A veteran Peel police officer has pleaded not guilty in a bizarre case that saw 15 kilograms of fake cocaine disappear from an RCMP sting operation.
Police say they found the white powder in a storage area in the Cambridge, Ont., home of Const. Sheldon Cook, along with marijuana and 21 MP3 players. He was arrested in November 2005 and accused of removing the fake cocaine from a truck being used in an RCMP sting.
The truck with fake drugs hidden in its cargo was on its way to a Mississauga warehouse when the driver, who was not involved in the controlled RCMP drug investigation, became suspicious of the cargo he was carrying.
The truck driver called Peel police and Cook allegedly responded, meeting the truck before it made it to the warehouse. Cook then allegedly removed the fake cocaine, which had a GPS tracking device hidden inside.
That equivalent amount of real cocaine was valued at $500,000.
The seven charges against Cook, 40, include an attempt to possess a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking; possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking; possession of stolen property from a police investigation; and breach of trust as a police officer in connection with the other offences. Cook, a 14-year veteran, remains suspended with pay by the Peel force until his case is dealt with through the courts.
As a result of the arrest, the federal justice department decided not to prosecute at least six drug cases involving Cook as the arresting officer.
A month after he was charged, a Peel judge acquitted former Toronto Argonaut Orlando Bowen of drug charges and charges of assaulting police that had been laid by Cook and another officer.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Const. Sheldon Cook Pleads Not Guilty to Stealing Fake Cocaine
A veteran Peel police officer has pleaded not guilty in a bizarre case that saw 15 kilograms of fake cocaine disappear from an RCMP sting operation.
Police say they found the white powder in a storage area in the Cambridge, Ont., home of Const. Sheldon Cook, along with marijuana and 21 MP3 players. He was arrested in November 2005 and accused of removing the fake cocaine from a truck being used in an RCMP sting.
The truck with fake drugs hidden in its cargo was on its way to a Mississauga warehouse when the driver, who was not involved in the controlled RCMP drug investigation, became suspicious of the cargo he was carrying.
The truck driver called Peel police and Cook allegedly responded, meeting the truck before it made it to the warehouse. Cook then allegedly removed the fake cocaine, which had a GPS tracking device hidden inside.
That equivalent amount of real cocaine was valued at $500,000.
The seven charges against Cook, 40, include an attempt to possess a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking; possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking; possession of stolen property from a police investigation; and breach of trust as a police officer in connection with the other offences. Cook, a 14-year veteran, remains suspended with pay by the Peel force until his case is dealt with through the courts.
As a result of the arrest, the federal justice department decided not to prosecute at least six drug cases involving Cook as the arresting officer.
A month after he was charged, a Peel judge acquitted former Toronto Argonaut Orlando Bowen of drug charges and charges of assaulting police that had been laid by Cook and another officer.
Police say they found the white powder in a storage area in the Cambridge, Ont., home of Const. Sheldon Cook, along with marijuana and 21 MP3 players. He was arrested in November 2005 and accused of removing the fake cocaine from a truck being used in an RCMP sting.
The truck with fake drugs hidden in its cargo was on its way to a Mississauga warehouse when the driver, who was not involved in the controlled RCMP drug investigation, became suspicious of the cargo he was carrying.
The truck driver called Peel police and Cook allegedly responded, meeting the truck before it made it to the warehouse. Cook then allegedly removed the fake cocaine, which had a GPS tracking device hidden inside.
That equivalent amount of real cocaine was valued at $500,000.
The seven charges against Cook, 40, include an attempt to possess a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking; possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking; possession of stolen property from a police investigation; and breach of trust as a police officer in connection with the other offences. Cook, a 14-year veteran, remains suspended with pay by the Peel force until his case is dealt with through the courts.
As a result of the arrest, the federal justice department decided not to prosecute at least six drug cases involving Cook as the arresting officer.
A month after he was charged, a Peel judge acquitted former Toronto Argonaut Orlando Bowen of drug charges and charges of assaulting police that had been laid by Cook and another officer.
Secret Service Officer Arrested in Prostitution Sting
A United States Secret Service officer has been arrested in Washington, D.C. after allegedly soliciting a prostitute for sex. The prostitute turned out to be an undercover D.C. police officer. The Secret Service officer was using his official Secret Service patrol car, which was marked, and was also in full uniform at the time of the arrest.
