Two more people are under arrest in connection
with the so-called "Cannibal Cop", Gilberto Valle, the ex-NYPD officer
convicted of conspiring to cook and eat women.
60-year old Christopher Asch was arrested at his
Greenwich Village home, and was charged with conspiracy to commit
kidnapping. He was initially removed from his job as a librarian at Stuyvesant High School for improperly touching male students.
Asch was charged criminally, but the case was subsequently dismissed and sealed.
A second person, Richard Meltz, was arrested Sunday in Rockaway, New Jersey.
He is chief of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Police Service,
based in Bedford, Massachusetts, and a former Sussex County, New Jersey
law enforcement officer.
Valle was convicted last month of
conspiring to kidnap women, then cook, kill and eat them. He faces life
in prison when he is sentenced June 19 - his first wedding anniversary.
Authorities say Asch is quoted in the criminal complaint
discussing kidnapping, killing and eating women and children, at one
point calling it an "exciting proposition."
Monday, April 15, 2013
Thursday, April 04, 2013
Reserve Officer Charles Shamblin Arrested for Arson
Charles Shamblin, 45, of Webbers Falls, is being held in the Muskogee County jail after a warrant was issued for his arrest Tuesday.
According to court documents, Shamblin caused a domestic disturbance by bringing a can of gas into his home and telling his wife and daughter he was going to "burn the house down" on March 31.
Shamblin allegedly had already started one fire while his wife and daughter were inside the Webbers Falls home when he used a cigarette lighter to set a pillowcase and shirt on fire, according to a court affidavit.
Shamblin has been suspended as a reserve officer pending the outcome of these allegations, according to Gore Town Administrator Horace E. Lindley.
He is set to appear in court April 17 for a sounding docket in Muskogee County.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Sergeant Alberto Randazzo Arrested for Child Porn
A New York City police sergeant was arraigned on Tuesday on numerous child pornography charges, after internal affairs investigators found several explicit images and videos on his laptop computer.
In several recordings found on the computer, the sergeant, Alberto Randazzo, is heard providing “verbal instructions during a cyber video chat session” to an unidentified woman lying in bed with an infant, who appears to be 1 to 2 years old, and directing the woman to “perform certain sex acts on the infant,” the police said.
Also uncovered were two videos involving a man engaged in sex acts with a girl, about 8 to 10 years old, according to a criminal complaint filed by the Queens district attorney’s office.
Prosecutors charged Sergeant Randazzo, 36, with 11 counts of use of a child in a sexual performance, 23 counts of promoting a sexual performance by a child and 23 counts of possessing a sexual performance by a child, the complaint states. He has been suspended from the force.
Sergeant Randazzo’s lawyer, Anthony DiFiore, did not return a phone call on Tuesday evening.
In several recordings found on the computer, the sergeant, Alberto Randazzo, is heard providing “verbal instructions during a cyber video chat session” to an unidentified woman lying in bed with an infant, who appears to be 1 to 2 years old, and directing the woman to “perform certain sex acts on the infant,” the police said.
Also uncovered were two videos involving a man engaged in sex acts with a girl, about 8 to 10 years old, according to a criminal complaint filed by the Queens district attorney’s office.
Prosecutors charged Sergeant Randazzo, 36, with 11 counts of use of a child in a sexual performance, 23 counts of promoting a sexual performance by a child and 23 counts of possessing a sexual performance by a child, the complaint states. He has been suspended from the force.
Sergeant Randazzo’s lawyer, Anthony DiFiore, did not return a phone call on Tuesday evening.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Officer Ryan Mendoza Charged with DUI
Police say Mendoza crashed his truck on Interstate 40 at the Appling exit in East Memphis. Investigators say the truck rolled over after hitting two traffic signs.
According to police, Mendoza refused the sobriety test and was charged. The officer is on paid leave pending the outcome of an investigation.
He has been on the police force since 2007. Mendoza was most recently assigned to the Old Allen Station.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Captain Shawn King Demoted After Accusations of Inappropriate Sexual Behavior
In a personnel order from Tulsa police chief Chuck Jordan dated Oct. 18, Cpt. Shawn King was demoted and transferred to the training division of the Tulsa Police Department until further notice.
The document states that King engaged in "inappropriate sexual behavior" while on duty and in uniform in 2008 and sent photographs of sexual activity to another employee.
A pre-termination hearing was held before the decision was made, according to the order.
King has 10 days to file an appeal.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Officer James Barnhart Accused of Helping Sex Offender
A Molalla police officer is accused of helping a sex offender avoid mandatory registration.
Officer James Barnhart, a 19-year veteran of the force, will face three misdemeanor charges.
The alleged misconduct happened several years ago but the investigation began only a few months ago, according to Molalla police Chief Rod Lucich.
The police department asked the Clackamas County Sheriff's office to assist in the investigation.
Barnhart is now on administrative leave and is due in court Oct. 23.
Officer James Barnhart, a 19-year veteran of the force, will face three misdemeanor charges.
The alleged misconduct happened several years ago but the investigation began only a few months ago, according to Molalla police Chief Rod Lucich.
The police department asked the Clackamas County Sheriff's office to assist in the investigation.
Barnhart is now on administrative leave and is due in court Oct. 23.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Officer Marvin Blades Jr Arrested for Stealing Money During Traffic Stops
A Tulsa police officer has been arrested on a second-degree robbery complaint after a months-long robbery investigation by the Tulsa Police Special Investigation Division and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics.
Authorities arrested Officer Marvin Blades Junior, 37, early Saturday morning for stealing cash during a traffic stop.According to officials, investigators from the two agencies conducted an undercover operation after allegations that Blades had been targeting Hispanics during traffic stops and stealing their money. Police say on Friday night Blades pulled over an undercover OBN agent in the 2800 block of North Lewis Avenue. Investigators say Blades ordered the driver (undercover officer) to the back of the his car and instructed the driver to leave his wallet on the seat.
Authorities believe that's when the officer stole six-hundred dollars in cash before allowing the driver to leave. According to police, when the undercover cop returned to his seat he noticed that money was missing from his wallet. Once in custody, officers found six-hundred dollars cash in Blade's right pants pocket. According to officials, Blades told them that the money belonged to his wife, but investigators matched the money to serial numbers on the bills used in their investigation. Tulsa police chief Chuck Jordan credited other officers for alerting his office to Blades.
"They did the right thing. They did exactly what our community expects of them," said Jordan. Local Hispanic leaders, like Guillermo Rojas, publisher of the bilingual newspaper La Semana, said Hispanics make easy targets.
