Federal agents arrested two Hockley County Sheriff's Deputies in a drug raid Friday.
They charged 28 defendents, including the deputies, in a 110-count federal indictment for trafficking methanphetamines since 2003 in West Texas, California, and Arizona.
"What in the world is going on? There was a loud boom," said Deedria Ellis who lives across the street from a house federal agents searched Friday. The boom was a flash bomb used when the agents forced their way into the Levelland house, belonging to Bobby Froman. It was the culmination of a multi-agency investigation lasting several months.
Friday, federal, state and local law enforcement arrested 23 of the 28 defendants involved in methanmphtamines trafficking. Froman's house stands across the street from a day care as well as Ellis' home where she lives with a 6-year-old son. Ellis said, "I was expecting something like this to happen. I knew it was going on."
During the investigation Friday morning, ATF called Hockley County Sheriff's Department's Chief Deputy Gordon Bohannon to help with the raid, but when he got there they arrested him instead and searched his car.
Ellis said the officer's involvement didn't surprise her either. "I knew Bohannon was crooked from the day I met him," she said.
It did surprise the Hockley County Sheriff, David Kinney, that two of his officers were involved. "I got a call this morning from an FBI agent about 7:30 a.m., and he advised me that he had my chief deputy in custody," said Kinney.
Chief Deputy Bohannon and narcotics officer Jesse Quintanilla were among those arrested. Kinney knew the two officers were involved with Froman, but thought their relationship was professional because they used Froman as an informant.
Kinney says the FBI contacted him about these two officers involvement with Froman about a month ago, but told him there was nothing for him to worry about. He does not know of any other officers involved in the drug trafficking. "If my guys are guilty of this, then they need to be under the jailhouse because they know better," said Kinney.
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Video:
Two Hockley County Sheriff's Deputies arrested in large, federal drug raid
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Officer Eddie Smith Jr Waives Right to Hearing for Attempted Bank Robbery
A Fort Washington police officer who allegedly tried to burglarize a Temple Hills bank June 10 waived his right Thursday to a preliminary hearing in his upcoming trial.
After being arrested by his coworkers in police District 4, Eddie Smith Jr., 41, was suspended without pay.
His attorney, John McKenna of Upper Marlboro, did not immediately return calls for comment.
Ramon Korionoff, a spokesman for the Prince George's County's state's attorney's office, said the office and the defense are working together to come up with a possible plea bargain.
Smith's next court date had not yet been determined, he said.
A 16-year veteran of the force, Smith was not on duty at the time of the incident but was carrying his department-issued handgun and was wearing his uniform.
Smith remained outside the SunTrust Bank at 4625 Old Branch Ave. during the attempted burglary while codefendant Earl Blake Sr., 52, of Capitol Heights tried to break into the bank's vault, police said.
The two men were found with burglars' tools, such as crowbars, an electrical cord, a cut-off saw and saw blades after fleeing from the scene.
Police picked up Blake on a nearby road and later picked up Smith after identifying him as a suspect.
Smith was charged with burglary, malicious destruction of property, for the damage to the vault, and with using a handgun in the commission of a felony. He was also charged with possessing and permitting the use of burglars' tools with intent to use in the commission of a burglary.
The criminal investigation has been turned over to the FBI. Richard Wolf, a spokesman for the bureau's Baltimore field office, said Friday the investigation is ongoing. After the criminal investigation and prosecution are completed, county police will begin an internal investigation.
Smith's next court date had not been determined, Korionoff said Thursday.
Blake was charged with burglary, malicious destruction of property and possessing burglars' tools with intent to use in the commission of a burglary.
Blake is being represented by public defenders Dent Lynch and Anne Gold-Rand.
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Previous Story: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2009/06/cpl-eddie-smith-jr-charged-with-trying.html
After being arrested by his coworkers in police District 4, Eddie Smith Jr., 41, was suspended without pay.
His attorney, John McKenna of Upper Marlboro, did not immediately return calls for comment.
Ramon Korionoff, a spokesman for the Prince George's County's state's attorney's office, said the office and the defense are working together to come up with a possible plea bargain.
Smith's next court date had not yet been determined, he said.
A 16-year veteran of the force, Smith was not on duty at the time of the incident but was carrying his department-issued handgun and was wearing his uniform.
Smith remained outside the SunTrust Bank at 4625 Old Branch Ave. during the attempted burglary while codefendant Earl Blake Sr., 52, of Capitol Heights tried to break into the bank's vault, police said.
The two men were found with burglars' tools, such as crowbars, an electrical cord, a cut-off saw and saw blades after fleeing from the scene.
Police picked up Blake on a nearby road and later picked up Smith after identifying him as a suspect.
Smith was charged with burglary, malicious destruction of property, for the damage to the vault, and with using a handgun in the commission of a felony. He was also charged with possessing and permitting the use of burglars' tools with intent to use in the commission of a burglary.
The criminal investigation has been turned over to the FBI. Richard Wolf, a spokesman for the bureau's Baltimore field office, said Friday the investigation is ongoing. After the criminal investigation and prosecution are completed, county police will begin an internal investigation.
Smith's next court date had not been determined, Korionoff said Thursday.
Blake was charged with burglary, malicious destruction of property and possessing burglars' tools with intent to use in the commission of a burglary.
Blake is being represented by public defenders Dent Lynch and Anne Gold-Rand.
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Previous Story: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2009/06/cpl-eddie-smith-jr-charged-with-trying.html
Trial Date Set for Officer Kachina McAlexander Accused of Shooting at Deputies
A trial date has been set for a Denver police officer accused of shooting at Custer County deputies and a South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper.
