A Clatskanie police officer resigned Tuesday after being arrested on charges he stole drugs from his neighbors.
Joseph Harrison broke into two Clatskanie homes to steal Vicodin and oxycodone, according to probable cause documents. A timeline provided by the Attorney General's office claims the first burglary occurred in mid-April and the second burglary took place on April 28.
While being interviewed this week, Harrison told investigators that he was on duty and in uniform during the second burglary, according to the court documents.
"I am kind of sad that it's an officer in my community that got in trouble," said Joseph Maes, who lives in Clatskanie. "Really, it's a disgrace to this town. (I) know it doesn't make our town look good."
The victims in the case did not want to be identified Wednesday.
The Clatskanie Police Chief said the allegations were a "bombshell." Harrison, who was jailed on charges of burglary, theft and official misconduct, was a 9-year veteran of the Clatskanie Police Department.
"For me, to find out that he was really like this was a let down to me and I'm sure to a lot of the community around here," Maes said.
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Officer Dewey Pressley Accused of Lying
A Hollywood police officer under investigation after he was recorded discussing how to doctor a woman's arrest report last February is now accused of lying about the existance of a video in a separate arrest.
Officer Dewey Pressley lied during court proceedings about details of an August 2008 arrest involving Steven Berglund after saying the video that recorded the arrest did not exist, said Berglund's attorney Robert Reiff.
According to court depositions, Pressley said last February that he did not record Berglund's DUI arrest because of issues with the department's in-car camera system.
However, Reiff had already received a copy of the video recorded by Pressley's in-car dash camera.
Some details of the arrest laid out by Pressley in his deposition and a transcript of the video, both supplied to The Miami Herald by Reiff, are inconsistent.
``His version of the facts greatly diverged from what appeared on the video that had been recorded,'' Reiff wrote in his motion.
Berglund pleaded no contest July 9 to reduced charges after the state attorney's office learned of Pressley's testimony. Berglund received three years probation, 30 days in a Broward jail and a 10-year suspension of his driver's license, Reiff's motion states.
Now, after learning video existed of Pressley allegedly falsifying a police report during a Feb. 17 crash involving Hollywood officer Joel Francisco and 23-year-old Alexandra Torrens-Vilas, Reiff is looking to fight the charges.
``I'm sure part of it was mistake on his part,'' Reiff said of Pressley's accounts during the deposition.
``But it is also indicative of a culture of embellishment.''
Pressley could not be reached for comment.
Jeff Marano, senior vice president for the Police Benevolent Association, said Reiff and other attorneys are just piling on the recent allegations against Pressley, who he said is a ``thorough investigator.''
``If the state felt it was a material lie and Pressley was clearly intentionally perjuring himself then the state would have moved ahead and dismissed'' the case, said Marano, a retired Hollywood police lieutenant.
The latest allegation comes as defense attorneys continue to pick apart cases involving Pressley and the four other Hollywood police officers accused of doctoring Torrens-Vilas' DUI arrest report.
Two cannabis possession cases against a juvenile have already been dropped and the Public Defender's office is currently reviewing numerous cases pending and closed to see if they could be affected.
``We're pulling old cases,'' said Mindy Solomon, chief assistant public defender.
``We have really made a decision to prioritize this and really work through them.''
Ron Ishoy, a state attorney's office spokesman, said Friday that together, the officers are listed as potential witnesses in 110 felony cases and 250 misdemeanor cases -- though he said the number of affected cases will be less because some of the officers are witnesses on the same case.
Along with Pressley and Francisco, Sgt. Andrew Diaz, Community Service Officer Karim Thomas and Crime Scene Technician Andrea Tomassi are also under investigation.
Officer Dewey Pressley lied during court proceedings about details of an August 2008 arrest involving Steven Berglund after saying the video that recorded the arrest did not exist, said Berglund's attorney Robert Reiff.
According to court depositions, Pressley said last February that he did not record Berglund's DUI arrest because of issues with the department's in-car camera system.
However, Reiff had already received a copy of the video recorded by Pressley's in-car dash camera.
Some details of the arrest laid out by Pressley in his deposition and a transcript of the video, both supplied to The Miami Herald by Reiff, are inconsistent.
``His version of the facts greatly diverged from what appeared on the video that had been recorded,'' Reiff wrote in his motion.
Berglund pleaded no contest July 9 to reduced charges after the state attorney's office learned of Pressley's testimony. Berglund received three years probation, 30 days in a Broward jail and a 10-year suspension of his driver's license, Reiff's motion states.
Now, after learning video existed of Pressley allegedly falsifying a police report during a Feb. 17 crash involving Hollywood officer Joel Francisco and 23-year-old Alexandra Torrens-Vilas, Reiff is looking to fight the charges.
``I'm sure part of it was mistake on his part,'' Reiff said of Pressley's accounts during the deposition.
``But it is also indicative of a culture of embellishment.''
Pressley could not be reached for comment.
Jeff Marano, senior vice president for the Police Benevolent Association, said Reiff and other attorneys are just piling on the recent allegations against Pressley, who he said is a ``thorough investigator.''
``If the state felt it was a material lie and Pressley was clearly intentionally perjuring himself then the state would have moved ahead and dismissed'' the case, said Marano, a retired Hollywood police lieutenant.
The latest allegation comes as defense attorneys continue to pick apart cases involving Pressley and the four other Hollywood police officers accused of doctoring Torrens-Vilas' DUI arrest report.
Two cannabis possession cases against a juvenile have already been dropped and the Public Defender's office is currently reviewing numerous cases pending and closed to see if they could be affected.
``We're pulling old cases,'' said Mindy Solomon, chief assistant public defender.
