A peace officer spent the weekend on the wrong side of jail bars after being accused of stealing a woman's Social Security money. Rick Nichols, 46, was booked into the Utah County jail on Friday on suspicion of felony theft. The jail released him Monday morning after Nichols posted bond.
Nichols is a corrections sergeant at the Utah State Prison. Department of Corrections spokeswoman Angie Welling said Nichols was not allowed to resume work, but no decision has been made about his permanent status. Saratoga Springs Police Cpl. Aaron Rosen said a woman on June 2 reported losing a day planner that carried $1,100 cash. The Social Security Administration provided the money and the woman planned to pay for a surgery with it, Rosen said.
The planner was found in a post office box in Lehi. The money was missing, Rosen said. Police reviewed a surveillance recording from a Smith's market in Saratoga Springs. Rosen said the video showed the woman placing her planner on a display stand.
Nichols, wearing his prison uniform, took the planner from the stand and walked out of the store, Rosen said. Police identified Nichols when last Friday he called police to report finding the planner and the money, Rosen said.
Rosen said police believe Nichols called because he learned he was a suspect. Nichols could not be reached for comment on Monday.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Officer Accused Of Raping A Woman
Plymouth, England, UK
A POLICE OFFICER accused of raping a woman on four occasions was a "typical bully" who mentally and physically abused his victim, a court has heard.
Devon and Cornwall police constable Jamie Gilbert, aged 34, of Birkdale Close, Saltash, has pleaded not guilty to four charges of rape. The alleged victim cannot be named for legal reasons.
The trial, which is expected to last two weeks, started yesterday at Exeter Crown Court, when a jury was sworn in and the prosecution made its opening statement.
Gilbert, who was a serving police officer based at Callington Police Station at the time of the alleged offences, was suspended from duty in June 2007, when the allegations were first made to police.
Sarah Munroe QC, prosecuting, outlined the case against Gilbert and the details of each of the four alleged rapes.
As background, she told the jury that Gilbert was a keen bodybuilder who took anabolic steroids in order to build his muscles and at the time of the alleged rapes he weighed between 17 and 18 stone, although he was only 5ft 8in tall. Miss Munroe also told the court that Gilbert liked watching pornographic films.
The first rape happened in November 2004 when Gilbert forced himself on the victim, despite knowing she did not want any sexual contact with him, Miss Munroe told the court. She said the second rape happened in June 2005, when Gilbert again forced himself on the woman.
The third and fourth alleged rapes happened on two separate occasions, on January 14 and January 26 in 2006, the court heard.
Miss Munroe said evidence from an independent witness would show that Gilbert had shown signs of behaving like a "typical bully" who was aggressive. The jury also heard that the alleged victim had had consensual sex with Gilbert on other occasions.
The prosecution said the victim found the courage to make the allegations to police in June 2007, after seeking help from a counsellor, and that when Gilbert was first interviewed by police, he denied all the charges, saying the victim had consented to sex on each occasion.
Miss Munroe urged the jury to try the case on the evidence put before them and to avoid being swayed by "emotion on either side".
The jury was to hear evidence from the alleged victim today.
The trial continues.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
NYPD Officer Fahad Chaudhry Arrested for Menacing
A New York City police officer was arrested on a menacing charge Friday, several hours after he barreled through a security checkpoint at Hofstra University while off duty and pointed his service pistol at a man who had accompanied his former girlfriend to a Manhattan nightclub, Nassau police said.
Officer Fahad R. Chaudhry, 25, of the Bronx, faces a menacing charge in connection with an incident that began about 3:30 a.m. Friday at Sounds of Brazil and ended in a Hofstra dorm parking lot, where Chaudhry pointed the 9-mm Glock at a 23-year-old man with Chaudhry's ex-girlfriend, a Hofstra student, said Nassau police spokesman Anthony Repalone.
Hofstra police responded to the scene and defused the crisis, Repalone said. No one was hurt.Nassau police charged Officer Chaudhry with second-degree menacing, Repalone said.
Chaudhry, a three-year veteran assigned to the 40th Precinct in the Bronx, was suspended without pay for 30 days. His attorney, Jeff Groder, of Mineola, declined to comment Friday.
Repalone said the incident began when Chaudhry bumped into his ex-girlfriend and the alleged victim at the nightclub.
Soon after the alleged victim arrived on the Hofstra campus, Chaudhry drove past the security booth and headed for his former girlfriend's dormitory, prompting campus security to respond, Repalone said. Chaudhry got out of the car and pointed his gun at the 23-year-old, who pushed it away, Repalone said.
A spokesman for Nassau District Attorney Kathleen Rice said Chaudhry was arraigned before District Court Judge David Goodselland released on his own recognizance. Spokesman Eric Phillips said Goodsell granted orders of protection for the man and Chaudhry's ex-girlfriend. He is due in court June 15.
Officer Fahad R. Chaudhry, 25, of the Bronx, faces a menacing charge in connection with an incident that began about 3:30 a.m. Friday at Sounds of Brazil and ended in a Hofstra dorm parking lot, where Chaudhry pointed the 9-mm Glock at a 23-year-old man with Chaudhry's ex-girlfriend, a Hofstra student, said Nassau police spokesman Anthony Repalone.
Hofstra police responded to the scene and defused the crisis, Repalone said. No one was hurt.Nassau police charged Officer Chaudhry with second-degree menacing, Repalone said.
Chaudhry, a three-year veteran assigned to the 40th Precinct in the Bronx, was suspended without pay for 30 days. His attorney, Jeff Groder, of Mineola, declined to comment Friday.
Repalone said the incident began when Chaudhry bumped into his ex-girlfriend and the alleged victim at the nightclub.
Soon after the alleged victim arrived on the Hofstra campus, Chaudhry drove past the security booth and headed for his former girlfriend's dormitory, prompting campus security to respond, Repalone said. Chaudhry got out of the car and pointed his gun at the 23-year-old, who pushed it away, Repalone said.
A spokesman for Nassau District Attorney Kathleen Rice said Chaudhry was arraigned before District Court Judge David Goodselland released on his own recognizance. Spokesman Eric Phillips said Goodsell granted orders of protection for the man and Chaudhry's ex-girlfriend. He is due in court June 15.
Dallas Officer Arrested for Drunk Driving
A 24-year veteran of the Dallas Police Department has been placed on administrative leave after he was arrested early Saturday morning.
Wylie police arrested Sgt. Robert J. Crider II around 12:20 a.m. on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, according to a statement released by Dallas police.
Sgt. Crider will remain on leave pending an investigation by the internal affairs division.
Wylie police arrested Sgt. Robert J. Crider II around 12:20 a.m. on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, according to a statement released by Dallas police.
Sgt. Crider will remain on leave pending an investigation by the internal affairs division.
Lake Crystal Police Officer Charged with Theft
A former Lake Crystal police officer, who resigned in December after 14 years of service, is facing a felony charge for allegedly selling a van without a clean title.
James Walter Johnson Jr., 36, is scheduled to appear in court June 12 for a felony charge of selling a vehicle without revealing a creditor’s security interest and a misdemeanor theft charge. He’s accused of selling a 1997 Ford Windstar van for $200 without telling the buyer AmeriCredit Financial had a $2,027 lien on the vehicle.