A trail for 31-year-old Kachina McAlexander, who faces three counts of aggravated assault, has been set for Oct. 6-8.
McAlexander was arrested March 24 at a Super 8 Motel after law enforcement officers were called to her room. That's when McAlexander allegedly shot at the deputies and trooper.
McAlexander, who is out on bond, has pleaded not guilty.
Last month, a judge dropped attempted murder charges against McAlexander, of Aurora, Colo.
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http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail6371.cfm?Id=87112
A trail for 31-year-old Kachina McAlexander, who faces three counts of aggravated assault, has been set for Oct. 6-8.
McAlexander was arrested March 24 at a Super 8 Motel after law enforcement officers were called to her room. That's when McAlexander allegedly shot at the deputies and trooper.
McAlexander, who is out on bond, has pleaded not guilty.
Last month, a judge dropped attempted murder charges against McAlexander, of Aurora, Colo.
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http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail6371.cfm?Id=87112
Friday, July 10, 2009
Trooper Whitney Elizabeth Small Pleads Guilty to DUI
Kentucky State Police Trooper Whitney Elizabeth Small pleaded guilty to DUI Monday and remains on administrative leave from her position at Post 8 in Morehead while an internal investigation is conducted.
Small, 27, was arrested June 19, just after midnight, following a non-injury accident at the intersection of KY 32 and US 60, where she allegedly drove her vehicle into the opposite lane, striking another car, said Morehead Police Chief Mike Adams.
The driver of the other car, 19-year-old Alyssa Dulen of West Liberty, was not injured in the crash. Also in the vehicle with Dulen were four passengers who escaped injury, as well.
“Officer Phillip Blackburn responded to the accident and was able to determine that Small was allegedly DUI,” Adams commented following the arrest. “Apparently, Small was turning onto KY 32 at Rodburn Elementary when she turned too wide and went into the other lane.”
Small appeared in Rowan District Court Monday where she entered a guilty plea before Judge Don Blair. This was her first offense. Small’s driver’s license was revoked for 45 days and she was fined $200. Blair also ordered Small to attend the ADE (Alcohol and Drug Education) Program.
Small, of Georgetown, was among 62 troopers to graduate Feb.25, 2008 from the Kentucky State Police Academy.
Small, 27, was arrested June 19, just after midnight, following a non-injury accident at the intersection of KY 32 and US 60, where she allegedly drove her vehicle into the opposite lane, striking another car, said Morehead Police Chief Mike Adams.
The driver of the other car, 19-year-old Alyssa Dulen of West Liberty, was not injured in the crash. Also in the vehicle with Dulen were four passengers who escaped injury, as well.
“Officer Phillip Blackburn responded to the accident and was able to determine that Small was allegedly DUI,” Adams commented following the arrest. “Apparently, Small was turning onto KY 32 at Rodburn Elementary when she turned too wide and went into the other lane.”
Small appeared in Rowan District Court Monday where she entered a guilty plea before Judge Don Blair. This was her first offense. Small’s driver’s license was revoked for 45 days and she was fined $200. Blair also ordered Small to attend the ADE (Alcohol and Drug Education) Program.
Small, of Georgetown, was among 62 troopers to graduate Feb.25, 2008 from the Kentucky State Police Academy.
Trooper Eric Schonfarber Arrested for Assaulting Judge
A state trooper was booked today for allegedly roughing up a Red River Parish district judge during a traffic stop June 29 in the courthouse parking lot.
Trooper Eric Schonfarber, a 14-year state police veteran, was arrested this morning after turning himself into Red River Parish sheriff’s authorities on three warrants signed late Thursday afternoon by a New Orleans district judge. The warrants charge Schonfarber with aggravated assault, simple battery and false imprisonment.
Schonfarber was working this morning when he was called to the Troop G headquarters in Bossier City. An internal investigation had been ongoing since the incident involving District Judge Lewis Sams took place.
“We don’t know precisely what happened after our trooper stopped the judge for not wearing a seat belt, but we’re going to find out. As soon as we learned that a confrontation between the trooper and the judge had occurred, we began an internal administrative inquiry. We hope to wrap that investigation soon and will share our findings. If those findings deem further action on our part, we’ll do what is necessary and appropriate,” state police Col. Mike Edmonson said in a news release.
Schonfarber initiated the traffic stop after spotting Sams without his seat belt on. Sams had just left the courthouse and was making a quick return trip when Schonfarber pulled into the courthouse parking lot behind him.
Schonfarber asked for Sams’ identification and he complied. The trooper informed him of the violation and Sams admitted he was not wearing a seat belt. Sams told the trooper to write the ticket.
During the discussion, Sams identified himself as a district judge and Schonfarber asked to see a badge that was in Sams’ wallet. Sams refused, saying he wasn’t going to use his position to get out of a ticket.
That’s when the confrontation allegedly became physical. Schonfarber pulled out his Taser and threatened the judge, and also threw him onto the hood of his patrol car. A Red River Parish constable and occupants of the courthouse witnessed the events.
Schonfarber released the judge and issued the seat belt violation.
While all personally assigned state police vehicles are equipped with in-car video recording systems, Schonfarber was using a pool unit while his vehicle was out of service. Pool vehicles do not have the recording equipment, so there is no video of the incident, Edmonson said in the news release.
“We know that nothing is more important than public confidence in this agency, and I intend to maintain that confidence. Neither our troopers nor those they come in contact with are above the law,” Edmonson said.
Deputy Michael Nix Arrested for Molesting 3-year-old
GAINESVILLE
A 20-year veteran with the Hall County Sheriff's Office has been arrested for molesting a 3-year-old girl.
