Is it true that John R. Smith was arraigned today for a series of burglaries on High Street that reportedly netted more than $200,000 worth of jewelry and electronics?
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False-this still could turn out to be libelous, even though the suspect has been formally charged and there are court records to back up the statement. he has not been convicted yet, so it is dangerous to imply that he committed the crime or is likely to have committed the crime. the phrase arraigned on charges of makes it clear it is an accusation, albeit a formal accusation, also: it would be better to say arraigned on charges of home invasion and theft, and not get too specific about what the police think happened. this is likely to closely mirror what was actually written in the complaint and puts you as the report on safer ground. in the end, of course, it is possible that he only committed one of the burglaries, if indeed he committed any at all.