Michael Volpe released a report from an investigator working for Grazzini-Rucki co-defendants Doug and Gina Dahlen during their criminal case. Investigative Affidavit in the Rucki Case
“Here is an affidavit submitted by a private investigator which confirmed that Samantha and Gianna Rucki were indeed abused by their father, David Rucki…”
The Dahlens allowed the Rucki sisters to live on their therapeutic horse ranch after they ran away when family court judge David L. Knutson placed them in the custody of a paternal aunt then planned to reunify, and give custody, to the abusive father they feared.
The girls remained with the Dahlens for nearly two years before being recovered in November 2015. The Dahlens say the girls stayed of their own free will choice and resisted opportunities to return to their father’s care.
Police records show that after being found living on the ranch both girls continued to state their father had abused them and they would run away again if returned to his care. According to the Lakeville Police Department report: “On 11/19/15, Detective Coughlin and I met with Dakota County Social Services and David Rucki. Arrangements were made for the girls to be placed into foster care, as they continued to express that they would run away again if they were brought home.”
Father, David Rucki, denies any abuse occurred and sought reunification therapy for his daughters.
The Dahlens were criminally charged with felony deprivation of parental rights and avoided trial by agreeing to a guilty plea.
The author of this diary is the grandmother of children who were placed into the full custody and control of their identified and confirmed rapist. Helen and her husband spent one and a half million dollars fighting for their grandchildren’s safety in a corrupt family court system. The mother was unable to write her story because she is still suffering from PTSD from being imprisoned for having challenged the authority of the wealthy father. She was tormented in prison for an entire year before she was released, thanks to a 20/20 investigation. Warning: graphic content.
My story is part of an attempt by Safe Kids International to raise awareness regarding divorce court judges covering up abuse and awarding custody to abusive fathers.
The DOJ Investigative Report explains-the nation’s divorce courts award custody to abusive fathers-while “good fit” mothers are court ordered supervised visits – or no contact.
The U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder’s-comments to the National Summit on Domestic Violence: Why are mothers who are victims of domestic violence losing custody of their children to the courts-even when their fathers have been abusive to them and their mothers?
I was driven mad by the horrific injustice. I was compelled to save [not only] my grandchildren-but other abused children in the nation’s divorce courts. To no avail. Every night I pray [Lord give us the strength for this journey]. We are still on that journey.
During an intact marriage, physicians diagnosed child sexual abuse-based on five-year-old son’s torn bloody rectum. Father’s reaction to the diagnosis was to go into divorce court with a criminal attorney.
Child Protective Services/CPS opened our case on March 4th, closed March 5th due to custody issues. Because when father was contacted by CPS, he stated the magic words [“There are custody issues”] which shuts down CPS investigations of child abuse.
The custody decision states: father is awarded sole custody based on parental alienation. Parental alienation is used in the nation’s courts to cover up abuse – it has nothing to do with alienating behavior. Minor’s attorney, Kevin Busch and custody evaluator Robert Shapiro recommended custody to father-based on parental alienation.
The physicians who diagnosed child sexual abuse-refused to testify. Illinois law book POF 6 2D 353 explains: physicians fail to report child abuse for a myriad of reasons -from a fear of harming their practice to a fear of entanglement as a result of reporting. Legislation has not achieved the desired goal-only a small percentage of cases are ever reported.]
At age 7 daughter drew and labeled a picture [Lynn Dad] of dad’s penis in Lynn’s mouth. Lynn had blood in her panties-when mom picked her up for visits. CPS and police investigated. The allegations were found credible and father was placed on no contact.
The court found: father sexually abused son and daughter-including, but not limited to, repeatedly sodomizing and forcing oral copulation. The judge’s court transcript states: In the case at bar, the danger is extraordinarily disturbing sexual assaults perpetrated many times-skillfully concealed. CPS explained to mother that father is on “no contact” and has no legal standing, recommending mother go home to California.
However, despite CPS giving mother permission – mother was criminally charged with leaving the jurisdiction by Kane County Illinois Assistant State’s Attorney, Clint Hull. The jurisdiction law is based on the parent-child relationship – the only inquiry is the status of the parent left behind.
Despite a court appointed psychologist concluding it was emotionally destructive for Mac and Lynn to have contact with their father, the children were ordered back to father. At which time, Mac + Lynn ran away. Mac [age 14] found a way to enroll in college-where he was a straight A student, studying law and psychology.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited children does not discern missing children running away from abusive fathers…from children being missing or exploited.
Mac and Lynn were hunted down. Twenty U.S. Marshall’s broke down the front door…pointed semi-automatic rifles at skinny Mac and Lynn-pinned them on the floor-and handcuffed them. Mac and Lynn were brought into court where U.S. Marshals championed father and championed parental alienation.
20/20 actually did their job of investigative reporting and helped bring justice to this Illinois family.
I wish we could say the same about their coverage of our cases. As most of you are aware, 20/20 did a hit piece on the Grazzini-Rucki case entitled Footprints in the Snow in April of 2016. They actually aided and abetted in the cover up of abuse in this case and have refused to make any corrections in their portrayal of this ongoing story. In fact, 20/20 actually asked an investigative reporter that has covered this case extensively, to refrain from sending any more documents that show the truth in this case.
Elizabeth Vargas was extremely biased and hostile when interviewing Sandra Grazzini-Rucki and very sympatheric toward the father in this case. The People Magazine article below shows the false secret network narrative that 20/20 had planned from the beginning. There is absolutely no evidence to suggest a “secret network” was involved in the Grazzini-Rucki case or involved in the disappearance of the eldest two daughters. In fact, both S.R. and G.R. openly admit they ran away due to safety concerns, and raised numerous abuse allegations prior to running away and after being found 2 years later. During all this time, their story is consistent, and does not change.
Elizabeth Vargas
Recently, 20/20’s Elizabeth Vargas announced her resignation from the show “to pursue new ventures”.
I want you to hear some news about me, from me. I will be leaving ABC News, and 20/20 at the end of this historic 40th season. It has been a profound privilege to be the anchor of 20/20 for 14 years, and a true honor to work with each and every one of you. I am incredibly lucky to work alongside the very best in the business: the producers, editors, writers on this show, and the enormous team working every week to get our show on the air. I am so very proud of the stories we have told together.
I am sorry only to have to share this news with you as we celebrate the holidays. I had hoped to make this announcement after the first of the year.
This is not goodbye – I will be here through May, and cannot wait to do more work with all you in the months ahead.
Have a happy holiday with your families, and I will see you next year.
With gratitude,
Elizabeth
Stay tuned for more information on Elizabeth Vargas and 20/20.
Listen in to “Punished 4 Protecting” with Francesca Amato-Banfield and guests Michael Volpe and Sandra Grazzini-Rucki discussing updates on her case and sharing audio testimony of one of the Rucki children describing abuse she suffered at her father’s hand, and the failure of the family courts to protect her. Michael Volpe calls this the “#Metoo moment of family court”. The audio can be heard at this link: S Rucki describes abuse at her father’s and courts hands.
Michael Volpe and Sandra also reveal shocking new allegations of mortgage fraud and RICO crimes being committed by ex-husband, David Rucki.
Here are the background documents referred to during this episode. Below is the docket for one of the trusts. Note that on November 1, 2017, there is an entry for “Petition for disbursement/release of funds”.
On the first page, who is the petitioner, David Rucki.
