A former Amboy and Vernon Center police officer didn’t enter a plea during his first court appearance Friday for a gross misdemeanor charge of misconduct of a public official.
Steven Patrick Boyle, 23, of Austin is accused of pulling a prank where he faked the arrest of an 18-year-old woman, then having her flash her breasts to avoid arrest. Other friends of the woman were allegedly in on the prank.
Boyle resigned from his position as a part-time police officer with the Amboy and Vernon Center department Friday.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Former Austin Police Officer Accused of Sexual Assault
Former Austin Police Officer Reynaldo Ramon Canizales, of Round Rock, is alleged to have committed two sexual assaults.
The 35-year-old was indicted by a Travis County grand jury on Friday. He also faces two counts of official oppression.
The assault charges are punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The official oppression charges are punishable with a jail term of up to one year, and another fine of up to $4,000.
Canizales resigned from the Austin Police Department September 15, 2007. The alleged crimes happened while he was on the job.
The 35-year-old was indicted by a Travis County grand jury on Friday. He also faces two counts of official oppression.
The assault charges are punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The official oppression charges are punishable with a jail term of up to one year, and another fine of up to $4,000.
Canizales resigned from the Austin Police Department September 15, 2007. The alleged crimes happened while he was on the job.
Officer Curt Suskevich Charged with Possession of Marijuana
A Cape Coral police officer and his wife were arrested in Key West on a misdemeanor drug charge Tuesday.
The officer’s wife was additionally charged with using a firearm under the influence of alcohol, also a misdemeanor.
According to booking records, Curt Edward Suskevich, 37, a Cape Coral patrol officer, was charged Tuesday by the Key West Police Department with possession of marijuana not more than 20 grams.
Christine Michelle Suskevich, 34, was also charged with possession of marijuana not more than 20 grams along with using a firearm under the influence of alcohol.
Both were held in the Monroe County Detention Facility Tuesday. Jail officials said Curt Suskevich bonded out on Wednesday on $338, and Christine posted a $2,000 bond.
Following the outcome of the criminal investigations and subsequent criminal proceedings, the Cape Coral Police Department will conduct an internal investigation to determine what, if any, action should be taken against Curt Suskevich, according to city spokesperson Connie Barron.
“We have an administrative process in place that we will follow to ensure a fair and equitable outcome,” Barron said.
A Key West Police Department spokesperson could not be immediately reached Friday afternoon for comment.
Suskevich, a Cape Coral officer since 1999, was not in uniform or on police duty in Key West during the time of his arrest, Barron said.
She said it is unclear if Christine Suskevich fired a police issued firearm when allegedly using a gun while intoxicated.
Curt Suskevich has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
Police Chief Rob Petrovich will not comment at this time due to his active role in the internal investigation of the officer.
The officer’s wife was additionally charged with using a firearm under the influence of alcohol, also a misdemeanor.
According to booking records, Curt Edward Suskevich, 37, a Cape Coral patrol officer, was charged Tuesday by the Key West Police Department with possession of marijuana not more than 20 grams.
Christine Michelle Suskevich, 34, was also charged with possession of marijuana not more than 20 grams along with using a firearm under the influence of alcohol.
Both were held in the Monroe County Detention Facility Tuesday. Jail officials said Curt Suskevich bonded out on Wednesday on $338, and Christine posted a $2,000 bond.
Following the outcome of the criminal investigations and subsequent criminal proceedings, the Cape Coral Police Department will conduct an internal investigation to determine what, if any, action should be taken against Curt Suskevich, according to city spokesperson Connie Barron.
“We have an administrative process in place that we will follow to ensure a fair and equitable outcome,” Barron said.
A Key West Police Department spokesperson could not be immediately reached Friday afternoon for comment.
Suskevich, a Cape Coral officer since 1999, was not in uniform or on police duty in Key West during the time of his arrest, Barron said.
She said it is unclear if Christine Suskevich fired a police issued firearm when allegedly using a gun while intoxicated.
Curt Suskevich has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
Police Chief Rob Petrovich will not comment at this time due to his active role in the internal investigation of the officer.
Officer Torray Walker Arrested for Domestic Assault
A six-year-veteran of the Jeffersontown Police Department has been arrested on an assault charge after a domestic dispute with his wife.
Officer Torray Walker, 39, was arrested early Wednesday after police responded to a call from his wife, said Jeffersontown Police Chief Rick Sanders.
"There were no visible injuries, but there was a little bit of pushing and shoving," Sanders said.
"According to law, when we have a complaint of domestic violence, major or minor, we have to charge," he said.
Walker was charged with assault in the fourth degree and placed on administrative leave with pay pending an investigation, Sanders said. He said Walker was booked at Louisville Metro Corrections and released Wednesday night.
There were no published telephone listings for Walker in Louisville.
Sanders described Walker as an "exemplary officer" who has 26 letters of commendation in his file and no history of complaints or disciplinary action. Sanders said that prior to joining the Jeffersontown police force, Walker worked for the Lexington Police Department, where he also had an excellent record.
Officer Torray Walker, 39, was arrested early Wednesday after police responded to a call from his wife, said Jeffersontown Police Chief Rick Sanders.
"There were no visible injuries, but there was a little bit of pushing and shoving," Sanders said.
"According to law, when we have a complaint of domestic violence, major or minor, we have to charge," he said.
Walker was charged with assault in the fourth degree and placed on administrative leave with pay pending an investigation, Sanders said. He said Walker was booked at Louisville Metro Corrections and released Wednesday night.
There were no published telephone listings for Walker in Louisville.
Sanders described Walker as an "exemplary officer" who has 26 letters of commendation in his file and no history of complaints or disciplinary action. Sanders said that prior to joining the Jeffersontown police force, Walker worked for the Lexington Police Department, where he also had an excellent record.
Convicted Officer Paid $270,000 in Salary After Being Stripped of his Badge
Kenneth Earl Williams, the disgraced San Jose cop who resigned last week after he was convicted of soliciting naked photographs from a Scotts Valley teenager, spent almost 1,000 days on leave from the department stripped of his badge and gun after he was charged.
Yet San Jose police paid the 22-year veteran more than $270,000 in salary plus benefits during his leave, according to police records.
His only job requirement -- to call the SJPD Internal Affairs unit every weekday to see if he was needed for desk duty.
San Jose police say they put such officers on paid leave to get them off the streets and -- at the same time -- protect their due process rights by not firing them on charges that could ultimately turn out to be false. But the Williams example shows how that approach can financially backfire when a criminal prosecution drags on -- in this case for 2½ years.
"No one was happy this took as long as it did," said Deputy Police Chief David Cavallaro. "But in America you are innocent until proven guilty and things are not always as they appear to be. Every person, police officer or not, still has rights."
Cavallaro, the former commander of the department's Internal Affairs unit, said that the paid leave for Williams was the longest he could recall.
Although San Jose's police command staff decides case-by-case how to handle allegations against its officers, it is routine procedure to put officers who face criminal charges or criminal investigations on paid leave. The department can also open an internal affairs investigation, but the ultimate decision on an officer's future with the department is usually left until a criminal case is completed.
The San Francisco Police Department, with its unique civilian review board, sometimes places officers on unpaid leave, but this is rare throughout the state.
San Jose recently suspended with pay an officer charged with time sheet fraud, another charged with stealing from a departmental athletic fund and two officers being criminally probed to see if they tried to cover up a former officer's alleged involvement in a drunken driving accident.
The amount of money Williams received while on leave raised concerns with city leaders, but few saw a good alternative to the SJPD's wait-and-see approach.
"My reaction is that the court system works too bloody slow," said San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed. "But there aren't a lot of options. What can we do, given our responsibilities to every officer's due process rights?."
Barbara Attard, the city's Independent Police Auditor, said: "It makes me angry, but I don't see any way around it."
Some departments have moved to fire or discipline officers before their criminal cases are resolved. But these usually involve cases where the evidence against the police officer is more clear-cut, such as a drunken driving charge.