The unnamed Secret Service officer, a sergeant, was arrested after allegedly agreeing to pay the undercover police officer US $20 to receive oral sex. After agreeing on a price, the undercover officer told the Secret Service officer to drive around the corner, where the sex act would take place. When he stopped his car, he was arrested by police officers.
Police say they were performing a normal sting when the Secret Service officer pulled up. The unnamed officer thought the Secret Service officer was going to tell her to get off the streets, but instead told the officer that she had "nice thighs".
In D.C., soliciting a prostitute for sex holds a maximum sentence of 180 days in jail. The Secret Service officer was released pending charges and was suspended from his job pending an internal investigation.
http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2008/11/secret-service.html
The unnamed Secret Service officer, a sergeant, was arrested after allegedly agreeing to pay the undercover police officer US $20 to receive oral sex. After agreeing on a price, the undercover officer told the Secret Service officer to drive around the corner, where the sex act would take place. When he stopped his car, he was arrested by police officers.
Police say they were performing a normal sting when the Secret Service officer pulled up. The unnamed officer thought the Secret Service officer was going to tell her to get off the streets, but instead told the officer that she had "nice thighs".
In D.C., soliciting a prostitute for sex holds a maximum sentence of 180 days in jail. The Secret Service officer was released pending charges and was suspended from his job pending an internal investigation.
http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2008/11/secret-service.html
Sgt. Christopher Fisher Arrested on Drug Charges
A Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office sergeant was arrested today on drug charges.
Sgt. Christopher T. Fisher was booked with illegally obtaining a controlled dangerous substance.
Col. John Fortunato, JPSO spokesman, said the sergeant had been "doctor shopping" for such drugs as hydrocodone, oxycodone and Lunesta and was seeing several different physicians to get prescriptions for the drugs.
JPSO had been investigating Fisher for the past month, Fortunato said.
Fisher has been a member of the Sheriff's Office for 12 years and was assigned to the Land, Air, and Sea Emergency Rescue Division, Fortunato said.
Judge Elizabeth Berry Arrested for DWI
A Tarrant County felony court judge was arrested Saturday afternoon on suspicion of driving while intoxicated by Alvarado police patrolling Interstate 35W.
State District Judge Elizabeth Berry was booked into the Johnson County Jail about 4:25 p.m. Saturday on a probable cause warrant by Alvarado police, said sheriff’s Lt. Tim Jones.
Jones said the warrant indicated that Berry was arrested on northbound I-35W in Alvarado. She was booked, then released on a personal recognizance bond, he said.
The sheriff’s spokesman said he had no more information on the arrest. Alvarado Police Chief John Allen, the only person authorized to speak for his department, could not be reached for comment Monday night.
In a statement released through her attorney, Mark Daniel, Berry declined to discuss details of the DWI allegations.
"It is premature to discuss the accusation at this time," said Berry, who has presided over Criminal District Court No. 3 since 2003. "There are a number of factual and legal issues before I can make any statement.
"In the meantime, it’s my duty to preside over my court in an efficient manner and this matter will have no effect on my decisions."
Daniel said it is premature to discuss specifics including why police stopped Berry and whether she took a blood test.
"Judge Berry is a very highly respected judge," he said. "We are presently doing our own work and investigation. It is my belief that when all the dust settles this will likely be unfounded."
The Johnson County attorney’s office, which prosecutes misdemeanor DWI cases, probably won’t get the case for two weeks, a representative said.
In March, two African-American defense attorneys sought Berry’s removal from their clients’ cases. They cited a racist e-mail purportedly written by Berry to her court reporter about an African-American court reporter.
During a hearing conducted by a Dallas County judge, the Tarrant County district attorney’s office presented evidence that the e-mail was a fake and did not come from Berry’s computer. Attorney Lesa Pamplin then dropped her recusal motion. The Dallas judge also said there was no evidence that Berry had written the e-mail.
State District Judge Elizabeth Berry was booked into the Johnson County Jail about 4:25 p.m. Saturday on a probable cause warrant by Alvarado police, said sheriff’s Lt. Tim Jones.
Jones said the warrant indicated that Berry was arrested on northbound I-35W in Alvarado. She was booked, then released on a personal recognizance bond, he said.