Michael Volpe says this is evidence that David Rucki is illegally taking money from a trust that he is not entitled to, “Here is a guy who has been embezzled from two trusts, this is just what we know, two trusts of Sam’s father meant for his children. And by the way he is effectively stealing from a dead man because her father is no longer alive...“
Below is a photo of the other trust. Of note is that it says FBO, or for the beneficiary of, Sandra Grazzini-Rucki. All the money 1636.28 shares have been withdrawn, but as Ms. Grazzini-Rucki notes in the interview, she’s received none of it. Where did it go?
Michael Volpe says about the Grazzini-Rucki case:
“What all of this is referred to is R.I.C.O. – racketeering influenced and corrupt organization, and that’s what you had. This entire divorce and if you go back to her (Sandra) parent’s guardianship, is one giant criminal conspiracy to embezzle, to hide abuse, to commit mortgage fraud, to get public officials to look the other way on all of it…it is no different than the rackets run by the Gambino family, it’s no different than any other R.I.C.O conspiracy..that’s how big this is and the F.B.I. should be involved…“
(Lakeville, Minnesota) Once again David Rucki is desperate to remove an article from the internet. It’s about how he beat his wife and unborn child because he found out his unborn child “wasn’t perfect.”
Rucki is a dangerous abuser who has threatened, harassed and intimidated anyone who has exposed his abuse, and the various crimes he is perpetrating.Already the Carver County blog was pulled off the internet after threats of legal action from Rucki… and all traffic is re-routed to a hateful disinfo blog that spreads his lies. Don’t let Rucki get away with this!!
From Michael Volpe: “I think Mr. Rucki needs to be introduced to the Streisand Effect, using the courts to suppress information will only spread that information far and wide. Please share, copy and paste and if you have a website, please put the article on your site. For a bonus send his attorney Lisa Elliott an email and let her know that you found the article because of the motion she filed. lisa@elliottlaw.net”
More from Michael Volpe: “It appears David Rucki is using the courts to remove an article from the internet. Acccording to a recently filed motion, Rucki is asking for an emergency hearing to remove a story entitled “Beaten Before Born: Sandra Grazzini-Rucki Assaulted While Pregnant – Rucki Wanted to Kill Baby Because He ‘Wasn’t Perfect’”. It was published on Red Herring Alert, a blog which Dede Evavold contributes to. Rucki, due to restrictive probation conditions, believes he can force the removal of this blog from the internet. See his petition: Rucki ‘Emergency’ Motion
Though David Rucki claimed this was an emergency, the blog was originally published on December 18, 2017. Why he waited two months to take action on an emergency only he can explain…”
Reader submits comment to AM950 regarding the Matt McNeil show’s coverage of the Grazzini-Rucki case, stating the station has “lowered its standards” because the broadcast sends a “victim shaming message” to victims of domestic violence.
The comment also addresses Michael Brodkorb’s statement that there is no documented evidence of abuse in the Grazzini-Rucki case by pointing to multiple records that document abuse towards Sandra and the children; further proving that ex-husband/father David Rucki is a danger.
I am writing to provide feedback, and additional documentation regarding the Sandra Grazzini-Rucki case, which was featured on an episode of the Matt McNeil story with guest Michael Brodkorb. It is very disappointing that AM 950 has lowered its standards to allow a broadcast that promotes re-victimization of victims of domestic violence by expressing support and sympathy to a dangerous abuser and by sending a victim shaming message. Additionally, the broadcast offers false, and misleading information regarding the Grazzini-Rucki case.
Mr. Brodkorb claims there is no documented evidence of abuse and portrays the victim, Sandra as a liar and vindictive ex-spouse. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, there is overwhelming evidence of David Rucki’s abuse towards his family, and overwhelming evidence of Rucki’s propensity towards violence, which has spilled onto the streets of our community. It is courageous that Sandra has come forward to disclose the abuse she, and the children have suffered, and worked so hard to protect her children through the legal and court system – fighting all the way to the Supreme Court.
As a credible news organization, I urge you to do your due diligence and review the following documentation of Rucki’s violent behavior:
– druckipolicereports 99 page document of Rucki’s violence, threats and stalking against Sandra and children. Additional complaints, and protective orders were filed after Rucki exhibited violent and frightening behavior towards other family members, neighbors, and other innocent members in the community. Police complaints against Rucki, also detailing violent and threatening behavior. Petitions for protective orders. Violations of protective orders.
Page 2 Rucki “...started to argue and swear and one time threatened to get tough with one of our employees. Deft. was asked numerous times to leave the business and he refused. Deft. was asked by police to leave and he refused. Deft. swore and hollered at officers all the way to the jail…“
Page 5 Rucki threatened a family member, “I’m coming after you and you won’t see me coming…” And “It probably won’t be me (that will get you).“ The family member reported feeling fearful and that Rucki will follow through on his threats. He was afraid to file charges for assault because he felt it would only make Rucki angrier.
Page 75 a witness who had a close relationship to the Rucki children says,”I have come to the conclusion that the children have had some type of abuse connected with their father based on my experience and education as a former police detective…“
He goes on to say,”Another time I heard Nico say,’I’m sick of being a punching bag for my dad.’
Nia has probably been the most willing to disseminate information but not specific details. For example, ‘my dad does stuff to us that he shouldn’t do..‘”
And, “What is most disturbing is that everything the the doorbell or a knock on the door the children flee to their bedrooms in fear that their father David is trying to get in.”
Public Domain Image: WallpaperUP
Page 11 documents an incident involving harassment and threats Rucki made against a neighbor. As a result the neighbor filed for, and received, a protective order against Rucki not only on behalf of his family but also to ban Rucki from the daycare he ran inside his home. If Rucki is not safe around children in the neighborhood, why would he be safe around his own children?
Page 24 the neighbor writes about Rucki,“In our near decade of living next to him (Rucki) I have found him to be a very angry individual who rages at anyone who has contention or confronts him. It got so severe against our family that the court awarded us a restraining order against him in September of 2009…As police reports can verify, he has boldly cursed profanely at, and tried to strongly intimidate, Lakeville’s female animal control officer. It is logical to conclude he is capable of more towards those more vulnerable, such as his wife and children.” (Also read: Police Report, HRO: David Rucki is Dangerous, Not Safe Around Children)
– 20 page CPS report detailing abuse allegations against the Rucki children, includes a social worker report from Samantha and Gianna Rucki after they were recovered in November 2015 after going into hiding for 2 years to escape their father’s abuse: Grazzini-Rucki Social Service Records
Page 7 from the social worker report recording her interview with Samantha,”Home life was awful prior to the divorce. They tip-toed around dad and he was physically abusive to her mom. Dad ripped off the leg of the organ and ran after mom. She would have bruises here and there. Dad was rough with Sam on occasion where he would grab her a few times and shook her. He was mostly emotionally abusive. Her dad would make comments like your boobs looking big, he would grab her leg and massage her and this never felt good, it was uncomfortable...”
In regards to the allegations of Parental Alienation, and the children were being brainwashed by Sandra, the social worker report notes further on page 7, from Samantha,”They were told by so many people that they were being brainwashed and needed to be de-programmed. She never felt they were brainwashed...”
Page 7 Social worker notes in her report from Gianna Rucki,“Her dad would stalk the house when they were with mom. He showed anger like ‘I’m going to kill you’. … One time after a hockey game her dad rubbed her inner thigh. Dad shoved mom often…” Gianna also expressed fear of Rucki and stated she does not want to live with him based on his treatment of her, and based on the domestic violence she witnessed. Rather, she would like to have contact with her father when she is ready. Gianna says “she does not feel mom played a role in her thoughts or feelings about her dad“.