More complex and serious cases require a more measured and cautious response, experts and police say.
And disciplining an officer who is later acquitted can lead to expensive lawsuits.
The Oakland Police Department learned that lesson during one of the Bay Area's most high profile police brutality cases, known as the Riders case. Three officers were charged with the kidnapping, assault and false arrest of suspected drug dealers in West Oakland in 2000, but were either acquitted or the cases ended in a mistrial. One officer settled a lawsuit against the city for more than $1.5 million.
In San Jose, Williams was placed on administrative leave on Jan. 1, 2006, and remained there until his conviction Aug. 5 in Santa Cruz, according to police records. He was sentenced Monday to two years in prison.
Attorney Larry Peterson, who defended Williams during the administrative hearing, said the department interviewed the officer in February, but waited for a verdict before it took action.
"Kenny has a wonderful reputation on the police department," Peterson said "I don't think anybody actually believed the allegations. I get a feeling the department said, 'Wait a minute, this is not the Ken we know.' "
It was unclear this week if Williams' pension will be at risk, but he was apparently earning credit during the 2½ years he stayed home.
Pensions can be taken away if an officer commits treason or is convicted of a felony. But Ken Heredia, vice chairman of the San Jose Police and Fire Department Retirement Plan Board, said he was unaware of an example in which a pension had been withdrawn under those circumstances. There may be some questions about the legality of such an action, Heredia said.
When asked if he regretted paying so much money and not getting any service from an officer for so long, Chief Rob Davis replied: "To be quite candid what concerns me is that there is a victim of a crime committed by a former officer. I'm more concerned about the victim and her family."
Yet San Jose police paid the 22-year veteran more than $270,000 in salary plus benefits during his leave, according to police records.
His only job requirement -- to call the SJPD Internal Affairs unit every weekday to see if he was needed for desk duty.
San Jose police say they put such officers on paid leave to get them off the streets and -- at the same time -- protect their due process rights by not firing them on charges that could ultimately turn out to be false. But the Williams example shows how that approach can financially backfire when a criminal prosecution drags on -- in this case for 2½ years.
"No one was happy this took as long as it did," said Deputy Police Chief David Cavallaro. "But in America you are innocent until proven guilty and things are not always as they appear to be. Every person, police officer or not, still has rights."
Cavallaro, the former commander of the department's Internal Affairs unit, said that the paid leave for Williams was the longest he could recall.
Although San Jose's police command staff decides case-by-case how to handle allegations against its officers, it is routine procedure to put officers who face criminal charges or criminal investigations on paid leave. The department can also open an internal affairs investigation, but the ultimate decision on an officer's future with the department is usually left until a criminal case is completed.
The San Francisco Police Department, with its unique civilian review board, sometimes places officers on unpaid leave, but this is rare throughout the state.
San Jose recently suspended with pay an officer charged with time sheet fraud, another charged with stealing from a departmental athletic fund and two officers being criminally probed to see if they tried to cover up a former officer's alleged involvement in a drunken driving accident.
The amount of money Williams received while on leave raised concerns with city leaders, but few saw a good alternative to the SJPD's wait-and-see approach.
"My reaction is that the court system works too bloody slow," said San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed. "But there aren't a lot of options. What can we do, given our responsibilities to every officer's due process rights?."
Barbara Attard, the city's Independent Police Auditor, said: "It makes me angry, but I don't see any way around it."
Some departments have moved to fire or discipline officers before their criminal cases are resolved. But these usually involve cases where the evidence against the police officer is more clear-cut, such as a drunken driving charge.
More complex and serious cases require a more measured and cautious response, experts and police say.
And disciplining an officer who is later acquitted can lead to expensive lawsuits.
The Oakland Police Department learned that lesson during one of the Bay Area's most high profile police brutality cases, known as the Riders case. Three officers were charged with the kidnapping, assault and false arrest of suspected drug dealers in West Oakland in 2000, but were either acquitted or the cases ended in a mistrial. One officer settled a lawsuit against the city for more than $1.5 million.
In San Jose, Williams was placed on administrative leave on Jan. 1, 2006, and remained there until his conviction Aug. 5 in Santa Cruz, according to police records. He was sentenced Monday to two years in prison.
Attorney Larry Peterson, who defended Williams during the administrative hearing, said the department interviewed the officer in February, but waited for a verdict before it took action.
"Kenny has a wonderful reputation on the police department," Peterson said "I don't think anybody actually believed the allegations. I get a feeling the department said, 'Wait a minute, this is not the Ken we know.' "
It was unclear this week if Williams' pension will be at risk, but he was apparently earning credit during the 2½ years he stayed home.
Pensions can be taken away if an officer commits treason or is convicted of a felony. But Ken Heredia, vice chairman of the San Jose Police and Fire Department Retirement Plan Board, said he was unaware of an example in which a pension had been withdrawn under those circumstances. There may be some questions about the legality of such an action, Heredia said.
When asked if he regretted paying so much money and not getting any service from an officer for so long, Chief Rob Davis replied: "To be quite candid what concerns me is that there is a victim of a crime committed by a former officer. I'm more concerned about the victim and her family."
Press Photographer Sues Over Arrest
OAKLAND
An Oakland Tribune photographer filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city of Oakland Friday, saying police illegally barred him from taking pictures at a freeway crash scene and handcuffed him when he persisted.
Ray Chavez, 44, said officers had interfered with his right as a member of the press to cover news, specifically a car crash and the emergency response time. The incident last year caused him to be "arrested and handcuffed without justification solely due to the exercise of First Amendment rights," said his suit, filed in U.S. District Court.
"It has been very stressful since I was humiliated by the OPD officers," Chavez said in an interview. "They should do their jobs and not interfere with ours as media members. These cops need to be re-educated. I don't think they know what the First Amendment and freedom of the press means."
Alex Katz, spokesman for City Attorney John Russo, declined to comment. The city previously rejected a claim, the first step in litigation, that Chavez filed in connection with the incident.
On May 4, 2007, Chavez was driving north on Interstate 880 near the 29th Avenue exit in Oakland when a car in front of him crashed and rolled over in the fast lane. Chavez, wearing his press credential around his neck, got out of his car and began taking pictures, "considering this a spot news matter," the suit said.
Oakland police Officer Kevin Reynolds told Chavez that he should leave, the suit said. When Chavez replied that he had a right to be there as a member of the press. Reynolds angrily told him that he "didn't have any business here (and) that it was a crime scene," the suit said.
When Chavez took photos of an arriving ambulance, Reynolds blocked his camera and told him, "You don't need to take these kind of photos," according to the suit.
Reynolds asked for Chavez's identification and began writing him a citation, the suit said. As a California Highway Patrol cruiser arrived, Chavez again took pictures. That prompted Reynolds to say, "That's it. You're under arrest," the suit said.
The officer made Chavez sit next to the overturned car with his hands behind his back for a half-hour, the suit said. Passing motorists mistakenly believed Chavez had caused the crash and "cursed and made derogatory references to and signs at plaintiff while he sat on the ground handcuffed," the suit said.
Oakland police Officer Cesar Garcia told Chavez that he would be cited for impeding traffic and failing to obey a lawful order. The officers gave him the citation, removed the handcuffs and let him go, but not before Reynolds warned him, "Don't ever come here again to take these kinds of photos," the suit said.
The suit names the city, Police Chief Wayne Tucker, Reynolds and Garcia. It seeks unspecified monetary damages and a court injunction directing police to train its officers about allowing the media "reasonable access to accident and crime scenes and behind police lines."
Chavez was named photojournalist of the year earlier this month by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. He has been with the Tribune for 14 years.
"The Oakland Police Department must abide by state statute and their own regulations as to what is appropriate, to allow the press to adequately cover newsworthy events," said Chavez's attorney, Terry Gross. "Whenever there's an incident, a crime scene, if there's no interference going on, then the OPD rules and state statute provide this right of access to the scene."
An Oakland Tribune photographer filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city of Oakland Friday, saying police illegally barred him from taking pictures at a freeway crash scene and handcuffed him when he persisted.