``We have really made a decision to prioritize this and really work through them.''
Ron Ishoy, a state attorney's office spokesman, said Friday that together, the officers are listed as potential witnesses in 110 felony cases and 250 misdemeanor cases -- though he said the number of affected cases will be less because some of the officers are witnesses on the same case.
Along with Pressley and Francisco, Sgt. Andrew Diaz, Community Service Officer Karim Thomas and Crime Scene Technician Andrea Tomassi are also under investigation.
Deputy Gladys Dauphin Arrested for Attacking Inmate
For the second time in less than a week, a Broward Sheriff's Office deputy has been arrested and charged with criminal misconduct while on-duty.
Detention deputy Gladys Dauphin was charged Wednesday with aggravated battery and official misconduct after an internal investigation found that she attacked an inmate with her portable radio and then tried to cover up the incident.
BSO announced the charges Thursday, one day after Dauphin was arrested by Internal Affairs investigators.
The alleged attack happened about 2:30 a.m. on Feb. 20 inside inmate Darryl Cunningham's cell in the Broward main jail, according to an arrest affidavit filed by Detective Joe Kessling.
`DISFIGUREMENT'
The affidavit states that Dauphin, 37, entered Cunningham's cell to talk to him because he had disrespected her.
She had Cunningham sit on his bed and then struck him several times toward the back of his head with her police radio, he told investigators.
``The injuries resulted in permanent scarring and disfigurement,'' Kessling wrote in the report.
Cunningham, 25, received five staples in the jail infirmary after the incident to close a laceration.
``I got him,'' Dauphin allegedly said to Sgt. Edward Pierce after the incident.
Dauphin then tried to cover up the attack, using another deputy's identity to falsify jail records to show that Cunningham refused treatment after falling, according to the affidavit.
BSO spokeswoman Veda Coleman-Wright said the attack was reported on the day in which it occurred. Dauphin, who was hired in December of 2004, was placed on suspension with pay the day of the incident and throughout the following investigation.
SUSPENDED
Dauphin bonded out of jail Wednesday on $6,100 and has been suspended without pay.
She did not respond to a message left on her voicemail late Thursday afternoon.
Cunningham, who was in jail after being picked up on several warrants filed by Wilton Manors and Fort Lauderdale police, was released to the custody of the U.S. Marshals on March 6.
He is currently being held at the Federal Detention Center in Miami on charges of felony possession of a firearm, U.S. Marshals spokesman Barry Golden said.
Dauphin's arrest comes three days after Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti held a news conference to announce the arrest of Deputy Jonathan Bleiweiss, who is charged with more than a dozen counts of battery, sexual battery, stalking and false imprisonment.
Investigators say Bleiweiss, who in March was honored as employee of the year for the Broward Sheriff's Office's Oakland Park District, preyed on undocumented immigrants, molesting them while on duty.
Bleiweiss' attorney has said there is no reason to believe the accusations against the deputy.
`ARRESTING OUR OWN'
Coleman-Wright said Thursday that the arrested deputies shouldn't be a black eye for the sheriff's office.
``We're certainly disappointed by these two arrests but it also shows the public that we're dedicated to holding people responsible for actions even if it means arresting our own,'' she said.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Former Officer Jerome Finnigan Accused of Murder
Attorneys for an Oak Lawn man on trial for allegedly killing a drug customer he believed had robbed him blamed a former Chicago police officer for the death, saying the cop was extorting thousands of dollars in protection money from the defendant.
The surprise twist came during opening remarks Wednesday at the trial of Daniel Nevarez, charged with killing Eric Kaminski, whose body was found buried in a West Side home years after his death.
Nevarez's attorney, Stuart Goldberg, contended that Officer Jerome Finnigan killed Kaminski after suspecting he had stolen $40,000 in cash and about 4 1/2 pounds of marijuana from Nevarez. Goldberg alleged Finnigan intervened after Nevarez was unable to pay him protection money because of the theft.
Prosecutors say Nevarez killed Kaminski, 25, a painter who had worked on Nevarez's home to pay off a drug debt. Authorities allege that Nevarez believed Kaminski stole the money and drugs, so he lured him to his father's home in February 2004, killed him and then buried the body under concrete in the basement. The remains were discovered in late 2007 after a tip to police.
But Goldberg and co-counsel Sam Adam Jr. told jurors the evidence would show their client was being extorted by Finnigan, once a member of the department's disgraced Special Operations Section. Finnigan is currently facing trial on state and federal charges for allegedly robbing drug dealers and then trying to have a fellow officer killed because he believed he was cooperating in the federal probe.
When told of the defense's allegations, Finnigan attorney Dean Polales said he had never heard them before and began laughing. Asked for his reaction, he said: "Would it be good enough to say that when apprised of the allegations, Mr. Finnigan's attorney laughed long and hard?"
According to Goldberg, Finnigan had another officer take fingerprints from Nevarez's home after the theft of cash and marijuana. When a print was linked to Kaminski, Finnigan told Nevarez to persuade the victim to come to the West Side home owned by Nevarez's father with the promise of work, Goldberg said.
Nevarez's girlfriend -- who had been living with him since she was 12 in 2001 -- arranged the meeting, Goldberg said, but when Kaminski came to the home, he found Finnigan with Nevarez and the girl. After a brief argument, Finnigan shot the victim -- to the horror of Nevarez, Goldberg said.
"He said, 'What the [expletive] did you just do? You killed someone in my father's house,' " Goldberg quoted Nevarez as saying. "Officer Finnigan dug the bullets out, as an experienced person would do, and said, 'Dig him a grave, [expletive], or you're going to be the next one.' "
Goldberg alleged that in 2002, Finnigan pulled over Nevarez and threatened to arrest him unless he got a cut of his burgeoning marijuana business. Finnigan told Nevarez that he had "been playing golf on my golf course without paying the greens fees" and agreed to protect him from arrest for $3,500 a month, Goldberg said.
