Police have arrested a former Greenville officer accused of destroying evidence.
According to the Greenville Police Department, they arrested former officer Heriberto Calles, 40, of Winterville, Wednesday morning and charged him with obstruction of justice, altering, destroying or stealing evidence of criminal conduct, and willfully failing to discharge duties.
Police said when Calles was a Greenville police officer. He "destroyed photographic evidence and obstructed justice to minimize a domestic disturbance case he was responding to."
Greenville Police Sergeant Joe Friday said as far as police know Calles does not have any relationship to the two people involved in the domestic dispute case. According to Sgt. Friday the day after Calles responded to the disturbance someone came in with more evidence. He said the evidence didn't match up with Calle's report, and that fact sparked and internal affairs investigation.
“He just basically destroyed or deleted evidence of that should be included in a report,” Sgt. Friday said.
The GPD doesn't think he was covering up a crime but just cutting corners.
“That type of behavior is unacceptable and it actually is criminal in nature,” Sgt. Friday said.
According to the warrant, Calles told the two parties involved in the domestic dispute that, “this never happened and that we the police were never here... You need to settle this on your own."
Investigators said when they developed information about Calles' alleged actions, they presented the case to the State Bureau of Investigation in early March. Calles police powers were removed and he was suspended. He then resigned from the police force, according to GPD.
Calles was arrested Wednesday morning at the Pitt County Magistrate's Office and was given a $10,000 unsecured bond, police said. Calles was hired by the Greenville Police Department in January 2010.
Chief of Police Hassan Aden released the following statement:
"The arrest of Officer Calles serves as reminder that the law enforcement community in our city is not above the law and that the investigative process is intact and unbiased.
"I want our community to know that the Greenville Police Department holds itself accountable to the highest ethical standards and all laws that govern our society. This case was self-discovered and pursued by the Internal Affairs Division of the Greenville Police Department.
"I want to reaffirm that maintaining the public's trust is a top priority of my administration. I want to thank the State Bureau of Investigation and the Pitt County District Attorney's Office for assisting us in the proactive pursuit of justice-even when the offender is a law enforcement officer."
Showing posts with label obstructing justice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label obstructing justice. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Sunday, April 06, 2014
Former Officer Jeremy Rose Charged with Sexual Exploitation of Minor
Former
Tremonton police officer Jeremy Rose has been charged with 15 offenses in the
collection of thousands of photos of a teenage girl in various stages of
undress.
Rose was arrested and booked
into the Box Elder County Jail Thursday, said Utah Attorney General's Office
spokeswoman Missy Larsen, and is scheduled for arraignment April 7 before 1st
District Judge Ben Hadfield.
Rose, 37, is charged with nine
counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, a second-degree felony, and two
counts of voyeurism, a third-degree felony. He's also charged with single
counts of dealing in material harmful to a minor, communications fraud,
obstruction of justice, and stalking, all felonies but the stalking, a class A
misdemeanor.
While employed by the Tremonton
force, Rose convinced a then-15-year-old Tremonton girl to pose semi-nude for
photos he said he would sell for her on the Internet and to private buyers,
according to charging documents. That was a ruse in order to collect the photos
for himself, the charges say.
He also allegedly hid a camera
in the girl's bedroom to record video of her dressing and undressing.
Rose is being held in lieu of
$145,000 bail. The case was handed off by the Box Elder County Attorney's
Office last year to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest since
prosecutors there had worked with Rose for years.
Rose resigned from the
Tremonton department in July after investigation began by the Attorney
General's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which was assisted by
Tremonton police.
The case features a 15-page
probable cause affidavit, a document rarely longer than a page.
It details Rose's apparent
obsession with the teen beginning in early 2012 and continuing through much of
last year until his initial arrest in June. Due to the complex investigation
detailed in the affidavit, the charges weren't filed until Thursday by the
attorney general's office. Rose was a
12-year veteran on the Tremonton force.
Rose set up fake email accounts
and links to a bogus online company where he told her he was selling the
photos, the affidavit says.
He sent emails under assumed
names from the fake company encouraging her in her nude and semi-nude posing
for photos with Rose, as well as those she took herself and sent to the fake
Internet site, according to the affidavit.
They told her she could make
more money by wearing less clothing, one of the emails said.
Investigators were informed
last June by Rose's wife that he had confessed to her and other family members,
according to the affidavit.
The thousands of images of the
minor were found on Rose's several cell phones "as well the laptop
computer he was assigned through his employment at the Tremonton Police
Department," it reads.
The document refers to Rose paying
the girl $300 for her pictures and buying her an iPhone for her picture-taking.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Former Lt. Sarah Massa Charged with Stealing Prescription Pills
A former lieutenant with the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department was accused Tuesday of obstructing state authorities investigating her for prescription pill theft.
Sarah L. Massa, 36, was charged Tuesday, March 25, in Waukesha County Circuit Court with misdemeanor theft and obstructing an officer, both misdemeanors.
She could face 18 months in prison and $20,000 in fines if convicted.
According to the criminal complaint, Waukesha Police contacted state authorities last year about the theft of opiate medication from the McDermott residence at 1501 Pewaukee Rd., Waukesha.
Massa was suspected of stealing the medication, which was prescribed to her grandmother, Leona McDermott, to treat pain related to terminal cancer, the complaint states.
Donald McDermott, Massa’s grandfather, told investigators that about 60 pills had gone missing after a Fourth of July party was held at the residence. He discovered that another 58 pills had gone missing in September.
In both instances Massa was at the home around the time the pills went missing. He said in the complaint that his granddaughter was a “good kid,” but she suffered from back pain and “something was going on.”
Investigators places a covert camera and a bottle of placebo pills in Donald McDermott’s bedroom in October and pills again went missing on Nov. 13.
Investigators reviewed the tape, which the complaint states was “very dark,” but it showed an individual in a police uniform with a gun holster entering the room and removing the fake pills from a nightstand.
Donald McDermott told investigators that Massa was at the residence at the time in question and identified the person as his granddaughter based on her profile.
Investigators spoke with Massa on Nov. 18. She told investigators in the complaint that she suspected her aunt was stealing the medication. She later admitted to taking the pills from the room, but claimed she knew they were not Percocet. When asked what she did with the pills, she said she consumed them all at once.
Massa went to her grandparent’s house on Nov. 21 and tried to talk Donald McDermott into dropping the charges, the complaint states. He told investigators that she admitted to taking the pills at that time.
Sheriff Daniel Trawicki said in a statement that he did not wish to speak on the matter because the case is ongoing. He said that Massa was placed on administrative leave in December and resigned from the force on Wednesday, March 5.
Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Jennifer Wallschlaeger previously said that Massa had been with the department since 2001.
Her husband, Chris Massa, was an officer with the Waukesha Police Department until he resigned in late February. Police Chief Russell Jack said in a news release he was being investigated at the time for sending sexually suggestive pictures or texts to his wife while on duty.
“Based on the information available we believe that we would have been able to substantiate the charges against him, and the investigation would have resulted in discipline up to and including termination,” he said.
The evidence that initiated that internal investigation, now closed, was located on his wife’s phone.
According to court records, the case against Massa will be prosecuted by District Attorney Brad Schimel.
She is expected to make an initial appearance in court on Monday, April 7.
Sarah L. Massa, 36, was charged Tuesday, March 25, in Waukesha County Circuit Court with misdemeanor theft and obstructing an officer, both misdemeanors.
