Shreveport Police Chief Henry Whitehorn has fired an officer accused of puncturing a tire on a vehicle parked May 2 in the 9000 block of Youree Drive in Shreveport.
Ronald Debello, 34, was dismissed late last week, police Cpl. Bill Goodin said.
Debello, a three-year member of the Police Department, had been on paid administrative leave since May 28, when he was issued a summons to appear in court on a charge of simple criminal property damage — a misdemeanor — and put on paid administrative leave, according to a police news release today.
A citizen reported seeing a uniformed officer get out of a marked patrol unit and puncture a vehicle tire.
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http://www.wxvt.com/Global/story.asp?S=10616442&nav=menu1344_2
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Mother Watches Son Tasered to Death
It was a mother’s worst nightmare; her son tasered to death before her eyes. And the culprits, says a lawsuit, were the police.
The case came to a head last week, when a northeast Missouri city agreed to an indefinite moratorium on the use of stun guns and will pay $2.4 million to the man’s family.
Taser International, which makes the weapon, says Tasers are "incapable of causing death." The Department of Justice said Taser shock contributed to 36 deaths during arrests in 2003. Amnesty International documented 50 cases.
In August 2008, Athena Bachtel, watched as her son was tasered after arguing with Moberly police during a traffic stop. Stanley Harlan, 23, was stunned three times for a total of 31 seconds. He collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. For 14 minutes he received no medical attention. By the time paramedics arrived, it was too late.
Authorities have said Harlan was suspected of drunken driving. A statement from his family's lawyers said he was accused of speeding.
Bachtel sought the moratorium as a way to prevent other deaths, said the family's lead attorney, Stephen M. Ryals.
“The pursuit of justice for her son and specifically reforms of the behavior of Moberly police was paramount,” Ryals said. “The monetary settlement was really unimportant to her.”
Bachtel, along with Stanley Harlan's father and his 1-year-old son will share in the settlement.
The readout on the officers' Taser indicated Harlan was stunned three times, Ryals said. Harlan lost consciousness and died a short time later.
Calls to attorneys for the city Monday night were not immediately returned. But the city said in a news release that no fault was admitted in the settlement and its insurance company will pay the entire settlement.
“It is never the goal or desire of any police officer to cause or contribute to the death of any person,” the release said. “Mr. Harlan's death was certainly unanticipated and unintentional.”
The release from the city noted that the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the FBI investigated the death and found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing. No criminal charges were filed.
But Ryals said his clients haven't given up on the possibility of a criminal prosecution.
He said he also is considering a lawsuit against the maker of the stun gun, Taser International Inc. of Scottsdale, Ariz.
The stun gun moratorium in Moberly will continue until two town hall meetings have been held, and the police department has issued a revised Taser policy. The city also has agreed to assign at least one automatic external defibrillator to an on-duty patrol unit and require additional training on topics including recognizing and responding to medical distress.
The case came to a head last week, when a northeast Missouri city agreed to an indefinite moratorium on the use of stun guns and will pay $2.4 million to the man’s family.
Taser International, which makes the weapon, says Tasers are "incapable of causing death." The Department of Justice said Taser shock contributed to 36 deaths during arrests in 2003. Amnesty International documented 50 cases.
In August 2008, Athena Bachtel, watched as her son was tasered after arguing with Moberly police during a traffic stop. Stanley Harlan, 23, was stunned three times for a total of 31 seconds. He collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. For 14 minutes he received no medical attention. By the time paramedics arrived, it was too late.
Authorities have said Harlan was suspected of drunken driving. A statement from his family's lawyers said he was accused of speeding.
Bachtel sought the moratorium as a way to prevent other deaths, said the family's lead attorney, Stephen M. Ryals.
“The pursuit of justice for her son and specifically reforms of the behavior of Moberly police was paramount,” Ryals said. “The monetary settlement was really unimportant to her.”
Bachtel, along with Stanley Harlan's father and his 1-year-old son will share in the settlement.
The readout on the officers' Taser indicated Harlan was stunned three times, Ryals said. Harlan lost consciousness and died a short time later.
Calls to attorneys for the city Monday night were not immediately returned. But the city said in a news release that no fault was admitted in the settlement and its insurance company will pay the entire settlement.
“It is never the goal or desire of any police officer to cause or contribute to the death of any person,” the release said. “Mr. Harlan's death was certainly unanticipated and unintentional.”
The release from the city noted that the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the FBI investigated the death and found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing. No criminal charges were filed.
But Ryals said his clients haven't given up on the possibility of a criminal prosecution.
He said he also is considering a lawsuit against the maker of the stun gun, Taser International Inc. of Scottsdale, Ariz.
The stun gun moratorium in Moberly will continue until two town hall meetings have been held, and the police department has issued a revised Taser policy. The city also has agreed to assign at least one automatic external defibrillator to an on-duty patrol unit and require additional training on topics including recognizing and responding to medical distress.
Officer Phillip Devers Arrested for Dousing Girlfriend with Gasoline
A Bartlett police officer was arrested Friday for assaulting his girlfriend by allegedly dousing her with gasoline and threatening to light her and the house on fire.
44-year old Master Patrolman, Phillip Devers, is now charged with domestic aggravated assault. Devers was arrested at his Bartlett home after allegedly forcing his way into his girlfriends Tipton county home, spitting in her girlfriends face and threatening to set her on fire.
Tipton County Deputy Chief Donna Turner says, "He did forcefully drag her from the residence to the porch area, poured gasoline on her and the house and threatened to burn her and the residence".
But the Bartlett police officers girlfriend was able to get to a phone and call for help. Deputies say Devers was not there when they arrived.
Turner says, "We did confirm he lived in Shelby County, he was located and arrested".
The Bartlett police chief says Devers is on paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of an investigation. Devers has been in the police department since 1994. The chief says he's been on a combination of departmental and medical leave since last year, but wouldn't expand further.
Devers recently testified about finding the bodies of Lillian and Clarence James during the Henry Lee Jones capital murder trial.
He also testified during the 2004 John Britt trial, the former head of security for Memphis City Schools, convicted for trying to hire a hit man to kill his estranged wife. At the time, Devers testified his wife was having an affair with Britt but that he was not involved in the investigation.
The Bartlett Police Chief says Dever's duty weapon has been taken away.
Devers is out of jail after posting a $1,500 bond on Saturday.
His girlfriend has filed an order of protection.
Tipton County could find no other record of domestic violence between Devers and his girlfriend.
44-year old Master Patrolman, Phillip Devers, is now charged with domestic aggravated assault. Devers was arrested at his Bartlett home after allegedly forcing his way into his girlfriends Tipton county home, spitting in her girlfriends face and threatening to set her on fire.
Tipton County Deputy Chief Donna Turner says, "He did forcefully drag her from the residence to the porch area, poured gasoline on her and the house and threatened to burn her and the residence".
But the Bartlett police officers girlfriend was able to get to a phone and call for help. Deputies say Devers was not there when they arrived.
Turner says, "We did confirm he lived in Shelby County, he was located and arrested".
The Bartlett police chief says Devers is on paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of an investigation. Devers has been in the police department since 1994. The chief says he's been on a combination of departmental and medical leave since last year, but wouldn't expand further.
Devers recently testified about finding the bodies of Lillian and Clarence James during the Henry Lee Jones capital murder trial.
He also testified during the 2004 John Britt trial, the former head of security for Memphis City Schools, convicted for trying to hire a hit man to kill his estranged wife. At the time, Devers testified his wife was having an affair with Britt but that he was not involved in the investigation.
The Bartlett Police Chief says Dever's duty weapon has been taken away.
Devers is out of jail after posting a $1,500 bond on Saturday.
His girlfriend has filed an order of protection.
Tipton County could find no other record of domestic violence between Devers and his girlfriend.
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Monday, June 29, 2009
Deputy Paul Schene Offered Plea Bargain for Beating 15-year-old
A King County sheriff's deputy accused of beating a 15-year-old girl in a holding cell was offered a plea bargain that potentially would have spared him a longer prison term if he agreed to resign, according to documents obtained by seattlepi.com.
The proposal fell through when the U.S. Justice Department, which could seek to indict Deputy Paul Schene on federal civil rights violations, would not agree to it. If indicted on federal charges, Schene could face up to 3 ½ years in prison, compared to a maximum of one year in jail on Washington state charges.
Initially, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Seattle had reached consensus with King County prosecutors on a deal that would have allowed Schene, 31, to plead guilty in state court. He would have served a jail term of 6 to 9 months and avoided federal charges, as long as he "immediately resign from the King County Sheriff's Office," according to a draft letter between Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Harris and the King County prosecutors.
"Anything short of this resolution will result in our office pursuing a federal felony indictment. Feel free to use this letter in your negotiations with Deputy Schene's counsel, and assure them that we will be prepared to present this case to the Grand Jury before the end of March," the letter said.
Harris never signed the March 3 letter, which would have made it official, and it was rescinded when his superiors in the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C., decided not to endorse it. Federal authorities still are watching the case and likely won't decide whether to federally charge Schene until his King County trial is over, Harris said last week when asked about the letter.
"At this point, we're probably going to wait and see what happens with the county's case. But we haven't foreclosed prosecution. No decision one way or the other has been made," he said.
"But our interest is the same as the county's, and that is that he is punished and that he's no longer able to work as a police officer," he said.
King County prosecutors drafted a letter to Schene's attorney on March 27. With no guarantee that he could avoid federal prosecution, Schene turned down the plea offer. His trial is set for Sept. 9 in King County Superior Court, where he is charged with fourth-degree assault, a gross misdemeanor.
Schene's attorney, Peter Offenbecher, declined to comment when asked about the plea negotiations. Schene has been on paid administrative leave since December.
Schene's conduct came to light because he alleged in a report that the teenager had resisted arrest and assaulted him inside a holding cell at a SeaTac police precinct on Nov. 29, 2008. Detectives sought video evidence from the cell's security camera and instead, found footage of Schene as he punched, kicked and tossed the girl to the floor after she had kicked her shoe at him. In his report, Schene, a training officer and 8-year veteran, said the girl's shoe struck his shin, causing "injury and pain."
Schene and a second deputy, Travis Brunner, had arrested the girl, Malika Calhoun, and her 15-year-old friend, on suspicion of auto theft. Brunner assisted Schene in handcuffing Calhoun inside the holding cell, although prosecutors did not file charges against Brunner. Later, police learned the girls were driving a car that they'd taken without permission from another friend's mother. Schene wrote that he "placed" the girl in handcuffs.
The Sheriff's Office, meanwhile, is conducting an internal investigation, which is expected to be finished before Schene's trial, Sheriff's Sgt. John Urquhart said. Schene could be fired regardless of what happens with his criminal case.
"Any plea bargain or any deal made between Schene and the feds, or the Prosecutor's Office, has nothing to do us," Urquhart said.
While the case against Schene is bolstered by video evidence, prosecutors at the state and federal level have not been successful in recent King County trials involving police misconduct, particularly with officers from the Sheriff's Office. In two cases during the last year, deputies accused of assault were acquitted of criminal charges.
In December, a federal jury acquitted Deputy Brian Bonnar of civil rights violations and lying to a grand jury, despite statements from four officers who testified for the prosecution. Bonnar, who worked in the same Burien precinct as Schene, was accused of twice dropping his knee on a handcuffed woman's head after a chase. The U.S. attorney's office handled the prosecution.
Bonnar was suspended for 20 days from the Sheriff's Office.
In March, another deputy, Don Griffee, was acquitted of misdemeanor assault in King County District Court after he was accused of punching a handcuffed suspect who turned out to be innocent. Again, jurors weren't persuaded beyond a reasonable doubt, despite incriminating testimony from other officers. The state Attorney General's Office handled the case on behalf of King County.
Griffee remains on restrictive duty. Sheriff's officials have completed an internal investigation, but the case has not yet made its way through the chain of command for disciplinary action.
If he's convicted, or the sheriff fires him regardless of the criminal case, Schene's law enforcement certification would be reviewed for revocation by the state Criminal Justice Training Commission. State law says an officer's certification can be revoked for "disqualifying misconduct," such as convictions for any crimes committed under color of authority or involving dishonesty, drug possession, or any crime that would invalidate an officer's ability to carry a gun, such as domestic violence.
Felony convictions generally mean an automatic revocation. A misdemeanor charge, however, depending on the allegation, allows the officer some wiggle room in challenging any disciplinary action against him.
Prosecutors want to avoid any risk that Schene could keep his badge, especially given the outcome in recent police misconduct trials.
"This went beyond excessive use of force and into a criminal charge. As a result, we're seeking a criminal conviction at trial and all the likely consequences that would result from that, which would include the potential loss of his commission as a police officer," said Ian Goodhew, deputy chief of staff to county Prosecutor Dan Satterberg.
Prosecutors, however, didn't think they could prove felony charges in Schene's case because the girl suffered no injuries, Goodhew said. She reported breathing troubles afterward, but showed no visible injuries during an examination by paramedics.
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Video: http://www.seattlepi.com/local/407640_deputy29.html
The proposal fell through when the U.S. Justice Department, which could seek to indict Deputy Paul Schene on federal civil rights violations, would not agree to it. If indicted on federal charges, Schene could face up to 3 ½ years in prison, compared to a maximum of one year in jail on Washington state charges.
Initially, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Seattle had reached consensus with King County prosecutors on a deal that would have allowed Schene, 31, to plead guilty in state court. He would have served a jail term of 6 to 9 months and avoided federal charges, as long as he "immediately resign from the King County Sheriff's Office," according to a draft letter between Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Harris and the King County prosecutors.
"Anything short of this resolution will result in our office pursuing a federal felony indictment. Feel free to use this letter in your negotiations with Deputy Schene's counsel, and assure them that we will be prepared to present this case to the Grand Jury before the end of March," the letter said.
Harris never signed the March 3 letter, which would have made it official, and it was rescinded when his superiors in the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C., decided not to endorse it. Federal authorities still are watching the case and likely won't decide whether to federally charge Schene until his King County trial is over, Harris said last week when asked about the letter.
"At this point, we're probably going to wait and see what happens with the county's case. But we haven't foreclosed prosecution. No decision one way or the other has been made," he said.
"But our interest is the same as the county's, and that is that he is punished and that he's no longer able to work as a police officer," he said.
King County prosecutors drafted a letter to Schene's attorney on March 27. With no guarantee that he could avoid federal prosecution, Schene turned down the plea offer. His trial is set for Sept. 9 in King County Superior Court, where he is charged with fourth-degree assault, a gross misdemeanor.
Schene's attorney, Peter Offenbecher, declined to comment when asked about the plea negotiations. Schene has been on paid administrative leave since December.
Schene's conduct came to light because he alleged in a report that the teenager had resisted arrest and assaulted him inside a holding cell at a SeaTac police precinct on Nov. 29, 2008. Detectives sought video evidence from the cell's security camera and instead, found footage of Schene as he punched, kicked and tossed the girl to the floor after she had kicked her shoe at him. In his report, Schene, a training officer and 8-year veteran, said the girl's shoe struck his shin, causing "injury and pain."
Schene and a second deputy, Travis Brunner, had arrested the girl, Malika Calhoun, and her 15-year-old friend, on suspicion of auto theft. Brunner assisted Schene in handcuffing Calhoun inside the holding cell, although prosecutors did not file charges against Brunner. Later, police learned the girls were driving a car that they'd taken without permission from another friend's mother. Schene wrote that he "placed" the girl in handcuffs.
The Sheriff's Office, meanwhile, is conducting an internal investigation, which is expected to be finished before Schene's trial, Sheriff's Sgt. John Urquhart said. Schene could be fired regardless of what happens with his criminal case.