-The Dakota County social worker believed the abuse allegations raised by Samantha and Gianna, and during the emergency protective hearing held in November 2015, argued to the court that the girls should remain in foster care for safety reasons, and that Rucki should only have supervised visits with the girls (see page 23 for social worker recommendations) EPC Hearing Transcript Nov 30, 2015
-It should be noted that Judge Michael Mayer, who returned Samantha and Gianna to Rucki’s custody after the hearing is a close friend of the family court judge presiding over the Grazzini-Rucki case, Judge David L. Knutson. Judge Mayer was also involved in the harassment attorney Michelle MacDonald endured after being illegally detained during the Grazzini-Rucki custody case. At the time Rucki was granted custody of the children, he was on probation for violating a protective order against Sandra. And at the time Samantha and Gianna were placed in his custody in 2015, Rucki was on probation for beating a motorist during a road rage incident. These are not isolated incidents. Abusive behavior involves a pattern of power and control exhibited with violent and threatening behavior. That pattern has been well-established to exist with Rucki.
-In a 2013 audio recording, Samantha Rucki testifies about her father’s abuse and how the family court failed to protect her, and her siblings, from abuse.
The reason why Samantha and her sister ran away, and went into hiding in April 2013, is because they were afraid of their father, and the court was contributing to the harm against them.
She says about her father: “He (Rucki) threw her against the wall (Sandra) and said he was going to kill her but didn’t want to face the consequences…”
“He’s (Rucki) lost it on us kids a number of times.. He threw Nia (sister) onto a couch and started choking her, and she’s 11….”
The witness writes,“In cases like this I have to wonder how our system got to the point that destroying families in today’s society is ok. I think of all of the children that have been murdered by their parents in disputes and I have to wonder how you could put those children in this position. How will you feel if the next time David Rucki loses control, one of these children are severely injured or worse yet dead. In my opinion David Rucki is a loose cannon and you are playing right into his hands.
I sincerely hope that you can look at ALL of the facts of this case, realize that you have made some huge mistakes, allowed other huge mistakes to be made and that you will someday allow these children to live their lives in the home where they feel protected…”
The letter written by the witness was once publicly posted on the Carver County Corruption blog. The blog was taken off the internet in June 2016 after threats of civil litigation from David Rucki, and his high-buck attorney Marshall Tanick (how does a welfare recipient afford to retain multiple attorneys?!?). It should be noted that Michael Brodkorb has permanently routed all traffic from the Carver County Corruption blog so that potential visitors will instead visit his propaganda blog. This is clearly an effort by Rucki to silence the fact in the case, and those telling the truth.
–Multiple witnesses confirm that sisters Samantha and Gianna Rucki were afraid of their father, David Rucki, and both described various incidents of physical and emotional abuse at his hands. The sisters said they felt safe at the White Horse Ranch, and did not want to leave. These statements were revealed in a recent report from an investigator with over 10 years experience in the criminal justice field, who interviewed the witnesses. Witness Reports
As far as Michael Brodkorb, he is not a credible source for information on the Grazzini-Rucki case. His reporting is one-sided and engages in personal attacks, and spreading false information that is so unprofessional it borders on harassment. Brodkorb has an established history working as an attack blogger with a long history of being paid to discredit and smear targets, his “work” (if you can call it that!) on the Grazzini-Rucki case is no different than when he was paid as a political operative.
Michael Brodkorb’s aggressive, and threatening tactics have been well documented –
Multiple articles on Red Herring Alert detail Brodkord’s harassment, slander and attacks against Dede Evavold, all done on behalf of David Rucki: Inverting Reality (Red Herring Alert)
Retired Army Lt. Col. Joe Repya, described Brodkorb as “a ‘thug’ with ‘an intimidating personality’ who ran roughshod over party members, elected officials and even volunteers…’You have to understand how frightened people within the party became of Michael Brodkorb..” The Fall of Michael Brodkorb
Brodkorb also has a reputation for inciting fights within ranks of the Republican party, among his own team , where he was known for screaming fits and personal attacks against others, it said his eruptions could leave fear in his wake..” Michael Brodkorb: Admired, feared and, above all, Republican
That is to say you are putting someone on the air who is equally as out of control, and abusive, as David Rucki. Also note David Rucki has repeatedly threatened his victims that he is coming after them and quote “you won’t see me coming”. Samantha Rucki also stated that her father wanted to kill her mother but didn’t want to face the consequences. It is not a stretch to say that Rucki is using Brodkorb to accomplish his own dirty work.
A victim of domestic violence should never be placed in the position where she is blamed for the abuse inflicted on her. And a mother should never be criminally punished, or publicly ridiculed, for taking actions to save her children’s lives. That Rucki has been allowed to go unpunished for his vicious actions against his family and the community is a stain on Minnesota’s justice system.
I realize that many aspects of this case are beyond the control of AM 950, or that you had no role in what happened to Sandra, and her children. But you can still do the right thing regarding the Matt McNeil broadcast. In light of the following information, I am asking that you immediately issue a retraction and issue a public, formal apology to Sandra Grazzini-Rucki. To refuse to do so would only re-victimize Sandra, who has already unjustly suffered so much. And beyond Sandra’s case, failure to act on regards to Matt McNeil’s reckless broadcast will hurt the countless domestic violence survivors who are impacted by all media messages concerning violence – especially those that promote the dangerous behavior, and legal injustices that threaten their lives, and that of their children.
“I’m just asking that you let us live with our Mom.. because this court, Dakota County Courts, Judge Knutson, Miss Friedrichs (GAL), Doctor, have been ruthless, and playing favoritism with my father, and calling us liars…”
An audio recording made by 14-year old Samantha Rucki describing the violent and frightening behavior of her father, David Rucki, and the failure of the family court to protect her and her siblings from abuse, has resurfaced after disappearing when the Carver County Corruption blog was shut down (the blog was taken offline in June 2016 due to threats of legal action from David Rucki).
This recording was posted originally on the Carver County Corruption blog, and in an effort to help Sandra and her children, was sent with a letter explaining the case to the entire Minnesota State Legislature, but no one did anything to intervene or protect the Rucki children. Samantha and her sister, Gianna, was eventually forced to live with Rucki, while the media- namely 20/20- ignored this evidence and portrayed Sandra, who fought to save her children from abuse, as the villain.
Public Domain Image (Source: Pinterest)
Samanatha reveals shocking allegations of child abuse, and domestic violence in this audio.The abuse was the reason she, and her sister, Gianna, ran in away in April 2013, and went into hiding in order to save their lives after the family court failed to protect them, and their siblings from a violent father:
“ And then my dad, before the whole divorce thing he’d always come home drunk or he’d beat my Mom to no end…”
“He (Rucki) threw her against the wall (Sandra) and said he was going to kill her but didn’t want to face the consequences…”
“He’s (Rucki) lost it on us kids a number of times.. He threw Nia (sister) onto a couch and started choking her, and she’s 11….”
“Over the years my friends have not been over because of my father’s actions, because their parents are afraid…”
Samantha says the Dakota County family court handling the divorce and custody case contributed to the abuse:
Judge David L Knuston threatened the children with “jail” if they did not comply with his demands. Court orders issued by Judge Knutson endangered the mental and physical safety of the children. It should be noted that David Rucki personally requested that Judge Knutson be appointed to this case.
