A Bexar County Jail detention officer was arrested Thursday afternoon after an investigation revealed he supplied inmates with a hacksaw for an attempted jailbreak late last week, officials said.
Alfred Casas, 30, was arrested on the job without incident and is charged with providing implements for escape — deadly weapon, which is a second-degree felony, officials said. The officer has been with the Bexar County Sheriff's Office for three years, said Roger Dovalina, deputy chief of the detention division. Casas' bail was set at $15,000.
Dovalina said he is trying to restore confidence in his officers because their morale is low after hearing about the incident. He said he told them “to keep their heads up” and that “one bad apple” is not a reflection of every officer in the division.
A fifth inmate also has been charged in the escape plot. All five unidentified inmates were facing long sentences and high bail amounts. They are being held in separate high-security cells, Dovalina said.
Since sheriff's deputies and the district attorney's office still are investigating the incident, he said, many details couldn't be released. It wasn't disclosed if investigators are looking for any other suspects or exactly how Casas may have benefited from helping the inmates.
Dovalina said the men had been planning the escape since early September and that they were able to saw off a metal bracket on a window in an outside recreation area. If the men had been able to proceed with the plan, the deputy chief said, the only extra line of security keeping them from freedom was a metal screen covering the window.
The plan was thwarted Saturday when officials found two 30-foot ropes, dyed prisoner clothing and a hacksaw blade. The hand-braided ropes were made from strips of bedsheets and blankets. A few cells down, authorities found dyed clothing and a 5-inch hacksaw blade. Officials said the inmates used teabags to dye their jail-issued orange jumpsuits dark brown. Authorities also found a broken window and a brick that had been chipped away.
Up until Saturday's incident, the jail did not have a “set procedure to check officers” for foul play, Dovalina said. Now, he said, the jail will implement “daily inspections targeting the entire facility.”
“We want the public to know we perform our jobs in a professional manner,” Dovalina said. “We have a case here that doesn't happen very often. We will continue the investigation and take all steps to ensure safety and security.”
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Deputy Brian Hillis Accused of DUI While on the Job
Shocking new information about a Fresno county Sheriff’s Deputy accused of driving under the influence while on the job.
A newly released incident report says Deputy Brian Hillis was driving on a suspended license.
The deputy’s suspension was based on him not paying child support.
The report also reveals that Deputy Hillis told a Fresno Police Officer he was taking a mixture of the prescription drug Klonopin, used to treat a variety of things from anxiety to bipolar disorder to seizures, and the over the counter anti histamine Benadryl.
Following his medical exam, it was determined Hillis was under the influence of both a depressant, and a stimulant.
Deputy Hillis is on paid administrative leave.
A newly released incident report says Deputy Brian Hillis was driving on a suspended license.
The deputy’s suspension was based on him not paying child support.
The report also reveals that Deputy Hillis told a Fresno Police Officer he was taking a mixture of the prescription drug Klonopin, used to treat a variety of things from anxiety to bipolar disorder to seizures, and the over the counter anti histamine Benadryl.
Following his medical exam, it was determined Hillis was under the influence of both a depressant, and a stimulant.
Deputy Hillis is on paid administrative leave.
Officer Calvin Ingram Indicted for Computer Tampering
A police officer who lost his job is now under indictment, accused of accessing computer police databases for personal use.
Calvin Ingram is facing 25 counts of computer tampering, and two other counts related to identity theft.
Prosecutors say Ingram took information from the computer databases and gave that information to people who weren't in law enforcement. The databases contain addresses, criminal records and other personal data.
Ingram served nearly 11 years as a Marana police officer before he was terminated in September. He is appealing his termination.
Calvin Ingram is facing 25 counts of computer tampering, and two other counts related to identity theft.
Prosecutors say Ingram took information from the computer databases and gave that information to people who weren't in law enforcement. The databases contain addresses, criminal records and other personal data.
Ingram served nearly 11 years as a Marana police officer before he was terminated in September. He is appealing his termination.
Officer Vernon Wolford Pleads Guilty to Sexual Battery
An Obetz police officer accused of engaging in sexual activity with a woman he had just arrested has agreed to plead guilty to sexual battery next month.
Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney Ron O’Brien said officer Vernon Wolford still faces up to five years in prison for the sexual battery charge - a third-degree felony.
Last month, Vernon arrested a woman wanted in Florida for probation violation. According to a search warrant, she told investigators that Vernon asked her “you want to go home,“ as she sat in the back of the police cruiser in handcuffs. The woman said she then performed the sex act and later reported the incident after arriving at the Franklin County Corrections Center.
A state crime lab later tested a substance on the woman’s tennis shoe and determined it was Wolford’s semen.
“Even while someone may claim that conduct was consensual the law pre-supposes that people cannot under that kind of circumstance give consent. And that’s what would be the basis for the charge in this case,“ O’Brien said
Wolford’s plea hearing in front of Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Julie Lynch is scheduled for January 25. O’Brien said Wolford has been placed on administrative leave by the Obetz Police Department.
Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney Ron O’Brien said officer Vernon Wolford still faces up to five years in prison for the sexual battery charge - a third-degree felony.
Last month, Vernon arrested a woman wanted in Florida for probation violation. According to a search warrant, she told investigators that Vernon asked her “you want to go home,“ as she sat in the back of the police cruiser in handcuffs. The woman said she then performed the sex act and later reported the incident after arriving at the Franklin County Corrections Center.
A state crime lab later tested a substance on the woman’s tennis shoe and determined it was Wolford’s semen.
“Even while someone may claim that conduct was consensual the law pre-supposes that people cannot under that kind of circumstance give consent. And that’s what would be the basis for the charge in this case,“ O’Brien said
Wolford’s plea hearing in front of Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Julie Lynch is scheduled for January 25. O’Brien said Wolford has been placed on administrative leave by the Obetz Police Department.
