Hartford police said they have obtained another arrest warrant for a Hartford correction officer who was arrested last month after a sexual assault was reported on Huyshope Street in Hartford.
Officials from the state Department of Correction said Kelvin Grisales was placed on administrative leave after being arrested in March and charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault, first-degree threatening, weapons in a motor vehicle and facsimile firearm.
Hartford police said they have obtained another arrest warrant for Grisales in connection with a case in March 2012. Police said it is the result of an investigation of several sexual assaults in Hartford and New Britain.
"The circumstances of this investigation are consistent with a serial pattern evident in Hartford and New Britain," a news release from police states.
Police said Grisales has been charged with first-degree assault, first-degree sexual assault, patronizing a prostitute from a motor vehicle, first-degree kidnapping, impersonation of a police officer and second-degree threatening. Bond was set at $100,000.
During a bond hearing held earlier this month, prosecutors said three more sexual assault cases might be brought against him. Police said there is one possible sexual assault case in New Britain and another in Hartford.
The incident that led to the original charges happened on March 27 and that case, along with evidence from the scene, led police to suspect Grisales in a several other sexual assaults they were investigating.
Police said they responded to a report of sexual assault with a firearm displayed just after 12:30 a.m.
At first, the victim told police that she was walking on Wethersfield Avenue to go buy cigarettes when Grisales drove up in a blue SUV, pulled a gun on her and ordered her to get in the car.
He brought her to a “quick mart,” ordered her to buy a condom, then ordered her to get back in the car and sexually assaulted her, she said, according to police.
When police asked the victim why she did not ask for help in the store, she said she was scared and feared Grisales would but her.
Police located a car matching the description the woman gave police, took Grisales into custody and the victim identified him as the person who assaulted her.
When the victim went to the police station, she gave a written statement with a different account of what happened, police said.
She said he had gotten into a fight with her boyfriend and said she was going out to make money when Grisales approached her on Wethersfield Avenue and asked where she was going, the woman told police.
She told him she had no particular destination and her told her to get into his car.
They went to the store to buy a condom and discussed a price for sex. She said $40, but Grisales said he’d give her $60, according police. When they got back into the car, Grisales pulled out a gun and demanded a sex act, according to police.
After the assault, she got out of the car, ran toward a vehicle that was running and that is when police arrived, according to police.
When police questioned Grisales, he said the victim flagged him down on Wethersfield Avenue, said it was cold out and asked for a ride to the quick mart, so he brought her to the store. He also told authorities that she had a black eye and he felt bad for her.
Grisales told police the victim talked to him about her downfalls with heroin, a falling out with her father, getting kicked out of her apartment and said her boyfriend was mean and would not kiss her, so Grisales kissed her on the cheek, according to the court documents.
He then went on to say that the victim bought the condom and the sexual acts were consensual.
Then, the woman asked Grisales for $60 for the sex and said she had to buy heroin, he said.
He went on to say she threatened him and began reaching in his pockets, so he grabbed his son’s BB gun from under the passenger seat and put it in his lap because he was in fear, according to court paperwork.
Then he told the victim to get out of the car or he could drive her home, but she became more aggressive and he ordered her out of the car, he told investigators.
After ordering her from the car, he felt bad and drove back, but saw her speaking with police, he told officers.
Grisales has worked at Hartford Correctional since September 2008.
Court records state that Grisales pleaded not guilty to the March case and he is being held on $750,000 bond.
Hartford police are asking any other victims to call police at 860-757-4041.
Showing posts with label possession of firearms. Show all posts
Showing posts with label possession of firearms. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
Officer Tyrone Jenkins Arrested for Dealing Drugs
Officer Tyrone Jenkins was booked into the Tulsa County jail on complaints of Possession of Firearm in Commission of a Felony, Conspiracy to Traffic Cocaine and Violation of the Computer Crimes Act.
According to a press release, Tulsa police received information regarding alleged criminal activity involving Jenkins and launched an internal investigation.
Police said more information would be released later.
Saturday, March 08, 2014
Former Officer Craig Garner Charged with Selling Firearms to Convicted Felon
Craig Allen Garner, 54, has been charged with two counts of party to a crime for selling guns, according to the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office.
“He acquired the firearms for the convicted felon with knowledge he was a convicted felon and he knew he shouldn’t have guns,” said Sheriff’s Maj. Rick Doyle. “They are friends.”
According to Doyle, Garner met Michael Cummings, a 44-year-old convicted felon, on two different days for the gun deal, which involved an assault rifle and 12-gauge shotgun. Both men are Forsyth County residents.
Cummings has been charged with one count of criminal solicitation and two counts of possession of a firearm, according to the sheriff’s office. His previous conviction — on charges of burglary, false imprisonment, aggravated assault and theft by taking — was from 1996 in Union County.
Cummings and Garner were booked at the Forsyth County Detention Center, from where Garner was later released after posting a bond of $22,220.
Cummings is being held without bond because he’s on active probation in Gwinnett and Union counties, Doyle said.
Garner was hired by the Alpharetta department in 1990 after working for the Kennesaw Police Department. Though he once served as a lieutenant in Alpharetta, he was an officer at the time of his arrest for unrelated reasons, said Assistant City Administrator James Drinkard.
Drinkard said Friday that Garner is “no longer an employee of the city as of [Thursday] afternoon.”
“At this time, there is no indication that any of the behaviors that led to the arrest occurred while he was on duty,” Drinkard said. “So at this point, there will not be further action from the city of Alpharetta, unless the investigation turns something up.
“His behaviors are certainly not indicative of the professionals that we have in our law enforcement agency.”
Garner is the founder of the Blue Bloods Motorcycle Club, a law enforcement group that raises funds for charities and awareness and supports the Second Amendment and U.S. Constitution, according to its website.
