Officer Jeremy Sweet Arrested for Aggravated Assault

A Phoenix police officer has been arrested for aggravated assault. Seven-year veteran Jeremy Sweet was arrested and booked Tuesday evening on one count of aggravated assault.

The arrest stems from an investigation that began Monday afternoon. That's when a complaint was brought forward by a Phoenix resident calling 911. Investigators are alleging that while on-duty, Sweet pointed a handgun at the occupants of another vehicle during a traffic altercation on South Central Avenue

"His justification for this was indicating that someone may be trying to ram or cut him off to take a prisoner from his vehicle," says Phoenix Police Sgt. Trent Crump.

"He did not get on his police radio," Crump continued. "He did not ask for assistance. He did not document this in any way. In fact, pulled up next to the vehicle, lectured the driver about their driving behavior while the gun was pointed at him, and continued on his way to the jail to perform his duties."

Sweet was hired by the Phoenix Police Department on July 16, 2007 and was assigned to the Department's Central Booking Detail at the time this incident occurred. Sweet was operating an unmarked police vehicle designed to transport prisoners, some of whom witnessed portions of the incident.

The following is a statement from the Phoenix Police Department:
"The Phoenix Police Department takes this incident very seriously and has taken swift and appropriate action to help ensure public trust remains high. We understand our role in the community of upholding the law and anything less will never be tolerated."

Detective Joshua Boyd Charged with Domestic Violence

A Maricopa police detective accused of assaulting his wife and son during a domestic dispute was arrested Saturday and put on paid leave.

Detective Joshua Boyd, 41, faces charges of aggravated assault, assault, disorderly conduct and criminal damage, according to a press release Monday from the City of Maricopa Police Department.

Officers responded to a domestic violence call at 4:02 a.m. Saturday. Alcohol is considered to be a factor.

"The victim...explained she was pushed by her husband...causing her to fall to the floor and injure her right wrist. It was also learned her 14-year-old son was assaulted by Boyd while trying to protect his mother," the release said.

Both were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Boyd is also accused of striking a separation gate with a broom until it was bent and non-functional and of breaking the broom over his knee, the release said.

Boyd was booked into the Pinal County Jail. He will be placed on paid administrated leave pending an internal investigation.

Boyd, a Maricopa Police Department member since 2007, is currently assigned to the Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force.

Officer Carlos Antonio Wilson Charged with Kidnapping

An employee of The Medical Center of Central Georgia’s police department was charged Wednesday with multiple crimes after allegedly firing shots at his ex-wife and another man, and later ramming their car.

The Bibb County sheriff’s office said in a news release Wednesday night that 39-year-old Carlos Antonio Wilson is accused of following his ex, 41-year-old Reeshema Wilson, and Hiram Simmons, also 41, while they were driving on Mercer University Drive about 1 a.m. Wednesday.

The sheriff’s news release detailed the encounter:

After Reeshema Wilson and Simmons noticed a vehicle following them, they pulled over at the Food Mart at 4381 Mercer University Drive. Carlos Wilson got out of his 2006 Chevrolet Equinox and started firing a gun at the pair. They drove away, but Carlos Wilson followed them down Log Cabin Drive where he rammed their car at Napier Avenue, causing the cars to wreck.

Carlos Wilson flashed his handgun and pulled Reeshema Wilson from the vehicle about the time sheriff’s deputies arrived. Carlos Wilson fled on foot.

About 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Carlos Wilson turned himself over to the Southeastern Regional Fugitive Task Force, according to the news release. He was jailed in Bibb County on multiple warrants, including two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of aggravated assault family violence, kidnapping, aggravated stalking, violation of oath of office and possession of a handgun during commission of a felony.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Bibb Sheriff’s Office at 478-751-7500 and ask to leave a message for the on-call investigator.

Corrections Officer Kelvin Grisales Charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault

Hartford police said they have obtained another arrest warrant for a Hartford correction officer who was arrested last month after a sexual assault was reported on Huyshope Street in Hartford.

Officials from the state Department of Correction said Kelvin Grisales was placed on administrative leave after being arrested in March and charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault, first-degree threatening, weapons in a motor vehicle and facsimile firearm.

Hartford police said they have obtained another arrest warrant for Grisales in connection with a case in March 2012. Police said it is the result of an investigation of several sexual assaults in Hartford and New Britain.

