More than a third of the police officers in this Northern California town of 13,000 have been arrested, variously accused of bribery, embezzlement and threats charges.
Four are accused of developing a scheme to impound vehicles belonging to poor families, said Dean Flippo, Monterey County district attorney. After 30 days, those cars were turned over to King City police officers when the owners were unable to pay the impound fees.
The probe revealed that the scheme focused on poor Hispanic residents — including many who don't speak English. Census numbers show nearly 2 in 5 residents here are Hispanic.
"These people said, 'They are taking our property, they're taking our cars, they're taking our money and we can do nothing about that,' " Flippo said Tuesday. More than 200 vehicles were impounded, and 87% had been taken in by the same towing company.
Arrested were the following officials:
• Former police Chief Nick Baldiviez, charged with embezzlement by a public officer.
• Current acting Chief Bruce Miller, charged with accepting a bribe.
• Sgt. Bobby Carrillo, charged with conspiracy to commit a crime, accepting a bribe and bribing an executive officer.
• Sgt. Mark Baker, charged with criminal threats against a resident.
• Officer Mario Mottu, charged with embezzlement by a public officer.
• And Officer Jaime Andrade, charged with possession of an assault weapon and illegal storage of a firearm at his stepson's residence unrelated to the car scheme.
Also arrested was Brian Albert Miller, owner of a towing company and the acting police chief's brother. He was charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and bribing an executive officer.
All of those arrested were out of jail within hours. Bail amounts ranged from $10,000 to $60,000.
"There has been a significant breakdown in the internal leadership of the King City Police Department," Flippo said. "It also appears to me that some officers have dishonored their badge."
Carrillo was accused of receiving a free vehicle for every 10 to 15 vehicles he had impounded. Ultimately, Carrillo allegedly got five vehicles to keep or sell and gave one to Bruce Miller, then a police captain.
In 2011, prosecutors believe Baldiviez gave Mottu a free 2001 Ford Crown Victoria patrol car belonging to either King City or the King City Police Explorers, a nonprofit group that is part of the Boy Scouts of America. Baldiviez remains on the city's payroll in spite of his September retirement, Flippo said.
"I'm not sure we know all the cars that were taken," the district attorney said. He couldn't put a value on the vehicles handed out in the scheme.
None of Tuesday's arrests, part of a six-month investigation of complaints going back 3½ years, are related to accusations posted on the Internet that King City police officers skimmed money from recovered bank robbery funds, Flippo said. He wouldn't specify whether any of the officers arrested were implicated in that accusation.
"As we began to talk to individuals over the years, we were beginning to hear this constant theme that had been there for years prior, and that was a lack of trust and faith in the King City Police Department," he said.
King City criminal cases in which any one of the six accused was the arresting officer are under scrutiny, the prosecutor said.
So far three cases that cannot proceed without the arresting officer's testimony have been dismissed, said Terry Spitz, chief assistant district attorney. Other cases also may be dismissed.
"My reputation is soiled," Bruce Miller said. "There's no coming back from this even if I'm found innocent. People are always going to look poorly upon me."
He said he knew his department was being investigated but had no idea he was a suspect. He denied that he had accepted any bribes.
Almost all of the police force's upper management has been arrested, Monterey County Sheriff Scott Miller said. His office is offering help in the interim as King City officials figure out how to continue policing the town about 135 miles southeast of San Francisco and 200 miles northwest of Los Angeles along U.S. 101.
"We have no plans to just go into the city and take over services, but our offer to the city is we're available from this point on to provide whatever level of law enforcement services the city requires," he said.
The King City Police Department has come under fire in recent years. In 2010, Baldiviez was placed on administrative leave after officers claimed he arrived intoxicated at crime scenes. The next year, Baldiviez came under scrutiny for allegedly placing overweight officers on a weight-loss program, claiming they were unfit to work.
Baldiviez officially retired in September after a four-month vacation. Bruce Miller has filled the chief's position on an interim basis since May 2013.
At the time, Bruce Miller said he would be interested in applying for the chief's position when it became officially available.
Baldiviez is also listed as one of several defendants in a November lawsuit clai
Showing posts with label embezzlement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label embezzlement. Show all posts
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Corporal Randy Braaksma Accused of Keeping Cash & Seized Drugs
Vancouver Police chief Cliff Cook has fired an officer accused of keeping cash and drugs seized from suspects.
Corporal Randy Braaksma was terminated Wednesday after a year-long investigation into mishandled evidence.
The Vancouver Columbian reports a lawyer for Braaksma says the firing is retaliation for his speaking out in a discrimination case. Braaksma has filed a claim against the city, intending to sue.
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Information from: The Columbian, http://www.columbian.com
Corporal Randy Braaksma was terminated Wednesday after a year-long investigation into mishandled evidence.
The Vancouver Columbian reports a lawyer for Braaksma says the firing is retaliation for his speaking out in a discrimination case. Braaksma has filed a claim against the city, intending to sue.
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Information from: The Columbian, http://www.columbian.com
Former Officer Gene Tomatani Pleads Guilty to Grand Theft
A former Redondo Beach police officer accused of taking more than $75,000 from a law enforcement officers' association pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of grand theft by embezzlement, authorities said.
Gene Tomatani, 40, is expected to pay $75,388 in restitution between now and his sentencing March 15, the Los Angeles County district attorney's office said. He has already paid $12,000 toward the restitution.
Tomatani agreed to a settlement and is expected to be sentenced to 90 days in County Jail and three years' probation. He must attend a year of Gamblers Anonymous, the district attorney said.
Tomatani was the president and treasurer of the Redondo Beach Police Officer's Assn. and was accused of embezzling the money between May 2004 and May 2008.
He resigned from the department in October.
Gene Tomatani, 40, is expected to pay $75,388 in restitution between now and his sentencing March 15, the Los Angeles County district attorney's office said. He has already paid $12,000 toward the restitution.
Tomatani agreed to a settlement and is expected to be sentenced to 90 days in County Jail and three years' probation. He must attend a year of Gamblers Anonymous, the district attorney said.
Tomatani was the president and treasurer of the Redondo Beach Police Officer's Assn. and was accused of embezzling the money between May 2004 and May 2008.
He resigned from the department in October.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Lt Scott Gardner Arrested for Embezzlement
A sworn police officer working for California's Porterville Developmental Center claimed overtime in 2008 for days he was supposed to be on vacation and on occasions that he was out of town, an 18-month Porterville Police Department investigation has revealed.
Lt. Scott Gardner, 37, a resident of Camp Nelson, was arrested Tuesday morning on suspicion of embezzling of public funds.
Porterville resident Jeff Bradley, commander of the state police force at the center — a hospital that, among other tasks, helps to determine whether criminal suspects are mentally competent to stand trial — was arrested on similar charges.
The indictment charges Bradley with being complicit in helping Gardner illicitly receive more than $121,000 during calendar year 2008 by "claiming overtime for hours he had worked when he was not actually working — and being compensated for regular working hours in which he was not at work," Porterville police reported.
Porterville police were involved only because the hospital is within their jurisdiction, officials said.
All information was turned over to the Tulare County District Attorney's Office and a grand jury, which decided to indict Gardner and Bradley.
Neither suspect — booked Tuesday at Tulare County Jail on $60,000 bond each — was immediately available for comment.
The investigation took 18 months and involved analysis of 19,000 documents and the execution of 12 search warrants. It might yet take a wider scope and lead to future arrests, officials reported.
"In an investigation of this size, there's always the possibility of more charges and more arrests," Porterville administrative Sgt. Jake Castellow said.
Nancy Lungren, assistant director of communica-tions for the state Department of Developmental Services in Sacramento — which oversees the Porterville facility and its police force — confirmed that the state office had cooperated with the Porterville Police Department in the investigation but declined to comment further Wednesday.