Ray Chavez, 44, said officers had interfered with his right as a member of the press to cover news, specifically a car crash and the emergency response time. The incident last year caused him to be "arrested and handcuffed without justification solely due to the exercise of First Amendment rights," said his suit, filed in U.S. District Court.
"It has been very stressful since I was humiliated by the OPD officers," Chavez said in an interview. "They should do their jobs and not interfere with ours as media members. These cops need to be re-educated. I don't think they know what the First Amendment and freedom of the press means."
Alex Katz, spokesman for City Attorney John Russo, declined to comment. The city previously rejected a claim, the first step in litigation, that Chavez filed in connection with the incident.
On May 4, 2007, Chavez was driving north on Interstate 880 near the 29th Avenue exit in Oakland when a car in front of him crashed and rolled over in the fast lane. Chavez, wearing his press credential around his neck, got out of his car and began taking pictures, "considering this a spot news matter," the suit said.
Oakland police Officer Kevin Reynolds told Chavez that he should leave, the suit said. When Chavez replied that he had a right to be there as a member of the press. Reynolds angrily told him that he "didn't have any business here (and) that it was a crime scene," the suit said.
When Chavez took photos of an arriving ambulance, Reynolds blocked his camera and told him, "You don't need to take these kind of photos," according to the suit.
Reynolds asked for Chavez's identification and began writing him a citation, the suit said. As a California Highway Patrol cruiser arrived, Chavez again took pictures. That prompted Reynolds to say, "That's it. You're under arrest," the suit said.
The officer made Chavez sit next to the overturned car with his hands behind his back for a half-hour, the suit said. Passing motorists mistakenly believed Chavez had caused the crash and "cursed and made derogatory references to and signs at plaintiff while he sat on the ground handcuffed," the suit said.
Oakland police Officer Cesar Garcia told Chavez that he would be cited for impeding traffic and failing to obey a lawful order. The officers gave him the citation, removed the handcuffs and let him go, but not before Reynolds warned him, "Don't ever come here again to take these kinds of photos," the suit said.
The suit names the city, Police Chief Wayne Tucker, Reynolds and Garcia. It seeks unspecified monetary damages and a court injunction directing police to train its officers about allowing the media "reasonable access to accident and crime scenes and behind police lines."
Chavez was named photojournalist of the year earlier this month by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. He has been with the Tribune for 14 years.
"The Oakland Police Department must abide by state statute and their own regulations as to what is appropriate, to allow the press to adequately cover newsworthy events," said Chavez's attorney, Terry Gross. "Whenever there's an incident, a crime scene, if there's no interference going on, then the OPD rules and state statute provide this right of access to the scene."
Officer Anthony Smith Allegedly Rapes Woman While on Duty
INDIANAPOLIS
The SWAT team arrested a metro police officer for allegedly raping a woman while on duty.
Investigators said it happened on the east side last Friday.
Officer Anthony Smith is facing seven felonies including rape and sexual misconduct. The Marion County prosecutor said Smith is the tenth metro police officer to be charged in the past four months.
Investigators said former police officer Anthony Smith first made contact with the victim at a gas station on 21st and Emerson. Smith told the victim she had pretty teeth. The victim left and drove toward I-70. That's when police said Smith pulled her over for an outstanding warrant.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Smith told the victim he could lock her up, but wouldn't if she rode with him on a few runs.
"This officer used his authority, his position to satisfy his own selfish desires rather than protect someone who needed protection," said Chief Michael Spears of the Indianapolis Metro Police Department.
Investigators said Smith eventually took the victim to his "spot" in an east side industrial park where he allegedly raped her.
"I'm sickened by his conduct. Literally sickened," said Chief Spears.
Police said they didn't find the used condom at Smith's spot, but they did find unused condoms in his trunk. Police are also trying to figure out if Smith has brought other victims to his spot in the past.
"We will continue to look at other traffic stops he's made in the past," said Chief Spears.
Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi said, "The alleged conduct is egregious and Officer Smith is not above the law."
The prosecutor said Smith admitted to having sex with the victim in his police car, but claims it was consensual. The chief dismissed him from the force on Monday.
In wake of the recent arrests with in the metro police department, the prosecutor's office has set up the Justice Integrity Hotline at (317) 327-5437. The prosecutor said it'll allow people to report misconduct without going to the police.
Officer Scott Nugent Arraigned For Taser Death
WINNFIELD, La.
A former police officer accused of repeatedly jolting a central Louisiana man with a Taser before he died has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and malfeasance in office.
Officer Scott Nugent was arraigned Thursday in a Winn Parish courtroom.
He was freed on $45,000 bond last week after a grand jury indicted him on both charges in the January 17 death of 21-year-old Baron Pikes.
Pikes was handcuffed when Nugent allegedly shocked him nine times with a 50,000-volt Taser while arresting him on a drug possession warrant.
Nugent faces up to 45 years in prison if he is convicted on both charges. He was fired but is appealing his dismissal.
A former police officer accused of repeatedly jolting a central Louisiana man with a Taser before he died has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and malfeasance in office.
Officer Scott Nugent was arraigned Thursday in a Winn Parish courtroom.
He was freed on $45,000 bond last week after a grand jury indicted him on both charges in the January 17 death of 21-year-old Baron Pikes.
Pikes was handcuffed when Nugent allegedly shocked him nine times with a 50,000-volt Taser while arresting him on a drug possession warrant.
Nugent faces up to 45 years in prison if he is convicted on both charges. He was fired but is appealing his dismissal.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Sheriff Charged with Theft of Federal Funds
Timothy M. Morrison, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana,
announced that MARK T. FRISBIE, 38, Greencastle, Indiana, was charged today with Federal
program theft, following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Indiana State Police.
The offense charged involves theft or misapplication of funds from a government agency
that received federal funds. In this case, it is alleged that FRISBIE, at the time Sheriff of Putnam County, Indiana, stole approximately $12,530.46 from the Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) between January 18, 2006 and March 28, 2007. The Sheriff’s Department had received over $45,000.00 in federal grant money during the applicable period.
The charge alleges that FRISBIE committed the offense through the unauthorized use of
the PCSD Visa credit card account at First National Bank, located in Putnam County, Indiana
and the unauthorized use of the Putnam County Sheriff Commissary Account checking account at First National Bank. Specifically, FRISBIE used these accounts for the unauthorized payment of PCSD funds for the following purposes:
a. To reimburse expenses incurred by Frisbie Security Consulting, LLC, a private
business entity operated by the Defendant, related to the training of prospective
employees of said business;
b. To pay for travel expenses incurred by a daughter of the Defendant’s wife;
c. To reimburse expenses for meals and incidental expenses incurred by the
Defendant when the Defendant had previously received per diem payments from
the PCSD to cover said expenses;
-2-
d. To pay for campaign supplies related to the reelection campaign of the Defendant;
and,
e. To reimburse expenses incurred by the Defendant on a personal business trip
undertaken by the Defendant related to the operation of Frisbie Security
Consulting, LLC.
According to Assistant U. S. Attorney James M. Warden, who is prosecuting the case for
the government, FRISBIE faces a maximum possible prison sentence of 10 years and a
maximum possible fine of $250,000.
The charge is an allegation only, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and
until proven guilty at trial or by guilty plea.
BigFoot Hoaxers Maybe Sued
They claim their hoax was not for profit, but Atlanta residents Matthew Whitton and Rick Dyer received $50,000 from a California Bigfoot tracker who now plans to sue to get the money back.
The two Georgia men’s tale of having found a Bigfoot carcass in the North Georgia woods really started to stink when California Bigfoot enthusiasts finally examined the body and found it was just a costume.
“There will be legal action” said Catherine Ortez, who works for Searching for Bigfoot, Inc. in in Menlo Park, Calif. The organization paid for rights to the men’s story and their find. “If this was a joke, it was very methodical and thought-out,” she said.
The Searching site was founded by Tom Biscardi, who authenticated and promoted the alleged Georgia Sasquatch. Biscardi, who did not return calls requesting comment, has his own credibility issues, according to a police officer in a nearby jurisdiction.
