Former Columbus Police Detective Stevie Billups, 48, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 57 months in prison for crimes he committed through his involvement with a local drug dealer.
Carter M. Stewart, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Kevin Cornelius, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office (FBI); Karen Huey, Director of Enforcement for the Ohio Casino Control Commission; and Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs announced the sentence imposed today by Senior U.S. District Judge James L. Graham.
Judge Graham also fined Billups $10,000 and ordered him to serve three years of supervised release after he completes his prison sentence.
Billups pleaded guilty on November 22, 2013, to one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute heroin. According to a document the government filed with the court prior to today’s sentencing, in 2013 Billups provided armed protection for two transactions involving drugs while he was a Columbus Police officer.
Billups began his relationship with a drug dealer when Billups began laundering money for the drug dealer by cashing in chips which helped the drug dealer avoid transaction reporting requirements at the Hollywood Casino in Columbus.
According to court documents, Billups asked the drug dealer to “get him in the game.” Billups’ query led to the June 28th and July 17th drug stings by the FBI, whereby Billups protected the drug dealer in the pickup of purported drug money. He later provided protection for the drug dealer during a transaction which Billups believed involved the distribution of heroin. Billups provided protection during the second transaction while he was on duty, armed with his service weapon, and in a Columbus Division of Police unmarked detective vehicle. Billups received a total of $5,000 in exchange for providing protection to the drug dealer during these transactions.
“Public confidence in our police to ‘do the right thing’ is undermined with each case of police corruption,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Doug Squires told the court. “It is a police officer’s duty to uphold the law and protect the public....Billups’ intent to aid and further the problems that heroin has brought to our communities for his own profit indicates the serious nature of this offense.”
“Using a police officer’s badge and gun to commit crime is a particularly disturbing threat to the community,” stated SAC Kevin Cornelius. “This case highlights the fact that local, state, and federal agencies are working together to root out corruption and bring to justice those who betray the public’s trust.”
“Ohio Casino Control Commission and its gaming agents are committed to working with our federal and local law enforcement partners to investigate criminal activity occurring at the casinos,” said Karen Huey. “The Commission will not tolerate money laundering or drug dealing at any of Ohio’s casinos.”
U.S. Attorney Stewart praised the cooperative investigation by the Ohio Casino Control Commission and the FBI’s Central Ohio Public Corruption Task Force, which includes agents from the FBI and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).
Mr. Stewart commended the Columbus Division of Police and Police Chief Kim Jacobs for the cooperation they provided during the course of this investigation and thanked the Homeland Security Investigations Bulk Cash Smuggling Task Force for helping initiate this investigation. The Bulk Cash Smuggling Task Force includes agents with Homeland Security Investigations and detectives with the Columbus Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Stewart also acknowledged Assistant United States Attorneys Doug Squires and David DeVillers, who prosecuted the case.
Showing posts with label heroin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label heroin. Show all posts
Friday, April 25, 2014
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Officer Jeffrey Morgan Arrested for Possession of Heroin
Documents show Jeffrey Morgan, a 13-year veteran, was arrested March 4 and resigned from the Chandler police force March 7.
"Our drug policy is very simple, you cannot have any illegal drugs in your system," said Detective Seth Tyler with the Chandler Police Department.
Early in March, Chandler police received information that Morgan was buying and using heroin. Police searched Morgan's apartment where they say they confiscated evidence including a chunk of suspected heroin and drug paraphernalia.
Tyler said it's normal procedure for them to investigate their own.
"This is not the first time, unfortunately, that we've had to investigate one of our officers for a criminal offense," Tyler said. "This had happened in the past. Unfortunately, it will happen again in the future."
Morgan was a motor officer in the traffic unit.
"They focus on two things; they focus on enforcement on the roadway, and they focus on roadway impairment," Tyler said.
But now his cases could be impacted with this felony arrest. Morgan resigned a few days after the search warrant was served.
"Our function as police in our society begins with the public trust," Tyler said. "If the public trust is compromised in any way, we will take swift action."
Morgan was processed and booked into jail. He is free pending formal charges being filed by the county attorney.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Former Officer Mitchel Wright Arrested for Selling Meth
Mitchel J. Wright, who joined the King County Sheriff's Department in 2002, was fired last year after being accused of stealing drug evidence while working undercover for the DEA. He was arrested on Feb. 11 after selling drugs to undercover officers on separate occasions. He reportedly bragged that he'd never be caught because knew every police tactic. His hubris was his downfall.
Wright, 33, resigned last July after a cop discovered a woman injecting herself with heroin inside of a vehicle registered to Wright. She told police that she lived with Wright and worked for him as an informant, and a subsequent search of the vehicle produced drugs and drug paraphernalia.
An internal investigation revealed that Wright was giving strippers heroin and methamphetamine to persuade them to work as drug dealers for him. His ultimate goal was to dominate the area drug trade using his authority, knowledge of the underworld and access to evidence.
After being placed on administrative leave, Wright resigned. Later that month, King County deputies discovered three baggies bearing DEA case numbers inside of his old police car. Each tested positive for heroin. It's estimated that Wright seized between $36,450 and $52,490 worth of drugs during his stint with the DEA and never turned them in as evidence.
For his most recent arrest, Wright was charged with distribution of over five grams of meth and conspiracy to distribute meth. If convicted, he faces up to 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Probation Officer Todd Tronzo Charged with Trafficking
A probation officer has
been charged with selling opium and hydrocodone pills to an undercover
Durham police officer last month, and having illegal drugs in his
possession when he was arrested early Thursday.
Todd Nicholas Tronzo, 35, of 3210 Hayling Drive, Raleigh, is charged with six counts of trafficking opium or heroin, two counts of possessing drug paraphernalia, two counts of maintaining a vehicle for the sale of a controlled substance, and two counts of possession with intent to sell or deliver hydrocodone, which is on the state’s list of controlled substances. He is charged also with one count each of selling and delivering the hydrocodone.
Tronzo is accused of selling 4 to 13 grams of opium – a range set in state law – and 15 hydrocodone pills to a Durham police detective March 21, according to arrest warrants. He kept the drugs in a pretzel snack bag in his 2005 Mercury Mountaineer, police said.
Todd Nicholas Tronzo, 35, of 3210 Hayling Drive, Raleigh, is charged with six counts of trafficking opium or heroin, two counts of possessing drug paraphernalia, two counts of maintaining a vehicle for the sale of a controlled substance, and two counts of possession with intent to sell or deliver hydrocodone, which is on the state’s list of controlled substances. He is charged also with one count each of selling and delivering the hydrocodone.
Tronzo is accused of selling 4 to 13 grams of opium – a range set in state law – and 15 hydrocodone pills to a Durham police detective March 21, according to arrest warrants. He kept the drugs in a pretzel snack bag in his 2005 Mercury Mountaineer, police said.
When arrested, police wrote, Tronzo had the same quantity of opium
– 4 to 13 grams – and more hydrocodone pills in a medicine bottle
bearing the name of Bonnie Tronzo, a woman with whom he owns his Raleigh
home.
Tronzo has worked as a probation officer in North Carolina for five years, according to Pamela Walker, spokeswoman for the State Department of Public Safety. He is now on unapproved leave, she said.