Alan White and his sister, Marnee White, attempted to transfer the van’s title in December 2006. They had purchased the van from Johnson and his wife, Pamela, then. Johnson told Alan White the lien card for the title was lost and he would send it to him later.
When Alan White asked Pamela Johnson about the lien card in January 2007, she told him she had applied for a duplicate card and it would be delivered in six to eight weeks. When Pamela Johnson was contacted again in July about the title, she allegedly left a phone message saying, “Do you think I care.”
When the Whites contacted AmeriCredit that same day, they learned the Johnsons still owed more than $2,000 for the vehicle. They are not able to drive the van because they can’t get registration tabs for it, the criminal complaint said. The case is being investigated by the State Patrol.
Lake Crystal Police Chief Tony Cornish said Johnson started working for the Police Department on Nov. 1, 1993, and resigned on Dec. 20, 2007. Cornish said he could not say why Johnson resigned because it is not public information.
James Walter Johnson Jr., 36, is scheduled to appear in court June 12 for a felony charge of selling a vehicle without revealing a creditor’s security interest and a misdemeanor theft charge. He’s accused of selling a 1997 Ford Windstar van for $200 without telling the buyer AmeriCredit Financial had a $2,027 lien on the vehicle.
Alan White and his sister, Marnee White, attempted to transfer the van’s title in December 2006. They had purchased the van from Johnson and his wife, Pamela, then. Johnson told Alan White the lien card for the title was lost and he would send it to him later.
When Alan White asked Pamela Johnson about the lien card in January 2007, she told him she had applied for a duplicate card and it would be delivered in six to eight weeks. When Pamela Johnson was contacted again in July about the title, she allegedly left a phone message saying, “Do you think I care.”
When the Whites contacted AmeriCredit that same day, they learned the Johnsons still owed more than $2,000 for the vehicle. They are not able to drive the van because they can’t get registration tabs for it, the criminal complaint said. The case is being investigated by the State Patrol.
Lake Crystal Police Chief Tony Cornish said Johnson started working for the Police Department on Nov. 1, 1993, and resigned on Dec. 20, 2007. Cornish said he could not say why Johnson resigned because it is not public information.
Gurnee Officer Accused of Sexually Abusing 2 Children
Bond was set at $1.5 million Friday for a decorated Gurnee Police Department officer who was arrested and charged with three counts of sexually abusing and assaulting two children.
Lake County Sheriff's deputies arrested Officer Jay Simon, 36, of Round Lake Park, at 12:25 p.m. Friday at the Gurnee Police station.
According to the arrest warrant, Simon, the father of three, is charged with predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, a Class X felony; aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a Class 2 felony, and misdemeanor aggravated assault.
Simon faces six to 30 years in prison if convicted of the Class X felony; three to seven years if convicted of the Class 2 felony, and jail for up to a year with a $2,500 fine if convicted of the misdemeanor.
Lake County State's Attorney Michael Waller said the sexual assaults involved a girl under age 13 that began between March and September 2007. Another girl under 13 was allegedly sexually abused in November 2006.
Waller said a 35-year-old adult male was assaulted by Simon in March 2007. That case was not related to the sexual assault cases.
Gurnee authorities said they were informed of the investigation of Simon in April. He was immediately placed on administrative leave, and remains on leave.
Simon was praised at a Village Board meeting last month for making 47 driving-under-the-influence arrests in 2007, giving him a career total of 397 DUI arrests. He was honored in 2005, 2006 and 2007 as the village's "top cop" and cited by the Illinois Department of Transportation for his number of DUI arrests.
Lake County Sheriff's deputies arrested Officer Jay Simon, 36, of Round Lake Park, at 12:25 p.m. Friday at the Gurnee Police station.
According to the arrest warrant, Simon, the father of three, is charged with predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, a Class X felony; aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a Class 2 felony, and misdemeanor aggravated assault.
Simon faces six to 30 years in prison if convicted of the Class X felony; three to seven years if convicted of the Class 2 felony, and jail for up to a year with a $2,500 fine if convicted of the misdemeanor.
Lake County State's Attorney Michael Waller said the sexual assaults involved a girl under age 13 that began between March and September 2007. Another girl under 13 was allegedly sexually abused in November 2006.
Waller said a 35-year-old adult male was assaulted by Simon in March 2007. That case was not related to the sexual assault cases.
Gurnee authorities said they were informed of the investigation of Simon in April. He was immediately placed on administrative leave, and remains on leave.
Simon was praised at a Village Board meeting last month for making 47 driving-under-the-influence arrests in 2007, giving him a career total of 397 DUI arrests. He was honored in 2005, 2006 and 2007 as the village's "top cop" and cited by the Illinois Department of Transportation for his number of DUI arrests.
Former Officer Alfred Porro Accused of stealing Cocaine & Cannabis
Gibraltar,UK
A former Police Officer, employed as storeman at Police headquarters, has been charged with the theft of 10 kilos of cocaine and 50 kilos of cannabis resin. This follows events last year, with the storeman being arrested on 1st January this year.
The RGP has named the storeman as Alfred Porro, 42 years of age, of Governor's Street.
The arrest took place after it was discovered that cocaine had gone missing from the exhibits storeroom at New Mole House police headquarters. He was on police bail.
Subsequenly, it was reported that cannabis had gone missing from the Irish Town sub-station.
Porro has also been charged with theft of a rucksack, a portable play station and games.
Police say that following the discovery of the missing cocaine, investigations led detectives to carry out further checksof drugs stored at both police HQ and Irish Town station. Fifty kilos of cannabis resin were found missing, of which 15 kilos have been recovered.
Porro retired early from the RGP and was later employed as a civilian storeman.
A police statement says he was yesterday released from police bail and charged. "He is currently interdicted," said a spokesman. Porro is appearing in court this morning.
FULL TEXT
The full text of the Press release from the RGP yesterday reads as follows:"The storeman employed at New Mole House Police Headquarters who was arrested on 1st of January 2008, after it was disovered that 10 kilos of Cocaine was missing from the exhibits storeroom has been recalled from police bail. Alfred Porro dob 16 10 65 of 51/5 Governor’s Street has been charged with the following offences:
1. Theft of 10 Kilos of Cocaine
2. Theft of 50 Kilos of Cannabis Resin
3. Theft of a rucksack, a portable play station (PSP) and games.
"He will be appearing in court at 1000hrs 6th June 2008. The protracted investigation led detectives to carry out further checks of drugs stored at both New Mole House and Central Police Station, the latter is where the Cannabis Resin was found to have been stolen from. Of the 50 kilos of Cannabis Resin stolen from Central Police Station, 15kg were recovered during the course of the investigation. Porro is currently interdicted."
A former Police Officer, employed as storeman at Police headquarters, has been charged with the theft of 10 kilos of cocaine and 50 kilos of cannabis resin. This follows events last year, with the storeman being arrested on 1st January this year.
The RGP has named the storeman as Alfred Porro, 42 years of age, of Governor's Street.
The arrest took place after it was discovered that cocaine had gone missing from the exhibits storeroom at New Mole House police headquarters. He was on police bail.
Subsequenly, it was reported that cannabis had gone missing from the Irish Town sub-station.
Porro has also been charged with theft of a rucksack, a portable play station and games.