“He was involved in a similar hoax a few years back,” said Agent Dan Ryan with the Palo Alto (Calif.) Police Department.
In an interview with WSB-TV Wednesday night, Whitton and Dyer’s attorney, Steve Lister, blamed Biscardi for blowing his clients’ joke out of proportion.
“It started off as some YouTube videos and a Web site,” said Whitton, “We’re all about having fun.”
Whitton, 28, a Clayton County police officer for six years, was fired Tuesday after news of the hoax spread. Dyer, 31, is a former Clayton County corrections officer.
Though, according to their site, the pair are not averse to making money off their amusement. For $500, you can join them for a Bigfoot expedition. They also sell Sasquatch-related T-shirts and caps.
Repeated attempts to reach both men were unsuccessful, and Lister did not return calls seeking comment
The two Georgia men’s tale of having found a Bigfoot carcass in the North Georgia woods really started to stink when California Bigfoot enthusiasts finally examined the body and found it was just a costume.
“There will be legal action” said Catherine Ortez, who works for Searching for Bigfoot, Inc. in in Menlo Park, Calif. The organization paid for rights to the men’s story and their find. “If this was a joke, it was very methodical and thought-out,” she said.
The Searching site was founded by Tom Biscardi, who authenticated and promoted the alleged Georgia Sasquatch. Biscardi, who did not return calls requesting comment, has his own credibility issues, according to a police officer in a nearby jurisdiction.
“He was involved in a similar hoax a few years back,” said Agent Dan Ryan with the Palo Alto (Calif.) Police Department.
In an interview with WSB-TV Wednesday night, Whitton and Dyer’s attorney, Steve Lister, blamed Biscardi for blowing his clients’ joke out of proportion.
“It started off as some YouTube videos and a Web site,” said Whitton, “We’re all about having fun.”
Whitton, 28, a Clayton County police officer for six years, was fired Tuesday after news of the hoax spread. Dyer, 31, is a former Clayton County corrections officer.
Though, according to their site, the pair are not averse to making money off their amusement. For $500, you can join them for a Bigfoot expedition. They also sell Sasquatch-related T-shirts and caps.
Repeated attempts to reach both men were unsuccessful, and Lister did not return calls seeking comment
Officer Matthew Whitton Fired for BigFoot Hoax
Can you believe it? Georgia’s “Bigfoot” was just a big hoax.
The body of a supposed ape-man found in the North Georgia mountains was nothing but an empty rubber monkey suit embedded in ice, according to California Bigfoot enthusiasts who finally got a chance to examine it last weekend.
The two Atlanta men who stood up at a news conference in California last week and tried to convince the world they had found Bigfoot now apparently can’t be located — just like the real Bigfoot.
Calls to Matthew Whitton, a Clayton County police officer — make that former police officer — and his car salesman buddy Rick Dyer weren’t returned Tuesday.
The answering machine on a “tip line” connected to the pair’s Web site, which still advertises $499 Bigfoot “expeditions,” says they’re still out searching for Sasquatch — as well as leprechauns, dinosaurs, unicorns, Jimmy Hoffa and Elvis.
Searching for Bigfoot Inc., the California outfit that paid an undisclosed sum to Whitton and Dyer for rights to their story and their find, says the pair checked out of the hotel where they had been put up over the weekend.
According to a news release on Searching for Bigfoot’s Web site, the whole scam unraveled when a block of ice containing the “body” melted over the weekend. Whitton and Dyer later confessed that it was just a costume, according to the release.
Why the two Georgians contrived the cross-country con isn’t clear.
What is certain is that Whitton, 28, on medical leave after being shot in the wrist by a robbery suspect earlier this year, won’t be going back to work at the Clayton County Police Department.
As soon as he heard Whitton’s Bigfoot was a big fake, “I terminated him,” said Police Chief Jeffrey Turner said Tuesday.
“He’s disgraced himself, he’s an embarrassment to the Clayton County Police Department, his credibility and integrity as an officer is gone, and I have no use for him,” Turner said. “His behavior is unbecoming of that of a police officer.”
“This turn of events from hero to someone who defrauds a nation is just baffling. I don’t know how he got from one point to the other,” Turner said.
The chief said he wants to send Whitton his termination paperwork and get his uniforms back. However, he said, “We haven’t been able to get in touch with him.”
Kathy Jefcoats of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution contributed to this article.
The body of a supposed ape-man found in the North Georgia mountains was nothing but an empty rubber monkey suit embedded in ice, according to California Bigfoot enthusiasts who finally got a chance to examine it last weekend.
The two Atlanta men who stood up at a news conference in California last week and tried to convince the world they had found Bigfoot now apparently can’t be located — just like the real Bigfoot.
Calls to Matthew Whitton, a Clayton County police officer — make that former police officer — and his car salesman buddy Rick Dyer weren’t returned Tuesday.
The answering machine on a “tip line” connected to the pair’s Web site, which still advertises $499 Bigfoot “expeditions,” says they’re still out searching for Sasquatch — as well as leprechauns, dinosaurs, unicorns, Jimmy Hoffa and Elvis.
Searching for Bigfoot Inc., the California outfit that paid an undisclosed sum to Whitton and Dyer for rights to their story and their find, says the pair checked out of the hotel where they had been put up over the weekend.
According to a news release on Searching for Bigfoot’s Web site, the whole scam unraveled when a block of ice containing the “body” melted over the weekend. Whitton and Dyer later confessed that it was just a costume, according to the release.
Why the two Georgians contrived the cross-country con isn’t clear.
What is certain is that Whitton, 28, on medical leave after being shot in the wrist by a robbery suspect earlier this year, won’t be going back to work at the Clayton County Police Department.
As soon as he heard Whitton’s Bigfoot was a big fake, “I terminated him,” said Police Chief Jeffrey Turner said Tuesday.
“He’s disgraced himself, he’s an embarrassment to the Clayton County Police Department, his credibility and integrity as an officer is gone, and I have no use for him,” Turner said. “His behavior is unbecoming of that of a police officer.”
“This turn of events from hero to someone who defrauds a nation is just baffling. I don’t know how he got from one point to the other,” Turner said.
The chief said he wants to send Whitton his termination paperwork and get his uniforms back. However, he said, “We haven’t been able to get in touch with him.”
Kathy Jefcoats of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution contributed to this article.
Officer Kenneth Williams Sentenced for Soliciting Nude Photos of Girl
A former San Jose police officer has been sentenced to two years in state prison for soliciting nude photos of a 16-year-old Scotts Valley basketball player, according to the Santa Cruz County District Attorney's office.
Kenneth Williams was sentenced Monday morning in Santa Cruz County Superior Court, the district attorney's office reported.
He was convicted Aug. 5 of soliciting nude photos from the girl. He was facing up to four years in state prison but he gave up his right to appeal the conviction and was given a reduced sentence.
Williams had made contact with the girl through his wife, who assisted in coaching the basketball team, according to the district attorney's office.
He was arrested and charged for the crime in December 2005 after nude photos of the girl were found on two of Williams' computers.
In addition to his prison time, Williams will have to register as a sex offender.
Kenneth Williams was sentenced Monday morning in Santa Cruz County Superior Court, the district attorney's office reported.
He was convicted Aug. 5 of soliciting nude photos from the girl. He was facing up to four years in state prison but he gave up his right to appeal the conviction and was given a reduced sentence.
Williams had made contact with the girl through his wife, who assisted in coaching the basketball team, according to the district attorney's office.
He was arrested and charged for the crime in December 2005 after nude photos of the girl were found on two of Williams' computers.
In addition to his prison time, Williams will have to register as a sex offender.
Officer Kenneth Anderson Accused of Sexually Assaulting Two Boys
WINNIPEG
A veteran Winnipeg police officer who also worked for a government child welfare agency has been suspended following allegations of sexually assaulting two 11-year-old boys.