"The circumstances of this investigation are consistent with a serial pattern evident in Hartford and New Britain," a news release from police states.

Police said Grisales has been charged with first-degree assault, first-degree sexual assault, patronizing a prostitute from a motor vehicle, first-degree kidnapping, impersonation of a police officer and second-degree threatening. Bond was set at $100,000.

During a bond hearing held earlier this month, prosecutors said three more sexual assault cases might be brought against him. Police said there is one possible sexual assault case in New Britain and another in Hartford.

The incident that led to the original charges happened on March 27 and that case, along with evidence from the scene, led police to suspect Grisales in a several other sexual assaults they were investigating.

Police said they responded to a report of sexual assault with a firearm displayed just after 12:30 a.m.

At first, the victim told police that she was walking on Wethersfield Avenue to go buy cigarettes when Grisales drove up in a blue SUV, pulled a gun on her and ordered her to get in the car.

He brought her to a “quick mart,” ordered her to buy a condom, then ordered her to get back in the car and sexually assaulted her, she said, according to police.

When police asked the victim why she did not ask for help in the store, she said she was scared and feared Grisales would but her.

Police located a car matching the description the woman gave police, took Grisales into custody and the victim identified him as the person who assaulted her.

When the victim went to the police station, she gave a written statement with a different account of what happened, police said.

She said he had gotten into a fight with her boyfriend and said she was going out to make money when Grisales approached her on Wethersfield Avenue and asked where she was going, the woman told police.

She told him she had no particular destination and her told her to get into his car.

They went to the store to buy a condom and discussed a price for sex. She said $40, but Grisales said he’d give her $60, according police. When they got back into the car, Grisales pulled out a gun and demanded a sex act, according to police.

After the assault, she got out of the car, ran toward a vehicle that was running and that is when police arrived, according to police.

When police questioned Grisales, he said the victim flagged him down on Wethersfield Avenue, said it was cold out and asked for a ride to the quick mart, so he brought her to the store. He also told authorities that she had a black eye and he felt bad for her.

Grisales told police the victim talked to him about her downfalls with heroin, a falling out with her father, getting kicked out of her apartment and said her boyfriend was mean and would not kiss her, so Grisales kissed her on the cheek, according to the court documents.

He then went on to say that the victim bought the condom and the sexual acts were consensual.

Then, the woman asked Grisales for $60 for the sex and said she had to buy heroin, he said.

He went on to say she threatened him and began reaching in his pockets, so he grabbed his son’s BB gun from under the passenger seat and put it in his lap because he was in fear, according to court paperwork.

Then he told the victim to get out of the car or he could drive her home, but she became more aggressive and he ordered her out of the car, he told investigators.

After ordering her from the car, he felt bad and drove back, but saw her speaking with police, he told officers.

Grisales has worked at Hartford Correctional since September 2008.

Court records state that Grisales pleaded not guilty to the March case and he is being held on $750,000 bond.

Hartford police are asking any other victims to call police at 860-757-4041.

Cpl Justin Cherry Charged with Misconduct

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced the arrest of Cpl. Justin Cherry of the Tuckerton Borough Police Department.  Cherry is charged with official misconduct, a second degree crime, and aggravated assault, a third degree crime. He surrendered in the presence of his attorney, Robert W. Rosenberg on Wednesday.

The charges stem from Cherry’s involvement in the arrest of a 57 year-old Barnegat Township resident in Barnegat on January 29, 2014.  The woman allegedly failed to stop after Cherry activated his police vehicle’s emergency lights while the woman was driving in Tuckerton.  The woman drove from Tuckerton to the parking lot of the Barnegat Township Municipal Complex where she was taken into custody by two officers from the Barnegat Police Department.  It is alleged that Cherry was present in Barnegat at the scene of her arrest and unjustifiably allowed his K-9 to attack and bite the woman. It is also alleged that Cherry falsified his police reports in an effort to conceal or justify his improper actions.

Cherry’s bail was set at $15,000 no 10% by the Honorable Francis R. Hodgson, Jr., J.S.C.  Cherry posted bail and was released pending further court proceedings.

Jailer Amy Beth Minor Accused of Hitting Woman Over Head with Whiskey Bottle

A Sequoyah County jailer was arrested after she was accused of hitting a woman over the head with a whiskey bottle during an argument outside a Sallisaw business.

Amy Beth Minor, 28, was taken into custody Friday by Sallisaw police on complaints of aggravated assault and assault and battery with a sharp or dangerous weapon with intent to injure, according to an arrest report.

