MATAMORAS, Pa.
A correction officer at the State Correctional Facility in Otisville has been arrested by Pennsylvania State Police and charged with stabbing a Port Jervis man.
Steven Carl Krause, 46, of Matamoras, is accused of stabbing Sean Patrick Conklin, 26, of Port Jervis early Wednesday morning outside Mr. Spanky’s bar in Dingman Township, Pa.
Police say Krause became angry when the bartender gave the last call for alcohol and spat a mouthful of beer at the bartender. Conklin, who police say had been arguing with Krause on and off through the evening, reportedly scolded him for being rude.
Krause then left the bar with Conklin following behind. Moments later, Conklin stumbled back into the bar yelling that he had been stabbed, police say.
Conklin was taken to Bon Secours Hospital in Port Jervis and underwent emergency surgery for a punctured intestine.
Krause was apprehended at his residence and sent to the Pike County Correctional Facility in lieu of $25,000 bail.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Officer Accused of Selling Handgun to Felon
Another Indianapolis Metro Police officer faces a criminal charge.
31-year-old Officer Jason Barber, an eight-year veteran, is accused of selling a handgun to a felon and a related charge of official misconduct.
Officer Barber, assigned to the Dangerous Drug Section of the Narcotics Branch, had been under investigation by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force since March.
Barber worked alongside Officers Jason Edwards and Robert Long, who are both under federal indictment for drug offenses. But police say the two cases are separate and unrelated.
Philadelphia Man Arrested over Anti-police Video
PHILADELPHIA
A man who authorities say posted an Internet video showing himself waving a gun and claiming to rejoice whenever a police officer is shot in the city was arrested Thursday.
Andre Moore, 44, of West Philadelphia, faces charges of aggravated assault, terroristic threats, corruption of morals of a minor and harassment, police Lt. John Walker said.
In the video posted on YouTube, a man authorities identified as Moore complains about officers in West Philadelphia's 18th police district, calling them "a bunch of liars" and saying he celebrates "whenever they shoot a cop in Philadelphia."
At another point, he is shown waving a gun and talking about officer shootings in the city. According to a probable cause affidavit, the man removes the ammunition magazine from the gun, racks the slide, points the pistol at the camera and pulls the trigger as he speaks.
"Boom! ... When you shoot the cop, you shoot them dead, OK? Anywhere, head or the heart. That's why the last cops lost their lives," he says.
Three city police officers have been killed in the line of duty in a little more than two years.
An arrest warrant was issued for Moore after he was identified in the video, which was posted June 7, said Kevin Harley, spokesman for the state Attorney General's Office. The video was removed from YouTube following Moore's arrest at his apartment, police said.
"We believe these were terroristic threats that are not protected by the First Amendment, particularly when he encourages people to promote violence in Philadelphia and when he shows people how to use a gun to shoot a cop," Harley said.
Arrest documents said Moore works as a security guard at Albert Einstein Medical Center, where Officer Chuck Cassidy died after being shot during a robbery on Oct. 31.
Moore remained in custody Thursday and it was unclear whether he had an attorney.
A man who authorities say posted an Internet video showing himself waving a gun and claiming to rejoice whenever a police officer is shot in the city was arrested Thursday.
Andre Moore, 44, of West Philadelphia, faces charges of aggravated assault, terroristic threats, corruption of morals of a minor and harassment, police Lt. John Walker said.
In the video posted on YouTube, a man authorities identified as Moore complains about officers in West Philadelphia's 18th police district, calling them "a bunch of liars" and saying he celebrates "whenever they shoot a cop in Philadelphia."
At another point, he is shown waving a gun and talking about officer shootings in the city. According to a probable cause affidavit, the man removes the ammunition magazine from the gun, racks the slide, points the pistol at the camera and pulls the trigger as he speaks.
"Boom! ... When you shoot the cop, you shoot them dead, OK? Anywhere, head or the heart. That's why the last cops lost their lives," he says.
Three city police officers have been killed in the line of duty in a little more than two years.
An arrest warrant was issued for Moore after he was identified in the video, which was posted June 7, said Kevin Harley, spokesman for the state Attorney General's Office. The video was removed from YouTube following Moore's arrest at his apartment, police said.
"We believe these were terroristic threats that are not protected by the First Amendment, particularly when he encourages people to promote violence in Philadelphia and when he shows people how to use a gun to shoot a cop," Harley said.
Arrest documents said Moore works as a security guard at Albert Einstein Medical Center, where Officer Chuck Cassidy died after being shot during a robbery on Oct. 31.
Moore remained in custody Thursday and it was unclear whether he had an attorney.
Corrections Officer Charged with Smuggling Drugs into Jail
A Middlesex County corrections officer was arrested today in a sting operation at a Winthrop doughnut shop on charges that he ferried drugs from dealers to inmates at the jail where he worked, State Police said.
The sting came at the end of an eight-month investigation into Scott Sears, 36, of Winthrop, said David Procopio, a State Police spokesman. In October, State Police and the Middlesex Sheriff's Office heard from informants that Sears was allegedly smuggling drugs into the Billerica jail.
Sears, who had worked for the sheriff's office for two years, would allegedly meet with drug dealers, collect marijuana and heroin on behalf of the inmates, and then bring it into the jail for a fee.
Michael Hartigan, a spokesman for the sheriff's office, said he couldn’t say how long the purported scheme had operated or estimate the amount of drugs Sears had allegedly brought into the facility. “Any amount is detrimental to safety,” he said. Hartigan said that, as far as he knew, no other corrections officers were implicated in the investigation.
State Police and the sheriff’s office set up surveillance at a Dunkin’ Donuts on Revere Street. An undercover agent met with Sears and gave him a variety of drugs in a coffee cup, Procopio said. As payment, Sears received $150 and 3½ grams of cocaine for himself, he said.
As Sears left the shop, officers converged on him and placed him under arrest, Procopio said. He is being held at the Suffolk County jail on $15,000 bail.
The sting came at the end of an eight-month investigation into Scott Sears, 36, of Winthrop, said David Procopio, a State Police spokesman. In October, State Police and the Middlesex Sheriff's Office heard from informants that Sears was allegedly smuggling drugs into the Billerica jail.
Sears, who had worked for the sheriff's office for two years, would allegedly meet with drug dealers, collect marijuana and heroin on behalf of the inmates, and then bring it into the jail for a fee.
Michael Hartigan, a spokesman for the sheriff's office, said he couldn’t say how long the purported scheme had operated or estimate the amount of drugs Sears had allegedly brought into the facility. “Any amount is detrimental to safety,” he said. Hartigan said that, as far as he knew, no other corrections officers were implicated in the investigation.
State Police and the sheriff’s office set up surveillance at a Dunkin’ Donuts on Revere Street. An undercover agent met with Sears and gave him a variety of drugs in a coffee cup, Procopio said. As payment, Sears received $150 and 3½ grams of cocaine for himself, he said.
As Sears left the shop, officers converged on him and placed him under arrest, Procopio said. He is being held at the Suffolk County jail on $15,000 bail.
Officer Jason Crawford Accused of Brutality
AL
An East Brewton couple filed a police brutality lawsuit this month against an officer they claim repeatedly harassed them and caused the woman to prematurely deliver her child.
Michael Palmer and Amber Ballard, who seek unspecified damages, accuse Officer Jason Crawford, Police Chief B.C. Cooper and unnamed officers with 13 violations of state and federal law.
The lawsuit represents one side of a legal argument. Neither Cooper nor Crawford, who has left the Police Department, could be reached for comment.
According to the civil complaint in U.S. District Court in Mobile, Crawford repeatedly stopped and harassed Michael Palmer at work and other locations in East Brewton.
"For whatever reason, this officer targeted Mr. Palmer and his family," said April England-Albright, the attorney for the plaintiffs.
The complaint cites a June 14, 2006, altercation on Mayo Street in which Crawford stopped a car that Amber Ballard was driving and told Palmer there was a warrant for his arrest. He took Palmer into custody, refusing Palmer's requests to double-check his information with the police station, according to the suit.
Crawford said that he was going to search the car, according to the suit. Ballard would not consent to the search and asked the officer to state his probable cause.