Kenneth Jack Anderson, 47, was formally charged by Manitoba RCMP Tuesday with two counts each of sexual assault, sexual interference and sexual exploitation.
Anderson has worked on the city police force for about 17 years.
As recently as last spring, Anderson was “briefly employed” by Manitoba Child and Family Services, police said.
A spokeswoman for the child welfare agency said the accused was placed on unpaid leave.
Citing privacy laws, she would not elaborate on how Anderson was employed and for how long, nor would she say whether the allegations involve clients of Child and Family Services.
Manitoba RCMP Sgt. Line Karpish said she does not have the details about Anderson’s employment with family services.
The charges date back to September 2006. Both of the alleged victims were 11 at the time, Karpish said, but she would not discuss the nature of the alleged incidents.
Police were made aware of the allegations last spring through the city police force, said Karpish.
“There were indications that this happened in our (jurisdiction),” she said.
Winnipeg police spokesman Const. Jason Michalyshen said Anderson was placed on administrative leave around the start of the investigation.
“His employment status is under review,” said Michalyshen.
But Michalyshen did not know if Anderson is getting paid while on leave.
Manitoba Justice has hired Robert Tapper, a Winnipeg defence lawyer, to act as a special prosecutor on the case. It’s department policy to avoid using its own Crown attorneys for cases involving police officers.
Tapper declined to discuss the details of the case.
“It’s just too premature,” he said. “I need to review the file in detail.”
Anderson is not in police custody. He’s due in court Oct. 20 in Teulon, a town about 60 kilometres north of Winnipeg.
A veteran Winnipeg police officer who also worked for a government child welfare agency has been suspended following allegations of sexually assaulting two 11-year-old boys.
Kenneth Jack Anderson, 47, was formally charged by Manitoba RCMP Tuesday with two counts each of sexual assault, sexual interference and sexual exploitation.
Anderson has worked on the city police force for about 17 years.
As recently as last spring, Anderson was “briefly employed” by Manitoba Child and Family Services, police said.
A spokeswoman for the child welfare agency said the accused was placed on unpaid leave.
Citing privacy laws, she would not elaborate on how Anderson was employed and for how long, nor would she say whether the allegations involve clients of Child and Family Services.
Manitoba RCMP Sgt. Line Karpish said she does not have the details about Anderson’s employment with family services.
The charges date back to September 2006. Both of the alleged victims were 11 at the time, Karpish said, but she would not discuss the nature of the alleged incidents.
Police were made aware of the allegations last spring through the city police force, said Karpish.
“There were indications that this happened in our (jurisdiction),” she said.
Winnipeg police spokesman Const. Jason Michalyshen said Anderson was placed on administrative leave around the start of the investigation.
“His employment status is under review,” said Michalyshen.
But Michalyshen did not know if Anderson is getting paid while on leave.
Manitoba Justice has hired Robert Tapper, a Winnipeg defence lawyer, to act as a special prosecutor on the case. It’s department policy to avoid using its own Crown attorneys for cases involving police officers.
Tapper declined to discuss the details of the case.
“It’s just too premature,” he said. “I need to review the file in detail.”
Anderson is not in police custody. He’s due in court Oct. 20 in Teulon, a town about 60 kilometres north of Winnipeg.
Officer Vernon Stevenson Arrested for Drunk Driving
For the third time this summer, an Austin police officer has been arrested for drinking and driving.
Vernon Stevenson was off-duty when he was arrested early Monday morning along U.S. in Northeast Austin. He was on his personal motorcycle when an officer headed in the other direction noticed the bike laying on its side and Stevenson trying to pick it up.
According to the arrest affidavit, before the other officer could turn around, Stevenson left the scene. That officer then saw him swerving between lanes.
Stevenson was pulled over and the officer smelled alcohol on his breath and noticed his eyes were bloodshot. He refused to a field sobriety test and was arrested for DWI.
No one in the police department would comment, but Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo has made it clear in the past that drunk driving enforcement is a top priority
Jim Currier of Mothers Against Drunk Driving said officers are not setting a good example.
“Sometimes people in professional roles make bad decisions,” he said.
This is the third Austin police officer arrested DWI this summer. Last month, an APD detective, Joe Lucas, was arrested in Bell County; and in early June, Lieutenant Robert Hernandez was arrested after failing a field sobriety test in Hays County.
Currier believes officers who break the law shouldn't get special treatment.
“It's absolutely a huge disappointment to us and we are thankful that the arresting officers did their job in this case,” he said.
Stevenson was released on a $3,000 bond. He is on restrictive duty while the department conducts an internal investigation.
Vernon Stevenson was off-duty when he was arrested early Monday morning along U.S. in Northeast Austin. He was on his personal motorcycle when an officer headed in the other direction noticed the bike laying on its side and Stevenson trying to pick it up.
According to the arrest affidavit, before the other officer could turn around, Stevenson left the scene. That officer then saw him swerving between lanes.
Stevenson was pulled over and the officer smelled alcohol on his breath and noticed his eyes were bloodshot. He refused to a field sobriety test and was arrested for DWI.
No one in the police department would comment, but Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo has made it clear in the past that drunk driving enforcement is a top priority
Jim Currier of Mothers Against Drunk Driving said officers are not setting a good example.
“Sometimes people in professional roles make bad decisions,” he said.
This is the third Austin police officer arrested DWI this summer. Last month, an APD detective, Joe Lucas, was arrested in Bell County; and in early June, Lieutenant Robert Hernandez was arrested after failing a field sobriety test in Hays County.
Currier believes officers who break the law shouldn't get special treatment.
“It's absolutely a huge disappointment to us and we are thankful that the arresting officers did their job in this case,” he said.
Stevenson was released on a $3,000 bond. He is on restrictive duty while the department conducts an internal investigation.
Three Officers From Same Department in Trouble
INDIANAPOLIS
More metro officers and a Marion County deputy are in trouble, some facing criminal charges. The metro police chief wants them all fired.
According to court documents, one of them lied during a hit and run investigation. Another threatened two teen girls if they didn't expose themselves. Another is accused of patronizing a prostitute while on duty.
Ten year veteran officer James Ingalls was assigned to the southwest district's late shift. An internal investigation found he may have broken the law instead of enforcing it.
"The accusation is that he did not do his job properly and he has been involved with a person
who has been identified as a prostitute and that has criminal implications," said Sgt Paul Thompson of the Indianapolis Metro Police Department.Detectives will present the findings to the prosecutor.
IMPD officer Christopher Poindexter is charged with false reporting. His fiancé, Kelli Ball, a former civilian IMPD employee, faces charges in a hit and run.
"Mr. Poindexter made the decision to let Miss Ball operate his IMPD issued vehicle which is prohibited," said Sgt. Thompson.
While driving the marked patrol car, Ball hit another vehicle and didn't stop. Court documents state Poindexter was in the passenger seat at the time, but lied to investigators about the damage to the car.Ingalls and Poindexter are suspended without pay.
Marion County Sheriff's Deputy Joey Smith Junior resigned Monday when officers arrested him for various felony charges including intimidation and contributing to the delinquency of a 13 and 14 year old girl.
According to court documents, the two teenage girls were walking along the sidewalk and Smith in an unmarked car pulled up next to them. He was wearing a uniform and he flashed a badge. He told them a story about how he was investigating two girls flashing in the neighborhood.
The court documents state Smith asked the two girls to pull up their shirts to see if he could identify them as the two suspects.
"I think this shows the community that the chief of police is taking a very aggressive stand on discipline. He's going to do what's necessary to get rid of the people that are causing the problems," said Sgt. Thompson.
Former Deputy Joey Smith Junior is out on bond. His trial is set for October 27. Christopher Poindexter is expected back in court on September 26. Kelli Ball has a pre-trial conference on the fourth of September. So far, no charges have been filed against James Ingalls.
Two Off-Duty Officers Charged With Gang Assault
NEW YORK
Two off-duty police officers were charged with gang assault after being accused of kicking, punching and pistol-whipping a man whose open car door was blocking their lane of traffic.