Gardner claimed overtime for "multiple trips to Las Vegas and [to] various California cities, including the Central Coast," Porterville police reported. The investigation also showed that Gardner:
More Information
Lt. Scott Gardner, 37, a resident of Camp Nelson, was arrested Tuesday morning on suspicion of embezzling of public funds.
Porterville resident Jeff Bradley, commander of the state police force at the center — a hospital that, among other tasks, helps to determine whether criminal suspects are mentally competent to stand trial — was arrested on similar charges.
The indictment charges Bradley with being complicit in helping Gardner illicitly receive more than $121,000 during calendar year 2008 by "claiming overtime for hours he had worked when he was not actually working — and being compensated for regular working hours in which he was not at work," Porterville police reported.
Porterville police were involved only because the hospital is within their jurisdiction, officials said.
All information was turned over to the Tulare County District Attorney's Office and a grand jury, which decided to indict Gardner and Bradley.
Neither suspect — booked Tuesday at Tulare County Jail on $60,000 bond each — was immediately available for comment.
The investigation took 18 months and involved analysis of 19,000 documents and the execution of 12 search warrants. It might yet take a wider scope and lead to future arrests, officials reported.
"In an investigation of this size, there's always the possibility of more charges and more arrests," Porterville administrative Sgt. Jake Castellow said.
Nancy Lungren, assistant director of communica-tions for the state Department of Developmental Services in Sacramento — which oversees the Porterville facility and its police force — confirmed that the state office had cooperated with the Porterville Police Department in the investigation but declined to comment further Wednesday.
Gardner claimed overtime for "multiple trips to Las Vegas and [to] various California cities, including the Central Coast," Porterville police reported. The investigation also showed that Gardner:
More Information
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Correctional Officer Alfonso Alanis Arrested for Embezzlement
A Fresno County correctional officer was arrested on embezzlement charges, it was announced on Wednesday.
Alfonso Alanis, 28, worked as a correctional officer for five years.
His duties include handling the release of inmates and their property from the jail.
He was arrrested after a two-week investigation that resulted in sheriff's detectives serving a search warrant at his Fresno home.
They were looking for stolen property reported missing by inmates who were being released from jail.
Authorities say Alanis was withholding cash and other property from the prisoners.
Alfonso Alanis, 28, worked as a correctional officer for five years.
His duties include handling the release of inmates and their property from the jail.
He was arrrested after a two-week investigation that resulted in sheriff's detectives serving a search warrant at his Fresno home.
They were looking for stolen property reported missing by inmates who were being released from jail.
Authorities say Alanis was withholding cash and other property from the prisoners.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Sgt. Gene Tomatani Charged with Embezzling From Union
A former Redondo Beach police sergeant has been charged with embezzling more than $72,000 from his police union.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office says 40-year-old Gene Tomatani was charged Tuesday with felony grand theft.
Prosecutors say Tomatani stole from the Redondo Beach Police Officer's Association while serving as treasurer and then president of the group from 2004 to 2008.
Tomatani will be arraigned Jan. 8. If convicted, he faces up to four years in state prison.
Tomatani resigned from the department in October.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office says 40-year-old Gene Tomatani was charged Tuesday with felony grand theft.
Prosecutors say Tomatani stole from the Redondo Beach Police Officer's Association while serving as treasurer and then president of the group from 2004 to 2008.
Tomatani will be arraigned Jan. 8. If convicted, he faces up to four years in state prison.
Tomatani resigned from the department in October.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Officer Mark Lunsford Charged with Stealing Money & Jewelry
A Baltimore police officer assigned to a federal drug task force was arrested by the FBI and charged Thursday with stealing money and jewelry from houses hit on drug raids and with embezzling from funds used to pay confidential informants, according to the Maryland U.S. attorney's office.
Officer Mark J. Lunsford, 40, who has been on the force for six years, was placed by a federal judge on home detention with electronic monitoring during an appearance in U.S. District Court in Baltimore. He had been assigned to Baltimore's Drug Enforcement Administration, which conducts high-end narcotics investigations.
"These allegations represent an egregious abuse of trust," Maryland U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein said in an interview. FBI agents arrested the officer Wednesday night after he left work. He was charged with making a false claim, making a false statement and embezzlement.
Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesman for the Baltimore Police Department, said Lunsford is being suspended without pay. "The department doesn't tolerate any behavior that undermines the integrity of the agency or the hard work of our police officers," he said.
Neither Lunsford, who earned $97,196 with overtime in fiscal 2008, nor his attorney could be reached for comment.
Authorities said a confidential informant used by the DEA and city police tipped them off to the allegations. One of the items stolen from a drug raid at a hotel room, according to court documents filed Thursday, was a stainless steel Aqua Master diamond watch that retails for $18,000. The source told the FBI that Lunsford ordered him to "repair the watch and sell it and share the proceeds with him," according to the affidavit. The watch was sold for about $4,200 in New York.
The court documents describe the informant as unreliable because of his "inability to follow instructions and candor issues." The FBI dropped him as an informant, but court papers said the DEA and Baltimore police continued to use him for information.
After the informant came forward to FBI agents, prosecutors said in court documents, they secretly recorded conversations between Lunsford and the informant.
The affidavit alleges that Lunsford listed the informant on drug cases that the informant hadn't worked and would then tell his superiors that the informant deserved bonuses. In one case, he falsely linked the informant to a secret wiretap on a drug case "in the county" and then got the informant a $10,000 bonus from the DEA, according to prosecutors.
The prosecutors said Lunsford then split the money with the informant.
On July 1, the FBI said, agents caught Lunsford meeting with the informant outside a federal office in Elkridge and discussing a drug case: "I put in there that you gave me the information about ah ... what's the guy's name? That's that [expletive] house we're gonna hit. Who knows? We might get lucky," Lunsford told the informant, according to the court documents.
During that same conversation, prosecutors said, Lunsford told the informant "that he stole three [PlayStation] video games from the residence of a person [federal agents] had interviewed," according to court documents.
Lunsford then told the informant, "Me and you are the only ones that know we split that ten grand, right?" the documents say. The informant answered, "Oh yea, nobody knows."
Later, authorities said, Lunsford arrested a man during a raid and seized $17,490. Prosecutors said Lunsford put the informant, who had nothing to do with the case, in for a 20 percent bonus.
According to prosecutors, Lunsford wrote that "without the valuable intelligence provided by the [informant], the [suspect] would not have been arrested." Prosecutors said, "As Lunsford well knew at the time he submitted the claim for an award to DEA, the [informant] had provided no intelligence to him."
Prosecutors said the DEA allowed the informant to receive a $3,498 bonus and cut a U.S. Treasury check to the informant. The informant cashed the check and handed the money back to a DEA supervisor, who gave the informant marked $100 bills. Prosecutors said the informant then met with Lunsford to give him his share of the bonus in a parking lot in Sykesville. The FBI said agents had that meeting under surveillance.
Officer Mark J. Lunsford, 40, who has been on the force for six years, was placed by a federal judge on home detention with electronic monitoring during an appearance in U.S. District Court in Baltimore. He had been assigned to Baltimore's Drug Enforcement Administration, which conducts high-end narcotics investigations.
"These allegations represent an egregious abuse of trust," Maryland U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein said in an interview. FBI agents arrested the officer Wednesday night after he left work. He was charged with making a false claim, making a false statement and embezzlement.
Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesman for the Baltimore Police Department, said Lunsford is being suspended without pay. "The department doesn't tolerate any behavior that undermines the integrity of the agency or the hard work of our police officers," he said.