"Any plea bargain or any deal made between Schene and the feds, or the Prosecutor's Office, has nothing to do us," Urquhart said.
While the case against Schene is bolstered by video evidence, prosecutors at the state and federal level have not been successful in recent King County trials involving police misconduct, particularly with officers from the Sheriff's Office. In two cases during the last year, deputies accused of assault were acquitted of criminal charges.
In December, a federal jury acquitted Deputy Brian Bonnar of civil rights violations and lying to a grand jury, despite statements from four officers who testified for the prosecution. Bonnar, who worked in the same Burien precinct as Schene, was accused of twice dropping his knee on a handcuffed woman's head after a chase. The U.S. attorney's office handled the prosecution.
Bonnar was suspended for 20 days from the Sheriff's Office.
In March, another deputy, Don Griffee, was acquitted of misdemeanor assault in King County District Court after he was accused of punching a handcuffed suspect who turned out to be innocent. Again, jurors weren't persuaded beyond a reasonable doubt, despite incriminating testimony from other officers. The state Attorney General's Office handled the case on behalf of King County.
Griffee remains on restrictive duty. Sheriff's officials have completed an internal investigation, but the case has not yet made its way through the chain of command for disciplinary action.
If he's convicted, or the sheriff fires him regardless of the criminal case, Schene's law enforcement certification would be reviewed for revocation by the state Criminal Justice Training Commission. State law says an officer's certification can be revoked for "disqualifying misconduct," such as convictions for any crimes committed under color of authority or involving dishonesty, drug possession, or any crime that would invalidate an officer's ability to carry a gun, such as domestic violence.
Felony convictions generally mean an automatic revocation. A misdemeanor charge, however, depending on the allegation, allows the officer some wiggle room in challenging any disciplinary action against him.
Prosecutors want to avoid any risk that Schene could keep his badge, especially given the outcome in recent police misconduct trials.
"This went beyond excessive use of force and into a criminal charge. As a result, we're seeking a criminal conviction at trial and all the likely consequences that would result from that, which would include the potential loss of his commission as a police officer," said Ian Goodhew, deputy chief of staff to county Prosecutor Dan Satterberg.
Prosecutors, however, didn't think they could prove felony charges in Schene's case because the girl suffered no injuries, Goodhew said. She reported breathing troubles afterward, but showed no visible injuries during an examination by paramedics.
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Video: http://www.seattlepi.com/local/407640_deputy29.html
Deputy Bryan Gabel Arrested for Drunk Driving
A Cincinnati police officer is accused of driving while drunk over the weekend.
The Boone County Sheriff's Department said a deputy found a car stopped on KY 18 just before 1 a.m. Saturday.
The deputy wrote in his report that when he approached the driver, Bryan Gabel, he could smell alcohol on his breath. Gabel told the deputy he ran out of gas.
In the report, the deputy stated that he gave Gabel six field sobriety tests and Gabel failed them all.
Gabel is charged with one count of driving while intoxicated.
Gabel was demoted and suspended in 2007 after an incident in which two officers spents weeks sitting in a substation playing video games instead of walking their beats. Gabel was one of five supervisors disciplined by Police Chief Tom Streicher for knowing about the situation and not putting a stop to it.
The Boone County Sheriff's Department said a deputy found a car stopped on KY 18 just before 1 a.m. Saturday.
The deputy wrote in his report that when he approached the driver, Bryan Gabel, he could smell alcohol on his breath. Gabel told the deputy he ran out of gas.
In the report, the deputy stated that he gave Gabel six field sobriety tests and Gabel failed them all.
Gabel is charged with one count of driving while intoxicated.
Gabel was demoted and suspended in 2007 after an incident in which two officers spents weeks sitting in a substation playing video games instead of walking their beats. Gabel was one of five supervisors disciplined by Police Chief Tom Streicher for knowing about the situation and not putting a stop to it.
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Sunday, June 28, 2009
Video of LA Police Officer Kicking Compliant Suspect in Head and High-Fiving Other Cops
Not totally unlike the five Birmingham pigs who beat an unconscious man, or the Fresno pigs that beat a homeless man, or any number of other police brutality cases caught on video, a cop in Los Angeles kicked the head of a high-speed chase suspect while the suspect was on the ground face-down with his arms and legs spread out. Another cops runs in and hits the suspect with his flashlight. Another gets to the scene and sets his cop dog at the suspect's feet for a second. Quite proud of their unnecessary brutality, the cops then high-five each other.
Of course, the police chief instinctually covers for the pigs under his command and refuses to fault them despite the video evidence. "Don't believe your lying eyes," seems to be the cop refrain these days in such cases. El Monte Police Chief Tom Armstrong said, "I do not know what was in the mind of that officer, as to why he did that. I saw the individual turn his head toward the officer [because we all know turning your head when you are face down is cause for a justifiable kicking]." As for the officer with a flashlight seen striking the suspect in the video, Armstrong said, "...it appears (the suspect) had his arm underneath his body. You cannot see what was in his hand. [Again with the blame-the-suspect game, and as if flashlight hitting is the proper response to a mystery object in someone's hand.]" That officer has not been reassigned during the investigations. "This is going to be looked into, and it should be. ...I'm not here to make a decision or tell you what that officer did was overtly wrong until I know all the facts [because we all know not to believe our lying eyes]."
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Video: http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/06/27/18604291.php
Of course, the police chief instinctually covers for the pigs under his command and refuses to fault them despite the video evidence. "Don't believe your lying eyes," seems to be the cop refrain these days in such cases. El Monte Police Chief Tom Armstrong said, "I do not know what was in the mind of that officer, as to why he did that. I saw the individual turn his head toward the officer [because we all know turning your head when you are face down is cause for a justifiable kicking]." As for the officer with a flashlight seen striking the suspect in the video, Armstrong said, "...it appears (the suspect) had his arm underneath his body. You cannot see what was in his hand. [Again with the blame-the-suspect game, and as if flashlight hitting is the proper response to a mystery object in someone's hand.]" That officer has not been reassigned during the investigations. "This is going to be looked into, and it should be. ...I'm not here to make a decision or tell you what that officer did was overtly wrong until I know all the facts [because we all know not to believe our lying eyes]."
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Video: http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/06/27/18604291.php
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Former Chief Oly Ivy Indicted for Tasering Wife
The police chief, who was the lone officer in this small Central Texas town and had been removed by city officials for allegedly Tasering his wife in April, now faces a felony indictment for the incident.
A Leon County Grand Jury indicted Oly Ivy, 30, on Thursday for Aggravated Assault/Family Violence which is a second degree felony.
In April, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office arrested Chief Ivy for domestic violence.
Deputies said Ivy allegedly Tasered his wife multiple times using his city-issued weapon.
When the mayor and City Council found out about it, they met in emergency session and voted unanimously to fire the chief — essentially the city's entire paid police force.
A Leon County Grand Jury indicted Oly Ivy, 30, on Thursday for Aggravated Assault/Family Violence which is a second degree felony.
In April, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office arrested Chief Ivy for domestic violence.
Deputies said Ivy allegedly Tasered his wife multiple times using his city-issued weapon.
When the mayor and City Council found out about it, they met in emergency session and voted unanimously to fire the chief — essentially the city's entire paid police force.
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Officer Joe Holman Arrested for Sexual Explotion of Stepdaughter
Aspen police officer Joe Holman, 38, resigned his position and turned himself in to authorities Wednesday to face allegations that he attempted to sexually exploit his teenage stepdaughter.
Holman, a six-year veteran of the police department and a city of Aspen employee since 1994, is charged with two counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a child, a class 4 felony; tampering with evidence, a class 6 felony; child abuse, a class 2 misdemeanor; and attempted criminal invasion of privacy, a class 3 misdemeanor.
He allegedly placed a camera the size of a Ping-Pong ball in his stepdaughter’s shower. The incident was investigated by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which elected to pursue charges. The bureau also investigated Holman after a similar accusation involving his stepdaughter surfaced last year, according to court records.
Holman was put on paid administrative leave May 29 while the CBI conducted a criminal investigation. The Aspen Police Department probed the matter internally but officials said they are not releasing their findings.
“The internal investigation has been concluded but due to the fact it’s a personnel matter, we’re not able to comment further,” Aspen police spokeswoman Stephanie Desarro said Thursday.
Holman could not be reached for comment. He turned himself in to a Pitkin County sheriff’s deputy Wednesday and was taken to jail. He was released from the Pitkin County Jail the same day on $11,000 bond.
An affidavit signed by CBI agent Brooks Bennett reports that Holman’s stepdaughter went to take a shower in her bathroom the night of April 29 when she noticed “something out of place” in the front of a mesh bag used for Holman’s younger son’s toys. Inside the mesh bag, hanging just above the top of the bathtub, she found a tiny camera contained in a waterproof case pointed toward her, the affidavit states.
Holman initially denied having knowledge of the camera. When confronted by his family, “Joe asked, ‘Do you think I did it as a pervert move?’ ... [His family members] replied, ‘I don’t know.’ Joe stated ‘if this is such a big issue, give it to me’ and he placed the camera on the floor and stomped on the camera destroying it,” the affidavit says.
The next morning, Holman admitted to putting the camera in the shower, explaining he did it because he was upset with his stepdaughter.
“Holman maintains he placed the camera only to make [her] mad. [She] had recently been disciplined, but was not following the rules set in place during the discipline,” the CBI affidavit says. “Holman figured since [his stepdaughter] was ‘pissing him off’ he would do something that would do the same to her. In 2008, [she] had accused Holman of watching her inappropriately. Holman told me those allegations gave him the idea of placing the camera in the shower. Since [she] thought he was watching her last year, he decided to place the camera to make her think he was watching her now, therefore making her mad.”
Holman claimed he placed the camera in the shower the same day it was found. The affidavit said Holman now realizes he made a mistake.
The stepdaughter told police she doesn’t believe Holman used the photos for anything sexual; she believes he wanted to make her angry.
The affidavit says that Holman “was apparently using his work laptop computer to view the digital images recorded by the camera.”
In 2008, Holman’s stepdaughter claimed she “saw things” that made her feel like her stepfather was creeping around, watching her. He walked in on her, apparently mistaking her bedroom for the laundry room, and she once saw a mirror slide underneath her bedroom door, the affidavit said.
Holman has been married to the alleged victim’s biological mother for about eight years. He and the woman have a young child together.
His first court appearance is scheduled for July 20 at 10:30 a.m. An attorney has not entered an appearance on his behalf but the affidavit identified Richard Daly, who could not be reached, as his lawyer.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Officer Leon Young Resigns After DUI Arrest
A Fort Myers Police Officer who was arrested in January allegedly for driving under the influence resigned in lieu of termination this month.
Leon Young, who faces trial Aug. 4 on a misdemeanor charge of DUI, resigned from the police force rather than being terminated, according to a department internal affairs report.
Young, 40, was stopped at a DUI checkpoint set up on College Parkway on Jan. 24 by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. He was with the department since 2006 and had previously worked for the Lee and Hendry sheriff’s offices.
According to the documents, investigators made three sustained findings about Young — that he broke the law, that he didn’t conduct himself in a way that reflects favorably on the department and that he attempted to use his position as an officer to gain leniency with deputies.
The report states Young was arrested around 2:30 a.m. Jan. 24 in a Publix parking lot. He was “uncooperative, confrontational and became agitated” and also used racial slurs as he was being arrested.
Leon Young, who faces trial Aug. 4 on a misdemeanor charge of DUI, resigned from the police force rather than being terminated, according to a department internal affairs report.
Young, 40, was stopped at a DUI checkpoint set up on College Parkway on Jan. 24 by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. He was with the department since 2006 and had previously worked for the Lee and Hendry sheriff’s offices.
According to the documents, investigators made three sustained findings about Young — that he broke the law, that he didn’t conduct himself in a way that reflects favorably on the department and that he attempted to use his position as an officer to gain leniency with deputies.
The report states Young was arrested around 2:30 a.m. Jan. 24 in a Publix parking lot. He was “uncooperative, confrontational and became agitated” and also used racial slurs as he was being arrested.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Retired Troopers Karol & Michael Siedel Arrested for Embezzlement
Two retired state troopers are facing first-degree larceny charges after allegedly embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from an electrical contracting company in which one of the men was a partner.
Karol Siedel, 63, and Michael T. Siedel, 39, both of 41 Kingswood Drive., turned themselves in to Southington police this morning and are to be arraigned this afternoon in Superior Court in Bristol. Both men face two counts of first-degree larceny and a single count of conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny.
The father and son were charged after an investigation that began in August 2007, when a business partner of Michael Siedel in J&M Electric LLC told police money had been improperly transferred to K&J Construction Group, a firm owned by Karol and Michael Siedel. The money was allegedly used to build a house in Wolcott and to purchase a home in Marco Island, Fla., police said.
Karol Siedel retired from the state police in February 1994 after nearly 21 years on the job. He then worked as a sheriff and then a judicial marshal at the New Britain courthouse. He left that position in March 2005.
Michael Siedel was a trooper about 10 years and served for a time on former Gov. John G. Rowland's 12-person security detail when he retired in about 2004. Siedel remained on the job long enough to vest his state benefits, then left to work as an electrician with his father, sources said.
Bail for Karol Siedel was set at $25,000, and bail for Michael Siedel was set at $50,000.
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http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/crime/news_wtnh_southington_father_son_embezzlement_troopers_200906251505
Karol Siedel, 63, and Michael T. Siedel, 39, both of 41 Kingswood Drive., turned themselves in to Southington police this morning and are to be arraigned this afternoon in Superior Court in Bristol. Both men face two counts of first-degree larceny and a single count of conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny.
The father and son were charged after an investigation that began in August 2007, when a business partner of Michael Siedel in J&M Electric LLC told police money had been improperly transferred to K&J Construction Group, a firm owned by Karol and Michael Siedel. The money was allegedly used to build a house in Wolcott and to purchase a home in Marco Island, Fla., police said.
Karol Siedel retired from the state police in February 1994 after nearly 21 years on the job. He then worked as a sheriff and then a judicial marshal at the New Britain courthouse. He left that position in March 2005.
Michael Siedel was a trooper about 10 years and served for a time on former Gov. John G. Rowland's 12-person security detail when he retired in about 2004. Siedel remained on the job long enough to vest his state benefits, then left to work as an electrician with his father, sources said.
Bail for Karol Siedel was set at $25,000, and bail for Michael Siedel was set at $50,000.
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http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/crime/news_wtnh_southington_father_son_embezzlement_troopers_200906251505
Officer Trent Stanley Resigns After DUI Arrest
Trent Stanley has voluntarily resigned from the Topeka Police Department, effective June 26, 2009.
This comes after Stanley, 23, was arrested Thursday morning for a suspected DUI. He was booked in Shawnee County Jail at 6:20 AM on June 18th. He was brought in under three different charges, driving under the influence, no seat belt, and duty to keep right.
Trent Stanley was off duty when he was arrested.
He is the son of Captain Jerry Stanley at the Topeka Police Department.
This comes after Stanley, 23, was arrested Thursday morning for a suspected DUI. He was booked in Shawnee County Jail at 6:20 AM on June 18th. He was brought in under three different charges, driving under the influence, no seat belt, and duty to keep right.
Trent Stanley was off duty when he was arrested.
He is the son of Captain Jerry Stanley at the Topeka Police Department.
Officer Rory Rogers Finally Terminated After Assaulting Girlfriend
A 27-year-old police officer accused last year of assaulting a former girlfriend at a bar has essentially been terminated from the department, officials said.