The sheriff’s spokesman said he had no more information on the arrest. Alvarado Police Chief John Allen, the only person authorized to speak for his department, could not be reached for comment Monday night.
In a statement released through her attorney, Mark Daniel, Berry declined to discuss details of the DWI allegations.
"It is premature to discuss the accusation at this time," said Berry, who has presided over Criminal District Court No. 3 since 2003. "There are a number of factual and legal issues before I can make any statement.
"In the meantime, it’s my duty to preside over my court in an efficient manner and this matter will have no effect on my decisions."
Daniel said it is premature to discuss specifics including why police stopped Berry and whether she took a blood test.
"Judge Berry is a very highly respected judge," he said. "We are presently doing our own work and investigation. It is my belief that when all the dust settles this will likely be unfounded."
The Johnson County attorney’s office, which prosecutes misdemeanor DWI cases, probably won’t get the case for two weeks, a representative said.
In March, two African-American defense attorneys sought Berry’s removal from their clients’ cases. They cited a racist e-mail purportedly written by Berry to her court reporter about an African-American court reporter.
During a hearing conducted by a Dallas County judge, the Tarrant County district attorney’s office presented evidence that the e-mail was a fake and did not come from Berry’s computer. Attorney Lesa Pamplin then dropped her recusal motion. The Dallas judge also said there was no evidence that Berry had written the e-mail.
National Guard Briana Caldwell Accused of Stealing Computer Equipment
Raleigh, N.C.
A National Guard soldier is facing charges in Wake County.
Briana Caldwell, 22, is accused of stealing more than $10,000 worth of computer equipment from the National Guard while on duty.
A spokesperson for the National Guard says Caldwell stole the computers then sold the equipment for cash.
The computers and money have been recovered, the spokesperson said.
Caldwell was out of jail Monday evening on $3,000 bond.
Her rank in the Guard was not immediately available.
A National Guard soldier is facing charges in Wake County.
Briana Caldwell, 22, is accused of stealing more than $10,000 worth of computer equipment from the National Guard while on duty.
A spokesperson for the National Guard says Caldwell stole the computers then sold the equipment for cash.
The computers and money have been recovered, the spokesperson said.
Caldwell was out of jail Monday evening on $3,000 bond.
Her rank in the Guard was not immediately available.
Trooper Marty Nix Terminated After Filing False Complaint
NASHVILLE
The Tennessee Highway Patrol has terminated a trooper accused of filing a false complaint against a lieutenant in the Knoxville district.
The state Department of Safety today served Trooper Marty Nix with a "minimum due process letter for termination" following an internal investigation into the false complaint, according to a Safety Department release.
"I recommended to Commissioner Dave Mitchell that Trooper Nix be terminated for conduct unbecoming," THP Col. Mike Walker says in the release. "The recommendation to terminate was based upon evidence developed during an investigation conducted by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR)."
The termination is based on six violations of Department of Human Resources and Department of Safety rules and policies, including failure to maintain satisfactory and harmonious relationships with the public and fellow employees," according to the release.
Nix has the right to appeal.
The internal investigation found that Nix made an anonymous phone call to a staff attorney on Feb. 29, alleging a lieutenant in the Knoxville district had made sexual gestures toward a female employee.
The female employee told investigators she had not been sexually harassed.
On March 13, Nix confirmed that he had made the call. On March 20, Nix was interviewed by internal investigators and said another trooper had given him the information about the allegations, according to today's release.
A polygraph examination of Nix indicated deception, according to the release.
The termination comes after Nix in June filed a federal lawsuit against the Tennessee Department of Safety, which commands THP, and a slew of superiors.
The superiors include Mitchell, Walker, Lt. Col. Tracey Trott, Major John Savage, Capt. Raymond Fletcher, Capt. Victor Donoho, Lt. Michael Womack, and Sgt. Charles Shaver.
Nix in his lawsuit accused the agency's commanders of punishing troopers whose politics do not square with theirs, doling out promotions based on politics and protecting troubled troopers whose politics suit them.
The lawsuit followed a two-week suspension without pay in October 2007, the result of a series of allegations against Nix, 43, a nine-year veteran of the THP.
The first complaint was filed in May 2007 by a Loudon County lawman who alleged Nix cursed him out after he arrested Nix's brother on misdemeanor charges, including possession of drug paraphernalia. Nix denied the allegation.