Police say that following the discovery of the missing cocaine, investigations led detectives to carry out further checksof drugs stored at both police HQ and Irish Town station. Fifty kilos of cannabis resin were found missing, of which 15 kilos have been recovered.
Porro retired early from the RGP and was later employed as a civilian storeman.
A police statement says he was yesterday released from police bail and charged. "He is currently interdicted," said a spokesman. Porro is appearing in court this morning.
FULL TEXT
The full text of the Press release from the RGP yesterday reads as follows:"The storeman employed at New Mole House Police Headquarters who was arrested on 1st of January 2008, after it was disovered that 10 kilos of Cocaine was missing from the exhibits storeroom has been recalled from police bail. Alfred Porro dob 16 10 65 of 51/5 Governor’s Street has been charged with the following offences:
1. Theft of 10 Kilos of Cocaine
2. Theft of 50 Kilos of Cannabis Resin
3. Theft of a rucksack, a portable play station (PSP) and games.
"He will be appearing in court at 1000hrs 6th June 2008. The protracted investigation led detectives to carry out further checks of drugs stored at both New Mole House and Central Police Station, the latter is where the Cannabis Resin was found to have been stolen from. Of the 50 kilos of Cannabis Resin stolen from Central Police Station, 15kg were recovered during the course of the investigation. Porro is currently interdicted."
Officer Charged in Insurance Scheme
A Chicago police officer, Joseph Grillo, is linked to a scheme that allegedly defrauded a car insurance company.
Grillo and an accomplice allegedly submitted false claims for stolen vehicles.
The Chicago Police Department's Internal Affairs Division worked with the FBI on the investigation of Grillo.
James Athans runs a tow company on the city's Northwest Side. His nickname is "Meatball." And he's accused of helping at least two Chicago police officers commit insurance fraud. He's charged with coordinating a chop shop operation at the behest of Grillo.
Here's how the feds say it worked: Officer Grillo allegedly helped another unnamed 25th District officer get rid of his car so he could claim insurance money.
The car in question is a 1996 Volkswagen Passat. FBI wiretaps reveal conversations between Grillo and co-defendant Athans in which they plotted for the Passat to appear to have been stolen from a parking area near the back of the police station.
Grillo is allegedly heard on recorded phone conversations telling the tow truck man that his fellow officer would "park some place and you'll just take it."
Athans responded: "Yeah, I'm thinking about just taking it by, ah, and put it behind my lot and just burn it behind my lot."
"Yeah, alright." Grillo answered.
"He's got a 13-year outstanding record of service. He's unblemished and he's an outstanding law and abiding citizen and individual," said Barry Sheppard, Grillo's attorney.
Grillo was in court Wednesday and the orange jump suit of a federal inmate.
"It's emotional, it's stressful but he'll be fine," said Sheppard.
A police spokesperson is hinting more officers may be caught up in this car insurance scam.
In a statement, police say, "The joint investigation was launched in 2006 and remains on going with additional charged expected to be filed."
Grillo and an accomplice allegedly submitted false claims for stolen vehicles.
The Chicago Police Department's Internal Affairs Division worked with the FBI on the investigation of Grillo.
James Athans runs a tow company on the city's Northwest Side. His nickname is "Meatball." And he's accused of helping at least two Chicago police officers commit insurance fraud. He's charged with coordinating a chop shop operation at the behest of Grillo.
Here's how the feds say it worked: Officer Grillo allegedly helped another unnamed 25th District officer get rid of his car so he could claim insurance money.
The car in question is a 1996 Volkswagen Passat. FBI wiretaps reveal conversations between Grillo and co-defendant Athans in which they plotted for the Passat to appear to have been stolen from a parking area near the back of the police station.
Grillo is allegedly heard on recorded phone conversations telling the tow truck man that his fellow officer would "park some place and you'll just take it."
Athans responded: "Yeah, I'm thinking about just taking it by, ah, and put it behind my lot and just burn it behind my lot."
"Yeah, alright." Grillo answered.
"He's got a 13-year outstanding record of service. He's unblemished and he's an outstanding law and abiding citizen and individual," said Barry Sheppard, Grillo's attorney.
Grillo was in court Wednesday and the orange jump suit of a federal inmate.
"It's emotional, it's stressful but he'll be fine," said Sheppard.
A police spokesperson is hinting more officers may be caught up in this car insurance scam.
In a statement, police say, "The joint investigation was launched in 2006 and remains on going with additional charged expected to be filed."
Officer Andrew Baker Convicted of Obstruction of Justice
James City, VA
A former police officer who lied about getting shot was ordered into counseling and must pay $41,115 restitution to the county and Williamsburg police departments.
That amount covered the cost of the investigation and hospital care for Officer Andrew Baker.
“There’s a lot I could say, but this is a mental health issue,” said defense attorney Rich Rizk, saying it was a family issue that snowballed.
Last December, Baker said he was breaking up a fight behind a church on Pocahontas Trail when he was hit by a bullet.
Investigators say the bullet that hit Baker's Kevlar vest matched a gun he had.
Baker was originallly charged with filing a false police report, but the judge Friday amended that to obstruction of justice. He also found Baker guilty of firing a gun within 300 feet of a business or home.
For those charges, Baker was given a two-year suspended sentence on condition he fulfills the other orders.
“There is no amount of restitution that can fix the black eye he gave to the Windy Hill Community,” said Commonwealth Attorney Nathan Green.
Baker resigned from the force on February 26, 2008.
Officer Aaron York Accused of Lying about Arrest
Austin, TX
Austin Police Officer Aaron York was suspended indefinitely Friday, in connection with an arrest Officer York made in December 2007. Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo said York made untrue statements about an arrest in in official government documents.
Officer York responded to a report of a man screaming in the alley off East Cesar Chavez Street on December 14. York says the man was intoxicated. York said when he tried to make the arrest, the man tried to kick him. For that, he filed a charge of resisting arrest.
In the probable cause affidavit and offense report, York stated that the suspect was violent and resisted arrest. But according to the dashboard video recorded in York's patrol car, Chief Acevedo states that there was no struggle and the suspect did not kick York as he claimed.
"One of the officer's supervisors reviewed the tape in this case and read the offense report and saw a discrepancy. What was in the report wasn't on the video," said Assistant Chief David Carter.
York told integrity officers that he did not lie in his report and wrote what he remembered. The officer is quoted in the memo saying the kick must have happened out of view of the camera. His superiors did not find the story credible. York was fired.
"When police can't be trusted and they swear to something that simply didn't happen, that violates everybody's sense of justice," Carter said.
"The officer will have to explain his actions. I don't think it was his intention at all to misrepresent anything, but we're just going to support his appeal process.
Police have asked the county court to decide whether to charge the man with resisting arrest. Officers say while the man did not show resistance during the arrest, he did during transportation to jail.
Officer York is the ninth officer to be fired under Chief Acevedo.
******************************
Good job Chief Acevedo!!
Austin Police Officer Aaron York was suspended indefinitely Friday, in connection with an arrest Officer York made in December 2007. Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo said York made untrue statements about an arrest in in official government documents.
Officer York responded to a report of a man screaming in the alley off East Cesar Chavez Street on December 14. York says the man was intoxicated. York said when he tried to make the arrest, the man tried to kick him. For that, he filed a charge of resisting arrest.