Officer Rhashim Campbell Accused of Assaulting Prisoner
A city police officer accused of assaulting a prisoner in November allegedly boasted to several fellow officers about beating the man.
One of those officers was Sgt. Robert E. Ford Jr., who is assigned to the internal affairs division, which investigates allegations of police misconduct.
Ford immediately began an investigation of Officer Rhashim Campbell's conduct during the early morning hours of Nov. 1 and prepared a warrant seeking his arrest on charges of third-degree assault and fabricating evidence. Hartford State's Attorney Gail Hardy signed that warrant Dec. 4 and Campbell was arrested Dec. 10. Campbell's lawyer, Salvatore Bonanno of Hartford, said Campbell denies the charges and maintains his innocence.
The warrant affidavit was made public this week, after Campbell's arraignment Tuesday in Superior Court in Hartford.
According to the warrant, Campbell told officers gathered in a report writing room on Nov. 2 that a prisoner had punched him in the face, then bitten his finger as he tried to restrain him. Campbell then allegedly told the assembled group that he went into the cell holding Michael Stewart, 41, of Ridge, N.Y., and beat him.
"I opened the door and whooped his ass," Campbell said, according to the warrant. "I tried to kill him, I tried to [expletive] him up." Two officers quickly grabbed Campbell and escorted him from the room. On the way out they told Ford that Campbell was on medication and may not have been aware of what he was saying.
Ford then viewed a video of the cell that allegedly shows Campbell using his hands and a knee to strike Campbell several times. A second officer, Kent Lee, allegedly helped push Stewart to the floor. Police prepared a warrant for Lee's arrest as well, but prosecutors declined to sign it.
Stewart was in custody after being arrested earlier in the evening on charges of breach of peace and resisting arrest. Police described him as being drunk and belligerent at the time of his arrest. An officer had to use pepper spray to get him to cooperate when he was arrested.
The charges against Campbell are for allegedly assaulting Stewart and for allegedly writing a false report on the incident.
Bonanno said Campbell "denies assaulting Mr. Stewart" and "he denies fabricating any evidence."
As to what was said in that report room, Bonanno said Campbell has no specific recollection.
"Officer Campbell does not remember the specific words he may or may not have used in the report room and his remarks were not directed at Sgt. Ford. Whether some of that was bravado, it remains to be seen. Often times we make comments that we don't mean literally."
During Tuesday's arraignment, Bonanno did file a motion asking that all audio and video recordings of the discussion in the report room be preserved. Bonanno said he's received information that an officer who was present may have recorded the conversation on an iPhone, or other device.
"If there was a recording of anything said in the report room, that would be the best evidence of what was said," Bonanno said.
One of those officers was Sgt. Robert E. Ford Jr., who is assigned to the internal affairs division, which investigates allegations of police misconduct.
Ford immediately began an investigation of Officer Rhashim Campbell's conduct during the early morning hours of Nov. 1 and prepared a warrant seeking his arrest on charges of third-degree assault and fabricating evidence. Hartford State's Attorney Gail Hardy signed that warrant Dec. 4 and Campbell was arrested Dec. 10. Campbell's lawyer, Salvatore Bonanno of Hartford, said Campbell denies the charges and maintains his innocence.
The warrant affidavit was made public this week, after Campbell's arraignment Tuesday in Superior Court in Hartford.
According to the warrant, Campbell told officers gathered in a report writing room on Nov. 2 that a prisoner had punched him in the face, then bitten his finger as he tried to restrain him. Campbell then allegedly told the assembled group that he went into the cell holding Michael Stewart, 41, of Ridge, N.Y., and beat him.
"I opened the door and whooped his ass," Campbell said, according to the warrant. "I tried to kill him, I tried to [expletive] him up." Two officers quickly grabbed Campbell and escorted him from the room. On the way out they told Ford that Campbell was on medication and may not have been aware of what he was saying.
Ford then viewed a video of the cell that allegedly shows Campbell using his hands and a knee to strike Campbell several times. A second officer, Kent Lee, allegedly helped push Stewart to the floor. Police prepared a warrant for Lee's arrest as well, but prosecutors declined to sign it.
Stewart was in custody after being arrested earlier in the evening on charges of breach of peace and resisting arrest. Police described him as being drunk and belligerent at the time of his arrest. An officer had to use pepper spray to get him to cooperate when he was arrested.
The charges against Campbell are for allegedly assaulting Stewart and for allegedly writing a false report on the incident.
Bonanno said Campbell "denies assaulting Mr. Stewart" and "he denies fabricating any evidence."
As to what was said in that report room, Bonanno said Campbell has no specific recollection.
"Officer Campbell does not remember the specific words he may or may not have used in the report room and his remarks were not directed at Sgt. Ford. Whether some of that was bravado, it remains to be seen. Often times we make comments that we don't mean literally."
During Tuesday's arraignment, Bonanno did file a motion asking that all audio and video recordings of the discussion in the report room be preserved. Bonanno said he's received information that an officer who was present may have recorded the conversation on an iPhone, or other device.
"If there was a recording of anything said in the report room, that would be the best evidence of what was said," Bonanno said.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Border Protection Officer Eric Higgins Indicted for Child Porn
A Customs and Border Protection officer has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Detroit on charges that he received child pornography.
Eric Higgins, 31, an officer at the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron, is accused of receiving images of child pornography via the Internet between February and June. Receipt of child pornography is punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison. He has been employed with the agency since 2002. His employment status will depend on the outcome of the case, Customs and Border Protection spokesman Ron Smith said.