Reports that Cummings is also a club member could not be immediately confirmed.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Officer Mark Ridley Jr Released on Bond
A Muskogee police officer who is facing several felony charges was released from jail Friday after a $50,000 bond was set.
Mark Vernon Ridley Jr., 39, of Oktaha had been held without bond in the Muskogee County/City Detention Facility since his arrest last month.
Ridley was arrested after he allegedly crashed his truck into his wife’s car and kidnapped her at gunpoint.
On Jan. 31, he was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, kidnapping, forcible sodomy and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony.
Ridley was placed on paid administrative leave in December after allegations of assault, abuse, stalking and harassment surfaced.
Muskogee County District Attorney Larry Moore said Ridley had tried to commit suicide while in custody at the jail.
Larry Langley, special district judge for Sequoyah County District Court, set Ridley’s bond at $50,000 and ordered Ridley to be under 24-hour supervision with the understanding that the person providing supervision will insure that Ridley takes his prescribed medication. The judge also ruled that Ridley could not have access to firearms and was ordered to not have contact with his wife or witnesses in the case.
Langley was assigned to the case after Muskogee County’s Special District Judge Robin Adair recused himself.
In requesting a reduction in bond Friday, defense attorney Donn Baker told the judge that Ridley was unstable initially, but no longer poses a risk.
Baker said a Feb. 17 letter from a nurse practitioner at a local health facility who had evaluated Ridley proved “he is much more stable and doing a lot better.” Ridley was “not in danger to himself or anyone else,” Baker said.
In the Feb. 17 letter, Michael S. Smith, a Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with Muskogee Family Care, states, “Though he was quite unstable, and even suicidal, initially upon his entry into the jail, he has now become much more stable and, in my opinion, does not represent any danger to himself or others.”
The letter continues, “Additionally, I have discussed his case with the mental health provider from Green Country Behavioral Health, who interviewed Officer Ridley, who likewise believes that he does not represent any threat to himself.”
Ridley’s father and other individuals were willing to provide 24-hour supervision if Ridley was free on bond, Baker said.
The office of Eddie Wyant, district attorney for Delaware and Ottawa counties, was named to prosecute the case after Muskogee County District Moore recused himself.
Jennifer Ellis, an assistant district attorney in Ottawa County, said the state objected to the bond for Ridley.
“Our position is one of safety” for Ridley and Ridley’s wife, she said.
If Ridley was released on bond, then the only benefit would be a “reactive situation” if Ridley violated the conditions of bond and that Ridley could harm himself or others.
“We feel the risk is just too high,” she said.
She added that the state believes that Ridley should remain incarcerated in jail or be placed in a mental health facility until the preliminary hearing.
A status hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Feb. 28, and a preliminary hearing has been scheduled for 9 a.m. May 16. At the conclusion of the preliminary hearing, a judge will determine if Ridley should stand trial.
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Mark Vernon Ridley Jr., 39, of Oktaha had been held without bond in the Muskogee County/City Detention Facility since his arrest last month.
Ridley was arrested after he allegedly crashed his truck into his wife’s car and kidnapped her at gunpoint.
On Jan. 31, he was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, kidnapping, forcible sodomy and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony.
Ridley was placed on paid administrative leave in December after allegations of assault, abuse, stalking and harassment surfaced.
Muskogee County District Attorney Larry Moore said Ridley had tried to commit suicide while in custody at the jail.
Larry Langley, special district judge for Sequoyah County District Court, set Ridley’s bond at $50,000 and ordered Ridley to be under 24-hour supervision with the understanding that the person providing supervision will insure that Ridley takes his prescribed medication. The judge also ruled that Ridley could not have access to firearms and was ordered to not have contact with his wife or witnesses in the case.
Langley was assigned to the case after Muskogee County’s Special District Judge Robin Adair recused himself.
In requesting a reduction in bond Friday, defense attorney Donn Baker told the judge that Ridley was unstable initially, but no longer poses a risk.
Baker said a Feb. 17 letter from a nurse practitioner at a local health facility who had evaluated Ridley proved “he is much more stable and doing a lot better.” Ridley was “not in danger to himself or anyone else,” Baker said.
In the Feb. 17 letter, Michael S. Smith, a Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with Muskogee Family Care, states, “Though he was quite unstable, and even suicidal, initially upon his entry into the jail, he has now become much more stable and, in my opinion, does not represent any danger to himself or others.”
The letter continues, “Additionally, I have discussed his case with the mental health provider from Green Country Behavioral Health, who interviewed Officer Ridley, who likewise believes that he does not represent any threat to himself.”
Ridley’s father and other individuals were willing to provide 24-hour supervision if Ridley was free on bond, Baker said.
The office of Eddie Wyant, district attorney for Delaware and Ottawa counties, was named to prosecute the case after Muskogee County District Moore recused himself.
Jennifer Ellis, an assistant district attorney in Ottawa County, said the state objected to the bond for Ridley.
“Our position is one of safety” for Ridley and Ridley’s wife, she said.
If Ridley was released on bond, then the only benefit would be a “reactive situation” if Ridley violated the conditions of bond and that Ridley could harm himself or others.
“We feel the risk is just too high,” she said.
She added that the state believes that Ridley should remain incarcerated in jail or be placed in a mental health facility until the preliminary hearing.
A status hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Feb. 28, and a preliminary hearing has been scheduled for 9 a.m. May 16. At the conclusion of the preliminary hearing, a judge will determine if Ridley should stand trial.
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Thursday, September 05, 2013
Cpl. David Turner Arrested for Prostitution Near School
A Tulsa police officer was arrested for soliciting a prostitute within 1,000 feet of a school Thursday afternoon.
Cpl. David Turner also faces a charge of possession of a firearm in commission of a felony.A source close to the situation said Turner was taken into custody at the Executive Inn at 11th and Garnett just after 3 p.m. following an undercover operation performed by TPD and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. "The Tulsa Police Department received information regarding alleged criminal activity involving Turner and in return launched an investigation which included the Tulsa Police Departments Special Investigations Division and agents with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs," Chief of Police Chuck Jordan said in a release.
