New York Criminal Grand Jury

New York County Criminal Grand Jury
One Hogan Place
New York, NY 10013


To the Foreperson of the New York Criminal Grand Jury,


I bring to you an issue to the attention of the New York County Criminal Grand Jury that is in need of an inquiry. This involves the highly publicized case involving Mr. John M. Rinaldi, who has recently been convicted of stalking/harassing Ms. Brooke Shields after procuring a restraining order under false pretense.


After a review of available information by a host of professionals, it appears that a number of violations of criminal law occurred in the procurement of her original restraining order, and also suggests that the restraining order system has been exploited and manipulated in a most egregious manner. Preliminary information suggests that other private and governmental entities may have some complicity, which may or may not include the NYPD 6th Precinct detective and inspector, a prominent entertainment publicity firm and various personnel from the New York County District Attorney, the New York City Attorney’s Office, and the New York County Superior Court.


This case is one example of exploitation, manipulation, and constitutional and due process violations in the procurement of restraining orders occurring daily in the family, civil, and criminal courts in New York County. Virtually none receive the same type of media attention as this case. The wake of destruction and devastation as well as the untold damage that this abuse causes to children and families is truly shocking and heartbreaking.


We respectfully ask that the New York County Criminal Grand Jury initiate a formal inquiry, keeping in mind that the District Attorney’s Office is the governmental entity who would oversee and present evidence to the Grand Jury, and one of our concerns is whether or not a fair, unbiased and impartial inquiry can be made. We also ask that cooperative efforts be initiated with the New York State Bar, the New York Commission on Judicial Performance, the NYPD Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Civil Rights and Office of Inspector General, and the New York Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, (P.O.S.T.).


We are confident that if a fair, impartial and unbiased inquiry can be made, the resultant effects will be the discovery of numerous violations of criminal law and serious professional ethical violations as well, that will result in criminal convictions and necessitate legislative change of the current restraining order system, in the State of New York and perhaps the entire country.


We would appreciate a response and thank you for your attention to this most serious matter.


John M. Rinaldi.