Neither Lunsford, who earned $97,196 with overtime in fiscal 2008, nor his attorney could be reached for comment.
Authorities said a confidential informant used by the DEA and city police tipped them off to the allegations. One of the items stolen from a drug raid at a hotel room, according to court documents filed Thursday, was a stainless steel Aqua Master diamond watch that retails for $18,000. The source told the FBI that Lunsford ordered him to "repair the watch and sell it and share the proceeds with him," according to the affidavit. The watch was sold for about $4,200 in New York.
The court documents describe the informant as unreliable because of his "inability to follow instructions and candor issues." The FBI dropped him as an informant, but court papers said the DEA and Baltimore police continued to use him for information.
After the informant came forward to FBI agents, prosecutors said in court documents, they secretly recorded conversations between Lunsford and the informant.
The affidavit alleges that Lunsford listed the informant on drug cases that the informant hadn't worked and would then tell his superiors that the informant deserved bonuses. In one case, he falsely linked the informant to a secret wiretap on a drug case "in the county" and then got the informant a $10,000 bonus from the DEA, according to prosecutors.
The prosecutors said Lunsford then split the money with the informant.
On July 1, the FBI said, agents caught Lunsford meeting with the informant outside a federal office in Elkridge and discussing a drug case: "I put in there that you gave me the information about ah ... what's the guy's name? That's that [expletive] house we're gonna hit. Who knows? We might get lucky," Lunsford told the informant, according to the court documents.
During that same conversation, prosecutors said, Lunsford told the informant "that he stole three [PlayStation] video games from the residence of a person [federal agents] had interviewed," according to court documents.
Lunsford then told the informant, "Me and you are the only ones that know we split that ten grand, right?" the documents say. The informant answered, "Oh yea, nobody knows."
Later, authorities said, Lunsford arrested a man during a raid and seized $17,490. Prosecutors said Lunsford put the informant, who had nothing to do with the case, in for a 20 percent bonus.
According to prosecutors, Lunsford wrote that "without the valuable intelligence provided by the [informant], the [suspect] would not have been arrested." Prosecutors said, "As Lunsford well knew at the time he submitted the claim for an award to DEA, the [informant] had provided no intelligence to him."
Prosecutors said the DEA allowed the informant to receive a $3,498 bonus and cut a U.S. Treasury check to the informant. The informant cashed the check and handed the money back to a DEA supervisor, who gave the informant marked $100 bills. Prosecutors said the informant then met with Lunsford to give him his share of the bonus in a parking lot in Sykesville. The FBI said agents had that meeting under surveillance.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Retired Troopers Karol & Michael Siedel Arrested for Embezzlement
Two retired state troopers are facing first-degree larceny charges after allegedly embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from an electrical contracting company in which one of the men was a partner.
Karol Siedel, 63, and Michael T. Siedel, 39, both of 41 Kingswood Drive., turned themselves in to Southington police this morning and are to be arraigned this afternoon in Superior Court in Bristol. Both men face two counts of first-degree larceny and a single count of conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny.
The father and son were charged after an investigation that began in August 2007, when a business partner of Michael Siedel in J&M Electric LLC told police money had been improperly transferred to K&J Construction Group, a firm owned by Karol and Michael Siedel. The money was allegedly used to build a house in Wolcott and to purchase a home in Marco Island, Fla., police said.
Karol Siedel retired from the state police in February 1994 after nearly 21 years on the job. He then worked as a sheriff and then a judicial marshal at the New Britain courthouse. He left that position in March 2005.
Michael Siedel was a trooper about 10 years and served for a time on former Gov. John G. Rowland's 12-person security detail when he retired in about 2004. Siedel remained on the job long enough to vest his state benefits, then left to work as an electrician with his father, sources said.
Bail for Karol Siedel was set at $25,000, and bail for Michael Siedel was set at $50,000.
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http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/crime/news_wtnh_southington_father_son_embezzlement_troopers_200906251505
Karol Siedel, 63, and Michael T. Siedel, 39, both of 41 Kingswood Drive., turned themselves in to Southington police this morning and are to be arraigned this afternoon in Superior Court in Bristol. Both men face two counts of first-degree larceny and a single count of conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny.
The father and son were charged after an investigation that began in August 2007, when a business partner of Michael Siedel in J&M Electric LLC told police money had been improperly transferred to K&J Construction Group, a firm owned by Karol and Michael Siedel. The money was allegedly used to build a house in Wolcott and to purchase a home in Marco Island, Fla., police said.
Karol Siedel retired from the state police in February 1994 after nearly 21 years on the job. He then worked as a sheriff and then a judicial marshal at the New Britain courthouse. He left that position in March 2005.
Michael Siedel was a trooper about 10 years and served for a time on former Gov. John G. Rowland's 12-person security detail when he retired in about 2004. Siedel remained on the job long enough to vest his state benefits, then left to work as an electrician with his father, sources said.
Bail for Karol Siedel was set at $25,000, and bail for Michael Siedel was set at $50,000.
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http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/crime/news_wtnh_southington_father_son_embezzlement_troopers_200906251505
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Officer Gerald Bossolono Arrested for Stealing $70,000
A 10-year Cicero police veteran was charged with theft today after allegedly stealing more than $70,000 from the department's benevolent association, Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez said.
Gerald Bossolono, 46, was arrested as he showed up for work today by investigators with the Cook County State's Attorney's office, Alvarez said in a press release. He served as treasurer of the Cicero police benevolent association.
Bossolono who has worked with the Cicero police department since 1999 was charged with felony theft after an investigation by the State's Attorney's financial crimes unit.
Officials allege that Bossolono used his position as treasurer of the group to siphon more than $70,000 from the group's accounts. The association is a fraternal organization made up of Cicero police officers that raises money through memberships and social functions, Alvarez said.
If convicted of the Class 2 felony, Bossolono faces up to seven years in prison. He is scheduled to go have a bond hearing Thursday in the Maybrook court house in Maywood, Alvarez said.
Bossolono was taken into custody by State's Attorney investigators and charged after reporting for work this morning at the west suburban police station, said Elio Montenegro, a spokesperson for the town.
Montenegro said the former Joliet police officer who was hired by the town in 1999 was being investigated by the Cicero Internal Affairs Department since June 2008 after police received a phone tip that he was stealing money from the fund.
Montenegro said the town placed Bossolono on restricted duty one month later and then turned over the investigation to the State's Attorney's Financial Crimes Unit.
Bossolono is scheduled to appear in bond court Thursday morning in Maywood. The Class 2 felony is punishable by three to seven year in prison or probation, according to the state's attorney office.
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http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-ciceroofficer-emb,0,1052225.story
Gerald Bossolono, 46, was arrested as he showed up for work today by investigators with the Cook County State's Attorney's office, Alvarez said in a press release. He served as treasurer of the Cicero police benevolent association.
Bossolono who has worked with the Cicero police department since 1999 was charged with felony theft after an investigation by the State's Attorney's financial crimes unit.
Officials allege that Bossolono used his position as treasurer of the group to siphon more than $70,000 from the group's accounts. The association is a fraternal organization made up of Cicero police officers that raises money through memberships and social functions, Alvarez said.
If convicted of the Class 2 felony, Bossolono faces up to seven years in prison. He is scheduled to go have a bond hearing Thursday in the Maybrook court house in Maywood, Alvarez said.
Bossolono was taken into custody by State's Attorney investigators and charged after reporting for work this morning at the west suburban police station, said Elio Montenegro, a spokesperson for the town.
Montenegro said the former Joliet police officer who was hired by the town in 1999 was being investigated by the Cicero Internal Affairs Department since June 2008 after police received a phone tip that he was stealing money from the fund.