Turner was released on bond less than two hours after being booked in the Tulsa jail. He was placed on paid administrative leave pending further investigation.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Former ATF Agent Brandon McFadden Indicted on Drug Charges
A former Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent was taken into custody by Tulsa Police on Thursday.
Brandon J. McFadden was indicted by a grand jury for the Northern District of Oklahoma on four counts including conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana; possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute; possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, and money laundering.
According to the indictment, McFadden was employed as an ATF agent from July, 2002, through September, 2009. He regularly investigated potential firearms and drug trafficking offenses, and the indictment alleges that he was guilty of selling drugs, falsifying evidence and lying on the witness stand.
In one case, a man and his daughter were sent to federal prison and have since been released. The woman's only son was killed by a drunk driver while she was in prison, and she was not allowed to attend the funeral.
Related Story 3/31/2010: Tulsa Police Officer, Former ATF Agent Accused Of Corruption
If convicted, McFadden faces a possible sentence of not less than 10 years imprisonment to life. The McFadden investigation is related to an investigation of corruption in the Tulsa Police Department.
Tulsa Police Officer Jeff Henderson has been placed on administrative leave in connection to this investigation which is ongoing.
Brandon J. McFadden was indicted by a grand jury for the Northern District of Oklahoma on four counts including conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana; possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute; possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, and money laundering.
According to the indictment, McFadden was employed as an ATF agent from July, 2002, through September, 2009. He regularly investigated potential firearms and drug trafficking offenses, and the indictment alleges that he was guilty of selling drugs, falsifying evidence and lying on the witness stand.
In one case, a man and his daughter were sent to federal prison and have since been released. The woman's only son was killed by a drunk driver while she was in prison, and she was not allowed to attend the funeral.
Related Story 3/31/2010: Tulsa Police Officer, Former ATF Agent Accused Of Corruption
If convicted, McFadden faces a possible sentence of not less than 10 years imprisonment to life. The McFadden investigation is related to an investigation of corruption in the Tulsa Police Department.
Tulsa Police Officer Jeff Henderson has been placed on administrative leave in connection to this investigation which is ongoing.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Former Officer Sherrod Peace Charged with Distributing Cocaine
A former Durham police officer has been indicted on federal drug-related charges after an investigation by the Durham Police Department and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.
Sherrod Peace, 35, was indicted Wednesday on charges of distributing fewer than 5grams of cocaine base (crack cocaine) and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. He was not in custody Thursday.
Durham Police Chief Jose L. Lopez Sr. received a complaint in early October that Peace was involved in illegal activities, and started criminal and internal investigations, a news release says. The criminal investigation was conducted by Durham police investigators with assistance from the DEA Task Force.
Peace joined the Durham Police Department in 2003 and was assigned to the Uniform Patrol Bureau. He resigned Dec. 31, 2009.
Sherrod Peace, 35, was indicted Wednesday on charges of distributing fewer than 5grams of cocaine base (crack cocaine) and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. He was not in custody Thursday.
Durham Police Chief Jose L. Lopez Sr. received a complaint in early October that Peace was involved in illegal activities, and started criminal and internal investigations, a news release says. The criminal investigation was conducted by Durham police investigators with assistance from the DEA Task Force.
Peace joined the Durham Police Department in 2003 and was assigned to the Uniform Patrol Bureau. He resigned Dec. 31, 2009.
Friday, December 04, 2009
Deputy Albert Surratt III Charged with Manufacturing Meth
A Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office deputy was arrested in the Pageland area and taken into custody Thursday on drug related charges.
Chesterfield County Sheriff Sam Parker said Deputy Albert Eugene Surratt, III (Brent), 28, of 1469 Hillian Edward Road, Cheraw, was charged and taken into custody for alleged conspiracy to manufacturing meth and for possession of a firearm during a drug crime.
Surratt is a 1999 graduate from West-Oak High School in Westminster, S.C. He was also a former employee of the Cheraw Police Department before being hired with the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office on June 8.
“This is a shock to all of us and it is a sad situation because he always seemed to be a good guy,” said Cheraw Police Chief Jay Brooks.
Parker echoed some of the same comments.
“It is hard to believe that this happened with Brent. It is a terrible shock and very disappointing because Brent is a good person. However, we are going to try to help him get the help he needs in order to get his life back on track. It goes to show you that bad things happen to good people.”
Parker added that the case is an ongoing investigation and other arrests would result and surface as the investigation progresses.
“The Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office, State and Federal Agencies as well as the DEA, are all involved in this investigation,” Parker said.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Officer John Cumberland Arrested for Drunk Driving
Metro Police say East Precinct Crime Suppression Unit Officer John Cumberland has been decommissioned of his police authority following his arrest early today on charges of drunken driving and possessing a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.
Police say Cumberland crashed his unmarked police vehicle into a ditch on Newsome Station Road near Settlers Way just before 12:30 a.m.
A citizen called to report the crash and said that the driver appeared to be impaired.
Officers found that Cumberland smelled of alcohol and, after performing field sobriety tasks, indicated impairment.
Cumberland consented to a breath alcohol test, which registered 0.12%.
In Tennessee, a person is considered to be legally under the influence of alcohol with a reading of 0.08%.
Cumberland got off work at 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Cumberlands bond was set at $7,000.
The police departments administrative investigation of Cumberlands actions, which is separate from the criminal matter, is underway.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Deputy Roger Holbrook Arrested for Attempting to Sell Oxycodone
Roger Lee Holbrook, 56, of Morehead, chief deputy sheriff of Rowan County, was indicted May 7 in Lexington for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, attempting to aid and abet the distribution of oxycodone and possession of a firearm in a drug trafficking crime.