Hall County Sheriff's Col. Jeff Strickland said 42-year-old Michael D. Nix was arrested Thursday afternoon following an investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
"The preliminary investigation revealed an allegation of aggravated child molestation involving a 3-year-old female that Nix's wife had been babysitting in their Clermont home," said Strickland.
He said Nix was put on administrative leave Monday when the allegations surfaced and was then terminated following his arrest.
Strickland said Nix served as an investigator in the internal affairs unit.
"It is unfortunate to have a veteran officer arrested on such serious charges, we take this very serious, therefore as a result of today's arrest the officer has been terminated and jailed," he said.
Nix is being held in the Hall County Jail without bond.
Officers Donald Clark & Nicky Bryant Accused of Giving Teens Liquor Then Enticed them to do Striptease
The two Knoxville Police Department officers who resigned this week are the same ones under a criminal investigation, the lawyer for one officer said this afternoon.
Gregory P. Isaacs, one of East Tennessee’s best-known defense lawyers, said he represents Donald Scott Clark, who turned in his resignation Tuesday along with former officer Nicky R. Bryant.
“Our firm has been retained to represent Scott Clark regarding his former employment with KPD,” Isaacs said. “Our firm has notified Knox County District Attorney General Randy Nichols and Police Chief Sterling Owen this afternoon.
“We are in the process of conducting our own parallel investigation and would strongly caution anyone against jumping to conclusions as it relates to unsubstantiated allegations involving Mr. Clark.”
The officers, suspended last week, resigned Tuesday after being faced with the accusation that they plied two teenage girls with liquor and enticed them to perform a striptease, according to sources.
KPD spokesman Darrell DeBusk has refused to identify the two officers under investigation. He said the KPD has launched criminal and internal probes into the alleged misconduct of two officers.
Isaacs wouldn’t discuss the accusations against his client but asked the public and authorities to keep an open mind.
“We’re confident at the end of the day that there will be favorable information that comes forward as relates to Scott Clark,” Isaacs said. “We want to ensure my client is treated as an individual as this process goes forward and is not painted with a broad brush regarding any other individual’s culpability.”
Bryant, the other officer, hasn’t responded to attempts to contact him.
Both officers had been suspended with pay July 3, records show.
“When they were placed on administrative leave, their police powers were suspended at that time,” DeBusk.
Sources with knowledge of the probes said the officers provided liquor to two girls, ages 13 and 14, at the residence of one of the officers.
After providing the alcohol, the officers are accused of enticing the girls to perform a striptease for them. The allegations include that the naked girls then danced for the men.
DeBusk has refused to disclose the nature of the allegations against the officers. He noted the state Department of Children’s Services was involved in investigating the allegations, but he declined to say the DCS probe indicated juveniles were involved.
DCS spokesman Rob Johnson said his agency joined the case only to assist.
“Our role is to help children who are abused or neglected,” he said.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office also is investigating the officers, according to Martha Dooley, spokeswoman for the Sheriff’s Office.
“We’re investigating, and that’s all I can say,” Dooley said Thursday.
Clark has been with the Police Department for five years. Bryant has been with the department six years. Both officers had multiple reprimands in their personnel files and also commendations from the public for their professional demeanor.
Records show Bryant was suspended for two days in 2005 for not following policy in working an extra job. In 2004 he was suspended for one day for “a preventable crash,” according to records.
Clark was suspended for one day last year after he drove his cruiser out of state, records show. He was reprimanded this year for providing sensitive information to a civilian from the National Crime Information Center and in 2007 for having a dirty and unloaded firearm.
Both men continue to hold police certifications from the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission. The POST Commission certifies officers across the state.
DeBusk said KPD will alert the POST Commission that the officers “resigned under internal investigation.” If warranted, DeBusk said, KPD would ask POST to decertify the officers at the conclusion of the probe.
The commission hasn’t yet received that alert, said Christopher Garrett, spokesman for the state Department of Commerce and Insurance, which works with the POST Commission.
Garrett said any other police agency would be expected to conduct a background check, which would turn up the circumstances of the former officers’ resignations, and to notify the POST Commission, which would ask whether the agency knew how the applicants left their jobs.
Most agencies would at least hesitate to hire someone who left under such a cloud, Garrett said.
“It’s certainly discouraged, but it does happen occasionally,” he said.
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More Information: http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=92898&catid=2
Gregory P. Isaacs, one of East Tennessee’s best-known defense lawyers, said he represents Donald Scott Clark, who turned in his resignation Tuesday along with former officer Nicky R. Bryant.
“Our firm has been retained to represent Scott Clark regarding his former employment with KPD,” Isaacs said. “Our firm has notified Knox County District Attorney General Randy Nichols and Police Chief Sterling Owen this afternoon.
“We are in the process of conducting our own parallel investigation and would strongly caution anyone against jumping to conclusions as it relates to unsubstantiated allegations involving Mr. Clark.”
The officers, suspended last week, resigned Tuesday after being faced with the accusation that they plied two teenage girls with liquor and enticed them to perform a striptease, according to sources.
KPD spokesman Darrell DeBusk has refused to identify the two officers under investigation. He said the KPD has launched criminal and internal probes into the alleged misconduct of two officers.
Isaacs wouldn’t discuss the accusations against his client but asked the public and authorities to keep an open mind.
“We’re confident at the end of the day that there will be favorable information that comes forward as relates to Scott Clark,” Isaacs said. “We want to ensure my client is treated as an individual as this process goes forward and is not painted with a broad brush regarding any other individual’s culpability.”
Bryant, the other officer, hasn’t responded to attempts to contact him.
Both officers had been suspended with pay July 3, records show.
“When they were placed on administrative leave, their police powers were suspended at that time,” DeBusk.