Rory Rogers, who at the time of the Dec. 27 incident had been a member of the force for five years, was charged with assault after the ex-girlfriend and several witnesses told police that Rogers, while off-duty, went to a Stone Oak bar and pushed the 21-year-old woman, authorities said.
The woman cut herself on glass when she fell, authorities said at the time, and as she got up, Rogers was accused of pushing her down again before leaving the bar.
Sandy Gutierrez, a spokeswoman for the San Antonio Police Department, said Rogers was placed on indefinite suspension June 19, a disciplinary action tantamount to firing. The decision was based on the criminal charge of assault bodily injury, she said.
Rogers, who did not a return a message left at a phone number listed for him, has 10 days to appeal the decision.
If he appeals, the outcome could be based on the final findings in the criminal case, said San Antonio Police Officers Association President Mike Helle.
“The opportunity will be there for an arbitrator to rule whether (the indefinite suspension) was appropriate or not,” Helle said. “He's got a criminal case that is still out there that he has to take care of first. If that case gets dismissed or if it goes to trial and he's acquitted, it helps his [internal] case.”
First Assistant District Attorney Cliff Herberg said the criminal case against Rogers, which also includes a deadly conduct charge, remains under investigation by the district attorney's office.
Rogers surrendered to police one day after the woman filed the complaint. Although he admitted nothing, police arrested him because of a tighter domestic violence policy adopted in January 2007 requiring officers to secure arrest warrants immediately for most family violence suspects.
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Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2008/12/officer-rory-rogers-arrested-for.html
Rory Rogers, who at the time of the Dec. 27 incident had been a member of the force for five years, was charged with assault after the ex-girlfriend and several witnesses told police that Rogers, while off-duty, went to a Stone Oak bar and pushed the 21-year-old woman, authorities said.
The woman cut herself on glass when she fell, authorities said at the time, and as she got up, Rogers was accused of pushing her down again before leaving the bar.
Sandy Gutierrez, a spokeswoman for the San Antonio Police Department, said Rogers was placed on indefinite suspension June 19, a disciplinary action tantamount to firing. The decision was based on the criminal charge of assault bodily injury, she said.
Rogers, who did not a return a message left at a phone number listed for him, has 10 days to appeal the decision.
If he appeals, the outcome could be based on the final findings in the criminal case, said San Antonio Police Officers Association President Mike Helle.
“The opportunity will be there for an arbitrator to rule whether (the indefinite suspension) was appropriate or not,” Helle said. “He's got a criminal case that is still out there that he has to take care of first. If that case gets dismissed or if it goes to trial and he's acquitted, it helps his [internal] case.”
First Assistant District Attorney Cliff Herberg said the criminal case against Rogers, which also includes a deadly conduct charge, remains under investigation by the district attorney's office.
Rogers surrendered to police one day after the woman filed the complaint. Although he admitted nothing, police arrested him because of a tighter domestic violence policy adopted in January 2007 requiring officers to secure arrest warrants immediately for most family violence suspects.
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Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2008/12/officer-rory-rogers-arrested-for.html
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Officer Isaac Rinehart Arrested for Domestic Violence
A St. Paul police officer is on desk duty after accusations he beat his wife. Officer Isaac Rinehart was arrested Monday night after turning himself in at the Maplewood Police Department.
Around 10 p.m., his wife walked into the Maplewood Police Department. Maplewood Chief Dave Thomalla saw her and noticed something was wrong.
"She had facial injuries. She had some bleeding from the nose and some swelling in her face," he said. "Obviously, she'd been assaulted."
She told him she'd been hurt by her husband at the home where he was staying. She said they'd been in a fight and she'd walked a mile to the police station. Maplewood officers took her to the hospital.
While she was being checked out, Thomalla called St. Paul Police Chief John Harrington to tell him what happened. Harrington called Rinehart's commander, who then called Rinehart. Within the hour, Rinehart had turned himself in.
Thomalla said while all domestic cases are different, his officers did not handle this one differently because Rinehart is a police officer. He said officers have to be careful when dealing with other officers because they are often armed.
"Unfortunately, domestic assaults and domestic violence happen frequently in our society. The suspects involved are in every occupation you can imagine. In this particular case it was a police officer," Thomalla said. "We're going to deal with this case the same way we would with every other one."
Thomalla said Rinehart didn't give police a statement and requested his lawyer. In his 15 years with St. Paul Police, Rinehart's personnel file shows he's been commended 16 times. He's also been reprimanded four times. One was a 4-day suspension in 1996 for conduct unbecoming of a police officer. Privacy rules prevent police from releasing any more details on that suspension.
Rinehart is also under investigation after his police canine bit a child earlier this year.
"This is a difficult situation. Certainly if these allegations prove true, this is very serious," said St. Paul Police Sgt. Paul Schnell.
Right now, Rinehart has been taken out of his canine unit and placed on administrative duty. Once the criminal case is closed, St. Paul Police will begin their own investigation.
"As a department, we want to take this stuff seriously. At the same time, if it's one of our officers or any member of the public, there is a due process route that is provided to all people that are accused," Schnell said.
Around 10 p.m., his wife walked into the Maplewood Police Department. Maplewood Chief Dave Thomalla saw her and noticed something was wrong.
"She had facial injuries. She had some bleeding from the nose and some swelling in her face," he said. "Obviously, she'd been assaulted."
She told him she'd been hurt by her husband at the home where he was staying. She said they'd been in a fight and she'd walked a mile to the police station. Maplewood officers took her to the hospital.
While she was being checked out, Thomalla called St. Paul Police Chief John Harrington to tell him what happened. Harrington called Rinehart's commander, who then called Rinehart. Within the hour, Rinehart had turned himself in.
Thomalla said while all domestic cases are different, his officers did not handle this one differently because Rinehart is a police officer. He said officers have to be careful when dealing with other officers because they are often armed.
"Unfortunately, domestic assaults and domestic violence happen frequently in our society. The suspects involved are in every occupation you can imagine. In this particular case it was a police officer," Thomalla said. "We're going to deal with this case the same way we would with every other one."
Thomalla said Rinehart didn't give police a statement and requested his lawyer. In his 15 years with St. Paul Police, Rinehart's personnel file shows he's been commended 16 times. He's also been reprimanded four times. One was a 4-day suspension in 1996 for conduct unbecoming of a police officer. Privacy rules prevent police from releasing any more details on that suspension.
Rinehart is also under investigation after his police canine bit a child earlier this year.
"This is a difficult situation. Certainly if these allegations prove true, this is very serious," said St. Paul Police Sgt. Paul Schnell.
Right now, Rinehart has been taken out of his canine unit and placed on administrative duty. Once the criminal case is closed, St. Paul Police will begin their own investigation.
"As a department, we want to take this stuff seriously. At the same time, if it's one of our officers or any member of the public, there is a due process route that is provided to all people that are accused," Schnell said.
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Deputy Robert Lane Arrested for Domestic Violence
A Pima County Sheriff's deputy has been arrested and charged with domestic violence.
Officers were called to Robert Lane's home Monday night after receiving a call from his live-in girlfriend.
Lane reportedly had visible scratches on his face and arms.
He claims he fought his girlfriend off.
She claims he was choking her and she was defending herself.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department has launched an internal investigation.
For that reason, Lane has been reassigned.
Officers were called to Robert Lane's home Monday night after receiving a call from his live-in girlfriend.
Lane reportedly had visible scratches on his face and arms.
He claims he fought his girlfriend off.
She claims he was choking her and she was defending herself.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department has launched an internal investigation.
For that reason, Lane has been reassigned.
Officer Jason Jones Charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery
Bond has been set at $750,000 for a Chicago police officer accused of breaking into his estranged wife’s home and hitting her with a gun.
The Cook County state’s attorney’s office says 38-year-old Jason Jones is charged with aggravated domestic battery and home invasion.
He’s accused of kicking in the door of his estranged wife’s home on June 19 after she wouldn’t let him in.
Court records say Jones found another man at the home and hit his wife in the head with a gun.
Jones and his wife, who’s also a Chicago police officer, have been married for 18 months.
It was not immediately clear whether Jones has an attorney.
Chicago police news affairs said Tuesday that no information was immediately available about Jones’ status with the department.
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http://www.wbbm780.com/Bond-set-for-Chicago-cop-in-beating-of-estranged-w/4659557
The Cook County state’s attorney’s office says 38-year-old Jason Jones is charged with aggravated domestic battery and home invasion.
He’s accused of kicking in the door of his estranged wife’s home on June 19 after she wouldn’t let him in.
Court records say Jones found another man at the home and hit his wife in the head with a gun.
Jones and his wife, who’s also a Chicago police officer, have been married for 18 months.
It was not immediately clear whether Jones has an attorney.
Chicago police news affairs said Tuesday that no information was immediately available about Jones’ status with the department.
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http://www.wbbm780.com/Bond-set-for-Chicago-cop-in-beating-of-estranged-w/4659557
Sgt. Mark Lykken, Deptuy Justin Krohmer & Mother Arrested at Kenny Chesney Concert
A sheriff's deputy and his mother face charges of disorderly conduct after the deputy vomited on people at a Kenny Chesney concert in Fargo and refused to leave, authorities say. Police Sgt. Mark Lykken said Stark County Deputy Justin Krohmer, 26, and his mother, Susan, 47, whose husband is the Ada, Minn., police chief, were arrested after the Saturday night incident.
Lykken said Justin Krohmer was asked to leave the Fargodome about 11 p.m. Saturday after vomiting on people in front of him, but he refused to do so.
Susan Krohmer is accused of pulling and pushing officers, screaming profanities and of trying to prevent an officer from escorting her son out of the concert.
Justin Krohmer appeared in Fargo municipal court Monday and his mother appeared Tuesday. Both face another hearing July 2.
Justin Krohmer joined the Stark County Sheriff's Department on Dec. 15 at an annual salary of $39,621, said Kay Haag, the county's deputy auditor. Earlier, he was a McLean County deputy.
No phone listing was available for Krohmer and he could not be reached for comment. The number for Susan Kromer was unlisted, and a message at her husband's office was not returned.
Stark County Sheriff Clarence Tuhy said that as of Tuesday, Justin Krohmer was still a deputy and he had no reports on the Fargo incident.
"I'm waiting for reports so I can review them, " the sheriff said.
Lykken said Justin Krohmer was asked to leave the Fargodome about 11 p.m. Saturday after vomiting on people in front of him, but he refused to do so.
Susan Krohmer is accused of pulling and pushing officers, screaming profanities and of trying to prevent an officer from escorting her son out of the concert.
Justin Krohmer appeared in Fargo municipal court Monday and his mother appeared Tuesday. Both face another hearing July 2.
Justin Krohmer joined the Stark County Sheriff's Department on Dec. 15 at an annual salary of $39,621, said Kay Haag, the county's deputy auditor. Earlier, he was a McLean County deputy.
No phone listing was available for Krohmer and he could not be reached for comment. The number for Susan Kromer was unlisted, and a message at her husband's office was not returned.
Stark County Sheriff Clarence Tuhy said that as of Tuesday, Justin Krohmer was still a deputy and he had no reports on the Fargo incident.
"I'm waiting for reports so I can review them, " the sheriff said.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Ex-Detective Thomas Sadler Preparing for Trial
A former Sheriff's deputy is preparing for his trial on charges of sexually assaulting a prostitute.
Ex-detective Thomas Sadler was expected by many to enter a plea Monday, but instead he told 10News he would take his chances with a jury.
Sadler, a 23-year veteran of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, has been on administrative leave without pay following his arrest last July.
He was charged with five felonies stemming from an incident in February 2008 in which he was accused of forcing a prostitute into his unmarked department vehicle and then forcefully fondling her.
Sadler said he is ready to go to trial and tell his side of the story.
"I feel that I'm innocent in this case. I believe a lot of this is because I do work in law enforcement and they were overzealous in their prosecution. I want my day in court, I want to get my side out there. I believe a jury will hear the case openly and honestly and make a decision based on what they believe is the truth," said Sadler.
The jury will hear Sadler's side of the story when the case goes to trial on July 23.
If convicted, he could serve 8 years in prison.
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Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2008/08/deputy-accused-of-sexual-assault.html
http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2008/08/arraignment-for-officer-accused-of.html
http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2008/08/detective-fondles-prostitute-while-on.html
Officer Mark Benton Ashcraft Arrested for Sexual Abuse to Child
A 36-year-old police officer was arraigned in Umatilla County today on felony sex-abuse charges involving a child.
The district attorney's office said Mark Benton Ashcraft of Athena was being held in Umatilla County Jail on $50,000 bail. He's charged with sex abuse in the second degree, sodomy in the third degree, and online sexual corruption of a child in the first degree.
The arrest came as a surprise to officials in Athena, which has a population of 1,270.
"We know as much as you do," said Dyann Swanson, Athena city recorder.
She said Ashcraft will be put on paid administrative leave and that the city will seek legal advice on what to do.
"It's an unfortunate thing," she said. "But he's only been arrested. He's not been convicted."
Ashcraft is one of two officers in the city. He was hired in December 2007 after working nine years in Pilot Rock.
Swanson said, "He's been a perfect police officer. We have not had any problem with him at all."
Ashcraft, who was arrested Monday afternoon, is due next in court at the end of the month.
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http://eastoregonian.com/main.asp?FromHome=1&TypeID=1&ArticleID=94294&SectionID=13&SubSectionID=48
Officer Blaine McNeese Arrested for Plotting to Fellow Officer
It's a crime that shocked the Department of Public Safety. One of their own officers plotted to kill a fellow officer.
Luckily, the officer found out about the plot before the plan was carried out. Now a criminal organization has been busted.
A hole was dug in the desert near I-10 and Highway 87. The suspects were planning on shooting the officer and burying him there. The officer was interviewing one of the members of the group when he learned about the plot against his life.
Police say Lazar Lazar, Carlos Saquilan and Khalid Henry were behind the plot. Phoenix police then got involved.
Police say Blaine McNeese was the "bad cop." He worked for DPS and at the same time, for the Younan criminal syndicate. Police say McNeese became involved after accepting a bribe.
McNeese is in jail and four other members of the group have also been arrested or are in police custody.
Lazar Lazar is the only one still missing. If you see him, call the police.
_________________________________
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/06/23/20090623syndicate0623-ON.html
Luckily, the officer found out about the plot before the plan was carried out. Now a criminal organization has been busted.
A hole was dug in the desert near I-10 and Highway 87. The suspects were planning on shooting the officer and burying him there. The officer was interviewing one of the members of the group when he learned about the plot against his life.
Police say Lazar Lazar, Carlos Saquilan and Khalid Henry were behind the plot. Phoenix police then got involved.
Police say Blaine McNeese was the "bad cop." He worked for DPS and at the same time, for the Younan criminal syndicate. Police say McNeese became involved after accepting a bribe.
McNeese is in jail and four other members of the group have also been arrested or are in police custody.
Lazar Lazar is the only one still missing. If you see him, call the police.
_________________________________
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/06/23/20090623syndicate0623-ON.html
Officer Gerald Bossolono Arrested for Stealing $70,000
A 10-year Cicero police veteran was charged with theft today after allegedly stealing more than $70,000 from the department's benevolent association, Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez said.
Gerald Bossolono, 46, was arrested as he showed up for work today by investigators with the Cook County State's Attorney's office, Alvarez said in a press release. He served as treasurer of the Cicero police benevolent association.
Bossolono who has worked with the Cicero police department since 1999 was charged with felony theft after an investigation by the State's Attorney's financial crimes unit.
Officials allege that Bossolono used his position as treasurer of the group to siphon more than $70,000 from the group's accounts. The association is a fraternal organization made up of Cicero police officers that raises money through memberships and social functions, Alvarez said.