When Ballard reached for her cell phone to call her father, the suit states, Crawford said, "I am sick of you and you are under arrest.
Ballard, 23, and Palmer, 37, were convicted of disorderly conduct stemming from the events that day, according to Escambia County District Court records. The judge also found Palmer guilty of resisting arrest, failure to obey a police officer, disorderly conduct from a March 2006 arrest and endangering the welfare of a child.
The suit states that Crawford grabbed Ballard's hand during the June 2006 traffic stop and pushed her into the car, pressing against her stomach. The suit alleges that Crawford searched Ballard in a sexual manner, touching her panties and asking her if she had any thing on her.
Other officers arrived and held Ballard's hands behind her back in an awkward manner, according to the suit.
At the police station, Ballard complained that she was in pain and asked to see a doctor, but the officers ignored her, the suit maintains.
Later that month, Ballard gave birth about five weeks before her due date. She and the baby had to stay in the hospital for six weeks, and the child still has complications, according to the suit.
An East Brewton couple filed a police brutality lawsuit this month against an officer they claim repeatedly harassed them and caused the woman to prematurely deliver her child.
Michael Palmer and Amber Ballard, who seek unspecified damages, accuse Officer Jason Crawford, Police Chief B.C. Cooper and unnamed officers with 13 violations of state and federal law.
The lawsuit represents one side of a legal argument. Neither Cooper nor Crawford, who has left the Police Department, could be reached for comment.
According to the civil complaint in U.S. District Court in Mobile, Crawford repeatedly stopped and harassed Michael Palmer at work and other locations in East Brewton.
"For whatever reason, this officer targeted Mr. Palmer and his family," said April England-Albright, the attorney for the plaintiffs.
The complaint cites a June 14, 2006, altercation on Mayo Street in which Crawford stopped a car that Amber Ballard was driving and told Palmer there was a warrant for his arrest. He took Palmer into custody, refusing Palmer's requests to double-check his information with the police station, according to the suit.
Crawford said that he was going to search the car, according to the suit. Ballard would not consent to the search and asked the officer to state his probable cause.
When Ballard reached for her cell phone to call her father, the suit states, Crawford said, "I am sick of you and you are under arrest.
Ballard, 23, and Palmer, 37, were convicted of disorderly conduct stemming from the events that day, according to Escambia County District Court records. The judge also found Palmer guilty of resisting arrest, failure to obey a police officer, disorderly conduct from a March 2006 arrest and endangering the welfare of a child.
The suit states that Crawford grabbed Ballard's hand during the June 2006 traffic stop and pushed her into the car, pressing against her stomach. The suit alleges that Crawford searched Ballard in a sexual manner, touching her panties and asking her if she had any thing on her.
Other officers arrived and held Ballard's hands behind her back in an awkward manner, according to the suit.
At the police station, Ballard complained that she was in pain and asked to see a doctor, but the officers ignored her, the suit maintains.
Later that month, Ballard gave birth about five weeks before her due date. She and the baby had to stay in the hospital for six weeks, and the child still has complications, according to the suit.
deputy fired after being accused of stealing school band funds
GA
For the second time in two weeks, a Bibb County sheriff's deputy has found himself on the other side of the law.
The sheriff's office announced Wednesday that a deputy was terminated following an investigation of a possible theft totaling more than $2,000 from the Westside High School band program.
Robert Moran, 41, who volunteered as president of the school's Band Boosters, was arrested Monday and charged with felony theft by taking in connection with the incident, sheriff's office spokesman Lt. George Meadows said.
He was released on $3,400 bond from the Bibb County jail, where he worked as a corrections officer, and fired the same day.
A tentative trial date has been set for July.
Deputy Jiwana Daquare Green, 30, who is also assigned to the corrections division, was arrested June 12 on charges of misdemeanor marijuana possession following a traffic stop by Macon police for a burned out headlight and cracked taillight.
Green remains on suspension with pay from the sheriff's office pending results of investigations by the sheriff's office internal affairs department and Macon police.
Bibb County Sheriff Jerry Modena called the incidents "regrettable."
"It's regrettable whenever we have to take this kind of action against one of our deputies. But in each case, when it comes to our attention that they have violated their oath of office in some manner, we have taken quick action and will do so anytime that's occurred," Modena said in a statement Wednesday.
In January, school officials began noticing discrepancies in the club's fundraising account. Problems with the account continued until May when $2,600 was unaccounted for. School officials contacted the sheriff's office.
Bibb County schools Deputy Superintendent Sylvia McGee said Westside principal Laura Perkins had been involved in the investigation from the beginning.
"She's very much aware of the investigation. It started earlier in the year. She had sent (Moran) several certified letters requesting information with no response."
McGee said she and Perkins were not aware of Moran's arrest before being contacted by The Telegraph late Wednesday.
"This is a very unfortunate situation. It's most unfortunate for the students who were in the band. As a result of funds, I'm sure there were probably services they were not able to take advantage of," she said.
Band Boosters, made up of Westside High parents, is not a direct entity of the high school. The organization raises money mostly for band trips and clinics, McGee said. It has its own fundraising account.
Westside High band director Dan Tyner was not immediately available for comment.
Moran became president of the club this year, McGee said. He has a daughter who graduated from the high school in May.
Meadows said Moran joined the sheriff's office about three years ago and has no prior reprimands.
In addition to the two arrests, the department is continuing to deal with a GBI investigation into allegations of overtime pay abuse by employees at the sheriff's office. The initial investigation, undertaken last year, involved five deputies and overtime submitted - but not worked - for three days.
Modena has said that only one deputy claimed overtime hours she did not work.
All of the deputies, four of whom represented the command staff of the Corrections Division, were reprimanded for violating the policies and procedures of the sheriff's office.
The sheriff "holds his deputies to a higher standard and that higher standard plays a role in every investigation," Meadows said.
Information from The Telegraph's archives was used in this report.
For the second time in two weeks, a Bibb County sheriff's deputy has found himself on the other side of the law.
The sheriff's office announced Wednesday that a deputy was terminated following an investigation of a possible theft totaling more than $2,000 from the Westside High School band program.
Robert Moran, 41, who volunteered as president of the school's Band Boosters, was arrested Monday and charged with felony theft by taking in connection with the incident, sheriff's office spokesman Lt. George Meadows said.
He was released on $3,400 bond from the Bibb County jail, where he worked as a corrections officer, and fired the same day.
A tentative trial date has been set for July.
Deputy Jiwana Daquare Green, 30, who is also assigned to the corrections division, was arrested June 12 on charges of misdemeanor marijuana possession following a traffic stop by Macon police for a burned out headlight and cracked taillight.
Green remains on suspension with pay from the sheriff's office pending results of investigations by the sheriff's office internal affairs department and Macon police.
Bibb County Sheriff Jerry Modena called the incidents "regrettable."
"It's regrettable whenever we have to take this kind of action against one of our deputies. But in each case, when it comes to our attention that they have violated their oath of office in some manner, we have taken quick action and will do so anytime that's occurred," Modena said in a statement Wednesday.
In January, school officials began noticing discrepancies in the club's fundraising account. Problems with the account continued until May when $2,600 was unaccounted for. School officials contacted the sheriff's office.
Bibb County schools Deputy Superintendent Sylvia McGee said Westside principal Laura Perkins had been involved in the investigation from the beginning.
"She's very much aware of the investigation. It started earlier in the year. She had sent (Moran) several certified letters requesting information with no response."
McGee said she and Perkins were not aware of Moran's arrest before being contacted by The Telegraph late Wednesday.
"This is a very unfortunate situation. It's most unfortunate for the students who were in the band. As a result of funds, I'm sure there were probably services they were not able to take advantage of," she said.
Band Boosters, made up of Westside High parents, is not a direct entity of the high school. The organization raises money mostly for band trips and clinics, McGee said. It has its own fundraising account.
Westside High band director Dan Tyner was not immediately available for comment.
Moran became president of the club this year, McGee said. He has a daughter who graduated from the high school in May.
Meadows said Moran joined the sheriff's office about three years ago and has no prior reprimands.