Tronzo is being held in the Durham County jail, his bail set at $1 million. He is scheduled to appear in court April 26.
Tronzo has worked as a probation officer in North Carolina for five years, according to Pamela Walker, spokeswoman for the State Department of Public Safety. He is now on unapproved leave, she said.
Tronzo is being held in the Durham County jail, his bail set at $1 million. He is scheduled to appear in court April 26.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Corrections Officer Marco Villacris Arrested for Possession of Heroin
A city corrections officer found himself on the other side of the law when he was busted for driving around Queens with eight ounces of heroin, officials said today.
Cops spotted Marco Villacris, 46, running a red light at Junction Boulevard and 41st Avenue around 3:40 p.m. Monday, authorities said.
When he was pulled over a couple blocks later, the officer noticed an open plastic bag in the backseat and the strong odor of heroin in Villacris’ 2001 tan Chevy Minivan.
Narcotics test confirmed it was heroin, authorities said.
Villacris was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and two traffic infractions, a spokesman for Queens DA Richard Brown said.
Villacris joined the Department of Corrections in Aug. 2008 and was a guard at the Anna M. Kross center on Rikers Island and will be terminated, said a department spokesman.
Also arrested was Villacris’ passenger, Johnny Gonzalez, 42, who presented a drivers license with the name Luis Romero. Gonzalez also allegedly stashed seven other fake IDs in the car’s glove compartment.
Cops spotted Marco Villacris, 46, running a red light at Junction Boulevard and 41st Avenue around 3:40 p.m. Monday, authorities said.
When he was pulled over a couple blocks later, the officer noticed an open plastic bag in the backseat and the strong odor of heroin in Villacris’ 2001 tan Chevy Minivan.
Narcotics test confirmed it was heroin, authorities said.
Villacris was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and two traffic infractions, a spokesman for Queens DA Richard Brown said.
Villacris joined the Department of Corrections in Aug. 2008 and was a guard at the Anna M. Kross center on Rikers Island and will be terminated, said a department spokesman.
Also arrested was Villacris’ passenger, Johnny Gonzalez, 42, who presented a drivers license with the name Luis Romero. Gonzalez also allegedly stashed seven other fake IDs in the car’s glove compartment.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Former Officer, Son, and Others Arrested on Drug Charges
A former Burlington police officer, his son, and five additional defendants have been arrested in connection with a large scale drug ring operating out of Burlington,said Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone today.
The seven defendants were arrested today after search warrants were executed and nearly 200 grams of cocaine and 28 grams of heroin were seized.
The seven defendants are identified as:
* Michael Reynolds, 26, of Burlington, charged with trafficking heroin over 14 grams, conspiracy to traffic heroin over 28 grams, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, possession of a firearm, and possession of ammunition. He was ordered held on $10,000 cash bail.
* Kenneth Reynolds, 45, of Burlington, charged with conspiracy to traffic heroin over 28 grams, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. He was ordered held on $10,000 cash bail.
* William Najjar, 21, of Woburn, was charged with trafficking in cocaine over 100 grams, conspiracy to traffic cocaine over 100 grams, distribution of cocaine (11 counts), use of firearm in commission of a felony, possession of firearm, and, possession of ammunition. He was ordered held on $50,000 cash bail.
* David Medur, 27, of Wakefield, was charged with trafficking heroin over 28 grams, conspiracy to traffic heroin over 28 grams, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, possession of a firearm, and possession of ammunition. He was ordered held on $10,000 cash bail.
* Matthew Basile, 38, of Stoneham, was charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin and conspiracy to traffic heroin over 28 grams. He was ordered held on $5,000 cash bail, as well as a probation detainer.
* Coleen Cosgrove, 27, of Waltham, was charged with trafficking heroin over 28 grams, trafficking heroin over 14 grams (4 counts), and conspiracy to traffic heroin over 28 grams. She was ordered held on $5,000 cash bail.
* Derek Clemetson, 28, of Woburn, was charged with conspiracy to traffic heroin over 28 grams and possession of an electrical weapon. He was ordered held on $750 cash bail.
Their next court date is March 8 for pre-trial conference.
“These were significant arrests that resulted in today's seizures of guns and a large amount of heroin and cocaine that were being distributed on our streets. We know that heroin specifically has been responsible for a number of overdose deaths, including young people, which we’ve seen in our county in the last year,” Leone said. “Illegal drug trafficking and weapons charges are serious offenses that are often at the root of many additional and violent crimes. These allegations are made all the worse in that a former police officer is alleged to have disgraced the badge that he once wore, and impugned the good reputation of law enforcement personnel everywhere. We will continue to actively investigate and prosecute drug crimes and I want to thank the Woburn Police Department for their cooperative effort in this investigation."
According to authorities, in December 2009, and January and February of this year, Massachusetts State Police troopers assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office conducted court-authorized wiretap surveillance of several telephone lines that were identified as being used by a large-scale heroin distribution ring operating in Middlesex County. Pursuant to those wiretaps, troopers were able to discover evidence of numerous sales of cocaine and heroin to an apparent large number of customers.
Michael Reynolds was identified as a ringleader of the distribution organization. He was repeatedly intercepted negotiating prices and methods of delivery for heroin and conducting sales of heroin in varying amounts to Matthew Basile, Derek Clemetson and David Medur on numerous occasions.
Michael Reynolds was also identified as a cocaine distributor and was repeatedly intercepted negotiating prices and weights for cocaine. Reynolds made numerous large purchases of cocaine, in quantities consistent with re-distribution, from William Najjar.
During the course of the investigation, Kenneth Reynolds, a former Burlington police officer who retired in 2002, was repeatedly observed driving Michael Reynolds to heroin transactions and was intercepted discussing past and future acts of heroin distribution with Michael Reynolds and others.
On Feb. 10, a search warrant was executed at the Reynolds’ home at 14 Evelyn Road in Burlington. As a result of the search warrant, authorities recovered a firearm, customer lists, and cash money.
During the course of the wire surveillance, Medur was repeatedly intercepted planning and carrying out purchases of large quantities of heroin. On Feb. 10, a search warrant obtained from the Middlesex Superior Court was executed at Medur’s residence at of 31 Melvin St. in Wakefield. Recovered during the search was over 20 grams of heroin, approximately 3.5 grams of cocaine, a firearm, and a variety of prescription pills.
Wire surveillance revealed William Najjar to be a major supplier of cocaine in the Woburn area. He was repeatedly intercepted negotiating sales of cocaine in large quantities to Michael Reynolds, who in turn would repackage and sell the cocaine to generate additional profits. On Feb. 10, a search warrant issued by the Middlesex Superior Court was executed at Najjar’s residence of 31 Waltham St., Woburn. Found during the course of the search was approximately 195 grams of cocaine, a large quantity of U.S. currency, and a firearm.
During the course of the wire surveillance, Derek Clemetson was identified as a heroin and cocaine distributor for the Reynolds Organization. A search warrant obtained from the Middlesex Superior Court was executed at Clemetson’s residence of 9 Middle St., Woburn on Feb. 10. Recovered during the search were numerous small plastic bags consistent with packaging for illegal narcotics and a portable electrical weapon designed to deliver a powerful electric shock.