He is being held in the Carter County Detention Center without bond. His initial court appearance is set for today at 11 a.m. in Pikeville, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The indictment alleges Holbrook conspired with others to distribute a quantity of pills containing oxycodone beginning on an unknown date and continuing through on or about April 14, 2008 in Rowan County.
The indictment also alleges that on or about July 24 and Nov. 3, 2008 in Bath County, Holbrook attempted to aid and abet the distribution of a quantity of pills containing oxycodone.
Holbrook also is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime committed on July 24, 2008 in Bath County.
Holbrook was arrested at 10:15 a.m. May 15 at the Midland Frosty Freeze parking lot without incident by ATF agents (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) and members of Kentucky State Police. Holbrook had been at the restaurant with Rowan County Sheriff Jack Carter.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the ATF and KSP. The indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant United States Attorney Ron L. Walker Jr.
If convicted on the conspiracy and attempt charges, Holbrook faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
If convicted on the firearm charge, Holbrook would be subject to a mandatory five-year sentence that is consecutive to any other sentence imposed. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. sentencing guidelines and the federal statute governing sentences.
Holbrook retired from Morehead State in 1996 as coordinator of investigations and special program. He also had been acting director of safety and security. Holbrook has been with the sheriff’s office since 1996.
An indictment is an accusation only and does not represent guilt.
_____________________________
http://www.themoreheadnews.com/local/local_story_135112353.html
He is being held in the Carter County Detention Center without bond. His initial court appearance is set for today at 11 a.m. in Pikeville, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The indictment alleges Holbrook conspired with others to distribute a quantity of pills containing oxycodone beginning on an unknown date and continuing through on or about April 14, 2008 in Rowan County.
The indictment also alleges that on or about July 24 and Nov. 3, 2008 in Bath County, Holbrook attempted to aid and abet the distribution of a quantity of pills containing oxycodone.
Holbrook also is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime committed on July 24, 2008 in Bath County.
Holbrook was arrested at 10:15 a.m. May 15 at the Midland Frosty Freeze parking lot without incident by ATF agents (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) and members of Kentucky State Police. Holbrook had been at the restaurant with Rowan County Sheriff Jack Carter.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the ATF and KSP. The indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant United States Attorney Ron L. Walker Jr.
If convicted on the conspiracy and attempt charges, Holbrook faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
If convicted on the firearm charge, Holbrook would be subject to a mandatory five-year sentence that is consecutive to any other sentence imposed. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. sentencing guidelines and the federal statute governing sentences.
Holbrook retired from Morehead State in 1996 as coordinator of investigations and special program. He also had been acting director of safety and security. Holbrook has been with the sheriff’s office since 1996.
An indictment is an accusation only and does not represent guilt.
_____________________________
http://www.themoreheadnews.com/local/local_story_135112353.html
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Two Florida Officers Arrested on Drug Charges
Two law enforcement officers in the Florida Keys were arrested on drug charges in an FBI-led undercover operation, a U.S. attorney's spokeswoman said.
Shawn Hernandez, a corrections officer with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, and Jonathon Jacox, a officer with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, were charged with possession with intent to distribute narcotics, conspiracy to traffic in narcotics and possession of a firearm in commission of a felony, The Miami Herald reported Tuesday.
Hernandez and Jacox were arrested after allegedly accepting and transporting in Florida what they believed were cocaine and heroin, said Alicia Valle, a spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney's office.
Florida fish and wildlife officers "are an exemplary group of people and we offer no refuge to those within our ranks who choose to break the law,'' said commission Chairman Rodney Barreto.
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http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/AP/story/1009803.html
Shawn Hernandez, a corrections officer with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, and Jonathon Jacox, a officer with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, were charged with possession with intent to distribute narcotics, conspiracy to traffic in narcotics and possession of a firearm in commission of a felony, The Miami Herald reported Tuesday.
Hernandez and Jacox were arrested after allegedly accepting and transporting in Florida what they believed were cocaine and heroin, said Alicia Valle, a spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney's office.
Florida fish and wildlife officers "are an exemplary group of people and we offer no refuge to those within our ranks who choose to break the law,'' said commission Chairman Rodney Barreto.
_____________________-
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/AP/story/1009803.html
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Deputy Scott Nelson Fired After Being Arrested for Battery
A Bossier sheriff's office deputy was fired Friday following his arrest by the Shreveport Police Department.
Scott Paul Nelson, a three-year veteran of the Bossier sheriff's office, assigned to the Corrections Division, was arrested by the Shreveport Police Department after being involved in a fight in Fat Cats night club in the 3000 block of Youree Drive earlier that day.
Nelson, 37, of the 200 block of Young Road in Benton, was charged with simple battery and illegal possession of a firearm, a .45-caliber handgun.
"The law enforcement profession requires its men and women to be subject to a higher standard of behavior," Deen said. "In this case, the behavior did not meet the standards of the Bossier sheriff's office."
Scott Paul Nelson, a three-year veteran of the Bossier sheriff's office, assigned to the Corrections Division, was arrested by the Shreveport Police Department after being involved in a fight in Fat Cats night club in the 3000 block of Youree Drive earlier that day.
Nelson, 37, of the 200 block of Young Road in Benton, was charged with simple battery and illegal possession of a firearm, a .45-caliber handgun.
"The law enforcement profession requires its men and women to be subject to a higher standard of behavior," Deen said. "In this case, the behavior did not meet the standards of the Bossier sheriff's office."
More Information: http://www.ksla.com/Global/story.asp?S=9761341&nav=0RY5
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Former Officer Isaac Thornton Accused of Planning to Shoot a Police Officer
BOSTON
A former Boston police officer has found himself on the wrong side of the law.
Isaac Thornton, 43, of Arlington, was arrested outside a club early Saturday morning, accused of planning to shoot a police officer.
Thornton was at the Dublin House at 7 Stoughton Street in Dorchester when someone overheard him say he was carrying a firearm because he was going to shoot a police officer.