In addition to the two arrests, the department is continuing to deal with a GBI investigation into allegations of overtime pay abuse by employees at the sheriff's office. The initial investigation, undertaken last year, involved five deputies and overtime submitted - but not worked - for three days.
Modena has said that only one deputy claimed overtime hours she did not work.
All of the deputies, four of whom represented the command staff of the Corrections Division, were reprimanded for violating the policies and procedures of the sheriff's office.
The sheriff "holds his deputies to a higher standard and that higher standard plays a role in every investigation," Meadows said.
Information from The Telegraph's archives was used in this report.
Officer Accused Of Using Racial Slur During Traffic Stop
MONROE, Ga.
A Georgia police officer is under investigation after a man he pulled over claimed the officer used racially charged language during a traffic stop.
Chris Wilburn filed an open records request for the dashboard camera video after he was arrested on charges of driving alone with a license that required an adult in the car. He was also charged with disorderly conduct for telling the officer he thought the arrest was wrong and for saying, “Jesus, have mercy on all your kids. Have mercy, have mercy.”
Once Wilburn got the tape, he said he was shocked when he heard Monroe police Officer Eric Harrison apparently say, “Bagged me a smart *** (n-word) a while ago running his mouth.”
The comment has Harrison on paid administrative leave and in jeopardy of losing his job.
“I think he should lose his badge,” said Wilburn.
Harrison was allegedly referring to Wilburn when he made the slur. “I hear him say the n-word. That really burned me up,” said Wilburn.
When asked the police chief if it was disorderly conduct on Wilburn’s part for saying, “Jesus, have mercy on all your kids.”
“If the officer perceived there was some kind of threat against his kids, it may,” said Chief Keith Glass with the Monroe Police Department.
As for the slur, Glass said Harrison made the comment after he dropped Wilburn off at the jail. Glass said it was inadvertently recorded and inexcusable.
“He used a term that he shouldn’t have used. There’s no excuse,” said Glass.
Glass said Harrison brought the incident to the department’s attention after one of Wilburn’s relatives told him about it. Wilburn said he is happy he picked up the tape.
“That explains why he stopped me,” said Wilburn.
The department ordered Harrison to apologize but when he tried to, Wilburn told the officer -- "I’ll see you in court." Glass said Harrison was disciplined even though Wilburn never filed a complaint.
Wilburn was supposed to be in court for the charges he faces, but when he arrived he found out court was canceled for the day.
Harrison will find out his fate Friday.
A Georgia police officer is under investigation after a man he pulled over claimed the officer used racially charged language during a traffic stop.
Chris Wilburn filed an open records request for the dashboard camera video after he was arrested on charges of driving alone with a license that required an adult in the car. He was also charged with disorderly conduct for telling the officer he thought the arrest was wrong and for saying, “Jesus, have mercy on all your kids. Have mercy, have mercy.”
Once Wilburn got the tape, he said he was shocked when he heard Monroe police Officer Eric Harrison apparently say, “Bagged me a smart *** (n-word) a while ago running his mouth.”
The comment has Harrison on paid administrative leave and in jeopardy of losing his job.
“I think he should lose his badge,” said Wilburn.
Harrison was allegedly referring to Wilburn when he made the slur. “I hear him say the n-word. That really burned me up,” said Wilburn.
When asked the police chief if it was disorderly conduct on Wilburn’s part for saying, “Jesus, have mercy on all your kids.”
“If the officer perceived there was some kind of threat against his kids, it may,” said Chief Keith Glass with the Monroe Police Department.
As for the slur, Glass said Harrison made the comment after he dropped Wilburn off at the jail. Glass said it was inadvertently recorded and inexcusable.
“He used a term that he shouldn’t have used. There’s no excuse,” said Glass.
Glass said Harrison brought the incident to the department’s attention after one of Wilburn’s relatives told him about it. Wilburn said he is happy he picked up the tape.
“That explains why he stopped me,” said Wilburn.
The department ordered Harrison to apologize but when he tried to, Wilburn told the officer -- "I’ll see you in court." Glass said Harrison was disciplined even though Wilburn never filed a complaint.
Wilburn was supposed to be in court for the charges he faces, but when he arrived he found out court was canceled for the day.
Harrison will find out his fate Friday.
Officer Christopher Paciorkowski Arrested for Domestic Battery
IN
A five-year veteran of the Elkhart Police Department has been arrested for felony domestic battery and interference with reporting a crime.
Police were called to a home on Elkhart’s north side about 9:20 a.m. Wednesday. There a woman told the officers she wanted to file battery charges against her fiancé, 40-year-old Christopher Paciorkowski, for pushing her.
Because Paciorkowski is an Elkhart police officer, officers requested the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department handle the complaint.
The Sheriff’s Department determined there was enough probable cause to arrest Paciorkowski for felony domestic battery and interference with reporting a crime. He was booked into the Elkhart County Jail.
Paciorkowski was placed on administrative leave according to the Elkhart Police Department.
Horry County Officer Arrested for Arson
A Horry County police officer was arrested by SLED agents Wednesday afternoon for arson.
SLED says 32-year-old Kyle Gary Bell of Nichols, SC is charged with one count of arson in connection with a fire in Longs, SC in April.
According to the warrant, on April 23, Bell set fire to land belonging to the International Paper Company.
The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by SLED at the request of the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
SLED says 32-year-old Kyle Gary Bell of Nichols, SC is charged with one count of arson in connection with a fire in Longs, SC in April.
According to the warrant, on April 23, Bell set fire to land belonging to the International Paper Company.
The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by SLED at the request of the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
University Officer Cpl Marc Decellier Charged with Forging Prescriptions
MD
A Bowie State University police officer was indicted June 5 on 19 separate criminal charges, including several attempts to fraudulently obtain the narcotic Oxycodone, counterfeiting and possession of forged prescriptions, and fraudulent possession of Oxycodone.
Cpl. Marc Ducellier, 39, of Bowie was indicted by a grand jury. His arraignment was held June 19 in Prince George’s County Circuit Court and he was released without bail. BSU Police Chief Ernest Waiters said Ducellier was suspended on Friday. The BSU police were not involved in the investigation and no other officers are under investigation, Waiters said.
‘‘As far as I’m concerned, he’s been a good officer,” Waiters said. ‘‘I’m taking it that this is an isolated incident.”
Cpl. Stephen Pacheco, a spokesman for Prince George’s County Police, said county police were not involved in the incident.
When reached Monday, Ducellier’s attorney, John Pikulski, called several of the charges duplicitous, but said he had not received all charging information from the state and could not comment on them further.
Ducellier allegedly tried to fill a prescription for the powerful and potentially habit-forming pain medication on three separate dates, Jan. 13, 26 and 31, according to the grand jury’s decision. Because Ducellier was issued a criminal summons and not arrested by police, there are no charging documents in his case. No one contacted who is involved with the case, including Ramon Korionoff, spokesman for the county State’s Attorney’s Office, would discuss how Ducellier came under investigation. A grand jury hears and receives evidence to determine probable cause exists that a crime has been committed.
However, recently fired BSU officer Tyrone Lawson has filed four lawsuits this year against the department and Chief Ernest Waiters has alleged corruption within the department, according to court records.
The full charges include nine counts of counterfeiting a prescription, two counts of obtaining a controlled and dangerous substance by fraud, one count of possession of a CDS, one count of theft under $500 from the International Workers’ Insurance Fund, and six counts of attempting to obtain a prescription drug fraudulently.
Counterfeiting a prescription and obtaining a prescription fraudulently are both misdemeanors punishable by up to two years in jail, obtaining a CDS fraudulently and possession of a CDS are both punishable by up to four years, and theft under $500 is punishable by up to 18 months, Pikulski said.
Ducellier’s trial has been set for Sept. 10.
A Bowie State University police officer was indicted June 5 on 19 separate criminal charges, including several attempts to fraudulently obtain the narcotic Oxycodone, counterfeiting and possession of forged prescriptions, and fraudulent possession of Oxycodone.
Cpl. Marc Ducellier, 39, of Bowie was indicted by a grand jury. His arraignment was held June 19 in Prince George’s County Circuit Court and he was released without bail. BSU Police Chief Ernest Waiters said Ducellier was suspended on Friday. The BSU police were not involved in the investigation and no other officers are under investigation, Waiters said.