Sources with knowledge of the probes said the officers provided liquor to two girls, ages 13 and 14, at the residence of one of the officers.
After providing the alcohol, the officers are accused of enticing the girls to perform a striptease for them. The allegations include that the naked girls then danced for the men.
DeBusk has refused to disclose the nature of the allegations against the officers. He noted the state Department of Children’s Services was involved in investigating the allegations, but he declined to say the DCS probe indicated juveniles were involved.
DCS spokesman Rob Johnson said his agency joined the case only to assist.
“Our role is to help children who are abused or neglected,” he said.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office also is investigating the officers, according to Martha Dooley, spokeswoman for the Sheriff’s Office.
“We’re investigating, and that’s all I can say,” Dooley said Thursday.
Clark has been with the Police Department for five years. Bryant has been with the department six years. Both officers had multiple reprimands in their personnel files and also commendations from the public for their professional demeanor.
Records show Bryant was suspended for two days in 2005 for not following policy in working an extra job. In 2004 he was suspended for one day for “a preventable crash,” according to records.
Clark was suspended for one day last year after he drove his cruiser out of state, records show. He was reprimanded this year for providing sensitive information to a civilian from the National Crime Information Center and in 2007 for having a dirty and unloaded firearm.
Both men continue to hold police certifications from the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission. The POST Commission certifies officers across the state.
DeBusk said KPD will alert the POST Commission that the officers “resigned under internal investigation.” If warranted, DeBusk said, KPD would ask POST to decertify the officers at the conclusion of the probe.
The commission hasn’t yet received that alert, said Christopher Garrett, spokesman for the state Department of Commerce and Insurance, which works with the POST Commission.
Garrett said any other police agency would be expected to conduct a background check, which would turn up the circumstances of the former officers’ resignations, and to notify the POST Commission, which would ask whether the agency knew how the applicants left their jobs.
Most agencies would at least hesitate to hire someone who left under such a cloud, Garrett said.
“It’s certainly discouraged, but it does happen occasionally,” he said.
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More Information: http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=92898&catid=2
Officer Bryan Womble Now Being Charged with Hit and Run
A Virginia Beach police officer accused of drunk driving is now also being charged with hit and run.
All of the charges stem from accident officer Bryan Womble had in June.
Virginia Beach police say Womble hit another car -- but drove two blocks away before police pulled him over.
He failed a sobriety test and had a blood alcohol level of .15.
The hit and run charge is only a misdemeanor because the crash caused less than one thousand dollars in damage.
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Previous Post:
http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2009/06/officer-bryan-womble-arrested-for-dui.html
Information:
http://www.wvec.com/news/topstories/stories/wvec_local_071009_womble_hit_and_run_.2935e1b2.html
All of the charges stem from accident officer Bryan Womble had in June.
Virginia Beach police say Womble hit another car -- but drove two blocks away before police pulled him over.
He failed a sobriety test and had a blood alcohol level of .15.
The hit and run charge is only a misdemeanor because the crash caused less than one thousand dollars in damage.
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Previous Post:
http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2009/06/officer-bryan-womble-arrested-for-dui.html
Information:
http://www.wvec.com/news/topstories/stories/wvec_local_071009_womble_hit_and_run_.2935e1b2.html
Officer Kendal Smith Arrested for Driving Patrol Car Impaired
A Holden Beach police officer was arrested Thursday and charged with driving his patrol car while impaired.
Kendal Roy Smith, a 42-year-old lieutenant with the Holden Beach Police Department, was arrested in Shallotte about 7 p.m. Thursday after pulling out of a parking lot at a high speed and out of control, according to the arrest report. Smith was driving a 2008 Ford Crown Victoria patrol car.
“The suspect was very impaired,” the report reads.
Smith, of 329 Paul’s Trail in Shallotte, has a court hearing scheduled on Aug. 6.
It wasn’t immediately clear what Smith’s status was with the Holden Beach Police. Chief Wally Layne has not yet returned a phone message seeking comment.
Kendal Roy Smith, a 42-year-old lieutenant with the Holden Beach Police Department, was arrested in Shallotte about 7 p.m. Thursday after pulling out of a parking lot at a high speed and out of control, according to the arrest report. Smith was driving a 2008 Ford Crown Victoria patrol car.
“The suspect was very impaired,” the report reads.
Smith, of 329 Paul’s Trail in Shallotte, has a court hearing scheduled on Aug. 6.
It wasn’t immediately clear what Smith’s status was with the Holden Beach Police. Chief Wally Layne has not yet returned a phone message seeking comment.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Lt Willie Durrett Arrested for Hitting Daughter with Fishing Rod
A DeKalb County police lieutenant was arrested after officials said he hit his teenage daughter with a fishing rod.
Henry County officials said they responded to a domestic disturbance call at a Stockbridge home late Monday night.
Police said Lt. Willie Durrett, who was wearing his uniform and was on duty at the time, stopped by the house to drop off a birthday present for his son.
Durrett told officials he attempted to talk to his 16-year-old daughter after she disrespected him, but she slammed a door on his arm. He pushed open the door, causing her to fall back. Durrett said when his daughter grabbed a fishing rod, he took it from her and hit her with it.
The teen had lacerations on both arms and her lower back, according to officers on the scene.
Durrett was charged with battery, cruelty to children 1st degree and cruelty to children 2nd degree.
Durrett has been placed on administrative leave, according to Mekka Parish with the DeKalb County Police Department.
Henry County officials said they responded to a domestic disturbance call at a Stockbridge home late Monday night.
Police said Lt. Willie Durrett, who was wearing his uniform and was on duty at the time, stopped by the house to drop off a birthday present for his son.