"They are afraid because everybody thinks if they are stopped - to any Hispanic, if they don't have a legal status in the country, they'll be put in jail," said Rojas. But Jordan says no one should be afraid to come forward and encourages those who have been victimized to call the robbery unit at 918-596-9137.
Police say Officer Marvin Blades was working TPD's Gilcrease division at the time of robbery. Blades is the son of former Tulsa police officer, Marvin Blades, Sr., who was suspended several times in the mid-1990s after he was accused of not following department rules and regulations.
According to 2News archives, Blades' suspensions caused local black leaders to accuse TPD of racial discrimination. Blades was booked and released on a $25,000 bond. He has a court date set for Sept 4.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Cpl. Gene Watkins Arrested for Domestic Assault and Battery
TPD Cpl. Gene Watkins was arrested around 4:30 p.m. and was released on a $1,500 bond within 30 minutes.
Court documents show the offense happened Aug. 21.
A not guilty plea was entered on behalf of Watkins and he has been ordered to have no contact with the victim.
Watkins is scheduled back in court Sept. 11.
Tuesday, July 03, 2012
Former Trooper Gregory Vrooman Convicted for Sex Crimes Against Child
a girl younger than 14 has been given a five-year prison sentence.
District Attorney Geoffrey Rushlau, whose office prosecuted the case, said Gregory Vrooman, 46, of Nobleboro will serve 21 months in prison, with 39 months suspended.
After being sentenced last week in a courtroom in Bath, Vrooman was released on $25,000 unsecured bail, Rushlau said.
Rushlau said Vrooman's attorney, Steven Peterson of Rockport, has indicated that he plans to appeal his client's sentence to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. Peterson could not be reached for comment Monday.
Vrooman's case took a strange turn in April, when he was attacked and injured in a Wiscasset courtroom just moments before the jury in his trial was expected to render its verdict.
Witnesses said William Harrison, 39, jumped Vrooman, who was seated next to his attorney, and landed two punches before he was subdued by court officers. Vrooman was removed from the courtroom on a stretcher.
Harrison, who lives in Charlestown, Mass., was charged with aggravated assault.
"We were on the verge of getting a verdict," Rushlau told The Portland Press Herald at the time. "This was bizarre and unprecedented."
One day later, the jury convicted Vrooman of four counts of unlawful sexual contact with a minor, four counts of unlawful sexual touching and four counts of assault.
Rushlau said it could take several months before the supreme court hears Vrooman's appeal.
Vrooman, a 24-year veteran of the Maine State Police, was arrested in November 2010.
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
Officer Robert Quintana Arrested for Mail Fraud
U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Robert Quintana, 50, of Buffalo, New York, was arrested
and charged by criminal complaint with mail fraud and health care
fraud. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a
$250,000 fine, or both.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John E. Rogowski, who is handling the case, stated that on March 16, 2005, the defendant, a Buffalo police officer, was placed on injured on duty (IOD) status by the city of Buffalo. According to the complaint, Quintana was placed on IOD status for alleged injuries to his lower back and buttocks after he slipped and fell on icy steps while responding to a 911-call.
The complaint further states that on numerous occasions while allegedly out of work due to this injury, the defendant was observed working at a local restaurant. The observed work included the lifting of supplies, cleaning tables, stocking, kneeling and bending, and chipping ice. Nevertheless, during the course of an independent medical exam requested by the city of Buffalo in January 2012, Quintana told doctors he was unable to perform any work. The defendant remains on IOD status to this date (seven years after his initial injury) and has resisted efforts to have him return to work.
“It is the duty of all sworn police officers to uphold the law and the vast majority of officers do just that each and every day,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “All should also recognize that police work can be hazardous, and for that reason, communities frequently pay for officers injured in the line of duty until such time as they can return to their posts.”
Hochul further stated that “by falsely claiming to be too injured to return to work, an officer not just breaks the law, she or he hurts the credibility of those legitimately injured in the line of duty. This type of lie also leaves one less officer to patrol the streets of the city, requires working officers to perform overtime duty and thereby increase their own risk of injury, and drives up the cost of health care in these times of difficult economic circumstances. This office can and will act when presented with evidence of this type of fraud.”
“We, as members of law enforcement, are keenly aware of how dangerous it is to be a law enforcement officer,” said Steven L. Lanser, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge. “Every day we see how the good, hardworking men and women in the Buffalo Police Department out their lives and safety on the line. The injured on duty program is in place to ensure members of the police department are secure in knowing this benefit is available should they sustain a serious injury while discharging their duties. Abuse of the IOD system is an affront to the taxpayers of the city of Buffalo.”
The criminal complaint is the culmination of an investigation by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher M. Piehota, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John E. Rogowski, who is handling the case, stated that on March 16, 2005, the defendant, a Buffalo police officer, was placed on injured on duty (IOD) status by the city of Buffalo. According to the complaint, Quintana was placed on IOD status for alleged injuries to his lower back and buttocks after he slipped and fell on icy steps while responding to a 911-call.
The complaint further states that on numerous occasions while allegedly out of work due to this injury, the defendant was observed working at a local restaurant. The observed work included the lifting of supplies, cleaning tables, stocking, kneeling and bending, and chipping ice. Nevertheless, during the course of an independent medical exam requested by the city of Buffalo in January 2012, Quintana told doctors he was unable to perform any work. The defendant remains on IOD status to this date (seven years after his initial injury) and has resisted efforts to have him return to work.
“It is the duty of all sworn police officers to uphold the law and the vast majority of officers do just that each and every day,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “All should also recognize that police work can be hazardous, and for that reason, communities frequently pay for officers injured in the line of duty until such time as they can return to their posts.”
Hochul further stated that “by falsely claiming to be too injured to return to work, an officer not just breaks the law, she or he hurts the credibility of those legitimately injured in the line of duty. This type of lie also leaves one less officer to patrol the streets of the city, requires working officers to perform overtime duty and thereby increase their own risk of injury, and drives up the cost of health care in these times of difficult economic circumstances. This office can and will act when presented with evidence of this type of fraud.”
“We, as members of law enforcement, are keenly aware of how dangerous it is to be a law enforcement officer,” said Steven L. Lanser, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge. “Every day we see how the good, hardworking men and women in the Buffalo Police Department out their lives and safety on the line. The injured on duty program is in place to ensure members of the police department are secure in knowing this benefit is available should they sustain a serious injury while discharging their duties. Abuse of the IOD system is an affront to the taxpayers of the city of Buffalo.”
The criminal complaint is the culmination of an investigation by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher M. Piehota, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Joe Arpaio Facing Justice Department Lawsuit Over Alleged Civil Rights Violations
Federal authorities said Wednesday that they plan to sue Arizona
sheriff Joe Arpaio and his office over allegations of civil rights
violations, including the racial profiling of Latinos.