Following Kaminski's death, the scheme continued until Finnigan told Nevarez he needed to be arrested because the department was scrutinizing the officer, Goldberg said. Nevarez balked, but a short time later, Finnigan and other SOS officers came to Nevarez's home and busted him for possessing more than 2 pounds of cocaine even though Nevarez dealt only in marijuana, Goldberg alleged.
The surprise twist came during opening remarks Wednesday at the trial of Daniel Nevarez, charged with killing Eric Kaminski, whose body was found buried in a West Side home years after his death.
Nevarez's attorney, Stuart Goldberg, contended that Officer Jerome Finnigan killed Kaminski after suspecting he had stolen $40,000 in cash and about 4 1/2 pounds of marijuana from Nevarez. Goldberg alleged Finnigan intervened after Nevarez was unable to pay him protection money because of the theft.
Prosecutors say Nevarez killed Kaminski, 25, a painter who had worked on Nevarez's home to pay off a drug debt. Authorities allege that Nevarez believed Kaminski stole the money and drugs, so he lured him to his father's home in February 2004, killed him and then buried the body under concrete in the basement. The remains were discovered in late 2007 after a tip to police.
But Goldberg and co-counsel Sam Adam Jr. told jurors the evidence would show their client was being extorted by Finnigan, once a member of the department's disgraced Special Operations Section. Finnigan is currently facing trial on state and federal charges for allegedly robbing drug dealers and then trying to have a fellow officer killed because he believed he was cooperating in the federal probe.
When told of the defense's allegations, Finnigan attorney Dean Polales said he had never heard them before and began laughing. Asked for his reaction, he said: "Would it be good enough to say that when apprised of the allegations, Mr. Finnigan's attorney laughed long and hard?"
According to Goldberg, Finnigan had another officer take fingerprints from Nevarez's home after the theft of cash and marijuana. When a print was linked to Kaminski, Finnigan told Nevarez to persuade the victim to come to the West Side home owned by Nevarez's father with the promise of work, Goldberg said.
Nevarez's girlfriend -- who had been living with him since she was 12 in 2001 -- arranged the meeting, Goldberg said, but when Kaminski came to the home, he found Finnigan with Nevarez and the girl. After a brief argument, Finnigan shot the victim -- to the horror of Nevarez, Goldberg said.
"He said, 'What the [expletive] did you just do? You killed someone in my father's house,' " Goldberg quoted Nevarez as saying. "Officer Finnigan dug the bullets out, as an experienced person would do, and said, 'Dig him a grave, [expletive], or you're going to be the next one.' "
Goldberg alleged that in 2002, Finnigan pulled over Nevarez and threatened to arrest him unless he got a cut of his burgeoning marijuana business. Finnigan told Nevarez that he had "been playing golf on my golf course without paying the greens fees" and agreed to protect him from arrest for $3,500 a month, Goldberg said.
Following Kaminski's death, the scheme continued until Finnigan told Nevarez he needed to be arrested because the department was scrutinizing the officer, Goldberg said. Nevarez balked, but a short time later, Finnigan and other SOS officers came to Nevarez's home and busted him for possessing more than 2 pounds of cocaine even though Nevarez dealt only in marijuana, Goldberg alleged.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Officer William Moseley Resigns After DUI Arrest
A Roanoke County police officer has resigned after a driving under the influence arrest.
William Moseley, 26, of Roanoke, has been charged with misdemeanor driving under the influence. Court records show a conviction would be his first DUI offense.
A Roanoke County police spokesperson said Moseley has resigned his position as a patrol officer. He had been on the force for the past four years.
Court records show Moseley blew a 0.14 on a breathalyzer test early on the morning of July 26th, the same date as his arrest.
His arrested officer, a Roanoke City police officer, wrote he watched Moseley cross the center line at least twice early on the morning of July 26th.
The officer wrote he watched Moseley’s truck drift into the wrong lane first on Williamson Road.
The officer went on to write he saw Moseley cross the center line on Liberty Road NE, where he wrote Moseley nearly veered into the path of an oncoming car and almost crashed into a railroad bridge before “braking hard” to avoid it.
The officer wrote he could smell alcohol on Moseley’s breath, saw that he had “glassy eyes,“ and that Moseley flunked for field sobriety tests.
He’s due back in court on October 20th.
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http://www.roanoke.com/news/breaking/wb/214406
William Moseley, 26, of Roanoke, has been charged with misdemeanor driving under the influence. Court records show a conviction would be his first DUI offense.
A Roanoke County police spokesperson said Moseley has resigned his position as a patrol officer. He had been on the force for the past four years.
Court records show Moseley blew a 0.14 on a breathalyzer test early on the morning of July 26th, the same date as his arrest.
His arrested officer, a Roanoke City police officer, wrote he watched Moseley cross the center line at least twice early on the morning of July 26th.
The officer wrote he watched Moseley’s truck drift into the wrong lane first on Williamson Road.
The officer went on to write he saw Moseley cross the center line on Liberty Road NE, where he wrote Moseley nearly veered into the path of an oncoming car and almost crashed into a railroad bridge before “braking hard” to avoid it.
The officer wrote he could smell alcohol on Moseley’s breath, saw that he had “glassy eyes,“ and that Moseley flunked for field sobriety tests.
He’s due back in court on October 20th.
______________________
http://www.roanoke.com/news/breaking/wb/214406
Officer Lawrence Ross Frame Arrested for Engaging in Sex Act with Minor
Federal prosecutors say a New Castle police officer videotaped himself engaging in sex acts with a 16-year-old girl in 2008.