The report states that police were dispatched to the 2700 block of West Cherokee just before 11 p.m. Friday where Minor and other woman had been involved in an argument that began over a text message.

The woman told officers at the scene that Minor became angry, spit on her and struck her over the head with a half-gallon whiskey bottle, the report said.

Detectives noted in the report that the woman was bleeding from the head and that she had to change shirts “due to the amount of blood that she already lost.”

When contacted by police, Minor explained that “she didn’t mean to hurt anyone” and that she hit the woman with the bottle after the woman attempted to punch her, said the report.

Officer Scott Pennell Charged with Aggravated Assault

A Chandler officer is behind bars on felony charges after he was arrested for a domestic violence incident at his home.

Officer Scott Pennell faces two counts of aggravated assault, two counts disorderly conduct, one count of stalking and one count of kidnapping.

Pennell's live-in girlfriend tell Chandler Police that on Wednesday he held her down on the couch and tried to strangle her.  According to a police report from Chandler Police, Pennell then called the victim's mother in Vermont and claimed he was going to kill his girlfriend.

His girfriend called Chandler Police on Thursday morning when he returned to the house.  The victim received medical attention, and a forensic nurse confirmed there were marks on the woman's neck consistent with strangulation.  Pennell surrendered to police at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Former Officer Cody Smith Arrested for Rape of Child

A 39-year-old man who worked temporarily for both the Logan City Police and the Cache County Sheriff is expected to appear in court Thursday on multiple felony charges.

Cody Smith was booked into the Cache County Jail Tuesday afternoon. He’s being held on two counts of rape of a child, three counts of rape, one count of object rape, one count of forcible sexual abuse and three counts of aggravated assault.

Utah State University Police Chief Steve Mecham said his department was asked to investigate the case because Smith has a brief employment history with both the Logan City Police and the Cache County Sheriff.

According to Logan City Police Assistant Chief Jeff Curtis, Smith was a reserve officer, volunteering with the department, after graduating from the police academy in the mid-90's.

Curtis said Smith was never hired permanently and left the department to try and get a job with the Cache County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Lynn Nelsen said Smith volunteered for the sheriff's office from May 1999 to October 1999. He was then hired full-time and began the “Field Training Program,” a 12-week program to qualify for full-time service.

Nelson said Smith was terminated during the program for not meeting department standards in December 1999.

Bail has been set at $100,000.

Sgt. Michael Taulane Charged with Aggravated Assault

A borough police officer is accused of ongoing domestic violence against a female victim.

Sgt. Michael Taulane, 41, of Collingswood was charged Friday with aggravated assault in the case. Authorities said they learned of the alleged abuse the previous Monday.

Taulane, a 22-year police veteran, was released on bail and ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim. He surrendered all weapons he had, authorities said, and is suspended without pay from his job pending the outcome of the case.

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.

Detective Raphael Garcia Indicted for Aggravated Assault

A Passaic County sheriff’s officer charged with aggravated assault went to state court in Paterson Tuesday to defend himself against allegations he was reckless when shooting a drug suspect who eluded his pursuit.

The man defendant Raphael Garcia of Haledon shot and wounded in the left arm testified before state Superior Court Judge Raymond A. Reddin that Garcia was in plain clothes, wore no badge and never identified himself as an officer as he walked toward his car “at a fast pace” with gun drawn.

“I thought he was a gang member or something who was trying to rob me,” said Todd De Lucca, 36, of Park Ridge. De Lucca, an unemployed construction worker and printer, said he had driven to the Riverside Terrace Housing Complex at Plesinger Place and 5th Avenue in Paterson on Feb. 27, 2009, about 2:45 p.m. to buy $18 worth of heroin and visit friends.

His account contradicted earlier testimony from a 20-year veteran Passaic County sheriff’s officer, who was on the warrant detail with Garcia that day. He testified that Garcia was clearly wearing his badge when he emerged from the unmarked vehicle they were both in and approached the suspect. Lt. Francesco Lombardo said he saw De Lucca’s vehicle moving forward and then heard a pop.

A grand jury indicted Detective Raphael Garcia on one count of fourth-degree aggravated assault in July. He faces as much as 18 months in state prison if found guilty.

The trial is being held without a jury. The defendant, with the prosecutor’s assent, chose a non-jury trial before state Superior Court Judge Raymond A. Reddin in Paterson.