During the course of the wire surveillance, Basile was identified as a heroin distributor who acquired heroin from the Reynolds organization and re-sold it for profit.
Basile was repeatedly intercepted purchasing heroin from Michael Reynolds and from other sources, often in large quantities that were consistent with redistribution.
Cosgrove was also identified as selling large quantities of heroin to the Reynolds Organization. A search warrant was obtained from the Middlesex Superior Court and was executed at Cosgrove’s residence at 22 Underwood Park in Waltham on Feb. 10. Discovered during the course of the search were numerous controlled substances of Class E.
The investigation continues into the reach and scope of the drug operation and further arrests may be made. The Burlington Police Department has cooperated fully with the investigation.
The Middlesex PACT Unit is a team of prosecutors and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office dedicated to the investigation and prosecution of cases of public integrity, anti-terrorism, corruption, technology, and high-level narcotics.
These charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case was investigated by State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney's PACT Unit and the Woburn Police Department. The Assistant District Attorneys assigned to this case are David Solet and John Verner, Chief of the MDAO’s PACT Unit.
------------------------
Other Information
The seven defendants were arrested today after search warrants were executed and nearly 200 grams of cocaine and 28 grams of heroin were seized.
The seven defendants are identified as:
* Michael Reynolds, 26, of Burlington, charged with trafficking heroin over 14 grams, conspiracy to traffic heroin over 28 grams, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, possession of a firearm, and possession of ammunition. He was ordered held on $10,000 cash bail.
* Kenneth Reynolds, 45, of Burlington, charged with conspiracy to traffic heroin over 28 grams, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. He was ordered held on $10,000 cash bail.
* William Najjar, 21, of Woburn, was charged with trafficking in cocaine over 100 grams, conspiracy to traffic cocaine over 100 grams, distribution of cocaine (11 counts), use of firearm in commission of a felony, possession of firearm, and, possession of ammunition. He was ordered held on $50,000 cash bail.
* David Medur, 27, of Wakefield, was charged with trafficking heroin over 28 grams, conspiracy to traffic heroin over 28 grams, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, possession of a firearm, and possession of ammunition. He was ordered held on $10,000 cash bail.
* Matthew Basile, 38, of Stoneham, was charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin and conspiracy to traffic heroin over 28 grams. He was ordered held on $5,000 cash bail, as well as a probation detainer.
* Coleen Cosgrove, 27, of Waltham, was charged with trafficking heroin over 28 grams, trafficking heroin over 14 grams (4 counts), and conspiracy to traffic heroin over 28 grams. She was ordered held on $5,000 cash bail.
* Derek Clemetson, 28, of Woburn, was charged with conspiracy to traffic heroin over 28 grams and possession of an electrical weapon. He was ordered held on $750 cash bail.
Their next court date is March 8 for pre-trial conference.
“These were significant arrests that resulted in today's seizures of guns and a large amount of heroin and cocaine that were being distributed on our streets. We know that heroin specifically has been responsible for a number of overdose deaths, including young people, which we’ve seen in our county in the last year,” Leone said. “Illegal drug trafficking and weapons charges are serious offenses that are often at the root of many additional and violent crimes. These allegations are made all the worse in that a former police officer is alleged to have disgraced the badge that he once wore, and impugned the good reputation of law enforcement personnel everywhere. We will continue to actively investigate and prosecute drug crimes and I want to thank the Woburn Police Department for their cooperative effort in this investigation."
According to authorities, in December 2009, and January and February of this year, Massachusetts State Police troopers assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office conducted court-authorized wiretap surveillance of several telephone lines that were identified as being used by a large-scale heroin distribution ring operating in Middlesex County. Pursuant to those wiretaps, troopers were able to discover evidence of numerous sales of cocaine and heroin to an apparent large number of customers.
Michael Reynolds was identified as a ringleader of the distribution organization. He was repeatedly intercepted negotiating prices and methods of delivery for heroin and conducting sales of heroin in varying amounts to Matthew Basile, Derek Clemetson and David Medur on numerous occasions.
Michael Reynolds was also identified as a cocaine distributor and was repeatedly intercepted negotiating prices and weights for cocaine. Reynolds made numerous large purchases of cocaine, in quantities consistent with re-distribution, from William Najjar.
During the course of the investigation, Kenneth Reynolds, a former Burlington police officer who retired in 2002, was repeatedly observed driving Michael Reynolds to heroin transactions and was intercepted discussing past and future acts of heroin distribution with Michael Reynolds and others.
On Feb. 10, a search warrant was executed at the Reynolds’ home at 14 Evelyn Road in Burlington. As a result of the search warrant, authorities recovered a firearm, customer lists, and cash money.
During the course of the wire surveillance, Medur was repeatedly intercepted planning and carrying out purchases of large quantities of heroin. On Feb. 10, a search warrant obtained from the Middlesex Superior Court was executed at Medur’s residence at of 31 Melvin St. in Wakefield. Recovered during the search was over 20 grams of heroin, approximately 3.5 grams of cocaine, a firearm, and a variety of prescription pills.
Wire surveillance revealed William Najjar to be a major supplier of cocaine in the Woburn area. He was repeatedly intercepted negotiating sales of cocaine in large quantities to Michael Reynolds, who in turn would repackage and sell the cocaine to generate additional profits. On Feb. 10, a search warrant issued by the Middlesex Superior Court was executed at Najjar’s residence of 31 Waltham St., Woburn. Found during the course of the search was approximately 195 grams of cocaine, a large quantity of U.S. currency, and a firearm.
During the course of the wire surveillance, Derek Clemetson was identified as a heroin and cocaine distributor for the Reynolds Organization. A search warrant obtained from the Middlesex Superior Court was executed at Clemetson’s residence of 9 Middle St., Woburn on Feb. 10. Recovered during the search were numerous small plastic bags consistent with packaging for illegal narcotics and a portable electrical weapon designed to deliver a powerful electric shock.
During the course of the wire surveillance, Basile was identified as a heroin distributor who acquired heroin from the Reynolds organization and re-sold it for profit.
Basile was repeatedly intercepted purchasing heroin from Michael Reynolds and from other sources, often in large quantities that were consistent with redistribution.
Cosgrove was also identified as selling large quantities of heroin to the Reynolds Organization. A search warrant was obtained from the Middlesex Superior Court and was executed at Cosgrove’s residence at 22 Underwood Park in Waltham on Feb. 10. Discovered during the course of the search were numerous controlled substances of Class E.
The investigation continues into the reach and scope of the drug operation and further arrests may be made. The Burlington Police Department has cooperated fully with the investigation.
The Middlesex PACT Unit is a team of prosecutors and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office dedicated to the investigation and prosecution of cases of public integrity, anti-terrorism, corruption, technology, and high-level narcotics.
These charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case was investigated by State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney's PACT Unit and the Woburn Police Department. The Assistant District Attorneys assigned to this case are David Solet and John Verner, Chief of the MDAO’s PACT Unit.
------------------------
Other Information
Probation Officer Michael Ayer Charged with Delivering Heroin
A Stoughton man who works as a probation officer for juveniles in Rhode Island was arrested Tuesday afternoon after police say he sold heroin to an undercover officer, the Providence Journal is reporting.