In the probable cause affidavit and offense report, York stated that the suspect was violent and resisted arrest. But according to the dashboard video recorded in York's patrol car, Chief Acevedo states that there was no struggle and the suspect did not kick York as he claimed.
"One of the officer's supervisors reviewed the tape in this case and read the offense report and saw a discrepancy. What was in the report wasn't on the video," said Assistant Chief David Carter.
York told integrity officers that he did not lie in his report and wrote what he remembered. The officer is quoted in the memo saying the kick must have happened out of view of the camera. His superiors did not find the story credible. York was fired.
"When police can't be trusted and they swear to something that simply didn't happen, that violates everybody's sense of justice," Carter said.
"The officer will have to explain his actions. I don't think it was his intention at all to misrepresent anything, but we're just going to support his appeal process.
Police have asked the county court to decide whether to charge the man with resisting arrest. Officers say while the man did not show resistance during the arrest, he did during transportation to jail.
Officer York is the ninth officer to be fired under Chief Acevedo.
******************************
Good job Chief Acevedo!!
Friday, June 06, 2008
Officer Anthony Maio Arrested for Sexual assault
NEW HAVEN, Conn
A 13-year veteran of the New Haven police department was arrested Wednesday and charged with sexual assault and unlawful restraint.
Officer Anthony Maio was charged following an internal affairs investigation that was launched on April 19 into his conduct, police said.
Police chief Stephanie Redding refused to detail the complaint, saying she had an obligation to protect the alleged victim and the integrity of the investigation.
"We take these incidents very seriously as this type of behavior from an officer is unacceptable," she said. "Our residents count on us to be role models, to serve them and to provide them with effective community policing. We have a strong internal affairs team that works hard to make sure that we meet or exceed the expectations of our residents."
Maio turned himself in to New Haven Police and was booked on two counts of sexual assault in the fourth degree and two counts of unlawful restraint in the second degree.
City officials could not say if Maio had an attorney.
Maio, who joined the department in 1995, has been put on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues.
A 13-year veteran of the New Haven police department was arrested Wednesday and charged with sexual assault and unlawful restraint.
Officer Anthony Maio was charged following an internal affairs investigation that was launched on April 19 into his conduct, police said.
Police chief Stephanie Redding refused to detail the complaint, saying she had an obligation to protect the alleged victim and the integrity of the investigation.
"We take these incidents very seriously as this type of behavior from an officer is unacceptable," she said. "Our residents count on us to be role models, to serve them and to provide them with effective community policing. We have a strong internal affairs team that works hard to make sure that we meet or exceed the expectations of our residents."
Maio turned himself in to New Haven Police and was booked on two counts of sexual assault in the fourth degree and two counts of unlawful restraint in the second degree.
City officials could not say if Maio had an attorney.
Maio, who joined the department in 1995, has been put on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues.
Officer Not Charged in fatal Taser case
CLAY, N.Y
An Onondaga County grand jury won't charge a Syracuse-area police officer who used a Taser on a man who later died.
Christopher Jackson went into cardiac arrest in March after Clay Police Officer Kevin Drumm stunned him with a Taser.
Authorities were called to Jackson's apartment for a domestic complaint involving his mother. While Drumm was interviewing a witness, the 37-year-old Jackson tried to grab him.
After warning that he was going to use a Taser, Drumm shot Jackson with the stun device. Within 90 seconds of handcuffing Jackson, officers noticed he was unresponsive and called for paramedics. Jackson was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
An Onondaga County grand jury won't charge a Syracuse-area police officer who used a Taser on a man who later died.
Christopher Jackson went into cardiac arrest in March after Clay Police Officer Kevin Drumm stunned him with a Taser.
Authorities were called to Jackson's apartment for a domestic complaint involving his mother. While Drumm was interviewing a witness, the 37-year-old Jackson tried to grab him.
After warning that he was going to use a Taser, Drumm shot Jackson with the stun device. Within 90 seconds of handcuffing Jackson, officers noticed he was unresponsive and called for paramedics. Jackson was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Denver Police Officer Arrested on Sex Assault Charge
Police have arrested a former officer accused of sexually assaulting a juvenile female on the 16th Street Mall.
On May 27, family members of the juvenile told police that she had been sexually assaulted at the GNC store at the Denver Pavilions. Police later identified a second juvenile victim and a possible suspect.
On Monday, police issued an arrest warrant for that suspect, former Denver Police officer Joseph Bini. The fugitive unit of the Denver Police Department arrested Bini after the warrant was issued.
Denver Police say the case was presented to the Denver District Attorney's Office, who accepted the case for child enticement and unlawful sexual contact.
It was previously reported Officer Bini was responsible for giving the Denver Police Department SWAT team the wrong address for a search warrant. The SWAT team raided the wrong house.
SWAT team members shot and killed Ishmael Mena, who threatened officers with a gun. Mena's family eventually settled with the city for $400,000. It was later found out Mena was wanted for murder in Mexico.
Officer Bini pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of misconduct and returned to the force after a three-month suspension.
On May 27, family members of the juvenile told police that she had been sexually assaulted at the GNC store at the Denver Pavilions. Police later identified a second juvenile victim and a possible suspect.
On Monday, police issued an arrest warrant for that suspect, former Denver Police officer Joseph Bini. The fugitive unit of the Denver Police Department arrested Bini after the warrant was issued.
Denver Police say the case was presented to the Denver District Attorney's Office, who accepted the case for child enticement and unlawful sexual contact.
It was previously reported Officer Bini was responsible for giving the Denver Police Department SWAT team the wrong address for a search warrant. The SWAT team raided the wrong house.
SWAT team members shot and killed Ishmael Mena, who threatened officers with a gun. Mena's family eventually settled with the city for $400,000. It was later found out Mena was wanted for murder in Mexico.
Officer Bini pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of misconduct and returned to the force after a three-month suspension.
Former Tulsa Officer is Sentenced to Federal Prison
Tulsa, Oklahoma
A former Tulsa Police officer is going to federal prison. Buddy Visser was sentenced on Friday in federal court in Tulsa to 18-months in prison for each of two counts of selling stolen police department guns on the Internet.
The 47-year-old Visser was a firearms instructor for the Tulsa Police Department.
"This case and other recent federal public corruption prosecutions in the Northern District reflect the continuing commitment of my office, the federal investigative agencies and the Tulsa Police Department to root out, expose and bring to justice corrupt public servants, including those working within law enforcement. Our citizens and communities expect and deserve to be served by only the most honest public officials and we will continue to hold them to the highest standards of conduct," said U.S. Attorney David O'Melia.
In addition to prison time, Visser has been ordered to pay $15, 988 in restitution. Also, once he completes his prison sentence, he will serve three years on supervised release.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Deputies Accused of Misconduct
Greensboro, NC
Two Forsyth County sheriff's deputies recently accused of misconduct in separate incidents are no longer with the sheriff's office, a spokesman said yesterday.
Officer Tyrone Davis, 28, is under investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation after being accused of sexual misconduct at the jail, where he was a detention officer, the sheriff's office confirmed.
He stopped working at the sheriff's office on May 23, but Maj. Brad Stanley, a spokesman for the sheriff's office, would not say whether Davis was fired or resigned. Davis had been suspended with pay since April 30, the day after the allegation against him was made. The sheriff's office turned the case over to the SBI.