Forty-five-year-old Lawrence Ross Frame was charged Wednesday with possession of child pornography and five counts of production of child pornography.
He faces 15 to 30 years in prison on each production count and up to 10 years on the possession charge.
The girl's mother approached New Castle police Tuesday morning. Police say federal and other authorities were notified and Frame, a detective, was quickly arrested.
Frame resigned from the police department on Wednesday after nearly 20 years on the force. A message seeking information on whether Frame had a lawyer was left with the U.S. attorney's office in Indianapolis.
Forty-five-year-old Lawrence Ross Frame was charged Wednesday with possession of child pornography and five counts of production of child pornography.
He faces 15 to 30 years in prison on each production count and up to 10 years on the possession charge.
The girl's mother approached New Castle police Tuesday morning. Police say federal and other authorities were notified and Frame, a detective, was quickly arrested.
Frame resigned from the police department on Wednesday after nearly 20 years on the force. A message seeking information on whether Frame had a lawyer was left with the U.S. attorney's office in Indianapolis.
Officer Jeremy Courville Arrested for Stealing Laptop
A Lafayette police officer was arrested this afternoon for allegedly stealing police department property.
Jeremy Courville, 32, of Lafayette, was charged with unauthorized use of a movable and felony theft. He was booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center.
Courville was placed on administrative leave in early July after the Lafayette Police Department received a theft complaint, according to a press release. Detectives secured two warrants for his arrest as a result of a criminal investigation.
The property allegedly stolen by Courville was a laptop computer. The property taken and used without authorization was a GPS system. Both pieces of property have been recovered.
Courville is a seven-year veteran assigned to the patrol division. He remains on paid administrative leave as an administrative investigation continues.
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http://www.katc.com/Global/story.asp?S=10862417
Jeremy Courville, 32, of Lafayette, was charged with unauthorized use of a movable and felony theft. He was booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center.
Courville was placed on administrative leave in early July after the Lafayette Police Department received a theft complaint, according to a press release. Detectives secured two warrants for his arrest as a result of a criminal investigation.
The property allegedly stolen by Courville was a laptop computer. The property taken and used without authorization was a GPS system. Both pieces of property have been recovered.
Courville is a seven-year veteran assigned to the patrol division. He remains on paid administrative leave as an administrative investigation continues.
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http://www.katc.com/Global/story.asp?S=10862417
Officer Billy Hurst Accused of Viewing Porn in Police Car
A Clinton police officer accused of viewing pornography on his squad car computer is asking that evidence collected from the computer be barred from an upcoming disciplinary hearing because police officials are guilty of eavesdropping.
Patrolman Billy Hurst, 40, of Clinton will face the Clinton Police and Fire Commission on Aug. 13 on charges that he acted improperly by spending more than 23 hours watching pornography during working hours from Nov. 13, 2008, to Jan. 24. The charges filed in January initially sought a 30-day suspension for Hurst but were amended a month later by Clinton Police Chief Mike Reidy to ask that the officer be fired if found guilty by the three-member commission.
Hurst's attorney, Shane Voyles, with the Policemen's Benevolent labor committee, filed a civil complaint in May in DeWitt County court accusing Reidy of eavesdropping by monitoring Hurst's computer activities. Hurst did not consent to the city's installation of software put in place after viruses were detected on city computers, said Voyles.
Voyles is asking a judge to bar the computer information from Hurst's hearing. The defense attorney said Thursday that the police and fire board has declined to postpone the hearing until a ruling on the issue.
Agreed to follow agency's rules?
The commission and Reidy argued in response to the lawsuit that Hurst agreed when he was hired to follow agency rules, including a provision that "officers will not use the Mobile Data Terminals in any manner that would tend to discredit the Clinton Police Department."
Hurst was aware that any message sent to the computer was retrievable, said the response.
The officer also takes exception in his complaint to the release of information about the current disciplinary action and previous allegations lodged by the department against him. The specifics of the charges were released to the media under requests filed under the state Freedom of Information Act.
Voyles conceded Thursday that that portion of his complaint may be moot in light of a recent Illinois 4th District Appellate Court ruling that prohibits police agencies from withholding the results of internal investigations.
"I think the ruling is wrong but that's what the law is," said Voyles.
Hurst remains on duty, but he was moved to the night patrol shift after charges were filed. He also was removed from his post as juvenile officer. He has been with the department about 15 years.
Patrolman Billy Hurst, 40, of Clinton will face the Clinton Police and Fire Commission on Aug. 13 on charges that he acted improperly by spending more than 23 hours watching pornography during working hours from Nov. 13, 2008, to Jan. 24. The charges filed in January initially sought a 30-day suspension for Hurst but were amended a month later by Clinton Police Chief Mike Reidy to ask that the officer be fired if found guilty by the three-member commission.
Hurst's attorney, Shane Voyles, with the Policemen's Benevolent labor committee, filed a civil complaint in May in DeWitt County court accusing Reidy of eavesdropping by monitoring Hurst's computer activities. Hurst did not consent to the city's installation of software put in place after viruses were detected on city computers, said Voyles.
Voyles is asking a judge to bar the computer information from Hurst's hearing. The defense attorney said Thursday that the police and fire board has declined to postpone the hearing until a ruling on the issue.
Agreed to follow agency's rules?
The commission and Reidy argued in response to the lawsuit that Hurst agreed when he was hired to follow agency rules, including a provision that "officers will not use the Mobile Data Terminals in any manner that would tend to discredit the Clinton Police Department."
Hurst was aware that any message sent to the computer was retrievable, said the response.
