Saturday, March 21, 2015

Nigel Watson's New Book Set for Release

The latest book from writer/researcher Nigel Watson is scheduled for a May release in the USA. 'UFOs of the First World War: Phantom Airships, Balloons, Aircraft and Other Mysterious Aerial Phenomena' is published by The History Press and may be pre-ordered on Amazon for about 15 bucks.

'UFOs of the First World War' includes sighting reports and related stories from the UK, the USA, Europe, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The 'Mirror' has offered a summary of the book, and Amazon allows browsing its table of contents and first few pages.

Nigel Watson is known for such previous work as his 2013 'UFO Investigations Manual' and 1990 offering, 'Portraits of Alien Encounters'. He has been published by 'Wired', 'Fortean Times' and 'Magonia', among other outlets. 

Watson has generously provided insightful and appreciated content for 'The UFO Trail', including in late 2013 when he discussed ethics of exploring the fringe. Earlier the same year he addressed questions by email in which he provided moderate and even-handed perspectives on reports of high strangeness. Watson explained that his study of psychology helped him understand the complexities and inadequacies of human perception, circumstances which might particularly come into play during exceptional situations.

"Every ufologist should gain some understanding of the basics of human psychology," Watson wrote during the email exchange.

Asked what he thought most important for writer/researchers to understand when delving into reports of UFOs, alien abduction and related subject matter, Watson replied, "That there is no all embracing answer to why people keep reporting UFO sightings and alien abductions. The reasons vary according to the witness and their sociological and cultural background."

More recently, Nigel Watson was consulted for a piece published in the 'Metro' about the Roswell slides. He explained there is considerable cynicism and skepticism surrounding the slides for reasons including the UFO community has been promised such evidence in the past and it turned out to be fakes and hoaxes. Watson observed it rather remarkable that even when purported evidence was conclusively demonstrated to be useless, as was the case with the so-called 'Alien Autopsy' film, it continues to be hotly debated in some quarters of ufology. 

To find out what Watson learned about WWI era reports of UFOs and high strangeness, check out 'UFOs of the First World War: Phantom Airships, Balloons, Aircraft and Other Mysterious Aerial Phenomena'. The book is available for pre-order on Amazon.   

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Relevant Web Links on Romanek Case

Last updated Dec., 2017.

Key links in the saga include:

Loveland alien abduction author Stanley Romanek sentenced to 2 years in halfway house in child pornography case, 'Loveland Reporter-Herald', Dec. 14, 2017

Romanek was sentenced to 2 years in a halfway house. The judge also ruled he will register as a sex offender and abstain from unsupervised internet activity, among other conditions. During the sentencing hearing, the prosecutor in the case accused Romanek of tampering with evidence and suggested he submit to denier's treatment.

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Romanek found guilty on 1 child pornography charge, 'Coloradoan', Aug. 8, 2017

The more than three-year-long case resulted in Romanek found guilty of possessing child porn and not guilty of distributing it.

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Stanley Romanek court case gaining more attention as Netflix subscribers view his story, 'Loveland Reporter-Herald', July 29, 2017

Staff writer Sam Lounsbury of the 'Reporter-Herald' offered an overview of the legal case with comments from various parties, including director of the film, 'Extraordinary: The Stan Romanek Story', and this blogger.

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Ruling in Brian Koopman likely brings LPD case to a close, 'Loveland Reporter-Herald', May 24, 2017

All suits brought against Loveland Det. Brian Koopman have now been closed with no charges filed. The detective was a key law enforcement figure in the Romanek case and was accused by Romanek friends and supporters of questionable conduct. Stan Romanek is scheduled to go to trial July 31.  

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Trial of Stanley Romanek case delayed again, 'Loveland Reporter-Herald', Feb. 24, 2017

The Romanek trial was rescheduled from March 20 to July 31. Defense attorneys Elizabeth and Theodore McClintock suggested they need more time to review additional evidence recently presented by the prosecution.

"We're talking a lot of forensic evidence here," Elizabeth McClintock reportedly told the court.

Judge Susan Blanco questioned why the defense lists 30 witnesses, down from over 100 originally listed before the court asked Romanek attorneys to reduce the number. Blanco expects an explanation before the next status conference on April 7.