Garcia was put on modified duty following his indictment in July. County officials said at the time that he was taken off the street and would not carry a weapon pending the case’s outcome.

Garcia is the son of former Passaic County Jail Warden Felix Garcia, who in 2008 announced he was gearing up to challenge Sheriff Jerry Speziale in 2010. The 30-year veteran of the Passaic County Sheriff's Department was embroiled in a wrongful termination lawsuit against Speziale for four years. Speziale fired Garcia in February 2003 for allegedly disregarding department regulations. The litigation was eventually settled.

De Lucca, In explaining his actions, said, “It’s a high-crime, drug-dealing, gang-related area. It’s extremely dangerous.” Thus, when he saw Garcia coming toward him in street clothes and aiming a gun, the last thing he thought was that he was about to be arrested.

“I immediately thought to get the hell out of there, to avoid bodily injury. I hit the gas. But at no time was he in front of my car,” he testified, noting he never aimed the car directly at Garcia. “I heard a bang. The glass in my car shattered on the driver’s side door window.”

At that point, he testified that things got “foggy” and he can’t remember every detail. “I was in a daze,” he said, as he realized he’d been shot in the left arm. He said he heard people screaming at him and only then did they identify themselves as officers.

De Lucca, who was treated for his injury and recovered, was charged and pleaded guilty to drug possession. He is currently serving a two-year probationary sentence. He appeared in court limping and with a cane, explaining that it was due to lower back problems that he has suffered for some 15 years and for which he takes a variety of pain medications.

“If you knew this was a police officer, would you have stopped?” asked Passaic County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Paul Di Lella.

“Yes, I would have. I could have avoided a lot of trouble.” He later added: “I know better.”

The defense argues that Garcia was acting in self defense, as DeLucca gunned the car toward him and failed to heed Garcia’s warnings to stop. Under cross examination by defense attorney Robert Galantucci of Hackensack, De Lucca admitted he’d been charged seven times in the past with resisting arrest.

Di Lella strenuously objected to the introduction of that history, as only one of those arrests resulted in a conviction and the other charges were dismissed. Reddin allowed it, however, saying the charge Garcia faces is too serious to discount it as part of his defense.

“So you’re saying these officers came after you and shot you because you bought $18 worth of heroin,” Galantucci said, sounding skeptical.

“Yes,” De Lucca responded, noting he only gunned his engine when he was parallel to – or alongside – Garcia and that he was never driving straight at him.

Officer Tammi Jo Gordy Arrested for Road Rage

A DeWitt Police officer has been taken off the streets after Davenport Police say she pulled a gun on another driver.

Davenport Police received a call about a "road rage" incident along Utica Ridge Road on Sunday, February 14. The male caller said the other driver had a gun. Reports state the other driver was DeWitt Police Officer Tammi Jo Gordy. During the investigation, Gordy said that the other car pulled out in front of her and when she passed, the passenger flipped her off. That's when they both stopped at the parking lot on 53rd and Utica Ridge Road and she said the man got out in a threatening manner. Police say that's when she showed her gun and a can of mace. The man had his wife and two young children in the car.

"We immediately launched our own internal affairs investigation regarding the administrative violations that are going to go along with the criminal allegations," said DeWitt Chief of Police Tom Whitten. "We're definitely going to provide the employee with the due process necessary. Once we complete our investigation, we'll review the facts and determine...any possible discipline."

Davenport Police has charged Officer Gordy with Aggravated Assault, an aggravated misdemeanor. She is due in court on March 3. The DeWitt Police have placed Officer Gordy on paid administrative leave.

Sgt Hector Roa Accused of Pulling Gun on Bar Workers

An off-duty police officer is accused of hitting two bar workers and pulling a gun on them because they refused to let him back inside after closing.

Sgt. Hector Roa, 37, was charged Sunday with two counts of aggravated assault, Dallas police said. Police said Roa, a 14-year veteran currently assigned to central patrol, has been placed on administrative leave pending criminal and administrative investigations.

Matthew Kirchmeyer, a bouncer at the bar, said they were closing about 2 a.m. Sunday when Roa, who had been at the bar, tried to get back inside. He said Roa was in plain clothes and didn't identify himself as a police officer.

"He kind of tried to muscle his way back inside," Kirchmeyer told The Dallas Morning News. Kirchmeyer said that when he and the bar owner would not let Roa in, Roa hit both of them.