If convicted of the Class 2 felony, Bossolono faces up to seven years in prison. He is scheduled to go have a bond hearing Thursday in the Maybrook court house in Maywood, Alvarez said.
Bossolono was taken into custody by State's Attorney investigators and charged after reporting for work this morning at the west suburban police station, said Elio Montenegro, a spokesperson for the town.
Montenegro said the former Joliet police officer who was hired by the town in 1999 was being investigated by the Cicero Internal Affairs Department since June 2008 after police received a phone tip that he was stealing money from the fund.
Montenegro said the town placed Bossolono on restricted duty one month later and then turned over the investigation to the State's Attorney's Financial Crimes Unit.
Bossolono is scheduled to appear in bond court Thursday morning in Maywood. The Class 2 felony is punishable by three to seven year in prison or probation, according to the state's attorney office.
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http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-ciceroofficer-emb,0,1052225.story
Gerald Bossolono, 46, was arrested as he showed up for work today by investigators with the Cook County State's Attorney's office, Alvarez said in a press release. He served as treasurer of the Cicero police benevolent association.
Bossolono who has worked with the Cicero police department since 1999 was charged with felony theft after an investigation by the State's Attorney's financial crimes unit.
Officials allege that Bossolono used his position as treasurer of the group to siphon more than $70,000 from the group's accounts. The association is a fraternal organization made up of Cicero police officers that raises money through memberships and social functions, Alvarez said.
If convicted of the Class 2 felony, Bossolono faces up to seven years in prison. He is scheduled to go have a bond hearing Thursday in the Maybrook court house in Maywood, Alvarez said.
Bossolono was taken into custody by State's Attorney investigators and charged after reporting for work this morning at the west suburban police station, said Elio Montenegro, a spokesperson for the town.
Montenegro said the former Joliet police officer who was hired by the town in 1999 was being investigated by the Cicero Internal Affairs Department since June 2008 after police received a phone tip that he was stealing money from the fund.
Montenegro said the town placed Bossolono on restricted duty one month later and then turned over the investigation to the State's Attorney's Financial Crimes Unit.
Bossolono is scheduled to appear in bond court Thursday morning in Maywood. The Class 2 felony is punishable by three to seven year in prison or probation, according to the state's attorney office.
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http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-ciceroofficer-emb,0,1052225.story
Officer Anthony Abbate Sentenced to Just 2 years Probation for Beating Woman
An off-duty Chicago police officer convicted of pummeling a female bartender half his size was sentenced Tuesday to two years probation and anger management classes for the videotaped attack that appeared worldwide on the Internet and cable news channels.
Cook County Circuit Judge John Fleming also gave Anthony Abbate a home curfew of 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. and ordered him to perform 130 hours of community service.
"No one in recent memory ... has done more to tarnish the reputation of the Chicago Police Department than Anthony Abbate," Cook County Assistant State's Attorney LuAnn Snow said Tuesday.
Prosecutors had asked for prison for Abbate — he could have been sentenced to up to five years behind bars — but the judge said he didn't see aggravating factors to justify a prison term.
"If I believed sentencing Anthony Abbate to prison would stop people from getting drunk and hitting people, I'd give him the maximum sentence," Fleming said.
Earlier this month, the judge rejected Abbate's claim he acted in self-defense and convicted him of aggravated battery. A tavern security video shows a drunken, 250-pound Abbate punching and kicking the 125-pound Karolina Obrycka as she tended bar in February 2007. The altercation happened after she refused to serve him more drinks.
The video captured a lot of attention as another example of misconduct by Chicago police. Then-Superintendent Phil Cline suddenly announced his retirement shortly after the video surfaced and former FBI official Jody Weis was appointed to the spot with an order to clean up the department's image.
Abbate acknowledged during the trial that he was drunk during the incident. But he said Obrycka pushed him first as she tried to remove him from behind the bar.
"He's not a bad man, he did something bad," said defense attorney Peter Hickey.
Abbate has been relieved of his duties and pay, Chicago Police Department spokesman Officer Robert Perez said.
The department is looking into "separation proceedings," Perez said. Weis has said he wants Abbate fired.
Cook County Circuit Judge John Fleming also gave Anthony Abbate a home curfew of 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. and ordered him to perform 130 hours of community service.
"No one in recent memory ... has done more to tarnish the reputation of the Chicago Police Department than Anthony Abbate," Cook County Assistant State's Attorney LuAnn Snow said Tuesday.
Prosecutors had asked for prison for Abbate — he could have been sentenced to up to five years behind bars — but the judge said he didn't see aggravating factors to justify a prison term.
"If I believed sentencing Anthony Abbate to prison would stop people from getting drunk and hitting people, I'd give him the maximum sentence," Fleming said.
Earlier this month, the judge rejected Abbate's claim he acted in self-defense and convicted him of aggravated battery. A tavern security video shows a drunken, 250-pound Abbate punching and kicking the 125-pound Karolina Obrycka as she tended bar in February 2007. The altercation happened after she refused to serve him more drinks.
The video captured a lot of attention as another example of misconduct by Chicago police. Then-Superintendent Phil Cline suddenly announced his retirement shortly after the video surfaced and former FBI official Jody Weis was appointed to the spot with an order to clean up the department's image.
Abbate acknowledged during the trial that he was drunk during the incident. But he said Obrycka pushed him first as she tried to remove him from behind the bar.
"He's not a bad man, he did something bad," said defense attorney Peter Hickey.
Abbate has been relieved of his duties and pay, Chicago Police Department spokesman Officer Robert Perez said.
The department is looking into "separation proceedings," Perez said. Weis has said he wants Abbate fired.
Officer Carl Sain Charged with Attacking Chief Yancey
North Chicago's "Officer of the Year" has been charged with seriously injuring a police chief he allegedly found in his estranged wife's home, police said.
Carl Sain, 45, was charged with felony aggravated battery for allegedly attacking Police Chief Artis Yancey, who was hospitalized with several broken bones in his face, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Tuesday.
Sain allegedly beat Yancey Wednesday night after breaking a window in his estranged wife's home in Waukegan and finding Yancey alone in an upstairs bedroom, Lake County State's Attorney Michael Waller said, noting Sain's wife called 911.
Sain, named North Chicago Police Officer of the Year in April, and his wife are divorcing. Yancey is a friend of Sain's wife, Waller said.
Sain, who was not available for comment, was released Sunday on $75,000 bail and put on administrative leave, the Sun-Times reported.
Yancey, who was expected to recover, was taking time off from his job and was not available for comment, a Waukegan police spokesman said.
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http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-waukegan-chief-23-jun23,0,2009938.story
Carl Sain, 45, was charged with felony aggravated battery for allegedly attacking Police Chief Artis Yancey, who was hospitalized with several broken bones in his face, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Tuesday.
Sain allegedly beat Yancey Wednesday night after breaking a window in his estranged wife's home in Waukegan and finding Yancey alone in an upstairs bedroom, Lake County State's Attorney Michael Waller said, noting Sain's wife called 911.
Sain, named North Chicago Police Officer of the Year in April, and his wife are divorcing. Yancey is a friend of Sain's wife, Waller said.
Sain, who was not available for comment, was released Sunday on $75,000 bail and put on administrative leave, the Sun-Times reported.
Yancey, who was expected to recover, was taking time off from his job and was not available for comment, a Waukegan police spokesman said.
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http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-waukegan-chief-23-jun23,0,2009938.story
Border Patrol Officer Luis Hermosillo Charged with Sexually Assaulting Woman
A Border Patrol officer accused of sexually assaulting a Mexican woman traveling on a tourist visa to Cathedral City with her two children followed her from a Salton Sea-area checkpoint, then pulled her over and demanded she drive to a secluded area, court records show.
Luis Edward Hermosillo, 41, faces three sexual assault charges stemming from the alleged assault June 13.
Hermosillo, who works out of the Border Patrol Office in Indio, appeared in court Monday for his arraignment, which was delayed until July 7.
His attorney, Robert W. Krause, asked Riverside County Superior Court Judge Jorge Hernandez for the delay because he needed more time to review the case.
``It's a very important case and we just want to make sure everyone is prepared,'' Krause said outside of court.
Hernandez granted the delay and kept the defendant's bail at $1 million.
Hermosillo is accused of following the 24-year-old victim from a checkpoint in the Salton Sea area before pulling her over on the Highway 86 Expressway near Mecca, according to a declaration in support of an arrest warrant.
Hermosillo asked the woman to pull off the highway onto a secluded area on Avenue 72 so he could inspect a briefcase inside her vehicle that he claimed he forgot to examine at the checkpoint.
The woman, who was driving with her two 5-year-old and 2-year-old children, recognized the officer from the Salton Sea checkpoint and complied with his request.
Once off the highway, Hermosillo, who had a dog with him in a white F-150 pickup truck, pulled up next to her vehicle and asked her to drive to the end of the road, according to sheriff's Investigator Bradley Farwell, who prepared the declaration.
The victim complied and got out of her vehicle to open her trunk, the investigator wrote. The officer asked her if he could search her person, but she declined.
``The Border Patrol Officer had the victim turn around and place her hands on the edge of the trunk of her vehicle,'' Farwell wrote. ``(Hermosillo) then used his hands to squeeze the victim's breasts and feel around her upper torso.''
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More of the story: http://www.mydesert.com/article/20090623/NEWS0801/90623006/0/opinion03/Border-Patrol-officer-faces-3-charges-of-sexual-assault
Luis Edward Hermosillo, 41, faces three sexual assault charges stemming from the alleged assault June 13.
Hermosillo, who works out of the Border Patrol Office in Indio, appeared in court Monday for his arraignment, which was delayed until July 7.
His attorney, Robert W. Krause, asked Riverside County Superior Court Judge Jorge Hernandez for the delay because he needed more time to review the case.
``It's a very important case and we just want to make sure everyone is prepared,'' Krause said outside of court.
Hernandez granted the delay and kept the defendant's bail at $1 million.
Hermosillo is accused of following the 24-year-old victim from a checkpoint in the Salton Sea area before pulling her over on the Highway 86 Expressway near Mecca, according to a declaration in support of an arrest warrant.
Hermosillo asked the woman to pull off the highway onto a secluded area on Avenue 72 so he could inspect a briefcase inside her vehicle that he claimed he forgot to examine at the checkpoint.
The woman, who was driving with her two 5-year-old and 2-year-old children, recognized the officer from the Salton Sea checkpoint and complied with his request.
Once off the highway, Hermosillo, who had a dog with him in a white F-150 pickup truck, pulled up next to her vehicle and asked her to drive to the end of the road, according to sheriff's Investigator Bradley Farwell, who prepared the declaration.
The victim complied and got out of her vehicle to open her trunk, the investigator wrote. The officer asked her if he could search her person, but she declined.
``The Border Patrol Officer had the victim turn around and place her hands on the edge of the trunk of her vehicle,'' Farwell wrote. ``(Hermosillo) then used his hands to squeeze the victim's breasts and feel around her upper torso.''
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More of the story: http://www.mydesert.com/article/20090623/NEWS0801/90623006/0/opinion03/Border-Patrol-officer-faces-3-charges-of-sexual-assault
Retired Opelousas Officer Accused of Rape
An investigation into an accusation of rape leveled against a retired Opelousas Police Department officer has been handed over to the Louisiana State Police, said Capt. Martin McClendon of the Opelousas Police Department.
The complaint was filed Friday afternoon with the Opelousas Police Department.
"The victim said she was raped by this individual," McClendon said. "I do not know the specifics of this particular case, but I do know that an interview was conducted with the victim and the person accused of it. What Chief (Perry) Gallow did Friday evening was, he asked the St.Landry Parish Sheriff's Office to assist in this investigation."
Capt. Buford Knight of the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office said that while his department assisted, the case still belonged to OPD.
"The St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office cannot provide information on an Opelousas Police Department case," Knight said.
Gallow subsequently asked the Louisiana State Police to take over the investigation.
"They're going to come in and conduct this investigation because obviously, it's a very sensitive issue we're dealing with - because it's a retired police officer, to make sure the investigation is independently done without any bias," McClendon said.
The name of the accused former officer has not been released.
"Right now, it's only an accusation," McClendon said. "We don't want to release the name of the person being accused unless the investigation has enough evidence to support an arrest."
The names of persons accused of crimes are not routinely released unless police know an arrest is immanent, McClendon said.
At this point, McClendon said, some evidence has been gathered, but he is not certain as to the nature of the evidence or whether DNA was found.
The complaint was filed Friday afternoon with the Opelousas Police Department.
"The victim said she was raped by this individual," McClendon said. "I do not know the specifics of this particular case, but I do know that an interview was conducted with the victim and the person accused of it. What Chief (Perry) Gallow did Friday evening was, he asked the St.Landry Parish Sheriff's Office to assist in this investigation."
Capt. Buford Knight of the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office said that while his department assisted, the case still belonged to OPD.
"The St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office cannot provide information on an Opelousas Police Department case," Knight said.
Gallow subsequently asked the Louisiana State Police to take over the investigation.
"They're going to come in and conduct this investigation because obviously, it's a very sensitive issue we're dealing with - because it's a retired police officer, to make sure the investigation is independently done without any bias," McClendon said.
The name of the accused former officer has not been released.
"Right now, it's only an accusation," McClendon said. "We don't want to release the name of the person being accused unless the investigation has enough evidence to support an arrest."
The names of persons accused of crimes are not routinely released unless police know an arrest is immanent, McClendon said.
At this point, McClendon said, some evidence has been gathered, but he is not certain as to the nature of the evidence or whether DNA was found.
Officer Kevin Barrington Arrested on Sexual Abuse Charges
A 22-year veteran of the Springfield police department has been arrested and charged for alleged sex crimes.
Kevin Barrington was arrested Sunday night at his Springfield home on charges of predatory criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse and sexual relations with family.
Springfield Police Chief Ralph Caldwell on Monday refused to reveal additional information about the allegations against the 51-year-old Barrington, the ages or relationships of the victims and how long the alleged abuse took place.
Bond has been set at $250,000 for Barrington, who is scheduled to appear Tuesday in Sangamon County Circuit Court.
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http://illinoishomepage.net/content/fulltext/?cid=92381
Barrington was put on paid leave, pending the outcome of the criminal case, and an internal Springfield Police Department investigation.
Kevin Barrington was arrested Sunday night at his Springfield home on charges of predatory criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse and sexual relations with family.
Springfield Police Chief Ralph Caldwell on Monday refused to reveal additional information about the allegations against the 51-year-old Barrington, the ages or relationships of the victims and how long the alleged abuse took place.
Bond has been set at $250,000 for Barrington, who is scheduled to appear Tuesday in Sangamon County Circuit Court.
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http://illinoishomepage.net/content/fulltext/?cid=92381
Barrington was put on paid leave, pending the outcome of the criminal case, and an internal Springfield Police Department investigation.
Former Trooper John Sawyer Sentenced to Three Years Probation
Former S.C. Highway Patrol Trooper John B. Sawyer, 34, was sentenced today for repeatedly kicking an arrested driver following a lengthy chase, said U.S. Attorney W. Walter Wilkins.
Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Norton sentenced Sawyer to a probation term of three years, the first of which he will serve in a halfway house.
On May 28, 2006, Sawyer and other law enforcement officers were involved in a 30-mile high speed chase of a dump truck driven by Sergio Caridi on Interstate 95, Wilkins said.
After the truck ran out of gas in Sumter County, Caridi exited the truck and surrendered, lying on the ground.
Sawyer rushed over to Caridi at that point, kicking him in the head numerous times, and injuring him, Wilkins said. Dash cam video of the incident captured the assault on tape.