Montenegro said the town placed Bossolono on restricted duty one month later and then turned over the investigation to the State's Attorney's Financial Crimes Unit.
Bossolono is scheduled to appear in bond court Thursday morning in Maywood. The Class 2 felony is punishable by three to seven year in prison or probation, according to the state's attorney office.
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http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-ciceroofficer-emb,0,1052225.story
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Former Officer Alex Ramirez Pleads Guilty to Charges
A former Dearborn police officer accused of fixing tickets and accepting bribes pleaded guilty Wednesday in Wayne County Circuit Court.
Alex Ramirez, 42, of Dearborn faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for embezzlement by a public official, misconduct in office, obstruction of justice, conspiracy to obstruct justice, larceny in a building and bribery charges, Wayne County Prosecutor's Office spokeswoman Maria Miller said Wednesday.
One of his codefendants, Hassan Hojaije, agreed to testify against him in exchange for 2 years of probation. According to the 21-year-old Dearborn man, Ramirez would look up the names of people who'd received parking tickets and have him contact the drivers, offering to get rid of them for $400. This happened close to two dozen times, Hojaije testified.
Ramirez, a cop for two decades, will be sentenced at 9 a.m. July 28 before Wayne County Circuit Judge Margie Braxton.
Investigators said two other men also participated in the scheme: Isoam Nimer, 28, of Dearborn, who pleaded guilty to attempted obstruction of justice, and Hasan Chamara, 21, of Dearborn, who is charged with the same offense and may have fled the country.
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http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=10473980&nav=menu25_2
Alex Ramirez, 42, of Dearborn faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for embezzlement by a public official, misconduct in office, obstruction of justice, conspiracy to obstruct justice, larceny in a building and bribery charges, Wayne County Prosecutor's Office spokeswoman Maria Miller said Wednesday.
One of his codefendants, Hassan Hojaije, agreed to testify against him in exchange for 2 years of probation. According to the 21-year-old Dearborn man, Ramirez would look up the names of people who'd received parking tickets and have him contact the drivers, offering to get rid of them for $400. This happened close to two dozen times, Hojaije testified.
Ramirez, a cop for two decades, will be sentenced at 9 a.m. July 28 before Wayne County Circuit Judge Margie Braxton.
Investigators said two other men also participated in the scheme: Isoam Nimer, 28, of Dearborn, who pleaded guilty to attempted obstruction of justice, and Hasan Chamara, 21, of Dearborn, who is charged with the same offense and may have fled the country.
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http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=10473980&nav=menu25_2
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Reserve Officer Richard Carr Arrested for Rape
A Columbus reserve police officer was fired Wednesday after he was arrested in Oktibbeha County on statutory rape charges.
Reserve officer Richard Carr, 45, was “relieved of his duties as a police officer” Wednesday after Oktibbeha County officials notified the Columbus Police Department the officer had been arrested on the sex charges.
As of Thursday, police had released no details of the charges, as the investigation was ongoing and was being handled by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.
As of Thursday afternoon, no bond had been set and Carr remained in the Oktibbeha County Jail awaiting his initial court appearance.
Columbus Police Chief Joseph St. John this morning noted the investigation was turned over to MBI as soon as he was notified of the charges.
“As quickly as we could, he was placed under arrest, and he is terminated immediately,” St. John added. “Even though he was reserves, he’s one of us, and any time we have, not even probable cause, but reasonable suspicion, we turn it over to another agency.
“Really right now, the rest of it is really in (MBI’s) hands.”
Reserve officer Richard Carr, 45, was “relieved of his duties as a police officer” Wednesday after Oktibbeha County officials notified the Columbus Police Department the officer had been arrested on the sex charges.
As of Thursday, police had released no details of the charges, as the investigation was ongoing and was being handled by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.
As of Thursday afternoon, no bond had been set and Carr remained in the Oktibbeha County Jail awaiting his initial court appearance.
Columbus Police Chief Joseph St. John this morning noted the investigation was turned over to MBI as soon as he was notified of the charges.
“As quickly as we could, he was placed under arrest, and he is terminated immediately,” St. John added. “Even though he was reserves, he’s one of us, and any time we have, not even probable cause, but reasonable suspicion, we turn it over to another agency.
“Really right now, the rest of it is really in (MBI’s) hands.”
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Former Officer Carl Beckman Receives 3-Year Sentence
He went from putting people behind bars to being behind bars himself.
Former Sylvania officer Carl Beckman received a 3-year sentence Thursday.
Beckman was one of the oldest officers in the Sylvania Police Department. The detective assigned to the case knew him for years, and was stunned. Why?
Because Beckman was the one who trained him.
"It's probably been one of my worst cases I've had to investigate when you have to investigate your own fellow officers," said Mike Yunker of the Sylvania Police Department.
Beckman worked court security at Sylvania Municipal Court by himself. For the last 13 years he embezzled money from the property room.
"In the past, he may have taken money out of the newer cases to pay for some of the older cases," said Yunker.
No one noticed that he stole the money seized in drug cases over time. The tally was nearly $30,000.
"We understand he is behind on some payments with some things. But he didn't live a lavish lifestyle," Yunker said. "Those in public trust have to uphold the law and do what they're sworn to do by their oath."
Now Beckman is left explaining himself to the judge after pleading guilty to theft in office.
"I want to apologize to the court and the citizens of Sylvania, the city I served for 36 years."
Beckman's attorney asked for probation, saying police officers in prison are a target to other inmates.
But the judge issued a three year sentence, showing that no one is above the law.
Former Sylvania officer Carl Beckman received a 3-year sentence Thursday.
Beckman was one of the oldest officers in the Sylvania Police Department. The detective assigned to the case knew him for years, and was stunned. Why?
Because Beckman was the one who trained him.
"It's probably been one of my worst cases I've had to investigate when you have to investigate your own fellow officers," said Mike Yunker of the Sylvania Police Department.
Beckman worked court security at Sylvania Municipal Court by himself. For the last 13 years he embezzled money from the property room.
"In the past, he may have taken money out of the newer cases to pay for some of the older cases," said Yunker.
No one noticed that he stole the money seized in drug cases over time. The tally was nearly $30,000.
"We understand he is behind on some payments with some things. But he didn't live a lavish lifestyle," Yunker said. "Those in public trust have to uphold the law and do what they're sworn to do by their oath."
Now Beckman is left explaining himself to the judge after pleading guilty to theft in office.
"I want to apologize to the court and the citizens of Sylvania, the city I served for 36 years."
Beckman's attorney asked for probation, saying police officers in prison are a target to other inmates.
But the judge issued a three year sentence, showing that no one is above the law.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Spring Lake Police Department Being Investigated
SPRING LAKE
The Spring Lake Police Department was stripped of its remaining police powers Monday, and two of its officers were arrested.
Sgt. Alfonzo Devone Whittington Jr. and Sgt. Darryl Eugene Coulter Sr. were arrested after being indicted by a special Cumberland County grand jury.
About midafternoon, Sheriff Moose Butler and District Attorney Ed Grannis met with Police Chief A.C. Brown and Town Manager Larry Faison to discuss the action being taken against the Police Department.
They delivered an order from Chief District Court Judge Beth Keever saying that all criminal work within the town, including misdemeanors, would be handled by the Sheriff’s Office.
Grannis also said he plans to dismiss all pending misdemeanor cases filed by Spring Lake officers and will evaluate pending felony cases.
The action, which Grannis later called unprecedented, has in effect stripped Spring Lake police of any remaining powers.
The Sheriff’s Office set up a mobile command unit at the Spring Lake Family Resource Center on Odell Road. Butler said roughly four deputies on rotating shifts will work out of that location.