Boston Police were called to the Dublin House and when they arrived, Thornton was hiding in a doorway next door.
Officers approached him, a fight ensued, and he was taken into custody.
Police discovered a firearm, a round of bullets, and a police badge in his possession.
Thornton has a past record of trouble with the law.
Back in July of 1991, he faced charges for shooting a Dorchester teen at The Gallery nightclub in Roxbury.
Thornton was cleared of all charges, but has since been terminated from the Boston Police Department.
He is being held at District B2 in Roxbury and faces several charges including unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and carrying a loaded firearm
A former Boston police officer has found himself on the wrong side of the law.
Isaac Thornton, 43, of Arlington, was arrested outside a club early Saturday morning, accused of planning to shoot a police officer.
Thornton was at the Dublin House at 7 Stoughton Street in Dorchester when someone overheard him say he was carrying a firearm because he was going to shoot a police officer.
Boston Police were called to the Dublin House and when they arrived, Thornton was hiding in a doorway next door.
Officers approached him, a fight ensued, and he was taken into custody.
Police discovered a firearm, a round of bullets, and a police badge in his possession.
Thornton has a past record of trouble with the law.
Back in July of 1991, he faced charges for shooting a Dorchester teen at The Gallery nightclub in Roxbury.
Thornton was cleared of all charges, but has since been terminated from the Boston Police Department.
He is being held at District B2 in Roxbury and faces several charges including unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and carrying a loaded firearm
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Former Chief Jose Luis Vela Acquitted on Sexual Assault
EDINBURG, Texas
A former South Texas police chief was acquitted Friday on charges alleging he sexually assaulted one of his officers after a drunken party at his house.
Jurors deliberated about two hours Friday before acquitting Jose Luis Vela, 44, the Alton police chief in 2006, on sexual assault charges. He had been accused of performing oral sex on an officer who had passed out drunk at his house. Vela testified that the sex was consensual, and that he had an ongoing sexual relationship with the officer.
Vela won't get much time to enjoy the victory because District Judge Letty Lopez scheduled his next trial on a separate sexual assault charge to begin Monday. The victim of the other alleged sexual assault testified in the first trial that he woke up face down and naked in Vela's bed after getting drunk at a party. Vela said that was also a consensual encounter.
"We basically tried that case, and now we're going to try it again," said Luis Singleterry, Vela's attorney.
After Friday's verdict, Vela said the trial had been difficult and he would not be returning to police work.
"I have no intention of getting back into it," he said. "I'm ready for something else."
During closing arguments, prosecutor Hope Palacios told jurors the officer would not have publicly testified on the embarrassing event if it were consensual.
"Rape is an ugly word," Palacios said. "It's not what we expect to hear from the mouth of a man. It's definitely not what we expect to hear from the mouth of a police officer."
Singleterry tried to convince jurors that his client was the victim of a conspiracy arranged by another employee and her ex-husband, who investigated the case for the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office.
Singleterry said the alleged victim and two others who testified about other alleged assaults were motivated by money they could win from a civil lawsuit. He pointed out that they only told their stories after they were approached by Hidalgo County Sheriff's investigator Raul Cantu, whose ex-wife worked at the Alton Police Department.
But Palacios dismissed that idea.
"Is there any amount of money in the world that would make a man do something like that?" she said.
Palacios painted the image of an unprofessional police chief who partied with his employees even while they were on the clock. She accused Vela of manipulating poorly qualified officers willing to work for minimum wage.
"He surrounded himself with officers who couldn't get jobs at reputable agencies," Palacios said. "And he preyed upon them."
Vela also faces a charge of stealing a firearm last year. He is accused of taking a pistol from the department's evidence locker while he was still police chief. At the time of his arrest on that charge, investigators found a Colt .357 Magnum stolen from a Missouri man in 1988 and recovered by police in 1993 in Vela's home.
Accusations of bad record keeping and stealing confiscated alcohol ultimately cost Vela his job in September 2007.
Alton is a town of about 4,400 residents located 10 miles north of the Mexican border in the Rio Grande Valley.
A former South Texas police chief was acquitted Friday on charges alleging he sexually assaulted one of his officers after a drunken party at his house.
Jurors deliberated about two hours Friday before acquitting Jose Luis Vela, 44, the Alton police chief in 2006, on sexual assault charges. He had been accused of performing oral sex on an officer who had passed out drunk at his house. Vela testified that the sex was consensual, and that he had an ongoing sexual relationship with the officer.
Vela won't get much time to enjoy the victory because District Judge Letty Lopez scheduled his next trial on a separate sexual assault charge to begin Monday. The victim of the other alleged sexual assault testified in the first trial that he woke up face down and naked in Vela's bed after getting drunk at a party. Vela said that was also a consensual encounter.
"We basically tried that case, and now we're going to try it again," said Luis Singleterry, Vela's attorney.
After Friday's verdict, Vela said the trial had been difficult and he would not be returning to police work.
"I have no intention of getting back into it," he said. "I'm ready for something else."
During closing arguments, prosecutor Hope Palacios told jurors the officer would not have publicly testified on the embarrassing event if it were consensual.
"Rape is an ugly word," Palacios said. "It's not what we expect to hear from the mouth of a man. It's definitely not what we expect to hear from the mouth of a police officer."
Singleterry tried to convince jurors that his client was the victim of a conspiracy arranged by another employee and her ex-husband, who investigated the case for the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office.
Singleterry said the alleged victim and two others who testified about other alleged assaults were motivated by money they could win from a civil lawsuit. He pointed out that they only told their stories after they were approached by Hidalgo County Sheriff's investigator Raul Cantu, whose ex-wife worked at the Alton Police Department.
But Palacios dismissed that idea.
"Is there any amount of money in the world that would make a man do something like that?" she said.