The officer also takes exception in his complaint to the release of information about the current disciplinary action and previous allegations lodged by the department against him. The specifics of the charges were released to the media under requests filed under the state Freedom of Information Act.
Voyles conceded Thursday that that portion of his complaint may be moot in light of a recent Illinois 4th District Appellate Court ruling that prohibits police agencies from withholding the results of internal investigations.
"I think the ruling is wrong but that's what the law is," said Voyles.
Hurst remains on duty, but he was moved to the night patrol shift after charges were filed. He also was removed from his post as juvenile officer. He has been with the department about 15 years.
Former Deputy George Bryan III Arrested for Domestic Violence
A former deputy sheriff is out of jail after his arrest Wednesday for assaulting his wife.
George Bryan III resigned as a Lenoir County deputy the same day his wife reported that two weeks earlier he hit her. Jamie Bryan told deputies she fractured her jaw.
After a criminal investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation, Bryan was charged with assault inflicting serious injury.
Bryan, who started with the sheriff's office in 2004, was placed in jail overnight and posted a $500 bond Thursday morning.
The sheriff's office says within 30 minutes of the first complaint they began an internal investigation. "It's a sad day anytime one of our own is charged with a criminal offense. With that being said the public expects us to do our job regardless of the adverse situation," said Major Christopher Hill.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Officer Todd Lengsfeld Arrested for Child Molestation
As a result of an investigation requested on July 28 by Newnan Police Chief Douglas Meadows, a Newnan PD officer was arrested yesterday by the GBI on child molestation charges.
The arrest of Todd Lengsfeld, 34, an 11 year veteran with Newnan PD, was based on his alleged sexual relationship with 15-year-old female. The investigation was conducted by agents in the GBI’s Columbus Regional Office
The arrest of Todd Lengsfeld, 34, an 11 year veteran with Newnan PD, was based on his alleged sexual relationship with 15-year-old female. The investigation was conducted by agents in the GBI’s Columbus Regional Office
Judge Says Oakland Police Used Excessive Force
A federal judge says Oakland police used excessive force during the arrest of a home care worker and has ordered the city and three officers to pay the man nearly $200,000.
U.S. Magistrate Maria-Elena James ruled Monday that Officer Michael Cordoza's use of a choke hold and bent wrist lock on Uganda Knapps on Aug. 10, 2004, was unnecessary.
James also said Officer Francisco Rojas and Sgt. Jim Kelly did nothing to stop Cordoza and were involved in a subsequent fabricated police report.
Cardoza maintained he used force after seeing Knapps hit a resident of the mental health facility where he worked.
An Oakland police spokesman referred comment to the city attorney's office, which says it plans to discuss the decision with the city council.
U.S. Magistrate Maria-Elena James ruled Monday that Officer Michael Cordoza's use of a choke hold and bent wrist lock on Uganda Knapps on Aug. 10, 2004, was unnecessary.
James also said Officer Francisco Rojas and Sgt. Jim Kelly did nothing to stop Cordoza and were involved in a subsequent fabricated police report.
Cardoza maintained he used force after seeing Knapps hit a resident of the mental health facility where he worked.
An Oakland police spokesman referred comment to the city attorney's office, which says it plans to discuss the decision with the city council.
Two Officers Accused of Speeding on Interstate
An off-duty Gahanna officer accused of going 149 mph on an interstate highway pleaded guilty Wednesday.
Authorities said Christopher Thomas, 33, was clocked going 149 mph on Interstate 70, east of Columbus, where the speed limit is 65 mph.
Thomas has been on injured leave from the Gahanna police department since last December after he slipped and fell on ice. Thomas continues to receive pay and benefits, including vacation time.
Thomas was riding with two other people.
Authorities said off-duty state trooper Jason Highsmith, 35, was clocked going 147 mph on I-70.
An OSP radar plane clocked the motorcyclists allegedly going those speeds Sunday, June 28, and troopers made the traffic stop.
A third motorcyclist also was part of the group but was not clocked on radar and was not ticketed.
Four days after the stop, troopers issued Highsmith a ticket, and eight days later Thomas was issued a citation.
Thomas pleaded guilty to his citation Wednesday before Licking County Municipal Court Judge David Branstool.
Branstool sentenced Thomas to a $150 fine and six-month license suspension.
Highsmith entered a plea of not guilty before Branstool Wednesday, July 8.
Branstool said the lack of charges didn’t matter and that he could use his discretion to suspend Highsmith’s license for as much as three years for driving in reckless circumstances.
Branstool said Highsmith’s case would be set for trial.
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God I bet that felt fucking great! The rush of 149mph wind pressing against a persons body, would leave you feeling almost breathless.
As long as they did it in a place where there wasn't much traffic, I see no problem with what they did. They were trained officers just trying to unwind a bit.
Authorities said Christopher Thomas, 33, was clocked going 149 mph on Interstate 70, east of Columbus, where the speed limit is 65 mph.
Thomas has been on injured leave from the Gahanna police department since last December after he slipped and fell on ice. Thomas continues to receive pay and benefits, including vacation time.
Thomas was riding with two other people.
Authorities said off-duty state trooper Jason Highsmith, 35, was clocked going 147 mph on I-70.
An OSP radar plane clocked the motorcyclists allegedly going those speeds Sunday, June 28, and troopers made the traffic stop.
A third motorcyclist also was part of the group but was not clocked on radar and was not ticketed.
Four days after the stop, troopers issued Highsmith a ticket, and eight days later Thomas was issued a citation.
Thomas pleaded guilty to his citation Wednesday before Licking County Municipal Court Judge David Branstool.
Branstool sentenced Thomas to a $150 fine and six-month license suspension.