Durrett told officials he attempted to talk to his 16-year-old daughter after she disrespected him, but she slammed a door on his arm. He pushed open the door, causing her to fall back. Durrett said when his daughter grabbed a fishing rod, he took it from her and hit her with it.
The teen had lacerations on both arms and her lower back, according to officers on the scene.
Durrett was charged with battery, cruelty to children 1st degree and cruelty to children 2nd degree.
Durrett has been placed on administrative leave, according to Mekka Parish with the DeKalb County Police Department.
Officer Dennis Byrne Arrested for Beating Man
The Sandwich police officer accused of beating a man so severely he required 37 stitches to his face has a history of threatening the alleged victim, according to police reports.
Accompanied by attorney Jens Bahrawy and an unidentified woman, Sandwich police Officer Dennis Byrne pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (blunt object) in Barnstable District Court yesterday.
Byrne, 38, has a "long history of conflict due to an ongoing relationship between Byrne's wife ... and (the alleged victim)," a police report states. The alleged victim told police Byrne's wife is a battered woman, adding that "Byrne is unstable and that he will eventually kill (his wife)."
The Sandwich officer has been on paid administrative leave since the morning the incident was reported. Byrne is due back in court for a pretrial hearing July 21.
On June 16 at about 10 p.m., Byrne's wife visited the alleged victim at his Route 6A home. Hours later during the early morning of June 17, Byrne arrived at the home and was invited inside, according to police.
According to a police report, the alleged victim eventually asked Byrne to leave his house but Byrne refused. Byrne then attacked the man after he had turned his back, striking him in the face multiple times, according to police.
Byrne's wife reportedly witnessed the alleged assault and called the state police barracks in Middleboro from a cell phone.
Although police could not identify the weapon used in the incident, the alleged victim said it looked like a dowel or roll of quarters. The man told police Byrne continued to hit him while he was down on the ground using the sides of his fists.
"(The alleged victim) also stated that Byrne would constantly tell (him) that he couldn't do anything about it because he was a cop," according to the police report.
When police asked the alleged victim whether the violent encounter was an isolated incident, the man said he had lost count of how many times Byrne had threatened to kill him. The man also said Byrne was often in uniform while making the alleged threats.
Police said the alleged victim also has voice mail recordings of Byrne identifying himself and making threats.
Byrne, his unidentified female companion and his attorney did not answer questions on their way out of the courthouse yesterday. If convicted of the felony charge, Byrne could face up to 2½ years in the Barnstable County Correctional Facility.
Byrne is on paid administrative leave pending an upcoming disciplinary hearing. Sandwich police Chief Michael Miller did not return a phone message yesterday seeking comment on the status of that hearing. Byrne earns $61,000 per year in regular pay, according to town records, and has been an officer in Sandwich for 10 years.
Accompanied by attorney Jens Bahrawy and an unidentified woman, Sandwich police Officer Dennis Byrne pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (blunt object) in Barnstable District Court yesterday.
Byrne, 38, has a "long history of conflict due to an ongoing relationship between Byrne's wife ... and (the alleged victim)," a police report states. The alleged victim told police Byrne's wife is a battered woman, adding that "Byrne is unstable and that he will eventually kill (his wife)."
The Sandwich officer has been on paid administrative leave since the morning the incident was reported. Byrne is due back in court for a pretrial hearing July 21.
On June 16 at about 10 p.m., Byrne's wife visited the alleged victim at his Route 6A home. Hours later during the early morning of June 17, Byrne arrived at the home and was invited inside, according to police.
According to a police report, the alleged victim eventually asked Byrne to leave his house but Byrne refused. Byrne then attacked the man after he had turned his back, striking him in the face multiple times, according to police.
Byrne's wife reportedly witnessed the alleged assault and called the state police barracks in Middleboro from a cell phone.
Although police could not identify the weapon used in the incident, the alleged victim said it looked like a dowel or roll of quarters. The man told police Byrne continued to hit him while he was down on the ground using the sides of his fists.
"(The alleged victim) also stated that Byrne would constantly tell (him) that he couldn't do anything about it because he was a cop," according to the police report.
When police asked the alleged victim whether the violent encounter was an isolated incident, the man said he had lost count of how many times Byrne had threatened to kill him. The man also said Byrne was often in uniform while making the alleged threats.
Police said the alleged victim also has voice mail recordings of Byrne identifying himself and making threats.
Byrne, his unidentified female companion and his attorney did not answer questions on their way out of the courthouse yesterday. If convicted of the felony charge, Byrne could face up to 2½ years in the Barnstable County Correctional Facility.
Byrne is on paid administrative leave pending an upcoming disciplinary hearing. Sandwich police Chief Michael Miller did not return a phone message yesterday seeking comment on the status of that hearing. Byrne earns $61,000 per year in regular pay, according to town records, and has been an officer in Sandwich for 10 years.
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Family Paid $2.4 Million After Stanley Harlan Dies from Being Tasered
A Missouri municipality has agreed to pay $2.4 million to the family of a man who died after police shocked him several times with a Taser. The local police police department also agreed to suspend use of the controversial stun guns, which have been linked to hundreds of deaths nationwide by Amnesty International.
The Taser lawsuit settlement resolves a complaint filed against the city of Moberly over the death of Stanley Harlan, who was struck with a Taser three times for resisting attempts to handcuff him following a stop for suspected drunk driving. Harlan lost consciousness after being jolted with the stun gun and died a short time later.
Insurance coverage for the city will pay $2.4 million to Harlan’s family, including his infant son, as a result of the alleged police brutality and excessive use of force. City officials also agreed to enforce a moratorium on Taser use by the Moberly Police Department. In addition, Moberly police will be trained to recognize and respond to medical distress situations, and the city will provide at least one on-duty patrol unit with an automatic external defibrillator.