Michael Ayer, 49, of 46 Frank Road, faces two counts of delivering heroin to a police officer. He was scheduled to be arraigned in Kent County District Court on Wednesday.
The Providence Journal is reporting that Ayer was arrested around 2 p.m. Tuesday. Rhode Island police say he was driving a state-registered vehicle and using his state cell phone to sell drugs.
The State Police High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force began the undercover operation last month, acting on a tip from an informant.
Ayers has been a probation officer with the state Department of Children, Youth and Families for 14 years, the newspaper reported. Police said there is no indication that Ayers sold drugs to anyone he was supervising.
Michael Ayer, 49, of 46 Frank Road, faces two counts of delivering heroin to a police officer. He was scheduled to be arraigned in Kent County District Court on Wednesday.
The Providence Journal is reporting that Ayer was arrested around 2 p.m. Tuesday. Rhode Island police say he was driving a state-registered vehicle and using his state cell phone to sell drugs.
The State Police High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force began the undercover operation last month, acting on a tip from an informant.
Ayers has been a probation officer with the state Department of Children, Youth and Families for 14 years, the newspaper reported. Police said there is no indication that Ayers sold drugs to anyone he was supervising.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Officer Robert Colombo Charged with Stealing Drugs from Evidence Room
A former Lyndhurst police office was indicted Thursday on charges of drug possession, tampering with evidence, and theft in office.
The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office said Robert Colombo, 40, stole drugs from an evidence room and replaced them with rock salt.
The evidence was confiscated from a vehicle involved in a crash on May, 19. Lyndhurst officers responded to the scene, found heroin and arrested two people.
They officers returned to the station to book the suspects. At the station, Colombo took the evidence to log it into the evidence room but instead replaced the evidence, investigators said.
Colombo was found the following day at his Summit County home with heroin. BCI conducted the investigation.
The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office said Robert Colombo, 40, stole drugs from an evidence room and replaced them with rock salt.
The evidence was confiscated from a vehicle involved in a crash on May, 19. Lyndhurst officers responded to the scene, found heroin and arrested two people.
They officers returned to the station to book the suspects. At the station, Colombo took the evidence to log it into the evidence room but instead replaced the evidence, investigators said.
Colombo was found the following day at his Summit County home with heroin. BCI conducted the investigation.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Correctional Officer James Sheerin Arrested for Smuggling Contraband into Prison
Police arrested Wabash Valley Correctional Facility officer for attempting to smuggling contraband into the prison.
Officials said staff members stopped and searched 25-year-old James Sheerin, of Terre Haute.
Sheerin allegedly was hiding cell phones in a drink cup when he came into work. He tried to enter the correctional facility through the visitor processing center with 250 grams of marijuana.
Sheerin also had six cell phones with chargers, 75 grams of tobacco and a video game player. Officials searched his car and found an additional 18 grams of heroin and even more cell phones.
Officials arrested Sheerin after monitoring him for more than a week.
"Justice will run it course and the Wabash Valley Facility will continue to do its job protect the public and the vast majority of the folks do a very credible, very honest, very professional job," public information officer Rich Larsen said.
Sheerin is facing felony charges of possession of heroin, cocaine and marijuana, along with trafficking with an inmate. A court date has not yet been set.
The attempted smuggling has resulted in two housing units at the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility to be put under lockdown pending an investigation.
________________________
Information: http://www.wthitv.com/dpp/news/local/news_wthi_carlisle_officertrafficking_200906041129
Monday, April 27, 2009
Officers Kenneth Moreno & Franklin Mata Charged with Rape
A grand jury in Manhattan has voted to indict two New York City police officers in the December rape of a woman who claimed she was sexually attacked after the officers escorted her from a taxicab to her apartment in the East Village while she was intoxicated, according to law enforcement officials and other people familiar with the case.
The grand jury last week charged both officers — Kenneth Moreno and Franklin L. Mata — though the details of the indictment were not immediately disclosed, according to the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The officers, who have been on modified duty, stripped of their guns and badges and working in administrative assignments, are expected to surrender on Tuesday morning and face arraignment in criminal court.
“Since I haven’t been advised of the formal charges, I am not in a position to comment at this time,” said Edward J. Mandery, a lawyer for Officer Mata.
Stephen C. Worth, a lawyer for Officer Moreno, said: “My client will appear in court tomorrow and enter a plea of not guilty. We look forward to a rigorous examination of the district attorney’s evidence.”
The case came to light in March when officials disclosed the nature of the investigation. Officials said the woman, who was not identified, went to the hospital on Dec. 7, the morning of the reported rape, and also contacted prosecutors who notified the Police Department’s Internal Affairs Bureau, law enforcement officials said.
Although both officers were at the woman’s apartment, only one of them is suspected of raping the woman, according to a person who has been briefed on the investigation. Investigators have been looking at a theory of rape in which someone has intercourse with a person too intoxicated to give consent, the person said. State law differentiates between rape under that circumstance and forcible sex.
Video surveillance helped internal investigators unravel what they say occurred.
The video, from a surveillance camera at a bar near the woman’s building, shows two uniformed officers helping her into the building at 1:10 a.m. and then returning twice over the next two hours — spending 34 minutes in the building during their final visit, according to the bar owner, who gave the video to the district attorney’s office.
During the investigation, the authorities said, officials were unable to find Officer Mata’s memo book — a notebook officers use to log their activities and movements.
At some point after the officers escorted the woman back to her apartment, they were dispatched on a ”radio run,” to report to the scene of an accident, according to one person briefed on the investigation.
After finishing at the accident scene, the officers returned to the woman’s apartment, but they did not report that they had completed their run, the person said. Instead, according to the surveillance tape, the officers did not indicate that their duties at the accident site were completed until after they left the woman’s apartment for the final time, at 3:33 a.m., the person said.
In a search of Officer Moreno’s locker on Dec. 19, police officials found a packet of heroin, the authorities said. The drugs were believed to be unrelated to the rape allegations, but it is unclear why the heroin was in the locker.
The person familiar with the case said the officer could be charged with possession of a controlled substance — though the officer could argue that he had confiscated the heroin but simply forgot to formally turn it in as evidence.
Alicia Maxey Greene, a spokeswoman for the office of the Manhattan district attorney, Robert M. Morgenthau, declined to comment on the developments.
The grand jury last week charged both officers — Kenneth Moreno and Franklin L. Mata — though the details of the indictment were not immediately disclosed, according to the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The officers, who have been on modified duty, stripped of their guns and badges and working in administrative assignments, are expected to surrender on Tuesday morning and face arraignment in criminal court.
“Since I haven’t been advised of the formal charges, I am not in a position to comment at this time,” said Edward J. Mandery, a lawyer for Officer Mata.
Stephen C. Worth, a lawyer for Officer Moreno, said: “My client will appear in court tomorrow and enter a plea of not guilty. We look forward to a rigorous examination of the district attorney’s evidence.”
The case came to light in March when officials disclosed the nature of the investigation. Officials said the woman, who was not identified, went to the hospital on Dec. 7, the morning of the reported rape, and also contacted prosecutors who notified the Police Department’s Internal Affairs Bureau, law enforcement officials said.