She could face 18 months in prison and $20,000 in fines if convicted.
According to the criminal complaint, Waukesha Police contacted state authorities last year about the theft of opiate medication from the McDermott residence at 1501 Pewaukee Rd., Waukesha.
Massa was suspected of stealing the medication, which was prescribed to her grandmother, Leona McDermott, to treat pain related to terminal cancer, the complaint states.
Donald McDermott, Massa’s grandfather, told investigators that about 60 pills had gone missing after a Fourth of July party was held at the residence. He discovered that another 58 pills had gone missing in September.
In both instances Massa was at the home around the time the pills went missing. He said in the complaint that his granddaughter was a “good kid,” but she suffered from back pain and “something was going on.”
Investigators places a covert camera and a bottle of placebo pills in Donald McDermott’s bedroom in October and pills again went missing on Nov. 13.
Investigators reviewed the tape, which the complaint states was “very dark,” but it showed an individual in a police uniform with a gun holster entering the room and removing the fake pills from a nightstand.
Donald McDermott told investigators that Massa was at the residence at the time in question and identified the person as his granddaughter based on her profile.
Investigators spoke with Massa on Nov. 18. She told investigators in the complaint that she suspected her aunt was stealing the medication. She later admitted to taking the pills from the room, but claimed she knew they were not Percocet. When asked what she did with the pills, she said she consumed them all at once.
Massa went to her grandparent’s house on Nov. 21 and tried to talk Donald McDermott into dropping the charges, the complaint states. He told investigators that she admitted to taking the pills at that time.
Sheriff Daniel Trawicki said in a statement that he did not wish to speak on the matter because the case is ongoing. He said that Massa was placed on administrative leave in December and resigned from the force on Wednesday, March 5.
Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Jennifer Wallschlaeger previously said that Massa had been with the department since 2001.
Her husband, Chris Massa, was an officer with the Waukesha Police Department until he resigned in late February. Police Chief Russell Jack said in a news release he was being investigated at the time for sending sexually suggestive pictures or texts to his wife while on duty.
“Based on the information available we believe that we would have been able to substantiate the charges against him, and the investigation would have resulted in discipline up to and including termination,” he said.
The evidence that initiated that internal investigation, now closed, was located on his wife’s phone.
According to court records, the case against Massa will be prosecuted by District Attorney Brad Schimel.
She is expected to make an initial appearance in court on Monday, April 7.
Friday, March 07, 2014
Officer Clifton Gauthier Charged with Misconduct
Gauthier, 34, of Sparta, was charged Monday by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office with official misconduct, obstruction, witness tampering and hindering prosecution of another, according to court records. Gauthier was hired in the township in July 2005 and, though now suspended, was earning $108,525 annually.
Township officials would not immediately specify whether Gauthier was suspended with or without pay. Neither Gauthier nor defense lawyer Scott Krasny could immediately be reached Friday.
A male relative of Gauthier was ticketed for DWI in Rockaway Township by a state trooper identified only as N.S. Gauthier allegedly contacted the trooper on Feb. 9, 2012, and “suggested” he didn’t need to appear in township Municipal Court for trial because the charge was resolved, according to court records and officials.
Denis Driscoll, who was municipal prosecutor at the time, contacted the trooper, who stated he was told not to appear, and the investigation commenced, according to officials.
Township Mayor Michael Dachisen said that Gauthier is a good officer who served several military tours in Iraq. He said the relative who Gauthier allegedly tried to assist is either a cousin or an uncle. He declined further comment.
Police Chief Walter Ardin Jr. could not be reached. Gauthier is due to appear next week in Superior Court to receive initial discovery on the charges. They allege that he committed an act that constituted an unauthorized exercise of his position by suggesting to the trooper that he not appear on the scheduled court date so he could try to help a relative obtain a dismissal of the charge.
The most serious offense of official misconduct is a second-degree crime punishable upon conviction by up to 10 years in prison and automatic forfeiture of a public job and future public employment.
Officer Steven Lupo Charged with Giving False Statements
Police began investigating 36-year-old officer Steven Lupo after a complaint was made to Internal Affairs about Lupo’s testimony in court on Oct. 18, 2011. It was alleged that Lupo, who was assigned to the 14th Police District, testified falsely during a hearing about circumstances surrounding the arrest of both Amiraria Farsi on Aug. 5, 2011 and Joseph Tuabma on Sept. 25, 2010.
In the case of Tuamba, Lupo was on the 100 block of E Chelten Avenue when he and his partner encountered a 2010 Lincoln SKS parked outside a Chinese store. The officers ultimately arrested both people in the car, Tuabma and Angel Huffman, and charged them with possession of narcotics. Though Lupo testified the car’s windows were tinted, three other witnesses testified in court that they were not.
In the Farsi trial, Lupo and his partner conducted a vehicle stop of a 1998 Buick Regal driven by Farsi near Baynton and High Streets after the car failed to stop at a stop sign. Lupo frisked the men in the car and searched the vehicle, uncovering narcotics; however, Lupo claimed he waited for a search warrant before doing so. That was determined to be false.
Lupo is expected to be suspended with intent to dismiss.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Sgt. Michael Hames Charged with Destroying Evidence
A police officer with the city of Lyman has been arrested and charged with altering and destroying evidence.
The State Law Enforcement Division arrested Michael Gerald Hames, 44, of Lyman, and charged him with misconduct in office and obstructing justice.
According to warrants obtained from SLED, Hames, a Sgt. with the Police Department, "knowingly, willfully and dishonestly committed misconduct in office in the form of malfeasance and nonfeasance by altering and then destroying evidence related to an active criminal investigation thereby failing to properly and faithfully discharge the duties of his office." Between August 12 and August 16, 2013, the warrants further state that Hames knowingly and willfully altered and destroyed evidence related to an active investigation with the attempt to impede, obstruct, interfere with, or influence the proper administration of the criminal justice function.
Officials with the town of Lyman said that Hames has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation by SLED. He is currently being held on $20,000 at the Spartanburg County Detention Center.
The State Law Enforcement Division arrested Michael Gerald Hames, 44, of Lyman, and charged him with misconduct in office and obstructing justice.
According to warrants obtained from SLED, Hames, a Sgt. with the Police Department, "knowingly, willfully and dishonestly committed misconduct in office in the form of malfeasance and nonfeasance by altering and then destroying evidence related to an active criminal investigation thereby failing to properly and faithfully discharge the duties of his office." Between August 12 and August 16, 2013, the warrants further state that Hames knowingly and willfully altered and destroyed evidence related to an active investigation with the attempt to impede, obstruct, interfere with, or influence the proper administration of the criminal justice function.
Officials with the town of Lyman said that Hames has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation by SLED. He is currently being held on $20,000 at the Spartanburg County Detention Center.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Officer Calvin Aaron Jr Arrested for Sexting with Juvenile
Investigators from the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations/Alexandria Field Office arrested Zwolle Police Officer Calvin L. Aaron Jr., 33, of Zwolle, LA, Wednesday.
Aaron Jr. is accused of pornography involving juveniles, indecent behavior with juveniles, obstruction of justice, and malfeasance in office.
In July 2013, Louisiana State Police received information and a request from the Sabine Parish Sheriff's Office in reference to investigating alleged inappropriate conduct and behavior that was/is sexual in nature, between a Zwolle Police Officer and a juvenile.
The investigation revealed that Aaron Jr. and a female juvenile (16 yrs) were using cell phones to transmit sexually explicit and/or lewd images of each other to one another.