‘‘As far as I’m concerned, he’s been a good officer,” Waiters said. ‘‘I’m taking it that this is an isolated incident.”
Cpl. Stephen Pacheco, a spokesman for Prince George’s County Police, said county police were not involved in the incident.
When reached Monday, Ducellier’s attorney, John Pikulski, called several of the charges duplicitous, but said he had not received all charging information from the state and could not comment on them further.
Ducellier allegedly tried to fill a prescription for the powerful and potentially habit-forming pain medication on three separate dates, Jan. 13, 26 and 31, according to the grand jury’s decision. Because Ducellier was issued a criminal summons and not arrested by police, there are no charging documents in his case. No one contacted who is involved with the case, including Ramon Korionoff, spokesman for the county State’s Attorney’s Office, would discuss how Ducellier came under investigation. A grand jury hears and receives evidence to determine probable cause exists that a crime has been committed.
However, recently fired BSU officer Tyrone Lawson has filed four lawsuits this year against the department and Chief Ernest Waiters has alleged corruption within the department, according to court records.
The full charges include nine counts of counterfeiting a prescription, two counts of obtaining a controlled and dangerous substance by fraud, one count of possession of a CDS, one count of theft under $500 from the International Workers’ Insurance Fund, and six counts of attempting to obtain a prescription drug fraudulently.
Counterfeiting a prescription and obtaining a prescription fraudulently are both misdemeanors punishable by up to two years in jail, obtaining a CDS fraudulently and possession of a CDS are both punishable by up to four years, and theft under $500 is punishable by up to 18 months, Pikulski said.
Ducellier’s trial has been set for Sept. 10.
Daughter of Police Chief Arrested
GEORGETOWN, TX
Samantha Ann Morgan, the 18-year-old daughter of Georgetown Police Chief David Morgan, could face up to 22 years in prison on charges stemming from an altercation with a police officer.
Officials said Samanatha was riding with three males in a sport-utility vehicle that was stopped June 15 for a broken headlight. When officer Shanna Shelly obtained permission to search the vehicle, she found a purse that contained a bag of marijuana and $1,247 in cash, the affidavit said.
When the officer attempted to arrest Morgan, she ran about 200 yards then dropped to the ground, the affidavit said. While the officer attempted to put her in the police car, Morgan kicked the officer in the thigh, the Austin American-Statesman reported in its online editions Thursday.
Morgan was strip-searched in the Williamson County Jail, and officers found 2.7 grams of crack cocaine. She was charged with assault on a public servant, evading arrest and delivery of marijuana and was released Saturday with bail set at $3,500.
"They performed their duty and held my daughter accountable for her behavior, just as they would any other citizen. As a parent, though she is an adult, she will always be my daughter and I will always be there for her with love in my heart," David Morgan said in a written statement.
Samantha Ann Morgan, the 18-year-old daughter of Georgetown Police Chief David Morgan, could face up to 22 years in prison on charges stemming from an altercation with a police officer.
Officials said Samanatha was riding with three males in a sport-utility vehicle that was stopped June 15 for a broken headlight. When officer Shanna Shelly obtained permission to search the vehicle, she found a purse that contained a bag of marijuana and $1,247 in cash, the affidavit said.
When the officer attempted to arrest Morgan, she ran about 200 yards then dropped to the ground, the affidavit said. While the officer attempted to put her in the police car, Morgan kicked the officer in the thigh, the Austin American-Statesman reported in its online editions Thursday.
Morgan was strip-searched in the Williamson County Jail, and officers found 2.7 grams of crack cocaine. She was charged with assault on a public servant, evading arrest and delivery of marijuana and was released Saturday with bail set at $3,500.
"They performed their duty and held my daughter accountable for her behavior, just as they would any other citizen. As a parent, though she is an adult, she will always be my daughter and I will always be there for her with love in my heart," David Morgan said in a written statement.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Officer Accused Of Stealing Money
A Jackson Police officer is suspended with pay as authorities investigate claims that he stole money from customers at a South Jackson nightclub.
JPD has launched an internal and criminal investigation into one of its own.
The officer is accused of presenting himself as an on-duty police officer when he was actually off-duty at the time.
According to the owner of El Jardin De Las Aves, the officer stopped undocumented immigrants and checked them or their cars. The owner said the officer would then take money from their wallet.
The officer's name is pending the outcome of the investigation.
"If allegations against officers prove to be true, then I'm going to take the appropriate action" said JPD Chief Malcolm McMillin.
Patricia Ice works with the Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance, and said that undocumented workers make for easy prey.
"Immigrants often cannot get bank accounts because they don't have a social security number," said Ice.
Because of that, they often carry large amounts of cash on them. But Ice said these types of crimes aren't simply limited to undocumented people.
"Basically what they're doing is racial profiling," said Ice.
That's because Ice said that she's had similar complaints from people in the state legally.
As for the officer accused, if he's found guilty, Ice said she wants the officer to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law so that it can serve as a learning lesson for others in the same position.
The outcome of the criminal and civil investigations is expected by the end of the week.
JPD has launched an internal and criminal investigation into one of its own.
The officer is accused of presenting himself as an on-duty police officer when he was actually off-duty at the time.
According to the owner of El Jardin De Las Aves, the officer stopped undocumented immigrants and checked them or their cars. The owner said the officer would then take money from their wallet.
The officer's name is pending the outcome of the investigation.
"If allegations against officers prove to be true, then I'm going to take the appropriate action" said JPD Chief Malcolm McMillin.
Patricia Ice works with the Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance, and said that undocumented workers make for easy prey.
"Immigrants often cannot get bank accounts because they don't have a social security number," said Ice.
Because of that, they often carry large amounts of cash on them. But Ice said these types of crimes aren't simply limited to undocumented people.
"Basically what they're doing is racial profiling," said Ice.
That's because Ice said that she's had similar complaints from people in the state legally.
As for the officer accused, if he's found guilty, Ice said she wants the officer to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law so that it can serve as a learning lesson for others in the same position.
The outcome of the criminal and civil investigations is expected by the end of the week.
Police Brutality Lawsuit
EAST BREWTON, Ala.
An East Brewton couple has filed a police brutality lawsuit that claims harassment by an officer cause the woman to give birth prematurely.
The civil complaint filed in federal court in Mobile by Michael Palmer and Amber Ballard accuses Officer Jason Crawford, Police Chief B.C. Cooper and unnamed officers with 13 violations of state and federal law.
Neither Cooper nor Crawford, who has left the Police Department, could be reached for comment.
The suit, reported Wednesday by the Press-Register, claims Crawford repeatedly stopped and harassed Palmer at work and other locations in East Brewton. It states that Crawford grabbed Ballard's hand during a 2006 traffic stop and pushed her into the car, pressing against her stomach. The suit says that, later that month, Ballard gave birth about five weeks before her due date.
An East Brewton couple has filed a police brutality lawsuit that claims harassment by an officer cause the woman to give birth prematurely.
The civil complaint filed in federal court in Mobile by Michael Palmer and Amber Ballard accuses Officer Jason Crawford, Police Chief B.C. Cooper and unnamed officers with 13 violations of state and federal law.
Neither Cooper nor Crawford, who has left the Police Department, could be reached for comment.
The suit, reported Wednesday by the Press-Register, claims Crawford repeatedly stopped and harassed Palmer at work and other locations in East Brewton. It states that Crawford grabbed Ballard's hand during a 2006 traffic stop and pushed her into the car, pressing against her stomach. The suit says that, later that month, Ballard gave birth about five weeks before her due date.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Officer Accused of Beating Suspect
Harrisburg,PA
A Harrisburg police officer is off the street and relieved of duty after he is accused of beating up a suspect.
It all started with a traffic stop and DUI arrest back in May, but while waiting to see the judge the suspect says as many as three officers attacked him.
Now the judge who spotted the injuries is speaking out.
“When he was brought in it was rather noticeable he had severe injuries to his face,” says District Judge Joseph Solomon, Dauphin County.
Ryan Westover stood before District Judge Joseph Solomon the night of May 18th with crusted blood on his face and clothes, marks on his neck and a swollen nose and lips. Westover claims the injures happened at the hands of Harrisburg City Police. Images were made public after Westover’s attorney provided them to The Patriot News.