Sawyer pled guilty in the case last January, admitting that his actions willfully deprived Caridi of his constitutional right to be free from the use of unreasonable force by a police officer, Wilkins said.
Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Norton sentenced Sawyer to a probation term of three years, the first of which he will serve in a halfway house.
On May 28, 2006, Sawyer and other law enforcement officers were involved in a 30-mile high speed chase of a dump truck driven by Sergio Caridi on Interstate 95, Wilkins said.
After the truck ran out of gas in Sumter County, Caridi exited the truck and surrendered, lying on the ground.
Sawyer rushed over to Caridi at that point, kicking him in the head numerous times, and injuring him, Wilkins said. Dash cam video of the incident captured the assault on tape.
Sawyer pled guilty in the case last January, admitting that his actions willfully deprived Caridi of his constitutional right to be free from the use of unreasonable force by a police officer, Wilkins said.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Lafayette Police Investigating Complaint of Police Brutality
Lafayette Police are investigating complaints of police brutality. The investigation stems from an arrest made early Sunday morning, near the intersection of Jefferson Street and Garfield Street. The man arrested, who KATC is not identifying, says just after 2 a.m. became involved in an alcohol-fueled fight, which police tried to break up.
"One of the cops came from behind, put me in a bear hug and I guess when I turned around, I thought he was one of them, so I accidentally hit him and I took off running," the man said.
Police followed and arrested him on charges of simple battery on a police officer, resisting arrest and public intoxication.
"Once they got me, they pepper sprayed me, threw me on the ground, and I don't remember much after that because of the pepper spray," the man said.
Regina Toce and her son Fabio witnessed the arrest, they say police crossed the line.
"It was horrible, it was a horrible scene, one that I'll never forget," said Regina. She and her son have also filed a complaint against the department. They've also set up a facebook page in support of the man who was arrested.
Meantime Lafayette Police Chief Jim Craft says as with any complaint of misconduct, his department is investigating.
"We have initiated an internal affairs investigation regarding that incident to determine if our officers violated any departmental policies or procedures, or if in fact the force they used was excessive," said Craft.
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http://www.theadvertiser.com/section/NEWSFRONT2
"One of the cops came from behind, put me in a bear hug and I guess when I turned around, I thought he was one of them, so I accidentally hit him and I took off running," the man said.
Police followed and arrested him on charges of simple battery on a police officer, resisting arrest and public intoxication.
"Once they got me, they pepper sprayed me, threw me on the ground, and I don't remember much after that because of the pepper spray," the man said.
Regina Toce and her son Fabio witnessed the arrest, they say police crossed the line.
"It was horrible, it was a horrible scene, one that I'll never forget," said Regina. She and her son have also filed a complaint against the department. They've also set up a facebook page in support of the man who was arrested.
Meantime Lafayette Police Chief Jim Craft says as with any complaint of misconduct, his department is investigating.
"We have initiated an internal affairs investigation regarding that incident to determine if our officers violated any departmental policies or procedures, or if in fact the force they used was excessive," said Craft.
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http://www.theadvertiser.com/section/NEWSFRONT2
Officer Walter Reyna Arrested for Assault & Shooting Weapon
A local police officer has been put on leave after being arrested for an assault on a family member.
Rogers police responded to a report of shots fired early Monday morning at a home on Pinewood Drive in Rogers. They said the man who fired the shot was 28-year-old Walter Reyna, a Lowell police officer.
Reyna was put on administrative leave soon after his arrest. He has been an officer with the Lowell Police Department since 2004, and received an Officer of the Year award just a few years ago. The Lowell police chief said Reyna has no history of disciplinary problems, but that might have changed on Monday morning.
"The call reflected that the male subject was intoxicated and had a firearm and the family left the residence. When they walked outside was when they heard what they believed to be the weapon discharging," said Cpl. Angel Murphy-Pearce, with the Rogers Police Department.
Rogers police officers were the ones who responded to the call, which ended up involving a Lowell police officer.
"Officers did go inside to check the welfare and status of the individual. He did not have the weapon on him at that time. It was seized later from the residence -- when he was arrested, the weapon was seized as well," Murphy-Pearce said.
Rogers police arrested Reyna for second degree assault on a family member, as well as discharging a firearm inside the city limits. Murphy-Pearce added that the weapon used, a shotgun, was not station-issued, and that the officers who responded to the scene probably knew where Reyna worked.
"The report does not reflect that he stated where he worked, but one of the officers present did know him, so they may have known where he was employed," Murphy-Pearce said.
As for one department arresting an officer with another department, Murphy-Pearce said it's unusual.
"It's not something that happens on a daily basis," Murphy-Pearce said.
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http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2009/06/22/news/062309rzreyna.txt
Rogers police responded to a report of shots fired early Monday morning at a home on Pinewood Drive in Rogers. They said the man who fired the shot was 28-year-old Walter Reyna, a Lowell police officer.
Reyna was put on administrative leave soon after his arrest. He has been an officer with the Lowell Police Department since 2004, and received an Officer of the Year award just a few years ago. The Lowell police chief said Reyna has no history of disciplinary problems, but that might have changed on Monday morning.
"The call reflected that the male subject was intoxicated and had a firearm and the family left the residence. When they walked outside was when they heard what they believed to be the weapon discharging," said Cpl. Angel Murphy-Pearce, with the Rogers Police Department.
Rogers police officers were the ones who responded to the call, which ended up involving a Lowell police officer.
"Officers did go inside to check the welfare and status of the individual. He did not have the weapon on him at that time. It was seized later from the residence -- when he was arrested, the weapon was seized as well," Murphy-Pearce said.
Rogers police arrested Reyna for second degree assault on a family member, as well as discharging a firearm inside the city limits. Murphy-Pearce added that the weapon used, a shotgun, was not station-issued, and that the officers who responded to the scene probably knew where Reyna worked.
"The report does not reflect that he stated where he worked, but one of the officers present did know him, so they may have known where he was employed," Murphy-Pearce said.
As for one department arresting an officer with another department, Murphy-Pearce said it's unusual.
"It's not something that happens on a daily basis," Murphy-Pearce said.
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http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2009/06/22/news/062309rzreyna.txt
Veteran Officer Arrested for Sexual Assault
A 22-year veteran of the Springfield Police Department has been arrested on charges of criminal sexual assault and sexual relations with family.
The Associated Press isn't naming the 51-year-old officer because he hasn't been formally charged.
He's in custody at the Sangamon County Jail on $250,000 bond.
Springfield police say the officer was arrested Sunday evening on charges of predatory criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse and sexual relations with family.
No other details have been released about the alleged victim or the victim's relationship to the officer.
Springfield police say the officer has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of criminal and internal affairs investigations.
The Associated Press isn't naming the 51-year-old officer because he hasn't been formally charged.
He's in custody at the Sangamon County Jail on $250,000 bond.
Springfield police say the officer was arrested Sunday evening on charges of predatory criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse and sexual relations with family.
No other details have been released about the alleged victim or the victim's relationship to the officer.
Springfield police say the officer has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of criminal and internal affairs investigations.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Brian Cardall Dies After Being Tasered
Brian Cardall, an expectant father for the second time, was tasered by police after wandering along a Utah highway. He was a recently diagnosed bipolar patient who didn’t exhibit many symptoms of his disorder. But that night he was in a fairly confused state on the way back from a wedding party. His pregnant wife, Anna, said that Cardall had been under high stress due to his pursuit of a Doctora degree after winning a competitive scholarship at Northern Arizona University. The couple had pulled off the highway so that he could take medications. While in a confused state, Cardall decided to leave the car, remove his clothes and began walking in the middle of the highway. He was screaming unintelligible words. Anna called 911 to get help in getting him off of the highway.
When police responded, they apparently saw Cardall as a threat at one point in the confrontation. According to analysis of the 911 tapes and statements made by the officer at the scene, Cardall refused 42 seconds-worth of verbal commands to lay down on the ground. That is when the officer decided to use the taser. His account says that even after he went down, Cardall still came at the officer. He tasered him again. Although emergency medical technicians immediately came to the aide of Cardall, he subsequently died from the electrical shocks.
While there is little doubt that Cardall did not obey the officer’s commands and may have posed a threat to motorists and others while in his confused state, this could speak volumes as to the need for more training for officers dealing with suspects that have mental health issues. The officer at the scene was put in a very difficult situation. Perhaps, with the Salt Lake City’s crisis intervention training that is supposedly one of the best in the country, the officer could have recognized Cardall’s symptoms. Cardall is heard pleading with the officer not to shoot him. Cardall could also be heard asking for his medicine, and Anna relayed to the 911 operator he had a mental illness. Could that information have changed the officer’s tactics? Instead of instigating further excitement to a man who was asking for help in his confused state, would the officer have been able to calmly talk him off of the road? For now, we will never know.
When police responded, they apparently saw Cardall as a threat at one point in the confrontation. According to analysis of the 911 tapes and statements made by the officer at the scene, Cardall refused 42 seconds-worth of verbal commands to lay down on the ground. That is when the officer decided to use the taser. His account says that even after he went down, Cardall still came at the officer. He tasered him again. Although emergency medical technicians immediately came to the aide of Cardall, he subsequently died from the electrical shocks.
While there is little doubt that Cardall did not obey the officer’s commands and may have posed a threat to motorists and others while in his confused state, this could speak volumes as to the need for more training for officers dealing with suspects that have mental health issues. The officer at the scene was put in a very difficult situation. Perhaps, with the Salt Lake City’s crisis intervention training that is supposedly one of the best in the country, the officer could have recognized Cardall’s symptoms. Cardall is heard pleading with the officer not to shoot him. Cardall could also be heard asking for his medicine, and Anna relayed to the 911 operator he had a mental illness. Could that information have changed the officer’s tactics? Instead of instigating further excitement to a man who was asking for help in his confused state, would the officer have been able to calmly talk him off of the road? For now, we will never know.
Officer Bryan Womble Arrested for DUI
A Virginia Beach police officer Bryan Womble is charged with driving under the influence after a crash at the Oceanfront early Saturday morning.
Police said 36-year-old Bryan Womble crashed his vehicle at the corner of 20th St. and Pacific Ave. around 2 am. Nobody was seriously injured, but Womble was charged with DUI.
Womble is a part of the Virginia Beach Selective Enforcement Team that focuses on catching drunk drivers. During an interview with 13News in May 2008, Womble explained why preventing drivers from drinking is difficult.
"It's not an easy task because a lot of them have that mentality that it can not happen, it will not happen to me," said Womble.
Womble arrested former NFL star Bruce Smith for DUI last month. Now the officer faces his own charge.
"It's still a terrible black eye for the Police Department and for police when something like this happens," said Reggie Wade. He's vacationing in Virginia Beach. "You lose faith in the Department and in the system."
"You would think someone would be smarter than that if that's his job," said Beach resident Shane Smith. Smith was convicted of DUI last year in Virginia Beach. said if Womble is found guilty, the officer should be punished.
"I think he should get the same charge as me. Suspend his license, and go through the program and do the inpatient rehab or outpatient rehab," Smith explained.
Womble was booked and released on $500 bond. He is on administrative duty until the investigation is complete.
Police said 36-year-old Bryan Womble crashed his vehicle at the corner of 20th St. and Pacific Ave. around 2 am. Nobody was seriously injured, but Womble was charged with DUI.
Womble is a part of the Virginia Beach Selective Enforcement Team that focuses on catching drunk drivers. During an interview with 13News in May 2008, Womble explained why preventing drivers from drinking is difficult.
"It's not an easy task because a lot of them have that mentality that it can not happen, it will not happen to me," said Womble.
Womble arrested former NFL star Bruce Smith for DUI last month. Now the officer faces his own charge.
"It's still a terrible black eye for the Police Department and for police when something like this happens," said Reggie Wade. He's vacationing in Virginia Beach. "You lose faith in the Department and in the system."
"You would think someone would be smarter than that if that's his job," said Beach resident Shane Smith. Smith was convicted of DUI last year in Virginia Beach. said if Womble is found guilty, the officer should be punished.
"I think he should get the same charge as me. Suspend his license, and go through the program and do the inpatient rehab or outpatient rehab," Smith explained.
Womble was booked and released on $500 bond. He is on administrative duty until the investigation is complete.
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Saturday, June 20, 2009
Lt. Jerald Fifer Charged with Domestic Violence
A Louisville Metro Police lieutenant was arrested Thursday night in Tampa in connection with a domestic violence-related incident.
Tampa Police said that the Florida Highway Patrol arrested Lt. Jerald Fifer on June 18 and charged him with false imprisonment, domestic violence and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Officials with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's office said Fifer is being held in the county jail, and no bond has been set.
Details of the incident were not immediately available.
Fifer, who works in the downtown LMPD headquarters, has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation by Louisville police, said Dwight Mitchell, a police spokesman. He would not comment further on the case.
A call to a lawyer listed on Fifer's arrest information in Tampa was not returned Friday.
Fifer was suspended for 29 days in 2003 after he was charged with drunken driving. He pleaded guilty to driving under the influence. His blood-alcohol level at the time of his arrest was 0.24 percent, three times the legal limit.
Fifer was off-duty at the time that he crashed his personal car into a minivan on April 2, 2003. He was sentenced to four days in jail and served three of them on home incarceration.
At the time of that suspension, Police Chief Robert White wrote in Fifer's suspension letter that he could have been fired for the drunken driving, but he mitigated the discipline because of "personal circumstances that clearly had you under a substantial amount of stress." White also acknowledged that Fifer was seeking help for alcohol use.
After an appeal to the Police Merit Board, Fifer's suspension was reduced to 25 days.
In February 2006, Fifer, who has been an officer since 1991, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. White said then that Fifer deserved to be promoted because he had served his punishment and proved to be a good supervisor.
Tampa Police said that the Florida Highway Patrol arrested Lt. Jerald Fifer on June 18 and charged him with false imprisonment, domestic violence and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Officials with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's office said Fifer is being held in the county jail, and no bond has been set.
Details of the incident were not immediately available.
Fifer, who works in the downtown LMPD headquarters, has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation by Louisville police, said Dwight Mitchell, a police spokesman. He would not comment further on the case.
A call to a lawyer listed on Fifer's arrest information in Tampa was not returned Friday.
Fifer was suspended for 29 days in 2003 after he was charged with drunken driving. He pleaded guilty to driving under the influence. His blood-alcohol level at the time of his arrest was 0.24 percent, three times the legal limit.
Fifer was off-duty at the time that he crashed his personal car into a minivan on April 2, 2003. He was sentenced to four days in jail and served three of them on home incarceration.
At the time of that suspension, Police Chief Robert White wrote in Fifer's suspension letter that he could have been fired for the drunken driving, but he mitigated the discipline because of "personal circumstances that clearly had you under a substantial amount of stress." White also acknowledged that Fifer was seeking help for alcohol use.
After an appeal to the Police Merit Board, Fifer's suspension was reduced to 25 days.
In February 2006, Fifer, who has been an officer since 1991, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. White said then that Fifer deserved to be promoted because he had served his punishment and proved to be a good supervisor.
Retired Officer Peter Meggett Accused of Stabbing Nephew
A retired police officer is accused of stabbing his nephew Thursday night during a domestic incident in downtown Charleston.
Harold N. Brown, 47, of Hanahan, told police that he was at his uncle's girlfriend's home on Ashley Avenue about 11 p.m., and there was an argument, a police report said.
It said Brown asked his uncle to leave, but the uncle went into the kitchen and returned with a knife.
Brown was stabbed in the right shoulder near the base of the neck, the report said. Both men required medical treatment, but their injuries were not life-threatening, police said.