"I pushed him to the ground," Kirchmeyer said.

He said Roa then pulled a gun out of his waistband.

"When I saw the gun, I started hightailing it," Kirchmeyer said. "I was yelling at the top of my lungs, 'Put the gun up!' Police across the street heard."

Officers saw Roa chasing Kirchmeyer around a car with a gun in his hand, police said. When the officers told Roa to drop his weapon, he identified himself as an officer and surrendered.

Roa told the officers he was upset because Kirchmeyer had called him a racial slur. Kirchmeyer denied calling Roa a racial slur.

"The extent of the conversation was, 'You can't come in, we're closed,' " he said. "He's trying to cover up for the fact that he was drunk and pulled a gun on somebody."

Roa could not immediately be reached for comment Monday. A working home phone number for Roa could not be found.

Senior Cpl. Teena Schultz, Roa's partner for two years in Operation Disruption, a high-profile task force whose officers responded to high-crime areas across the city, said that she was shocked by the arrest.

"He's got a great character," Schultz said. "He loves being an officer. He's above this. I'm interested to hear the whole story to find out what led up to this."

___

Information from: The Dallas Morning News, http://www.dallasnews.com

Former Officer Michael Walters Arrested for Sexual Assault

A former Big Sandy police officer was arrested earlier this week and charged with aggravated assault and aggravated sexual assault, Cass County Sheriff James "Troop" Estes said Thursday.

Michael Wesley Walters, 35, was arrested after his wife brought evidence of the assault to the sheriff's department and pressed charges, Estes said. He remained jailed Thursday on $500,000 bond.

The Big Sandy police chief was not available for comment on Thursday.

Corrections Officer Curtis Moore Arrested for Shooting His Wife

Police cars and detectives filled the corner of Summerlane Avenue and Summerhurst Street shortly before midnight Monday.

An affidavit says 55-year-old Curtis Glenn Moore called police to his home in the 4800 block of Summerlane Avenue to the report a shooting.

"The husband fired a shot and hit his wife in the torso," said Lt. Col Pruitt from Memphis Police.

Police say they found Moore's wife, 50-year-old Nannette Jefferson shot in the chest. She told detectives that she was trying to walk away from her husband, when he put his foot in the door and shot her. But Moore says Jefferson grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. And then he pulled his gun and shot his wife.

"We don't know what caused the disturbance between them or the argument between them," added Pruitt.

Jefferson was taken to The MED in critical condition, while Moore was brought in for questioning and later charged with aggravated assault.

Family members say that the couple had been married for six years. But the couple had been going through a rough divorce over the past several months.

Moore who worked with the Shelby County Jail for 21 years as a correctional officer is off work with pay pending and administrative investigation.

Neighbors who live on the typically quiet street are still in disbelief.

Moore now sits behind bars at the very jail he worked in as recently as yesterday. Moore is behind bars on a $300,000 bond. He is set to be in court tomorrow at 9 am.

Former Officer Kachina McAlexander Found Guilty Of Firing Weapon at Police

A former Denver Police officer was found guilty on all counts on Thursday after she was accused of firing her handgun at local law enforcement officers in South Dakota.
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Kachina McAlexander, who resigned from her job with DPD last April, was convicted of three counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and one count of reckless use of a firearm.

The jury deliberated for 3.5 hours on Thursday before returning a verdict.

Her trial began on Tuesday.

McAlexander was holed up in a Custer, S.D. motel room on March 24, 2009 when local officers arrived in response to a report that McAlexander might be suicidal.

The 10-year DPD veteran is accused of firing her weapon at the responding officers, none of whom was injured.

Attempted murder charges were initially filed but then thrown out nine months ago.

According to The Denver Post, McAlexander faced weapons charges in 2006 after firing at a television and at the walls of her home in Adams County. Like the March 24 incident, McAlexander was reportedly suicidal at the time.

A judge acquitted McAlexander of the charges and an appeal by prosecutors was not successful.

She is being held without bond at the Pennington County Jail while she waits for sentencing.

She could be sentenced to 25 years in prison for each of the assault counts, plus a $50,000 fine for each count. The reckless use of a firearm charge comes with a sentence of up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $2,000.

The clerk said a sentencing date had not been set.
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Officer Eugene Hlavac Jr Charged with Assaulting Ex-Girlfriend

A Pittsburgh police officer who was arrested after assaulting his ex-girlfriend earlier this month will have an internal hearing regarding the incident today.