Palacios painted the image of an unprofessional police chief who partied with his employees even while they were on the clock. She accused Vela of manipulating poorly qualified officers willing to work for minimum wage.
"He surrounded himself with officers who couldn't get jobs at reputable agencies," Palacios said. "And he preyed upon them."
Vela also faces a charge of stealing a firearm last year. He is accused of taking a pistol from the department's evidence locker while he was still police chief. At the time of his arrest on that charge, investigators found a Colt .357 Magnum stolen from a Missouri man in 1988 and recovered by police in 1993 in Vela's home.
Accusations of bad record keeping and stealing confiscated alcohol ultimately cost Vela his job in September 2007.
Alton is a town of about 4,400 residents located 10 miles north of the Mexican border in the Rio Grande Valley.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Officer Jorge Arbaje-Diaz Charged with Robbery
NEW YORK
A New York City police officer was charged Friday with being a member of a robbery crew that specialized in impersonating police and torturing rival East Coast drug dealers until they gave up stashes of cocaine and cash.
Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn accused Jorge Arbaje-Diaz of committing of a least one robbery while on duty and in his New York Police Department uniform. They also claimed in court papers that the officer made "post-arrest admissions," but didn't elaborate.
Arbaje-Diaz pleaded not guilty Friday at his arraignment.
The arrest "brings dishonor to the proud reputation of the thousands of law enforcement officers in New York who put their lives on the line every day to protect their residents and communities," U.S. Attorney Benton Campbell said in a statement.
Arbaje-Diaz, 30, was arrested and suspended from the force shortly after midnight Friday following a tour as a transit officer in the Bronx. In court, the officer's lawyer asked prosecutors for details of his client's statements and results of a search of his home. But he didn't comment on the case.
The officer was among three men arrested Friday in an ongoing investigation by the NYPD, the Drug Enforcement Administration and New York State Police. Ten other suspects were charged earlier this year in what officials described as one of the more brazen and lucrative robbery operations in recent memory. All 13 are from the Dominican Republic.
The spree netted more than 1,650 pounds of cocaine worth $20 million and $4 million in cash since 2003. At least 100 people were injured.
Investigators say the gang paid informants to provide the names and whereabouts of traffickers around New York City, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Florida. After that, it conducted surveillance for days or even weeks, sometimes using satellite tracking devices.
Once the crew had a fix on its targets' daily routines, it would use fake squad cars equipped with lights and sirens to trick their victims into stopping. They would invade homes the same way, then handcuff the inhabitants and haul them away at gunpoint.
Arbaje-Diaz — "a vital and active member" of the gang — once "left patrol still wearing his NYPD uniform and carrying his official firearm, badge and handcuffs to meet members of the crew and carry out a robbery," court papers said. "He used his status as a police officer ... to illegally demand access to the homes of his victims."
During interrogations at dingy hideouts, the bandits allegedly bound their victims with duct tape, beat them and held guns to their heads to get them to reveal information. Using bathtubs, they simulated drownings by repeatedly submerging victims' heads, court papers said.
One victim told investigators that during a 2005 abduction, two gang members "applied a pair of pliers to the victim's testicles and threatened to squeeze the pliers if the victim did not talk," the papers said.
Arbaje-Diaz was ordered held without bail. If convicted of robbery, drug dealing, firearms possession and other charges, he faces a minimum of 45 years in prison.
A New York City police officer was charged Friday with being a member of a robbery crew that specialized in impersonating police and torturing rival East Coast drug dealers until they gave up stashes of cocaine and cash.
Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn accused Jorge Arbaje-Diaz of committing of a least one robbery while on duty and in his New York Police Department uniform. They also claimed in court papers that the officer made "post-arrest admissions," but didn't elaborate.
Arbaje-Diaz pleaded not guilty Friday at his arraignment.
The arrest "brings dishonor to the proud reputation of the thousands of law enforcement officers in New York who put their lives on the line every day to protect their residents and communities," U.S. Attorney Benton Campbell said in a statement.
Arbaje-Diaz, 30, was arrested and suspended from the force shortly after midnight Friday following a tour as a transit officer in the Bronx. In court, the officer's lawyer asked prosecutors for details of his client's statements and results of a search of his home. But he didn't comment on the case.
The officer was among three men arrested Friday in an ongoing investigation by the NYPD, the Drug Enforcement Administration and New York State Police. Ten other suspects were charged earlier this year in what officials described as one of the more brazen and lucrative robbery operations in recent memory. All 13 are from the Dominican Republic.
The spree netted more than 1,650 pounds of cocaine worth $20 million and $4 million in cash since 2003. At least 100 people were injured.
Investigators say the gang paid informants to provide the names and whereabouts of traffickers around New York City, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Florida. After that, it conducted surveillance for days or even weeks, sometimes using satellite tracking devices.
Once the crew had a fix on its targets' daily routines, it would use fake squad cars equipped with lights and sirens to trick their victims into stopping. They would invade homes the same way, then handcuff the inhabitants and haul them away at gunpoint.
Arbaje-Diaz — "a vital and active member" of the gang — once "left patrol still wearing his NYPD uniform and carrying his official firearm, badge and handcuffs to meet members of the crew and carry out a robbery," court papers said. "He used his status as a police officer ... to illegally demand access to the homes of his victims."
During interrogations at dingy hideouts, the bandits allegedly bound their victims with duct tape, beat them and held guns to their heads to get them to reveal information. Using bathtubs, they simulated drownings by repeatedly submerging victims' heads, court papers said.
One victim told investigators that during a 2005 abduction, two gang members "applied a pair of pliers to the victim's testicles and threatened to squeeze the pliers if the victim did not talk," the papers said.
Arbaje-Diaz was ordered held without bail. If convicted of robbery, drug dealing, firearms possession and other charges, he faces a minimum of 45 years in prison.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Rookie Officer Alfie Madrid Charged with Killing Officer
MANILA, Philippines
A rookie policeman – one of the topnotchers in the 2005 criminology licensure examinations – was charged Monday with shooting and killing a police officer and wounding his wife following an argument over a minor road accident in Bacoor, Cavite province.