Although both officers were at the woman’s apartment, only one of them is suspected of raping the woman, according to a person who has been briefed on the investigation. Investigators have been looking at a theory of rape in which someone has intercourse with a person too intoxicated to give consent, the person said. State law differentiates between rape under that circumstance and forcible sex.
Video surveillance helped internal investigators unravel what they say occurred.
The video, from a surveillance camera at a bar near the woman’s building, shows two uniformed officers helping her into the building at 1:10 a.m. and then returning twice over the next two hours — spending 34 minutes in the building during their final visit, according to the bar owner, who gave the video to the district attorney’s office.
During the investigation, the authorities said, officials were unable to find Officer Mata’s memo book — a notebook officers use to log their activities and movements.
At some point after the officers escorted the woman back to her apartment, they were dispatched on a ”radio run,” to report to the scene of an accident, according to one person briefed on the investigation.
After finishing at the accident scene, the officers returned to the woman’s apartment, but they did not report that they had completed their run, the person said. Instead, according to the surveillance tape, the officers did not indicate that their duties at the accident site were completed until after they left the woman’s apartment for the final time, at 3:33 a.m., the person said.
In a search of Officer Moreno’s locker on Dec. 19, police officials found a packet of heroin, the authorities said. The drugs were believed to be unrelated to the rape allegations, but it is unclear why the heroin was in the locker.
The person familiar with the case said the officer could be charged with possession of a controlled substance — though the officer could argue that he had confiscated the heroin but simply forgot to formally turn it in as evidence.
Alicia Maxey Greene, a spokeswoman for the office of the Manhattan district attorney, Robert M. Morgenthau, declined to comment on the developments.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Former Heroin Addict "Sold" By Judge in "Kids for Cash" Scheme
Ann Harris (not her real name), shown here playing with her 7-month-old daughter at Optimist Park Playground, is building a new life for herself in Lebanon after being victimized by Luzerne County Judge Mark A. Ciavarella's "Kids for Cash" scheme.
Ann Harris makes no excuses for her behavior as a teenager.
But she can find no excuse other than greed to explain the behavior of Judge Mark A. Ciavarella — one of two Luzerne County judges who are facing jail time for what has been dubbed the “Kids for Cash” scandal.
Harris (who asked that her real name not be used to protect her privacy) was a 16-year-old, heroin-addicted, ninth-grade dropout in January 2003 when she first appeared in Ciavarella’s courtroom on charges of simple assault that stemmed from a fight with her boyfriend.
It was Harris’ first arrest, and she trusted the judge to be fair in his treatment of her. At the outset, she said, he was.
“At first, I really liked him,” she said.
After she pleaded guilty, Ciavarella sentenced Harris to 90 days at the adolescent drug-treatment center in which she had enrolled shortly after she was arrested. Then, when she violated terms of her probation by using heroin again, he sent her to a youth crisis center in Utah, where she spent the next 14 months before being released to a halfway house in Altoona.
At the halfway house, Harris claims, she was sexually harassed by a male counselor. To escape his abuse, she ran away for one day before returning voluntarily. She had not used any drugs while away, but the infraction was enough to put her before Ciavarella again.
Harris told the judge about the ordeal with the counselor, thinking it would soften his response.
“I remember breaking down into tears and telling him that I was harassed by my counselor. And he told me he would look into it,” she recalled. “But then I was remanded before he even checked into it. ... He was just so cold. He didn’t care.”
Harris was shocked when the judge sentenced her to nine to 12 months at PA Child Care, a prison-like juvenile detention center.
“I thought I might be sent to another, maybe stricter halfway house,” she said.
With no lawyer to defend her, Harris had no choice but to go to the detention center. She ended up serving six months before being released a month before her 18th birthday.
“It was like a jail,” she recalled. “It has cinderblock walls, and you have your own little cell with a metal bed, and metal drawers, and a little metal desk.”
Sentencing kids to PA Child Care was common practice for Ciavarella.
At the urging of the Juvenile Law Center, which noticed his inordinate number of harsh sentences, state authorities eventually investigated Ciavarella and learned that, between 2003-08, he sent hundreds of juveniles to the facility for offenses as minor as presenting false identification when caught driving without a license and conspiracy to shoplift. In many cases, the juveniles had no lawyer, because the judge did not advise them of their right to one.
In February, Ciavarella and a fellow judge, Michael T. Conahan pleaded guilty to accepting $2.6 million in kickbacks from the builder and former owner of PA Child Care detention center for helping them to construct the facility, and a similar one in Butler County, and agreeing to sentence juveniles there. In all, the facilities’ raked in more than $30 million in contracts and detainee charges from the county.
In a plea agreement, the judges agreed to serve 87 months in prison. They are free on bond while a federal court reviews the plea.
The owner of the detention center, Robert Powell, and the builder, Robert Mericle, are cooperating with prosecutors and have not been charged.
Harris is now 22 and lives in Lebanon with her fiancee and their 2-year-old son and 7-month-old daughter. She has earned her high-school diploma and stayed out of trouble since being released from PA Child Care in October 2005. Most importantly, she has not used heroin since 2005, although she does take methadone to stay off it.
Harris said she was a normal girl who loved riding horses and competing in horse shows before starting to use drugs. Her parents were divorced, and her mother worked nights as a pharmacist, often leaving her alone and unsupervised. Craving attention, in eighth grade she started hanging out with the wrong group of friends.
“I was a good kid. I really was,” she said. “I played the clarinet in my church choir. But one thing I was never good at was making friends. And that is what using drugs did — I made friends. I started losing weight and guys started noticing me. I wanted attention and friends that I had never had before. And that is what took me down that path.”
When Harris was arrested, her mother was relieved.
“I saw it as an opportunity to get her help and get her out of that environment,” said Helen Murray (also a fictitious name), who still lives in Luzerne County.
Murray and her daughter have mixed feelings about Ciavarella because Harris’ time spent at Cinnamon Hills Youth Crisis Center in Utah was life-changing — perhaps life-saving.
“It helped me out a lot,” said Harris. “When I went there, I was very unsure of myself. I was a very depressed person and very insecure. They have a really good therapy program, and you get individual help. I came out of there and I didn’t have that low self-esteem anymore.”
Harris and her mother have joined a class-action civil lawsuit filed by the Juvenile Law Center on behalf of about 125 juveniles who were sentenced by Ciavarella.
Although the lawsuit asks for damages, Murray said she just wants to see her daughter’s record expunged.
Recently, the Supreme Court did expunge the records of hundreds of Luzerne County juveniles. Harris was not among them, but hundreds more are being reviewed, and she still holds out hope.
Harris and her mother are not vindictive; they do not feel a need to confront Ciavarella.
“I am able to move along with my life,” said Harris. “I mean, that is what I am doing. I am happy being a mother. That is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love it. It is absolutely a joy.”
Murray said she will leave it to God to judge Ciavarella. She is just grateful that her daughter survived her ordeal with drugs, in part because Ciavarella sent her to the Utah youth center.
“Whatever made these men make these decisions that were so wrong, God has used it for good,” she said. “The most important thing is, it was the power of God, and our faith in God that brought us through and saved my daughter’s life.”