It was at Forster and Front Streets that city police stopped Westover for running a red light. He was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, aggravated harassment and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Judge Solomon set his bail, but it wasn't until later, after closely reviewing Westover’s file, that he realized the suspect’s injuries didn't match the report. "I saw no mention of an auto accident and became inquisitive as to how somebody would sustain this level of injury," says Solomon. "I then went over to the booking room and asked Mr. Westover if he had been involved in an auto accident to which he responded, ‘I did not look like this when I came in and I did not have any blood on my clothes when I came in.’"
According to Westover’s attorney, when his client was waiting to see the judge, police entered the cell. Westover stood and one of the officers punched him in the face. He fell to the ground and was punched, kicked, chocked and stomped by as many as three officers.
"Obviously I'm concerned. I don't know what led up to the incident in the cell or booking room but obviously it makes the entire Harrisburg police look bad because of the actions of one or two people," adds Solomon.
Westover identified officer Justin Wells as one of several officers that he says beat him that night.
The mayor's office released a statement Wednesday. It says in part:
“The Harrisburg Bureau of Police's internal affairs unit is currently investigating allegations of abuse by a police officer against Ryan Westover. The officer has been temporarily relieved of his duties during the investigation period, which is standard protocol for any such allegation.”
Westover's attorney said his primary concern was to get Officer Wells off the streets. He says there has been no indication by the mayor's office or Harrisburg City Police as to who those other officers are.
Officer charged with restraining, sexually assaulting woman
A north suburban police officer is in Lake County Jail on Tuesday after he was charged with restraining a woman and forcing her to perform sexual acts against her will in January.
Delatwon A. Haynes, 32, of Waukegan, was order held on $2 million bond Monday, according to a release from the Lake County Sheriff’s office. Haynes, who resigned from the Waukegan Police Dept. on Jan. 11, was charged with four counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault, one count of aggravated kidnapping, two counts of aggravated sexual abuse and eight counts of official misconduct on Monday.
The charges were filed as a result of an investigation prompted by a complaint filed on Jan. 7 by a woman reporting that an officer restrained her against her will and forced her to perform sexual acts, the release said.
The woman said that in the early morning hours of Jan. 6, an officer confronted her as she was walking in the 900 block of North Lewis Avenue in Waukegan, according to the release. The officer and the woman had a short conversation and he told her to go home.
About 30 minutes later, the officer confronted the woman again and ordered her into the back of his squad car, the release said. She got in and the officer drove her to the rear of an abandoned vehicle in the 1700 block of North Lewis. He then told the woman she was "required" to perform sexual acts with him, after which he released her near her residence.
Waukegan police and the Lake County State’s Attorney’s office began investigating immediately after the complaint was filed, the release said. Haynes was stripped of his police powers and placed on leave.
Haynes resigned from the department about four days later when faced with an administrative investigation, the release said. He was a member of the department since 2001 and served in the patrol division.
In February, Haynes was named in a lawsuit filed by Denise Swinney, who claimed the officer falsely arrested and raped her about 1 a.m. Jan. 6, 2005.
The suit claims Haynes fondled her chest, forced her to engage in oral sex, then had sex with her for more than 30 minutes.
Swinney claimsed in the suit she was never charged with a crime and was released by Haynes after being raped.
Delatwon A. Haynes, 32, of Waukegan, was order held on $2 million bond Monday, according to a release from the Lake County Sheriff’s office. Haynes, who resigned from the Waukegan Police Dept. on Jan. 11, was charged with four counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault, one count of aggravated kidnapping, two counts of aggravated sexual abuse and eight counts of official misconduct on Monday.
The charges were filed as a result of an investigation prompted by a complaint filed on Jan. 7 by a woman reporting that an officer restrained her against her will and forced her to perform sexual acts, the release said.
The woman said that in the early morning hours of Jan. 6, an officer confronted her as she was walking in the 900 block of North Lewis Avenue in Waukegan, according to the release. The officer and the woman had a short conversation and he told her to go home.
About 30 minutes later, the officer confronted the woman again and ordered her into the back of his squad car, the release said. She got in and the officer drove her to the rear of an abandoned vehicle in the 1700 block of North Lewis. He then told the woman she was "required" to perform sexual acts with him, after which he released her near her residence.
Waukegan police and the Lake County State’s Attorney’s office began investigating immediately after the complaint was filed, the release said. Haynes was stripped of his police powers and placed on leave.
Haynes resigned from the department about four days later when faced with an administrative investigation, the release said. He was a member of the department since 2001 and served in the patrol division.
In February, Haynes was named in a lawsuit filed by Denise Swinney, who claimed the officer falsely arrested and raped her about 1 a.m. Jan. 6, 2005.
The suit claims Haynes fondled her chest, forced her to engage in oral sex, then had sex with her for more than 30 minutes.
Swinney claimsed in the suit she was never charged with a crime and was released by Haynes after being raped.
Officer Christopher Van Meter Arrested for Drunk Driving
An off-duty Fort Collins police officer was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving about midnight Sunday by the Colorado State Patrol.
The officer, Christopher Van Meter, 38, remains on duty with no change in his work status, according to Fort Collins Police Services.
Van Meter was stopped on U.S. Highway 287 slightly north of Trilby, according to the Colorado State Patrol. He was initially stopped because he was driving 65 mph in a 55 mph zone, said CSP spokesman Master Trooper Ron Watkins.
“The trooper noticed indicators of possible intoxication on contact,” Watkins said.
Van Meter, a patrol officer who works the midnight shift, submitted to a blood test; the results won't be available for about two weeks. Watkins said Van Meter was released on a summons, and his vehicle towed from the scene. That's routine in such cases.
Watkins described Van Meter as “cooperative” during the stop.
City Manager Darin Atteberry said he and police Chief Dennis Harrison discussed the situation yesterday, and agreed to wait for the court process to finish before acting.
Van Meter, like anyone else, is innocent until proven guilty. FCPS will not take disciplinary action -- if any -- until his guilt or innocence is decided in court.
In Colorado, people convicted of driving drunk can lose their license, which would likely force the city to fire Van Meter. Atteberry said that's no different than if one of the city’s truck drivers lost his license.
“There’s a process and we’re waiting to see what happens,” Atteberry said today. “We’ll wait and see what the courts have to say, and after that, we’ll see where we go. We have to let the process take its course and (then) dealt with it at the department level.”
The Fort Collins police "Mission & Values" statement says police employees are "endowed with a special level of trust," and that "high ethical standards must prevail in all our interactions with citizens and with each other, and we must strive to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest or compromise of our standards."
The officer, Christopher Van Meter, 38, remains on duty with no change in his work status, according to Fort Collins Police Services.
Van Meter was stopped on U.S. Highway 287 slightly north of Trilby, according to the Colorado State Patrol. He was initially stopped because he was driving 65 mph in a 55 mph zone, said CSP spokesman Master Trooper Ron Watkins.
“The trooper noticed indicators of possible intoxication on contact,” Watkins said.
Van Meter, a patrol officer who works the midnight shift, submitted to a blood test; the results won't be available for about two weeks. Watkins said Van Meter was released on a summons, and his vehicle towed from the scene. That's routine in such cases.
Watkins described Van Meter as “cooperative” during the stop.
City Manager Darin Atteberry said he and police Chief Dennis Harrison discussed the situation yesterday, and agreed to wait for the court process to finish before acting.
Van Meter, like anyone else, is innocent until proven guilty. FCPS will not take disciplinary action -- if any -- until his guilt or innocence is decided in court.
In Colorado, people convicted of driving drunk can lose their license, which would likely force the city to fire Van Meter. Atteberry said that's no different than if one of the city’s truck drivers lost his license.
“There’s a process and we’re waiting to see what happens,” Atteberry said today. “We’ll wait and see what the courts have to say, and after that, we’ll see where we go. We have to let the process take its course and (then) dealt with it at the department level.”
The Fort Collins police "Mission & Values" statement says police employees are "endowed with a special level of trust," and that "high ethical standards must prevail in all our interactions with citizens and with each other, and we must strive to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest or compromise of our standards."