Taser guns are designed to incapacitate neuromuscular functions by delivering an electrical shock. Many law enforcement agencies use the weapons as an alternative to lethal force in situations where suspects pose a threat.
The city did not admit fault as part of the settlement, and no criminal charges have been filed against police officers. An investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the FBI found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing.
Last year, Amnesty International called for a police departments throughout the United States to stop using Taser guns or strictly limit their use to life-threatening situations. A report released last December by the human rights group linked 334 deaths to the use of Taser guns between 2001 and August 2008. Amnesty noted that 90% of the Taser deaths examined involved people who were unarmed and did not appear to present a serious threat to the officers. A large number of the fatalities involved misuse of the weapons, including multiple Taser shocks or exposing suspects to prolonged shocks.
Taser International, which manufactures the controversial stun guns, has maintained that the weapons are safe and non-lethal devices. They were not a party to the lawsuit or the settlement.
Teen Girl Tasered in Head
The use of tasers by law enforcement is becoming increasingly controversial as more examples emerge of them being used improperly and causing victims serious harm. This New Mexico teen was arguing with her mother, so her mother brought her to a police station to get help (it's unclear what kind of argument they could have been having that would warrant police intervention).
The girl ran off and the police chief chased her and ordered her to stop. When she didn't, he tasered her in the head. The giant scar and stitches in the teen's head show the tasering was terribly brutal, and it's difficult to see how this could in any way be justified.
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Information and Video: http://vivirlatino.com/2009/07/08/girl-tasered-in-new-mexico.php
The girl ran off and the police chief chased her and ordered her to stop. When she didn't, he tasered her in the head. The giant scar and stitches in the teen's head show the tasering was terribly brutal, and it's difficult to see how this could in any way be justified.
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Information and Video: http://vivirlatino.com/2009/07/08/girl-tasered-in-new-mexico.php
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Officer Michael Percival Arrested for Domestic Violence
An Olathe police officer, Michael Percival, 44, is facing two counts of domestic violence and two counts of third-degree assault in what appears to be years of physical and mental abuse.
An affidavit supporting Percival’s arrest on June 26 claims that for four years, Percival beat his girlfriend, Elisha Cabrera, 42, on a regular basis.
The arrest affidavit states that Cabrera signed contracts given to her by Percival that dictated her behavior. If she failed to please Percival, he would punish her mildly by making her stand in a corner, or severely by spanking her bare buttocks repeatedly with a belt or other object.
Both Percival and Cabrera were arrested for domestic violence on June 24, but the extent of the alleged abuse against Cabrera was not known until she was accompanied to the restroom by a female officer who saw her injuries, which were then photographed.
The abuse took on even worse proportions, according to the affidavit, in that Cabrera was often forced to utter “thank you” each time she was hit to avoid further beatings.
The arrest affidavit, signed by Investigator David Harrison of the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office, reads, in part, about “punishment” administered on June 15 and 16. Cabrera told Deputy Monique Salido that the last beatings were punishment because she asked why she and her daughter were not invited to go on a fishing trip with Percival and his children.
Percival became angry at the question, according to the affidavit, and when he came home made Cabrera strip from the waist down, bend over the bed, and gave her 25 lashes with his police issue belt.
“Cabrera said she had to count each lashing and tell him ‘thank you’ after each strike and if she failed to count or miscounted, Percival would start over from the beginning…” the affidavit states. The next day, Cabrera was hit 25 more times until she “…had received her full measure of punishment.”
After the last beating, Cabrera said she had had enough. She said, according to the affidavit, that the beatings were painful but she allowed them because she loved Percival.
Olathe Police Chief Rick Hawk did not return messages left for him earlier this week.
Percival was released from the Montrose County jail after posting bond of $2,500 the day after he was arrested.
An affidavit supporting Percival’s arrest on June 26 claims that for four years, Percival beat his girlfriend, Elisha Cabrera, 42, on a regular basis.
The arrest affidavit states that Cabrera signed contracts given to her by Percival that dictated her behavior. If she failed to please Percival, he would punish her mildly by making her stand in a corner, or severely by spanking her bare buttocks repeatedly with a belt or other object.
Both Percival and Cabrera were arrested for domestic violence on June 24, but the extent of the alleged abuse against Cabrera was not known until she was accompanied to the restroom by a female officer who saw her injuries, which were then photographed.
The abuse took on even worse proportions, according to the affidavit, in that Cabrera was often forced to utter “thank you” each time she was hit to avoid further beatings.
The arrest affidavit, signed by Investigator David Harrison of the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office, reads, in part, about “punishment” administered on June 15 and 16. Cabrera told Deputy Monique Salido that the last beatings were punishment because she asked why she and her daughter were not invited to go on a fishing trip with Percival and his children.
Percival became angry at the question, according to the affidavit, and when he came home made Cabrera strip from the waist down, bend over the bed, and gave her 25 lashes with his police issue belt.
“Cabrera said she had to count each lashing and tell him ‘thank you’ after each strike and if she failed to count or miscounted, Percival would start over from the beginning…” the affidavit states. The next day, Cabrera was hit 25 more times until she “…had received her full measure of punishment.”
After the last beating, Cabrera said she had had enough. She said, according to the affidavit, that the beatings were painful but she allowed them because she loved Percival.
Olathe Police Chief Rick Hawk did not return messages left for him earlier this week.
Percival was released from the Montrose County jail after posting bond of $2,500 the day after he was arrested.