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
15 Officers Charged with Conspiracy and other Criminal Activities
CHICAGO
Duffel bags stuffed with cocaine were delivered by plane to an out-of-the-way suburban airport while two sheriff's officers provided security. A police officer stood by to guard the cash and keep out the riffraff at a poker game where $100,000 changed hands. And a drug dealer was told squad cars marked "sheriff" and "sheriff's police" might be available on a "freelance" basis to provide protection for his deliveries.
Such tales of law enforcement gone awry emerged in court papers Tuesday as federal prosecutors unveiled a series of elaborate sting operations aimed at officers who hired out to ride shotgun for drug deals and other criminal activities.
Fifteen officers and two other men who had pretended to be law enforcement officers were charged with conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine or heroin or both.
But the most spectacular pretending was done by the federal agents themselves.
The pilots of the airplane were not drug runners but undercover agents. So were the gamblers who busily played hand after hand of high-stakes poker — all for show.
The drug broker who squired the officers to the airport to pick up the duffel bags was an agent. So was the drug dealer who stuffed the bags into his Mercedes-Benz.
U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald said he was dismayed to find that so many law enforcement officers had "sold out their badge."
"When drug dealers deal drugs, they ought to be afraid of the police — not turn to them for help," Fitzgerald said at a news conference.
Officials paid homage to an unnamed FBI agent who moved into a business in Harvey more than a year ago and set up shop as a drug broker. He soon attracted the attention of police and the corruption grew, authorities said.
They said the agent was sent in undercover because there had been reports of police corruption over the last several years in southern Cook County, including the Harvey police department. An investigation into allegations of robbery, extortion, narcotics offenses and weapons distribution is ongoing, officials said.
Those charged include 10 Cook County sheriff's correctional officers, four Harvey police officers and one Chicago police officer.
Of the 17 defendants, 14 were arrested or surrendered Tuesday and were being immediately brought before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Mason. Two sheriff's officers are on active duty with Army National Guard units in Afghanistan, and warrants were issued for their arrest.
If convicted of conspiracy to possess and distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine or one kilogram of heroin, the defendants would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life. The maximum fine would be $4 million.
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart called the alleged behavior "absolutely reprehensible."
"The responsibility of watching over jail inmates is an important one and it's a shame these men didn't take that responsibility more seriously," he said in a statement.
Each of those charged has been suspended with pay pending a hearing next week, Dart said. "That step will then lead to a request for termination," he said.
Duffel bags stuffed with cocaine were delivered by plane to an out-of-the-way suburban airport while two sheriff's officers provided security. A police officer stood by to guard the cash and keep out the riffraff at a poker game where $100,000 changed hands. And a drug dealer was told squad cars marked "sheriff" and "sheriff's police" might be available on a "freelance" basis to provide protection for his deliveries.
Such tales of law enforcement gone awry emerged in court papers Tuesday as federal prosecutors unveiled a series of elaborate sting operations aimed at officers who hired out to ride shotgun for drug deals and other criminal activities.
Fifteen officers and two other men who had pretended to be law enforcement officers were charged with conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine or heroin or both.
But the most spectacular pretending was done by the federal agents themselves.
The pilots of the airplane were not drug runners but undercover agents. So were the gamblers who busily played hand after hand of high-stakes poker — all for show.
The drug broker who squired the officers to the airport to pick up the duffel bags was an agent. So was the drug dealer who stuffed the bags into his Mercedes-Benz.
U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald said he was dismayed to find that so many law enforcement officers had "sold out their badge."
"When drug dealers deal drugs, they ought to be afraid of the police — not turn to them for help," Fitzgerald said at a news conference.
Officials paid homage to an unnamed FBI agent who moved into a business in Harvey more than a year ago and set up shop as a drug broker. He soon attracted the attention of police and the corruption grew, authorities said.
They said the agent was sent in undercover because there had been reports of police corruption over the last several years in southern Cook County, including the Harvey police department. An investigation into allegations of robbery, extortion, narcotics offenses and weapons distribution is ongoing, officials said.
Those charged include 10 Cook County sheriff's correctional officers, four Harvey police officers and one Chicago police officer.
Of the 17 defendants, 14 were arrested or surrendered Tuesday and were being immediately brought before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Mason. Two sheriff's officers are on active duty with Army National Guard units in Afghanistan, and warrants were issued for their arrest.
If convicted of conspiracy to possess and distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine or one kilogram of heroin, the defendants would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life. The maximum fine would be $4 million.
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart called the alleged behavior "absolutely reprehensible."
"The responsibility of watching over jail inmates is an important one and it's a shame these men didn't take that responsibility more seriously," he said in a statement.
Each of those charged has been suspended with pay pending a hearing next week, Dart said. "That step will then lead to a request for termination," he said.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Former Officer Michael Johnson Charged with Raping Woman
The president of a York County township's board of commissioners — a former police officer and Army veteran — was arrested after a two-hour standoff at his home Monday and charged with raping a woman in Baltimore last month, police said.
Michael L. Johnson Jr., 40, of Hanover in southwestern York County, Pa., is accused of posing as a police officer and picking up a 21-year-old woman in the Baltimore Highlands area of Southeast Baltimore on Nov. 2.
He allegedly told her he was arresting her for prostitution as part of a sting operation and handcuffed her to the back seat of his minivan, which had its windows covered with sheets. Police allege in charging documents that he then drove her to an industrial area in the rear of the 4400 block of E. Monument St. and offered to let her go if she had sex with him.
"She said that she thought he was a police officer, so she complied with his demands," said Agent Donny Moses, a spokesman for the Baltimore Police Department.
Police said that after the assault, Johnson drove the woman around, offering to pay her and provide her help in her personal life, then pushed her out of the vehicle behind Sherrie's Show Bar and Lounge, a strip club in the 3700 block of Pulaski Highway.
The victim, who told police that she had been buying heroin when Johnson picked her up, gave investigators a license plate number and a description of the silver van, including a sticker on the back windshield that read "Fort Benning." She later identified him in a photo lineup, according to records.
A law enforcement source said the van did not belong to Johnson but had been loaned to him by a family friend of he and his wife.
Members of Baltimore's Warrant Apprehension Task Force, along with Pennsylvania State Police, arrested Johnson at his home in Hanover, Pa., after a two-hour standoff, Moses said. He was taken to the York County Prison, where he was being held on $100,000 bond on a fugitive warrant pending a hearing on his extradition to Baltimore on charges of first-degree rape, sexual assault, kidnapping and false imprisonment.
Johnson, a Republican, finished last among four candidates against Rep. Todd R. Platts in 2002, and he was described in news reports as a former champion kick boxer and Army infantryman. He worked for the York Police Department for four years and was a small-business owner. He has two young children.
He retired from the York Police Department in 1999 after his wrist was slashed during an arrest, according to a report in the Hanover Evening Sun. He was on disability and unable to use his right arm for almost two years but in 2002 told the newspaper that he had recovered and was looking to get back into police work.
Johnson was elected to the board of commissioners in Penn Township, a community of about 15,000 people, in 2000. In January, he became president of the board, and he also chairs the Public Safety Committee. As township commissioner, Johnson's duties include overseeing the local police department.