Starting today, all 911calls in the town will be forwarded to the Sheriff’s Office. Residents who need non-emergency assistance should call 323-1500.
Butler could not say how long his officers would handle Spring Lake’s investigations.
“We’re stretched, but we’re going to be here till the issue’s resolved,” he said.
Butler and Grannis met with four members of the county Board of Commissioners behind closed doors following Monday’s arrests.
After the hour-long meeting, board Chairwoman Jeannette Council said the commissioners support Butler providing law enforcement for Spring Lake residents until at least June 3. Council said the county can afford the expense without a special appropriation.
After June 3, the commissioners urged Spring Lake officials to contract with the sheriff to continue the service until town leaders reconstitute the Police Department “as a fully functioning law enforcement agency.”
Late Monday, many Spring Lake officers said they did not know whether they should show up for work today or what the future holds for them.
Town leaders evaded those questions Monday.
“Give us a little time,” Mayor Ethel Clark said before leaving Town Hall. “We’re still formalizing a plan.”
Brown remained in his office after Grannis and Butler left and would not answer questions from reporters. He surfaced briefly to check his vehicle and said, “I got a hot one,” before going back inside.
Faison referred all questions to a news release he said he faxed. He then slipped out of Town Hall to avoid reporters waiting at the rear of the building. The Observer did not receive a fax.
2 officers charged
Whittington, who joined the department in October 2005, was charged with 11 crimes, including embezzlement by public officer, obtaining property by false pretenses, larceny and obstruction of justice. The charges stem from $2,900 that was allegedly taken from the department’s evidence room. Whittington, who also served as the department’s evidence custodian and internal affairs investigator, allegedly took the money between September and January, according to the indictment. He then directed officers to alter reports and lie about the handling of the money. His bail was set at $100,000.
Coulter, who has been with the department since July 1999, was charged with 20 crimes, including breaking and entering, second-degree kidnapping and obstruction of justice.
The charges stem from an April 27, 2008, incident at a home on the 400 block of Vass Road.
According to the indictments, Coulter broke into the home, which was occupied by Mark Anthony Jones Jr., Jimmy Jovan Taylor and Samuel Darnell Wallace. He assaulted the men and forcibly removed them from the home while threatening them with a handgun and a shotgun, kidnapped them and then held them against their will by handcuffing the men.
The indictments allege that Coulter, while supervising three officers also involved in the false arrests, had no legal justification for the actions.
Coulter also was indicted for his alleged actions during an investigation at the Sleep Inn Motel. According to the indictment, Coulter lied when he said he smelled marijuana in a room from which officers seized $2,900. That’s the same money that Whittington is accused of later taking from the evidence room. His bail was set at $250,000.
Both officers appeared before Senior Resident Superior Court Judge E. Lynn Johnson about 4:30 p.m. They were escorted into the courtroom by agents with the State Bureau of Investigation. Johnson read the charges against them and told them the maximum penalty they face for each.
According to Johnson, Whittington could face 24 years, two months in prison if convicted on all charges. Coulter could face 32 years, four months in prison.
Whittington said he planned to hire his own lawyer. Coulter asked for a court-appointed lawyer, which the judge said would have to come from outside the county’s public defender’s office.
String of problems
Monday’s arrests are the latest in a string of problems for the Police Department.
In a letter to the county’s two top judges Monday, Grannis said he first realized the department had troubles in December 2006. It was at that time, the District Attorney’s Office learned Spring Lake officers mishandled child abuse allegations and the subsequent death investigation of 3-year-old Anijah Burr.
He later asked that all homicides be investigated by the Sheriff’s Office and then expanded that request to include all felonies.
In mid-2007, Grannis said he asked the SBI to conduct a criminal inquiry into the department’s narcotics division.
An independent assessment of the department, done at the request of the town Board of Aldermen in late 2007, found a number of problems, including a lack of training for officers, a lack of written directives and the leadership of Brown.
Originally, Grannis said he was concerned that the department lacked trained manpower and expertise. Now, he said, he has a much deeper concern.
Grannis wrote that the department still was under investigation by state agents.
He said the SBI’s report made him “genuinely disheartened” and that many of the questions raised in the report came from officers within the department.
“Within our democratic society, we entrust law enforcement with significant authority and responsibility in carrying out our criminal laws,” he wrote. “... This report raises genuine questions concerning the entrusting of such significant responsibilities to the Spring Lake Police Department.”
____________________
Other Information: http://www.fayobserver.com/article?id=325750
The Spring Lake Police Department was stripped of its remaining police powers Monday, and two of its officers were arrested.
Sgt. Alfonzo Devone Whittington Jr. and Sgt. Darryl Eugene Coulter Sr. were arrested after being indicted by a special Cumberland County grand jury.
About midafternoon, Sheriff Moose Butler and District Attorney Ed Grannis met with Police Chief A.C. Brown and Town Manager Larry Faison to discuss the action being taken against the Police Department.
They delivered an order from Chief District Court Judge Beth Keever saying that all criminal work within the town, including misdemeanors, would be handled by the Sheriff’s Office.
Grannis also said he plans to dismiss all pending misdemeanor cases filed by Spring Lake officers and will evaluate pending felony cases.
The action, which Grannis later called unprecedented, has in effect stripped Spring Lake police of any remaining powers.
The Sheriff’s Office set up a mobile command unit at the Spring Lake Family Resource Center on Odell Road. Butler said roughly four deputies on rotating shifts will work out of that location.
Starting today, all 911calls in the town will be forwarded to the Sheriff’s Office. Residents who need non-emergency assistance should call 323-1500.
Butler could not say how long his officers would handle Spring Lake’s investigations.
“We’re stretched, but we’re going to be here till the issue’s resolved,” he said.
Butler and Grannis met with four members of the county Board of Commissioners behind closed doors following Monday’s arrests.
After the hour-long meeting, board Chairwoman Jeannette Council said the commissioners support Butler providing law enforcement for Spring Lake residents until at least June 3. Council said the county can afford the expense without a special appropriation.
After June 3, the commissioners urged Spring Lake officials to contract with the sheriff to continue the service until town leaders reconstitute the Police Department “as a fully functioning law enforcement agency.”
Late Monday, many Spring Lake officers said they did not know whether they should show up for work today or what the future holds for them.
Town leaders evaded those questions Monday.
“Give us a little time,” Mayor Ethel Clark said before leaving Town Hall. “We’re still formalizing a plan.”
Brown remained in his office after Grannis and Butler left and would not answer questions from reporters. He surfaced briefly to check his vehicle and said, “I got a hot one,” before going back inside.
Faison referred all questions to a news release he said he faxed. He then slipped out of Town Hall to avoid reporters waiting at the rear of the building. The Observer did not receive a fax.
2 officers charged
Whittington, who joined the department in October 2005, was charged with 11 crimes, including embezzlement by public officer, obtaining property by false pretenses, larceny and obstruction of justice. The charges stem from $2,900 that was allegedly taken from the department’s evidence room. Whittington, who also served as the department’s evidence custodian and internal affairs investigator, allegedly took the money between September and January, according to the indictment. He then directed officers to alter reports and lie about the handling of the money. His bail was set at $100,000.
Coulter, who has been with the department since July 1999, was charged with 20 crimes, including breaking and entering, second-degree kidnapping and obstruction of justice.
The charges stem from an April 27, 2008, incident at a home on the 400 block of Vass Road.
According to the indictments, Coulter broke into the home, which was occupied by Mark Anthony Jones Jr., Jimmy Jovan Taylor and Samuel Darnell Wallace. He assaulted the men and forcibly removed them from the home while threatening them with a handgun and a shotgun, kidnapped them and then held them against their will by handcuffing the men.