PO1 Alfie Madrid, 26, was charged with murder and frustrated murder at the Bacoor Prosecutor’s Office, according to Supt. Mario Reyes, town police chief.
Reyes said they also filed a case for illegal possession of firearms and ammunitions against the suspect.
The same charges were filed against Hermogenes Gagan, a civilian who was with Madrid at the time of the shooting incident.
A police investigation showed that Madrid, who is assigned to the Regional Special Action Unit of the National Capital Region Police Office, shot Insp. William Pelicano, a policeman assigned in Las Piñas City, during an argument following a vehicular accident on Marcos Alvarez Road in Barangay Molino 3, Bacoor, at around 8 p.m. Friday.
Pelicano, who was accompanied by his wife, Babylyn, was in a passenger jeepney when it was bumped by a Daihatsu multicab driven by Gagan. Seated beside Gagan was Madrid.
The victim, who was wearing a police uniform, alighted from the jeep and talked to Gagan. When the victim and the suspects started arguing, Madrid allegedly shot Pelicano several times, a police report said.
Pelicano’s wife rushed to his aid, but Madrid also shot her in the arm, the report added.
Pelicano was rushed to the Molino Doctors Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.
Police found two 9 mm Beretta pistols, bullets and magazines for .45 cal. and 9 mm handguns and Gagan’s license to carry firearms in his van. Gagan was arrested by Bacoor police who rushed to the scene, while Madrid was apprehended in a follow-up operation.
According to the records of the Professional Regulation Commission, Madrid ranked seventh among the 1,476 examinees who passed the criminology board tests in May 2005.
Madrid’s superior, NCRPO chief Director Jefferson Soriano, Monday ordered his men to undergo a weekly “troop information and education” to prevent similar incidents from happening.
He also met with RSAU personnel in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, where he told them to strictly “respect the police uniform and rank.”
“Starting today, I will require a strict observance of the chain of command, from Police Officers 1 to the highest position in the command,” Soriano told 300 RSAU agents, considered as the NCRPO’s elite police unit.
In his speech, Soriano said the incident only showed the “grave problem” regarding the lack of respect among PNP members.
“There’s no reason for us to draw our guns and shoot whoever we want to kill, especially someone who is wearing a police uniform,” he said.
A rookie policeman – one of the topnotchers in the 2005 criminology licensure examinations – was charged Monday with shooting and killing a police officer and wounding his wife following an argument over a minor road accident in Bacoor, Cavite province.
PO1 Alfie Madrid, 26, was charged with murder and frustrated murder at the Bacoor Prosecutor’s Office, according to Supt. Mario Reyes, town police chief.
Reyes said they also filed a case for illegal possession of firearms and ammunitions against the suspect.
The same charges were filed against Hermogenes Gagan, a civilian who was with Madrid at the time of the shooting incident.
A police investigation showed that Madrid, who is assigned to the Regional Special Action Unit of the National Capital Region Police Office, shot Insp. William Pelicano, a policeman assigned in Las Piñas City, during an argument following a vehicular accident on Marcos Alvarez Road in Barangay Molino 3, Bacoor, at around 8 p.m. Friday.
Pelicano, who was accompanied by his wife, Babylyn, was in a passenger jeepney when it was bumped by a Daihatsu multicab driven by Gagan. Seated beside Gagan was Madrid.
The victim, who was wearing a police uniform, alighted from the jeep and talked to Gagan. When the victim and the suspects started arguing, Madrid allegedly shot Pelicano several times, a police report said.
Pelicano’s wife rushed to his aid, but Madrid also shot her in the arm, the report added.
Pelicano was rushed to the Molino Doctors Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.
Police found two 9 mm Beretta pistols, bullets and magazines for .45 cal. and 9 mm handguns and Gagan’s license to carry firearms in his van. Gagan was arrested by Bacoor police who rushed to the scene, while Madrid was apprehended in a follow-up operation.
According to the records of the Professional Regulation Commission, Madrid ranked seventh among the 1,476 examinees who passed the criminology board tests in May 2005.
Madrid’s superior, NCRPO chief Director Jefferson Soriano, Monday ordered his men to undergo a weekly “troop information and education” to prevent similar incidents from happening.
He also met with RSAU personnel in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, where he told them to strictly “respect the police uniform and rank.”
“Starting today, I will require a strict observance of the chain of command, from Police Officers 1 to the highest position in the command,” Soriano told 300 RSAU agents, considered as the NCRPO’s elite police unit.
In his speech, Soriano said the incident only showed the “grave problem” regarding the lack of respect among PNP members.
“There’s no reason for us to draw our guns and shoot whoever we want to kill, especially someone who is wearing a police uniform,” he said.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Former Sgt. Mike Rodrigues Arrested on Fourth Rape Charge
Deputies arrested former Sheriff's Sgt. Mike Rodrigues today on suspicion of a fourth rape charge, and a judge later released him on his own recognizance, according to authorities.
Rodrigues was set to be arraigned today on suspicion of three previous rape counts alleged by a grand jury. While walking toward the San Benito County Courthouse, authorities "peacefully" took him into custody, said Sheriff Curtis Hill.
The sheriff, for the second time since Rodrigues' first arrest on rape charges in December, apologized to the community and also said he's "not happy" with the visiting judge's decision to release Rodrigues after authorities charged him with the additional rape count, along with two other felony counts alleging possession of firearms and ammunition while under a restraining order.
Authorities today also charged Rodrigues on three misdemeanor counts on suspicion of violating a restraining order.
The visiting judge, from Napa County, arraigned him on the prior rape counts and released Rodrigues on the condition that he agree to turn in his passport and not leave the county, Hill said. After Rodrigues' December arrest, the suspect posted the $300,000 bail and was released from the San Benito County Jail.