The investigation also revealed that Aaron Jr. had engaged in indecent behavior with the juvenile and attempted to destroy evidence of their activities after knowing that an investigation into the matter had begun.
Wednesday, Aaron Jr. was arrested and booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center on the above listed charges.
Monday, March 08, 2010
Former Officer Michael Lohman Pleas Guilty to Shooting
A former lieutenant of the New Orleans Police Department, who is charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice, has entered a guilty plea. He is alleged of having helped cover up fellow officers’ fatal shootings of two unarmed people during the chaotic period following Hurricane Katrina.
Michael Lohman, 42, was not initially present at the scene of the shootings, which took place on the Danziger Bridge and which injured four people in addition to the two who were killed. However, Lohman later went to the scene and concluded that the shooting was unjustified, but nevertheless file false police reports. Additionally, as the officer in charge of investigating the shooting, he allegedly looked the other way when another investigator planted a gun at the scene of the crime, asking only if the weapon in question was “clean” — police parlance for a gun that cannot be traced back to a prior crime.
According to survivors of the September 4, 2005 incident, the police fired at people who were crossing the bridge in search of food, during the aftermath of the infamous hurricane which threw the city into turmoil. None of those people were armed.
Killed by police gunfire were a 40-year-old mentally disable man, Ronald Madison, and a teenager, 19-year-old James Brissette.
A recently unsealed indictment says that Lohman and two sergeants, who remain unidentified, wrote two different accounts of the bridge shootings, both false reports. One of claims made was that a victim had come forward to say that her nephew was among those firing guns at police. Federal officials contend that Lohman, unhappy with a false report written by a fellow investigator, then crafted his own false report. He also allegedly told the investigator to collude with the shooters, to make sure that they were “OK with” the bogus report and with giving statements that would back it up.
Seven officers had been charged with murder or attempted murder in the shooting, but a state judge dismissed those charges in 2008, making Lohman the first person to face justice. He is scheduled to be sentenced May 26.
In the days following Hurricane Katrina and the flooding that resulted, there were numerous reports of violence against police and rescue personnel, many of which were later proven untrue. The shootings on the bridge were one of the most highly publicized events, and this notoriety may account for the subsequent cover-up, which U.S. Attorney Jim Letten has called “a pretty elaborate ongoing conspiracy.”
Michael Lohman, 42, was not initially present at the scene of the shootings, which took place on the Danziger Bridge and which injured four people in addition to the two who were killed. However, Lohman later went to the scene and concluded that the shooting was unjustified, but nevertheless file false police reports. Additionally, as the officer in charge of investigating the shooting, he allegedly looked the other way when another investigator planted a gun at the scene of the crime, asking only if the weapon in question was “clean” — police parlance for a gun that cannot be traced back to a prior crime.
According to survivors of the September 4, 2005 incident, the police fired at people who were crossing the bridge in search of food, during the aftermath of the infamous hurricane which threw the city into turmoil. None of those people were armed.
Killed by police gunfire were a 40-year-old mentally disable man, Ronald Madison, and a teenager, 19-year-old James Brissette.
A recently unsealed indictment says that Lohman and two sergeants, who remain unidentified, wrote two different accounts of the bridge shootings, both false reports. One of claims made was that a victim had come forward to say that her nephew was among those firing guns at police. Federal officials contend that Lohman, unhappy with a false report written by a fellow investigator, then crafted his own false report. He also allegedly told the investigator to collude with the shooters, to make sure that they were “OK with” the bogus report and with giving statements that would back it up.
Seven officers had been charged with murder or attempted murder in the shooting, but a state judge dismissed those charges in 2008, making Lohman the first person to face justice. He is scheduled to be sentenced May 26.
In the days following Hurricane Katrina and the flooding that resulted, there were numerous reports of violence against police and rescue personnel, many of which were later proven untrue. The shootings on the bridge were one of the most highly publicized events, and this notoriety may account for the subsequent cover-up, which U.S. Attorney Jim Letten has called “a pretty elaborate ongoing conspiracy.”
Monday, March 01, 2010
Former Officer Pleads Guilty in Katrina Killing
A former police lieutenant pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring to obstruct justice after federal officials say he helped cover for officers who killed two people on a bridge in the chaos following Hurricane Katrina.
Federal investigators say former lieutenant Michael Lohman knew two people shot to death as they crossed the Danziger Bridge had no weapons, but he and others filed false reports to make the shootings seem justified. Four other people were wounded.
Family members of the victims gathered at the downtown federal courthouse as Lohman arrived to enter his plea.
“We are very, very happy about the progress that the FBI and the US Justice Department have made,’’ said Dr. Romell Madison, brother of Ronald Madison, who was killed on the bridge.
“It’s a tremendous relief for us to see some sort of closure. The people of New Orleans should be relieved that there is still justice for everybody here.’’
Seven officers were charged with murder or attempted murder in the Sept. 4, 2005, shootings, just days after Katrina smashed levees and flooded 80 percent of the city.
But a state judge dismissed the charges in 2008.
Until Lohman’s plea yesterday, no one had been convicted in the deaths of Madison, 40, a mentally disabled man, and James Brissette, 19.
Four others were wounded.
Federal investigators say former lieutenant Michael Lohman knew two people shot to death as they crossed the Danziger Bridge had no weapons, but he and others filed false reports to make the shootings seem justified. Four other people were wounded.
Family members of the victims gathered at the downtown federal courthouse as Lohman arrived to enter his plea.
“We are very, very happy about the progress that the FBI and the US Justice Department have made,’’ said Dr. Romell Madison, brother of Ronald Madison, who was killed on the bridge.
“It’s a tremendous relief for us to see some sort of closure. The people of New Orleans should be relieved that there is still justice for everybody here.’’
Seven officers were charged with murder or attempted murder in the Sept. 4, 2005, shootings, just days after Katrina smashed levees and flooded 80 percent of the city.
But a state judge dismissed the charges in 2008.
Until Lohman’s plea yesterday, no one had been convicted in the deaths of Madison, 40, a mentally disabled man, and James Brissette, 19.
Four others were wounded.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Two Palm Beach County Officers Arrested
A Palm Beach County Sheriff's Officer has been arrested on drug charges, while another deputy is accused of obstructing justice, state attorney Michael McAuliffe announced Monday.
Deputy Sarah Thompson was charged with three counts of purchasing or possession with intent to purchase oxycodone.
State prosecutors said Thompson bought or possessed the prescription pain pills on three separate occasions -- Jan. 17, Feb. 7 and Feb. 11.
Deputy Carlos Lisboa was also charged with fleeing or attempting to elude a marked police car and resisting an officer without violence.
Thompson could be sentenced up to 15 years in prison for each count if convicted. Lisboa could be sentenced up to five years in prison if convicted of fleeing or attempting to elude a marked police car, and an additional year in the county jail if convicted of the second charge.
Deputy Sarah Thompson was charged with three counts of purchasing or possession with intent to purchase oxycodone.
State prosecutors said Thompson bought or possessed the prescription pain pills on three separate occasions -- Jan. 17, Feb. 7 and Feb. 11.
Deputy Carlos Lisboa was also charged with fleeing or attempting to elude a marked police car and resisting an officer without violence.
