The criminal background of Johnny Toogood

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POLICE EYE HUBBY OF VID-THRASH MOM By MARSHA KRANES

September 26, 2002 -- While video-monster mom Madelyne Gorman Toogood visited her 4-year-old daughter yesterday, Indiana authorities were checking out a flurry of criminal complaints about her husband that they said will likely prevent the couple from regaining custody of the youngster.

"At least three states have been heard from," reported Randy DeCleene, spokesman for the St. Joseph County prosecutor's office in South Bend.

He said that following Toogood's arrest for the videotaped beating of her daughter, her husband Johnny's picture was flashed on TV screens and published in papers around the country.

And several people recognized him - some convinced he's a swindler who called himself John Lark, others insisting he's a con man who goes by the name John Gannon.

"It's all being investigated. It looks like he could have an extensive criminal background," said DeCleene.

Asked how that would affect the Toogoods' bid to regain custody of their daughter, he replied, "I would say it doesn't bode well . . . A criminal record is not considered to be positive for a child."

Little Martha was put in foster care on Saturday after her mother was charged with pummeling her in a Kohl's department-store parking lot in Mishawaka.

The Sept. 13 beating was caught on a store security camera and shown around the country. Images of her husband followed as the story gained worldwide attention.

The exposure led to complaints about Johnny Toogood from Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Virginia, according to DeCleene.

-- Anonymous, September 26, 2002


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