Davis had been a detention officer since 2004.
Also, Officer Roosevelt Mason Kellum, 40, was no longer with the sheriff's office as of Tuesday, Stanley said. He also would not say whether Kellum was fired.
Kellum is accused of putting his wife in a headlock and punching her repeatedly on May 26. He faces one count of assault on a female. Kellum was a deputy from 1995 to 2005, then he left the sheriff's office to work in the private sector. He returned to the sheriff's office last July and was a courtroom bailiff.
Two Forsyth County sheriff's deputies recently accused of misconduct in separate incidents are no longer with the sheriff's office, a spokesman said yesterday.
Officer Tyrone Davis, 28, is under investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation after being accused of sexual misconduct at the jail, where he was a detention officer, the sheriff's office confirmed.
He stopped working at the sheriff's office on May 23, but Maj. Brad Stanley, a spokesman for the sheriff's office, would not say whether Davis was fired or resigned. Davis had been suspended with pay since April 30, the day after the allegation against him was made. The sheriff's office turned the case over to the SBI.
Davis had been a detention officer since 2004.
Also, Officer Roosevelt Mason Kellum, 40, was no longer with the sheriff's office as of Tuesday, Stanley said. He also would not say whether Kellum was fired.
Kellum is accused of putting his wife in a headlock and punching her repeatedly on May 26. He faces one count of assault on a female. Kellum was a deputy from 1995 to 2005, then he left the sheriff's office to work in the private sector. He returned to the sheriff's office last July and was a courtroom bailiff.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Officer Thomas Lam Charged with making Terrorist Threat
A Houston police officer is facing charges after an altercation in a parking lot on the southwest side of town.
The department said Officer Thomas Lam was off duty early Sunday morning when he and a friend got in a fight with a couple over a parking space.
Officer Lam allegedly threatened the couple. He’s been charged with making a terrorist threat.
The officer’s friend is charged with assault.
Officer Arrested on Charges of soliciting a Minor
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has arrested a Scotts Hill police officer on charges of soliciting a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Officer Jonathan Henley, 26, was arrested in Henderson County on Friday. After being booked in Henderson County, he was transferred to Weakley County for protection because he is a local police officer, a Henderson County jail official said Tuesday.
Henley is accused of sending text messages to a 15-year-old girl in May asking for sex, according to a complaint filed against him in Henderson County General Sessions Court on Monday.
Henley was released Sunday after posting a $25,00 bond. He is scheduled to appear in Henderson County General Sessions Court on June 10.
He has also been placed on administrative leave from the police department.
Officer Andrew Orbegozo Abducts Woman
Ansonia, Conn.
Bridgeport Police Officer Andre Orbegozo, 32 of Naugatuck, abducted an Ansonia woman from the front of her home and forced her to a heavily wooded area behind Ansonia High School.
Officer Orbegozo was arrested and Wednesday, and charged with kidnapping a fellow officer. He appeared in Derby Superior Court Wednesday and his bond was doubled from $250,000 to $500,000.
Ansonia police said they received a call from Bridgeport police stating that a police officer had assaulted another officer. At about 3:30a.m. Wednesday Ansonia police went to Griffin Hospital.
Officer Orbegozo hit the woman in the head with a gun, causing a laceration, police said. The victim was able to convince Orbegozo she needed medical attention and he took her to Griffin Hospital for treatment.
Police are calling the incident domestic violence. Orbegozo was charged with second-degree assault and second-degree kidnapping with a firearm.
The victim has not been identified.
Bridgeport Police Officer Andre Orbegozo, 32 of Naugatuck, abducted an Ansonia woman from the front of her home and forced her to a heavily wooded area behind Ansonia High School.
Officer Orbegozo was arrested and Wednesday, and charged with kidnapping a fellow officer. He appeared in Derby Superior Court Wednesday and his bond was doubled from $250,000 to $500,000.
Ansonia police said they received a call from Bridgeport police stating that a police officer had assaulted another officer. At about 3:30a.m. Wednesday Ansonia police went to Griffin Hospital.
Officer Orbegozo hit the woman in the head with a gun, causing a laceration, police said. The victim was able to convince Orbegozo she needed medical attention and he took her to Griffin Hospital for treatment.
Police are calling the incident domestic violence. Orbegozo was charged with second-degree assault and second-degree kidnapping with a firearm.
The victim has not been identified.
Officer Charles David Jr Charged with Assault & Harassment
Pittsburgh, PA
A Fayette County police officer who is accused of shoving and choking a woman has been placed on paid administrative leave.
Charles E. David Jr., 38, of Ohiopyle, is charged by state police at Uniontown with simple assault and harassment. In a criminal complaint, police said David pushed a woman to the ground and grabbed her by the throat during an argument May 26 in a driveway on Shaffer Road in Wharton.
The woman told police the altercation occurred after she saw David in the driveway with another woman, according to the complaint. She said she confronted David, then blocked his exit and took the keys from his motorcycle's ignition to prevent him from leaving.
David is a member of Uniontown's police force. Chief Jason Cox said David is on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of a June 11 preliminary hearing before North Union District Judge Wendy Dennis.
A Fayette County police officer who is accused of shoving and choking a woman has been placed on paid administrative leave.
Charles E. David Jr., 38, of Ohiopyle, is charged by state police at Uniontown with simple assault and harassment. In a criminal complaint, police said David pushed a woman to the ground and grabbed her by the throat during an argument May 26 in a driveway on Shaffer Road in Wharton.
The woman told police the altercation occurred after she saw David in the driveway with another woman, according to the complaint. She said she confronted David, then blocked his exit and took the keys from his motorcycle's ignition to prevent him from leaving.
David is a member of Uniontown's police force. Chief Jason Cox said David is on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of a June 11 preliminary hearing before North Union District Judge Wendy Dennis.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Officer Steps forth and admits he was encouraged to Lie
An indicted Chicago police officer said his supervisors in the Special Operations Section encouraged officers to lie on police reports to cover up illegal searches for guns and drugs, according to the CBS News program "60 Minutes."
Keith Herrera, who was interviewed by CBS anchor Katie Couric for a story set to air Sunday, said supervisors encouraged falsifying reports to make cases appear more solid in court.
" 'Creative writing' was a certain term that bosses used to make sure that the job got done," he said. "I didn't just pick up a pen and just learn how to [lie on reports]. Bosses, guys that I work with who were older than I was ... It's taught to you."
Herrera faces as many as 30 years in prison if convicted of armed violence, home invasion, robbery and other charges brought in 2006.
Herrera described lying as a means to get criminals off the street, even if officers did not have solid evidence.
"Do you want that guy ... that just shot somebody to not go to jail because he threw the gun?" Herrera said in the interview. "Or do you want him to go to jail because he never let the gun out of his hand? ... I know what I've got to do."
According to a partial transcript released Friday by CBS, Herrera acknowledged he stole money.
Herrera, 30, is the first of seven indicted officers to speak publicly about the investigation since they were charged in September 2006.
Police spokeswoman Monique Bond said that the charges against Herrera were partly the result of a police internal investigation and that accountability measures instituted under new Supt. Jody Weis "have been enhanced and implemented to ensure the highest level of professional conduct and moral integrity."