DARE Officer Ray Dudley Arrested at Sobriety Checkpoint
Muncie
A Delaware County sheriff deputy is in trouble after state police arrested him for drunk driving at a sobriety checkpoint.
Officer Ray Dudley, a 10-year veteran of the department, was among 11 people arrested for drunken driving at the police checkpoints. Dudley was driving his personal car early Sunday when he was arrested with a blood alcohol content of .10. The legal limit in Indiana is .08.
Ironically, Dudley is also a DARE officer for the department, who speaks in schools about the dangers of substance abuse.
The department said no one was available to comment on Dudley's arrest Tuesday. In addition to criminal charges, he could also face disciplinary action.
Tuesday, public reaction to the arrest - particularly given Dudley's role as a DARE officer - was swift.
"I'd say he needs to practice what he preaches," said Muncie resident Sandy Stewart.
"The law pertains to everybody and not just certain people. The law in Indiana says no drinking and driving. That pretty much covers itself," said retired deputy Rex McCoy.
"My child's not in school, he's four," said Amanda Harper. "Once he goes to school, I wouldn't want that kind of person saying, 'Don't do this', when they turn around and do it."
State Police say they'll continue drunk driving patrols and checkpoints through the summer. They conducted checkpoints Thursday and Saturday. Dudley was pulled over and arrested by a trooper working Saturday night.
He was released from jail on bond and has been placed on administrative duties in the department pending an investigation.
Florida Officer Fired for Lying
As expected, suspended Key West police officer Thomas Neary was fired Wednesday for telling people he was an undercover federal agent investigating corruption in the Police Department and looking into possible terrorist attacks.
The department put Neary on paid administrative leave Oct. 26 after FBI Special Agent Kevin White interviewed him about the complaints. Interim Police Chief Donie Lee recommended firing Neary in May, but Lee was waiting for consent from City Attorney Shawn Smith to draft a termination letter.
Wednesday, Lee sent the nine-page letter highlighting the department's allegations against Neary and his uncooperative behavior in an Internal Affairs investigation after his suspension.
On May 29, Capt. Frank Sauer wrote his finding of facts on the Neary case, stating "there is a preponderance of evidence that officer Thomas Neary did represent himself falsely as: an agent, associate, representative or operative of the federal government...."
Sauer's findings also stated that Neary, a Big Pine Key resident, convinced fellow and former officers and a supervisor that "this information was to be kept confidential between him and the witness officers."
For those reasons and others, Neary's behavior was deemed "unbecoming conduct" but not "unlawful conduct."
The letter also states that Neary's attorney, Michael Barnes, sent a list of "an additional 112 witnesses that he now wanted to be interviewed, including Officer Neary." Barnes has refused to discuss the case with the Keynoter.
The Neary investigation even involved bugging Lt. Kathleen Ream's office to record conversations she had with him. Transcripts from the bugging show some statements that indicate Neary told Ream he and his wife are federal agents. Barnes has questioned the validity of those transcripts, saying the department altered them.
Some of the alleged statements in the investigative summary have Neary talking about high-ranking law enforcement officers and city officials.
In a casual conversation before the investigation began, "Officer Neary told [detective Bradley Lariz] that he had [City Commissioner Mark Rossi's] plane and house bugged and that they were watching him. He also told Lariz that he was watching and doing an investigation on Sgt. Robert Allen."
It's not clear what he was inferring with Rossi, but with Allen, he allegedly accused the sergeant of transporting drugs to Cuba in a police boat.
"It's just incredible." Rossi said. "It's just incredible allegations."
Neary and Barnes didn't show up for Neary's predetermination hearing last week and refused to participate when they attended a scheduled interview for the Internal Affairs investigation in May.
The city's investigation followed one conducted by the FBI into the same claims. The FBI said the evidence against Neary didn't rise to the level of criminal.
The department put Neary on paid administrative leave Oct. 26 after FBI Special Agent Kevin White interviewed him about the complaints. Interim Police Chief Donie Lee recommended firing Neary in May, but Lee was waiting for consent from City Attorney Shawn Smith to draft a termination letter.
Wednesday, Lee sent the nine-page letter highlighting the department's allegations against Neary and his uncooperative behavior in an Internal Affairs investigation after his suspension.
On May 29, Capt. Frank Sauer wrote his finding of facts on the Neary case, stating "there is a preponderance of evidence that officer Thomas Neary did represent himself falsely as: an agent, associate, representative or operative of the federal government...."
Sauer's findings also stated that Neary, a Big Pine Key resident, convinced fellow and former officers and a supervisor that "this information was to be kept confidential between him and the witness officers."
For those reasons and others, Neary's behavior was deemed "unbecoming conduct" but not "unlawful conduct."
The letter also states that Neary's attorney, Michael Barnes, sent a list of "an additional 112 witnesses that he now wanted to be interviewed, including Officer Neary." Barnes has refused to discuss the case with the Keynoter.
The Neary investigation even involved bugging Lt. Kathleen Ream's office to record conversations she had with him. Transcripts from the bugging show some statements that indicate Neary told Ream he and his wife are federal agents. Barnes has questioned the validity of those transcripts, saying the department altered them.
Some of the alleged statements in the investigative summary have Neary talking about high-ranking law enforcement officers and city officials.
In a casual conversation before the investigation began, "Officer Neary told [detective Bradley Lariz] that he had [City Commissioner Mark Rossi's] plane and house bugged and that they were watching him. He also told Lariz that he was watching and doing an investigation on Sgt. Robert Allen."
It's not clear what he was inferring with Rossi, but with Allen, he allegedly accused the sergeant of transporting drugs to Cuba in a police boat.
"It's just incredible." Rossi said. "It's just incredible allegations."
Neary and Barnes didn't show up for Neary's predetermination hearing last week and refused to participate when they attended a scheduled interview for the Internal Affairs investigation in May.
The city's investigation followed one conducted by the FBI into the same claims. The FBI said the evidence against Neary didn't rise to the level of criminal.
Accused Jail Officers Plead Not Guilty
Four Fayette County Detention Center officers and one former officer pleaded not guilty in federal court Monday to charges they beat inmates and conspired to cover it up.
The FBI and the U.S. Justice Department have been investigating the jail at least since September 2006, when federal officers executed a search warrant at the jail.
Lexington Mayor Jim Newberry, who was elected after the investigation began, says the city has taken measures to provide a safe facility for employees and inmates. He says the employees with be suspended with pay, pending further investigation.
Indicted were Sgt. John McQueen, Cpl. Clarence McCoy, former Cpl. Scott Tyree, Sgt. Anthony Estep and Lt. Kristine Lafoe. Tyree no longer works at the jail, but the mayor's office says he will be suspended with pay from his job at the Town Branch Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The indictment alleges the five conspired to assault inmates without justification and to cover it up by filing false reports and charges.
The FBI and the U.S. Justice Department have been investigating the jail at least since September 2006, when federal officers executed a search warrant at the jail.
Lexington Mayor Jim Newberry, who was elected after the investigation began, says the city has taken measures to provide a safe facility for employees and inmates. He says the employees with be suspended with pay, pending further investigation.
Indicted were Sgt. John McQueen, Cpl. Clarence McCoy, former Cpl. Scott Tyree, Sgt. Anthony Estep and Lt. Kristine Lafoe. Tyree no longer works at the jail, but the mayor's office says he will be suspended with pay from his job at the Town Branch Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The indictment alleges the five conspired to assault inmates without justification and to cover it up by filing false reports and charges.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Prison Officer Accused Of Having Sex With Inmate
ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C.
An Anderson County detention officer has been arrested and her position terminated after she was accused of having sexual intercourse with an inmate.
The Sheriff's Office said that Gina Loftis is charged with sexual misconduct with an inmate.
Investigators said that Loftis admitted in a written statement that she had sex with the inmate when she was on duty at the Anderson County Detention Center.
She was booked into the detention center Tuesday afternoon.
The sheriff's office said that Loftis' position with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office was terminated Tuesday.
She was being held pending a bond hearing.
Officer Victor Aguirre Accused Of Family Violence
EL PASO, Texas
A police officer who has been with the El Paso department for 15 years was arrested on charges of family violence.