A month later, then-Knox County Medical Examiner Dr. Sandra Elkins alleged Nix showed up in uniform to collect 54 photos in a death investigation of a friend of Nix's that the trooper was not involved in. Nix insists he made it clear he was picking up the photos on behalf of relatives of the victim.
Soon after that complaint, THP officers inspected Nix's cruiser and found an envelope of seized cocaine and photographs of a nude woman. He disavowed the photos and deemed his failure to turn in the drugs as an oversight.
Attempts to reach Nix or his attorney, Arthur F. Knight III, were not immediately successful,
The Safety Department has denied treating Nix unfairly and contended his suspension was justified.
The lawsuit demands back pay, removal from his personnel file any negative documents and compensatory damages. Nix had remained employed at THP, although he was taken off road patrols and assigned to a weigh station.
Jail Employee Jiontanelle Owens Arrested for Shoplifting
SHREVEPORT, La.
Shreveport police have arrested an off-duty city jail employee for shoplifting.
Jiontanelle Owens was booked with one count of misdemeanor theft and issued a summons to appear in City Court. Officers responded to a shoplifting call at the Village Mart on Nov. 7.
Police say she was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
Shreveport police have arrested an off-duty city jail employee for shoplifting.
Jiontanelle Owens was booked with one count of misdemeanor theft and issued a summons to appear in City Court. Officers responded to a shoplifting call at the Village Mart on Nov. 7.
Police say she was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
Trooper Lyle Hicks Charged with Drunk Driving
MOUNT VERNON, Ill.
An Illinois State Police trooper is free on bond after being accused of driving drunk last month in southern Illinois.
Forty-seven-year-old Lyle Hicks is charged in Jefferson County with driving under the influence of alcohol and failure to reduce speed.
Hicks was arrested by sheriff's deputies early on Oct. 18 after swerving into a ditch in rural Jefferson County. He sustained minor injuries.
A state police spokesman says Hicks has been relieved of his trooper duties and that an internal investigation of any policy violations by Hicks is under way.
Hicks doesn't have a listed home telephone number in Mount Vernon. It isn't immediately clear if he has an attorney.
He's scheduled to appear in court Nov. 21.
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Information from: Mount Vernon Register-News, www.register-news.com
An Illinois State Police trooper is free on bond after being accused of driving drunk last month in southern Illinois.
Forty-seven-year-old Lyle Hicks is charged in Jefferson County with driving under the influence of alcohol and failure to reduce speed.
Hicks was arrested by sheriff's deputies early on Oct. 18 after swerving into a ditch in rural Jefferson County. He sustained minor injuries.
A state police spokesman says Hicks has been relieved of his trooper duties and that an internal investigation of any policy violations by Hicks is under way.
Hicks doesn't have a listed home telephone number in Mount Vernon. It isn't immediately clear if he has an attorney.
He's scheduled to appear in court Nov. 21.
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Information from: Mount Vernon Register-News, www.register-news.com
Officer John Lewis Charged with Stalking, Assaulting Wife
A Schenectady police officer is again facing trouble with the law and on the job after being charged with stalking and aggravated harrassment.
Officer John Lewis, 38, of Oregon Ave. was arrested Monday after an unspecified domestic violence incident, the Schenectady Police Department.
Lewis was previously arrested in June after his wife accused him of assaulting her. Lewis was cleared of the harrassment charge by a city court judge but ordered to stay away from his wife.
The Schenectady Police Department said at the time it was conducting an internal investigation of the incident and had put Lewis on unpaid leave.
Lewis was again put on unpaid leave after Monday's arrest. He is scheduled to reappear in court on Nov. 24th.
This isn't the first time that Lewis has come under fire. Back in 1998 Lewis was fired from the force after being accused of using a racial slur. He was eventually reinstated by an arbitrator.
More Information and Video: http://capitalnews9.com/content/headlines/127764/schenectady-police-officer-suspended-after-arrest/Default.aspx
Lt Will Clark Resigns After Being Charged with DUI
A Fort Payne police officer resigned Monday after being charged with driving under the influence following a four-wheeler wreck Saturday night that happened while he was off duty.
According to Fort Payne Assistant Police Chief Mike Grant, Lt. Will Clark, 37 of Fort Payne, turned himself in to DeKalb County Sheriff’s deputies Monday morning. Clark was later released on $1,500 bond.