The U.S. Justice Department has been seeking an agreement requiring Arpaio's office to train officers in how to make constitutional traffic stops, collect data on people arrested in traffic stops and reach out to Latinos to assure them that the department is there to also protect them.
Arpaio has denied the racial profiling allegations and has claimed that allowing a court monitor would mean that every policy decision would have to be cleared through an observer and would nullify his authority.
DOJ officials told a lawyer for Arpaio on April 3 that the lawman's refusal of a court-appointed monitor was a deal-breaker that would end settlement negotiations and result in a federal lawsuit.
The "notice of intent to file civil action" came Wednesday from Assistant U.S. Attorney General Thomas Perez in a letter to an Arpaio lawyer.
Perez, who heads the DOJ's civil rights division, noted that it's been more than 100 days since the sheriff's office received the DOJ's findings report and federal authorities haven't met with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office counsel since Feb. 6 to discuss the terms of a consent agreement.
At a news conference Wednesday afternoon, Arpaio defended himself in the face of the pending lawsuit.
"If they sue, we'll go to court. And then we'll find out the real story," he said. "There's lots of miscommunication emanating from Washington. They broke off communications.
"They're telling me how to run my organization. I'd like to get this resolved, but I'm not going to give up my authority to the federal government. It's as simple as that," Arpaio added.
Last
December, the DOJ released a scathing report accusing Arpaio's office
of racially profiling Latinos, basing immigration enforcement on
racially charged citizen complaints and punishing Hispanic jail inmates
for speaking Spanish in Arizona's most populous county.
The DOJ also accused Arpaio of having a culture of disregard for basic constitutional rights.
The civil rights allegations have led some Arpaio critics to call for his resignation, including the National Council of La Raza, a prominent advocacy group for Latinos.
The sheriff's office also is facing criticism over more than 400 sex-crimes investigations – including dozens of alleged child molestations – that hadn't been investigated adequately or weren't examined at all over a three-year period ending in 2007.
Arpaio has apologized for the botched cases, reopened 432 sex-crimes investigations and made 19 arrests.
Separate from the civil rights probe, a federal grand jury has been investigating Arpaio's office on criminal abuse-of-power allegations since at least December 2009. That grand jury is examining the investigative work of the sheriff's anti-public corruption squad.
The self-proclaimed toughest sheriff in America has been a national political fixture who has built his reputation on jailing inmates in tents and dressing them in pink underwear, selling himself to voters as unceasingly tough on crime and pushing the bounds of how far local police can go to confront illegal immigration
The U.S. Justice Department has been seeking an agreement requiring Arpaio's office to train officers in how to make constitutional traffic stops, collect data on people arrested in traffic stops and reach out to Latinos to assure them that the department is there to also protect them.
Arpaio has denied the racial profiling allegations and has claimed that allowing a court monitor would mean that every policy decision would have to be cleared through an observer and would nullify his authority.
DOJ officials told a lawyer for Arpaio on April 3 that the lawman's refusal of a court-appointed monitor was a deal-breaker that would end settlement negotiations and result in a federal lawsuit.
The "notice of intent to file civil action" came Wednesday from Assistant U.S. Attorney General Thomas Perez in a letter to an Arpaio lawyer.
Perez, who heads the DOJ's civil rights division, noted that it's been more than 100 days since the sheriff's office received the DOJ's findings report and federal authorities haven't met with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office counsel since Feb. 6 to discuss the terms of a consent agreement.
At a news conference Wednesday afternoon, Arpaio defended himself in the face of the pending lawsuit.
"If they sue, we'll go to court. And then we'll find out the real story," he said. "There's lots of miscommunication emanating from Washington. They broke off communications.
"They're telling me how to run my organization. I'd like to get this resolved, but I'm not going to give up my authority to the federal government. It's as simple as that," Arpaio added.
The DOJ also accused Arpaio of having a culture of disregard for basic constitutional rights.
The civil rights allegations have led some Arpaio critics to call for his resignation, including the National Council of La Raza, a prominent advocacy group for Latinos.
The sheriff's office also is facing criticism over more than 400 sex-crimes investigations – including dozens of alleged child molestations – that hadn't been investigated adequately or weren't examined at all over a three-year period ending in 2007.
Arpaio has apologized for the botched cases, reopened 432 sex-crimes investigations and made 19 arrests.
Separate from the civil rights probe, a federal grand jury has been investigating Arpaio's office on criminal abuse-of-power allegations since at least December 2009. That grand jury is examining the investigative work of the sheriff's anti-public corruption squad.
The self-proclaimed toughest sheriff in America has been a national political fixture who has built his reputation on jailing inmates in tents and dressing them in pink underwear, selling himself to voters as unceasingly tough on crime and pushing the bounds of how far local police can go to confront illegal immigration
Officer Rudolfo Zermeno Arrested for Assaulting Girlfriend
A Winston-Salem police officer was in jail this morning after being
charged with assault on a female, city police said in a news release.
Early yesterday morning, the police officer, Rudolfo Zermeno, 33, got in an argument with his girlfriend, Maria Fedelina Aguilar, police said, citing a complaint filed by the girlfriend later that day.
Zermeno slapped her face with an open hand and threw a TV remote control at her, hitting her elbow, police said.
Zermeno has been a Winston-Salem police officer for three years. He was placed on administrative leave, as is customary in this type of investigation, police said.
The department’s Criminal Investigations Division looked into the complaint and requested an arrest warrant, police said.
Zermeno was in the Forsyth County detention center on a $1000 secured bond.
In addition, Zermeno was ordered to have no contact with Aguilar.
Anyone with information about this incident may contact the Winston Salem Police Department at (336) 773-7700 or Crime Stoppers at (336) 727-2800.
Early yesterday morning, the police officer, Rudolfo Zermeno, 33, got in an argument with his girlfriend, Maria Fedelina Aguilar, police said, citing a complaint filed by the girlfriend later that day.
Zermeno slapped her face with an open hand and threw a TV remote control at her, hitting her elbow, police said.
Zermeno has been a Winston-Salem police officer for three years. He was placed on administrative leave, as is customary in this type of investigation, police said.
The department’s Criminal Investigations Division looked into the complaint and requested an arrest warrant, police said.
Zermeno was in the Forsyth County detention center on a $1000 secured bond.
In addition, Zermeno was ordered to have no contact with Aguilar.
Anyone with information about this incident may contact the Winston Salem Police Department at (336) 773-7700 or Crime Stoppers at (336) 727-2800.
Sheriff Deputy Andrew Field Arrested
A Bibb County Sheriff's Deputy assigned to the Detention Division was arrested Tuesday.