Former Chief Robert Holmes Indicted for Child Sexual Assault
A former police chief in New Jersey has been indicted on child sexual assault charges.
The indictment handed up Wednesday by a Monmouth County grand jury alleges that 61-year-old Robert Holmes sexually assaulted the female victim between April 2005 and March 2007, while she was between the ages of 12 and 14.
Holmes served as chief in Marlboro Township from 1998 until he retired in January.
Prosecutors say Holmes provided alcohol to the child and assaulted her at his home.
Holmes' lawyer, Norman Hobbie, said his client was shocked by the allegations and denies any wrongdoing.
Bail was set at $100,000 pending an arraignment, which has not been scheduled. _______________________
The indictment handed up Wednesday by a Monmouth County grand jury alleges that 61-year-old Robert Holmes sexually assaulted the female victim between April 2005 and March 2007, while she was between the ages of 12 and 14.
Holmes served as chief in Marlboro Township from 1998 until he retired in January.
Prosecutors say Holmes provided alcohol to the child and assaulted her at his home.
Holmes' lawyer, Norman Hobbie, said his client was shocked by the allegations and denies any wrongdoing.
Bail was set at $100,000 pending an arraignment, which has not been scheduled. _______________________
Hearing for Sgt Eric Downey Charged with Battery has Been Delayed
The hearing for a South Bend police officer charged with battery and operating motor vehicle while intoxicated has been delayed.
A hearing for Sgt. Eric Downey that was scheduled for Tuesday was postponed until 8 a.m. July 29.
Downey was arrested May 20 after officers were called to his home by his wife, who alleged abuse. Police said Downey later arrived home drunk while officers were at his home.
Downey has disputed both charges in interviews with The Tribune.
The officer remains on administrative leave with pay.
A hearing for Sgt. Eric Downey that was scheduled for Tuesday was postponed until 8 a.m. July 29.
Downey was arrested May 20 after officers were called to his home by his wife, who alleged abuse. Police said Downey later arrived home drunk while officers were at his home.
Downey has disputed both charges in interviews with The Tribune.
The officer remains on administrative leave with pay.
Officer Daniel Murray Arrested for Rape & Molesting 15-year-old
A Minden, Louisiana police officer is now on the other side of a jail cell.
Officer First Class Daniel Murray was arrested after reports that he allegedly raped and molested a 15-year-old friend of the family.
On Monday, the Minden City Council unanimously voted to terminate Murray.
Murray had been on paid leave since January when an investigation began into the sexual assault allegations.
That changed back on June 19th to leave without pay following a Webster Parish grand jury indictment.
Murray is currently being held in the Webster Parish Jail on a $400,000 bond.
Officer Melbourne Hunnicutt Arrested for Viewing Porn While on Duty
Huntington police officer Melbourne Hunnicutt is on a suspended leave without pay while the city's Board of Public Works and Safety reviews charges brought against him.
"My recommendation is the termination of Officer Hunnicutt from the police department," Chief Tom Emely said.
In June, Emely presented the board of works with a "Notice of Chief's Charges." In the document, he said Hunnicutt repeatedly used department computers while on duty "for the purpose of accessing Web sites, pornographic in nature, which were not job-related and not authorized by Department of City of Huntington policy."
"The city and police department has a policy that does not allow access to that type of information unless it's conducted in an investigation in normal performance of duties," Emely said.
Hunnicutt allegedly searched for porn from May 24 through June 14.
"Where the computer was, one of our other officers happened to notice some things on the computer that were inappropriate and we conduced an investigation from that point on," Emely said.
In the chief's charges, Hunnicutt was accused of neglect of duty and conduct unbecoming of an officer. The board suspended Hunnicutt on June 23rd and set a decision date of July 20. Hunnicutt had until June 30 to request a hearing, which his lawyer did, according to Huntington City Attorney John Branham.
Branham told NewsChannel 15 Hunnicutt requested a full hearing before the board of works. In that hearing, Hunnicutt can challenge the allegations against him and/or the termination recommendation. Chief Emely will also present his side.
A date for the hearing hasn't been set yet, but Branham doesn't expect it to happen before August 15.
Hunnicutt had been with the department for about 18 years and was most recently a detective. The recent allegations, Emely said, have shaken the department.
"It's mixed emotions and disbelief that someone would do that. Some disappointment also," Emely said.
Hunnicutt and his lawyer couldn't be reached for comment on Wednesday.
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http://www.indianasnewscenter.com/news/local/50316687.html
"My recommendation is the termination of Officer Hunnicutt from the police department," Chief Tom Emely said.
In June, Emely presented the board of works with a "Notice of Chief's Charges." In the document, he said Hunnicutt repeatedly used department computers while on duty "for the purpose of accessing Web sites, pornographic in nature, which were not job-related and not authorized by Department of City of Huntington policy."
"The city and police department has a policy that does not allow access to that type of information unless it's conducted in an investigation in normal performance of duties," Emely said.
Hunnicutt allegedly searched for porn from May 24 through June 14.
"Where the computer was, one of our other officers happened to notice some things on the computer that were inappropriate and we conduced an investigation from that point on," Emely said.
In the chief's charges, Hunnicutt was accused of neglect of duty and conduct unbecoming of an officer. The board suspended Hunnicutt on June 23rd and set a decision date of July 20. Hunnicutt had until June 30 to request a hearing, which his lawyer did, according to Huntington City Attorney John Branham.
Branham told NewsChannel 15 Hunnicutt requested a full hearing before the board of works. In that hearing, Hunnicutt can challenge the allegations against him and/or the termination recommendation. Chief Emely will also present his side.
A date for the hearing hasn't been set yet, but Branham doesn't expect it to happen before August 15.