The indictments allege that Coulter, while supervising three officers also involved in the false arrests, had no legal justification for the actions.
Coulter also was indicted for his alleged actions during an investigation at the Sleep Inn Motel. According to the indictment, Coulter lied when he said he smelled marijuana in a room from which officers seized $2,900. That’s the same money that Whittington is accused of later taking from the evidence room. His bail was set at $250,000.
Both officers appeared before Senior Resident Superior Court Judge E. Lynn Johnson about 4:30 p.m. They were escorted into the courtroom by agents with the State Bureau of Investigation. Johnson read the charges against them and told them the maximum penalty they face for each.
According to Johnson, Whittington could face 24 years, two months in prison if convicted on all charges. Coulter could face 32 years, four months in prison.
Whittington said he planned to hire his own lawyer. Coulter asked for a court-appointed lawyer, which the judge said would have to come from outside the county’s public defender’s office.
String of problems
Monday’s arrests are the latest in a string of problems for the Police Department.
In a letter to the county’s two top judges Monday, Grannis said he first realized the department had troubles in December 2006. It was at that time, the District Attorney’s Office learned Spring Lake officers mishandled child abuse allegations and the subsequent death investigation of 3-year-old Anijah Burr.
He later asked that all homicides be investigated by the Sheriff’s Office and then expanded that request to include all felonies.
In mid-2007, Grannis said he asked the SBI to conduct a criminal inquiry into the department’s narcotics division.
An independent assessment of the department, done at the request of the town Board of Aldermen in late 2007, found a number of problems, including a lack of training for officers, a lack of written directives and the leadership of Brown.
Originally, Grannis said he was concerned that the department lacked trained manpower and expertise. Now, he said, he has a much deeper concern.
Grannis wrote that the department still was under investigation by state agents.
He said the SBI’s report made him “genuinely disheartened” and that many of the questions raised in the report came from officers within the department.
“Within our democratic society, we entrust law enforcement with significant authority and responsibility in carrying out our criminal laws,” he wrote. “... This report raises genuine questions concerning the entrusting of such significant responsibilities to the Spring Lake Police Department.”
____________________
Other Information: http://www.fayobserver.com/article?id=325750
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Deputy David Jacobs Charged with Taking Money from Man he Arrested
CHICKASHA
A former Grady County sheriff's deputy has been charged with two felony counts alleging he took money from a man he arrested.
Former Deputy David Jacobs was arraigned Thursday on charges of embezzlement by a police officer and falsifying an official record. Bond was set at $8,000.
An Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation affidavit filed in the case indicates a jail security video captured Jacobs counting out money seized from the suspect and putting it in an envelope.
According to the affidavit, Jacobs told investigators he was holding $1,800 as evidence but forgot to book the money and then lost it on his way home. He told investigators he did not "intentionally steal or take any money," the affidavit states.
The affidavit indicates an envelope containing $2,000 was later found in his vehicle.
Sheriff Art Kell fired Jacobs in early March after the allegations first surfaced.
A telephone message left Friday with Jacobs' attorney, John Stuart, was not immediately returned.
Jacobs is scheduled to appear in court June 17 for a preliminary hearing conference.
"I'm tired of having to prosecute cops," said Grady County District Attorney Bret Burns. "Every time you do it affects the whole system.
"We've had to dismiss or plea bargain 20 to 30 cases Jacobs was working on because his credibility has been called into question."
Burns said he will seek prison time for Jacobs.
"I think we should hold on-duty police officers to a a higher standard," Burns said.
A former Grady County sheriff's deputy has been charged with two felony counts alleging he took money from a man he arrested.
Former Deputy David Jacobs was arraigned Thursday on charges of embezzlement by a police officer and falsifying an official record. Bond was set at $8,000.
An Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation affidavit filed in the case indicates a jail security video captured Jacobs counting out money seized from the suspect and putting it in an envelope.
According to the affidavit, Jacobs told investigators he was holding $1,800 as evidence but forgot to book the money and then lost it on his way home. He told investigators he did not "intentionally steal or take any money," the affidavit states.
The affidavit indicates an envelope containing $2,000 was later found in his vehicle.
Sheriff Art Kell fired Jacobs in early March after the allegations first surfaced.
A telephone message left Friday with Jacobs' attorney, John Stuart, was not immediately returned.
Jacobs is scheduled to appear in court June 17 for a preliminary hearing conference.
"I'm tired of having to prosecute cops," said Grady County District Attorney Bret Burns. "Every time you do it affects the whole system.
"We've had to dismiss or plea bargain 20 to 30 cases Jacobs was working on because his credibility has been called into question."
Burns said he will seek prison time for Jacobs.
"I think we should hold on-duty police officers to a a higher standard," Burns said.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Former Officer Katherine Leese Charged with Theft found Dead
DOYLESTOWN, Pa.
A former suburban Philadelphia police officer charged with stealing more than $87,000 from a police group she helped run has been found dead at her home.
Authorities say 42-year-old Katherine Leese, of Langhorne, was found by her mother on Monday.
The former Falls Township officer had pleaded no contest to theft charges and was to have been sentenced Tuesday for diverting funds from Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 53 while she was its treasurer.
The group's past president, 66-year-old Gerald Conaway of Southampton, embezzled another $5,500. Conaway is retired from the Upper Southampton force. He was sentenced in January to 23 months in prison.
An autopsy is pending to determine the cause of Leese's death.
______________________
http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/state/pennsylvania/20090407_ap_expapoliceofficerchargedwiththeftisdead.html
A former suburban Philadelphia police officer charged with stealing more than $87,000 from a police group she helped run has been found dead at her home.
Authorities say 42-year-old Katherine Leese, of Langhorne, was found by her mother on Monday.
The former Falls Township officer had pleaded no contest to theft charges and was to have been sentenced Tuesday for diverting funds from Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 53 while she was its treasurer.
The group's past president, 66-year-old Gerald Conaway of Southampton, embezzled another $5,500. Conaway is retired from the Upper Southampton force. He was sentenced in January to 23 months in prison.
An autopsy is pending to determine the cause of Leese's death.
______________________
http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/state/pennsylvania/20090407_ap_expapoliceofficerchargedwiththeftisdead.html
Monday, March 23, 2009
Officer Amanda Perry Now Being Investigated for Embezzlement
FAIRFAX, Va.
Fairfax County police say an officer who was involved in a fatal crash is now under investigation for embezzlement and has resigned from the department.
Officials say 23-year-old Amanda Perry has been accused of falsifying her work time and attendance reports. Police say she had been placed on administrative duty after the February 2008 crash.
Fairfax Commonwealth's Attorney Raymond Morrogh says he has not decided whether to charge Perry.
Fairfax prosecutors had charged Perry last year with reckless driving in the crash, which killed a 33-year-old teacher's assistant. Perry was found not guilty after a September trial.
Information from: The Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com
Fairfax County police say an officer who was involved in a fatal crash is now under investigation for embezzlement and has resigned from the department.
Officials say 23-year-old Amanda Perry has been accused of falsifying her work time and attendance reports. Police say she had been placed on administrative duty after the February 2008 crash.
Fairfax Commonwealth's Attorney Raymond Morrogh says he has not decided whether to charge Perry.
Fairfax prosecutors had charged Perry last year with reckless driving in the crash, which killed a 33-year-old teacher's assistant. Perry was found not guilty after a September trial.
Information from: The Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Officer Thomas Crouch Arrested for Embezzling Money
NEWPORT NEWS
A Newport News police detective was arrested Wednesday afternoon and charged with embezzling money from a fraternal group that pays bagpipes at police funerals.
Thomas David Crouch, 45, of Windymille Drive in Portsmouth was arrested just before 1:30 p.m. and booked at the Newport News City Jail after an investigation by Norfolk police.