Inappropriate sexual behavior towards the teen girls by Dr. James Gilbertson
Dr. Gilbertson and GAL Julie Friedrich called Samantha a quote “whore” and forced her to take a pregnancy test because of the shape of her body. (Note: This would have been extremely traumatic for a child who had disclosed sexual abuse).
Samantha says she reported abuse to Dr. Gilbertson, and he refused to help her, stating she “needed a video tape” as proof. It should be noted that court testimony from Dr. Gilbertson confirms that the children did, infact disclose abuse, just as Samantha describes in this video. Dr. Gilbertson never reported the abuse, as mandated by law, and despite the visible fear of the children toward their father, and long history of CPS reports, continued to force them into de-programming and reunification therapy.
Dr. Gilbertson coerced and pressured the children to recant abuse allegations
Dr. James Gilbertson, PhD
Guardian ad Litem Julie Friedrich
The audio recording was created sometime in 2013, around the time Samantha and her sister went into hiding to escape her father’s abuse after the family court presided by Judge David L Knutson, failed to protect them, and instead ordered the frightened teens into “de-programming” and “reunification therapy” with the intent to award custody to David Rucki, father.
Judge David L Knutson
Samantha and her siblings had disclosed acts of physical and emotional abuse, and witnessing their father abuse towards their mother, to various professionals including: police, therapists, CPS workers, the Guardian ad Litem Julie Friedrich, and to Judge Knutson, to no avail. Instead of being protected the children were called “liars” and accused of being “brain washed” by their mother, Sandra Grazzini-Rucki. Samantha says her mother never alienated her from her father or spoke badly about Rucki to the children. In fact, Samantha says, she was given phones, facebook, and e-mail and could have contacted Rucki at any time but chose not to (due to his abuse). The children deny they were brainwashed, and say they do not need programming… they just need to be protected from the abuse.
The children were re-traumatized when forced into “reunification therapy” with their father. Reunification therapy involved pressuring the children to recant abuse allegations and drilling them with negative messages about their mother in order to break their bond with her. The family court system worked to cover up the abuse to the detriment of the children, who began to de-stabilize in reunification therapy. During one session, it was reported the youngest child was locked in a room with therapist, Dr. James Gilbertson, and during session, “blood curdling” screams emitted from the room, filling the halls. The oldest children were separated from the youngest with the intent to isolate the siblings, and make them easier to control. Samantha and her sister, Gianna, were purposely made unable to do anything to help their younger sibling but took on the role as comforter after their mother was removed from their lives (due to an illegal court order by Judge David L Knutson).
The failure of the family court to protect the children from abuse, and re-traumatization caused by the denial of the abuse followed by reunification therapy created the crisis that led to Samantha and Gianna Rucki, to run away, in fear for their lives, in April 2013 after they became aware that the court intended to place them back into the custody of their father.
In this audio from 2013, Samantha begs for someone to help protect her from her father’s abuse and from the family court. She also begs to live with mother, who she says “is my rock”. When begging to live with her mom, Samantha’s voice breaks, she pleads “just please let us live with our Mom and be happy.”
The sisters remained in hiding for 2 years before being recaptured and sent to live with their father against their will.
Letter from Dr James Gilbertson to GAL Julie Friedrichs acknowledging abuse allegations raised by Rucki children – response is to force visits with the father they fear
Note – Blogs Reporting on Grazzini-Rucki Case Intimidated, Threatened with Legal Action by David Rucki in an Effort to Suppress Truth:
“Have the courage to do the right thing and clean up the favoritism, fraud, and abuses occurring in our court systems….” Carver County Corruption Blog, June 2013
The cries for help from the Rucki children have been silenced, first by the abuse and then by the corrupt family court system in Dakota County that enabled and protected a dangerous man, David Rucki. Even the mainstream media, including national news outlet ABC 20/20, as engage in a conspiracy of denial and silence. The lives of children are at stake – when blogs are shut down, an avenue to help or support is as well.
David Rucki has worked to shut down two blogs – Carver County Corruption and Red Herring Alert – in order to suppress his abuse of Sandra and the children, and to suppress the truth about the corruption in the Dakota County court system involved in this case, from reaching the public.
The Carver County Corruption blog was created in 2012 to expose family court, and judicial actions, in Carver County that have unlawfully deprived parents of their rights, and their children; and put the lives of children at risk by placing them in the custody of abusive parents.
The blog was started by a courageous mother who had experienced injustice in family court, resulting in her children being wrongfully taken from her without any findings or abuse or legal justification. For history on the blog please read: Carver County (Patch)
The CCC blog inspired other parents from across Minnesota, and the nation, to share similar stories of unjust family court rulings. As a result, parents and advocates began to unite to demand reform in family court, and in the judiciary. As a result of the Carver County Blog, numerous complaints were filed with various state agencies regarding the practices of family court; other complaints focused on actions taken in specific cases. During its peak, the parents and advocates involved with the CCC blog visited over 40 Minnesota State legislators, and traveled to Washington D.C. to voice concerns.
Sandra Grazzini-Rucki was among the parents who shared their story (with documentation and court records) on the CCC blog. The CCC blog was instrumental in exposing the illegal and lawless actions of Judge David L Knutson, documenting the abuse of the five Rucki children, and taking this case from a closed courtroom to the public. The CCC blog became a major source to read about the Grazzini-Rucki case, with its links being shared across the nation.
The Carver County Corruption blog inspired family court reform in Minnesota, but exposing the truth about corrupt family courts, and the dangerous abusers who are awarded custody of children resulted in retaliation first from the family court who tried to shut it down, then from David Rucki who took a second swing at the blog. In June 2016, after threats of civil litigation from David Rucki and his high buck attorney, Marshall Tanick, the CCC blog was finally removed from the web.
The Red Herring Alert blog, which offers articles on current events, politics and has also covered the Grazzini-Rucki case, was also threatened with civil litigation at the same time as the CCC blog but resisted Rucki’s efforts to shut it down.
David Rucki has escalated efforts to take Red Herring Alert off the internet by filing a fraudulent harassment restraining order against blog owner, Dede Evavold, claiming public coverage of the Grazzini-Rucki case is a threat to his life, this despite the case being covered by his own personal blogger as well as covered by news sources across the nation, including ABC 20/20.
Red Herring Alert continues to report news and updates on the Grazzini-Rucki case; and expose the truth about the abuse suffered by Sandra and the children at Rucki’s hands, and the lawless courts that protect him. Publicity is vital to demand justice, and protect these children! Show your support of Red Herring Alert and take a stand for freedom of speech – please visit, like, comment and share links.Red Herring Alert
David Rucki is so violent, and so abusive that he beat ex-wife Sandra Grazzini-Rucki while pregnant, and assaulted his unborn before the child even took his first breath. As a result of the beating, the child was born prematurely (and suffers with permanent health problems).
This, according to, statements Sandra Grazzini-Rucki made during a heart-wrenching episode of Fighting B.A.C.K. (Aired: 6/19/2017) During the episode, Sandra also reveals that Rucki threatened to harm her children as a way to gain control over her through fear and intimidation.
The shocking revelation came when Sandra responded to a guest who was describing her own situation with domestic violence, and how her child was affected. The guest says her abusive ex used her child as a weapon, and would even retaliate by hurting the child, as a way to intimidate and control her. Sandra said that hearing the guest’s story reminded her of the violent marriage she escaped from.