Highsmith entered a plea of not guilty before Branstool Wednesday, July 8.
Branstool said the lack of charges didn’t matter and that he could use his discretion to suspend Highsmith’s license for as much as three years for driving in reckless circumstances.
Branstool said Highsmith’s case would be set for trial.
___________________________
God I bet that felt fucking great! The rush of 149mph wind pressing against a persons body, would leave you feeling almost breathless.
As long as they did it in a place where there wasn't much traffic, I see no problem with what they did. They were trained officers just trying to unwind a bit.
Officer Michael Gonsalves Investigated for Sending Photo of a Penis
A Falmouth police officer is being investigated for sending an obscene text message.
Officer Michael Gonsalves, 40, allegedly text-messaged a photo of a penis to a woman.
According to the Cape Cod Times, he admitted to sending the photo, but said that it was a joke he forwarded to the woman.
He also said that it was not a photo of his private parts, the paper reported.
The 18-year veteran is now on paid administrative leave, and faces a disciplinary hearing later this month.
The hearing will also address other disciplinary issues involving Gonsalves. In 2005, he was disciplined after an altercation with another officer. He has also filed a racial discrimination complaint against the department.
The allegation against Gonsalves comes just months after Falmouth police made national headlines for charging six teenage boys with distributing child pornography for texting nude photos to their classmates. The practice is known as sexting.
___________________________
Let's compare penises!I demand side by side photos!
Officer Michael Gonsalves, 40, allegedly text-messaged a photo of a penis to a woman.
According to the Cape Cod Times, he admitted to sending the photo, but said that it was a joke he forwarded to the woman.
He also said that it was not a photo of his private parts, the paper reported.
The 18-year veteran is now on paid administrative leave, and faces a disciplinary hearing later this month.
The hearing will also address other disciplinary issues involving Gonsalves. In 2005, he was disciplined after an altercation with another officer. He has also filed a racial discrimination complaint against the department.
The allegation against Gonsalves comes just months after Falmouth police made national headlines for charging six teenage boys with distributing child pornography for texting nude photos to their classmates. The practice is known as sexting.
___________________________
Let's compare penises!I demand side by side photos!
Former Deputy Gary Handley Arrested for Sexual Battery
Claremore, OK
A former employee of the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office has been arrested and charged with the crime of sexual battery.
Gary C. Handley, 42, of Broken Arrow, was booked into the Rogers County Jail Wednesda on one count of Sexual Battery. Handley turned himself in, accompanied by his attorney. Immediately upon being booked into the jail, Handley’s attorney secured his release on the $10,000.00 bond.
“This is disheartening,” said Sheriff Walton.
Walton said he was disappointed over the alleged incidents and said, “…this kind of behavior is completely unacceptable from any agent of law enforcement and it absolutely will not stand inside the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office. “
Handley was a deputy sheriff assigned to the courthouse security detail during the alleged offense which surfaced in May.
The charges stem from allegations of inappropriate touching of a female courthouse employee. The allegations arose when the victim contacted the Sheriff’s Office to report the activity. Investigators with the Sheriff’s Office investigated the claim. The Sheriff’s Office investigation of the claim was forwarded to the Rogers County District Attorney’s Office for final determination of criminal charges.
On August 3, 2009, a criminal arrest warrant was issued through Mayes County for the arrest of Handley by Judge Erin O’Quinn under the case number of CF-2009-442.
Handley’s next court date is September 23, 2009 at 9:00 AM.
Officer Jeffrey John Sung Charged with Sexual Battery
A veteran San Francisco motorcycle officer has been charged with groping a longtime friend while in uniform, authorities said today.
Jeffrey John Sung, 42, was charged with one count of sexual battery and one count of false imprisonment without violence, both misdemeanors, for March 21 incident in which he allegedly grabbed a woman at her Broadmoor home, said Steve Wagstaffe, San Mateo County's chief deputy district attorney.
The alleged victim had recently separated from her spouse, and both she and Sung were drinking, Wagstaffe said.
Sung is accused of grabbing the woman, pulling her to him and then talking to her about having sex, the prosecutor said. She tried to leave, but he wouldn't let her go, Wagstaffe said.
The woman was able to break free and call a family member. Sung left on his police motorcycle, Wagstaffe said.
Sung was charged with misdemeanors because the alleged contact occurred through their clothing, Wagstaffe said. The officer is due to appear in San Mateo County Superior Court on Wednesday.
"People have an expectation that officers will conduct themselves without even any gray at all when it comes to obeying the law," Wagstaffe said. "When they violate that, they violate not just the law but the trust the public puts into them."
Sung's attorney, Frank Passaglia, said today that his client has had a stellar 18-year record with the department and that the incident did not amount to criminal conduct.
"That's all they are so far - allegations," Passaglia said. "We're certainly going to take the position that this is a misunderstanding of sorts."
Sung has known the alleged victim for 22 years, he said.
Sung has been reassigned to a desk job, Passaglia said.
Jeffrey John Sung, 42, was charged with one count of sexual battery and one count of false imprisonment without violence, both misdemeanors, for March 21 incident in which he allegedly grabbed a woman at her Broadmoor home, said Steve Wagstaffe, San Mateo County's chief deputy district attorney.
The alleged victim had recently separated from her spouse, and both she and Sung were drinking, Wagstaffe said.
Sung is accused of grabbing the woman, pulling her to him and then talking to her about having sex, the prosecutor said. She tried to leave, but he wouldn't let her go, Wagstaffe said.
The woman was able to break free and call a family member. Sung left on his police motorcycle, Wagstaffe said.
Sung was charged with misdemeanors because the alleged contact occurred through their clothing, Wagstaffe said. The officer is due to appear in San Mateo County Superior Court on Wednesday.