Eugene F. Hlavac Jr., 42, of Greenfield, was originally charged with aggravated assault, but that count was reduced to simple assault during a preliminary hearing.

According to Lauren Maughan, 23, Sgt. Hlavac slapped her face during an argument. She said she sustained a dislocated jaw in the incident.

Sgt. Hlavac claims he was defending himself.

Phillip DiLucente, who is representing Sgt. Hlavac in his criminal case, said all he hopes for is a thorough investigation.

"I truly believe if there is a complete and thorough investigation the disposition will be that Sgt. Hlavac should be able to maintain his job," Mr. DiLucente said.

While a judge last week approved a protection from abuse order in the matter requiring Sgt. Hlavac to stay away from Ms. Maughan and to give up all of his weapons, a final hearing on the matter is scheduled for Monday morning before Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Kathryn Hens-Greco.

In the meantime, Sgt. Hlavac late last week filed for shared custody of the 3-year-old boy he has with Ms. Maughan.

Judge David Wecht, who is assigned to the custody matter, has ordered that both Ms. Maughan and Sgt. Hlavac attend an education and mediation session on Jan. 16 at the Wightman School Community Building. Further, the judge scheduled mandatory mediation on the matter for Feb. 5.

Sgt. Hlavac said in the court filing asking for shared custody that the best interest of the child would be served because he "has and will continue to provide the minor child with love, affection, care, treatment and all of the other necessary and proper parental duties and obligations which the said minor child needs and deserves."

Sgt. Hlavac, a night shift supervisor at the Zone 2 police station in the Hill District, has temporarily been assigned to the warrant office.

Former Officer Jay Simon Will be Allowed to Speak with His Children

A former Gurnee police officer accused of molesting two preteen girls will be allowed to speak with his children over the holidays - if the children elect to do so.

A Lake County circuit court judge on Monday granted the request of Jay Simon, 37, of Round Lake Park, to speak with his sons during the holidays, provided the sons contact Simon first.

Simon was arrested in June 2008 and charged with predatory criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal abuse for, authorities said, molesting the two girls following an investigation by the Lake County Children's Advocacy Center.

The girls, who were under the age of 13, were molested in three separate attacks dating to November 2006, prosecutors said.

He was also charged with aggravated unlawful restraint, official misconduct and aggravated assault following a 2007 incident in which he identified himself as a police officer and used his duty handgun to threaten a man linked to his estranged wife, authorities said.

Simon has pleaded not guilty. He faces the possibility of multiple prison sentences of up to 30 years if convicted of all the most serious charges.

Simon has been released on $1 million bond since his arrest but is under a 24-hour home confinement and is allowed to leave only to go to court or to meet with his lawyer.

His trial is expected to begin Jan. 15.

Sgt Eugene Hlavac Charged with Domestic Violence

Pittsburgh police Sgt. Eugene Hlavac is facing assault charges after the mother of his son claimed he hit her.

Sgt. Eugene Hlavac was charged with aggravated assault after the mother of his child, Lauren Noel Maughan, came forward, saying he hit her across the face this week.

According to the police criminal complaint, the two got into an argument. Maughan said Hlavac hit her and then tried to get her to say she was injured in a fall.

An emergency room doctor didn't believe the story, and eventually, the woman told police her injury was caused by Hlavac.

When the couple was together, police had been called to their home for reports of loud arguments.

Sgt. Deputy Clint Reynolds Arrested for Abusing his Wife

Sgt. Deputy Clint Reynolds of the Coweta County Sheriff's Office was arrested in Fairburn Wednesday afternoon for allegedly physically abusing his wife, Kimberly, according to authorities.

Reynolds was transported to the Coweta County Jail where he now faces criminal charges of battery and aggravated assault, according to Scott Dutton, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Region 2 assistant special agent in charge.

The GBI was asked by the sheriff's office last week to initiate an investigation into allegations of domestic abuse involving Reynolds, according to Dutton. Warrants for Reynolds' arrest were obtained on Wednesday, and the deputy was arrested without incident in Fairburn by members of the Fairburn Police Department, the GBI and the sheriff's office.

Coweta County Sheriff Mike Yeager first confirmed last week that the sheriff's office was aware and looking into the "personnel" matter. Calls to the sheriff's office for information were not returned Wednesday.