Kollen Robinson, 24, and Michelle Anglin, 37, have been stripped of their badges and guns and are being investigated by Internal Affairs, police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said Tuesday.
``If these allegations prove true, it's a horrendous case, a horrendous situation,'' Kelly said.
The officers, who have pleaded not guilty to gang assault and criminal possession of a weapon, were in Robinson's sport utility vehicle when they got stuck in traffic around 5 p.m. Friday. A motorist, Marlon Smith, was blocking their lane with his open car door.
One of the officers yelled at Smith to shut the door; he yelled back an insult, and a profanity-laced argument erupted.
According to a criminal complaint, the women got out of their SUV and walked over to Smith's car and he tried to slam the door but Anglin sprayed him in the face with Mace.
Then Smith got out of the car and tried to grab Anglin, according to the complaint, and Robinson started punching him, saying, ``Do you know who you are f---ing with? We are the police.''
Robinson is accused of smacking Smith with a baton, and Anglin is accused of pistol-whipping him with her gun. The motorist also had a gun pointed in his face, the complaint said. The officers eventually left the scene, but a witness got the license plate number for the SUV, which was tracked to Robinson, police said.
Attorneys for the two women had no comment.
Robinson has been on the force since 2006, Anglin since 2005. Robinson told internal affairs officials that she was at the scene with Anglin, according to the complaint.
The motorist was taken to a hospital, where he received 25 staples to his scalp to close three cuts. He also was suffering from blurry vision and bruises on his face.
Last month, an amateur video caught an officer body-checking a man off a bicycle and onto the street during a protest in Times Square. Other tapes of officers hitting men with batons recently have surfaced. Those officers were placed on modified duty but not charged criminally, and an internal investigation is under way.
In Yonkers on Tuesday, a policeman who body-slammed an unarmed woman onto a tile floor, breaking her jaw, was indicted on a civil rights charge.
Two off-duty police officers were charged with gang assault after being accused of kicking, punching and pistol-whipping a man whose open car door was blocking their lane of traffic.
Kollen Robinson, 24, and Michelle Anglin, 37, have been stripped of their badges and guns and are being investigated by Internal Affairs, police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said Tuesday.
``If these allegations prove true, it's a horrendous case, a horrendous situation,'' Kelly said.
The officers, who have pleaded not guilty to gang assault and criminal possession of a weapon, were in Robinson's sport utility vehicle when they got stuck in traffic around 5 p.m. Friday. A motorist, Marlon Smith, was blocking their lane with his open car door.
One of the officers yelled at Smith to shut the door; he yelled back an insult, and a profanity-laced argument erupted.
According to a criminal complaint, the women got out of their SUV and walked over to Smith's car and he tried to slam the door but Anglin sprayed him in the face with Mace.
Then Smith got out of the car and tried to grab Anglin, according to the complaint, and Robinson started punching him, saying, ``Do you know who you are f---ing with? We are the police.''
Robinson is accused of smacking Smith with a baton, and Anglin is accused of pistol-whipping him with her gun. The motorist also had a gun pointed in his face, the complaint said. The officers eventually left the scene, but a witness got the license plate number for the SUV, which was tracked to Robinson, police said.
Attorneys for the two women had no comment.
Robinson has been on the force since 2006, Anglin since 2005. Robinson told internal affairs officials that she was at the scene with Anglin, according to the complaint.
The motorist was taken to a hospital, where he received 25 staples to his scalp to close three cuts. He also was suffering from blurry vision and bruises on his face.
Last month, an amateur video caught an officer body-checking a man off a bicycle and onto the street during a protest in Times Square. Other tapes of officers hitting men with batons recently have surfaced. Those officers were placed on modified duty but not charged criminally, and an internal investigation is under way.
In Yonkers on Tuesday, a policeman who body-slammed an unarmed woman onto a tile floor, breaking her jaw, was indicted on a civil rights charge.
Officer Anthony Smith Suspended Indefinitely
INDIANAPOLIS
An IMPD officer has been suspended indefinitely following an internal investigation.
IMPD Chief Michael Spears has ordered 36-year-old Anthony Smith suspended without pay and has recommended his termination to the merit board.
A release from the department states that based on the findings of an internal investigation Chief Spears and Public Safety Director Scott Newman have determined that a criminal investigation is necessary. The prosecutor's office is apparently looking into the findings that apparently stem from a citizen complaint.
At a press conference Tuesday, Chief Spears said Smith violated a ride-along policy early last Friday morning on the east side. The chief declined to talk about the specific allegations but there was a rape investigation from the same morning in the same part of town. The victim's brother in the case said his sister was involved in a sexual assault with an officer, but said he could not comment further.
The chief only spoke generally about officer misconduct at the press conference.
"But when they consciously, intentionally step over the lines of our policies of good judgment and the law, I'm going to be the first person in the police department to do everything I can to separate them from that badge," said Spears.
Police said Smith has been with the department since April of '07. He was assigned to the northeast district late shift.
An IMPD officer has been suspended indefinitely following an internal investigation.
IMPD Chief Michael Spears has ordered 36-year-old Anthony Smith suspended without pay and has recommended his termination to the merit board.
A release from the department states that based on the findings of an internal investigation Chief Spears and Public Safety Director Scott Newman have determined that a criminal investigation is necessary. The prosecutor's office is apparently looking into the findings that apparently stem from a citizen complaint.
At a press conference Tuesday, Chief Spears said Smith violated a ride-along policy early last Friday morning on the east side. The chief declined to talk about the specific allegations but there was a rape investigation from the same morning in the same part of town. The victim's brother in the case said his sister was involved in a sexual assault with an officer, but said he could not comment further.
The chief only spoke generally about officer misconduct at the press conference.
"But when they consciously, intentionally step over the lines of our policies of good judgment and the law, I'm going to be the first person in the police department to do everything I can to separate them from that badge," said Spears.
Police said Smith has been with the department since April of '07. He was assigned to the northeast district late shift.
Lt Steven Ohlheiser Arrested for Drunk Driving
Anderson
An Anderson police officer was arrested for drunken driving over the weekend.
Lt. Steven Ohlheiser was arrested by a Noblesville police officer and charged with DUI on Saturday. The Hamilton County Sheriff's Department says Ohlheiser was stopped by a DUI enforcement detail working an area near the Kid Rock concert at Verizon Wireless Music Center.
Anderson Police spokesman Mitch Carroll says Ohlheiser is on administrative leave pending the outcome of the case.
Officer Vincent Cantu Robs Bank
LA HABRA
A man arrested for allegedly robbing a La Habra bank last week is a former Pasadena police officer.
The FBI said it is also investigating if the man, 44-year-old Vincent Cantu of Whittier, could be the apologetic "Polite Bandit" who hit three local banks in 2006.
"There are similarities," said FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller. She said the "Polite Bandit" robbed Banco Popular branches and the La Habra robbery was at a Banco Popular.
The bandit was seen with a gun during the 2006 heists and told victims he was sorry.
La Habra police spokeswoman Cindy Knapp said the man who robbed the Banco Popular in La Habra on Friday had a handgun and was apologetic.
Police got a call at 11:14 a.m. Friday about a robbery at the bank located at 401 E. Whittier Blvd. Officers got a description of the suspect and a vehicle seen leaving the area.
Knapp said police pulled over a silver Toyota FJ Cruiser driven by Cantu at Las Lomas Drive, west of Euclid Street.
Cantu was arrested on suspicion of robbery and taken to an Orange County sheriff's jail. Sheriff's officials said he was released Saturday after posting bond. But the records don't say how much the bail was.
Prosecutors have a month to file charges, if any, against Cantu.
He couldn't be reached for comment on Monday. Public records show his current address as a P.O. box in Whittier.
Cantu worked as an officer for the Pasadena Police Department for eight years and retired in 1996, said police spokeswoman Janet Pope Givens.
West Covina police Chief Frank Wills, who also worked at the Pasadena Police Department at the time, remembered Cantu retired for medical reasons.