Thompson could be sentenced up to 15 years in prison for each count if convicted. Lisboa could be sentenced up to five years in prison if convicted of fleeing or attempting to elude a marked police car, and an additional year in the county jail if convicted of the second charge.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Former Officer Anthony Bickerton Sentenced for Making False Statements to FBI
A former Stoughton police officer pleaded guilty yesterday to federal charges of obstruction of justice and making false statements to FBI investigators in a 2008 police corruption probe.
Federal prosecutors will recommend that Anthony Bickerton, 60, of Stoughton spend 12 to 18 months in prison as part of a plea deal for lying about his role in a fake, FBI-arranged, stolen goods ring with two other Stoughton officers who have resigned from the force.
In conversations secretly taped in 2008 by a convicted criminal turned cooperating witness, the former detective arranged for discounted high-definition televisions for his daughter and other police officers and a power washer for himself. He thought the goods were stolen, but they were provided as part of the FBI’s probe. Prosecutors said he tried to hide the power washer at a fellow officer’s house after the FBI questioned him.
“Mr. Bickerton’s actions are an affront to the many honest men and women in the law enforcement community who serve the public with dedication and integrity,’’ US Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz said in a statement. “Today’s plea should be a reminder to the public that we will continue to aggressively pursue all investigations and prosecutions of corrupt and dishonest public officials.’’
Prosecutors had also alleged that Bickerton illegally obtained Registry of Motor Vehicles records for the informant, but as part of the plea, he will not have to admit to that.
Appearing before Judge Richard Stearns, Bickerton displayed much different behavior yesterday afternoon than he did in January, when he was escorted into the John Joseph Moakley US Courthouse in jeans and handcuffs. In the January proceedings, Bickerton broke down and cried while addressing Magistrate Judge Marianne B. Bowler. Yesterday, he appeared relaxed, calm, and even smiled at Stearns while the judge questioned him.
His wife, Rose, wiped away tears as the 45-minute proceeding drew to a close. No other friends or family of Bickerton, a father of three who was raised in Mattapan, were in court yesterday. No one from the Stoughton Police Department attended.
If the case had gone to trial, Assistant US Attorney Brian T. Kelly said, two other former police officers would have been called to testify against Bickerton. He would have faced a maximum of five years in prison for giving false statements and 10 years for obstruction of justice.
Bickerton was released on his existing bond, and he will be back in court May 11 for sentencing. He left the courthouse with his wife, and declined to comment. His lawyer, Kevin Reddington, called the process fair and said his client was looking forward to resolving the case.
Federal prosecutors will recommend that Anthony Bickerton, 60, of Stoughton spend 12 to 18 months in prison as part of a plea deal for lying about his role in a fake, FBI-arranged, stolen goods ring with two other Stoughton officers who have resigned from the force.
In conversations secretly taped in 2008 by a convicted criminal turned cooperating witness, the former detective arranged for discounted high-definition televisions for his daughter and other police officers and a power washer for himself. He thought the goods were stolen, but they were provided as part of the FBI’s probe. Prosecutors said he tried to hide the power washer at a fellow officer’s house after the FBI questioned him.
“Mr. Bickerton’s actions are an affront to the many honest men and women in the law enforcement community who serve the public with dedication and integrity,’’ US Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz said in a statement. “Today’s plea should be a reminder to the public that we will continue to aggressively pursue all investigations and prosecutions of corrupt and dishonest public officials.’’
Prosecutors had also alleged that Bickerton illegally obtained Registry of Motor Vehicles records for the informant, but as part of the plea, he will not have to admit to that.
Appearing before Judge Richard Stearns, Bickerton displayed much different behavior yesterday afternoon than he did in January, when he was escorted into the John Joseph Moakley US Courthouse in jeans and handcuffs. In the January proceedings, Bickerton broke down and cried while addressing Magistrate Judge Marianne B. Bowler. Yesterday, he appeared relaxed, calm, and even smiled at Stearns while the judge questioned him.
His wife, Rose, wiped away tears as the 45-minute proceeding drew to a close. No other friends or family of Bickerton, a father of three who was raised in Mattapan, were in court yesterday. No one from the Stoughton Police Department attended.
If the case had gone to trial, Assistant US Attorney Brian T. Kelly said, two other former police officers would have been called to testify against Bickerton. He would have faced a maximum of five years in prison for giving false statements and 10 years for obstruction of justice.
Bickerton was released on his existing bond, and he will be back in court May 11 for sentencing. He left the courthouse with his wife, and declined to comment. His lawyer, Kevin Reddington, called the process fair and said his client was looking forward to resolving the case.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Deputy Chuck Metcalf Will Spend 12 Weekends in Jail for Perjury
Richland County sheriff's deputy Chuck Metcalf will have to spend 12 weekends in jail as punishment for lying in support of the 2005 ill-fated Mansfield drug investigation involving DEA Agent Lee Lucas.
Lucas was acquitted earlier this month of 18 charges, including perjury and obstruction of justice, related to the investigation.
U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver, who presided over the Lucas trial, said he would have punished Metcalf to the fullest extent if not for his willingness to assist prosecutors, which included testifying at Lucas' trial. The misdemeanor conviction could have resulted in one year in prison.
"It's a sad case, your case, to me," Oliver told Metcalf, "because you were bound to uphold the law and we all count on law enforcement officials to do that."
Last year, Metcalf admitted lying during the 2006 trial of Dwayne Nabors, who was one of 17 people framed through a series of drug deals orchestrated by paid informant Jerrell Bray. Lucas supervised Bray during the investigation.
Metcalf testified during the Nabors' trial that police had not videotaped a portion of the purported drug deal, even though Metcalf knew a videotape had been made. Metcalf also claimed he and Lucas were in a position to identify Nabors knowing that also was not true.
In a memorandum filed with the court, Metcalf said he lied at the Nabors' trial to match his testimony with a report written by Lucas.
Lucas took the stand during his trial and denied making up testimony.
Prosecutors asked Oliver to show leniency because of Metcalf's cooperation. Richland County Sheriff Steve Sheldon and Richland County Prosecutor James Mayer spoke on behalf of Metcalf at his sentencing.
Metcalf asked for probation, citing a spotless record.
"His record in these investigations was perfect until he became involved with Special Agent Lee Lucas of the DEA," Metcalf's lawyer wrote in a memorandum filed with the court.
Metcalf argued that even though he lied Nabors trial, his testimony did not result in a drug trafficking conviction. Nabors was acquitted of a conspiracy charge while the jury was hung on a distribution charge. He was found guilty on a gun charge stemming from the search of his home.
Metcalf also argued that he is the only person facing punishment for the failures of the investigation, even though he was outranked on the team by both Lucas and Richland County Sheriff's Captain Larry Faith.
Lucas was acquitted earlier this month of 18 charges, including perjury and obstruction of justice, related to the investigation.
U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver, who presided over the Lucas trial, said he would have punished Metcalf to the fullest extent if not for his willingness to assist prosecutors, which included testifying at Lucas' trial. The misdemeanor conviction could have resulted in one year in prison.
"It's a sad case, your case, to me," Oliver told Metcalf, "because you were bound to uphold the law and we all count on law enforcement officials to do that."
Last year, Metcalf admitted lying during the 2006 trial of Dwayne Nabors, who was one of 17 people framed through a series of drug deals orchestrated by paid informant Jerrell Bray. Lucas supervised Bray during the investigation.
Metcalf testified during the Nabors' trial that police had not videotaped a portion of the purported drug deal, even though Metcalf knew a videotape had been made. Metcalf also claimed he and Lucas were in a position to identify Nabors knowing that also was not true.