According to a press release from the Sheriff's Office, an internal investigation led to the arrest of 26 year old Andrew Glenn Field.
It says investigators arrested field for possession of drugs, crossing the guard line with drugs, and violating the oath of public office.
Field is currently being held in the Bibb County Law Enforcement Complex with a bond of $17,100.
Field has been placed on suspension with pay while the case is being investigated.
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Officer Jonathan Romero Arrested for Domestic Violence
An Albuquerque police officer has been arrested on a domestic violence charge.
Jonathan Romero, 41, was arrested over the weekend on a misdemeanor charge of battery on a household member.
According to a criminal complaint, Romero was in an argument with his wife about their divorce at their Tijeras home. She later went to bed.
That's when the report states that Romero went into the bedroom and tried to forcefully take her wedding ring off her finger.
Romero has been released from jail.
Police say Romero is a 14-year veteran on the force.
Officer Danielle Scott Arrested for Obstructing an Officer
A probationary Milwaukee police officer was arrested on a state charge of obstructing an officer, the Milwaukee police department said.
Danielle Scott, 22, is accused of providing false information regarding a homicide investigation. The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office is reviewing the case.
"I have lost confidence in her ability to serve on the Milwaukee Police Department and I have terminated her employment," Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn said.
According to the Department, Scott served as a police aide before becoming a police officer in October and graduating from the police academy in March.
The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office is reviewing the case against her.
Police sources told TODAY'S TMJ4 that officer is dating a man arrested for gunning down another man in a violent car jacking.
Russell Setum was shot to death and his mother was also shot. Sources say officer Scott was found at the suspect's home. No charges have been filed yet.
The two have a child together.
Meanwhile, police say Chief Flynn discharged sergeant Christopher Gull last week. According to police, "Gull displayed sexually explicit photos and made inappropriate comments to co-workers and subordinates while on duty."
Gull had 16 years of service with MPD and was a sergeant assigned to the Technical Communications Division.
Chief Flynn is expected to answer questions about the recent discharges of personnel Wednesday afternoon.
Officer Daniel Cruz Arrested for Aggravated DUI
A Rockford police officer was arrested Monday night on charges of
driving under the influence of alcohol and leaving the scene of a
two-vehicle accident that left a woman critically injured, Boone County
Sheriff’s officials said today.
Daniel A. Cruz, 37, of Machesney Park was arrested on charges of leaving the scene of a personal-injury accident, aggravated DUI, aggravated reckless driving, improper passing, driving in the wrong lane and operating a vehicle without proof of insurance.
The name and age of the critically injured woman and the names and conditions of three others in the same vehicle were not immediately available.
Cruz, a 13-year veteran of the department, reportedly was off-duty when the accident happened.
Witnesses said he was traveling south on Beloit Road in a gray 2010 Dodge Caravan when he entered the intersection of Town Hall Road, which is uphill, on a curve and in a no-passing zone. Cruz’s van struck a northbound vehicle, believed to be an Oldsmobile, containing four people.
According to the complaint filed in Boone County Court, Cruz left the scene of the accident by walking away. He was found a half mile from the scene, still walking.
According to the probable cause statement, Cruz admitted to consuming alcohol.
The officer described Cruz as having a “strong odor of alcoholic beverage on his breath, bloodshot-glassy eyes, unsteady on his feet and using the squad car for balance.”
Boone County State’s Attorney Michelle Courier said Cruz refused all chemical testing. A court order was eventually obtained. However, it was unknown how much time passed before the blood draw was made.
Cruz’s blood-alcohol content was not available.
Rockford police Chief Chet Epperson could not be reached today for comment.
Daniel A. Cruz, 37, of Machesney Park was arrested on charges of leaving the scene of a personal-injury accident, aggravated DUI, aggravated reckless driving, improper passing, driving in the wrong lane and operating a vehicle without proof of insurance.
The name and age of the critically injured woman and the names and conditions of three others in the same vehicle were not immediately available.
Cruz, a 13-year veteran of the department, reportedly was off-duty when the accident happened.
Witnesses said he was traveling south on Beloit Road in a gray 2010 Dodge Caravan when he entered the intersection of Town Hall Road, which is uphill, on a curve and in a no-passing zone. Cruz’s van struck a northbound vehicle, believed to be an Oldsmobile, containing four people.
According to the complaint filed in Boone County Court, Cruz left the scene of the accident by walking away. He was found a half mile from the scene, still walking.
According to the probable cause statement, Cruz admitted to consuming alcohol.
The officer described Cruz as having a “strong odor of alcoholic beverage on his breath, bloodshot-glassy eyes, unsteady on his feet and using the squad car for balance.”
Boone County State’s Attorney Michelle Courier said Cruz refused all chemical testing. A court order was eventually obtained. However, it was unknown how much time passed before the blood draw was made.
Cruz’s blood-alcohol content was not available.
Rockford police Chief Chet Epperson could not be reached today for comment.
Officer Brian foulks Arrested for Domestic Assault
The attorney for a Knoxville Police Department officer charged with
domestic assault disavowed Tuesday any notion of gunplay on the part of
his client in the incident.
KPD Officer Brian Foulks, 33, was arrested early Tuesday morning and jailed under traditional 12-hour "cool down" hold placed in cases of alleged domestic violence after an incident at the home of his estranged wife.
In a report on the incident, his estranged wife, Donna Foulks, told Knox County Sheriff's Office deputies that after a verbal altercation between the two at her Macmont Circle residence, he broke the screen on her laptop computer and grabbed a .38-caliber revolver from a dresser drawer and went into the bathroom with it.
"(She) said she thought she heard (him) unloading it in the bathroom before she ran out," the report states. As she was walking down the road, he followed her in his truck.
"(She) said (he) told her the gun was in the truck, but never pointed it in her direction nor said he would use it," the report states.
Attorney T. Scott Jones, who represents Officer Foulks, said his client came to the home he once shared with his 32-year-old estranged wife unarmed and in his private vehicle. He conceded the two argued but said Officer Foulks merely unloaded and disabled the gun to avoid any escalation of an already tense situation and in no way used the weapon as a threat.
"The gun was already there on a dresser," Jones said. "Once tensions escalated between he and his wife, he located the firearm, unloaded it and rendered it inoperable."
Jones said his client returned the unloaded gun to the dresser, where deputies later found it. The pair eventually wound up outside, where the argument resumed, the report stated.
Donna Foulks told deputies her husband later followed her back inside the house and, after yet another argument, broke her cellphone, knocked items off the kitchen counter and kicked a wooden dining room chair.
Donna Foulks ran to a neighbor's house and called deputies.