Norfolk police spokesman Chris Amos said Crouch is accused of using a credit card from the Police Emerald Society for personal use between late 2007 and mid-2008. Crouch was an officer in the group, designed for officers with Irish backgrounds.
Crouch, who has worked for the Newport News department since May 2000, is a master detective who worked in the training division, spokesman Lou Thurston said. Crouch turned himself in, and was released on $1,000 bail.
Crouch is the third Newport News officer arrested in recent months. Lt. Ronald M. Hendrickson and Officer Christopher E. Miner are facing current charges of sexual assault.
A Newport News police detective was arrested Wednesday afternoon and charged with embezzling money from a fraternal group that pays bagpipes at police funerals.
Thomas David Crouch, 45, of Windymille Drive in Portsmouth was arrested just before 1:30 p.m. and booked at the Newport News City Jail after an investigation by Norfolk police.
Norfolk police spokesman Chris Amos said Crouch is accused of using a credit card from the Police Emerald Society for personal use between late 2007 and mid-2008. Crouch was an officer in the group, designed for officers with Irish backgrounds.
Crouch, who has worked for the Newport News department since May 2000, is a master detective who worked in the training division, spokesman Lou Thurston said. Crouch turned himself in, and was released on $1,000 bail.
Crouch is the third Newport News officer arrested in recent months. Lt. Ronald M. Hendrickson and Officer Christopher E. Miner are facing current charges of sexual assault.
___________
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Former Sheriff Jim Williamson Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud
DUBLIN
Former Telfair County Sheriff Jim Williamson pleaded guilty Wednesday to a federal charge of mail fraud and deprivation of honest services stemming from allegations that he embezzled fine money, accepted bribes and purchased personal items with county funds.
Williamson, 48, waived his right to indictment by a grand jury and the right to have his case tried by a jury. He instead signed a plea agreement. A sentencing date was not set, but he could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
As part of the agreement, Williamson, who did not seek re-election last year under the county’s two-term limit, agreed to pay restitution of $10,000. However, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Tanner said receipt books from the sheriff’s office were never recovered, so investigators are not sure how much county money is actually missing.
“Mr. Williamson has made it very difficult for us to do that ... without having to track down every citation that was issued in the last eight years and tracking down every person who was issued a citation,” FBI agent Robert Jones said.
Jones testified Wednesday that a joint investigation by the FBI and GBI alleged that Williamson collected fines that were never paid to the county’s probate court and that he kept $5,000 seized in a traffic stop. The sheriff also mailed a letter and a check drawn from a county account to make a monthly payment on an all-terrain vehicle kept for his personal use, Jones said.
Williamson also was accused of accepting money to get a Telfair State Prison inmate transferred to the county jail so the inmate “could spend time with his girlfriend,” Jones said.
Williamson told U.S. District Judge Dudley Bowen that he denied accepting money from the inmate and pocketing the cash from the traffic stop but still wanted to plead guilty. He said he accepted the $10,000 restitution figure as a fair estimate.
“There’s probably one person who knows the extent of the malfeasance, and that’s you,” Bowen told Williamson.
Prosecutors allege that Williamson’s misconduct began in January 2004, about the time he began his second term. Jones’ testimony provided some details of the investigation:
Former sheriff’s deputy Glenn Giles told investigators that Williamson dropped charges from a traffic stop the deputy had made but kept the fine money with the intent of paying for a party celebrating his re-election. Giles said the party was never held.
Giles also said Williamson said he planned to buy shotguns and Tasers with the $5,000 seized in a separate traffic stop but that the items were never purchased. No charges were filed in the case. Williamson testified Wednesday that he believes the money was used to buy cars for the sheriff’s office.
Probate Judge Diane Walker and a probate court employee told investigators of four or five instances in which citations and paperwork were turned in by the sheriff but fines were not included. They also reported instances in which residents brought receipts to the probate court, showing they had paid the fines to the sheriff’s office but the money was not turned in.
A man charged with driving under the influence paid an $850 fine to the sheriff’s office. Williamson reduced the charge to driving too fast for conditions and returned some of the money but did not send the rest to the probate court.
Former deputy Johnny Smith, who is now sheriff, arrested a suspect on multiple counts of theft by taking involving automobiles. The man was released on a $15,000 cash bond. Later, while incarcerated in Telfair State Prison, the man asked Williamson to get him transferred to the county jail, saying it would be “worth something to him.” The bond money was never deposited in a sheriff’s office account, and eventually $6,500 was given back to the suspect. Williamson received $4,200, and $4,300 was sent to the court.
Williamson used county funds to buy a 2006 Polaris ATV for $6,100. He twice refinanced the loan for the four-wheeler, with the second loan on Aug. 20, 2008, also intended to buy another ATV. Investigators recovered the four-wheeler at Williamson’s home in Milan. “The interviews we conducted indicated that the four-wheeler was never used for official business, only personal business,” Jones said.
As terms of his bond, Bowen ordered Williamson to get rid of any firearms he still possessed and to not engage in law enforcement activities. The judge also restricted his travel to within the court’s Southern District of Georgia.
Though Williamson disputed some of the allegations, “he is cooperating fully,” his attorney, Ashley McLaughlin, said after the hearing.
Williamson was released on a $10,000 bond until a sentencing hearing is held.
“I’m just glad it’s over,” Williamson said outside the courtroom.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Sheriff Jimmie Williamson Charged with Fraud
Telfair County Sheriff Jimmie W. Williamson has been charged with “honest services fraud” in connection with allegations he embezzled county money and accepted bribes, according to federal court documents.
Williamson, 48, is accused of embezzling fine and bond money paid by people arrested in Telfair County and using the money for his personal use instead of turning the money over to the county court system, according to a news release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Southern District of Georgia.
He also is accused of accepting bribes from people arrested in Telfair County in exchange for reducing or dismissing pending charges and for granting special privileges for people housed in the county jail, according to the release.
Williamson also is accused of using sheriff’s office money to buy items for his personal use, including an all-terrain vehicle, according to a document filed Monday in federal court. That document was filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring charges against an individual in lieu of an indictment or arrest, said Edmund A. Booth Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
On Dec. 2, 2005, Williamson mailed a letter from the Telfair County Sheriff’s Office to Lendmark Financial Services with a check drawn from the sheriff’s office’s inmate account fund to make a monthly payment on a loan for the all-terrain vehicle, according to the court records.
Ashley McLaughlin, Williamson’s attorney, said the sheriff has cooperated with investigators.
“He’s been straight with them since day one,” he said.
McLaughlin said the sheriff is guilty of “ignorance, not malice.”
He explained that the sheriff’s office didn’t utilize a “lock box” until the past couple of years. When a fine was paid to the sheriff’s office, the money was clipped to the back of the citation.
“There were times when anybody could have access to (the money),” McLaughlin said.
McLaughlin said the sheriff denies accepting any bribes.
With no money in the budget for an all-terrain vehicle, Williamson purchased one with his own funds with the thought that the county would pay him back when funds became available, McLaughlin said.
“He thought that was OK,” McLaughlin said.
The four-wheeler always was used for sheriff’s office purposes, commonly when deputies searched for marijuana fields, he said.
Booth said Williamson has not been arrested and doesn’t anticipate the sheriff will be arrested. Instead, Booth said Williamson will be summoned to appear in court in January for an initial appearance and arraignment.
The GBI launched an investigation into allegations of fraud and financial impropriety against Williamson in May following a request from the Oconee Circuit District Attorney’s Office. A search warrant was served at Williamson’s home in November.
At the time of the search warrant, GBI agents said they couldn’t estimate how much money was involved or what time span during which the alleged thefts occurred.