In a memorandum filed with the court, Metcalf said he lied at the Nabors' trial to match his testimony with a report written by Lucas.
Lucas took the stand during his trial and denied making up testimony.
Prosecutors asked Oliver to show leniency because of Metcalf's cooperation. Richland County Sheriff Steve Sheldon and Richland County Prosecutor James Mayer spoke on behalf of Metcalf at his sentencing.
Metcalf asked for probation, citing a spotless record.
"His record in these investigations was perfect until he became involved with Special Agent Lee Lucas of the DEA," Metcalf's lawyer wrote in a memorandum filed with the court.
Metcalf argued that even though he lied Nabors trial, his testimony did not result in a drug trafficking conviction. Nabors was acquitted of a conspiracy charge while the jury was hung on a distribution charge. He was found guilty on a gun charge stemming from the search of his home.
Metcalf also argued that he is the only person facing punishment for the failures of the investigation, even though he was outranked on the team by both Lucas and Richland County Sheriff's Captain Larry Faith.
Detective Jim MacNeil Found Guilty
A disgraced former Edmonton police detective found guilty of obstruction of justice for tampering in his son’s drunk-driving case has avoided being put behind bars.
Jim MacNeil, 51, was given a four-month conditional sentence to be served in the community on Tuesday.
Judge Doreen Sulyma told a packed courtroom MacNeil had “compromised the administration of justice” and said he had a “higher level of blameworthiness” as a result of being a senior officer.
“It was done for a family member. There was no need for this,” she said.
“He could have assisted his son legally. Instead, he chose to hold himself above the rule of law.”
Sulyma also criticized the former detective for trying to put the blame on another office.
She said the falsely blamed officer wrote in a victim impact statement that she her professional reputation had been negatively affected.
Sulyma said mitigating factors were that MacNeil had no prior criminal record; boasted a long, successful career with the Edmonton Police Service; and volunteered in the community.
MacNeil was ordered to take any courses directed by his probation officer and he must abide by a daily 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew for the first month of the sentence.
At the time of MacNeil’s Dec. 1 conviction, Sulyma said she didn’t believe his testimony and ruled he had used his position as a police officer to “improperly” access police information to try to “protect” his son.
“From the beginning, he was using his position for the sole goal of helping his son,” said Sulyma.
She also ruled the actions of the 26-year veteran, who had then been suspended without pay, marked a “serious and marked departure” from the standards of a public officer.
“The actions of the accused were indeed partial and he used his office for a purpose other than the public good.”
According to an agreed statement of facts in the case, Chad MacNeil was arrested for impaired driving by Const. Eleanor McEvoy and Const. Greg Kitura on Feb. 10, 2005.
After MacNeil tried to get a copy of his son’s file on Feb. 17, 2005, police began an internal investigation.
According to the agreed facts, MacNeil admitted he sent a fax to the Driver Fitness and Monitoring Branch on Feb. 22, 2005, requesting his son’s suspension be canceled.
MacNeil also admitted he sent a memo to the Edmonton Police Service's case management unit requesting the suspension be canceled; and accessed CPIC, the national police computer system, to run inquiries concerning his son.
On Nov. 19, MacNeil took the stand in his own defense and admitted to impersonating his son on the phone.
Jim MacNeil, 51, was given a four-month conditional sentence to be served in the community on Tuesday.
Judge Doreen Sulyma told a packed courtroom MacNeil had “compromised the administration of justice” and said he had a “higher level of blameworthiness” as a result of being a senior officer.
“It was done for a family member. There was no need for this,” she said.
“He could have assisted his son legally. Instead, he chose to hold himself above the rule of law.”
Sulyma also criticized the former detective for trying to put the blame on another office.
She said the falsely blamed officer wrote in a victim impact statement that she her professional reputation had been negatively affected.
Sulyma said mitigating factors were that MacNeil had no prior criminal record; boasted a long, successful career with the Edmonton Police Service; and volunteered in the community.
MacNeil was ordered to take any courses directed by his probation officer and he must abide by a daily 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew for the first month of the sentence.
At the time of MacNeil’s Dec. 1 conviction, Sulyma said she didn’t believe his testimony and ruled he had used his position as a police officer to “improperly” access police information to try to “protect” his son.
“From the beginning, he was using his position for the sole goal of helping his son,” said Sulyma.
She also ruled the actions of the 26-year veteran, who had then been suspended without pay, marked a “serious and marked departure” from the standards of a public officer.
“The actions of the accused were indeed partial and he used his office for a purpose other than the public good.”
According to an agreed statement of facts in the case, Chad MacNeil was arrested for impaired driving by Const. Eleanor McEvoy and Const. Greg Kitura on Feb. 10, 2005.
After MacNeil tried to get a copy of his son’s file on Feb. 17, 2005, police began an internal investigation.
According to the agreed facts, MacNeil admitted he sent a fax to the Driver Fitness and Monitoring Branch on Feb. 22, 2005, requesting his son’s suspension be canceled.
MacNeil also admitted he sent a memo to the Edmonton Police Service's case management unit requesting the suspension be canceled; and accessed CPIC, the national police computer system, to run inquiries concerning his son.
On Nov. 19, MacNeil took the stand in his own defense and admitted to impersonating his son on the phone.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Corrections Officer Ryan Freeman Charged with Unauthorized Use of Database
A corrections officer in the Mahoning County Sheriff's department who is also a Braceville police officer is arrested for misusing a law enforcement computer.
Thirty-year-old Ryan Freeman of Warren is charged with unauthorized use of the Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway and obstructing justice.
He allegedly used the system improperly to search records in a heroin distribution investigation.
During that investigation, TAG Law Enforcement officers arrested 39-year-old Frederick Johnson and 26-year-old Brandy Purbaugh of Warren.
TAG Agents along with Warren police recovered a bag containing heroin, four ounces of cocaine and a firearm.
Thirty-year-old Ryan Freeman of Warren is charged with unauthorized use of the Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway and obstructing justice.
He allegedly used the system improperly to search records in a heroin distribution investigation.
During that investigation, TAG Law Enforcement officers arrested 39-year-old Frederick Johnson and 26-year-old Brandy Purbaugh of Warren.
TAG Agents along with Warren police recovered a bag containing heroin, four ounces of cocaine and a firearm.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Probation Official Richard Asperger Charged with Theft
A long-time Madison County probation official faces felony charges of theft and obstructing justice.
A grand jury today accused 53-year-old Richard N. Asperger of stealing $355 cash from a woman’s purse in Troy, Ill., on Nov. 22 and lying to police about it. Bail was set at $5,000 and Asperger was expected to surrender to authorities.
Asperger is human services administrator in the county’s Probation and Court Services Department and has been with the department for 25 years. Chief Judge Ann Callis and Probation and Court Services Director Judith Dallas late today said they planned “prompt and appropriate action” regarding Asperger’s employment status.
Charles Zalar, a special prosecutor with the state’s appellate prosecutor’s office, said an 85-year-old Troy woman left her purse in a shopping cart at a Walgreens store. Zalar said the woman soon realized the purse was missing, returned to the store and was given the purse and a bank envelope that had been in the purse. There was some money in the envelope but $355 was missing.
Zalar said Asperger gave the purse to a pharmacist and later pointed out the envelope to store personnel. The prosecutor said a surveillance video contradicted Asperger’s statements to police about the matter.
Madison County State’s Attorney William Mudge requested a special prosecutor for the case to avoid potential conflict of interest.