Eric Higgins, 31, an officer at the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron, is accused of receiving images of child pornography via the Internet between February and June. Receipt of child pornography is punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison. He has been employed with the agency since 2002. His employment status will depend on the outcome of the case, Customs and Border Protection spokesman Ron Smith said.
Corrections Officer Michael Combs Charged with Battery
A central Florida corrections officer has been charged with battery after two female inmates told investigators he inappropriately touched them.
Michael Combs was arrested at his home in Lake County on Monday and later released on bond.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office says the inmates claim Combs inappropriately touched them while awaiting trial in holding cells. When contacted by detectives, Combs allegedly admitted to patting two of the women on the buttocks, but said his actions weren't sexually motivated.
Combs has been placed on paid administrative leave and could not be reached for comment. Jail records did not indicate if he has obtained an attorney.
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Michael Combs was arrested at his home in Lake County on Monday and later released on bond.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office says the inmates claim Combs inappropriately touched them while awaiting trial in holding cells. When contacted by detectives, Combs allegedly admitted to patting two of the women on the buttocks, but said his actions weren't sexually motivated.
Combs has been placed on paid administrative leave and could not be reached for comment. Jail records did not indicate if he has obtained an attorney.
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Former Officer Tyrone Wiggins Charged with Rape
Allegations of rape, physical and psychological abuse and now a police cover up have been raised against the case involving a former Philadelphia cop.
Tyrone Wiggins faces charges of rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and statutory sexual assault for allegedly abusing a girl over an eight-year period.
The 50-year-old former Philly police officer and karate instructor met the girl in 1995 at the Olney Recreation Center -- where he operates a karate academy.
Two years later, the girl says Wiggins drove her to Fairmount Park and demanded oral sex, according to court documents.
The girl, who's now 24-years-old, alleges that first encounter grew into eight years of sexual assault and abuse. Court documents say the girl was forced to perform oral sex, was anally raped and physically beaten.
In 2005, the then 20-year-old told police Wiggins began to punch her, court documents said. She finally came forward to Internal Affairs investigators after a co-worker found out about the attacks.
"The allegation was made in '06, it went to the D.A. in '07 and an arrest was made a few weeks ago," Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey said Tuesday.
Wiggins was arrested in November, a day after he retired from the police force. He had been with the department for 23 years.
"This is something that we obviously take very seriously and if he's guilty, he should do time in jail," Ramsey said.
The alleged victim apparently joined the police force after telling her story to investigators, police sources told the Philadelphia Daily News. They said Wiggins offered to personally vouch for the woman after learning of her application.
NBC Philadelphia visited the man's home Tuesday, but a person inside the home -- believed to be Wiggins -- refused to talk.
After his arrest, the man continued to operate his karate classes at the Olney center, because the police department failed to notify the city recreation department.
"As soon as you and I are finished talking, I'm going to make sure he won't be running any more programs," Recreation Commissioner Sue Slawson told the Daily News' David Gambacorta.
As of now, the woman is the only alleged victim to come forward, but Ramsey says they will obviously investigate any further claims.
The department faced allegations of a cover up after they failed to notify the press about Wiggins' arrest especially after another man in blue was paraded in front of reporters for a similar case.
Adrian Makuch was arrested and charged with prostitution and related offenses on Dec. 9 for allegedly soliciting a 15-year-old boy.
"It's my mistake not getting it out in a press release," Ramsey said. "There was no effort to hide it in any way."
City Councilwoman Marian Tasco sent a letter to Ramsey Tuesday seeking answers regarding the oversight and investigation.
Wiggins is due in court for a preliminary hearing on Jan. 14.
Tyrone Wiggins faces charges of rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and statutory sexual assault for allegedly abusing a girl over an eight-year period.
The 50-year-old former Philly police officer and karate instructor met the girl in 1995 at the Olney Recreation Center -- where he operates a karate academy.
Two years later, the girl says Wiggins drove her to Fairmount Park and demanded oral sex, according to court documents.
The girl, who's now 24-years-old, alleges that first encounter grew into eight years of sexual assault and abuse. Court documents say the girl was forced to perform oral sex, was anally raped and physically beaten.
In 2005, the then 20-year-old told police Wiggins began to punch her, court documents said. She finally came forward to Internal Affairs investigators after a co-worker found out about the attacks.
"The allegation was made in '06, it went to the D.A. in '07 and an arrest was made a few weeks ago," Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey said Tuesday.
Wiggins was arrested in November, a day after he retired from the police force. He had been with the department for 23 years.
"This is something that we obviously take very seriously and if he's guilty, he should do time in jail," Ramsey said.
The alleged victim apparently joined the police force after telling her story to investigators, police sources told the Philadelphia Daily News. They said Wiggins offered to personally vouch for the woman after learning of her application.
NBC Philadelphia visited the man's home Tuesday, but a person inside the home -- believed to be Wiggins -- refused to talk.
After his arrest, the man continued to operate his karate classes at the Olney center, because the police department failed to notify the city recreation department.
"As soon as you and I are finished talking, I'm going to make sure he won't be running any more programs," Recreation Commissioner Sue Slawson told the Daily News' David Gambacorta.
As of now, the woman is the only alleged victim to come forward, but Ramsey says they will obviously investigate any further claims.
The department faced allegations of a cover up after they failed to notify the press about Wiggins' arrest especially after another man in blue was paraded in front of reporters for a similar case.
Adrian Makuch was arrested and charged with prostitution and related offenses on Dec. 9 for allegedly soliciting a 15-year-old boy.
"It's my mistake not getting it out in a press release," Ramsey said. "There was no effort to hide it in any way."
City Councilwoman Marian Tasco sent a letter to Ramsey Tuesday seeking answers regarding the oversight and investigation.
Wiggins is due in court for a preliminary hearing on Jan. 14.