Officer Victor Aguirre was arrested Friday for allegedly breaking into the home of his ex-common law wife, Teresa Ortega, 33, around 4 a.m.
The El Paso Police Department arrived at 3337 Wayside Drive to a burglary in progress call.
Ortega tried hiding from Aguirre by locking herself in a bedroom, but Aguirre was able to force himself in and assaulting Ortega, said police spokesman Christopher Mears.
Aguirre ran away before police officers arrived at the home.
Detectives arrested Aguirre on Tuesday and charged him with one count of burglary of habitation, a first-degree felony.
A police officer who has been with the El Paso department for 15 years was arrested on charges of family violence.
Officer Victor Aguirre was arrested Friday for allegedly breaking into the home of his ex-common law wife, Teresa Ortega, 33, around 4 a.m.
The El Paso Police Department arrived at 3337 Wayside Drive to a burglary in progress call.
Ortega tried hiding from Aguirre by locking herself in a bedroom, but Aguirre was able to force himself in and assaulting Ortega, said police spokesman Christopher Mears.
Aguirre ran away before police officers arrived at the home.
Detectives arrested Aguirre on Tuesday and charged him with one count of burglary of habitation, a first-degree felony.
Police Chief and Assistant Chief both Charged with Sexual Assault
CRESTON, Iowa
Creston Mayor Warren Woods announced Tuesday that Police Chief James Christensen has been fired following an investigation.
Woods said the termination was official as of 5 p.m. Monday.
Chief Christensen, 40, and former Assistant Police Chief John Sickels, 38, are both charged with second-degree sexual assault in a case involving a female bartender working at the Crestmoor Golf Club.
Investigators said the assault happened on April 18.
The bartender told the investigator that Sickels raped her behind the bar while Christensen "held her hand, stroked her hair and 'shushed' her."
Court documents show the incident happened around 2 a.m. when Christensen, Sickles and the bartender were the only people left in the bar.
If convicted, both men face the possibility of up to 25 years in prison.
Woods said city officials hope to name an interim chief in the next few days.
"I want everyone to know that I am very proud of our police force and the way that they have reacted to the difficult circumstances. My public thanks goes to each and every one of them," Woods said in a statement released Tuesday.
Creston Mayor Warren Woods announced Tuesday that Police Chief James Christensen has been fired following an investigation.
Woods said the termination was official as of 5 p.m. Monday.
Chief Christensen, 40, and former Assistant Police Chief John Sickels, 38, are both charged with second-degree sexual assault in a case involving a female bartender working at the Crestmoor Golf Club.
Investigators said the assault happened on April 18.
The bartender told the investigator that Sickels raped her behind the bar while Christensen "held her hand, stroked her hair and 'shushed' her."
Court documents show the incident happened around 2 a.m. when Christensen, Sickles and the bartender were the only people left in the bar.
If convicted, both men face the possibility of up to 25 years in prison.
Woods said city officials hope to name an interim chief in the next few days.
"I want everyone to know that I am very proud of our police force and the way that they have reacted to the difficult circumstances. My public thanks goes to each and every one of them," Woods said in a statement released Tuesday.
Corrections Officer Accused of Assaulting Inmate
OMAHA, Neb.
A Douglas County corrections officer has been cited for assault after being accused of attacking an inmate at the county jail.
The inmate, 23-year-old Michael Farrar, says he was in jail June 11 on suspicion of driving under the influence. He says the corrections officer beat him up as he was walking toward his cell.
Jail officials and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office confirm that the guard, Eric Fleming, was cited on suspicion of third-degree assault. He is on paid administrative leave during an internal investigation.
Two other officers who witnessed the incident were also placed on paid leave but have not been cited.
A Douglas County corrections officer has been cited for assault after being accused of attacking an inmate at the county jail.
The inmate, 23-year-old Michael Farrar, says he was in jail June 11 on suspicion of driving under the influence. He says the corrections officer beat him up as he was walking toward his cell.
Jail officials and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office confirm that the guard, Eric Fleming, was cited on suspicion of third-degree assault. He is on paid administrative leave during an internal investigation.
Two other officers who witnessed the incident were also placed on paid leave but have not been cited.
Monday, June 23, 2008
How Weapons Get in the Hands of Criminals
Authorities say two siblings arrested in Henrico Saturday on a traffic violation were in possession of a Richmond police officer's firearm.
According to a Richmond Police Department news release this afternoon, Faith Watkins, 24, and Sanders Watkins, 21, both of Richmond were arrested and charged with several offenses, including felony child neglect and a drug violation.
The release said the firearm in their possession belongs to an officer who knows Faith Watkins and that she has access to his home. The officer, according to the release, is away on two-week military duty in North Carolina. The officer was not named in the release.
The release said: "It is the policy of the Richmond Police Department that if an officer will be on leave for a long-term basis, the service weapon belonging to that officer is collected by his Department supervisor. If an officer is on leave for a short-term basis, it is the responsibility of the officer to secure the service weapon."
According to a Richmond Police Department news release this afternoon, Faith Watkins, 24, and Sanders Watkins, 21, both of Richmond were arrested and charged with several offenses, including felony child neglect and a drug violation.
The release said the firearm in their possession belongs to an officer who knows Faith Watkins and that she has access to his home. The officer, according to the release, is away on two-week military duty in North Carolina. The officer was not named in the release.
The release said: "It is the policy of the Richmond Police Department that if an officer will be on leave for a long-term basis, the service weapon belonging to that officer is collected by his Department supervisor. If an officer is on leave for a short-term basis, it is the responsibility of the officer to secure the service weapon."
Officer Tries to Steal 4 pairs of Panties
TX
A Sanger police officer resigned this morning after being arrested over allegations that she switched sale price stickers on clothing at a Wal-Mart to pay less for items that were not on sale, authorities said.
Officer Lisa Diane Kish, 33, of Sanger was arrested Sunday on a misdemeanor charge after employees at the Wal-Mart in Denton reported that they saw her and another woman switch tags on some underwear and pants, said Jim Bryan, a Denton police spokesman. Stephanie Grant also faces a misdemeanor charge.
According to the police report, four pairs of panties that were priced at $3 each were placed together on a hanger and a 75-cent price tag was placed on them to apply to all four items, Officer Bryan said.
Ms. Kish and Ms. Grant were both free on $500 bail Monday. Neither woman could be reached for comment.
Sanger Police Chief Curtis Amyx said Ms. Kish was waiting to hand him a resignation letter when he arrived at work Monday.
Indicted police officer resigns from department
Huntsville police officer Ryan Moore resigned today, just two days after appearing before a personnel board that would determine his fate with the agency.
A Madison County grand jury indicted Moore last month. He is charged with one count of first-degree possession of marijuana and two counts of attempting to possess a controlled substance.
According to the indictment, Moore allegedly offered marijuana to fellow officers at the north precinct on two occasions this year.
The department announced Moore's resignation in a statement issued earlier today.
A personnel board hearing for Moore and Huntsville police officer Wesley Little, also indicted last month, concluded Friday afternoon. The board has 10 days to present its "finding of facts" to Police Chief Henry Reyes, who will decide if the officers should be suspended without pay or dismissed.
Both officers have been suspended with pay since March, when allegations of "serious policy violations" surfaced. Moore had been with the department since May 2006.
To read Moore's and Little's indictments and the police department's statements, go to
A Madison County grand jury indicted Moore last month. He is charged with one count of first-degree possession of marijuana and two counts of attempting to possess a controlled substance.
According to the indictment, Moore allegedly offered marijuana to fellow officers at the north precinct on two occasions this year.
The department announced Moore's resignation in a statement issued earlier today.
A personnel board hearing for Moore and Huntsville police officer Wesley Little, also indicted last month, concluded Friday afternoon. The board has 10 days to present its "finding of facts" to Police Chief Henry Reyes, who will decide if the officers should be suspended without pay or dismissed.
Both officers have been suspended with pay since March, when allegations of "serious policy violations" surfaced. Moore had been with the department since May 2006.