The National Institutes of Health reports that over 300,000 pregnant women in the U.S. are victims to domestic violence, with domestic violence being the leading cause of death among U.S. women of childbearing age.
(Note: This article contains additional information on these incidents, as provided by a confidential source – which are told in the first person voice to illustrate Sandra’s horrifying experience, and told in this way raise awareness of the impact of domestic violence experienced during pregnancy)
Rucki’s Assault on an Unborn Baby: “I was kicked repeatedly in the stomach (because) he was ‘not a perfect child’…”
Imagine the horror Sandra surely experienced and felt:
Lying on a gurney, hands desperately clutch swollen belly, trying to hold back contractions… as she fades in and out of consciousness, she pleads,”No, no, it’s too soon…”
How would she explain the bruises this time? The violent assault against her unborn left her belly black and blue, bleeding on the inside… she realized too late that she married a demon in the flesh. Raging he stood over her kicking again and again… spit flying from his mouth as he screamed and swore..
Loud voice, someone shouting her name… she screamed and threw her arms out… The beep-beep of a fetal monitor going wild… She struggled to open her eyes, not comprehending, plastic IV tubing twisting as she fought… frightened by the sound of her name being called. Was she safe?
Signs of life.. a faint and erratic heart beat … tiny, seashell shaped knees raised to chest then violently kick out… Even the hospital could not protect her once he realized the baby he tried to kill was now fighting back.
(28:21) Sandra says: “When my youngest child was born, he (David Rucki) was under the belief that this was not going to be a ‘perfect child’ when I was kicked repeatedly into the stomach and went into pre-term labor, and gave birth, and he (Rucki) said, I want him gone rather than have a kid that’s not perfect because it’s more about me than it is about him…”
The child has been permanently affected by the assault inflicted on him while in the womb, and will suffer with lifelong health issues.
Rucki Threatens to Chop Baby Up in a Ceiling Fan
All she wanted was to be a wife and mother, to have a home filled with laughter and children. Instead the children tip-toed through the rooms like ghosts – vainly trying to remain silent and unseen, as if they could avoid their father’s rage.
The children… where were the children? So much they should not see… the violence, the tears… the fake apologies… Hiding somewhere in the house. Hands slammed over their small ears. Tears filling their eyes. They feared not the mythical monster in the closet that most children imagine but the very real monster in the house, their father.
(28:06) Sandra says: “When my oldest child was 3 months old, my ex-husband David Rucki grabbed him from the bassinet, held him up to a ceiling fan and said, ‘You will do as I say or he is going into the fan…’”
(29:03) Sandra says: “Sometimes when you talk about things it reminds me of things that David Rucki did and yet these are the men that have our children… You talk about this and I know, I will never forget when David held the baby up to the ceiling fan and said ‘You do what I say or he’s (chokes on words) .. they have no concern for the child, it’s more of a control issue…”
Rucki Promised to Change But Then Threatened to Kill Sandra, and the Children
Sandra says during the marriage, Rucki repeatedly promised to change but always resorted back to his abusive behavior. Sandra says Rucki even threatened to kill “your children” if she did not comply with his demands.
Sandra says physical, mental and sexual abuse existed in the generations of the Rucki family and influenced David Rucki’s abusive behavior and attitude towards his own children. David Rucki promised Sandra that he would not abuse his own children the way he was abused by his father, and the way he witnessed his father abuse his sisters. Cut from the same fabric, David Rucki, in the end, turned out to be just as abusive, and dangerous to his own children as Fred Rucki was to him, and his sisters.
Family Court: The Two Options That Trap Victims of Domestic Violence
Judge David L Knutson (Dakota County, MN)
“I think that is so sad that as a parent in an abusive relationship, why is it that your two options are: stay, being abused, have your child grow up in this environment filled with insecurities, tension and violence or leave and risk losing your child and continuing to suffer…” – Comment from “Fighting Back” Guest, a Mother also involved in family court who lost custody of her baby to an alleged abuser
Sandra says that her children went to everyone asking for help and that every level of the system has failed to protect them.
Instead of protecting children, family court Judge David L Knutson, Dakota County, has assisted David Rucki in every step through the legal process to continue to abuse, torment and attempt to kill Sandra by making it impossible to survive. Judge Knutson has also endangered the lives of all 5 Rucki children by placing them under the care, custody and ultimately the control of David Rucki. Even as adults the Rucki children have been unable to escape their father and live independent lives of their own due to his violence against them.
Dakota County Judicial Center, Hastings, Minnesota
“..all this courtroom has done has cause misery and heartache…” except of a letter written by one of the Rucki children, April 2013
The public is invited to celebrate Constitution Day at the Dakota County “Open Courthouse” event on September 15… held at the epicenter of corruption in Minnesota: the Dakota County Judicial Center. The free, open-to-the public event, will run from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 2017 Dakota County Open Courthouse Event
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tour, and experience firsthand, the infamous courthouse at the center of the Grazzini-Rucki custody trial, and criminal trial where unconstitutional abuses of power by the courts, judges, court officers and law enforcement occurred. Both cases also involve rampant violations of the constitutional rights of Sandra Grazzini-Rucki, as well as the 3 co-defendants in the criminal trial.
The public is advised to enter the Dakota County Judicial Center at their own risk – law and justice mean nothing here!
Judge David L. Knutson will make a special appearance at the 12:30 Welcoming Ceremony, held at the Jury Assembly Room, Lower Level.
Wonder if Judge Knutson would be willing to answer questions such as:
**Why did you give custody of five children to a dangerous abuser?
**Why did you ignore the abuse allegations raised by the Rucki children?
**Do you think it is appropriate for a judge to ignore allegations of child sexual abuse?
**Do you think it is okay for a judge to call a child abuse victim a ‘liar’ when they disclose abuse?
**Why did you release David Rucki after several violations of a protective order?
**How is the public supposed to trust the courts when they see you break the law and go to such extreme lengths to give custody to a violent man and deprive a fit, loving mother of custody?
**How do you defend your violations of the Constitutional rights of Sandra Grazzini-Rucki?
**Why did you give such a light sentence to child rapist Dennis Roy?
**Do you support 1st Amendment rights? If so, why are you limiting the free speech of blogger Dede Evavold?
Chances are Judge Knutson, the coward he is, won’t be taking any questions from the public and will continue to hide behind the skirts of judicial immunity.
Judge David L Knutson
The court, judges, prosecutors, police and many layers of corruption within Dakota Count colluded to give sole custody to a dangerous abuser, David Rucki, and worked to cover up their crimes in doing so, to detriment of the five Rucki children. Mother, Sandra Grazzini-Rucki, who, fought to keep the children safe from harm is now being punished and criminalized while the real criminals go free.
Sandra Grazzini-Rucki was a loving, stay-at-home mother of five children, and former Mrs. Lakeville, who has been victimized, deprived of her rights and due process, and forcibly separated from her children due to injustice and corruption in the family court and criminal court of Dakota County. Sandra’s situation is so dire that she is now living in hiding – and her children have been given into the custody of a dangerous abuser with a long history of criminal acts and violence against his own family. druckipolicereports
Dr. James Gilbertson, PhD
Guardian ad Litem Julie Friedrich
Paul Reitman
The Rucki children have raised abuse allegations against their father only to be told by Judge David Knutson, Guardian ad Litems, Julie Friedrich and Laura Miles, and court-ordered therapists, Dr. Paul Reitman and Dr James Gilbertson, that they are liars and in need of de-programming. And this has occurred – the Rucki children were forced into “de-programming” using methods similar to what is done to a POW camp in order to get the children to recant abuse allegations, and then forced into complying with the courts demands even as it has proved detrimental to their safety and well-being.
