A New Mexico grand jury has issued a new indictment against Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin, accusing him of involuntary manslaughter. The charge itself relates to a 2021 accidental shooting of a cinematographer on the set of a movie that was being filmed in western New Mexico. A new analysis of the gun used opened the way for prosecutors to reboot the case, after a previous indictment was dismissed last year. The indictment provides prosecutors with two separate paths to try an convict Mr. Baldwin, by alleging that he caused the death of the cinematographer either by negligence, or by “total disregard or indifference” for safety. Mr. Baldwin’s lawyers have pledged to fight the charge, and they have asked for a speedy trial. Under New Mexico law, the charge carries a potential 18 month prison sentence.
What is a RICO charge?
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act is a federal law enacted to combat organized criminal activity. While it originally targeted traditional organized crime, prosecutors now use it for many different cases including when they believe...