-------------
Other Information
A grand jury today accused 53-year-old Richard N. Asperger of stealing $355 cash from a woman’s purse in Troy, Ill., on Nov. 22 and lying to police about it. Bail was set at $5,000 and Asperger was expected to surrender to authorities.
Asperger is human services administrator in the county’s Probation and Court Services Department and has been with the department for 25 years. Chief Judge Ann Callis and Probation and Court Services Director Judith Dallas late today said they planned “prompt and appropriate action” regarding Asperger’s employment status.
Charles Zalar, a special prosecutor with the state’s appellate prosecutor’s office, said an 85-year-old Troy woman left her purse in a shopping cart at a Walgreens store. Zalar said the woman soon realized the purse was missing, returned to the store and was given the purse and a bank envelope that had been in the purse. There was some money in the envelope but $355 was missing.
Zalar said Asperger gave the purse to a pharmacist and later pointed out the envelope to store personnel. The prosecutor said a surveillance video contradicted Asperger’s statements to police about the matter.
Madison County State’s Attorney William Mudge requested a special prosecutor for the case to avoid potential conflict of interest.
-------------
Other Information
Chief Matthew Nestor Charged with Obstructing Justice
A police chief charged with obstructing justice in the fatal beating of a Mexican immigrant by white teenagers in northeastern Pennsylvania can be released from jail until his trial.
A federal judge granted bail to Shenandoah police Chief Matthew Nestor on Thursday. Nestor and two other officers are accused of orchestrating a cover-up as the FBI investigated the fatal attack on Luis Ramirez in July 2008.
Two teens were convicted of assault in Ramirez's death. They also face federal hate crime charges.
Nestor is also awaiting trial in another case. Prosecutors charged him and another officer in December with extorting cash payoffs from illegal gambling operations and a local businessman.
The other officers charged have been released on home confinement.
A federal judge granted bail to Shenandoah police Chief Matthew Nestor on Thursday. Nestor and two other officers are accused of orchestrating a cover-up as the FBI investigated the fatal attack on Luis Ramirez in July 2008.
Two teens were convicted of assault in Ramirez's death. They also face federal hate crime charges.
Nestor is also awaiting trial in another case. Prosecutors charged him and another officer in December with extorting cash payoffs from illegal gambling operations and a local businessman.
The other officers charged have been released on home confinement.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Lt William Scott Richard Accused of Stalking
A University of Florida police officer accused of stalking a woman the past two years was charged with aggravated stalking and obstructing justice, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
UF Police Department Lt. William Scott Richard, 38, was arrested and booked into the Alachua County Jail. He posted $250,000 bond and was released late Wednesday on several conditions, including that Richard surrender all firearms to the Alachua County Sheriff's Office and he be placed on electronic monitoring.
The arrest affidavit accuses Richard of sexually battering and stalking a woman in the fall of 2007 and winter of 2008. The crimes went unreported at the time, but the stalking started again over the summer when the woman moved back to Gainesville, according to court documents.
In July 2009, Richard was placed on administrative leave and ordered him to not have any contact with the victim. Authorities report that Richard was seen driving back and forth by the victim's home in November and December. The affidavit said he was arrested after he made contact with the woman on Tuesday.
UF Police Department Lt. William Scott Richard, 38, was arrested and booked into the Alachua County Jail. He posted $250,000 bond and was released late Wednesday on several conditions, including that Richard surrender all firearms to the Alachua County Sheriff's Office and he be placed on electronic monitoring.
The arrest affidavit accuses Richard of sexually battering and stalking a woman in the fall of 2007 and winter of 2008. The crimes went unreported at the time, but the stalking started again over the summer when the woman moved back to Gainesville, according to court documents.
In July 2009, Richard was placed on administrative leave and ordered him to not have any contact with the victim. Authorities report that Richard was seen driving back and forth by the victim's home in November and December. The affidavit said he was arrested after he made contact with the woman on Tuesday.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Pennsylvania Officers Accused of Cover-up Face Lawsuit
A police chief charged with trying to cover up the fatal beating of a Mexican immigrant by white teenagers was named in a 2006 civil suit that made a startling claim: Borough police beat to death a Hispanic teenager, then hung him from the bars of his holding cell to make it appear a suicide.
Police Chief Matthew Nestor was never charged, but the allegations contained in the lawsuit, in Tuesday's indictment and in other civil claims depict a police department with pervasive hostility to minorities.
The 2006 suit names Nestor and Capt. Jamie Gennarini as defendants. They have denied wrongdoing.
Nestor and two other officers were charged Tuesday with orchestrating a cover-up as the FBI investigated the fatal attack on Luis Ramirez.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
SHENANDOAH, Pa. (AP) — After taking part in a fight that left a Mexican immigrant mortally wounded on the street, teenagers Brandon Piekarsky and Derrick Donchak fled. They didn't get very far before running into two police officers responding to a 911 call about the assault.
These were no ordinary officers. Patrolman Jason Hayes dated Piekarsky's mother, and Lt. William Moyer's son played with Piekarsky on the high school football team. Their commanding officer, Chief Matthew Nestor, was a friend of Piekarsky's mother and even vacationed with her.
Rather than place the popular white football players under arrest, the officers let them go — beginning a cover-up in their racially tense coal town, federal prosecutors allege.
The Department of Justice said Tuesday that Hayes, Moyer and Nestor have been indicted on obstruction charges for trying to "impede, obstruct and influence the investigation" into the July 2008 beating death of Luis Ramirez by tampering with evidence and witnesses or lying to the FBI.
The former athletes, who were acquitted of the most serious state charges against them in May, are charged with a federal hate crime for attacking Ramirez in a park as they headed home from a party, the Department of Justice said.
The police chief and his second in command, Jamie Gennarini, were charged with extortion and civil rights violations in a separate case. The two are accused of extorting cash payoffs from illegal gambling operations and demanding a $2,000 payment from a local businessman in 2007 to release him from their custody.
The arrests left the borough with only three active-duty police officers. Borough officials have asked the state police to help out "until we work through this dilemma," said Borough Manager Joseph Palubinsky, who declined to comment on the indictment.
The officers pleaded not guilty before a federal magistrate in Wilkes-Barre and were being held until a bail hearing Wednesday. Donchak and Piekarsky have an initial court appearance scheduled for Dec. 22. Piekarsky's lawyer didn't return a call, and there was no lawyer listed for Donchak on the indictment.
State prosecutors who tried to win murder or ethnic intimidation convictions against the athletes had alleged that they yelled racial epithets at Ramirez and that one gripped a piece of metal to give his punches more power.
The federal indictment brought praise from those who had long argued that the case was blatantly a hate crime and were outraged when the teenagers won acquittals on the most serious charges.
"This is what our family, friends and ongoing supporters have prayed for," said Crystal Dillman, who had two children with Ramirez, in a statement released by the Mexican American Legal Defense & Educational Fund. "I truly believe in my heart that Luis can now rest a bit more peacefully knowing that these criminals and accomplices are being charged."
Barry Morrison, the Philadelphia-based regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, said the organization has visited the town several times and found evidence of racial divisions.
"There's nothing that we saw in the way that law enforcement conducted themselves to show that they were enlightened, progressive or separate and apart of the insularity of the community as a whole," he said.
Shenandoah, a blue-collar town of 5,000 residents about 80 miles northwest of Philadelphia, is best known as the birthplace of big band musicians Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey and the home of Mrs. T's Pierogies.