Jones said the incident spanned hours, and the arguments between the pair were intermittent. The couple separated in December. Officer Foulks, 33, filed for divorce last month but went to the couple's home in hopes of resolving their marital discord, Jones said.
According to Jones, Officer Foulks has been struggling with the stress of being a full-time student at Liberty University and working overtime at KPD to earn extra money.
"Officer Foulks knows there is no excuse for domestic violence," Jones said. "He's going to get counseling related to this unfortunate incident and to deal with the stress he has been under."
KPD has suspended Foulks' police powers and reassigned him to administrative duties pending an investigation by the internal affairs unit. He has been with KPD since 2006 and was the school resource officer for Central High School.
He is set to be arraigned May 15.
KPD Officer Brian Foulks, 33, was arrested early Tuesday morning and jailed under traditional 12-hour "cool down" hold placed in cases of alleged domestic violence after an incident at the home of his estranged wife.
In a report on the incident, his estranged wife, Donna Foulks, told Knox County Sheriff's Office deputies that after a verbal altercation between the two at her Macmont Circle residence, he broke the screen on her laptop computer and grabbed a .38-caliber revolver from a dresser drawer and went into the bathroom with it.
"(She) said she thought she heard (him) unloading it in the bathroom before she ran out," the report states. As she was walking down the road, he followed her in his truck.
"(She) said (he) told her the gun was in the truck, but never pointed it in her direction nor said he would use it," the report states.
Attorney T. Scott Jones, who represents Officer Foulks, said his client came to the home he once shared with his 32-year-old estranged wife unarmed and in his private vehicle. He conceded the two argued but said Officer Foulks merely unloaded and disabled the gun to avoid any escalation of an already tense situation and in no way used the weapon as a threat.
"The gun was already there on a dresser," Jones said. "Once tensions escalated between he and his wife, he located the firearm, unloaded it and rendered it inoperable."
Jones said his client returned the unloaded gun to the dresser, where deputies later found it. The pair eventually wound up outside, where the argument resumed, the report stated.
Donna Foulks told deputies her husband later followed her back inside the house and, after yet another argument, broke her cellphone, knocked items off the kitchen counter and kicked a wooden dining room chair.
Donna Foulks ran to a neighbor's house and called deputies.
Jones said the incident spanned hours, and the arguments between the pair were intermittent. The couple separated in December. Officer Foulks, 33, filed for divorce last month but went to the couple's home in hopes of resolving their marital discord, Jones said.
According to Jones, Officer Foulks has been struggling with the stress of being a full-time student at Liberty University and working overtime at KPD to earn extra money.
"Officer Foulks knows there is no excuse for domestic violence," Jones said. "He's going to get counseling related to this unfortunate incident and to deal with the stress he has been under."
KPD has suspended Foulks' police powers and reassigned him to administrative duties pending an investigation by the internal affairs unit. He has been with KPD since 2006 and was the school resource officer for Central High School.
He is set to be arraigned May 15.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Officer Jason Davis Arrested for DWI
A Conway police officer is under arrest for DWI.
Police say they got a call to the Centerstone apartments about an accident. When they arrived, they saw a silver truck with significant damage to the front end. When an officer walked to the driver's side door, he immediately recognized Conway police officer Jason Davis, 32, and called his supervisor.
The officer says Davis was slumped over and had a cut to the bridge of his nose. The officer says he could smell alcohol coming from the truck. When the officer woke Davis up, Davis didn't know where he was and he didn't remember the accident. The officer says his speech was slurred and it was difficult to understand. His eyes were also bloodshot and watery and his eyelids were droopy.
The officer was taken to a local hospital to be checked out for further injuries and to have blood drawn.
He was then taken to the Faulkner County Detention Center.
Authorities say Davis was put on administrative leave for previous unrelated issues before the incident. However, we're told that as of 5:00 p.m., Davis has been terminated from the Conway Police Department due to those issues.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Officer Rafael Mendoza arrested in Mesquite; was also arrested in 2011
Dallas Police have placed Officer Rafael Mendoza on administrative leave after his arrest in Mesquite early Sunday.
A Dallas
police officer is on administrative leave after being arrested in
Mesquite. He's also accused of firing a shot into another car.
According to a
statement from Bill Hedgpeth of the Mesquite Police
Department, off-duty Dallas Officer Rafael Mendoza was taken into
custody early Sunday Morning.
"At about
2:40am Sunday morning, Mesquite Police responded to a “person with a
gun” call in the area of IH-30 and Big Town. A caller said that a person
traveling eastbound on IH-30 was holding a gun out of the driver’s side
window."
The vehicle was located near I-30 and Northwest Highway.
"The driver
appeared to be intoxicated and after field sobriety tests were
conducted, he was arrested," the statement said." A handgun was
recovered at the scene and a small amount of marijuana was also located
in the vehicle."
Officer
Mendoza was taken into custody. He is charged with Aggravated Assault
with a Deadly Weapon, Driving While Intoxicated and Possession of
Marijuana under two ounces.
A second caller told police that the driver of vehicle matching Mendoza's fired a bullet into the trunk of his car.
The Dallas Police Department also released a statement.
"Officer
Mendoza is assigned to the Northeast Patrol Division and has been
employed by the Dallas Police Department since December of 2008. In
addition to the criminal charges, an administrative investigation will
be conducted by the Department’s Internal Affairs Division."
The City of Mesquite will investigate the incident.
In August of 2011, NBC 5 reported Mendoza's arrest for domestic assault and unlawful restraint.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Deputy Felipe Torres Arrested for Domestic Violence
Laredo Police rush to a residence after a call to 9-1-1 informed the officers about a man's violent behavior.
The suspect taken into custody is a Webb County Sheriff Deputy who was arrested after allegedly assaulting his wife.
44 year old Felipe Torres was arrested on charges of assault.
According to police a call came in around 2:45 in the morning in the three thousand block of Saint Issac Loop.
The caller advised that the subject was a Sheriff Deputy and alcohol could be the reason for his behavior.
The victim claimed to be choked by Torres.
When police arrived they arrested Felipe Torres for assaulting his wife impeding her breathing and circulation which is a felony three.
Torres was taken to Webb County Jail.
The suspect taken into custody is a Webb County Sheriff Deputy who was arrested after allegedly assaulting his wife.
44 year old Felipe Torres was arrested on charges of assault.
According to police a call came in around 2:45 in the morning in the three thousand block of Saint Issac Loop.
The caller advised that the subject was a Sheriff Deputy and alcohol could be the reason for his behavior.
The victim claimed to be choked by Torres.
When police arrived they arrested Felipe Torres for assaulting his wife impeding her breathing and circulation which is a felony three.