Officer Alain Jones Charged with Domestic Abuse
A 14-year member of the Shreveport police department was charged with domestic abuse Monday evening and was immediately placed on paid administrative leave.
Alain Jones, 43, of Shreveport, is accused of attacking his wife during a fight about 6:30 p.m.
Shreveport police issued the off-duty officer a misdemeanor summons for one count of domestic abuse battery.
Alain Jones, 43, of Shreveport, is accused of attacking his wife during a fight about 6:30 p.m.
Shreveport police issued the off-duty officer a misdemeanor summons for one count of domestic abuse battery.
Sgt Bradley Thoma Involved in Drunken Hit and Run Crash Has Been Fired
A police sergeant involved in a drunken hit-and-run crash in September has been fired.
Bradley N. Thoma, 44, is no longer employed by the Spokane Police Department as of Monday, the department announced Tuesday.
Thoma, a 20-year police veteran, will avoid criminal prosecution for the crash if he stays out of trouble for five years under an agreement approved in District Court in November.
But the agreement requires him to use a breathalyzer device to start his car, which Spokane police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick said prohibits him from completing the duties of a police officer.
“A valid driver’s license without restrictions is essential for the job,” Kirkpatrick said in a prepared statement.
Thoma was driving his personal Dodge Ram pickup on Sept. 23 when he hit the back of Sherry L. Prickett’s Ford Ranger near the intersection of Farwell Road and U.S. Highway 2. He then drove away.
Prickett, 51, and another driver followed Thoma to the parking lot of a Yoke’s Fresh Market, where Thoma told a state trooper he’d been planning to buy steaks.
Thoma smelled strongly of alcohol, troopers said. He told them he had just golfed at Wandermere Golf Course and “knew he had hit someone’s car and not stopped to give her his information,” according to a report from the Washington State Patrol.
“He talked about how he was probably going to lose his job or at least lose his supervisory position,” the arresting officer wrote. “He also told me he knew I was just doing my job and he was sorry for putting me in the position of arresting a fellow officer.”
Under the deferred prosecution agreement, Thoma – whose blood-alcohol level was 0.171, more than twice the legal limit for driving – will basically be on probation for five years and be required to complete a rehabilitation program in the first two years.
The DUI won’t appear on his record if he completes the program. The misdemeanor hit-and-run charge was dismissed under a “misdemeanor compromise” agreement after a judge read a letter from Prickett that said she’d been paid for the damage to her vehicle and was “not interested in (pursuing) Mr. Thoma any further.”
Prickett later said she didn’t know the letter would lead to the hit-and-run charge being dismissed.
Thoma joined the Spokane Police Department in October 1989. He’s worked in the drug unit and on the SWAT team. In 1991, he was one of two officers involved in a gunfight with a fugitive that killed an innocent bystander. A jury cleared both of wrongdoing in a civil case in 1994.
In January, Thoma suffered a minor stab wound to the jaw outside a downtown Spokane restaurant in a confrontation with two men he said were harassing his fiancé, Spokane police Officer Amy Ross. Charges against one of the men, Shannon Dogskin, were dismissed; another, Kenneth J. Kheel, is serving two years in prison.
Thoma made $91,141 a year as a sergeant.
Bradley N. Thoma, 44, is no longer employed by the Spokane Police Department as of Monday, the department announced Tuesday.
Thoma, a 20-year police veteran, will avoid criminal prosecution for the crash if he stays out of trouble for five years under an agreement approved in District Court in November.
But the agreement requires him to use a breathalyzer device to start his car, which Spokane police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick said prohibits him from completing the duties of a police officer.
“A valid driver’s license without restrictions is essential for the job,” Kirkpatrick said in a prepared statement.
Thoma was driving his personal Dodge Ram pickup on Sept. 23 when he hit the back of Sherry L. Prickett’s Ford Ranger near the intersection of Farwell Road and U.S. Highway 2. He then drove away.
Prickett, 51, and another driver followed Thoma to the parking lot of a Yoke’s Fresh Market, where Thoma told a state trooper he’d been planning to buy steaks.
Thoma smelled strongly of alcohol, troopers said. He told them he had just golfed at Wandermere Golf Course and “knew he had hit someone’s car and not stopped to give her his information,” according to a report from the Washington State Patrol.
“He talked about how he was probably going to lose his job or at least lose his supervisory position,” the arresting officer wrote. “He also told me he knew I was just doing my job and he was sorry for putting me in the position of arresting a fellow officer.”
Under the deferred prosecution agreement, Thoma – whose blood-alcohol level was 0.171, more than twice the legal limit for driving – will basically be on probation for five years and be required to complete a rehabilitation program in the first two years.
The DUI won’t appear on his record if he completes the program. The misdemeanor hit-and-run charge was dismissed under a “misdemeanor compromise” agreement after a judge read a letter from Prickett that said she’d been paid for the damage to her vehicle and was “not interested in (pursuing) Mr. Thoma any further.”
Prickett later said she didn’t know the letter would lead to the hit-and-run charge being dismissed.
Thoma joined the Spokane Police Department in October 1989. He’s worked in the drug unit and on the SWAT team. In 1991, he was one of two officers involved in a gunfight with a fugitive that killed an innocent bystander. A jury cleared both of wrongdoing in a civil case in 1994.
In January, Thoma suffered a minor stab wound to the jaw outside a downtown Spokane restaurant in a confrontation with two men he said were harassing his fiancé, Spokane police Officer Amy Ross. Charges against one of the men, Shannon Dogskin, were dismissed; another, Kenneth J. Kheel, is serving two years in prison.
Thoma made $91,141 a year as a sergeant.
Texas Woman Says Waco Police Used Excessive Force
One Central Texas woman says she feels Waco Police were putting on a show and using excessive force when they used a Taser on her brother-in-law last week.