In the interview, Herrera said he was the FBI informant who secretly recorded indicted officer Jerry Finnigan planning to hire a hit man to kill a fellow officer.
Keith Herrera, who was interviewed by CBS anchor Katie Couric for a story set to air Sunday, said supervisors encouraged falsifying reports to make cases appear more solid in court.
" 'Creative writing' was a certain term that bosses used to make sure that the job got done," he said. "I didn't just pick up a pen and just learn how to [lie on reports]. Bosses, guys that I work with who were older than I was ... It's taught to you."
Herrera faces as many as 30 years in prison if convicted of armed violence, home invasion, robbery and other charges brought in 2006.
Herrera described lying as a means to get criminals off the street, even if officers did not have solid evidence.
"Do you want that guy ... that just shot somebody to not go to jail because he threw the gun?" Herrera said in the interview. "Or do you want him to go to jail because he never let the gun out of his hand? ... I know what I've got to do."
According to a partial transcript released Friday by CBS, Herrera acknowledged he stole money.
Herrera, 30, is the first of seven indicted officers to speak publicly about the investigation since they were charged in September 2006.
Police spokeswoman Monique Bond said that the charges against Herrera were partly the result of a police internal investigation and that accountability measures instituted under new Supt. Jody Weis "have been enhanced and implemented to ensure the highest level of professional conduct and moral integrity."
In the interview, Herrera said he was the FBI informant who secretly recorded indicted officer Jerry Finnigan planning to hire a hit man to kill a fellow officer.
Officer Accused Of Exposing Himself
A Woodburn, Oregon police officer accused of exposing himself was arrested at his home in Salem on Saturday night.
Neighbors said they called police when they saw Jose "Tony" Rodriguez standing in his doorway with his pants down, inappropriately touching himself.
When Salem police arrived at the home, Rodriguez admitted to the lewd act, police said.
Officers said Rodriguez told them he was depressed.
Rodriguez has been placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the criminal investigation, a police department representative said Monday.
Mayor and Police Officer both Indicted
Victoria, Texas Mayor Will Armstrong has been indicted in a widening probe accusing top city officials, including the police chief, of tampering with a criminal case against a former sheriff facing child sex charges.
Armstrong and Victoria police Lt. Ralph Buentello were indicted Friday on conspiracy and other charges tied to the investigation last year of former Victoria County Sheriff Michael Ratcliff, who was accused of sexually assaulting a teenage boy.
Earlier this week, Victoria Police Chief Bruce Ure and former city attorney David Smith were indicted on charges alleging they leaked information about the case to a local reporter.
The charges facing the four men have rattled this South Texas town and widened a rift between city leaders and Victoria County prosecutors. City officials say they became involved in the Ratcliff investigation amid concerns over a lack of progress.
"We have not been presented with any evidence indicating their actions failed to comply with the law," City Attorney Miles Risley said in Saturday's editions of the Victoria Advocate.
Risley read the statement to a crowd that included more than 50 police supporters.
Ratcliff was indicted in October on three counts of sexually assaulting a teenage boy. He was accused of offering the boy a swap of sexual favors for a nicer cell in the hospital wing when the boy was an inmate.
Prior to his arrest Friday, Armstrong had strongly defended Ure and Smith and accused District Attorney Stephen Tyler of playing politics.
Tyler has called the May 2007 trial of a Victoria police officer, who was acquitted of sexual harassment, as the start of a rift between him and Ure. Tyler was highly critical of the city for keeping the officer on the force.
Armstrong was indicted on misuse of official information and criminal conspiracy, both felonies. Buentello faces the same charges, plus he was indicted on aggravated perjury, tampering with a witness and official oppression.
Armstrong said he had been advised not to comment. Buentello said he thinks "everything is going to be fine," the newspaper reported.
The mayor, police chief and Buentello will continue working despite their indictments this week.
Tyler said the indictments prove the laws apply to everyone.
"We are all supposed to live and comport ourselves with the law," Tyler said. "All of us. No exceptions."
Armstrong and Victoria police Lt. Ralph Buentello were indicted Friday on conspiracy and other charges tied to the investigation last year of former Victoria County Sheriff Michael Ratcliff, who was accused of sexually assaulting a teenage boy.
Earlier this week, Victoria Police Chief Bruce Ure and former city attorney David Smith were indicted on charges alleging they leaked information about the case to a local reporter.
The charges facing the four men have rattled this South Texas town and widened a rift between city leaders and Victoria County prosecutors. City officials say they became involved in the Ratcliff investigation amid concerns over a lack of progress.
"We have not been presented with any evidence indicating their actions failed to comply with the law," City Attorney Miles Risley said in Saturday's editions of the Victoria Advocate.
Risley read the statement to a crowd that included more than 50 police supporters.
Ratcliff was indicted in October on three counts of sexually assaulting a teenage boy. He was accused of offering the boy a swap of sexual favors for a nicer cell in the hospital wing when the boy was an inmate.
Prior to his arrest Friday, Armstrong had strongly defended Ure and Smith and accused District Attorney Stephen Tyler of playing politics.
Tyler has called the May 2007 trial of a Victoria police officer, who was acquitted of sexual harassment, as the start of a rift between him and Ure. Tyler was highly critical of the city for keeping the officer on the force.
Armstrong was indicted on misuse of official information and criminal conspiracy, both felonies. Buentello faces the same charges, plus he was indicted on aggravated perjury, tampering with a witness and official oppression.
Armstrong said he had been advised not to comment. Buentello said he thinks "everything is going to be fine," the newspaper reported.
The mayor, police chief and Buentello will continue working despite their indictments this week.
Tyler said the indictments prove the laws apply to everyone.
"We are all supposed to live and comport ourselves with the law," Tyler said. "All of us. No exceptions."
Sunday, June 01, 2008
A Fifth Police Officer In Madison Is Fired
A fifth town police officer linked to a series of scandals in the department was fired Thursday by the board of police commissioners.
Town Attorney William Clendenen said that commissioners sustained all the charges against Officer Daniel Hedges, who was charged with eight departmental violations, including conduct unbecoming an officer, lack of respect, lack of civility and failure to adhere to the oath of office and the code of ethics.
Hedges is accused of throwing his badge and a loaded service weapon onto the pavement outside police headquarters after a dispute with management in 2006. The gun, with a round in the chamber, hit the ground and skidded toward a supervisor, according to police department documents.
Hedges is also accused of telling a dispatcher that any supervisor who went to his house to order him to work an overtime shift "better watch out for the red dot on their forehead" — an alleged reference to the laser sight on a sniper rifle, police documents said.
In 2007, Hedges allegedly said, "I have some names I'd like to add to the list," when ordered by a sergeant to remain on patrol during the dedication of a plaque for officers who had died.
Four other police officers have been fired in the past year, and the department's police chief is serving a suspension.
In January, Officer Matthew Sterling was fired on sexual misconduct and other charges related to corruption on the midnight shift. He and fellow Officer Bernard Durgin Jr. were accused of frequenting strip clubs, massage parlors and prostitutes in Bridgeport. Durgin was fired late last year.
Durgin also faces criminal charges at Superior Court in New Haven after his arrest on charges of interfering with a police investigation in New Haven on behalf of a friend while off-duty. Police said that he also looked up the names of women he knew on police computer databases, committed a workers' compensation scam and threatened witnesses.