"People have an expectation that officers will conduct themselves without even any gray at all when it comes to obeying the law," Wagstaffe said. "When they violate that, they violate not just the law but the trust the public puts into them."
Sung's attorney, Frank Passaglia, said today that his client has had a stellar 18-year record with the department and that the incident did not amount to criminal conduct.
"That's all they are so far - allegations," Passaglia said. "We're certainly going to take the position that this is a misunderstanding of sorts."
Sung has known the alleged victim for 22 years, he said.
Sung has been reassigned to a desk job, Passaglia said.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Jonathan Bleiweiss Arrested for Sexual Assault
In a series of events that Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti called ``an abuse of power'' and ``a tarnish to the badge,'' law enforcement agents arrested one of their own Monday and accused him of sexually assaulting victims -- while in his uniform, in marked vehicles and on the job.
Jonathan Bleiweiss, 29, of Fort Lauderdale, who in March was honored as employee of the year for the Broward Sheriff's Office's Oakland Park District, was booked at 11 a.m. on 14 charges, including sexual battery, false imprisonment and stalking in connection with abusing one of the victims, a 30-year-old male. Bleiweiss was held without bail Monday.
Investigators said Monday they were preparing to file charges involving seven more male victims, and said there might be even more. The alleged victims range in age from 17 to 30, but all have something in common: They are undocumented immigrants, mostly from El Salvador and Mexico, who speak little English.
``I can't think of a worse betrayal of public trust,'' Lamberti told reporters Monday evening, adding: ``The fact is, he preyed on one of our most vulnerable communities.''
The investigation began in April, when an attorney contacted the Fort Lauderdale Police Department to say two of his clients claimed to have been assaulted by Bleiweiss. BSO's sex crimes unit took over the investigation.
Lamberti said they gave Bleiweiss ``the benefit of the doubt'' until they fully substantiated the allegations in July, which is when he was placed on restricted administrative duty. He is now suspended without pay.
Detectives said Bleiweiss used his authority to manipulate recent immigrants who feared the police. About 6 a.m. April 23, investigators said, Bleiweiss approached a 30-year-old man who was waiting for a ride to work outside the man's apartment complex.
The man told BSO that he was then frisked and fondled, with Bleiweiss sticking his hand inside his underwear. He said Bleiweiss demanded his cellphone number, then continuously called and sent him text messages.
According to the arrest warrant, Bleiweiss is accused of performing oral sex on the man on at least four occasions between that day and June 7. He ordered the man to comply or risk deportation, said BSO Detective Graciela Benito.
She said that when BSO investigators interviewed residents at the apartment complex, they discovered a similar pattern: On multiple occasions, she said, Bleiweiss stopped a victim, demanded an ID, then sexually abused them when he determined they were undocumented.
Bleiweiss, a graduate of Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, came to BSO in 2002 after serving almost two years with the St. Petersburg Police Department.
The only consistent criticism in his BSO personnel records concerned his penmanship. However, in March he was suspended for one day after improperly reporting an illness, according to an internal affairs report.
His base pay in 2008 was $61,098 a year.
In his 2008 nomination letter for the Oakland Park District's employee of the year, Sgt. Kelvin Phillips championed Bleiweiss as a deputy who projects ``a constant and present reminder of the Broward Sheriff's Office determination to serve the community.''
In March, Bleiweiss was featured in a glowing article in The South Florida Blade as a pioneering openly gay police officer.
Lamberti emphasized that immigrants should not be afraid to report crime, regardless of their status. He encouraged anyone else Bleiweiss may have abused to call Benito at 954-321-4249.
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http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/story/1171644.html
Barry Carpenter Charged with Breaking Into Sarah Jessica Parker's House
A police chief facing charges over a burglary at the home of the surrogate mother to Sarah Jessica Parker's twins has been put on leave.
The chief suspect in the surrogate mother's house burglary is no longer the chief of police in Martins Ferry. At least not for a while.
Barry Carpenter was notified in a letter from the mayor. He is indefinitely suspended.
The Ohio Valley was waiting for this decision, that was in the hands of one man, Martins Ferry Mayor Phil Wallace.
"The decision I made, it was a tough one," said Mayor Wallace. "I stayed up real late last night to make it. And I notified the chief about 2:45 today."
He suspended the 32-year-old police chief indefinitely, without pay. The mayor declined to discuss what led him to that decision.
As for Martins Ferry, he says the scandal dubbed "surro-gate" has put the city in the national spotlight, and not in a good way.
"I know what effect it's had on me," said Mayor Wallace. "On the city, I'm sure there are those out there who like that glory. I'm not a glory-seeker and I don't think this city is a glory-seeking city. We really wish it would have happened somewhere else but unfortunately it happened here and we've got to deal with it."
Overall, he says it's been a painful chapter in the city's history.
"It hurts everybody," the mayor said. "I mean, Chief Carpenter is a really nice guy. For something like this to pop up is hard to deal with."
Lt. Phil Hartman, the department's highest-ranking officer, is at the helm of the police department at this time.
Mayor Wallace says he plans to appoint an interim chief within a week.
Veteran Ohio Officer Steals Drugs and Overdoses
A 15-year-veteran police officer is suspected of stealing drugs from the police station and overdosing.
The patrolman overdosed in late-May at his home in Summit County and was rushed to the hospital, Chief Rick Porrello said. The officer resigned from his job but is exhausting his sick hours until sometime next month, the chief said.
The Summit County Sheriff's Office notified Porrello when deputies found the officer at his home. He declined to name the drug taken by the officer because of the ongoing investigation, but said it was small amount, the chief said.