Waco resident Jessica Smith says her brother-in-law, Brent Smith, was stunned and arrested by police at Cricket's Bar and Grill last week after he confronted another patron who publicly molested her.
“The guy walked by and squeezed my breast and I wasn't the only one who felt it and saw it," Smith told News 10.
Cell phone video shows a man being stunned with a Taser and then taken into police custody inside the doorway of the popular downtown pub.
“We thought the police were there to help us,” Smith said “I was so relieved when we heard police were coming because maybe somebody would listen to us.”
But Waco Police Sgt Melvin Roseborough says there is more to the story than what is shown by the dark, shaky video.
“Whenever the officer tried to handcuff this individual, he got one handcuff on,” Roseborough said.
The man in the video then pulled away from the police officer, Roseborough told News 10, and the handcuff became a weapon.
The officers responded in a manner to keep anyone from getting hurt in that situation, Roseborough said.
“I don’t feel my brother-in-law deserves this at all,” says Smith.
Brent Smith agreed, “My civil rights were violated by the city in which I pay my bills and that that’s what bothers me.”
Roseborough says an entire division exists within the Waco Police Department to hold officers accountable by listening to complaints.
Waco Police say, however, that no complaints have been filed in connection with the incident.
Waco resident Jessica Smith says her brother-in-law, Brent Smith, was stunned and arrested by police at Cricket's Bar and Grill last week after he confronted another patron who publicly molested her.
“The guy walked by and squeezed my breast and I wasn't the only one who felt it and saw it," Smith told News 10.
Cell phone video shows a man being stunned with a Taser and then taken into police custody inside the doorway of the popular downtown pub.
“We thought the police were there to help us,” Smith said “I was so relieved when we heard police were coming because maybe somebody would listen to us.”
But Waco Police Sgt Melvin Roseborough says there is more to the story than what is shown by the dark, shaky video.
“Whenever the officer tried to handcuff this individual, he got one handcuff on,” Roseborough said.
The man in the video then pulled away from the police officer, Roseborough told News 10, and the handcuff became a weapon.
The officers responded in a manner to keep anyone from getting hurt in that situation, Roseborough said.
“I don’t feel my brother-in-law deserves this at all,” says Smith.
Brent Smith agreed, “My civil rights were violated by the city in which I pay my bills and that that’s what bothers me.”
Roseborough says an entire division exists within the Waco Police Department to hold officers accountable by listening to complaints.
Waco Police say, however, that no complaints have been filed in connection with the incident.
Officer Thomas Walker Arrested for Drunk Driving
An off-duty South Fayette Township police officer accused of driving under the influence of alcohol in a Cecil Township crash that injured two Bridgeville police officers was suspended from his job without pay Monday night.
Thomas J. Walker, 38, of 7 S. DePaoli Road, Cecil, was arrested Friday after his vehicle crashed into a Bridgeville police cruiser and knocked it into another, injuring two officers who were assisting on a call in Cecil. He also was charged with aggravated assault by motor vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol.
Bridgeville police Chief Chad King said Tuesday that the two officers, Sgt. Gary James and Officer Chris Manolakos, are recovering at home. The officers were assisting Cecil police on a report of shots fired in a home on Millers Run Road (Route 50.)
"Sgt. James is in a lot of pain. He had to have part of his ear reattached and suffered a concussion," said King, who just took over as chief earlier this month. "He was partially ejected through the door of his cruiser. He was knocked totally out."
James was getting into his unmarked cruiser when it was hit by Walker's Hummer H-3. The door on the cruiser was not completely closed.
The unmarked car was knocked into Manolakos' marked car. King said he also suffered a concussion.
James will be off work for at least a month, while Manolakos' is awaiting clearance from his doctor to return to work.
Meanwhile, the eight-man Bridgeville department is down a quarter of its force and two of its fleet of four cruisers are off the road.
"Two of the six (officers) that are still working are on vacation," said King. "We are in a bind. I'm doubling out Christmas Day."
A preliminary hearing for Walker, scheduled for Tuesday, was continued at the request of his attorney, Noah Geary. Walker, who is a former police officer for Hanover and North Franklin townships, twice refused to submit to a blood-alcohol test.
South Fayette Township commissioners voted following an executive session Monday to suspend Walker without pay pending the investigation and disposition of charges, said Commissioner Deron Gabriel.
"Initially, (Chief Louis Volle) had suspended him with pay and we took action to make certain not to give Officer Walker a paid vacation based on his egregious actions," Gabriel said.
Thomas J. Walker, 38, of 7 S. DePaoli Road, Cecil, was arrested Friday after his vehicle crashed into a Bridgeville police cruiser and knocked it into another, injuring two officers who were assisting on a call in Cecil. He also was charged with aggravated assault by motor vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol.
Bridgeville police Chief Chad King said Tuesday that the two officers, Sgt. Gary James and Officer Chris Manolakos, are recovering at home. The officers were assisting Cecil police on a report of shots fired in a home on Millers Run Road (Route 50.)
"Sgt. James is in a lot of pain. He had to have part of his ear reattached and suffered a concussion," said King, who just took over as chief earlier this month. "He was partially ejected through the door of his cruiser. He was knocked totally out."
James was getting into his unmarked cruiser when it was hit by Walker's Hummer H-3. The door on the cruiser was not completely closed.
The unmarked car was knocked into Manolakos' marked car. King said he also suffered a concussion.
James will be off work for at least a month, while Manolakos' is awaiting clearance from his doctor to return to work.
Meanwhile, the eight-man Bridgeville department is down a quarter of its force and two of its fleet of four cruisers are off the road.
"Two of the six (officers) that are still working are on vacation," said King. "We are in a bind. I'm doubling out Christmas Day."