Torres was taken to Webb County Jail.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Protective Order Filed Against Tulsa Officer Accused Of Sexual Misconduct
An emergency protective order was filed against a Tulsa police captain accused of sexual misconduct with a minor.
The new allegations come just weeks after he was suspended for sex acts on the job that happened three years ago.04/27/2012 Related Story: Tulsa Police Chief: No Access To Suspended Officer's Personal Computer
News on 6 spoke with the officer and his attorney.
Captain Shawn King says he is not ready to get into the details of the allegations made against him. But his attorney says they're false. He says it's all part of a plan by an angry ex-girlfriend to ruin King's name.
An Osage County judge granted an emergency protective order against Captain Shawn King on behalf of Keena Roberts and her minor children. The order was filed late Friday.
"What's happened today is evidence of Ms. Robert's ongoing and continuous vendetta against Capt. King since their break up," wrote King's attorney Scott Wood.
Wood says King and Roberts ended their relationship sometime in the past six months. And says that ever since, Roberts has gone to great lengths to "attack" his client.
Wood says the protective order is another example of that. But the accusations in that order are serious.
Read More About Protective Orders in Oklahoma
Roberts' attorney alleges that King molested one of Roberts' underage children. In the protective order, the attorney confirms that King is accused of groping, kissing and forcibly raping the child with his fingers.
Roberts' attorney alleges the incidents happened many times over a period of several years. The allegations surfaced after the child spent time in therapy.
King's attorney calls the allegations false and outrageous.
"Another example of how desperate Ms. Robert's is to wreck havoc on Captain King's life," Wood said in a statement.
Earlier this month, King was suspended a week without pay after TPD Chief Chuck Jordan says King engaged in sexual activity in his patrol car. That incident happened in 2009.
An interoffice memo from Chief Jordan's classifies the activity as "Conduct Unbecoming of an Officer."
"No allegation was made to the police department regarding any criminal activity, including activity involving children," Scott Wood said.
A hearing for a permanent protective order is set for May 22, 2012, in Osage County. But King's attorney is hoping to get a quicker hearing.
He says depending on the outcome, his client make take legal action against Roberts. As of now, Captain King is still reporting to work as a shift supervisor in the Gilcrease Hills Division.
Former Ohio Officer Charged with Sex Crimes Against Minor
A former Ohio police officer has been charged with multiple sex crimes against a minor.
Media outlets report Friday's charges of rape, unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and eight other counts stem from his relationship with a woman who was a minor when he allegedly began sexually abusing her.
The reports say the 43-year-old Heath man used to be an officer in Hebron and Union Township in central Ohio.
He is accused of having a decade-long sexual relationship with a girl, now 26, when she was 8 and he was an officer.
Officials handling a child support case became suspicious when they learned the oldest of the couple's three children was 10.
The Associated Press is not naming the man to avoid identifying a suspected victim of sexual assault.
Media outlets report Friday's charges of rape, unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and eight other counts stem from his relationship with a woman who was a minor when he allegedly began sexually abusing her.
The reports say the 43-year-old Heath man used to be an officer in Hebron and Union Township in central Ohio.
He is accused of having a decade-long sexual relationship with a girl, now 26, when she was 8 and he was an officer.
Officials handling a child support case became suspicious when they learned the oldest of the couple's three children was 10.
The Associated Press is not naming the man to avoid identifying a suspected victim of sexual assault.
Three NY State Troopers Suspended for Prostitution
An internal investigation into alleged misconduct has led to the suspension of three State Troopers.
A State Police press release says Titus Taggart, 41, allegedly organized parties that may have involved the promotion of prostitution. The alleged incidents happened when Taggart was off duty. Taggart is assigned to Troop T in Buffalo, which patrols the Thruway.
A NYS Police spokesman in Albany confirms for 13WHAM News that Taggart's father, Arthur, was a 34-year veteran of the State Police who retired in 1997 as a Colonel who served directly under two past superintendents.
Two troopers who are assigned to the Troop T Henrietta barracks have also been suspended without pay.
Jeremy Smith, 34, and Michael Petritz, 33, are accused of misconduct. A State Police press release says they were not involved in organizing the parties.
The suspensions are the result of an internal investigation and the NY State Police spokesman added that a parallel criminal investigation is also underway. He would not comment on the status of any other investigations by outside agencies. The spokesman was unaware how many Troopers could be caught up in the ongoing investigations.
Numerous media reports have cited sources that claim the women involved were brought into Western New York from Canada.
Criminal charges have not been filed.
A State Police press release says Titus Taggart, 41, allegedly organized parties that may have involved the promotion of prostitution. The alleged incidents happened when Taggart was off duty. Taggart is assigned to Troop T in Buffalo, which patrols the Thruway.
A NYS Police spokesman in Albany confirms for 13WHAM News that Taggart's father, Arthur, was a 34-year veteran of the State Police who retired in 1997 as a Colonel who served directly under two past superintendents.
Two troopers who are assigned to the Troop T Henrietta barracks have also been suspended without pay.
Jeremy Smith, 34, and Michael Petritz, 33, are accused of misconduct. A State Police press release says they were not involved in organizing the parties.
The suspensions are the result of an internal investigation and the NY State Police spokesman added that a parallel criminal investigation is also underway. He would not comment on the status of any other investigations by outside agencies. The spokesman was unaware how many Troopers could be caught up in the ongoing investigations.
Numerous media reports have cited sources that claim the women involved were brought into Western New York from Canada.
Criminal charges have not been filed.
Nisqually Tribal Officer Arrested for Hit and Run
A Nisqually tribal police officer was arrested Friday morning, suspected of DUI and hit and run.
Police say the man was off duty and driving his own car when he apparently swerved off 183rd Avenue Southwest and ran over two mailboxes around 2 a.m.
Witnesses say he drove away from the scene. He was arrested minutes later.
“A cop should know better than that,” said Faye Hull, who was awakened by the sound of the car hitting her mailbox..
“Drinking and driving don’t mix,” said Hull, “And cops know the rules.”
Police say the man was off duty and driving his own car when he apparently swerved off 183rd Avenue Southwest and ran over two mailboxes around 2 a.m.
Witnesses say he drove away from the scene. He was arrested minutes later.
“A cop should know better than that,” said Faye Hull, who was awakened by the sound of the car hitting her mailbox..
“Drinking and driving don’t mix,” said Hull, “And cops know the rules.”
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Captain Shawn King Suspended for Engaging in Sexual Activity in His Cop Car
A sex scandal is rocking the Tulsa Police Department. A police Captain
has been suspended for engaging in sexual activity while on duty and in
his cop car.
The news broke early Thursday afternoon when a document was released by Police Chief Chuck Jordan.
It says Captain Shawn King was suspended for five days earlier this month.
