawyer Gregory M., who was released on 2 million dollars bail. When asked whether he would stay out of trouble, Ms. Townsend noted that it was unlikely he would commit another crime of that magnitude, though criminal contempt was a possibility, especially given that some people believe in his innocence.
Watch Sarena Townsend on News 4 New York
Townsend Law clients on NY1 News.
Townsend Law clients on Fox 5 News.
Listen to Sarena Townsend on WNYC.
Watch Sarena Townsend on NBC News discussing the lawsuit filed this week against the NYPD and Mayor Eric Adams by four former high-ranking NYPD officials alleging rampant corruption and cronyism.
Townsend Law clients on ABC News.
Listen to Sarena discuss the NYPD corruption lawsuit on 1010 WINS.
Sarena discusses the lawsuit filed this week against the NYPD and Mayor Eric Adams by four former high-ranking NYPD officials alleging rampant corruption and cronyism on PIX11 News.
During another live Q&A on Diddy's trial, Ms. Townsend addressed a question about juror publicity. She explained that jurors' names are public information, and they don't receive protection like the witnesses do. In high-profile cases, this visibility can offer some jurors economic opportunities, such as building a career by sharing their experiences. On the other hand, it also places them in a potentially dangerous position, especially in cases like Diddy's, where the defendant may not be acting alone.
In another segment on the Law & Crime Network, Ms. Townsend commented on the prosecution’s strategic decision to pursue a broader RICO charge in order to bring the feds into the case. Despite some missing elements typically required for a racketeering charge, the prosecution opted for this route, as only federal government can pursue RICO counts. According to Ms. Townsend, the real target was the “big sex crime,” which would have been handled more softly under a different count at the state level.
In Law&Crime coverage of P. Diddy's case, one of the topics discussed was Cassie Ventura’s civil suit, which reached a favorable verdict before the criminal trial concluded. Ms. Townsend highlighted how Cassie’s counsel had a smart strategy by resolving the civil case first. That way, they distanced her from any perception of financial motivation, what certainly bolstered her credibility.
On another live coverage of Diddy's Trial, Ms. Townsend shared her perspective on the prosecution’s strategy. She sees a clear effort to portray Diddy as a “bad guy” and a "weirdo", suggesting that the prosecution is relying on emotional appeal and unsavory evidence to sway the jury, hoping they’ll overlook the legal technicalities in favor of a more sentimental narrative.
During another episode on Law & Crime, Ms. Townsend discussed the potential charges La’Keysha Jackson, a babysitter caught on camera abusing three small children, could face after conviction. Ms. Townsend explained that because Ms. Jackson assaulted a number of children on a number of different dates, a judge could sentence the woman consecutively instead of concurrently, thereby increasing the amount of prison time.
In another collaboration with the Law & Crime Network, a 24-year-old babysitter was caught on video whipping children with a belt more than 50 times. In a rare win for the prosecution, the video also contained audio. Ms. Townsend opined that this will make it extremely difficult for defense attorneys to argue mistake or any other mitigation on behalf of their client.
Commenting on Emil Bove’s appointment as a judge, Ms. Townsend points out that there is now documented evidence showing ICE was not permitted on Rikers Island due to a clear quid pro quo between federal and New York State authorities. She argues that appointing Bove, who orchestrated this arrangement, would be a shocking outcome.
While discussing the latest “mixed” verdict in the Harvey Weinstein retrial, Ms. Townsend and host Sal Greco analyze next possible steps for the hung jury on one of the charges. They both emphasize how Ambra Gutierrez’s evidence - originally brought forward and then buried in 2015 - could have significantly strengthened the prosecution’s case and/or stopped Weinstein in his tracks long ago.
On The Sal Greco Show, Ms. Townsend shares her thoughts on the prosecution’s decision to overcharge P. Diddy, especially with the racketeering (RICO) charge. She points out that while the prosecution wants the jury to simply see him as a “bad guy,” the defense will focus on the technical aspects of the case, which may not actually meet the elements of RICO.