A preliminary hearing for Walker, scheduled for Tuesday, was continued at the request of his attorney, Noah Geary. Walker, who is a former police officer for Hanover and North Franklin townships, twice refused to submit to a blood-alcohol test.
South Fayette Township commissioners voted following an executive session Monday to suspend Walker without pay pending the investigation and disposition of charges, said Commissioner Deron Gabriel.
"Initially, (Chief Louis Volle) had suspended him with pay and we took action to make certain not to give Officer Walker a paid vacation based on his egregious actions," Gabriel said.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Retired Officer Stephen Robert Deck Found Guilty of Attempted Lewd Act with Child
A retired California Highway Patrol lieutenant was convicted today of trying to have sex with someone he thought was a 13-year-old girl who was actually an adult undercover officer.
Stephen Robert Deck, 55, a Carlsbad resident who spent 23 years with the CHP, was found guilty of one felony count of attempted lewd acts on a child under 14, the Orange County district attorney's office said.
StephenDeck Deck was among 13 men swept up in a 2006 undercover sting by the Laguna Beach Police Department.
He initially had conversations over the Internet with a person he believed was a 13-year-old girl. He was in fact communicating with an adult volunteer from Perverted-Justice.com, a nonprofit organization that works with law enforcement nationwide to catch Internet sexual predators, prosecutors said.
Deck continued online communications and phone calls with an undercover officer who sounded young, authorities said. He made graphic sexual comments, including a statement about eating pie, according to prosecutors.
After arranging to meet the girl, Deck showed up at a Laguna Beach apartment with a key lime pie and a digital camera, prosecutors said. He was arrested at the scene.
He is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 22 at the Santa Ana courthouse. He could serve up to four years in state prison.
Stephen Robert Deck, 55, a Carlsbad resident who spent 23 years with the CHP, was found guilty of one felony count of attempted lewd acts on a child under 14, the Orange County district attorney's office said.
StephenDeck Deck was among 13 men swept up in a 2006 undercover sting by the Laguna Beach Police Department.
He initially had conversations over the Internet with a person he believed was a 13-year-old girl. He was in fact communicating with an adult volunteer from Perverted-Justice.com, a nonprofit organization that works with law enforcement nationwide to catch Internet sexual predators, prosecutors said.
Deck continued online communications and phone calls with an undercover officer who sounded young, authorities said. He made graphic sexual comments, including a statement about eating pie, according to prosecutors.
After arranging to meet the girl, Deck showed up at a Laguna Beach apartment with a key lime pie and a digital camera, prosecutors said. He was arrested at the scene.
He is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 22 at the Santa Ana courthouse. He could serve up to four years in state prison.
Officer John McCalister Charged with Assault
John McCalister, the Oakwood police officer who was charged with misdemeanor assault after striking a man inside a Dayton Rite Aid Pharmacy, submitted a letter of retirement, according to Oakwood Public Safety Chief Alex Bebris.
The letter said McCalister’s retirement was effective Dec. 18, Bebris said Monday, Dec. 21.
McCalister, 46, was caught on the pharmacy’s surveillance camera, striking Paul Watts, 48, of Dayton on Oct. 14 at 1158 Wilmington Ave. Watts did not attempt to strike back at McCalister, according to the video.
McCalister retired as a part of a written agreement between himself, the City of Oakwood and his union, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #107, Bebris said.
McCalister has been with the Oakwood Public Safety Department for 14 years and was a former Dayton Firefighter.
Neither John McCalister nor his attorney, Richard Skelton, could be reached for comment.
McCalister, along with wife and fellow Oakwood Officer Tiffany McCalister, had been on administrative leave since Oct. 30, according to letters filed in their personnel files.
John McCalister turned in his retirement letter before he was interviewed for the city’s internal investigation, Bebris said.
Tiffany McCalister witnessed the Oct. 14 event, according to a Dayton police report. She has not been charged.
The portion of the report that was released to the public said John McCalister advised his wife to go to a car and get a gun, but did not say if she actually sought a weapon.
“It is my understanding that no gun was shown,” said special prosecutor Michael Shiels, the city of Springfield’s chief prosecutor. However, he also said, “I don’t want to discuss the details of the case.”
Stephanie Cook, Dayton’s chief prosecutor, recused her office from the case because of a conflict of interest.
John McCalister is scheduled to appear at a pre-trial hearing before Judge John Pickrel on Feb. 23.
Tiffany McCalister was taken off of administrative leave last week and is now on sick leave, Bebris said.
“She is welcomed to come back to work,” Bebris said. He didn’t know when she would return, but said she is currently scheduled to return to work this week. He said also her internal investigation will be finished when she returns to work.
“I’m hoping that everyone involved is able to move forward on this,” Bebris said.
The letter said McCalister’s retirement was effective Dec. 18, Bebris said Monday, Dec. 21.
McCalister, 46, was caught on the pharmacy’s surveillance camera, striking Paul Watts, 48, of Dayton on Oct. 14 at 1158 Wilmington Ave. Watts did not attempt to strike back at McCalister, according to the video.
McCalister retired as a part of a written agreement between himself, the City of Oakwood and his union, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #107, Bebris said.
McCalister has been with the Oakwood Public Safety Department for 14 years and was a former Dayton Firefighter.
Neither John McCalister nor his attorney, Richard Skelton, could be reached for comment.
McCalister, along with wife and fellow Oakwood Officer Tiffany McCalister, had been on administrative leave since Oct. 30, according to letters filed in their personnel files.
John McCalister turned in his retirement letter before he was interviewed for the city’s internal investigation, Bebris said.
Tiffany McCalister witnessed the Oct. 14 event, according to a Dayton police report. She has not been charged.
The portion of the report that was released to the public said John McCalister advised his wife to go to a car and get a gun, but did not say if she actually sought a weapon.