"I never saw anything from him that would indicate he would get involved in something like this," Wills said. "It's so unfortunate, certainly not the Vincent Cantu I remember from 15 years ago."
Pasadena Police Officers Association President Robert Mercado said, as far as he knew, Cantu was in good standing with the union and the department when he retired. He said Cantu retired because of a knee injury.
"I hope that it's not true that he was involved in something like that," Mercado said. "It is very surprising if he was involved in something like that."
Cantu has no criminal record in Los Angeles or Orange counties, according to court records. His only brush with the law was for a minor violation.
The San Bernardino County Superior Court showed a Vincent Cantu was convicted June 27, 2002 of not having a required vehicle registration.
The robber dubbed the "Polite Bandit" hit the Banco Popular at 12333 S. La Mirada Blvd. in La Mirada on May 25 and Aug. 28, 2006, then robbed the Banco Popular at 3160 Colima Road in Hacienda Heights on Nov. 23, 2006.
During the May heist, he told one teller:, "I'm sorry, but I have to feed my kids. I'm so sorry."
He also asked tellers if they were OK and thanked them.
The "Polite Bandit" was described as Latino, 30 to 40 years old, with a mustache and stocky build. He weighs about 200 pounds and stands 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall. He has also worn sunglasses and a black bandanna over part of his face.
Sgt. Jeff Brunswick Arrested for Stalking
A Cincinnati Police Sergeant is accused of being on the wrong side of the law.
Sgt. Jeff Brunswick was booked at the Hamilton County Justice Center around midnight Tuesday after being charged with menacing by stalking, which is a misdemeanor.
Brunswick is accused of stalking a female officer who is also on the Cincinnati force.
The incident in question happened in July when Brunswick allegedly harassed the female officer when he showed up at one of her investigation scenes.
She says Brunswick also sent her unwanted text messages, gave out her personal information to another person, approached her son and even harassed her roommate.
Brunswick is a longtime police veteran working out of District 5 on Ludlow Avenue.
He recently had been up for a promotion to the rank of Lieutenant.
Brunswick is out of jail on a $5,000 bond.
Lt. Shawn Murray Arrested for Choking Ex-girlfriend
CARLSBAD
An Oceanside police lieutenant accused of choking and dragging his ex-girlfriend through his Carlsbad home was free on $25,000 bail Tuesday, it was reported.
Oceanside police Lt. Shawn Murray was arrested early Monday morning at his home in the 3500 block of Flat Rock Street after Carlsbad police received a call for help from Murray's ex-girlfriend, according to a newspaper report.
She “stated that her neck was red and sore and she was pushed down and dragged around by her pants and left arm,” Carlsbad Lt. Marc Reno told the newspaper.
Murray, an 18-year veteran of the Oceanside Police Department, was booked into the Vista jail on suspicion of domestic violence and posted $25,000 bail about two hours later, the newspaper reported.
There were no prior reports of domestic violence at Murray's residence, Reno told the newspaper.
Oceanside police declined to comment on the incident, citing “personnel issues.”
An Oceanside police lieutenant accused of choking and dragging his ex-girlfriend through his Carlsbad home was free on $25,000 bail Tuesday, it was reported.
Oceanside police Lt. Shawn Murray was arrested early Monday morning at his home in the 3500 block of Flat Rock Street after Carlsbad police received a call for help from Murray's ex-girlfriend, according to a newspaper report.
She “stated that her neck was red and sore and she was pushed down and dragged around by her pants and left arm,” Carlsbad Lt. Marc Reno told the newspaper.
Murray, an 18-year veteran of the Oceanside Police Department, was booked into the Vista jail on suspicion of domestic violence and posted $25,000 bail about two hours later, the newspaper reported.
There were no prior reports of domestic violence at Murray's residence, Reno told the newspaper.
Oceanside police declined to comment on the incident, citing “personnel issues.”
Officers Rape Woman During Bachelor Party
AKRON
Akron police are investigating at least one of their own after a woman claims that an off-duty officer raped her during a bachelor party in downtown Akron.
The woman claims that she met the officers and others who were taking part in the party at a club near Canal Park Saturday night.
She told a 9-1-1 dispatcher that the men took her back to their room at the Radisson Hotel on West Mill Street where she claims she was raped just after 4 a.m. Sunday.
"Some guy just basically like raped me and came and got me and left me here," she told police about an hour later.
The woman didn't know the attacker's name and at one point told the dispatcher that all of the off-duty officers were named "Jim." She identified the men at the party and the attacker as being members of the Akron Police Department.
Investigators are now interviewing the off-duty officers and others who were at the bachelor party. The officer accused of rape was not the groom-to-be.
"It's under investigation," said Lt. Rick Edwards of the Akron Police Department. "At this point, the officer has been placed on paid administrative leave until the investigation has been completed."
The officer is 26 years old. The woman is 22 years old and lives in Wayne County.
Akron police are investigating at least one of their own after a woman claims that an off-duty officer raped her during a bachelor party in downtown Akron.
The woman claims that she met the officers and others who were taking part in the party at a club near Canal Park Saturday night.
She told a 9-1-1 dispatcher that the men took her back to their room at the Radisson Hotel on West Mill Street where she claims she was raped just after 4 a.m. Sunday.
"Some guy just basically like raped me and came and got me and left me here," she told police about an hour later.
The woman didn't know the attacker's name and at one point told the dispatcher that all of the off-duty officers were named "Jim." She identified the men at the party and the attacker as being members of the Akron Police Department.
Investigators are now interviewing the off-duty officers and others who were at the bachelor party. The officer accused of rape was not the groom-to-be.
"It's under investigation," said Lt. Rick Edwards of the Akron Police Department. "At this point, the officer has been placed on paid administrative leave until the investigation has been completed."
The officer is 26 years old. The woman is 22 years old and lives in Wayne County.
Officer Autumn Wheat Arrested for Drunk Driving
FORT WORTH, Texas — A police officer remains on restricted duty after being arrested for allegedly driving drunk while off duty, authorities said.
Autumn Wheat, a Fort Worth police officer for 16 years, was driving her own car in nearby Burleson late Friday night when an off-duty Tarrant County sheriff's deputy saw her run a red light and drive erratically, said Fort Worth police Lt. Ken Dean.
After Burleson police officers were contacted, they pulled Wheat over, conducted a preliminary investigation for suspicion of driving while intoxicated and arrested her, Dean said.
Wheat was released on bail, and it's unclear if she has an attorney, according to an officer at the Burleson jail.
The Fort Worth Police Department's Internal Affairs Division is conducting an administrative investigation.
Autumn Wheat, a Fort Worth police officer for 16 years, was driving her own car in nearby Burleson late Friday night when an off-duty Tarrant County sheriff's deputy saw her run a red light and drive erratically, said Fort Worth police Lt. Ken Dean.
After Burleson police officers were contacted, they pulled Wheat over, conducted a preliminary investigation for suspicion of driving while intoxicated and arrested her, Dean said.
Wheat was released on bail, and it's unclear if she has an attorney, according to an officer at the Burleson jail.
The Fort Worth Police Department's Internal Affairs Division is conducting an administrative investigation.
Officer Toby Wilson Caught Stealing Can of Soda
According to Philadelphia Police Chief Richard Sistrunk, a store surveillance tape showed one of his officers in the store for almost 30 minutes, apparently looking around, before leaving without paying for a can of soda.
Sistrunk said store officials later approached the police department the evidence.
"He actually never wanted to see the video," said Sistrunk. "I advised him that I did have a video and he elected not to view it, and admitted that he took the drink without paying for it."
Sistrunk says the officer was on duty. The officer who resigned is Toby Wilson. With about 20 years of law enforcement experience, he was just hired in Philadelphia in January. Prior to that he worked for the sheriff's department in Winston County.
Sistrunk said citizens should be reassured about the integrity of the department.
"They can feel assured that our officers are no better than anybody else. If their conduct becomes unbecoming that we as the chief of police, the mayor and the board, we won't tolerate this," Sistrunk said.
Sistrunk said the store did not wish to press charges, so the case is closed.