It also has a growing number of Hispanic residents drawn by jobs in factories and farm fields. Hispanics are believed to comprise as much as 10 percent of the population. Ramirez, a 25-year-old native of the small central Mexican town of Iramuco, was in the United States illegally working at various jobs.
The confrontation began when a half-dozen high school football players were headed home from a block party in Shenandoah. They came across Ramirez and his girlfriend in a park, and an argument broke out, then a fight. Defense attorneys called Ramirez the aggressor. Prosecutors said he was punched in the face, then was kicked in the head while unconscious.
The teens gathered at Donchak's home shortly after the attack ended, the indictment said. Piekarsky's mother showed up and told them that she had been in contact with her boyfriend, Hayes, and that they needed to "get their stories straight" because Hayes had told her that Ramirez's condition was deteriorating, it said.
Moyer separately went to the home of another teen present during the attack "and told him to talk to his friends about the version of events that would be communicated to the authorities," the indictment said.
A borough official tried to get the police department to recuse itself, but Nestor refused, the indictment said.
Donchak, Piekarsky and a third teen, Colin Walsh, were previously charged in state court with Ramirez's death. Walsh later pleaded guilty in federal court to violating the victim's civil rights and took the stand against Donchak and Piekarsky at their trial in the spring.
Piekarsky was acquitted in May by an all-white jury of third-degree murder and ethnic intimidation; Donchak was acquitted of aggravated assault and ethnic intimidation. Both were convicted of simple assault.
Piekarsky was sentenced in June to six to 23 months in prison, and Donchak was sentenced to seven to 23 months. They are serving their sentences at the Schuylkill County jail.
A fourth teen was found delinquent in juvenile court for his role in the beating.
If convicted on the hate crime charge, Piekarsky and Donchak face maximum sentences of life in prison. The most serious count against the officers, obstruction, carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Police Chief Matthew Nestor was never charged, but the allegations contained in the lawsuit, in Tuesday's indictment and in other civil claims depict a police department with pervasive hostility to minorities.
The 2006 suit names Nestor and Capt. Jamie Gennarini as defendants. They have denied wrongdoing.
Nestor and two other officers were charged Tuesday with orchestrating a cover-up as the FBI investigated the fatal attack on Luis Ramirez.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
SHENANDOAH, Pa. (AP) — After taking part in a fight that left a Mexican immigrant mortally wounded on the street, teenagers Brandon Piekarsky and Derrick Donchak fled. They didn't get very far before running into two police officers responding to a 911 call about the assault.
These were no ordinary officers. Patrolman Jason Hayes dated Piekarsky's mother, and Lt. William Moyer's son played with Piekarsky on the high school football team. Their commanding officer, Chief Matthew Nestor, was a friend of Piekarsky's mother and even vacationed with her.
Rather than place the popular white football players under arrest, the officers let them go — beginning a cover-up in their racially tense coal town, federal prosecutors allege.
The Department of Justice said Tuesday that Hayes, Moyer and Nestor have been indicted on obstruction charges for trying to "impede, obstruct and influence the investigation" into the July 2008 beating death of Luis Ramirez by tampering with evidence and witnesses or lying to the FBI.
The former athletes, who were acquitted of the most serious state charges against them in May, are charged with a federal hate crime for attacking Ramirez in a park as they headed home from a party, the Department of Justice said.
The police chief and his second in command, Jamie Gennarini, were charged with extortion and civil rights violations in a separate case. The two are accused of extorting cash payoffs from illegal gambling operations and demanding a $2,000 payment from a local businessman in 2007 to release him from their custody.
The arrests left the borough with only three active-duty police officers. Borough officials have asked the state police to help out "until we work through this dilemma," said Borough Manager Joseph Palubinsky, who declined to comment on the indictment.
The officers pleaded not guilty before a federal magistrate in Wilkes-Barre and were being held until a bail hearing Wednesday. Donchak and Piekarsky have an initial court appearance scheduled for Dec. 22. Piekarsky's lawyer didn't return a call, and there was no lawyer listed for Donchak on the indictment.
State prosecutors who tried to win murder or ethnic intimidation convictions against the athletes had alleged that they yelled racial epithets at Ramirez and that one gripped a piece of metal to give his punches more power.
The federal indictment brought praise from those who had long argued that the case was blatantly a hate crime and were outraged when the teenagers won acquittals on the most serious charges.
"This is what our family, friends and ongoing supporters have prayed for," said Crystal Dillman, who had two children with Ramirez, in a statement released by the Mexican American Legal Defense & Educational Fund. "I truly believe in my heart that Luis can now rest a bit more peacefully knowing that these criminals and accomplices are being charged."
Barry Morrison, the Philadelphia-based regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, said the organization has visited the town several times and found evidence of racial divisions.
"There's nothing that we saw in the way that law enforcement conducted themselves to show that they were enlightened, progressive or separate and apart of the insularity of the community as a whole," he said.
Shenandoah, a blue-collar town of 5,000 residents about 80 miles northwest of Philadelphia, is best known as the birthplace of big band musicians Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey and the home of Mrs. T's Pierogies.
It also has a growing number of Hispanic residents drawn by jobs in factories and farm fields. Hispanics are believed to comprise as much as 10 percent of the population. Ramirez, a 25-year-old native of the small central Mexican town of Iramuco, was in the United States illegally working at various jobs.
The confrontation began when a half-dozen high school football players were headed home from a block party in Shenandoah. They came across Ramirez and his girlfriend in a park, and an argument broke out, then a fight. Defense attorneys called Ramirez the aggressor. Prosecutors said he was punched in the face, then was kicked in the head while unconscious.
The teens gathered at Donchak's home shortly after the attack ended, the indictment said. Piekarsky's mother showed up and told them that she had been in contact with her boyfriend, Hayes, and that they needed to "get their stories straight" because Hayes had told her that Ramirez's condition was deteriorating, it said.
Moyer separately went to the home of another teen present during the attack "and told him to talk to his friends about the version of events that would be communicated to the authorities," the indictment said.
A borough official tried to get the police department to recuse itself, but Nestor refused, the indictment said.
Donchak, Piekarsky and a third teen, Colin Walsh, were previously charged in state court with Ramirez's death. Walsh later pleaded guilty in federal court to violating the victim's civil rights and took the stand against Donchak and Piekarsky at their trial in the spring.
Piekarsky was acquitted in May by an all-white jury of third-degree murder and ethnic intimidation; Donchak was acquitted of aggravated assault and ethnic intimidation. Both were convicted of simple assault.
Piekarsky was sentenced in June to six to 23 months in prison, and Donchak was sentenced to seven to 23 months. They are serving their sentences at the Schuylkill County jail.
A fourth teen was found delinquent in juvenile court for his role in the beating.
If convicted on the hate crime charge, Piekarsky and Donchak face maximum sentences of life in prison. The most serious count against the officers, obstruction, carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Friday, December 11, 2009
ICE Officer Richard Cramer Pleads Guilty to Helping Mexican Drug Traffickers
A retired high-ranking U.S. immigration officer pleaded guilty Thursday in a Miami federal court to conspiracy to obstruct justice for helping members of a Mexican drug-trafficking organization evade arrest.
Prosecutors said Richard Cramer, who at one time was in charge of the Nogales office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, supplied smugglers with confidential law-enforcement background checks.
Cramer, 56, of Sahuarita, had originally faced three counts of cocaine smuggling, which were dropped in exchange for his guilty plea.