In addition, Sgt. Timothy Heiden was fired on charges that included failing to supervise the officers on his shift. And Officer Joseph Gambardella was terminated after he was arrested on charges of stealing $900 worth of lobsters and meat from a local restaurant and $500 worth of gasoline from the town's public works garage.
Last month, the police commission suspended Police Chief Paul D. Jakubson and began an investigation of his conduct.
Town Attorney William Clendenen said that commissioners sustained all the charges against Officer Daniel Hedges, who was charged with eight departmental violations, including conduct unbecoming an officer, lack of respect, lack of civility and failure to adhere to the oath of office and the code of ethics.
Hedges is accused of throwing his badge and a loaded service weapon onto the pavement outside police headquarters after a dispute with management in 2006. The gun, with a round in the chamber, hit the ground and skidded toward a supervisor, according to police department documents.
Hedges is also accused of telling a dispatcher that any supervisor who went to his house to order him to work an overtime shift "better watch out for the red dot on their forehead" — an alleged reference to the laser sight on a sniper rifle, police documents said.
In 2007, Hedges allegedly said, "I have some names I'd like to add to the list," when ordered by a sergeant to remain on patrol during the dedication of a plaque for officers who had died.
Four other police officers have been fired in the past year, and the department's police chief is serving a suspension.
In January, Officer Matthew Sterling was fired on sexual misconduct and other charges related to corruption on the midnight shift. He and fellow Officer Bernard Durgin Jr. were accused of frequenting strip clubs, massage parlors and prostitutes in Bridgeport. Durgin was fired late last year.
Durgin also faces criminal charges at Superior Court in New Haven after his arrest on charges of interfering with a police investigation in New Haven on behalf of a friend while off-duty. Police said that he also looked up the names of women he knew on police computer databases, committed a workers' compensation scam and threatened witnesses.
In addition, Sgt. Timothy Heiden was fired on charges that included failing to supervise the officers on his shift. And Officer Joseph Gambardella was terminated after he was arrested on charges of stealing $900 worth of lobsters and meat from a local restaurant and $500 worth of gasoline from the town's public works garage.
Last month, the police commission suspended Police Chief Paul D. Jakubson and began an investigation of his conduct.
Former Officer Feliciano Sanchez Arrested on sexual assault charges
Feliciano Sanchez, 33, is charged in a federal indictment with sexually assaulting a motorist after stopping her for a traffic violation in 2007.
A former Bell police officer was arrested by federal agents today after being indicted on federal civil rights charges and accused of forcing a woman to have sex with him while he was on duty.
Feliciano Sanchez, 33, of Pico Rivera sexually assaulted the woman after a traffic stop last year, according to the indictment filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles.
After pulling the woman over, Sanchez drove her to a remote area, where he forced her to engage in a sex act, the court documents state. The indictment also charges Sanchez with using a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence.
Sanchez is expected to appear in federal court this afternoon. If convicted, he faces a potential life sentence, federal prosecutors said.
A former Bell police officer was arrested by federal agents today after being indicted on federal civil rights charges and accused of forcing a woman to have sex with him while he was on duty.
Feliciano Sanchez, 33, of Pico Rivera sexually assaulted the woman after a traffic stop last year, according to the indictment filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles.
After pulling the woman over, Sanchez drove her to a remote area, where he forced her to engage in a sex act, the court documents state. The indictment also charges Sanchez with using a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence.
Sanchez is expected to appear in federal court this afternoon. If convicted, he faces a potential life sentence, federal prosecutors said.
Officer Sentenced to Year for Sexual Misconduct
A former Salisbury police officer convicted of misconduct for having sex with a woman he arrested was sentenced to a year in jail.
Twenty-seven year-old Tracy Ross Sparpaglione of Laurel was acquitted of rape, but found guilty on charges of misconduct in April. The former officer's attorney said an appeal was planned.
According to testimony at his bench trial, Sparpaglione had been an officer for about six months when he went to the 19-year-old woman's home last May, about four hours after arresting her for allegedly striking her mother-in-law with a filled water bottle.
Prosecutors argued that Sparpaglione intimidated the woman into having sex with him. But a defense attorney contended the sex was consensual and questioned the woman's credibility.
Twenty-seven year-old Tracy Ross Sparpaglione of Laurel was acquitted of rape, but found guilty on charges of misconduct in April. The former officer's attorney said an appeal was planned.
According to testimony at his bench trial, Sparpaglione had been an officer for about six months when he went to the 19-year-old woman's home last May, about four hours after arresting her for allegedly striking her mother-in-law with a filled water bottle.
Prosecutors argued that Sparpaglione intimidated the woman into having sex with him. But a defense attorney contended the sex was consensual and questioned the woman's credibility.
Two Veteran Miami Officers Charged with Corruption
Two veteran police officers were charged Friday with providing protection for purported shipments of cocaine and stolen goods in what was actually an undercover FBI operation.
Officer Geovani Nunez and Detective Jorge Hernandez are accused in court documents of helping protect shipments of what they thought were stolen televisions and computers and at least 12 kilograms of cocaine — sometimes by using their police cars to escort trucks.
Prosecutors said the 13-year veterans of the Miami Police Department were paid a combined $39,500 by a secret FBI informant they thought was involved in illegal businesses, prosecutors said.
Nunez and Hernandez were released on bail after appearing briefly in court. Nunez's attorney, Michael Catalano, said the allegedly illegal conduct was staged and not real because it was an FBI sting. Catalano also said the officers would fight the charges, which carry potential life sentences.
"They are charged with committing crimes that did not exist," he said.
It was not immediately clear if Hernandez had an attorney.
Police Chief John Timoney said the two officers would be fired.
"These two, as far as I'm concerned, are aberrations," he said.
U.S. Attorney R. Alexander Acosta said the case was particularly disheartening in a year when several South Florida police officers have died in the line of duty.
"It is sad that a handful of individuals choose to repay their colleagues' sacrifice through criminal conduct," Acosta said.
The case is similar to a recent FBI sting that led to guilty pleas from five officers in Hollywood, Fla. Four received lengthy prison sentences.
Officer Geovani Nunez and Detective Jorge Hernandez are accused in court documents of helping protect shipments of what they thought were stolen televisions and computers and at least 12 kilograms of cocaine — sometimes by using their police cars to escort trucks.
Prosecutors said the 13-year veterans of the Miami Police Department were paid a combined $39,500 by a secret FBI informant they thought was involved in illegal businesses, prosecutors said.
Nunez and Hernandez were released on bail after appearing briefly in court. Nunez's attorney, Michael Catalano, said the allegedly illegal conduct was staged and not real because it was an FBI sting. Catalano also said the officers would fight the charges, which carry potential life sentences.
"They are charged with committing crimes that did not exist," he said.
It was not immediately clear if Hernandez had an attorney.
Police Chief John Timoney said the two officers would be fired.
"These two, as far as I'm concerned, are aberrations," he said.
U.S. Attorney R. Alexander Acosta said the case was particularly disheartening in a year when several South Florida police officers have died in the line of duty.
"It is sad that a handful of individuals choose to repay their colleagues' sacrifice through criminal conduct," Acosta said.