Brown was out of the hospital Friday and said he was OK.
Peter James Meggett, 63, of Ladson, is charged with assault and battery with intent to kill.
On the report, his business address was listed as "retired police."
Brown said Meggett had been in the Marine Corps, during which time he served as a police officer at Charleston Naval Weapons Station in Goose Creek.
Meggett remained at the Charleston County Detention Center on Friday night. His bond is $20,000.
Harold N. Brown, 47, of Hanahan, told police that he was at his uncle's girlfriend's home on Ashley Avenue about 11 p.m., and there was an argument, a police report said.
It said Brown asked his uncle to leave, but the uncle went into the kitchen and returned with a knife.
Brown was stabbed in the right shoulder near the base of the neck, the report said. Both men required medical treatment, but their injuries were not life-threatening, police said.
Brown was out of the hospital Friday and said he was OK.
Peter James Meggett, 63, of Ladson, is charged with assault and battery with intent to kill.
On the report, his business address was listed as "retired police."
Brown said Meggett had been in the Marine Corps, during which time he served as a police officer at Charleston Naval Weapons Station in Goose Creek.
Meggett remained at the Charleston County Detention Center on Friday night. His bond is $20,000.
Officer Gary Schemper Arrested for Drunk Driving
A former Maui police officer, who was on administrative leave from the department when he was arrested last year for driving drunk, had his license suspended for 90 days and was ordered Thursday to pay $637 in fines and fees.
Gary R. Schemper, 26, was pulled over around 2:10 a.m. on Dec. 11, 2008, after a police officer saw him driving "at a high rate of speed" on Piilani Highway in Kihei, according to court records.
The officer said the vehicle sped up at the intersection of Lipoa Street and Piilani Highway in order to beat a red light.
Schemper was observed driving at no less than 78 miles per hour, with the officer having to drive up to 90 miles per hour to catch up with the car.
When stopped, police observed Schemper with red, watery eyes, slurred speech and having an "overwhelming odor of liquor" on his breath.
Schemper told the police officer that he had a few beers at the Tiki Lounge in Kihei and he was on his way home.
Schemper's blood-alcohol level was at 0.145 percent. The legal limit is 0.08.
When Schemper was arrested, the arresting officer learned from dispatchers that he was on administrative leave from the Maui Police Department pending an internal investigation, according to court records.
Maui Police administrative officials confirmed Thursday that Schemper is no longer with the department, but would not discuss other details of his employment.
Schemper pleaded guilty to the driving under the influence charge in April, said Deputy Prosecutor Marie Kosegarten outside of court. She said Schemper also admitted to speeding.
Wailuku District Court Judge Kelsey Kawano waived the requirement for Schemper to appear in court. Schemper no longer resides in Hawaii, attorneys said.
In court Thursday, Kawano said Schemper will have his license suspended "absolutely" for 30 days, but for the following 60 days he will be able to drive, if needed, to and from work and substance-abuse treatment.
Kawano also ordered Schemper to undergo a substance-abuse evaluation and a driver's-education course, both of which he already has completed.
Schemper previously was ordered to pay $202 in fines and fees for speeding, according to court records.
Kosegarten said these were Schemper's first offenses for drunken driving and speeding.
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http://www.kitv.com/news/19811346/detail.html
Gary R. Schemper, 26, was pulled over around 2:10 a.m. on Dec. 11, 2008, after a police officer saw him driving "at a high rate of speed" on Piilani Highway in Kihei, according to court records.
The officer said the vehicle sped up at the intersection of Lipoa Street and Piilani Highway in order to beat a red light.
Schemper was observed driving at no less than 78 miles per hour, with the officer having to drive up to 90 miles per hour to catch up with the car.
When stopped, police observed Schemper with red, watery eyes, slurred speech and having an "overwhelming odor of liquor" on his breath.
Schemper told the police officer that he had a few beers at the Tiki Lounge in Kihei and he was on his way home.
Schemper's blood-alcohol level was at 0.145 percent. The legal limit is 0.08.
When Schemper was arrested, the arresting officer learned from dispatchers that he was on administrative leave from the Maui Police Department pending an internal investigation, according to court records.
Maui Police administrative officials confirmed Thursday that Schemper is no longer with the department, but would not discuss other details of his employment.
Schemper pleaded guilty to the driving under the influence charge in April, said Deputy Prosecutor Marie Kosegarten outside of court. She said Schemper also admitted to speeding.
Wailuku District Court Judge Kelsey Kawano waived the requirement for Schemper to appear in court. Schemper no longer resides in Hawaii, attorneys said.
In court Thursday, Kawano said Schemper will have his license suspended "absolutely" for 30 days, but for the following 60 days he will be able to drive, if needed, to and from work and substance-abuse treatment.
Kawano also ordered Schemper to undergo a substance-abuse evaluation and a driver's-education course, both of which he already has completed.
Schemper previously was ordered to pay $202 in fines and fees for speeding, according to court records.
Kosegarten said these were Schemper's first offenses for drunken driving and speeding.
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http://www.kitv.com/news/19811346/detail.html
Officer Arnold Ford Arrested for Domestic Violence
A Baltimore City Police officer was arrested Saturday afternoon after police say he got into a physical argument with his wife, sending her to the hospital.
The officer, identified as 44-year-old Arnold Ford, was arrested at around 2 p.m. in the area of the 3800-block of Grantley Street in Northwest Baltimore.
The victim, who is not being named by police, is also a Baltimore City Police officer. She was taken to an area hospital for treatment of injuries to her hand.
Investigators are still trying to piece together what happened, says Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesperson for the police department. Right now it is unclear who started the argument and what it was about.
Ford has been with the department since March of 2007. He has been suspended pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
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http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/crime/bal-md.crimebriefs211jun21,0,5851394.story
The officer, identified as 44-year-old Arnold Ford, was arrested at around 2 p.m. in the area of the 3800-block of Grantley Street in Northwest Baltimore.
The victim, who is not being named by police, is also a Baltimore City Police officer. She was taken to an area hospital for treatment of injuries to her hand.
Investigators are still trying to piece together what happened, says Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesperson for the police department. Right now it is unclear who started the argument and what it was about.
Ford has been with the department since March of 2007. He has been suspended pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
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http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/crime/bal-md.crimebriefs211jun21,0,5851394.story
Officer Trent Stanley Arrested for DUI
An off-duty Topeka Police Officer was arrested Thursday for suspicion of DUI after crashing into two parked vehicles.
23-year-old Trent Stanley was booked early Thursday morning at the Shawnee County Jail.
According to the Topeka Capital Journal, he reportedly hit the two cars and a tree, then asked witnesses not to call the police.
Police Chief Ron Miller tells the paper he expects a report to be ready at the beginning of the week. He said an administrative investigation would begin after the criminal system renders its decision.
23-year-old Trent Stanley was booked early Thursday morning at the Shawnee County Jail.
According to the Topeka Capital Journal, he reportedly hit the two cars and a tree, then asked witnesses not to call the police.
Police Chief Ron Miller tells the paper he expects a report to be ready at the beginning of the week. He said an administrative investigation would begin after the criminal system renders its decision.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Trooper John Fogg Arrested for Drunk Driving
A North Carolina state trooper is in trouble with the law after he was charged with driving while intoxicated.
The Durham (NC) Police Department contacted the North Carolina Highway patrol and advised that 40-year old John Fogg had been charged with dwi. According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, Fogg was allegedly off-duty and in his personnel vehicle when he became involved in a collision with another vehicle on the Durham Freeway.
Authorties say a blood-alcohol level performed on Fogg showed his level was .17, twice the legal limit. Fogg, who is assigned to Wilson County and has been a trooper since 2007, has been relieved of his duties pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
The Durham (NC) Police Department contacted the North Carolina Highway patrol and advised that 40-year old John Fogg had been charged with dwi. According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, Fogg was allegedly off-duty and in his personnel vehicle when he became involved in a collision with another vehicle on the Durham Freeway.
Authorties say a blood-alcohol level performed on Fogg showed his level was .17, twice the legal limit. Fogg, who is assigned to Wilson County and has been a trooper since 2007, has been relieved of his duties pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
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Three Officers Resign After Tasering Incident
Danny Wilson, a Waffle House employee, alleges that Officer Gary Miles Jr. came into the restaurant while on duty and stunned him with a Taser without provocation. Wilson said Miles was a regular at the restaurant and had taunted and intimidated him in the past.
Miles, who resigned from the Police Department this week after six years on the force, later surrendered to investigators. Gwinnett police said an internal investigation revealed Miles used a Taser on Wilson without provocation.
Two additional officers were identified as being present during the Taser incident. Sergeants Joey T. Parkerson, 39, and 41-year-old Christopher T. Parry both resigned following an administrative investigation. Parkerson was a 13-year veteran of the force and Parry was a 14-year veteran.
Parkerson can be seen in the surveillance video, although he did not shoot Wilson with the Taser.
The incident happened Feb. 16 at the Waffle House in the 2700 block of Loganville Highway, police said. The department launched an investigation after its internal affairs unit received information about possible criminal conduct.
Mike Puglise, an attorney representing Wilson, said it took him until the end of May to get surveillance video from the Waffle House and later filed a notice of intent to sue.
Authorities said the investigation revealed enough probable cause to arrest Miles.
"We are disappointed by the incident and this is not a reflection of our training," said a representative for the Gwinnett Police Department.
Miles has been charged with one count of battery and one count of violation of oath of office. He was booked at the Gwinnett County Detention Center and later released on $8,100 bond.
Miles, who resigned from the Police Department this week after six years on the force, later surrendered to investigators. Gwinnett police said an internal investigation revealed Miles used a Taser on Wilson without provocation.
Two additional officers were identified as being present during the Taser incident. Sergeants Joey T. Parkerson, 39, and 41-year-old Christopher T. Parry both resigned following an administrative investigation. Parkerson was a 13-year veteran of the force and Parry was a 14-year veteran.
Parkerson can be seen in the surveillance video, although he did not shoot Wilson with the Taser.
The incident happened Feb. 16 at the Waffle House in the 2700 block of Loganville Highway, police said. The department launched an investigation after its internal affairs unit received information about possible criminal conduct.
Mike Puglise, an attorney representing Wilson, said it took him until the end of May to get surveillance video from the Waffle House and later filed a notice of intent to sue.
Authorities said the investigation revealed enough probable cause to arrest Miles.
"We are disappointed by the incident and this is not a reflection of our training," said a representative for the Gwinnett Police Department.
Miles has been charged with one count of battery and one count of violation of oath of office. He was booked at the Gwinnett County Detention Center and later released on $8,100 bond.
Deputy Kelly Tillmon Arrested for Attacking Ex-Wife
A sheriff's deputy accused of attacking his estranged wife resigned this week.
Kelly Leanthony Tillmon, 44, was arrested on a warrant charging him with domestic violence on Wednesday.
Irene Tillmon said her husband and his girlfriend, Brenda Garza, attacked her during a confrontation in a shopping center parking lot June 12.
Irene Tillmon's wrist and ribs were fractured during the fight, and she got a black eye, she said.
Sheriff T. Michael O'Connor said he could not confirm her injuries because the investigation is ongoing.
"If she said that, I'd take it as a fact," he said.
Her husband and Garza were put on paid administrative leave after the wife reported the assault Friday, according to a news release from the Victoria County Sheriff's Office.
Kelly Tillmon was arrested on misdemeanor charges and released on a personal recognizance bond. Garza was not charged, but both resigned.
O'Connor said his office filed the charges against Tillmon and Garza with the District Attorney's Office. The Sheriff's Office suggested felony charges for Tillmon, O'Connor said.
"I don't feel I'm getting any justice here," Irene Tillmon said.
Irene Tillmon said she and her husband separated in April. He had not returned her calls recently, she said. When she saw him in the store parking lot she wanted to talk to him about bills, she said.
Garza started the fight, which was broken up by store employees, Irene Tillmon said. When she tried to talk to her husband again, he hit her, she said.
"I'm very disappointed about this because I regarded Deputy Tillmon as a good deputy," O'Connor said. "No one is above the law."
The former deputy did not answer his phone Friday.
Kelly Leanthony Tillmon, 44, was arrested on a warrant charging him with domestic violence on Wednesday.
Irene Tillmon said her husband and his girlfriend, Brenda Garza, attacked her during a confrontation in a shopping center parking lot June 12.
Irene Tillmon's wrist and ribs were fractured during the fight, and she got a black eye, she said.
Sheriff T. Michael O'Connor said he could not confirm her injuries because the investigation is ongoing.
"If she said that, I'd take it as a fact," he said.
Her husband and Garza were put on paid administrative leave after the wife reported the assault Friday, according to a news release from the Victoria County Sheriff's Office.
Kelly Tillmon was arrested on misdemeanor charges and released on a personal recognizance bond. Garza was not charged, but both resigned.
O'Connor said his office filed the charges against Tillmon and Garza with the District Attorney's Office. The Sheriff's Office suggested felony charges for Tillmon, O'Connor said.
"I don't feel I'm getting any justice here," Irene Tillmon said.
Irene Tillmon said she and her husband separated in April. He had not returned her calls recently, she said. When she saw him in the store parking lot she wanted to talk to him about bills, she said.
Garza started the fight, which was broken up by store employees, Irene Tillmon said. When she tried to talk to her husband again, he hit her, she said.
"I'm very disappointed about this because I regarded Deputy Tillmon as a good deputy," O'Connor said. "No one is above the law."
The former deputy did not answer his phone Friday.
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Former Officer Anthony Miller Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Porn
Former Hastings police officer Anthony Miller pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of child pornography at a court appearance Thursday in St. Croix County, Wis.
Miller had originally pleaded not guilty to one count of possession of child pornography, in addition to a charge of sexual exploitation of a child, but the exploitation charge was amended Thursday to a second count of possession. He is scheduled to appear for a sentencing hearing Aug. 17.
According to the criminal complaint filed last December, Miller admitted to agents from the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation that he downloaded, possessed and traded child pornography for approximately the previous two years, consisting of images of girls Miller estimated to be between the ages of nine and 15.
Former Hastings police officer Anthony Miller pleaded guilty Thursday June 18 to two counts of possession of child pornography.
The two charges are felonies and carry a combined maximum sentence of 50 years in prison and a $200,000 fine, in addition to a $500 court surcharge for each illegal image.
Miller, a New Richmond, Wis., resident, resigned from the Hastings Police Department in January after an 11-year career with the department.
According to Wisconsin Department of Justice officials, Miller admitted he used his personal laptop to view child pornography while on duty as a police officer. Miller said he obtained Internet access via unencrypted wireless signals from various locations throughout the Hastings area.
Miller had originally pleaded not guilty to one count of possession of child pornography, in addition to a charge of sexual exploitation of a child, but the exploitation charge was amended Thursday to a second count of possession. He is scheduled to appear for a sentencing hearing Aug. 17.
According to the criminal complaint filed last December, Miller admitted to agents from the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation that he downloaded, possessed and traded child pornography for approximately the previous two years, consisting of images of girls Miller estimated to be between the ages of nine and 15.
Former Hastings police officer Anthony Miller pleaded guilty Thursday June 18 to two counts of possession of child pornography.
The two charges are felonies and carry a combined maximum sentence of 50 years in prison and a $200,000 fine, in addition to a $500 court surcharge for each illegal image.
Miller, a New Richmond, Wis., resident, resigned from the Hastings Police Department in January after an 11-year career with the department.
According to Wisconsin Department of Justice officials, Miller admitted he used his personal laptop to view child pornography while on duty as a police officer. Miller said he obtained Internet access via unencrypted wireless signals from various locations throughout the Hastings area.