“It is my understanding that no gun was shown,” said special prosecutor Michael Shiels, the city of Springfield’s chief prosecutor. However, he also said, “I don’t want to discuss the details of the case.”
Stephanie Cook, Dayton’s chief prosecutor, recused her office from the case because of a conflict of interest.
John McCalister is scheduled to appear at a pre-trial hearing before Judge John Pickrel on Feb. 23.
Tiffany McCalister was taken off of administrative leave last week and is now on sick leave, Bebris said.
“She is welcomed to come back to work,” Bebris said. He didn’t know when she would return, but said she is currently scheduled to return to work this week. He said also her internal investigation will be finished when she returns to work.
“I’m hoping that everyone involved is able to move forward on this,” Bebris said.
Former Officer Jay Simon Will be Allowed to Speak with His Children
A former Gurnee police officer accused of molesting two preteen girls will be allowed to speak with his children over the holidays - if the children elect to do so.
A Lake County circuit court judge on Monday granted the request of Jay Simon, 37, of Round Lake Park, to speak with his sons during the holidays, provided the sons contact Simon first.
Simon was arrested in June 2008 and charged with predatory criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal abuse for, authorities said, molesting the two girls following an investigation by the Lake County Children's Advocacy Center.
The girls, who were under the age of 13, were molested in three separate attacks dating to November 2006, prosecutors said.
He was also charged with aggravated unlawful restraint, official misconduct and aggravated assault following a 2007 incident in which he identified himself as a police officer and used his duty handgun to threaten a man linked to his estranged wife, authorities said.
Simon has pleaded not guilty. He faces the possibility of multiple prison sentences of up to 30 years if convicted of all the most serious charges.
Simon has been released on $1 million bond since his arrest but is under a 24-hour home confinement and is allowed to leave only to go to court or to meet with his lawyer.
His trial is expected to begin Jan. 15.
A Lake County circuit court judge on Monday granted the request of Jay Simon, 37, of Round Lake Park, to speak with his sons during the holidays, provided the sons contact Simon first.
Simon was arrested in June 2008 and charged with predatory criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal abuse for, authorities said, molesting the two girls following an investigation by the Lake County Children's Advocacy Center.
The girls, who were under the age of 13, were molested in three separate attacks dating to November 2006, prosecutors said.
He was also charged with aggravated unlawful restraint, official misconduct and aggravated assault following a 2007 incident in which he identified himself as a police officer and used his duty handgun to threaten a man linked to his estranged wife, authorities said.
Simon has pleaded not guilty. He faces the possibility of multiple prison sentences of up to 30 years if convicted of all the most serious charges.
Simon has been released on $1 million bond since his arrest but is under a 24-hour home confinement and is allowed to leave only to go to court or to meet with his lawyer.
His trial is expected to begin Jan. 15.
Officer Anthony Green Arrested for DUI
Patrol Officer Anthony Mathew Green repeatedly expressed interest in joining the St. Petersburg Police Department's traffic enforcement division.
But that goal and his law enforcement career were endangered by his arrest this weekend on charges that the off-duty officer drunkenly crashed into two different vehicles, then drove away.
Green, 30, was arrested early Saturday on charges of driving under the influence/crash, DUI involving property damage and two counts of leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage.
Both incidents took place on Fourth Street N about 10 p.m. Friday, according to St. Petersburg police.
The first crash took place as Green attempted to pass a vehicle near the 3500 block of Fourth Street.
Both vehicles were headed north. Green drove over the raised concrete median while passing a 2009 Honda sedan, police said, and struck the driver's side mirror of that vehicle.
The Honda's driver was not injured, but police said the officer didn't stop after the collision.
Instead, Green continued north on Fourth. Police said Green's vehicle struck another vehicle at 38th Avenue N and Fourth Street. Police said no one was injured in that crash, but that Green kept going.
After the incidents, officers searched the area and found Green's damaged vehicle parked outside his Shore Acres home.
Green, who was off duty, was still inside the vehicle, according to police. His blood-alcohol level tested at 0.179 and 0.173. Florida law presumes a driver is impaired at 0.08 or greater.
He was arrested and booked into the Pinellas County jail about 3:30 a.m. Saturday. He could not be reached for comment Monday.
Green, a graduate of Lakewood High School and the University of South Florida, has been a patrol officer since November 2005. His personnel file shows nothing but positive reviews.
His file also showed that he has never been disciplined by the department. Green was involved in three crashes while driving his police cruiser, according to records, but only one incident was declared "preventable." He received a warning for that incident.
According to police, he was placed on administrative duty pending an internal investigation. After the investigation, a chain-of-command board will determine any disciplinary action.
But that goal and his law enforcement career were endangered by his arrest this weekend on charges that the off-duty officer drunkenly crashed into two different vehicles, then drove away.
Green, 30, was arrested early Saturday on charges of driving under the influence/crash, DUI involving property damage and two counts of leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage.
Both incidents took place on Fourth Street N about 10 p.m. Friday, according to St. Petersburg police.
The first crash took place as Green attempted to pass a vehicle near the 3500 block of Fourth Street.
Both vehicles were headed north. Green drove over the raised concrete median while passing a 2009 Honda sedan, police said, and struck the driver's side mirror of that vehicle.
The Honda's driver was not injured, but police said the officer didn't stop after the collision.
Instead, Green continued north on Fourth. Police said Green's vehicle struck another vehicle at 38th Avenue N and Fourth Street. Police said no one was injured in that crash, but that Green kept going.
After the incidents, officers searched the area and found Green's damaged vehicle parked outside his Shore Acres home.
Green, who was off duty, was still inside the vehicle, according to police. His blood-alcohol level tested at 0.179 and 0.173. Florida law presumes a driver is impaired at 0.08 or greater.