In another live episode of The Sal Greco Show, Ms. Townsend comments on Luigi Mangione’s case when asked whether he can receive a fair trial. She highlights the efforts of Luigi’s legal team in addressing and pushing back against the prosecution’s strategy, particularly their use of unpublished manifesto writings to shape the narrative and potentially prejudice the jury.
In another appearance on Law & Crime channel, Ms. Townsend offers a broader sociological perspective on Emily Nutely's case. She points out how male victims are often perceived as experiencing less harm, a bias that can reflect on sentencing — sometimes leading to more lenient penalties for female offenders. Her analysis underscores the urgent need for both society and the justice system to move beyond these prejudiced interpretations and approach such cases with greater sensitivity.
Back with another appearance on Law & Crime Network, Ms. Townsend shares her legal commentary on a shocking case involving a 43-year-old teacher who pled guilty to sexually abusing a 17-year-old student. She emphasizes that a guilty plea in such cases does not necessarily indicate remorse, but often reflects a strategic legal decision—especially when the evidence is solid , turning the defense options more limited.
During Day 21 of P. Diddy’s trial, Ms. Townsend appeared on a Live Q&A on Law & Crime, where she answered viewers questions. Ms. Townsend weighs in on whether witness 'Jane' was properly prepared. She stresses that the prosecution must prepare their witnesses even more for cross-examination than for direct questioning; if they don’t, it’s a gift to the opposing party.
During Day 21 of P. Diddy’s trial, Ms. Townsend appeared on a Live Q&A on Law & Crime, where she answered viewers questions. Here, Ms. Townsend talks about whether Diddy would go home if there is a hung jury or mistrial.
When interviewed on Law & Crime’ Scandal, Ms. Townsend was asked about whether Diddy will testify, and how his decision to – or not to – testify will affect the jurors listening to a trial that delas heavily with “consent”.
On another collab with Law & Crime’s Scandal, Ms. Townsend talks about courtroom dynamics, sharing how Sean Combs’ charisma could shape jury perception if he testifies.
During another lunchtime Q&A with Law & Crime, Ms. Townsend explains what happens if the Diddy trial jurors forget important details. Drawing from her own courtroom experience, Ms. Townsend explained that jurors can write a note to the judge during deliberations requesting that specific testimony or evidence be read back. It’s a way to help ensure their verdict is based on a clear and accurate understanding of the evidence.
In another episode on Law&Crime Network, Ms. Townsend shared her legal analysis on the absence of assault charges in the Diddy case, despite the widely circulated video evidence showing Cassie being attacked. She explained that this was likely an intentional move by the prosecution to go all in on the more serious charges and avoid giving the jury the option to convict on something less severe.
Speaking with Law&Crime, Sarena Townsend reflects on whether the justice system is truly holding powerful figures accountable. She thinks the justice is going after powerful men and finds it encouraging, citing the Harvey Weinstein case as an example where justice was delayed or outright denied for many victims.
In another live Q&A with Law&Crime about P. Diddy's trial, Sarena Townsend weighs in on the $20,000 demand by Combs to keep tapes involving Cassie private, which could be deemed bribery in the context of ''revenge porn''. She explains how this could support charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, pointing to a pattern of control and abuse over Cassie and her family.
During the live coverage of Cassie Ventura’s testimony in the P. Diddy trial, Ms. Townsend addressed the question of financial motivation. She explained that settlements are always “fair game” during cross examination of a witness who sued the perpetrator. In some cases, individuals may initiate criminal proceedings with the hope of winning a lawsuit later, given the higher burden of proof required in criminal court. However, since Ms. Ventura has already reached a settlement, it is unlikely that financial gain is her motive.
During an interview with Law&Crime live with Jesse Weber about the P. Diddy trial, Ms. Townsend explains that the prosecution needs to educate jurors on the many layers of a RICO case. She also highlights how domestic violence victims often act in ways that aren’t easy for everyone to understand, but that it is important to not judge Cassie Ventura simply by her actions, but to consider what she endured in making those decisions.