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Former Sheriff William Sanders & Son-in-law Arrested for Beating Man with Baseball Bat
Former Oglethorpe County Sheriff William "Ray" Sanders and his son-in-law face assault charges for allegedly beating another man with a baseball bat last month at Sanders' daughter's home in Comer.
Sanders, 71, and Steven Bryant Hill, 34, each were charged with aggravated assault after an investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Oglethorpe County Sheriff Mike Smith said.
The men surrendered to authorities at the county jail last week; Sanders was released on a $20,000 bond and Hill was released on a $40,000 bond, the sheriff said.
Smith would not discuss the case, explaining he once worked as a deputy under Ray Sanders - who did not run for re-election in 2000 after 16 years as Oglethorpe County's sheriff - and that he asked the GBI to investigate to remove any appearance of conflict of interest.
Jim Fullington, special agent in charge of the GBI's Athens office, only would say the investigation determined Hill had assaulted Justin Griffith of Lexington and that Ray Sanders was a "party to the crime."
Under state law, someone who urges or helps another to commit a crime can be charged with that crime.
According to a deputy's report, Griffith and his son were visiting with Ray Sanders' daughter, Dale, the night of May 15. Her husband and father showed up, and Ray Sanders pointed at Griffith and told Hill to "kill that son of a bitch," according to Griffith's account to deputies.
Hill struck him in the head with a baseball bat, Griffith said, and Ray Sanders grabbed Griffith's son, pulled him to the door and pushed him down steps, according to the report.
Griffith's son helped his father to their truck and they drove away, according to the report.
Dale Sanders and Hill were separated at the time of the attack, she said, when Griffith - a childhood friend whose mother had just died - asked if he could come over to talk.
After Griffith arrived with his son, her father and husband came to check on her, and Hill "pitched a fit" when he saw another man was there, she said.
Hill pummeled Griffith with his fists, not a bat, she said.
"My husband did have a baseball bat in his hand, but when he came around in the kitchen and saw Justin and me, he flung the bat down and started beating on him," Dale Sanders said.
"It's a lie that my daddy said to 'kill that son of a bitch,' " she said. "My daddy's the one who pulled (Hill) off Justin to keep him from killing him."
The former sheriff also didn't push the victim's son down the stairs, Dale Sanders said.
"My daddy grabbed him by the arm and said, 'Come outside, you don't need to be in there' " while Hill beat Griffith, she said.
Griffith's son drove him to Athens Regional Medical Center, where doctors treated him for a concussion, a broken nose and other facial injuries, according to the deputy's report. Someone at the hospital reported the assault to authorities the next afternoon.
Dale Sanders sent a text message to Griffith while he was in the emergency room, apologizing for the attack, telling him he should press charges against her father and husband, and warning him to stay away from her so that he didn't get hurt, according to the police report.
She sent Griffith an apology, Dale Sanders said, but didn't encourage him to press charges.
"I texted him to ask if he was all right and that I was sorry about what happened, and told him not to come back," Dale Sanders said.
Sanders, 71, and Steven Bryant Hill, 34, each were charged with aggravated assault after an investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Oglethorpe County Sheriff Mike Smith said.
The men surrendered to authorities at the county jail last week; Sanders was released on a $20,000 bond and Hill was released on a $40,000 bond, the sheriff said.
Smith would not discuss the case, explaining he once worked as a deputy under Ray Sanders - who did not run for re-election in 2000 after 16 years as Oglethorpe County's sheriff - and that he asked the GBI to investigate to remove any appearance of conflict of interest.
Jim Fullington, special agent in charge of the GBI's Athens office, only would say the investigation determined Hill had assaulted Justin Griffith of Lexington and that Ray Sanders was a "party to the crime."
Under state law, someone who urges or helps another to commit a crime can be charged with that crime.
According to a deputy's report, Griffith and his son were visiting with Ray Sanders' daughter, Dale, the night of May 15. Her husband and father showed up, and Ray Sanders pointed at Griffith and told Hill to "kill that son of a bitch," according to Griffith's account to deputies.
Hill struck him in the head with a baseball bat, Griffith said, and Ray Sanders grabbed Griffith's son, pulled him to the door and pushed him down steps, according to the report.
Griffith's son helped his father to their truck and they drove away, according to the report.
Dale Sanders and Hill were separated at the time of the attack, she said, when Griffith - a childhood friend whose mother had just died - asked if he could come over to talk.
After Griffith arrived with his son, her father and husband came to check on her, and Hill "pitched a fit" when he saw another man was there, she said.
Hill pummeled Griffith with his fists, not a bat, she said.
"My husband did have a baseball bat in his hand, but when he came around in the kitchen and saw Justin and me, he flung the bat down and started beating on him," Dale Sanders said.
"It's a lie that my daddy said to 'kill that son of a bitch,' " she said. "My daddy's the one who pulled (Hill) off Justin to keep him from killing him."
The former sheriff also didn't push the victim's son down the stairs, Dale Sanders said.
"My daddy grabbed him by the arm and said, 'Come outside, you don't need to be in there' " while Hill beat Griffith, she said.
Griffith's son drove him to Athens Regional Medical Center, where doctors treated him for a concussion, a broken nose and other facial injuries, according to the deputy's report. Someone at the hospital reported the assault to authorities the next afternoon.
Dale Sanders sent a text message to Griffith while he was in the emergency room, apologizing for the attack, telling him he should press charges against her father and husband, and warning him to stay away from her so that he didn't get hurt, according to the police report.
She sent Griffith an apology, Dale Sanders said, but didn't encourage him to press charges.
"I texted him to ask if he was all right and that I was sorry about what happened, and told him not to come back," Dale Sanders said.
Judge Gerard Maney Arrested for Drunk Driving
Albany County Family Court Judge Gerard Maney is accused of using bad judgement.
Green Island Police say the 59-year-old judge was drinking and driving on Thursday night.
At about 8:30 p.m., police say Maney's car approached an Albany County Stop DWI Checkpoint on the Green Island Bridge.
"He did a U-turn on the bridge to avoid the checkpoint," says Green Island Police Chief Chris Parker.
Police say Maney didn't pull over until he got to Route 32 in Watervliet.
"Nobody was in danger but he did fail to comply with the lights and sirens for approximately a mile and a half," says Chief Parker. "He never stopped until Route 32."
Paul Tommasini tells us he saw the arrest from his house.
"Another two cars came and they were looking around and discussing what they were going to do to him," Tommasini tells us.
Police say officers smelled alcohol and Maney failed field sobriety tests.
Investigators say Maney had a blood-alcohol content of 0.07 - just shy of the 0.08 BAC that constitutes being legally drunk.
Maney is charged with DWAI - driving while ability impaired by alcohol.
The judge is also charged with making an illegal U-turn and failing to comply with a traffic stop.
According to the New York State Unified Court System web site, Maney has spent 18 years as a family court judge.
He recently served as a member of the City of Albany's Gun Violence Task Force.
He was back on the bench on Friday.
A court spokeswoman says there will be no changes to Judge Maney's judicial duties while the matter is pending.
Albany County Stop DWI Sergeant Lenny Crouch calls the allegations against Judge Maney sad, adding, "You see things like this and you say, 'Boy, you never saw that coming.'"
Neither Judge Maney nor his attorney had any comment on Friday.
Maney is due in Green Island Town Court on July 7th.
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Information & Video: http://wnyt.com/article/stories/S986875.shtml?cat=300
Green Island Police say the 59-year-old judge was drinking and driving on Thursday night.
At about 8:30 p.m., police say Maney's car approached an Albany County Stop DWI Checkpoint on the Green Island Bridge.
"He did a U-turn on the bridge to avoid the checkpoint," says Green Island Police Chief Chris Parker.
Police say Maney didn't pull over until he got to Route 32 in Watervliet.
"Nobody was in danger but he did fail to comply with the lights and sirens for approximately a mile and a half," says Chief Parker. "He never stopped until Route 32."
Paul Tommasini tells us he saw the arrest from his house.
"Another two cars came and they were looking around and discussing what they were going to do to him," Tommasini tells us.
Police say officers smelled alcohol and Maney failed field sobriety tests.
Investigators say Maney had a blood-alcohol content of 0.07 - just shy of the 0.08 BAC that constitutes being legally drunk.
Maney is charged with DWAI - driving while ability impaired by alcohol.
The judge is also charged with making an illegal U-turn and failing to comply with a traffic stop.
According to the New York State Unified Court System web site, Maney has spent 18 years as a family court judge.
He recently served as a member of the City of Albany's Gun Violence Task Force.
He was back on the bench on Friday.
A court spokeswoman says there will be no changes to Judge Maney's judicial duties while the matter is pending.
Albany County Stop DWI Sergeant Lenny Crouch calls the allegations against Judge Maney sad, adding, "You see things like this and you say, 'Boy, you never saw that coming.'"
Neither Judge Maney nor his attorney had any comment on Friday.
Maney is due in Green Island Town Court on July 7th.
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Information & Video: http://wnyt.com/article/stories/S986875.shtml?cat=300
Former Detective Rickie Durham on House Arrest for Obstruction of Justice
Suspended Philadelphia police detective Rickie Durham pleaded not guilty to obstruction-of-justice charges yesterday and was placed under house arrest during a brief hearing in U.S. District Court.
Judge David R. Strawbridge rejected a prosecution motion to deny Durham bail and instead set restrictions aimed at addressing the government's concern that Durham might try to influence witnesses in the case against him.
In a cramped fifth-floor courtroom packed with relatives and friends, including several off-duty police officers, Durham responded with a firm "not guilty" when the six charges were read to him.
The 12-year police veteran has been suspended with intent to dismiss, a procedure that will result in his firing within 30 days.
He has been charged with knowingly leaking information to a drug kingpin about a pending law enforcement raid and then lying to investigators about it.
His lawyer, Fortunato N. Perri Jr., told Strawbridge that Durham was a "dedicated police officer" and intended to fight the charges.
Pointing to the members of the department who had turned out for the hearing, Perri said, "Law enforcement has a different view than the government. . . . Law enforcement has not turned their back on Rickie Durham."
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Bresnick had argued that Durham should be denied bail and jailed pending trial.
In a detention motion and in arguments in open court, Bresnick contended that Durham had violated his oath as a police officer by tipping off Alton "Ace Capone" Coles about a series of raids Aug. 10, 2005.
Bresnick argued that Durham had "risked the lives of hundreds of his fellow officers, who unwittingly could have walked into a firestorm of bullets as a result of his obstructive conduct."
He contended that if left free, Durham would be "a serious risk of continuing to obstruct justice in the case that awaits him."
Strawbridge, however, ruled that Durham would be placed under house arrest with electronic monitoring at his home in the 1600 block of East Mount Pleasant Avenue; that the house, owned by Durham's wife, would be used as collateral for a $50,000 bail bond; that Durham would report to pretrial-services officials twice a week; and that he could not have any contact with any potential witness in the case.
The charges appear to be built around information provided by Jerome "Pooh" Richardson, a former Philadelphia high school and NBA basketball standout.
Durham and Richardson have been friends for years. Richardson's half-sister, Aysa, was Coles' live-in girlfriend in August 2005.
Durham was one of more than 200 law enforcement agents assigned to take part in predawn raids aimed at the Coles drug organization that Aug. 10.
A few hours before the raids went off, Durham called Pooh Richardson, who lives in California.
The indictment alleges that Durham made the call knowing that Richardson would in turn call his sister and tip her and Coles off about the raids.
Durham has said he made the call merely to gather information for the investigation. He has subsequently acknowledged that the call was "poor judgment," but has insisted he had no intention of leaking information.
What Durham said to Richardson during their phone call will be at the heart of the case. Richardson is cooperating with authorities.
The raids went off as planned.
Coles, who was charged with heading a multimillion-dollar cocaine operation, was eventually convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to life plus 55 years.
Judge David R. Strawbridge rejected a prosecution motion to deny Durham bail and instead set restrictions aimed at addressing the government's concern that Durham might try to influence witnesses in the case against him.
In a cramped fifth-floor courtroom packed with relatives and friends, including several off-duty police officers, Durham responded with a firm "not guilty" when the six charges were read to him.
The 12-year police veteran has been suspended with intent to dismiss, a procedure that will result in his firing within 30 days.
He has been charged with knowingly leaking information to a drug kingpin about a pending law enforcement raid and then lying to investigators about it.
His lawyer, Fortunato N. Perri Jr., told Strawbridge that Durham was a "dedicated police officer" and intended to fight the charges.
Pointing to the members of the department who had turned out for the hearing, Perri said, "Law enforcement has a different view than the government. . . . Law enforcement has not turned their back on Rickie Durham."
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Bresnick had argued that Durham should be denied bail and jailed pending trial.
In a detention motion and in arguments in open court, Bresnick contended that Durham had violated his oath as a police officer by tipping off Alton "Ace Capone" Coles about a series of raids Aug. 10, 2005.
Bresnick argued that Durham had "risked the lives of hundreds of his fellow officers, who unwittingly could have walked into a firestorm of bullets as a result of his obstructive conduct."
He contended that if left free, Durham would be "a serious risk of continuing to obstruct justice in the case that awaits him."
Strawbridge, however, ruled that Durham would be placed under house arrest with electronic monitoring at his home in the 1600 block of East Mount Pleasant Avenue; that the house, owned by Durham's wife, would be used as collateral for a $50,000 bail bond; that Durham would report to pretrial-services officials twice a week; and that he could not have any contact with any potential witness in the case.
The charges appear to be built around information provided by Jerome "Pooh" Richardson, a former Philadelphia high school and NBA basketball standout.
Durham and Richardson have been friends for years. Richardson's half-sister, Aysa, was Coles' live-in girlfriend in August 2005.
Durham was one of more than 200 law enforcement agents assigned to take part in predawn raids aimed at the Coles drug organization that Aug. 10.
A few hours before the raids went off, Durham called Pooh Richardson, who lives in California.
The indictment alleges that Durham made the call knowing that Richardson would in turn call his sister and tip her and Coles off about the raids.
Durham has said he made the call merely to gather information for the investigation. He has subsequently acknowledged that the call was "poor judgment," but has insisted he had no intention of leaking information.
What Durham said to Richardson during their phone call will be at the heart of the case. Richardson is cooperating with authorities.
The raids went off as planned.
Coles, who was charged with heading a multimillion-dollar cocaine operation, was eventually convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to life plus 55 years.
Correctional Sgt. Paul Edward Black Charged with Possession of Child Porn
A Century man who works as a sergeant at Century Correctional Facility has been arrested on federal child porn charges.
Paul Edward Black, 42, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of the possession of child pornography, according to United States Attorney Thomas F. Kirwin, Northern District of Florida.
Black is a sergeant at the Century Correctional Institution. He made his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Timothy today in federal court. A trial date has been set for August 3.
Black was arrested about noon Wednesday while he was at work at Century Correctional Institution. Florida Department of Corrections Spokesperson Gretl Plessinger said Black has been employed at CCI since March 22, 1991. She said he typically worked the day shift at the prison. He has not been fired, but the Department of Corrections is working toward his termination, Plessinger said. DOC officials will not allow Black to return to work at CCI unless the charges are dropped, she said.
Black was indicted by a federal grand jury on Tuesday, and a warrant was issued for his arrest through the Jacksonville Field Office of the FBI.
Black is accused of using online file sharing software to download images and videos of child pornography. If convicted, Black faces a term of up to ten years imprisonment and a lifetime term of supervised release, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
This investigation was initiated by the Computer Crime Unit of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and supported by the Pensacola Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other members of the North Florida Child Pornography Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.
