Detective James LaRochelle played a key role in the 2001 wrongful conviction of Kristin Lobato. Alongside Detective Thowsen, LaRochelle was found by a federal jury to have fabricated evidence and caused emotional distress, resulting in Lobato’s wrongful imprisonment. The December 2024 verdict awarded Lobato over $34 million in damages. LaRochelle, now retired, faced public criticism for his actions during the investigation.
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