The officer recovered.
Porrello said he was shocked when he learned the drugs may have been taken from the police headquarters. He described the cop as a good officer who will face consequences for his bad decision.
"He will be held accountable criminally," Porrello said. "He will no longer be a police officer in Lyndhurst or anywhere for that matter."
Porrello asked the state Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation to investigate the case. The inquiry is nearly over and will be given to prosecutors, he said.
"He was a great cop," Porello added. "Nobody had any idea that he would make a choice like that."
The patrolman overdosed in late-May at his home in Summit County and was rushed to the hospital, Chief Rick Porrello said. The officer resigned from his job but is exhausting his sick hours until sometime next month, the chief said.
The Summit County Sheriff's Office notified Porrello when deputies found the officer at his home. He declined to name the drug taken by the officer because of the ongoing investigation, but said it was small amount, the chief said.
The officer recovered.
Porrello said he was shocked when he learned the drugs may have been taken from the police headquarters. He described the cop as a good officer who will face consequences for his bad decision.
"He will be held accountable criminally," Porrello said. "He will no longer be a police officer in Lyndhurst or anywhere for that matter."
Porrello asked the state Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation to investigate the case. The inquiry is nearly over and will be given to prosecutors, he said.
"He was a great cop," Porello added. "Nobody had any idea that he would make a choice like that."
Officer Dustin Lee Harris Arrested for Stealing Money During Traffic Stop
A Macon police officer is accused of stealing money from a driver's vehicle during a traffic stop.According to a police news release, they arrested 28-year-old Dustin Lee Harris of Gray and charged him with theft by taking and violating his oath of office.
Macon police Sgt. Melanie Hofmann said money was missing from a traffic violator's vehicle after a traffic stop last weekend. She said she didn't know how much money was missing, but that the officer was charged after the driver complained about the missing money.
She said Harris is a patrol officer in East Macon's 1st Precinct.
The release says he's worked for the police department since March 30 and that he's on administrative leave pending termination.
Harris was released from the Bibb County jail on $6,250 bond Monday night, according to jail records.
Two Troopers on Leave in Conjunction with Franklin Ryle Jr Investigation
Two state troopers put on leave in conjunction with the investigation of former trooper Franklin Ryle Jr. no longer work for the Wyoming Highway Patrol.
As of Tuesday, Adam Longo and Devan Henderson were no longer employed by the patrol, said the agency's top administrator, Col. Sam Powell.
Powell said he couldn't go into further detail because it was a personnel matter. However, he did say the patrol is swiftly working to fill the vacancies with two recruits who've already accepted positions with the patrol.
Longo and Henderson had been stationed in Casper.
"We are going to move as quickly as we can to fill those vacancies," Powell said.
Longo had been on leave since Feb. 5. Henderson was put on leave Feb. 19.
The men were unavailable for comment Tuesday. Neither has a listed phone number.
In May, the patrol disclosed that both men were on paid leave. At that time, Powell did not explain exactly what prompted the move other than to say it was done in conjunction with the Ryle investigation.
Ryle, a former Douglas-based trooper, pleaded guilty last month to federal civil rights charges. He admitted to arresting a Wal-Mart truck driver in January as part of scheme to kill the driver and stage a crash with his patrol vehicle in order to collect a financial settlement.
Neither Henderson nor Longo has been arrested or charged with any crime.
Henderson told investigators he smuggled steroids from Mexico into the United States in 2003 or 2004, according to an FBI affidavit detailing the Ryle investigation. He claimed he and Ryle used the steroids as part of a body building program.
Ryle was also accused of soliciting Henderson to participate in his scheme to stage a crash with the Wal-Mart truck.
Henderson told an FBI agent he did not report Ryle to anyone because he wasn't sure Ryle was serious and because he didn't want to be considered a rat if the statements proved false, according to the affidavit.
Longo is not mentioned in any of the court documents.
Ryle, who was not indicted on any charges related to the steroid allegations, is awaiting sentencing next month.
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Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/search?q=Ryle
As of Tuesday, Adam Longo and Devan Henderson were no longer employed by the patrol, said the agency's top administrator, Col. Sam Powell.
Powell said he couldn't go into further detail because it was a personnel matter. However, he did say the patrol is swiftly working to fill the vacancies with two recruits who've already accepted positions with the patrol.
Longo and Henderson had been stationed in Casper.
"We are going to move as quickly as we can to fill those vacancies," Powell said.
Longo had been on leave since Feb. 5. Henderson was put on leave Feb. 19.
The men were unavailable for comment Tuesday. Neither has a listed phone number.
In May, the patrol disclosed that both men were on paid leave. At that time, Powell did not explain exactly what prompted the move other than to say it was done in conjunction with the Ryle investigation.
Ryle, a former Douglas-based trooper, pleaded guilty last month to federal civil rights charges. He admitted to arresting a Wal-Mart truck driver in January as part of scheme to kill the driver and stage a crash with his patrol vehicle in order to collect a financial settlement.
Neither Henderson nor Longo has been arrested or charged with any crime.
Henderson told investigators he smuggled steroids from Mexico into the United States in 2003 or 2004, according to an FBI affidavit detailing the Ryle investigation. He claimed he and Ryle used the steroids as part of a body building program.
Ryle was also accused of soliciting Henderson to participate in his scheme to stage a crash with the Wal-Mart truck.
Henderson told an FBI agent he did not report Ryle to anyone because he wasn't sure Ryle was serious and because he didn't want to be considered a rat if the statements proved false, according to the affidavit.
Longo is not mentioned in any of the court documents.
Ryle, who was not indicted on any charges related to the steroid allegations, is awaiting sentencing next month.
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Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/search?q=Ryle
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