More Information: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iUtusppZVRCkKFkQo_DLd2gPC_5wD94QU2500
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Border Officer Jesus Esparz Accused of Accepting Bribes
SAN DIEGO
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer accused of accepting bribes to allow cocaine and heroin to be smuggled into the country at the Calexico Port of Entry was arraigned Friday in federal court.
Jesus Velasco Esparza, 22, of El Centro, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter C. Lewis in El Centro, the U.S. Attorney's office in San Diego said.
Esparza was arrested Thursday in Imperial County following an nvestigation by the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.
He is accused of bribery; attempting to aid and abet importation of controlled substances; and computer fraud for looking up license plate numbers of vehicles suspected of being used to smuggle drugs into the United States, according to a federal complaint filed Thursday.
According to the complaint, the investigation began in August with the assistance of a confidential FBI source.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Forge said Friday that Esparza was paid $500 for each license plate he ran through CBP computers, and from $7,600 to $13,400 to allow drugs to be smuggled through the port.
Esparza is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday for a detention hearing.
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_10634548?nclick_check=1
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer accused of accepting bribes to allow cocaine and heroin to be smuggled into the country at the Calexico Port of Entry was arraigned Friday in federal court.
Jesus Velasco Esparza, 22, of El Centro, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter C. Lewis in El Centro, the U.S. Attorney's office in San Diego said.
Esparza was arrested Thursday in Imperial County following an nvestigation by the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.
He is accused of bribery; attempting to aid and abet importation of controlled substances; and computer fraud for looking up license plate numbers of vehicles suspected of being used to smuggle drugs into the United States, according to a federal complaint filed Thursday.
According to the complaint, the investigation began in August with the assistance of a confidential FBI source.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Forge said Friday that Esparza was paid $500 for each license plate he ran through CBP computers, and from $7,600 to $13,400 to allow drugs to be smuggled through the port.
Esparza is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday for a detention hearing.
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_10634548?nclick_check=1
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Veteran Officer John Bachta Arrested for Possession of Heroin
A 15-year veteran of the Essex County Sheriff's Department was put on unpaid administrative leave after his arrest Saturday on a heroin possession charge, sheriff's department spokesman Paul Fleming said Monday.
John Bachta, 37, of Methuen was arrested about 12:25 p.m., near 85 Main St., in Tewksbury and was charged with a single count of possession of heroin.
He was later released on bail for arraignment in Lowell District Court.
"As soon as this department received information of the arrest, Mr. Bachta was placed on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation that is ongoing at this time," Fleming said.
Bachta began his career with the Sheriff's Department in May 1993 as a corrections officer at Middleton Jail, Fleming said.
He was promoted to sergeant in September 1999, and began working in the department's security and investigations unit in July 2001, Fleming said.
"He has had no disciplinary record during his tenure here," Fleming said.
Bachta is the son of retired Lawrence police Deputy Chief Stanley Bachta.
Information from the Salem News; http://www.salemnews.com/
John Bachta, 37, of Methuen was arrested about 12:25 p.m., near 85 Main St., in Tewksbury and was charged with a single count of possession of heroin.
He was later released on bail for arraignment in Lowell District Court.
"As soon as this department received information of the arrest, Mr. Bachta was placed on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation that is ongoing at this time," Fleming said.
Bachta began his career with the Sheriff's Department in May 1993 as a corrections officer at Middleton Jail, Fleming said.
He was promoted to sergeant in September 1999, and began working in the department's security and investigations unit in July 2001, Fleming said.
"He has had no disciplinary record during his tenure here," Fleming said.
Bachta is the son of retired Lawrence police Deputy Chief Stanley Bachta.
Information from the Salem News; http://www.salemnews.com/
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Officers Arrested on Drug Charges
A WEST Midlands police officer has been arrested on suspicion of theft and possession of Class A drugs.
The 47-year-old officer is currently on police bail and has been suspended on full pay while investigations continue.
He was arrested on June 4.
He could face up to seven years in prison if charged and found guilty - the maximun sentence for possession of Class A drugs, according to the Home Office.
The case follows the earlier imprisonment of a West Midlands Police officer for drugs offences.
A female officer was jailed for 12 months for being in possession of Class A drugs, misconduct in public office and wilful neglect of duties on November 25 2005.
Aged 31 at the time, she resigned the day after she was charged.
West Midlands Police revealed the details of the cases in response to a Freedom of Information request by the Sunday Mercury.
They said four officers had been arrested for drug offences over the last three years.
Another officer was arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs, which include heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, crack magic mushrooms and amphetamines.
The fourth was arrested on suspicion of possessing Class C drugs, which include cannabis, tranquilisers and GHB.
A force spokesman said: “We can confirm a West Midlands Police officer aged 47 was arrested on June 4 2008 on suspicion of theft and possession of Class A drugs. He is currently on bail pending further inquires and suspended.
“He is on full pay. This will be stopped if he is sentenced to prison or is remanded in custody.
“We can also confirm a female officer, aged 31 at the time, was sentenced for 12 months custodial on November 25 2005.
“She was charge on 23 June 2005 with possession of Class A drugs, misconduct ina public office nad wilful neglect of duties.
“She resigned from the force the day after being charged.”
The force has refused to release any further details about the arrests.
The spokesman said officers who are arrested on suspicion of offences were not given any special treatment by fellow officers. “Their are no stipulated or mandatory guidelines in relation to this,” said the spokesman.
“The most important thing is the officer is treated exactly the same as any other member of the community, they will be taken to a police station.
“What happens then entirely depends on the circumstances.
“Relatively minor offences can be investigated internally, if it is a more serious offence then the Independent Police Complaints Commission might carry out the investigation.
“If the senior investigating officer deems the offence serious enough they can make a recommendation to the deputy chief constable.
“It is then up to the deputy chief constable to decide if they are going to suspend the officer involved.
The Home Office said it does not issue guidelines to forces on how to deal with officers who commit crimes.
The 47-year-old officer is currently on police bail and has been suspended on full pay while investigations continue.
He was arrested on June 4.
He could face up to seven years in prison if charged and found guilty - the maximun sentence for possession of Class A drugs, according to the Home Office.
The case follows the earlier imprisonment of a West Midlands Police officer for drugs offences.
A female officer was jailed for 12 months for being in possession of Class A drugs, misconduct in public office and wilful neglect of duties on November 25 2005.
Aged 31 at the time, she resigned the day after she was charged.
West Midlands Police revealed the details of the cases in response to a Freedom of Information request by the Sunday Mercury.
They said four officers had been arrested for drug offences over the last three years.
Another officer was arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs, which include heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, crack magic mushrooms and amphetamines.
The fourth was arrested on suspicion of possessing Class C drugs, which include cannabis, tranquilisers and GHB.
A force spokesman said: “We can confirm a West Midlands Police officer aged 47 was arrested on June 4 2008 on suspicion of theft and possession of Class A drugs. He is currently on bail pending further inquires and suspended.
“He is on full pay. This will be stopped if he is sentenced to prison or is remanded in custody.
“We can also confirm a female officer, aged 31 at the time, was sentenced for 12 months custodial on November 25 2005.
“She was charge on 23 June 2005 with possession of Class A drugs, misconduct ina public office nad wilful neglect of duties.
“She resigned from the force the day after being charged.”
The force has refused to release any further details about the arrests.