During a live Q&A session on Law&Crime, covering Cassie’s testimony in USA v. Sean Combs, Ms Townsend was asked about the intimate videos obtained by prosecution and explained a criminal procedure rule that for video evidence to be valid or to be held reliable, it must be authenticated —either by the person who filmed it or someone featured in it— to ensure it corresponds with reality and was not manipulated.
Ms. Townsend provided legal commentary to Law & Crime about Boardwalk Empire actor Michael Pitt's indictment in Kings County. He is facing a slew of charges stemming from an alleged sexual and physical assault of a woman he was dating. Ms. Townsend explains here how the prosecution decided to indict the actor in a secret “X Indictment” rather than arrest him first.
Ms. Townsend provided legal commentary to Law & Crime about Boardwalk Empire actor Michael Pitt's indictment in Kings County. Pitt allegedly had prior bad behavior in his past; Ms. Townsend explains that a judge needs to balance the evidence about those prior bad acts against the prejudice of presenting propensity evidence to a jury.
WATCH Sarena Townsend, Ret. Chief Michael Osgood and Ambra Battilana Gutierrez speak at our press conference where we officially publicize our DEMAND for the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York to investigate the NYPD and Manhattan District Attorney's Office cover-up of Harvey Weinstein's sexual assault on Ms. Battilana Gutierrez.
Sarena and Ambra are joined by retired NYPD Deputy Chief Michael Osgood. The show covers everything from Harvey Weinstein’s 2015 assault on Ms. Gutierrez to the NYPD and Manhattan DA coverup of the case, when they refused to arrest and prosecute Weinstein for his crime despite Osgood collecting proof beyond a reasonable doubt that included a recorded confession. Learn more about the case and sign our petition DEMANDING A FULL, TRANSPARENT investigation by the Southern District of New York in to the public corruption: http://www.investigatenyc.com/
Sarena and Sal discuss a common thread between the decision to seek the death penalty against Luigi Mangione, to dismiss the federal case against Mayor Eric Adams, and the newest allegations of fraud by AG Letitia James. Hear the newest updates on all these matters, and more!
When questioned about the possible remorse of the Serhat Gumrucku, Ms. Townsend shares that his actions prove he had no remorse, from the planning, to his lying to the FBI, to his trial testimony. Instead of remorse, it appears Gumricku was simply willing to do anything to maintain his money and power.
When commenting on the conviction of Serhat Gumrukcu, the fraudulent 'scientist' who orchestrated a plan to kill Gregory Davis, Ms. Townsend shares her thoughts on how the man he hired tricked Mr. Davis into believing the hitman was a law enforcement agent before klling him, showing the Gumrucku’s state of mind and premeditation.
Ms. Townsend explains that the aggravating factors in the Luigi Mangione case are present in most murders that are prosecuted only at the state level, and therefore Mr. Mangione’s prosecution is incongruous to precedent set by federal prosecutors.
Ms. Townsend explains why a presidential agenda may be valuable to push the prosecution of certain types of cases, but why when the agenda involves executing people, you must be very careful about the agendas you pursue.
When questioned about the death penalty in Mangione's case, Ms. Townsend disagrees with its application. She argues that the case should be treated as a state prosecution of Murder in the 2nd Degree, and that the death penalty is not sought in New York State.
Ms. Townsend shares her thoughts about these types of cases and how they impact her, both as a criminal defense attorney and a mother.
Ms. Townsend adds to the analysis of Leilani Simon's trial, the victim's mother who was sentenced for his murder. She pointed out that prosecutors don't need to prove the motive behind a crime. In this case, Leilani was portrayed and proven to be a person of interest beyond a reasonable doubt.
Ms. Townsend believes this was a winnable case for the defense. She noted that law enforcement failed to eliminate all hypotheses, leaving a gap in the prosecution's case about reasonable doubt for other suspects.