Hunnicutt had been with the department for about 18 years and was most recently a detective. The recent allegations, Emely said, have shaken the department.
"It's mixed emotions and disbelief that someone would do that. Some disappointment also," Emely said.
Hunnicutt and his lawyer couldn't be reached for comment on Wednesday.
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http://www.indianasnewscenter.com/news/local/50316687.html
Officer Shea Brown Arrested for Tampering with Evidence
The person arrested following an investigation into missing evidence turned out to be...a police officer.
Officer Shea Brown was arrested by the Columbia County Sheriff's Office on a felony warrant issued by the State Attorney's Office for tampering with evidence.
This warrant was issued after the Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducted an investigation on some missing evidence from the Lake City Police Department.
Brown turned herself in and she was booked at the Columbia County Detention Center. Bond was set at $5,000. She bonded out of jail and was placed on administrative leave without pay by the Lake City Police Department. The department is conducting its own internal investigation.
Officer Shea Brown was arrested by the Columbia County Sheriff's Office on a felony warrant issued by the State Attorney's Office for tampering with evidence.
This warrant was issued after the Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducted an investigation on some missing evidence from the Lake City Police Department.
Brown turned herself in and she was booked at the Columbia County Detention Center. Bond was set at $5,000. She bonded out of jail and was placed on administrative leave without pay by the Lake City Police Department. The department is conducting its own internal investigation.
Officer Alex Alvarez Arrested for Drunk Driving
Police arrested one of their own Sunday night, charging an off-duty officer with drunk driving after he crashed into a parked car.
Alex Alvarez apparently argued with the manager of Chili's Grill & Bar on Nolana, refused to wait for a taxi that had been called and then backed into the same manager's truck just after 10 p.m. Sunday, according to police records.
The 39-year-old Alvarez was arraigned in McAllen Municipal Court on Monday and released on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond. He has been suspended without pay until the criminal charges are resolved, said McAllen police Chief Victor Rodriguez.
"In our business, these kinds of matters have the potential to have very, very serious consequences," Rodriguez said. "The outcome of last night may determine his future."
Aside from the criminal charges he is facing, Alvarez could lose his job and be stripped by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards of Education of his license to be a police officer, Rodriguez said.
"(Alvarez) has been a ... good officer for us," Rodriguez said. "We've been lucky to have his services; however, you have what happened last night."
A 14-year veteran of the force, Alvarez repeatedly asked officers to let him drive home when they arrived Sunday night. Officers found Alvarez behind the wheel of his Ford truck, a red security steering wheel lock still clamped on the steering wheel, according to police records.
Witnesses and Chili's employees told police that Alvarez had been bothering four female customers and had to be escorted from the table. A manager at the restaurant said that Alvarez was "too intoxicated" to drive home, so he called a taxi, according to the records.
When the manager tried to stall Alvarez until the taxi arrived, Alvarez apparently stripped a pair of glasses from the manager's head and threw them to the floor.
A security camera in the parking lot then captured Alvarez get into his truck and back into the other vehicle, according to police records. Police suspect that he forgot to remove the security lock from the steering wheel before backing up, according to the records.
Alvarez refused to take a Breathlyzer tests and refused other sobriety tests once at the police station. When officers arrived at the scene, Alvarez said he couldn't remember "doing anything to the manager" and he repeatedly asked officers to let him drive home.
But after officers recounted what witnesses described, Alvarez apologized to officers for putting them in the precarious situation of arresting a fellow policeman, according to the records.
"(Alvarez said) that we should do what we had to do and that it was all his fault," according to the report. "(Alvarez said) that he did not want us to get in trouble for his actions."
Alex Alvarez apparently argued with the manager of Chili's Grill & Bar on Nolana, refused to wait for a taxi that had been called and then backed into the same manager's truck just after 10 p.m. Sunday, according to police records.
The 39-year-old Alvarez was arraigned in McAllen Municipal Court on Monday and released on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond. He has been suspended without pay until the criminal charges are resolved, said McAllen police Chief Victor Rodriguez.
"In our business, these kinds of matters have the potential to have very, very serious consequences," Rodriguez said. "The outcome of last night may determine his future."
Aside from the criminal charges he is facing, Alvarez could lose his job and be stripped by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards of Education of his license to be a police officer, Rodriguez said.
"(Alvarez) has been a ... good officer for us," Rodriguez said. "We've been lucky to have his services; however, you have what happened last night."
A 14-year veteran of the force, Alvarez repeatedly asked officers to let him drive home when they arrived Sunday night. Officers found Alvarez behind the wheel of his Ford truck, a red security steering wheel lock still clamped on the steering wheel, according to police records.
Witnesses and Chili's employees told police that Alvarez had been bothering four female customers and had to be escorted from the table. A manager at the restaurant said that Alvarez was "too intoxicated" to drive home, so he called a taxi, according to the records.
When the manager tried to stall Alvarez until the taxi arrived, Alvarez apparently stripped a pair of glasses from the manager's head and threw them to the floor.
A security camera in the parking lot then captured Alvarez get into his truck and back into the other vehicle, according to police records. Police suspect that he forgot to remove the security lock from the steering wheel before backing up, according to the records.
Alvarez refused to take a Breathlyzer tests and refused other sobriety tests once at the police station. When officers arrived at the scene, Alvarez said he couldn't remember "doing anything to the manager" and he repeatedly asked officers to let him drive home.
But after officers recounted what witnesses described, Alvarez apologized to officers for putting them in the precarious situation of arresting a fellow policeman, according to the records.
"(Alvarez said) that we should do what we had to do and that it was all his fault," according to the report. "(Alvarez said) that he did not want us to get in trouble for his actions."
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