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Power attorney gives legal help to NY mother and gay teen son

by Susan Marie Kovalinsky | February 2, 2010 at 09:53 am

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High profile Chicago attorney, politician, human rights advocate gives New York mother and gay teen a helping hand in ongoing New York legal battle

In an ongoing legal battle in Niagara County, New York, which has moved to the Appellate and state Supreme Courts, Rhonda Mangus (Now Public editor/author) has received a helping hand from Chicago power attorney, Jay Paul Deratany.

Deratany is a personal injury attorney specializing in the rights of children; he is also politician, playwright, and human rights advocate.

He is the attorney representing the Duckett family in the case against CNN's Nancy Grace. (See CNN News article here)

Now, he is helping Rhonda and her son pro bono, with a case which dates back to 2005, involving a battle which began with then 13 year old Michael, in the North Tonawanda High School.

Quote

"I'm just grateful and thrilled," said Mangus from her North Tonawanda home. "I had read about Mr. Deratany, the work he has done, his philanthropy and advocacy, and even his writing a human rights play for the Chicago stage, "Haram Iran". I thought about contacting him, but I never dreamed I could be helped by someone of his stature, and I am just so thankful. And Nathan Polum has been so generous and has given of his expertise. I'm thrilled."

Rhonda Mangus, to Gnosis Arts for news release article , 1-31-10

Since then, Rhonda and Michael have had more than their allotment of stress in an ongoing conflict which had been made more stinging this winter, when the New York Supreme Court failed to amend the unjust ruling against her.

Deratany has been lauded by the Campaign for Human Rights and by gay and civil liberties advocates, in particular, for his role as playwright of "Haram Iran", which debuted in the Chicago Theater district in 2008, and which is a depiction of the anti-homosexual ideology which still pervades regions of the globe and of the human heart.

Deratany has also been a philanthropist and advocate of health and education aid for the disenfranchised and the needy.

An associate from the Deratany firm, Nathan Polum, has also been lending his time and expertise to Mangus.

Mangus took the then 13 year old Michael out of North Tonawanda High School, after the gay teen had been subjected to bullying and an 'expletive laden' death threat. Mangus was then placed on the New York Child Abuse Registry, after a second report of 'educational neglect' was made against her.

Mangus failed to get that ruling amended before the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, although her son had been excused from compulsory attendance by two medical professionals.

Aaron McQuade, of New York's Sirius OutQ radio, aired an interview with Mangus about her battle on January 18.

Now, she is seeking to try for justice once more. And her battle has just received a tremendous boost: It has been made easier by high-profile cause attorney, Jay Paul Deratany, of Chicago Illinois.

Deratany and his associate Nathan Polum, have helped Mangus to file a postponement for an appeal, and are continuing to advise her on a pro bono basis.

[. . . ]

In 2008, Deratany acted as playwright, creating for the Chicago stage the play, "Haram Iran", depicting the true story of two young homosexual males hung for their "crime" in Iran. The play was lauded by the Human Rights Campaign and praised by Chicago art critics and gay advocacy groups. In the same year, Deratany ran for Cook County commissioner, but lost the seat to the incumbent Republican in a narrow margin.

Deratany is the attorney representing the Duckett family in the pending case against CNN's Nancy Grace.

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stejeb

at 10:08 on February 2nd, 2010

A good development, I hope Rhonda and Michael get some sense out of the court now. Thanks for the update smk.

Susan Marie Kovalinsky

at 10:25 on February 2nd, 2010

Most welcome, Steve! I think they will: Deratany is a great man!

Rory Cripps

at 14:50 on February 2nd, 2010

You are the best G! WOW! : )

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 16:31 on February 2nd, 2010

Boggie, eh?

Rory Cripps

at 16:50 on February 2nd, 2010

ACP: Yeah! I wonder what that means . . .hmm . . . . lol!

Susan Marie Kovalinsky

at 14:55 on February 2nd, 2010

Thanks, Boggie! I am so happy to have done what I have---: ) and Rhonda and Michael are more than worthy - & Deratany is fantastic !

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 16:29 on February 2nd, 2010

Let's hope something positive comes out of this. As long as Rhonda, Michael and Jay Paul Deratany know we have their back. Let Justice prevail.

Amy Judd

at 16:34 on February 2nd, 2010

Good update.

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 17:09 on February 2nd, 2010

The family of Merlinda Duckett is suing CNN Talk Show Host Nancy Grace on the basis that the CNN interview sent Merlinda Duckett to her death. Merlinda Duckett committed suicide with a shot gun a day after CNN aired her interview with CNN host Nancy Grace.

Jay Paul Deratany, the attorney representing Duckett's estate says “It’s not about the questioning. Grace improperly took on the role of a law enforcement officer.” Merlinda Ducketts parents believe that the interview looked like a cross examination in a court room.