He was arrested and booked into the Pinellas County jail about 3:30 a.m. Saturday. He could not be reached for comment Monday.
Green, a graduate of Lakewood High School and the University of South Florida, has been a patrol officer since November 2005. His personnel file shows nothing but positive reviews.
His file also showed that he has never been disciplined by the department. Green was involved in three crashes while driving his police cruiser, according to records, but only one incident was declared "preventable." He received a warning for that incident.
According to police, he was placed on administrative duty pending an internal investigation. After the investigation, a chain-of-command board will determine any disciplinary action.
Officer Jason East Arrested for Drunk Driving
A Forest Hill police officer accused of driving while intoxicated early Sunday in Johnson County has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation, city officials said.
Officer Jason East was arrested by the Texas Department of Public Safety about midnight Sunday. He was released from the Johnson County Jail later that morning, according to a statement issued Monday by the city.
East has been with the department since 2000, a city spokeswoman said.
Officer Jason East was arrested by the Texas Department of Public Safety about midnight Sunday. He was released from the Johnson County Jail later that morning, according to a statement issued Monday by the city.
East has been with the department since 2000, a city spokeswoman said.
Officer Rhashim Campbell Accused of Using Excessive Force Faces Judge
A Hartford police officer, accused of using excessive force against a suspect, faced a judge Tuesday morning.
Rhashim Campbell's attorney, Salvatore Bonanno, wants to preserve any recordings involving his client.
Bonanno said, "I'm a little bit in the dark because I don't know what the video shows yet. I'm certain I'll have an opportunity to review that once I have my own copy."
Campbell is accused, along with now-retired Officer Kent Lee, of assaulting 41-year-old Michael Stewart of Long Island N.Y., in the early-morning hours after Halloween.
Campbell, not Lee, was arrested on charges including assault and fabricating physical evidence, a felony.
In the police report Campbell filed on the incident, he said Stewart struck him in the head, bit his finger, and Lee had to wrestle Stewart to a bench.
Campbell has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the case. He is due back in court on Feb. 2.
Rhashim Campbell's attorney, Salvatore Bonanno, wants to preserve any recordings involving his client.
Bonanno said, "I'm a little bit in the dark because I don't know what the video shows yet. I'm certain I'll have an opportunity to review that once I have my own copy."
Campbell is accused, along with now-retired Officer Kent Lee, of assaulting 41-year-old Michael Stewart of Long Island N.Y., in the early-morning hours after Halloween.
Campbell, not Lee, was arrested on charges including assault and fabricating physical evidence, a felony.
In the police report Campbell filed on the incident, he said Stewart struck him in the head, bit his finger, and Lee had to wrestle Stewart to a bench.
Campbell has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the case. He is due back in court on Feb. 2.
Corporal Meredith Hanley Arrested for Attacking her Husband
A South Bend police officer accused of attacking her husband was in court Tuesday. Corporal Meredith Hanley was arrested over the weekend. She is accused in a domestic violence attack on her husband. Her husband is also a South Bend police officer, but he was not arrested in the incident.
A special prosecutor from LaPorte County has been appointed to handle the case to avoid any conflict of interest.
Hanley will be back in court January 12th.
A special prosecutor from LaPorte County has been appointed to handle the case to avoid any conflict of interest.
Hanley will be back in court January 12th.
Officer Vernon Wolford Charged with Sexual Battery on Woman Prisoner
A police officer has been charged with a felony after he was accused of sexually assaulting a prisoner in handcuffs.
Officer Vernon Wolford was charged with sexual battery, after investigators said he offered a woman freedom in exchange for sex.
A woman was arrested, handcuffed, and put in an Obetz police cruiser on Nov. 10, and then driven to a private drive off Groveport Road.
A search warrant revealed investigators believe Wolford stopped the cruiser, walked around the car, and asked the female prisoner "You want to go home?"
Investigators said the woman asked to be un-handcuffed but the officer refused - and that is when they said she performed a sex act on the officer.
The warrant revealed that investigators found DNA evidence on the prisoner's tennis shoes, Kocot reported.
Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien said by law a prisoner cannot give consent to have sex with an arresting officer.
"Some instances, such as statutory rape, teachers have sex with students it may be so called consensual - again, that's all sexual battery because of the nature of the relationship," O'Brien said.
Prosecutors said Wolford did not take the prisoner home, but instead he took her to the Franklin County Jail, where the woman told her story to deputies.
Wolford has been working as a full time officer for a year. He was placed on administrative leave during the investigation.
The charge of sexual battery is punishable by up to five years in prison.
Wolford is scheduled to be in court in January for a plea hearing.
Officer Vernon Wolford was charged with sexual battery, after investigators said he offered a woman freedom in exchange for sex.
A woman was arrested, handcuffed, and put in an Obetz police cruiser on Nov. 10, and then driven to a private drive off Groveport Road.
A search warrant revealed investigators believe Wolford stopped the cruiser, walked around the car, and asked the female prisoner "You want to go home?"
Investigators said the woman asked to be un-handcuffed but the officer refused - and that is when they said she performed a sex act on the officer.
The warrant revealed that investigators found DNA evidence on the prisoner's tennis shoes, Kocot reported.
Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien said by law a prisoner cannot give consent to have sex with an arresting officer.
"Some instances, such as statutory rape, teachers have sex with students it may be so called consensual - again, that's all sexual battery because of the nature of the relationship," O'Brien said.
Prosecutors said Wolford did not take the prisoner home, but instead he took her to the Franklin County Jail, where the woman told her story to deputies.
Wolford has been working as a full time officer for a year. He was placed on administrative leave during the investigation.
The charge of sexual battery is punishable by up to five years in prison.
Wolford is scheduled to be in court in January for a plea hearing.
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