If you heard a child come forward with an allegation of abuse like this, would you honestly walk away and do nothing?? That is exactly what Judge Knutson, and others, have done to the Rucki children.
In April 2013, one of the Rucki children wrote a letter to describe how she witnessed her father, David Rucki, abuse her mother, and stated that he was also violent and threatening to other children – to the extreme that her even friends feared visiting the Rucki home.
The letter (which was not allowed to be submitted as evidence in Sandra’s criminal trial) included this statement from her daughter,”I know the difference between a lie and the truth….
I stand here today to tell you the truth about my father. To begin with, he has not only told my family that he is homicidal, but sat us down at kitchen table and yelled at us saying that he was not only going to kill me but my brothers, sister and mom. Not even a week later I received a horrifying voicemail of 6 gunshots. He has also choked, slapped, and hit and verbally abused my mother repeatedly throughout their. marriage. He also has lost it on us kids more than a number of time physically and verbally. Also he has made sexual comments to me over the year about my boobs look bigger and so forth and over the year many of my friends could not hang out with me because of my father. The day my father officially moved out of the Ireland place home was not only a day of peace and happiness but safety in the household…” Letters from Rucki Sisters April 2013
Sandra has continued to be the punching bag for her abusive ex-husband, David Rucki, even after she fled the marriage by agreeing to divorce in 2011. – Rucki conspired with “Korrupt Knutson” to batter, and destroy, Sandra by using the legal system in the same way that he once used his fist to beat her into submission.
As a result of family court proceedings, Sandra was court ordered by Judge Knutson into a “lifetime of servitude,” stripped of her children and custodial rights, her home, her employment, and her freedom— she is now homeless and destitute, hunted and harassed by ex-husband, David Rucki, who has promised to “see her dead.”
The public is invited take self-guided tours of the Dakota County Judicial Center, with stops including courtrooms and other areas of interest, and the chance to hear from a local district court judge or other justice system officials.
Jury Assembly Room/Jury room – This room is the notorious site where jury tampering occurred in the Grazzini-Rucki criminal case (July 2016). Jury tampering is a factor that contributed to Sandra being found guilty, by tainting the jury with prejudicial information before the trial began.
During jury selection, nearly all of the 60 members of the jury pool admitted they had heard or read about the Grazzini-Rucki case; meaning the jury had been influenced even before the trial began. In criminal cases that receive a lot of publicity it is common to hold the trial in another jurisdiction – that didn’t happen here because Dakota County waged a vendetta against Sandra, and probably won’t give up punishing her until she is dead.
In another instance of jury tampering, an article from the Star Tribune regarding the Grazzini-Rucki case was found in the jury room. It should be noted that the article was written by a blogger who has a close relationship with David Rucki, and has expressed admiration of Judge David Knutson. The blogger was contracted at the Star Tribune to cover the Grazzini-Rucki case as part of an “experiment” that went massively awry when the paper was used to promote propaganda and false and misleading information about the Grazzini-Rucki case; articles specifically do not mention or include documentation of abuse or Rucki’s lengthy history of violence. So what the jurors saw was a news article written as a hit piece against Sandra, who was vilified, and unable to defend herself against the impressions formed in the jurors minds outside the courtroom.
In another instance of jury tampering, one juror admitted to being at a party with Rucki’s relative, and Judge Asphaug refused to have this person disqualified after they promised to remain neutral.
If that were not bad enough, two bloggers covering the trial approached the jurors and asked them to speak about the case. Due to the severity of the allegations, Judge Karen Asphaug stopped the trial in the middle of proceedings, left the bench and went into the jury room to assess the damage. Inappropriate contact with a juror is grounds for a mistrial; despite this, Judge Asphaug continued with trial, once again making excuses for a jury that could not possibly remain neutral after being pressured and influenced before trial began.
Book and Release – Sandra Grazzini-Rucki was held in Book and Release several times during the course of her criminal trial. If walls could talk, the walls of the book and release room would drip with anguished tears.
Sandra found herself in the Book and Release room not as a criminal but as mother who fought to protect her children from abuse, risking her own life and freedom to do so.
In her former life, Sandra was a stay at home mom who lavished her time, energy and love on her five children. She worked as a flight attendant and had a spotless 30+ year history of impeccable service, and was loved by crew and guests alike. After surviving an abusive marriage that nearly cost her life, Sandra looked forward a fresh start…hope for the future was short-lived because ex-husband, David Rucki, would escalate his attacks against her in a new arena: family court, where he is assisted by a powerful and korrupt judge, David L. Knutson.
The result of 6 years of continued legal abuse, and humiliation in family court, is that Sandra is destitute and homeless. She has survived stalking and death threats from Rucki (and people on his behalf) but the nature of the court orders have left her barely surviving. By order of Judge Knutson, her home, all her belongings, and even pictures of her children have been taken. David Rucki has been awarded 100% of the marital property including 4 homes and all the contents within, 9 classic cards and has dumped huge amounts of personal debt onto Sandra. Rucki is also granted nearly $1,000 a month in child support, and motioning the court for Sandra to pay thousands of dollars for legal fees, even though Sandra has not worked for almost two years and is unable to meet her own basic needs. With 6 felonies on her record, it is doubtful that Sandra will be able to return to work as a flight attendant – or be hired anywhere else. The State of Minnesota once extended assistance to Sandra but since has terminated benefits. Now she has no means to pay for food or basic necessities that most take for granted. Rucki lives like a king, devising new ways to torment poor Sandra.
Sandra was forced to witness continued abuse inflicted on her children then was jailed for trying to protect them when they were forced to go on the run to protect their own lives. She was confined in the Book and Release Room, hands in cuffs, while the real criminals – David Rucki and Judge Knutson – go free.
Courtroom 1F: Mock Jury Selection Demonstrations – Courtroom 1F is where Judge David L. Knutson presided over the Grazzini-Rucki custody trial (September 11-12, 2013).
It is here that Sandra lost custody of her five, precious children and would forever be banned from having any contact with them. Dangerous abuser David Rucki is awarded sole custody, despite for being on probation for violating a protective order against Sandra. At the time of the custody order, two of the Rucki children are missing – they ran away in fear for their lives due to their father’s abuse and Judge Knutson’s failure to protect them.
Courtroom 1F is also where lawyer Michelle MacDonald was forced to represent Sandra Grazzini-Rucki while handcuffed and strapped to a wheelchair and without her files and notes, pen/paper, glasses, shoes, and even without her client – and without ever being charged or booked. (Sandra, and several court witnesses, left the courtroom that day after Judge Knutson told them that trial was over and that MacDonald was being arrested.) Judge Knutson took these outrageous actions as retaliation against MacDonald because she had filed a federal lawsuit against him, on behalf of Sandra, and asked that he recuse himself from the trial. Lawsuit: Female Attorney Strapped to Wheelchair in Court
Judge Knutson continues to retaliate against Michelle MacDonald and has actually filed a complaint against her law license, stating she failed to properly represent Sandra in the custody trial – after he alone made it impossible for Sandra to obtain a fair trial.