The document is directly from Chief Jordan to Captain King and it's addressed April 3.
It explains that King violated a TPD rule, "Conduct Unbecoming of an Officer or Police Employee."
Below the legal speak it shows what took place back in 2009.
The document states "Specifically in 2009, during first shift hours, you engaged in sexual activity while on-duty, in your patrol unit, in an area near the Tulsa zoo."
Captain King has worked for TPD for 15 years and has done interviews with Channel Eight in the past.
As of right now we believe he is back on the streets working as a Captain at the Gilcrease division.
Just to clarify this not a crime but a violation of a TPD policy.
The news broke early Thursday afternoon when a document was released by Police Chief Chuck Jordan.
It says Captain Shawn King was suspended for five days earlier this month.
The document is directly from Chief Jordan to Captain King and it's addressed April 3.
It explains that King violated a TPD rule, "Conduct Unbecoming of an Officer or Police Employee."
Below the legal speak it shows what took place back in 2009.
The document states "Specifically in 2009, during first shift hours, you engaged in sexual activity while on-duty, in your patrol unit, in an area near the Tulsa zoo."
Captain King has worked for TPD for 15 years and has done interviews with Channel Eight in the past.
As of right now we believe he is back on the streets working as a Captain at the Gilcrease division.
Just to clarify this not a crime but a violation of a TPD policy.
Officer Victor Rodriquez Arrested for harassing 13-year-old
The Laredo Police Department has arrested one of it's own, accused of harassing a 13-year-old girl.
Police say the cop was sending inappropriate messages to the teen.
Our Annette Garcia spoke to the chief of police about the matter.
“I’m certainly disappointed. We expect our officers to act in a certain fashion and if they don't we are going to take action against that.”
Disappointed at the embarrassing arrest of one of their own.
Ten-year-veteran officer Victor Raul Rodriguez, arrested for harassing a 13-year-old girl by repeatedly calling the teen and sending her unwanted text messages.
"It was a 13 year old and even that in and of itself is troubling.”
Authorities say the messages were inappropriate in nature and were all sent on April 1st by the 35-year-old officer who is known to the victim.
“The victim wanted the person to stop and she wanted the person to stop the harassing phone calls but they continued.”
The next day a report was filed with police.
“That was reviewed by the district attorney's office who ultimately decides what charge will be filed.”
The chief of police says the case will not be taken lightly and says their investigation is far from over.
“From my perspective this person can loose his job. But it doesn’t necessarily require a conviction I’ll leave it at that.”
Officers he says, are held to the highest standards.
“I want the community to be rest assured that the organization is one they can be very, very proud of. We’ve done a lot in the community over the last few years and years before that in terms of protecting the community and we will continue to do so.”
Rodriguez was taken to jail this morning, where his bond was set at $30,000 dollars.
He will remain on administrative duty pending the outcome of the case.
Police say the cop was sending inappropriate messages to the teen.
Our Annette Garcia spoke to the chief of police about the matter.
“I’m certainly disappointed. We expect our officers to act in a certain fashion and if they don't we are going to take action against that.”
Disappointed at the embarrassing arrest of one of their own.
Ten-year-veteran officer Victor Raul Rodriguez, arrested for harassing a 13-year-old girl by repeatedly calling the teen and sending her unwanted text messages.
"It was a 13 year old and even that in and of itself is troubling.”
Authorities say the messages were inappropriate in nature and were all sent on April 1st by the 35-year-old officer who is known to the victim.
“The victim wanted the person to stop and she wanted the person to stop the harassing phone calls but they continued.”
The next day a report was filed with police.
“That was reviewed by the district attorney's office who ultimately decides what charge will be filed.”
The chief of police says the case will not be taken lightly and says their investigation is far from over.
“From my perspective this person can loose his job. But it doesn’t necessarily require a conviction I’ll leave it at that.”
Officers he says, are held to the highest standards.
“I want the community to be rest assured that the organization is one they can be very, very proud of. We’ve done a lot in the community over the last few years and years before that in terms of protecting the community and we will continue to do so.”
Rodriguez was taken to jail this morning, where his bond was set at $30,000 dollars.
He will remain on administrative duty pending the outcome of the case.
Two New York Troopers Suspended for Prostitution
Two more New York State Troopers were suspended without pay Thursday night in connection with a prostitution investigation.
Jeremy Smith, 34, and Michael Petritz, 33, both of Troop T Henrietta, are accused of engaging in misconduct.
The investigation began in December, and kicked off with Titus Taggart, 41, of Troop T Buffalo.
According to State Police, Taggart is under investigation for allegedly organizing parties that may have promoted prostitution while off-duty.
Taggart is an 18-year veteran of the force, while Smith and Petritz have 18 combined years with State Police.
Jeremy Smith, 34, and Michael Petritz, 33, both of Troop T Henrietta, are accused of engaging in misconduct.
The investigation began in December, and kicked off with Titus Taggart, 41, of Troop T Buffalo.
According to State Police, Taggart is under investigation for allegedly organizing parties that may have promoted prostitution while off-duty.
Taggart is an 18-year veteran of the force, while Smith and Petritz have 18 combined years with State Police.
Former Officer Michael McKethan Jr Arrested Again
An Oklahoma City police officer who resigned last year to avoid criminal charges after a drive-by shooting at a strip club was arrested again after his ex-girlfriend reported he broke into her house, according to a police report released Friday.
Michael Wayne McKethan Jr., 37, was arrested April 10 on a burglary complaint. According to the report, McKethan broke into the woman's home in the 2700 block of NW 164 Terrace just before 10 p.m. “It's an old girlfriend of his,” said Scott Adams, McKethan's attorney.
“He didn't do anything wrong. After all the facts come out, I'm sure he will be acquitted or charges won't even be filed. He didn't commit any crimes.”
Court records list the woman as Toni Ann Cooper. She told police she had been living with McKethan, but broke up with him and moved out of his house March 1.
What is alleged. Cooper said she was in her bathroom when McKethan walked in and surprised her. She told him to leave and refused his request to take him back. McKethan then grabbed a glass bathroom sink and broke it on the floor, and went to the living room and ripped a television from the wall and threw it to the ground, Cooper told officers.
Cooper filed a victim's protective order against McKethan earlier that day, court records show. McKethan resigned from the Oklahoma City Police department in 2011 after he and another officer were charged with a drive-by shooting two years earlier at Night Trips, an Oklahoma City strip club. In return for both officers' resignations, prosecutors dropped charges in the case. Charges in a separate insurance fraud case also were dropped after McKethan agreed to pay restitution.
