The Journal Gazette Alleges.....

Even the Journal Gazette can't seem to grasp the proper use of the word "allege". Almost any crime story written by local TV typists will improperly and repeatedly misuse the word. Those clerks have been told, at one time or another, that the word has magic powers to insulate them from libel/slander. As the Maven has repeatedly and indignantly harped, it does not. It only makes the story sound as if it were written by an 8 year-old. (Apologies to all 8 year-olds). 

The last paragraph of Ms Green's story illustrates either an epic misunderstanding of basic English, or the auto-correct function on her iPhone/iPad may have tried to assist her in writing the story while she was enduring the hubbub and commotion of Starbucks that day. 

The story mentions court documents. Court documents are quite different compared to regular documents because they carry ramifications under the law. A court document may state, imply, illustrate, demonstrate, or a combination of functions because they are based on a fact. They cannot "allege" something because allegations are not based on facts, either in the Law, or in everyday common sense and application.

The Maven awards the Journal Gazette and typist Ms Green with a "One Face Palm" for the effort.