Judge Knutson avoids any responsibility for his unethical, and illegal actions, by hiding behind judicial immunity like a coward. Judge Knutson now sits on the Board on Judicial Standards, which oversees complaints against judges. JudgeKnutson’s role on the Board has greatly contributed to the public trust in the judiciary eroding to an all time law… the people of Minnesota do not respect judges anymore – they fear them.
While the Dakota County Judicial Center celebrates Constitution Day, the public is unaware that they are celebrating at the very alter, the judge’s bench in courtroom 1F, where the gavel has slammed against the Constitution, shattering it rendering it void.. as if our very Constitution were made of glass, and could be easily discarded.
Judge Karen J Asphaug
Courtroom 1D – Scene of “Rigged Trial” – It is here the Grazzini-Rucki criminal trial was conducted under the jurisdiction of Judge Karen Asphaug (July 25-28, 2016).
Sandra Grazzini-Rucki is found guilty on 6 counts of deprivation of parental rights after Judge Karen Asphaug disallowed the majority of evidence supporting the affirmative defense she raised.
Sandra raisde the affirmative defense in her criminal trial, meaning she admitted to assisting her daughters because feared for their safety. If the jury found enough evidence to support the affirmative defense, Sandra could be exonerated. Sandra’s defense depended on proving why she feared for the safety of her daughters. Judge Asphaug suppressed 75% of defense evidence during the criminal trial including: witness testimony, Rucki’s criminal history, CPS and social service records documenting the abuse of the Rucki children, evidence of stalking, protective orders Sandra took out against Rucki, and more..
Sandra is actively appealing the decision.
Holding Cell – The Adult Holding Cell is where attorney Michelle MacDonald was detained, and she says “tortured” by order of Judge Knutson, during the Grazzini-Rucki custody trial (September 11-12, 2017). Judge Knutson ordered that MacDonald be detained because she took pictures in the courtroom when it was not in session. The popular story is that MacDonald got in trouble for taking pictures of Deputy Timothy Gonder. Just do a social media search and you will see that pictures are routinely taken in the Dakota County Judicial Center, and no one else is punished in the way MacDonald was. The truth is that the pictures were taken of the court docket to document irregularities in the scheduling of the case. MacDonald was documenting, in pictures, the illegal actions of Judge Knutson and, to him, had to be stopped.
After the trial (which was not a trial in any sense of the word!), attorney Michelle MacDonald was not allowed to leave court but, instead, was unlawfully detained for through the night and into the next day. MacDonald was held for more than 24 hours without being booked, charged, or allowed bail, bond, or to make a phone call. She was never read her Miranda rights.
Interesting enough, Judge Michael Mayer, who presided over the juvenile trial of the runaway Rucki girls, made a personal appearance to the detention center to witness MacDonald’s humiliation, and tears. With a snide laugh he taunted her by saying, “Having a rough day?”
Also present was Deputy Timothy Gonder, the personal thug of Judge Knutson. Deputy Gonder manhandled Michelle MacDonald and meted out punishment by unofficial judicial order. Gonder would also make an appearance when Sandra was injured while being held in the Ramsey County Correctional Facility during criminal proceedings, and would be the subject of a PREA complaint after he took inappropriate pictures while she was handcuffed to a bed, and made special efforts to humiliate her.
MacDonald later filed a lawsuit, claimingthe sheriff’s office engaged in seven of the internationally recognized forms of torture: sexual humiliation, sleep deprivation, sensory deprivation, solitary confinement/isolation, temperature extremes, sensory bombardment and psychological techniques.
The lawsuit describes the cruelty inflicted on MacDonald – deputies turned the temperature of the room down to freezing and kept the bright lights on all night to keep her awake. MacDonald took the toilet paper and wrapped it around her head and body and feet to keep in an vain effort to keep warm. The guard came in and ripped it off her, saying she was not using it properly. Pictures were taken of MacDonald in her cell in an effort to humiliate her. Guards made comments about prisoner suicide as a way to intimidate her. All of this MacDonald suffered because she bravely defended Sandra, and her Constitutional rights, in Judge Knutson’s lawless court, room 1F.
Michelle MacDonald was eventually released, no charges were ever brought against her related to this incident. Judge Leslie Metzen ultimately determined that Michelle MacDonald’s civil rights had been violated by the illegal search and seizure of the camera.
Courtroom 1B: Interactive Television (ITV) Demonstration and Judge Chamber 109 –
The Judge’s Chamber should be called the Torture Chamber for what was done to the Rucki children in the Dakota County Judicial Center.
In February 2013, the Rucki children were summoned to the chambers of Judge David Knutson. The Rucki children not only disclosed abuse to Judge Knutson but clearly stated their preference to live with mother, Sandra, where they felt safe and loved. Enraged, Judge Knutson ordered that the proceedings be sealed.
That same day, David Rucki had a pending case in criminal court for violating a no-contact order that prohibited him from contacting the children. Judge Knutson made special efforts to have all criminal charges against Rucki dismissed, which did happen.
Even after hearing serious allegations of abuse from the Rucki children, and with knowledge that Rucki violated a no-contact order, Judge Knutson ordered that very same day the children be forced to a visit their father. Dr. James Gilbertson, therapist, recommended the children be held in a room and an armed bailiff be used as a show of force in order to get the children to comply. Court records reveal the older children – specifically S.R. and G.R. were viewed as a problem. The “problem” being that they raised abuse allegations and were vocal in objecting to forced visits with Rucki (i.e they didn’t go along with “the programming”).
Another tactic used on the Rucki children, at the recommendation of Dr. Gilbertson, is that the older children were separated from the younger children. This was done so the younger children would have no protection and no advocate, and could be psychologically broken down more easily, and thus, easier to control.
At other times, court records reveal, the Rucki children were brought to the courthouse by order of Judge Knutson, where they were held for hours, in a room without food or drink, without toys, and without comfort of any kind. An armed bailiff was posted at the door to prevent escape. The records reveal the children were extremely anxious and upset to be brought to the court, which would be understandable considering what the children had to endure.
On one occasion, Dr. Gilbertson recommended the children be forced to sit in during proceedings and watch what happened as David Rucki raised false, and outrageous allegations against Sandra, who was then punished by Judge Knutson – who always ruled in Rucki’s favor. The children were sent a clear message that their mother, and protector, could no longer protect them.. that their father held all the power.
Other times, the Rucki children were detained in the courthouse and then forced, against their wishes, to visit with their father, Rucki. There are allegations that Rucki would intimidate the children during visits, give them the middle finger, that he was angry and made veiled threats. Even Dr. Gilbertson records in his notes that the children were visibly afraid of Rucki. Yet “reunification therapy” continued… it is no wonder that the children attempted to run away after their cries for help were ignored, and they were subject to further abuse.
In-Custody Courtroom – Money is the root of all evil.. the In-Custody Courtroom is where Sandra Grazzini-Rucki was brought for a bail hearing on November 6, 2015 and a $1 million dollar bail was issued for a defendant with no prior criminal history, and for a non-violent crime.. Sandra’s bail was much, much higher than most serious offenders.
Is at coincidence judge assigned to do bails that was none other than Judge Knutson?!? However, since Judge Knutson was busy with other tasks that day, the stand-in judge stepped in on his behalf and blindly ordered the astronomical amount of bail without a second thought.
The situation is even more unusual because Sandra was removed from the in-custody courtroom and taken, through a back hall, into a room hidden from public view, where bail was issued.
On February 24th, Sandra was released on her own recognizance. Outside of these trumped up charges, she remains law abiding and poses no threat to anyone.. other than the corruption in Dakota County that does not want to be exposed.