The case is similar to a recent FBI sting that led to guilty pleas from five officers in Hollywood, Fla. Four received lengthy prison sentences.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Police Focusing too Much on Minor Crimes
I recently read an interesting article in the UK about how law enforcement were focusing too much on minor crimes, just to meet a quota. The same thing is happening here in the US. Officers are on a rampage, stopping, writing tickets, and sometimes arresting individuals over minor offenses at a pace that of approximately one every 10 minutes. How did I arrive at this number? By watching our fine officers perform their duty of protecting and serving.
Police often choose to tackle "trivial" offences instead of serious crimes to help them meet government targets, a right-wing think tank has said.
I was doing some local shopping today, paying a few bills, and running errands that needed to be done, all the time watching not only local law enforcement, but Highway Patrol officers, stopping individuals at a record pace. It is known that it takes an officer an average of 15 minutes for each stop he performs, but not recently. Just one block from leaving my house. I encounter one officer out of his car writing a ticket to a lady. Before I made it to the stop sign at the corner, I saw the officer pull away and hit his lights on another victim.
Police forces, and the government, risked alienating the public by concentrating on "easy-to-deal-with offending" like speeding.
Just a couple more blocks away, I watched as an officer whip around in the road in front of me and went after someone else. A little farther down, I see a highway patrolman pulling a woman over. I drove just a couple more blocks, near O’ Riley’s Auto Parts store, and saw a man pulled over with two police cars ‘assisting’ him with a ticket or two. And I’m not even a mile away from my house!!!
Arresting or fining a normally law-abiding person for a minor offence was a good way of achieving this target and pleasing those higher up.
I pick up some food from Sonic as I’m watching the officers, one of them finally leave and immediately hit the lights on someone else. Totally time driving through town, I watched as over 15 people were stopped and giving tickets. Time...less than one hour.
The pamphlet, written by journalist Harriet Sergeant, said many officers were expected to complete a certain number of "sanction detections" a month, either by charging, cautioning or fining an offender, and are offered performance-related pay bonuses.
"In order to meet targets, police are now classifying incidents as crimes that would previously have been dealt with informally, classified differently or ignored," said the pamphlet.
One officer was quoted as saying he warned his teenage son to take extra care at the end of the month when police were looking to fill their quota.
"Complaints against the police have risen, with much of the increase coming from law-abiding, middle-class, middle-aged and retired people who no longer feel that the police are on their side."
The author recommended the problem be tackled by removing targets and that a new local tax should pay for policing.
Police often choose to tackle "trivial" offences instead of serious crimes to help them meet government targets, a right-wing think tank has said.
I was doing some local shopping today, paying a few bills, and running errands that needed to be done, all the time watching not only local law enforcement, but Highway Patrol officers, stopping individuals at a record pace. It is known that it takes an officer an average of 15 minutes for each stop he performs, but not recently. Just one block from leaving my house. I encounter one officer out of his car writing a ticket to a lady. Before I made it to the stop sign at the corner, I saw the officer pull away and hit his lights on another victim.
Police forces, and the government, risked alienating the public by concentrating on "easy-to-deal-with offending" like speeding.
Just a couple more blocks away, I watched as an officer whip around in the road in front of me and went after someone else. A little farther down, I see a highway patrolman pulling a woman over. I drove just a couple more blocks, near O’ Riley’s Auto Parts store, and saw a man pulled over with two police cars ‘assisting’ him with a ticket or two. And I’m not even a mile away from my house!!!
Arresting or fining a normally law-abiding person for a minor offence was a good way of achieving this target and pleasing those higher up.
I pick up some food from Sonic as I’m watching the officers, one of them finally leave and immediately hit the lights on someone else. Totally time driving through town, I watched as over 15 people were stopped and giving tickets. Time...less than one hour.
The pamphlet, written by journalist Harriet Sergeant, said many officers were expected to complete a certain number of "sanction detections" a month, either by charging, cautioning or fining an offender, and are offered performance-related pay bonuses.
"In order to meet targets, police are now classifying incidents as crimes that would previously have been dealt with informally, classified differently or ignored," said the pamphlet.
One officer was quoted as saying he warned his teenage son to take extra care at the end of the month when police were looking to fill their quota.
"Complaints against the police have risen, with much of the increase coming from law-abiding, middle-class, middle-aged and retired people who no longer feel that the police are on their side."
The author recommended the problem be tackled by removing targets and that a new local tax should pay for policing.
Officer Warren Knight Accused Of Assaulting Family Member
A Norwich police officer faces assault charges, the third officer to have been arrested in the last year.
Officer Warren Knight, 45, was arrested Wednesday and charged with third-degree assault and disorderly conduct. State police said Knight turned himself to Troop E in Montville after a warrant was issued for his arrest. He is accused of assaulting a male family member.
Police said Knight, who lives on North Burnham Highway in Lisbon, was off-duty at the time of the assault.
Knight reportedly made the Norwich Police Department aware of the incident and was put on desk duty. The department will also conduct an internal investigation.
Knight isn't the first Norwich officer to get in trouble with the law. Lt. Michael Blanchette was recently charged with drug possession while in New York, and former Officer Jamie Longolucco faces multiple charges after a fight with two women at a New London apartment.
Some Norwich residents said the numerous allegations have them questioning the integrity of the police department.
"He shouldn't be doing that," Norwich resident Eric Gallegous said. "They obviously know better, especially Norwich police."
Norwich resident Ken O'Neal said the arrest has shaken his faith in the police department even further.
"Honestly, I didn't have too much faith in the Norwich police department to begin with," he said. "So, is it shaky? It makes me nervous to think that the people that we're supposed to respect to serve and protect are now assaulting their family members."
Knight was released on a promise to appear in court. He will be arraigned Thursday in New London Superior Court.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Officer Carie Hooker Accused of Shoplifting
An off-duty Chicago Police officer was arrested on suspicion of stealing more than $100 in women's clothing at a Kohl's store in Chicago Ridge, village police said.
Officer Carie Hooker, 39, was charged Monday with retail theft.
The store's security officers stopped Hooker as she left about 5 p.m. from the store at 9700 Ridgeland Ave. She was released after posting bail.
Chicago Police late Tuesday didn't provide any details on Hooker's assignment, but records show she started work in Chicago in March 1997.
The arrest comes after another Chicago officer was arrested for allegedly battering a couple in Niles Saturday.
Officer Carie Hooker, 39, was charged Monday with retail theft.
The store's security officers stopped Hooker as she left about 5 p.m. from the store at 9700 Ridgeland Ave. She was released after posting bail.
Chicago Police late Tuesday didn't provide any details on Hooker's assignment, but records show she started work in Chicago in March 1997.
The arrest comes after another Chicago officer was arrested for allegedly battering a couple in Niles Saturday.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Officer James David Burnett Arrested for Domestic Violence
An Oklahoma City officer was arrested late Thursday on suspicion of domestic abuse, police said.
Officer James David Burnett was taken into custody Thursday night after officers responded to a domestic disturbance call at a home in southwest Oklahoma City.
Investigators said officers found Burnett and a woman who had bruises and cuts on her face.
"The officer, David Burnett, has been placed on suspension with pay. He's a 26-year veteran on the police department," said Sgt. Gary Knight.
Prosecutors said they have not filed charges against Burnett.
Oklahoma City police officials said the department is investigating the case.
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