The spokesman said officers who are arrested on suspicion of offences were not given any special treatment by fellow officers. “Their are no stipulated or mandatory guidelines in relation to this,” said the spokesman.
“The most important thing is the officer is treated exactly the same as any other member of the community, they will be taken to a police station.
“What happens then entirely depends on the circumstances.
“Relatively minor offences can be investigated internally, if it is a more serious offence then the Independent Police Complaints Commission might carry out the investigation.
“If the senior investigating officer deems the offence serious enough they can make a recommendation to the deputy chief constable.
“It is then up to the deputy chief constable to decide if they are going to suspend the officer involved.
The Home Office said it does not issue guidelines to forces on how to deal with officers who commit crimes.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Former Officer Charged with Drug Possession
A former township police officer has been charged with possession of cocaine, heroin and marijuana and endangering the welfare of a child.
Joseph Morano, 41, and Jennifer Phalon, 34, both of the same Seaspray Road address, were arrested after a motor vehicle stop of a 1994 Ford Explorer on Route 72 in Stafford about 11:20 p.m. Friday, said Capt. Robert Urie of the Ocean County Prosecutor's Special Operations Group.
Morano is the son of Township Committeeman Len Morano.
The couple was riding in Morano's Ford Explorer with a 4-year-old child inside when it was stopped by a member of the Special Operations Group and the Stafford Township Police Department.
The Prosecutor's Office, Stafford police and members of the Ocean County Regional SWAT executed a search warrant at the couple's Seaspray Road home and found five bags of heroin and marijuana in the home, Urie said.
The couple was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, he said.
Bail was set at $50,000 with no 10 percent option for both, set by Ocean County Superior Court Judge James DenUyl.
Morano and Phalon were lodged in the Ocean County Jail and released on Saturday.
Morano has a history of substance abuse issues dating back to 2003, when he was suspended for 30 days on matters connected to alcohol abuse while he was a Barnegat police officer. Subsequent arrests and indictments over prescription drug matters led to his resignation as a police officer in 2005.
Joseph Morano, 41, and Jennifer Phalon, 34, both of the same Seaspray Road address, were arrested after a motor vehicle stop of a 1994 Ford Explorer on Route 72 in Stafford about 11:20 p.m. Friday, said Capt. Robert Urie of the Ocean County Prosecutor's Special Operations Group.
Morano is the son of Township Committeeman Len Morano.
The couple was riding in Morano's Ford Explorer with a 4-year-old child inside when it was stopped by a member of the Special Operations Group and the Stafford Township Police Department.
The Prosecutor's Office, Stafford police and members of the Ocean County Regional SWAT executed a search warrant at the couple's Seaspray Road home and found five bags of heroin and marijuana in the home, Urie said.
The couple was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, he said.
Bail was set at $50,000 with no 10 percent option for both, set by Ocean County Superior Court Judge James DenUyl.
Morano and Phalon were lodged in the Ocean County Jail and released on Saturday.
Morano has a history of substance abuse issues dating back to 2003, when he was suspended for 30 days on matters connected to alcohol abuse while he was a Barnegat police officer. Subsequent arrests and indictments over prescription drug matters led to his resignation as a police officer in 2005.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Officer Arrested on Drug Charges
A former Oak Lawn police officer accused of misconduct for allegedly extorting money from motorists during traffic stops is in trouble with the law again after a recent drug arrest.
Steven Harrison, 26, was arrested June 20 when a Chicago police officer allegedly witnessed him exchanging cash for several packets of heroin on the street.
The arrest happened around 7:40 p.m. in the 4700 block of West Lake Street, a police source said.
Harrison was charged with possession of a controlled substance and was held on $55,000 bail, according to the Cook County state's attorney's office. On Friday, Judge Rosemary Higgins tacked on another $5,000 for violating a $100,000 bail in the misconduct case.
If Harrison posts bail, the judge ordered him to seek treatment immediately for drug abuse.
Harrison's attorney, Brian Barrett, declined to comment about his client's drug use or if it might have contributed to the misconduct case.
"We're dealing with any issues he has," Barrett said after Friday's hearing.
In the extortion case, Harrison was charged with 23 counts of official misconduct, five counts of theft by deception and three counts of intimidation in connection with a series of traffic stops he made in September. Harrison pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Harrison is accused of pulling over five drivers and telling them they had committed traffic offenses such as driving without a valid license or not having insurance, prosecutors said.
Harrison would then allegedly threaten the motorists, some of whom spoke limited English, with fines or jail if they did not pay him.
In one case, Harrison is accused of telling a man that he needed to pay him $160 because he was driving without a license or insurance. The man said he did not have the money, and Harrison told him to call friends and relatives to bring him the money, officials said.
When that failed, Harrison told the driver to go home, get the money and bring it to him at the Oak Lawn police station or else an arrest warrant would be issued, officials said.
Authorities said that after the driver returned with the money, Harrison gave him a pink ticket sheet with "$160" written on it. According to officials, when the motorist asked if it was a ticket, Harrison responded, "That's the way we do it in the suburbs."
In another case, Harrison is accused of telling a driver he had "two options: Go to jail or pay $100," prosecutors said.
All five motorists identified Harrison in a police lineup, prosecutors said. The beginning of two of the traffic stops was captured by Harrison's squad car camera, prosecutors said.
Steven Harrison, 26, was arrested June 20 when a Chicago police officer allegedly witnessed him exchanging cash for several packets of heroin on the street.
The arrest happened around 7:40 p.m. in the 4700 block of West Lake Street, a police source said.
Harrison was charged with possession of a controlled substance and was held on $55,000 bail, according to the Cook County state's attorney's office. On Friday, Judge Rosemary Higgins tacked on another $5,000 for violating a $100,000 bail in the misconduct case.
If Harrison posts bail, the judge ordered him to seek treatment immediately for drug abuse.
Harrison's attorney, Brian Barrett, declined to comment about his client's drug use or if it might have contributed to the misconduct case.
"We're dealing with any issues he has," Barrett said after Friday's hearing.
In the extortion case, Harrison was charged with 23 counts of official misconduct, five counts of theft by deception and three counts of intimidation in connection with a series of traffic stops he made in September. Harrison pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Harrison is accused of pulling over five drivers and telling them they had committed traffic offenses such as driving without a valid license or not having insurance, prosecutors said.
Harrison would then allegedly threaten the motorists, some of whom spoke limited English, with fines or jail if they did not pay him.
In one case, Harrison is accused of telling a man that he needed to pay him $160 because he was driving without a license or insurance. The man said he did not have the money, and Harrison told him to call friends and relatives to bring him the money, officials said.
When that failed, Harrison told the driver to go home, get the money and bring it to him at the Oak Lawn police station or else an arrest warrant would be issued, officials said.
Authorities said that after the driver returned with the money, Harrison gave him a pink ticket sheet with "$160" written on it. According to officials, when the motorist asked if it was a ticket, Harrison responded, "That's the way we do it in the suburbs."
In another case, Harrison is accused of telling a driver he had "two options: Go to jail or pay $100," prosecutors said.
All five motorists identified Harrison in a police lineup, prosecutors said. The beginning of two of the traffic stops was captured by Harrison's squad car camera, prosecutors said.
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