Family crisis is the main reason kids runaway- escaping to the streets to avoid chaos, abuse in their homes… (2015 report, National Runaway Safeline)
Studies reveal that family crisis is the main reason why many kids run away from home. 47% of runaway / homeless youth indicated that conflict between them and their parent or guardian was a major problem.(Westat, Inc. 1997: National Runaway Safeline: Statistics)
Further, a majority of runaways are victims of child abuse. According to another study, “80% of runaway and homeless girls reported having been sexually or physically abused.” (Molnar, et al, 1998: National Runaway Safeline: Statistics)
Findings validate claims raised by the 4 defendants in the Grazzini-Rucki criminal trial, who raised the affirmative defense stating their actions to help two troubled teen sisters was not criminal, but rather an effort to keep them safe. The Rucki sisters, S.R. and G.R., ran away after learning of a court order that they felt would endanger their lives, on two separate occasions in September 2012 and again in April 2013. Both sisters have asserted, on numerous occasions, that they feared their father and ran away to escape his violence.Rucki social service records
Background:
* Four of the Rucki children attempted to run away after their mother, Sandra Grazzini-Rucki, was forcibly removed from the home by an unjust family court order, on Sept 7, 2012.
*At the time of the “emergency” court order that September, Judge David L. Knutson acknowledged the sisters had raised allegations of sexual abuse but chose to ignore safety concerns. Judge Knuston determined a mother attempting to protect the children from harm was more of a danger to the children than actual abuse.
* The Rucki children were then placed into the custody of a paternal aunt, Tammy Jo Love, whom they feared. Love had previously lost custody of her own children due to drug problems. The court never conducted a study to determine her fitness to care for children, nor was any motion filed to petition for custody.
* Love went to the elementary school of the youngest children (ages 8 and 10 years old) to inform them of the order, and then left the traumatized children to take the bus home, alone. The two youngest children immediately ran away. The children were found an hour later, having walked over 2 miles alongside a busy road.
* The police report says one of the children asked to see her mom – but was refused due to the court order. The report also said both children indicated that if they go back home, they are “just going to run away,” and said they did not feel safe with Love. After the incident, the children were placed in the care of another relative. http://sunthisweek.com/2015/11/18/son-mom-of-missing-girls-told-kids-to-run-in-2012/
*Just seven months later, this after Judge Knutson personally spoke to the Rucki children and ignored their cries for help, he again court ordered the children into Love’s custody on April 19, 2013.
*This time, the two oldest girls S.R. and G.R. succeeded in running away, and remained in hiding for the next two years. When given opportunities to return home, the terrified teens refused, citing fear of their father.
* The youngest children did not run away because the court recognized the risk, and detained them at school to prevent escape. The court then forced the youngest children into reunification therapy with Rucki even though the GAL noted that they expressed fear, and avoided physical contact with him.
*That the Rucki children currently remain in the custody of David Rucki is no indication of their well-being or safety, especially considering how the family court system has colluded in the abuse of these children and greatly contributed to their suffering.
Among the tragic stories of 1.6-2.8 million American youth who runaway every year, are the 5 Rucki children whose cries for help have been lost in a purposeful cover up orchestrated by Judge David L. Knutson, former family court judge in Dakota County, and assisted by corrupt officials working at every level of government in the State of Minnesota.
Judge David L Knutson
When children do not feel safe, and have witnessed domestic violence or been victims to abuse, they are at a much higher risk of running away. Especially when those charged with protecting them, social services and family court, fail to do so.
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention reports that 21% of runaway youth have a history of physical or sexual abuse, or were afraid abuse would continue if they returned to their home. (Source: Safe Place: Running Away)
Shrieking winds sweep across the prairie, beating against the the luxurious Rucki house, situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in a rural suburb. In the dying light of a sun that never seems to shine over this corner of hell, the door remains firmly shut, the blinds drawn …the house remains unusually quiet and shuttered tight, with no sign of life inside.
Carefully choreographed footage from ABC 20/20 shot over Christmas with David Rucki and children offers a rare glimpse inside… it is an awkward scene with blurred faces and forced cheer.
It is painfully obvious that mother, Sandra Grazzini-Rucki, is absent from the festivities. Sandra has been forcibly removed from the lives of her children by abusive ex-husband, David Rucki, and by an unjust court order that prohibits her from having any contact with her children for the rest of their lives. Once a stay at home mother, and primary caregiver, Sandra is now alienated from her children and has not had any contact with them in over 5 years. Sandra spent Christmas grieving for her children. She clings to the precious memories .. and is haunted by thoughts of who they are today.
Elizabeth Vargas and ABC 20/20 portray David Rucki as a whimpering father who says he is victimized by an angry ex-wife who brainwashed the children to wage abuse allegations against him. The truth is more sinister.. it takes just a click of a mouse to reveal what 20/20 failed to report as much of the documentation has been made publicly available on the internet. Did 20/20 manipulate the Rucki story to hide abuse? (Michael Volpe, CDN)
A long history of police reports documents Rucki’s explosive anger, and propensity towards violence. druckipolicereports
The violence continued after David and Sandra divorced, with stalking, threats, and eruptions of Rucki’s rage – that often spilled onto the streets of this otherwise quiet neighborhood.
After the divorce was finalized, Sandra says Rucki terrorized the family, and in one incident, threatened to kill all of them. Soon after that threat, one of the children received a voice mail with the sound of six bullets being fired in quick succession – one bullet for Sandra and each of the children.recorded voice mail messages
The Rucki children bravely came forward to report abuse to many officials who should have protected them but failed to do so – the court appointed Guardian ad Litem, police, therapists, the family doctor, social workers, the family court judge and others.
The court appointed psychologist Gilbertson wrote a letter from Feb. 6, 2013 that stated, “There are two prevailing emotional themes that these children speak to: One is fear of being in the presence of their father given what they allege to he being an angry and violent person. A second theme is the anger they have over his alleged mistreatment and a corollary of this, a belief that their father is morally flawed, i.e. womanizer, drinks too much, and is hiding money.”
Dr. James Gilbertson, PhD
Yet time and time again the Rucki children were not protected but rather, sent back into the abuse; and their mother, and only protector, Sandra, was forcibly removed from their lives.
Sandra Grazzini-Rucki, and three other co-defendants were criminally charged and convicted for their role for assisting S.R. and G.R. after they ran away in April 2013. This, despite the fact that in Minnesota it is an affirmative defense (subd. 2) to take action to protect a child from imminent emotional or physical harm. Sandra continues to fight for justice, and to clear her name. She is actively appealing her conviction.
Co-defendant, Dede Evavold is actively appealing her case, and has argued (Evavold Appeal 2017) that she was wrongfully charged and convicted of parental deprivation because (p.5), “The affirmative defense did not need to be raised as there was substantial evidence supporting the affirmative defense. The state had all evidence that no crime was committed and that the girls ran away because of abuse...”
Congressional Testimony: Caroline Marie Rice to Bill Windsor of Lawless America.
“Our family was torn apart by violence, now it’s being torn apart by lies, I am so sorry for my children. I’m sorry I stayed too long. I don’t know what will happen next.. but I will stand for the truth.”
Thank you Caroline for bravely sharing your story… you do not fight alone.
Lawless America is a documentary film that is exposing government corruption, judicial corruption, and law enforcement corruption.
Justice for Sandra Grazzini-Rucki and Children 