Michael Wayne McKethan Jr., 37, was arrested April 10 on a burglary complaint. According to the report, McKethan broke into the woman's home in the 2700 block of NW 164 Terrace just before 10 p.m. “It's an old girlfriend of his,” said Scott Adams, McKethan's attorney.
“He didn't do anything wrong. After all the facts come out, I'm sure he will be acquitted or charges won't even be filed. He didn't commit any crimes.”
Court records list the woman as Toni Ann Cooper. She told police she had been living with McKethan, but broke up with him and moved out of his house March 1.
What is alleged. Cooper said she was in her bathroom when McKethan walked in and surprised her. She told him to leave and refused his request to take him back. McKethan then grabbed a glass bathroom sink and broke it on the floor, and went to the living room and ripped a television from the wall and threw it to the ground, Cooper told officers.
Cooper filed a victim's protective order against McKethan earlier that day, court records show. McKethan resigned from the Oklahoma City Police department in 2011 after he and another officer were charged with a drive-by shooting two years earlier at Night Trips, an Oklahoma City strip club. In return for both officers' resignations, prosecutors dropped charges in the case. Charges in a separate insurance fraud case also were dropped after McKethan agreed to pay restitution.
New Jersey Officer Steven Vigorito Jr Charged with Texting Child Explicit Photos
A New Jersey police officer has been arrested and charged after he
allegedly pursued sexual contact with a 12-year-old girl, texting her
explicit photos of himself in uniform.
According to the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office, Woodland Park Police Officer Steven Vigorito Jr. was charged with attempted aggravated assault, luring and enticing a child, attempted endangering of a child, attempted sex assault and official misconduct.
Investigators said, Vigorito met the girl after responding to a domestic dispute at a home in Woodland Park on April 23. While at the scene, the officer gave the girl his personal cell phone number.
The 12-year-old victim immediately alerted her mother who in turn told authorities.
In the following days, detectives posed as the girl and reached out to Vigorito which prompted several explicit text messages from the 39-year-old officer, including photos where he's in uniform and exposing himself. Officials say some of the photos are believed to have been taken at the station house.
When Vigorito attempted to lure the girl to a location for sex, undercover officers went in and arrested him, officials said.
Vigorito, a 12-year veteran with the Woodland Park Police Department, was arrested Tuesday night while on duty. He was arraigned Wednesday and remains in custody with a $250,000 bond.
"The person called to assist the family, ended up preying on the family," Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia Valdes said a press conference Wednesday.
Vigorito has been suspended without pay.
PIX 11 News paid a visit to Vigorito's Woodland Park home Tuesday afternoon. Two women slammed the door at first and quickly closed the garage doors before coming back outside.
"He's not that kind of guy, he's a good guy, he's a clean guy," said a woman who wouldn't identify herself. The home had toys and children's games on the front lawn, and the woman was holding a young child.
According to the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office, Woodland Park Police Officer Steven Vigorito Jr. was charged with attempted aggravated assault, luring and enticing a child, attempted endangering of a child, attempted sex assault and official misconduct.
Investigators said, Vigorito met the girl after responding to a domestic dispute at a home in Woodland Park on April 23. While at the scene, the officer gave the girl his personal cell phone number.
The 12-year-old victim immediately alerted her mother who in turn told authorities.
In the following days, detectives posed as the girl and reached out to Vigorito which prompted several explicit text messages from the 39-year-old officer, including photos where he's in uniform and exposing himself. Officials say some of the photos are believed to have been taken at the station house.
When Vigorito attempted to lure the girl to a location for sex, undercover officers went in and arrested him, officials said.
Vigorito, a 12-year veteran with the Woodland Park Police Department, was arrested Tuesday night while on duty. He was arraigned Wednesday and remains in custody with a $250,000 bond.
"The person called to assist the family, ended up preying on the family," Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia Valdes said a press conference Wednesday.
Vigorito has been suspended without pay.
PIX 11 News paid a visit to Vigorito's Woodland Park home Tuesday afternoon. Two women slammed the door at first and quickly closed the garage doors before coming back outside.
"He's not that kind of guy, he's a good guy, he's a clean guy," said a woman who wouldn't identify herself. The home had toys and children's games on the front lawn, and the woman was holding a young child.
LA Deputy Manuel Perallon Jr Arrested for Sex Crimes Against Teen Girl
A Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy was arrested this week and charged
with sex crimes against a teenage girl enrolled in the department’s
program for youths interested in law enforcement.
Deputy Manuel Enrique Perallon Jr. was charged with one felony count of oral copulation of a minor and misdemeanor child molesting. The deputy’s victim, authorities said, was a 16-year-old girl enrolled in the sheriff's department’s Explorer program.
Perallon, 36, was in charge of overseeing the volunteer youth program at the Cerritos station. Sheriff’s officials received information last year that the deputy was engaged in an “inappropriate relationship” with a teenage Explorer and a probe was launched, said sheriff’s spokesman Steve Whitmore.
The investigation determined that Perallon had victimized the teen, Whitmore said, over the span of several months, sometimes while the deputy was on duty.
Supervision and auditing of the youth program has been heightened as a result, Whitmore said, though sheriff’s investigators do not believe Perallon had other victims.
The deputy faces a maximum prison term of four years. Following the felony charge, he was relieved of duty without pay.
“All crimes are heinous, especially ones like this,” Whitmore said. “Not only is it illegal, but it’s categorically unacceptable.”
The sheriff’s Explorer program is an incubator for youth interested in careers in law enforcement. Teen volunteers are allowed to assist law enforcement in basic tasks and are provided guidance in how to become cops once they’re older.
Deputy Manuel Enrique Perallon Jr. was charged with one felony count of oral copulation of a minor and misdemeanor child molesting. The deputy’s victim, authorities said, was a 16-year-old girl enrolled in the sheriff's department’s Explorer program.
Perallon, 36, was in charge of overseeing the volunteer youth program at the Cerritos station. Sheriff’s officials received information last year that the deputy was engaged in an “inappropriate relationship” with a teenage Explorer and a probe was launched, said sheriff’s spokesman Steve Whitmore.
The investigation determined that Perallon had victimized the teen, Whitmore said, over the span of several months, sometimes while the deputy was on duty.
Supervision and auditing of the youth program has been heightened as a result, Whitmore said, though sheriff’s investigators do not believe Perallon had other victims.
The deputy faces a maximum prison term of four years. Following the felony charge, he was relieved of duty without pay.
“All crimes are heinous, especially ones like this,” Whitmore said. “Not only is it illegal, but it’s categorically unacceptable.”
The sheriff’s Explorer program is an incubator for youth interested in careers in law enforcement. Teen volunteers are allowed to assist law enforcement in basic tasks and are provided guidance in how to become cops once they’re older.
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