The federal court documents filed Monday indicate the alleged embezzlement, bribery and improper purchases began in January 2004.
If convicted, Williamson faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years on supervised release, according to court records.
Williamson, a two-term sheriff, did not run for re-election this year because of the county’s two-term limit.
Johnny O. Smith, the incoming sheriff, said he plans to bring credibility back to the sheriff’s office once he takes office in January.
“We’re going to work hard to make the people proud of us,” he said.
Information from The Telegraph’s archives was included in this report.
Williamson, 48, is accused of embezzling fine and bond money paid by people arrested in Telfair County and using the money for his personal use instead of turning the money over to the county court system, according to a news release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Southern District of Georgia.
He also is accused of accepting bribes from people arrested in Telfair County in exchange for reducing or dismissing pending charges and for granting special privileges for people housed in the county jail, according to the release.
Williamson also is accused of using sheriff’s office money to buy items for his personal use, including an all-terrain vehicle, according to a document filed Monday in federal court. That document was filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring charges against an individual in lieu of an indictment or arrest, said Edmund A. Booth Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
On Dec. 2, 2005, Williamson mailed a letter from the Telfair County Sheriff’s Office to Lendmark Financial Services with a check drawn from the sheriff’s office’s inmate account fund to make a monthly payment on a loan for the all-terrain vehicle, according to the court records.
Ashley McLaughlin, Williamson’s attorney, said the sheriff has cooperated with investigators.
“He’s been straight with them since day one,” he said.
McLaughlin said the sheriff is guilty of “ignorance, not malice.”
He explained that the sheriff’s office didn’t utilize a “lock box” until the past couple of years. When a fine was paid to the sheriff’s office, the money was clipped to the back of the citation.
“There were times when anybody could have access to (the money),” McLaughlin said.
McLaughlin said the sheriff denies accepting any bribes.
With no money in the budget for an all-terrain vehicle, Williamson purchased one with his own funds with the thought that the county would pay him back when funds became available, McLaughlin said.
“He thought that was OK,” McLaughlin said.
The four-wheeler always was used for sheriff’s office purposes, commonly when deputies searched for marijuana fields, he said.
Booth said Williamson has not been arrested and doesn’t anticipate the sheriff will be arrested. Instead, Booth said Williamson will be summoned to appear in court in January for an initial appearance and arraignment.
The GBI launched an investigation into allegations of fraud and financial impropriety against Williamson in May following a request from the Oconee Circuit District Attorney’s Office. A search warrant was served at Williamson’s home in November.
At the time of the search warrant, GBI agents said they couldn’t estimate how much money was involved or what time span during which the alleged thefts occurred.
The federal court documents filed Monday indicate the alleged embezzlement, bribery and improper purchases began in January 2004.
If convicted, Williamson faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years on supervised release, according to court records.
Williamson, a two-term sheriff, did not run for re-election this year because of the county’s two-term limit.
Johnny O. Smith, the incoming sheriff, said he plans to bring credibility back to the sheriff’s office once he takes office in January.
“We’re going to work hard to make the people proud of us,” he said.
Information from The Telegraph’s archives was included in this report.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Former Officer Kris Ledford Pleads Guilty
MUSKOGEE
A former Muskogee police detective charged with possessing stolen firearms and falsely claiming to be a Purple Heart recipient pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday.
In a plea deal with the United States, 30-year-old Kris Ledford of Broken Arrow will spend about three to five years in prison, based on federal sentencing guidelines.
The punishment will run concurrently with sentencing resulting from state charges in connection with the case.
He is required to plead guilty to state charges as part of the plea deal.
In Muskogee County District Court, he's charged with embezzlement, grand larceny and false declaration of ownership.
He also faces a misdemeanor charge in Tulsa County of impersonating a Tulsa police officer.
Before Magistrate Judge Kimberly E. West, Ledford said he used his position as a police officer to steal 8 to 24 firearms, which he said he sold, pawned or gave away.
In addition, he said he falsely told a police captain that he had been awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star — a misdemeanor.
Under the Stolen Valor Act of 2005, the punishment was increased from six months to up to one year in prison. The punishment was previously reserved for those falsely claiming to be Medal of Honor recipients.
Ledford told West that he has been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder and severe depression and has been treated for the past five months including an in-patient stay at the VA Hospital in Muskogee.
Ledford's attorney Donn Baker said he thinks his client was mentally competent when the crimes occurred.
Following the hearing, assistant U.S. Attorney Doug Horn said that Ledford claimed to be a traumatized war hero to gain sympathy after he had been accused of the firearms charges.
"A lot of people had sympathy for him," Horn said.
Baker said after the hearing that his client received several medals and ribbons but not the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, which requires a soldier to have been injured.
Ledford served with the Army and the Oklahoma National Guard and saw combat in Bosnia as an automatic rifleman, Baker said, reading from his client's paperwork.
With a college degree, a military career that included an honorable discharge, and a five-year career with the police department under his belt, Ledford seemed to have had a lot going for him.
"I can't answer what causes something like that," Baker said. "Everyone I talked to in the police department said he was an excellent police officer."
Baker said Ledford was recognized for having had no accidents as a Humvee driver in Germany and Bosnia and being one of the most reliable soldiers in his platoon.
Stolen valor is not a frequently applied charge.
U.S. Attorney Sheldon Sperling issued a press release saying that the troops have "weathered withering criticism and overwhelming odds to tenuous victory in Iraq and in other conflicts. The accomplishments of the truly brave should not be disparaged by those who would steal fame, absent personal sacrifice and personal loss."
Ledford was released on a $10,000 unsecured bond pending the results of a pre-sentencing investigation.MUSKOGEE — A former Muskogee police detective charged with possessing stolen firearms and falsely claiming to be a Purple Heart recipient pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday.
In a plea deal with the United States, 30-year-old Kris Ledford of Broken Arrow will spend about three to five years in prison, based on federal sentencing guidelines.
The punishment will run concurrently with sentencing resulting from state charges in connection with the case.
He is required to plead guilty to state charges as part of the plea deal.
In Muskogee County District Court, he's charged with embezzlement, grand larceny and false declaration of ownership.
He also faces a misdemeanor charge in Tulsa County of impersonating a Tulsa police officer.
Before Magistrate Judge Kimberly E. West, Ledford said he used his position as a police officer to steal 8 to 24 firearms, which he said he sold, pawned or gave away.
In addition, he said he falsely told a police captain that he had been awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star — a misdemeanor.
Under the Stolen Valor Act of 2005, the punishment was increased from six months to up to one year in prison.
Ledford told West that he has been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder and severe depression and has been treated for the past five months including an in- patient stay at the VA Hospital in Muskogee.
Ledford's attorney Donn Baker said he thinks his client was mentally competent when the crimes occurred.
Following the hearing, assistant U.S. Attorney Doug Horn said that Ledford claimed to be a traumatized war hero to gain sympathy after he had been accused of the firearms charges.
"A lot of people had sympathy for him," Horn said.
Baker said after the hearing that his client received several medals and ribbons but not the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, which requires a soldier to have been injured.
Ledford served with the Army and the Oklahoma National Guard and saw combat in Bosnia as an automatic rifleman, Baker said, reading from his client's paperwork.
With a college degree, a military career that included an honorable discharge, and a five-year career with the police department under his belt, Ledford seemed to have had a lot going for him.
"I can't answer what causes something like that," Baker said. "Everyone I talked to in the police department said he was an excellent police officer."
Baker said Ledford was recognized for having had no accidents as a Humvee driver in Germany and Bosnia and being one of the most reliable soldiers in his platoon.
Ledford was released on a $10,000 unsecured bond pending the results of a pre-sentencing investigation.
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