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New evidence delays hearing on Stanley Romanek case, 'Loveland Reporter-Herald', Feb. 17, 2017

A Feb. 17 pre-trial conference was postponed to Feb. 24 when prosecutors, defense attorneys, Romanek, and Judge Susan Blanco met privately to discuss additional evidence presented by the prosecution. Elizabeth McClintock, an attorney representing Romanek, stated the evidence could affect the defense team's previously endorsed alibi. An eight-day jury trial is scheduled for March 20.

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Ufology Indicted, 'The UFO Trail', Aug. 7, 2016

Discrepancies and implications to the UFO community of the Romanek case.

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Attorneys postpone Romanek trial'Loveland Reporter-Herald', Aug. 3, 2016

Prosecuting and defense attorneys jointly agree to postpone trial date to March

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Attorneys gear up for August trial, 'Loveland Reporter-Herald', July 14, 2016

The final pretrial conference took place for Stan Romanek, charged with possession and distribution of child pornography. Some 138 witnesses are set to testify in the trial scheduled to begin Aug. 15.

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Romanek Pleads Not Guilty, Trial Scheduled, 'The UFO Trail', March 29, 2016

Romanek rejected a last plea deal, pleading not guilty to possessing and distributing child pornography. Jury trial scheduled for Aug. 15.

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Judge will rule on special agent's testimony, 'Loveland Reporter-Herald', Dec. 16, 2015

Prosecuting attorneys presented DHS Special Agent Darrell Franklin, who initially obtained evidence potentially incriminating Stan Romanek. Additional testimony was heard from Special Agent Vanessa Hipps and Loveland Police Det. Brian Koopman. Defense attorneys argued the allegations were built on shaky ground, requesting the court suppress statements previously made by Romanek and that Franklin not be allowed to testify in an upcoming trial. Judge Daniel Kaup denied the motion to suppress Romanek's statements, and said he would submit his ruling in writing in the next several days on whether Franklin will testify.    

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Judge Denies Defense Request in Romanek Case'The UFO Trail', Oct. 5, 2015

Attorneys representing Stan Romanek attempted to gain access to details of evidence obtained against Detective Brian Koopman, who led the search of Romanek's home. Charges of misconduct are pending against Koopman in unrelated investigations. Judge Daniel Kaup denied the defense request as the case inched forward.

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Romanek Trial Delayed, 'The UFO Trail', Sep. 9, 2015


Romanek Incredibly Claims He Discredited Himself as Instructed During Death Threat, 'The UFO Trail', July 7, 2015



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The Stan Romanek saga involves a court ruling that he is competent to stand trial. My summary of developments in the case was posted at Frank Warren's 'The UFO Chronicles':

Stan Romanek Update: Trial Date Set in Child Porn Case

Frank has a section of his website devoted to the Romanek saga. It contains a number of articles and may be browsed at:

Posts with label Stan Romanek 


Larimer County Justice Center

Additional key links of potential interest include:

Loveland man arrested on child exploitation charges  

The initial February, 2014, story published in the local Loveland, Colo. newspaper, the 'Reporter-Herald', that Romanek was arrested on child exploitation charges.

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Loveland Police Department Press Release

A February, 2014, press release from the Loveland Police Department detailing the charges against Romanek, possession and distribution of child pornography, as well as explaining the charges were leveled after the LPD acted on tips provided by the Department of Homeland Security.

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Police detective: Evidence not consistent of a fight in Romanek assault case

A July, 2014, article I published, containing a summary of reports obtained from the Loveland Police Department about a reported assault on Stan Romanek. The assault allegedly happened in the days following his February arrest. According to the police reports, Romanek claimed that he suspected authorities had assaulted him, but LPD Detective Henry Stucky eventually suspended the assault case, concluding the evidence was not consistent with the alleged fight having actually occurred.

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Court rules Stanley Romanek can stand trial

A March, 2015, article published by the 'Reporter-Herald', in which it was reported that Romanek may proceed to trial. Additional information about circumstances surrounding the charges was included, as well as Romanek's claims of harassment.

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Lastly, here is a case tracking summary, where the latest status of Romanek's case and the next scheduled court date may be monitored:

Larimer County District Attorney's Office Case Tracking Summary