Felony obstruction carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence, but under the plea deal prosecutors will recommend Cramer, who is in custody in Florida, serve two years when he is sentenced on Feb. 18.
In court Thursday, prosecutors outlined their case against Cramer: In 2006, he was stationed as an attaché in Guadalajara, Mexico.
A Mexican money launderer hiding in Miami needed assurance that he was not being sought by authorities before returning to Mexico.
Drug traffickers reached out to Cramer, who arranged for law-enforcement background checks. Those showed the money launderer was not wanted.
Federal agents later moved in on the traffickers and found they had paper copies of the background checks. Those led agents back to Cramer, who was arrested in September.
The case began with an investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency in Florida.
In the original criminal complaint, DEA agents accused Cramer of working with drug traffickers and investing up to $25,000 of his own money in a shipment of 300 kilograms of cocaine from Panama to Spain that was seized by agents.
Cramer's friends and relatives have remained stalwart in their defense of him, insisting he would never have intentionally broken the law.
Prosecutors said Richard Cramer, who at one time was in charge of the Nogales office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, supplied smugglers with confidential law-enforcement background checks.
Cramer, 56, of Sahuarita, had originally faced three counts of cocaine smuggling, which were dropped in exchange for his guilty plea.
Felony obstruction carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence, but under the plea deal prosecutors will recommend Cramer, who is in custody in Florida, serve two years when he is sentenced on Feb. 18.
In court Thursday, prosecutors outlined their case against Cramer: In 2006, he was stationed as an attaché in Guadalajara, Mexico.
A Mexican money launderer hiding in Miami needed assurance that he was not being sought by authorities before returning to Mexico.
Drug traffickers reached out to Cramer, who arranged for law-enforcement background checks. Those showed the money launderer was not wanted.
Federal agents later moved in on the traffickers and found they had paper copies of the background checks. Those led agents back to Cramer, who was arrested in September.
The case began with an investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency in Florida.
In the original criminal complaint, DEA agents accused Cramer of working with drug traffickers and investing up to $25,000 of his own money in a shipment of 300 kilograms of cocaine from Panama to Spain that was seized by agents.
Cramer's friends and relatives have remained stalwart in their defense of him, insisting he would never have intentionally broken the law.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Officer John Douglas Accused of Brutally Beating Teen
A Rhode Island police officer was arrested Thursday, accused of brutally beating a teenage boy and then encouraging fellow officers to lie about it to the FBI.
Woonsocket police Officer John H. Douglas pleaded not guilty in federal court to charges of violating a person’s civil rights and obstruction of justice. He was released on $10,000 unsecured bond.
He did not speak during his brief arraignment. But his lawyer defended him afterward, saying he was “a model policeman.“
In September, the FBI launched an investigation after the 16-year-old boy appeared in state juvenile court severely injured and said several police officers beat him up.
Chief Family Court Judge Jeremiah S. Jeremiah said at the time that the boy had a boot mark on his back and that one of his eyes was swollen shut. The boy’s lawyer, Robert Laren, said the boy suffered a broken eye socket, was shot by a stun gun and had been badly beaten in the police station.
“It shouldn’t have happened. I’m upset that it happened,“ Jeremiah told The Associated Press on Thursday.
The indictment, handed down Wednesday, said Douglas punched and struck a 16-year-old juvenile Sept. 15. It did not go into other detail, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office would not say if other officers would be indicted. The two counts together carry a maximum 30-year sentence.
The boy has not been identified because he is a juvenile.
Cliff Montiero, the Providence NAACP president who had called for the FBI investigation, said he was pleased with the charges and hoped other officers who may have been involved would be held accountable.
“If one person was charged, it’s better than what we’ve gotten historically” in other cases of alleged police abuse, Montiero said. “I’m happy that we have one, this is unusual - that a police officer is being charged by doing something that’s disrespectful to the uniform that he wears.“
Douglas, 34, of Blackstone, Mass., has been with the Woonsocket police department for five years and spent four years in the Marine Corps before being honorably discharged, his lawyer Peter DiBiase said.
“Excellent family man, excellent husband. I think that speaks for his version of facts,“ DiBiase told NBC 10.
Douglas remains on unpaid administrative leave, where he was placed after the allegations were made, said Woonsocket police spokesman Detective Lt. Eugene Jalette.
Jalette previously said the boy was acting suspiciously when the police stopped him. An officer recognized the boy as having escaped from a probation program. When officers tried to arrest him, the teenager threw one of them to the ground, splitting the officer’s lip, Jalette said in September.
He said there was a foot chase and a struggle, then the boy was taken to a hospital for injuries that officers described as minor. Afterward, the boy was taken to the police station and then turned over to the custody of the state agency that runs the probation program.
Montiero and Laren said the boy told them he was beaten by several officers during the arrest and then twice more at the police station.
The boy is black and Douglas is white. Montiero, a former Providence police officer, said he did not know if race played a role in the alleged beating, but said blacks historically have not been treated well by police in the state.
Woonsocket police Officer John H. Douglas pleaded not guilty in federal court to charges of violating a person’s civil rights and obstruction of justice. He was released on $10,000 unsecured bond.
He did not speak during his brief arraignment. But his lawyer defended him afterward, saying he was “a model policeman.“
In September, the FBI launched an investigation after the 16-year-old boy appeared in state juvenile court severely injured and said several police officers beat him up.
Chief Family Court Judge Jeremiah S. Jeremiah said at the time that the boy had a boot mark on his back and that one of his eyes was swollen shut. The boy’s lawyer, Robert Laren, said the boy suffered a broken eye socket, was shot by a stun gun and had been badly beaten in the police station.
“It shouldn’t have happened. I’m upset that it happened,“ Jeremiah told The Associated Press on Thursday.
The indictment, handed down Wednesday, said Douglas punched and struck a 16-year-old juvenile Sept. 15. It did not go into other detail, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office would not say if other officers would be indicted. The two counts together carry a maximum 30-year sentence.
The boy has not been identified because he is a juvenile.
Cliff Montiero, the Providence NAACP president who had called for the FBI investigation, said he was pleased with the charges and hoped other officers who may have been involved would be held accountable.
“If one person was charged, it’s better than what we’ve gotten historically” in other cases of alleged police abuse, Montiero said. “I’m happy that we have one, this is unusual - that a police officer is being charged by doing something that’s disrespectful to the uniform that he wears.“
Douglas, 34, of Blackstone, Mass., has been with the Woonsocket police department for five years and spent four years in the Marine Corps before being honorably discharged, his lawyer Peter DiBiase said.
“Excellent family man, excellent husband. I think that speaks for his version of facts,“ DiBiase told NBC 10.
Douglas remains on unpaid administrative leave, where he was placed after the allegations were made, said Woonsocket police spokesman Detective Lt. Eugene Jalette.
Jalette previously said the boy was acting suspiciously when the police stopped him. An officer recognized the boy as having escaped from a probation program. When officers tried to arrest him, the teenager threw one of them to the ground, splitting the officer’s lip, Jalette said in September.
He said there was a foot chase and a struggle, then the boy was taken to a hospital for injuries that officers described as minor. Afterward, the boy was taken to the police station and then turned over to the custody of the state agency that runs the probation program.
Montiero and Laren said the boy told them he was beaten by several officers during the arrest and then twice more at the police station.
The boy is black and Douglas is white. Montiero, a former Providence police officer, said he did not know if race played a role in the alleged beating, but said blacks historically have not been treated well by police in the state.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)