"While he was on bail he continued to violate the law, including possessing a gun and ammunition," Hill told the Free Lance. "These allegations are from citizens that live and work in this community. When people hear this they'll think, 'If I did that, I would be in jail.' That's what Joe Six-Pack is going to think. I am very disappointed in the judge's decision."
Although Hill said Rodrigues was peacefully arrested, defense attorney Arthur Cantu contended otherwise and argued the case is "nothing more than a witch hunt."
If you have seven or eight deputies grabbing you and forcefully putting handcuffs on you and putting you under arrest, that by definition is an incident," Cantu said. "How dare they file new charges? How dare they file new charges? This is nothing more than a witch hunt. This is nothing more than a vendetta between Mikey and his enemies in the sheriff's department."
An investigation of Rodrigues, a 25-year sheriff's office veteran, resulted in the December indictment alleging three counts of forcible rape, two counts of unlawful sexual penetration and one count each of spousal rape, domestic violence and attempted rape.
The sheriff today said he's sorry for the Rodrigues ordeal - he apologized emphatically in December after the indictment as well.
"I want to apologize to every man woman and child in San Benito County," Hill said today. "We work to build trust in the community, and these allegations break that trust down."
Former sheriff's Sgt. Mike Rodrigues in court in January. Rodrigues faces four counts of forcible rape, two counts of unlawful sexual penetration, two felony counts of possession of firearms and ammunition while under a restraining order, and one count each of spousal rape, domestic violence and attempted rape.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Brothers Carl & Earl Yhan Arrested for Grand Theft
ST THOMAS, USVI
The USVI Criminal Investigation Bureau arrested a VI Police Officer and a Bureau of Corrections officer on charges of Grand Larceny on Saturday. The officers were already on unpaid leave from their respective agencies due to previous unrelated arrests, prior to being taken in to police custody.
Police Officer Earl Yhan, 27 and his brother, Bureau of Corrections Officer Carl Yhan Jr, 28 were arrested and taken into police custody based on a warrant issued by the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands.
The brothers were charged Saturday with the August 18 Grand Theft of items totaling more than $5,000 from a hardware store on St Croix where Earl Yhan was employed as a contracted security guard.
Earl Yhan is presently on unpaid leave from the VIPD pending the outcome of a February 19 arrest for Grand Larceny in connection with an Auto Theft. His brother, Carl Yhan is on unpaid leave from the Bureau of Corrections pending the outcome of a March 12 arrest for Assault Third (DV) and Possession of a Dangerous Weapon during the Commission of a Domestic Violence Crime.
USVI Police Commissioner James McCall said on Saturday that it is unfortunate that the VIPD and the BOC have been stained by these arrests, however McCall reiterated the statement he made at his Senate confirmation hearing, “it does not matter who you are, where you work, or who your family is – if you do the crime you are going to do the time.”
Both brothers were unable to post bail of $25,000 and were remanded to the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility pending advice of rights hearing.
“This is further evidence that the De Jongh administration and the VI Police Department will not tolerate or attempt to cover up wrong doing by police officers and other government employees,” McCall said.
“We understand that the Yhan brothers are innocent until proven guilty however I am confident that the Criminal Investigation Bureau, working closely with the Attorney General’s office has a solid case against these two,” McCall concluded.
The USVI Criminal Investigation Bureau arrested a VI Police Officer and a Bureau of Corrections officer on charges of Grand Larceny on Saturday. The officers were already on unpaid leave from their respective agencies due to previous unrelated arrests, prior to being taken in to police custody.
Police Officer Earl Yhan, 27 and his brother, Bureau of Corrections Officer Carl Yhan Jr, 28 were arrested and taken into police custody based on a warrant issued by the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands.
The brothers were charged Saturday with the August 18 Grand Theft of items totaling more than $5,000 from a hardware store on St Croix where Earl Yhan was employed as a contracted security guard.
Earl Yhan is presently on unpaid leave from the VIPD pending the outcome of a February 19 arrest for Grand Larceny in connection with an Auto Theft. His brother, Carl Yhan is on unpaid leave from the Bureau of Corrections pending the outcome of a March 12 arrest for Assault Third (DV) and Possession of a Dangerous Weapon during the Commission of a Domestic Violence Crime.
USVI Police Commissioner James McCall said on Saturday that it is unfortunate that the VIPD and the BOC have been stained by these arrests, however McCall reiterated the statement he made at his Senate confirmation hearing, “it does not matter who you are, where you work, or who your family is – if you do the crime you are going to do the time.”
Both brothers were unable to post bail of $25,000 and were remanded to the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility pending advice of rights hearing.
“This is further evidence that the De Jongh administration and the VI Police Department will not tolerate or attempt to cover up wrong doing by police officers and other government employees,” McCall said.
“We understand that the Yhan brothers are innocent until proven guilty however I am confident that the Criminal Investigation Bureau, working closely with the Attorney General’s office has a solid case against these two,” McCall concluded.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Officer Andre Calhoun Arrested for Plotting to Commit Robbery
PELHAM, GA
A south Georgia police officer was arrested on the job after investigators say he plotted to steal.
Pelham police officer Andre Calhoun is out of jail on bond now, after he was taken into custody as he worked early Saturday morning.
Pelham investigators say while Calhoun was on the job, he plotted to commit robbery and burglary. Calhoun is charged with four felonies, two counts of conspiracy and one each of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and violation of his oath of office.
A south Georgia police officer was arrested on the job after investigators say he plotted to steal.
Pelham police officer Andre Calhoun is out of jail on bond now, after he was taken into custody as he worked early Saturday morning.
Pelham investigators say while Calhoun was on the job, he plotted to commit robbery and burglary. Calhoun is charged with four felonies, two counts of conspiracy and one each of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and violation of his oath of office.
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