Grant said he accepted Clark’s resignation before his arrest.
“Will did come in and resign,” Grant said. “He’s been treated basically like anyone else. We wish him the best.”
Grant said Clark was apparently riding a four-wheeler on County Road 295, which is a dirt road, just after 11 p.m. when the incident happened.
“Evidently he was going too fast and entered a curve on a dirt road,” Grant said. “He lost control and left the roadway.”
Grant said both Clark and Missy Williams, 21, suffered minor injuries. He said both were treated at Rapid Care on Sunday.
Grant said Clark called an off-duty Fort Payne officer, and when that officer arrived, a state trooper was already on the scene.
Grant said the officer told the state trooper he would take Clark to the hospital. He said during the trip to the hospital, Clark apparently told the officer to pull his car over.
“He did tell him to stop,” Grant said. “There was apparently a disagreement in the car.”
Grant said the officer called dispatch, and on-duty officers were sent to look for Clark. He said Clark apparently called to have someone pick him up and was confirmed at home a short time later.
“We wanted to make sure he was OK and that he didn’t have a concussion, was intoxicated or wasn’t seriously hurt,” Grant said. “He was not under arrest. We made sure he did make it home.”
Grant said a warrant was issued Monday for Clark’s arrest on DUI charges signed by State Trooper Ranger Wright.
“After an investigation was conducted, we secured a warrant for DUI,” said State Trooper Lt. George Thorpe. “He was not arrested that night. We understand he did turn himself in [Monday] morning and a bond has been provided for him.”
Clark’s promotion to lieutenant and shift commander was an apparent subject of discussion with the Fort Payne City Council in early March that ultimately led to a city policy change that gave the council more authority over personnel decisions.
In a March 5 meeting, the council met with then-Police Chief David Walker and Grant in a closed meeting to discuss good name and character.
Following the closed session, then-Councilman Andrew Hairston recommended the council change the way city departments handle their policies and to allow the council more authority over personnel decisions.
The policy, passed in June, requires city department heads to inform at least one council member of personnel decisions.
According to Fort Payne Assistant Police Chief Mike Grant, Lt. Will Clark, 37 of Fort Payne, turned himself in to DeKalb County Sheriff’s deputies Monday morning. Clark was later released on $1,500 bond.
Grant said he accepted Clark’s resignation before his arrest.
“Will did come in and resign,” Grant said. “He’s been treated basically like anyone else. We wish him the best.”
Grant said Clark was apparently riding a four-wheeler on County Road 295, which is a dirt road, just after 11 p.m. when the incident happened.
“Evidently he was going too fast and entered a curve on a dirt road,” Grant said. “He lost control and left the roadway.”
Grant said both Clark and Missy Williams, 21, suffered minor injuries. He said both were treated at Rapid Care on Sunday.
Grant said Clark called an off-duty Fort Payne officer, and when that officer arrived, a state trooper was already on the scene.
Grant said the officer told the state trooper he would take Clark to the hospital. He said during the trip to the hospital, Clark apparently told the officer to pull his car over.
“He did tell him to stop,” Grant said. “There was apparently a disagreement in the car.”
Grant said the officer called dispatch, and on-duty officers were sent to look for Clark. He said Clark apparently called to have someone pick him up and was confirmed at home a short time later.
“We wanted to make sure he was OK and that he didn’t have a concussion, was intoxicated or wasn’t seriously hurt,” Grant said. “He was not under arrest. We made sure he did make it home.”
Grant said a warrant was issued Monday for Clark’s arrest on DUI charges signed by State Trooper Ranger Wright.
“After an investigation was conducted, we secured a warrant for DUI,” said State Trooper Lt. George Thorpe. “He was not arrested that night. We understand he did turn himself in [Monday] morning and a bond has been provided for him.”
Clark’s promotion to lieutenant and shift commander was an apparent subject of discussion with the Fort Payne City Council in early March that ultimately led to a city policy change that gave the council more authority over personnel decisions.
In a March 5 meeting, the council met with then-Police Chief David Walker and Grant in a closed meeting to discuss good name and character.
Following the closed session, then-Councilman Andrew Hairston recommended the council change the way city departments handle their policies and to allow the council more authority over personnel decisions.
The policy, passed in June, requires city department heads to inform at least one council member of personnel decisions.
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