To read Moore's and Little's indictments and the police department's statements, go to
http://blog.al.com/ht/crimetrack/
UPDATE: Kris Ledford Faces New Charges
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA
A Muskogee police officer faces new charges. Kris Ledford is already charged with stealing guns from the Muskogee Police Department's property room.
Ledford is now accused of taking a fellow officer's bullet proof vest and selling it to a deputy in Cherokee County. He also faces criminal charges in Tulsa.
Kris Ledford he's a husband and the father of a toddler girl. People are saying this is a bad deal, not just for him, but for the reputation of police officers all over Green Country.
Tulsa Police say it was a surveillance tape that started unraveling it all. They say it shows Muskogee Officer Kris Ledford and his friend, Shawn Busby, inside a Tulsa Radio Shack on May 1st, as Busby steals a police scanner.
Police believe the men were listening to the stolen scanner the next day when they heard a family call 911 and say they'd found a safe in a field while four-wheeling and requested a Tulsa Police officer to come and pick it up. Police say Ledford and Busby showed up instead, flashing a badge.
"They addressed the witnesses, the 911 callers by name and said they were Tulsa Police officers and were here to recover the safe," said Tulsa Police Detective Debra Glenn.
Officers tracked down Busby, served a warrant at his house and say they found a Muskogee duffle bag, handcuffs, drugs and a gun. And then, they say they got Ledford identified and were shocked.
"At the time I was first assigned the case, I assumed it was a couple of guys running around with a fake badge, acting kinda cool and hoping it was not an actual police officer involved in this," said Tulsa Police Detective Debra Glenn.
A search warrant at Ledford's house turned up a number of guns and police say at least 10 of them had been in the Muskogee Police Department's property room. He's accused of taking one gun from evidence and selling it to a doctor for $500.
Ledford currently faces three charges in Muskogee and two in Tulsa. That's something that is heartbreaking for other officers.
"It is just sickening because it erodes the public trust in every other officer," said Tulsa Police Detective Debra Glenn.
The Muskogee Police Department had scheduled a hearing on Thursday to start the process of firing Ledford, but, his attorney, Chad Richardson got an injunction that postponed that hearing.
Richardson says Ledford is a hero, who served his country as a military sniper and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star along with other commendations. He says Ledford shows classic signs of suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Police Officer Arrested in Crime Sweep
TIJUANA
At least one municipal police officer was among dozens of people arrested Saturday night in an organized crime sweep in this Mexican border town, Baja California police officials said Sunday.
Police prevention officers for the Mexican state of Baja California raided a baptism intending to arrest people connected to the Arrellano Felix drug cartel. Sixty-two people, including 10 who have ties to the cartel, were arrested, said Agustin Perez, a spokesman for the state prevention police.
Also confiscated were firearms, police radios and 460 grams of methamphetamine.
Police said they were tipped off that members of organized crime would be at the baptism at the banquet hall, El Pequeño Travieso in the colonia Herrera about 9 p.m. They stormed the celebration and found about 90 people at the hall. Some were armed, officials said.
State officers entered the hall with support from federal police who secured the building while the arrests were made. Federal police officers were there to ensure that no groups connected to organized crime attempted to free the people arrested, officials said.
Those taken into custody are natives of Sinaloa, Tijuana and Jalisco. One man is a municipal police officer in Tijuana, state police officers said. Four or five other men told state officers they also were on the force. But, state police officials said the men were no longer with the department because they had previously been suspended or fired.
Among the items seized were two black sports-utility vehicles, handguns, and Tijuana Municipal Police uniform patches.
No shots were fired and no injuries were reported, Perez said.
At least one municipal police officer was among dozens of people arrested Saturday night in an organized crime sweep in this Mexican border town, Baja California police officials said Sunday.
Police prevention officers for the Mexican state of Baja California raided a baptism intending to arrest people connected to the Arrellano Felix drug cartel. Sixty-two people, including 10 who have ties to the cartel, were arrested, said Agustin Perez, a spokesman for the state prevention police.
Also confiscated were firearms, police radios and 460 grams of methamphetamine.
Police said they were tipped off that members of organized crime would be at the baptism at the banquet hall, El Pequeño Travieso in the colonia Herrera about 9 p.m. They stormed the celebration and found about 90 people at the hall. Some were armed, officials said.
State officers entered the hall with support from federal police who secured the building while the arrests were made. Federal police officers were there to ensure that no groups connected to organized crime attempted to free the people arrested, officials said.
Those taken into custody are natives of Sinaloa, Tijuana and Jalisco. One man is a municipal police officer in Tijuana, state police officers said. Four or five other men told state officers they also were on the force. But, state police officials said the men were no longer with the department because they had previously been suspended or fired.
Among the items seized were two black sports-utility vehicles, handguns, and Tijuana Municipal Police uniform patches.
No shots were fired and no injuries were reported, Perez said.
Officer Arrested for Drunk Driving
Royal Oak, MI
An off-duty Royal Oak police officer was arraigned Wednesday on a drunken driving charge after police say he drove his car into a house located on Fifth Street, June 13.
Officer Timothy Wood pleaded not guilty before 44th District Court Judge Terrance Brennan on a charge of operating while intoxicated, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail. Wood posted a $100 personal bond.
According to Deputy Chief Christopher Jahnke, Wood's Toyota Tundra first hit a car parked on the driveway before crashing into the house at around 2:30 a.m. Royal Oak police officers responding to the incident arrested Wood at the scene.
Wood sustained minor injuries in the incident; nobody inside the house at the time was injured.
Jahnke said the department is conducting an internal investigation to determine what, if any, disciplinary action should be taken against the officer.
In the meantime, the two judges at the 44th District Court have recused themselves from hearing the case since it involves a city employee. Court Administrator Kevin Sutherland said he sent the case to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office to be heard by a court in another jurisdiction.
"People should expect a completely impartial judicial (process)," said Sutherland.
An off-duty Royal Oak police officer was arraigned Wednesday on a drunken driving charge after police say he drove his car into a house located on Fifth Street, June 13.
Officer Timothy Wood pleaded not guilty before 44th District Court Judge Terrance Brennan on a charge of operating while intoxicated, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail. Wood posted a $100 personal bond.
According to Deputy Chief Christopher Jahnke, Wood's Toyota Tundra first hit a car parked on the driveway before crashing into the house at around 2:30 a.m. Royal Oak police officers responding to the incident arrested Wood at the scene.
Wood sustained minor injuries in the incident; nobody inside the house at the time was injured.
Jahnke said the department is conducting an internal investigation to determine what, if any, disciplinary action should be taken against the officer.
In the meantime, the two judges at the 44th District Court have recused themselves from hearing the case since it involves a city employee. Court Administrator Kevin Sutherland said he sent the case to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office to be heard by a court in another jurisdiction.
"People should expect a completely impartial judicial (process)," said Sutherland.
Scottsdale Officer Resigns
A Scottsdale officer accused of illegally searching a 19-year-old woman who had called police has resigned.
Officer Chong Kim was accused of a similar crime in September of 2007.
Kim, an officer for two years, has been under investigation since Tuesday, when he was questioned about his response to a call Sunday about a possible break-in at the woman's apartment.
Scottsdale police spokesman David Pubins said the woman's mother alleged that when Kim arrived, he illegally searched her daughter.
According to Scottsdale police, investigators received an e-mail from the woman's mother detailing the alleged incident, which she claims happened about 3 a.m. at the 66th Place Apartments near 64th Street and Indian School.
In the e-mail, the mother said her daughter called police when three men were attempting to enter her apartment, according to police.
The woman told her mother that one of the officers harassed her and asked her if she had been drinking before taking her boyfriend outside, according to the e-mail.
The woman, an Arizona State University student, then said the officer came back inside and told her she would be arrested if a search could not be conducted, according to the e-mail.
The mother claimed the officer "strip-searched" her daughter.
According to police, the investigation into the September 2007 case was inconclusive as there was a lack of evidence at the time.
Scottsdale Police Chief Alan Rodbell said both cases will be forwarded to the FBI for investigation.
In a written statement, Rodbell said, "As the Chief, I expect that those employed by our department will abide by the same laws that they are entrusted to uphold."
He goes on to write, "Inappropriate or illegal behavior by my officers will not be tolerated and will be dealt with accordingly."
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