Former Officer Robert Ryan Sayler Charged with Wire Fraud
A former Lawrence police officer, once honored as a hero, is being charged with 14 federal counts of felony wire fraud, accused of selling stolen video games on eBay while employed by the police force.
Robert Ryan Sayler, 32, is suspected of devising and executing a scheme in which he purchased video games from Target, removed the video game discs from their original packaging, returned the empty boxes to Target for a complete refund and then sold the discs online, according to an indictment handed up by a Kansas City, Kan., grand jury Wednesday.
The indictment accuses the former police officer of collecting about $526 through the sale of 14 stolen Playstation 3 and Xbox video games on the online auction site eBay, between Aug. 9, 2008, and Sept. 17, 2008. The sale prices ranged from $30 to $46.
Multiple copies of the games Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09, Soul Caliber IV and Battlefield Bad Company were sold as a part of the scheme, the indictment said.
Sayler worked more than eight years for the Lawrence Police Department, from Oct. 9, 2000, until Dec. 23, 2008. He was being paid a salary of $58,333 per year when his employment was terminated, the city said.
Servers located in the states of Washington, California, Texas and Arizona are used to process eBay transactions, the indictment said. The indictment said Sayler mailed the video games to purchasers.
Capt. Tarik Khatib, who oversees the Lawrence Police Department information technology division, said the department had no comment about the indictment.
Sayler was one of five police officers who received the Lawrence Police Medal of Valor, the department’s highest award, for his rescue efforts during the deadly Boardwalk Apartment Fire in October 2005.
A court date for Sayler has not been set.
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Informatin & Video: http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2009/jun/19/former-lawrence-police-officer-accused-selling-sto/
Robert Ryan Sayler, 32, is suspected of devising and executing a scheme in which he purchased video games from Target, removed the video game discs from their original packaging, returned the empty boxes to Target for a complete refund and then sold the discs online, according to an indictment handed up by a Kansas City, Kan., grand jury Wednesday.
The indictment accuses the former police officer of collecting about $526 through the sale of 14 stolen Playstation 3 and Xbox video games on the online auction site eBay, between Aug. 9, 2008, and Sept. 17, 2008. The sale prices ranged from $30 to $46.
Multiple copies of the games Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09, Soul Caliber IV and Battlefield Bad Company were sold as a part of the scheme, the indictment said.
Sayler worked more than eight years for the Lawrence Police Department, from Oct. 9, 2000, until Dec. 23, 2008. He was being paid a salary of $58,333 per year when his employment was terminated, the city said.
Servers located in the states of Washington, California, Texas and Arizona are used to process eBay transactions, the indictment said. The indictment said Sayler mailed the video games to purchasers.
Capt. Tarik Khatib, who oversees the Lawrence Police Department information technology division, said the department had no comment about the indictment.
Sayler was one of five police officers who received the Lawrence Police Medal of Valor, the department’s highest award, for his rescue efforts during the deadly Boardwalk Apartment Fire in October 2005.
A court date for Sayler has not been set.
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Informatin & Video: http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2009/jun/19/former-lawrence-police-officer-accused-selling-sto/
Former Officer Charles Harpster & Wife Arrested for Robbing Bank
A former Henrico County police officer who pleaded guilty in 2006 to stealing marijuana from the evidence room has been arrested and charged with holding up a bank in Bend, Ore., a television station there is reporting on its Web site.
Charles Harpster, 54, who was on the Henrico force for 30 years, was arrested with his wife, Tammi Truschke, Tuesday night after the robbery of the Bend Bank of Cascades, KTVZ reported.
Police arrested the couple at a tavern in nearby La Pine, where they had allegedly used the stolen money to win $700 at video poker while ordering beer and cheesesteaks, the station reported. Bail for the two was set at $500,000, KTVZ reported.
In Henrico in 2006, Harpster and his wife pleaded guilty to distributing less than an ounce of marijuana. Both received 12-month suspended sentences and were fined $100. They were originally charged with felony drug distribution, but the charge was reduced to a misdemeanor.
Harpster also agreed to surrender his law enforcement credential and not to serve as a police officer for at least 10 years, the prosecutor said. Harpster and his wife had spent about two weeks in jail before being released on bond.
Henrico Police Chief Henry W. Stanley Jr. said in 2006 that the drugs were stolen from the Henrico evidence room at about the same time that Harpster, a narcotics investigator, was making final his retirement plans.
Charles Harpster, 54, who was on the Henrico force for 30 years, was arrested with his wife, Tammi Truschke, Tuesday night after the robbery of the Bend Bank of Cascades, KTVZ reported.
Police arrested the couple at a tavern in nearby La Pine, where they had allegedly used the stolen money to win $700 at video poker while ordering beer and cheesesteaks, the station reported. Bail for the two was set at $500,000, KTVZ reported.
In Henrico in 2006, Harpster and his wife pleaded guilty to distributing less than an ounce of marijuana. Both received 12-month suspended sentences and were fined $100. They were originally charged with felony drug distribution, but the charge was reduced to a misdemeanor.
Harpster also agreed to surrender his law enforcement credential and not to serve as a police officer for at least 10 years, the prosecutor said. Harpster and his wife had spent about two weeks in jail before being released on bond.
Henrico Police Chief Henry W. Stanley Jr. said in 2006 that the drugs were stolen from the Henrico evidence room at about the same time that Harpster, a narcotics investigator, was making final his retirement plans.
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Information & Photo: http://kohd.com/page/131439
Officer Michael Barnett Arrest for Fraud
A Graham police officer was arrested June 12.
Officer Michael Kent Barnett, 48, a former Young County paramedic and reserve officer with the Young County Sheriff’s Office, was charged with four counts of fraud.
Police Chief Tony Widner said on June 5 he was notified of a possible criminal offense by an officer.
"I immediately contacted the DA’s office and turned the investigation over to DA investigator Jim Reeves," he said.
The allegation involved the forging of prescriptions. During the course of the investigation, Barnett cooperated fully with the department and the district attorney’s office, said Widner.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained from Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Jim Ross, Barnett used a forged prescription to receive Lorcet, a prescription painkiller containing hydrocodone from Jordan’s Pharmacy on May 26.
The affidavit says the prescriptions were signed by Dr. Pete Barrera. When shown the prescriptions, Barrera denied writing them or authorizing anyone to write them for him.
District Attorney Brenda Gray said when public officials are accused of wrongdoing, it is normal and appropriate to ask an outside agency to investigate.
"There are some times an agency, even to avoid the appearance of impropriety, they will ask the DA to investigate," Gray said. "In this case, Chief Widner contacted our office immediately. We determined because of the nature of the allegations, we needed to start an investigation immediately."
Gray and Reeves said often the Texas Rangers are asked to investigate crimes involving law enforcement officials. Reeves said the only drawback with using the Rangers is the protocol to get an investigation started can take several days.
"We didn’t want to wait to get the Rangers," Gray said.
On June 12, Barnett was terminated from employment with the Graham Police Department, arrested and booked into the Young County Jail. Barnett was charged with four counts of fraud and had bonds set at $25,000 on each charge. As of Thursday, he had bonded out of jail.
Widner said the situation is disappointing at best.
"It’s sad when this happens to anybody, even more when the public trust is placed in a police officer, and that is why this department has a zero tolerance policy," he said. "Whenever we are notified of and have reason to believe that a criminal offense has been committed by an officer, it is our policy to turn that investigation over to an outside agency. We don’t show favoritism ... It’s cost him his career and he’s looking at criminal charges."
Reeves complimented Widner on the way he handled the case, saying he knows from firsthand experience how difficult it can be when allegations are made against employees.
"Chief Widner displayed exemplary leadership and integrity because he contacted our office as soon as he was aware of the complaint," Reeves said. "He immediately initiated an investigation through me."
While it is always disappointing, Reeves said sometimes even law enforcement officials make mistakes. As the longtime Stephens County sheriff, Reeves said he has learned to let outside agencies decide whether a crime was committed.
"Anytime you have employees, you’re going to have problems," Reeves said. "You always ask an outside agency to investigate to avoid the appearance of impropriety or favoritism."
Officer Michael Kent Barnett, 48, a former Young County paramedic and reserve officer with the Young County Sheriff’s Office, was charged with four counts of fraud.
Police Chief Tony Widner said on June 5 he was notified of a possible criminal offense by an officer.
"I immediately contacted the DA’s office and turned the investigation over to DA investigator Jim Reeves," he said.
The allegation involved the forging of prescriptions. During the course of the investigation, Barnett cooperated fully with the department and the district attorney’s office, said Widner.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained from Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Jim Ross, Barnett used a forged prescription to receive Lorcet, a prescription painkiller containing hydrocodone from Jordan’s Pharmacy on May 26.
The affidavit says the prescriptions were signed by Dr. Pete Barrera. When shown the prescriptions, Barrera denied writing them or authorizing anyone to write them for him.
District Attorney Brenda Gray said when public officials are accused of wrongdoing, it is normal and appropriate to ask an outside agency to investigate.
"There are some times an agency, even to avoid the appearance of impropriety, they will ask the DA to investigate," Gray said. "In this case, Chief Widner contacted our office immediately. We determined because of the nature of the allegations, we needed to start an investigation immediately."
Gray and Reeves said often the Texas Rangers are asked to investigate crimes involving law enforcement officials. Reeves said the only drawback with using the Rangers is the protocol to get an investigation started can take several days.
"We didn’t want to wait to get the Rangers," Gray said.
On June 12, Barnett was terminated from employment with the Graham Police Department, arrested and booked into the Young County Jail. Barnett was charged with four counts of fraud and had bonds set at $25,000 on each charge. As of Thursday, he had bonded out of jail.
Widner said the situation is disappointing at best.
"It’s sad when this happens to anybody, even more when the public trust is placed in a police officer, and that is why this department has a zero tolerance policy," he said. "Whenever we are notified of and have reason to believe that a criminal offense has been committed by an officer, it is our policy to turn that investigation over to an outside agency. We don’t show favoritism ... It’s cost him his career and he’s looking at criminal charges."
Reeves complimented Widner on the way he handled the case, saying he knows from firsthand experience how difficult it can be when allegations are made against employees.
"Chief Widner displayed exemplary leadership and integrity because he contacted our office as soon as he was aware of the complaint," Reeves said. "He immediately initiated an investigation through me."
While it is always disappointing, Reeves said sometimes even law enforcement officials make mistakes. As the longtime Stephens County sheriff, Reeves said he has learned to let outside agencies decide whether a crime was committed.
"Anytime you have employees, you’re going to have problems," Reeves said. "You always ask an outside agency to investigate to avoid the appearance of impropriety or favoritism."
Judge Woody Ray Densen Accused of Keying Car
A Harris County grand jury on Thursday indicted a state district judge on a criminal mischief charge after his neighbor gave prosecutors a videotape that he says proves the judge keyed his car.
Woody Ray Densen, 69, could face 180 days to two years in a state jail and a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted. He could also be disciplined by the state Commission on Judicial Conduct.
Adam Kliebert, a 40-year-old home builder, set up a surveillance camera in his Rice Village-area driveway that recorded a man he identified as Densen walking behind his 2006 Range Rover and appearing to pause and tamper with it on May 23. Kliebert has said he was frustrated that someone kept damaging his SUV, leaving him with repair bills for $3,000.
Passed lie-detector test
Densen, who has long served as a visiting judge in Harris County and other counties surrounding Houston, did not return a call seeking comment Thursday. But his attorney, Robert Pelton, insisted the judge is innocent and said they were disappointed by the indictment.
Pelton does not deny Densen is the man seen on the video, but said he did nothing wrong. The judge also passed a polygraph exam during which he denied damaging Kliebert’s car, Pelton said.
“There is no actual proof that he did anything to this man’s car because he didn’t do anything to the man’s car,” Pelton said. “This is a case of a neighborhood dispute. We had an investigator showing the damages could not have been the amount” claimed by Kliebert.
Kliebert had a different reaction to the decision. “I’m happy that the grand jury indicted him,” he said.
Kliebert set up the motion-activated cameras inside his Rice Village area townhouse to film all activities on his driveway because he kept finding scratches and damages to his Range Rover and his ex-girlfriend’s Mercedes-Benz.
Kliebert turned the video over to Houston police.
Although the actions by the man on the video are partially obscured on the surveillance footage, his arm can be seen making contact with the car, sometimes gliding or moving in a jerking motion along the rear door.
Sidewalk blocked by SUV
In a secretly videotaped conversation, Densen told Kliebert he didn’t know who damaged the vehicle, but suggested the vandalism might have occurred because the SUV was partially blocking the sidewalk.
Densen presided over criminal cases as judge of the 248th State District Court in Harris County from 1983 until he was defeated in a bid for re-election in 1994.
After that, he served as a visiting judge for many years, but stopped accepting courtroom assignments in 2007 when the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association filed a complaint against him with the state Commission on Judicial Conduct. The state commission dismissed that complaint without taking any action.
Now that he has been indicted, Densen will likely be suspended from serving as a visiting judge in any courtroom.
Densen was making arrangements to surrender on a non-arrest bond late Thursday or today, Pelton said.
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Information: http://esqblog.me/2009/06/18/judge-arrested-after-keying-neighbor%E2%80%99s-car-on-security-video/
Woody Ray Densen, 69, could face 180 days to two years in a state jail and a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted. He could also be disciplined by the state Commission on Judicial Conduct.
Adam Kliebert, a 40-year-old home builder, set up a surveillance camera in his Rice Village-area driveway that recorded a man he identified as Densen walking behind his 2006 Range Rover and appearing to pause and tamper with it on May 23. Kliebert has said he was frustrated that someone kept damaging his SUV, leaving him with repair bills for $3,000.
Passed lie-detector test
Densen, who has long served as a visiting judge in Harris County and other counties surrounding Houston, did not return a call seeking comment Thursday. But his attorney, Robert Pelton, insisted the judge is innocent and said they were disappointed by the indictment.
Pelton does not deny Densen is the man seen on the video, but said he did nothing wrong. The judge also passed a polygraph exam during which he denied damaging Kliebert’s car, Pelton said.
“There is no actual proof that he did anything to this man’s car because he didn’t do anything to the man’s car,” Pelton said. “This is a case of a neighborhood dispute. We had an investigator showing the damages could not have been the amount” claimed by Kliebert.
Kliebert had a different reaction to the decision. “I’m happy that the grand jury indicted him,” he said.
Kliebert set up the motion-activated cameras inside his Rice Village area townhouse to film all activities on his driveway because he kept finding scratches and damages to his Range Rover and his ex-girlfriend’s Mercedes-Benz.
Kliebert turned the video over to Houston police.
Although the actions by the man on the video are partially obscured on the surveillance footage, his arm can be seen making contact with the car, sometimes gliding or moving in a jerking motion along the rear door.
Sidewalk blocked by SUV
In a secretly videotaped conversation, Densen told Kliebert he didn’t know who damaged the vehicle, but suggested the vandalism might have occurred because the SUV was partially blocking the sidewalk.
Densen presided over criminal cases as judge of the 248th State District Court in Harris County from 1983 until he was defeated in a bid for re-election in 1994.
After that, he served as a visiting judge for many years, but stopped accepting courtroom assignments in 2007 when the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association filed a complaint against him with the state Commission on Judicial Conduct. The state commission dismissed that complaint without taking any action.
Now that he has been indicted, Densen will likely be suspended from serving as a visiting judge in any courtroom.
Densen was making arrangements to surrender on a non-arrest bond late Thursday or today, Pelton said.
____________________
Information: http://esqblog.me/2009/06/18/judge-arrested-after-keying-neighbor%E2%80%99s-car-on-security-video/
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