Sistrunk said store officials later approached the police department the evidence.
"He actually never wanted to see the video," said Sistrunk. "I advised him that I did have a video and he elected not to view it, and admitted that he took the drink without paying for it."
Sistrunk says the officer was on duty. The officer who resigned is Toby Wilson. With about 20 years of law enforcement experience, he was just hired in Philadelphia in January. Prior to that he worked for the sheriff's department in Winston County.
Sistrunk said citizens should be reassured about the integrity of the department.
"They can feel assured that our officers are no better than anybody else. If their conduct becomes unbecoming that we as the chief of police, the mayor and the board, we won't tolerate this," Sistrunk said.
Sistrunk said the store did not wish to press charges, so the case is closed.
Officer Harrison Largo Will Stand Trial for Murder
GALLUP, N.M.
San Juan County Magistrate Stacey Biel ruled Monday that a former Navajo police officer accused of shooting his live-in girlfriend will stand trial.
Harrison Largo faces charges of murder and tampering with evidence in the May shooting death of Frieda Smith, who was found at the couple's mobile home in Thoreau. She later died at an Albuquerque hospital.
According to court records, neighbors heard the couple arguing and saw Smith run from the home before three gunshots were fired.
Biel heard nearly four hours of testimony before deciding that Largo will stand trial. She also denied a defense motion to set bond for Largo, who remains in the Gallup-McKinley County jail.
Largo is expected to be arraigned in state district court within the next couple of weeks.
San Juan County Magistrate Stacey Biel ruled Monday that a former Navajo police officer accused of shooting his live-in girlfriend will stand trial.
Harrison Largo faces charges of murder and tampering with evidence in the May shooting death of Frieda Smith, who was found at the couple's mobile home in Thoreau. She later died at an Albuquerque hospital.
According to court records, neighbors heard the couple arguing and saw Smith run from the home before three gunshots were fired.
Biel heard nearly four hours of testimony before deciding that Largo will stand trial. She also denied a defense motion to set bond for Largo, who remains in the Gallup-McKinley County jail.
Largo is expected to be arraigned in state district court within the next couple of weeks.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Newly Weds Tasered and Arrested
The wedding was on a Michigan beach, the reception was in an art gallery -- but a former Chicago couple's wedding night was spent in separate jail cells after both bride and groom got shocked by a police Taser and arrested at their raucous reception.
Andy Somora and Anna Pastuszwska's July 19 wedding reception in tiny Lakeside, Mich., is still the talk of the town after officers from 14 police departments swarmed the art gallery to quell a melee. The groom's father, uncle, aunt and cousin -- several of whom hail from Villa Park and La Grange Park -- also got arrested.
"The short version of the story is they didn't want to quit their partying," said Mike Sepic, Berrien County, Mich., chief assistant prosecutor. "If you put this in the class of wedding receptions gone bad, I guess this would take the cake."
And the story didn't end after the reception. Two nights later, the bride and groom were again arrested in Michigan -- and again shocked by a stun gun -- after struggling with police investigating a noise complaint, Sepic said. The groom was charged with pushing his new wife down during that incident, but the charge was later dropped as part of a plea bargain, Sepic said.
It all played out across the Michigan border in Harbor Country, a sleepy summer vacation area known for its antiques, dune-filled beaches and sun-burned Chicagoans.
The wedding couple had moved to Colorado from Chicago in recent years, but they chose Lakeside for their wedding because of past times spent there, a friend said. It rained during their beachside ceremony, but the 100 or more guests huddled under umbrellas before heading to Burnison Galleries on the Red Arrow Highway for the reception.
Wedding photographer Kacper Skowron, a friend of the bride, said the party was "civilized" and "top-notch," with guests from around the country.
Gallery co-owner Tom Burnison, however, said that, fueled by alcohol, it got out of control and potentially dangerous, including when a guest heaved a metal lamp into a plate glass window. "Calling the police was a last resort," Burnison said.
When the only local police officer on duty that night arrived, Burnison and his wife asked him to help break up the party because it had gotten "out of hand," with booze, water and broken glass on the floor, Chikaming Township police said. One guest was seen drinking straight out of a vodka bottle, Sepic said.
The officer called for backup and told everyone the party was over. Many guests left, but some refused and began cursing at officers, police said.
"Andy got angry and started yelling, 'What are you doing? This is my wedding! You're making my wife cry!' " Skowron said.
"The crowd was trying to hold back the groom from mouthing off more, but finally he broke free, and they had to take him down," Sepic said of police. "He was heading for the officers. . . . Then the bride moved in and tried to interfere."
As the newlyweds struggled on the ground, a police officer used a Taser on Somora, 29, police said. Pastuszwska, 28, was holding her new husband tight, and was shocked as well, Skowron and authorities said.
"Imagine the kids and grandma seeing the bride and groom getting Tasered on the floor," said Skowron. "In my opinion, the police totally overreacted."
The couple ended up spending the night with strangers in separate holding cells about 50 feet apart.
The groom was hit with charges of resisting and obstructing police, a felony, and with disturbing the peace. He pleaded guilty to the felony July 30 and could face jail time when sentenced Sept. 15, Sepic said.
The bride was charged with resisting and obstructing, and she pleaded guilty to a reduced charge, Sepic said. She was fined $600.
Members of the groom's family were arrested on resisting and obstructing charges, but they pleaded guilty to lesser charges and were each fined $450. One person was ordered to pay $75 for the broken lamp.
Redemptor Acharon Charged with Murder
MANILA, Philippines
A junior police officer has been charged for the murder of broadcaster Dennis Cuesta, who died five days after he was shot in General Santos City on August 4.
Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman, said Inspector Redemptor Acharon was charged with murder before the Department of Justice Sunday for the death of Dennis Cuesta, program director of Radio Mindanao Network’s dxMD.
Bartolome said officers of the National Union of the Journalist of the Philippines (NUJP) met with Director General Avelino Razon Jr. about the case.
Razon has ordered the immediate transfer of Acharon from Central Mindanao (Region 12) to PNP headquarters in Camp Crame in Quezon City, Bartolome said.
Police said the charges against the police officer were filed after two eyewitnesses tagged him as the gunman. Investigators will also cross-match Acharon with the artist’s sketch earlier released by the police.
The NUJP sought the meeting with the PNP leadership and Task Force Usig, the special police unit tasked to probe media and political killings, after receiving reports there were efforts to whitewash Cuesta’s murder because one of the suspects is a policeman.
Cuesta, who anchored the public affairs program "Straight to the Point" and was known for hard-hitting commentaries on issues like illegal gambling, graft and corruption in government, and illegal drugs, slipped into a coma after he was shot in the head and hip, the NUJP said.
He died two days after another RMN broadcaster, Martin Roxas, was gunned down in Roxas City, Capiz. Roxas was also an officer of the NUJP chapter in Capiz and was the first member of the media organization to be killed.
The two broadcasters brought the total number of journalists murdered since 2001, when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo came to power, to 90, the highest death toll under any administration, including the 14-year Marcos dictatorship.
A junior police officer has been charged for the murder of broadcaster Dennis Cuesta, who died five days after he was shot in General Santos City on August 4.
Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman, said Inspector Redemptor Acharon was charged with murder before the Department of Justice Sunday for the death of Dennis Cuesta, program director of Radio Mindanao Network’s dxMD.
Bartolome said officers of the National Union of the Journalist of the Philippines (NUJP) met with Director General Avelino Razon Jr. about the case.
Razon has ordered the immediate transfer of Acharon from Central Mindanao (Region 12) to PNP headquarters in Camp Crame in Quezon City, Bartolome said.
Police said the charges against the police officer were filed after two eyewitnesses tagged him as the gunman. Investigators will also cross-match Acharon with the artist’s sketch earlier released by the police.
The NUJP sought the meeting with the PNP leadership and Task Force Usig, the special police unit tasked to probe media and political killings, after receiving reports there were efforts to whitewash Cuesta’s murder because one of the suspects is a policeman.
Cuesta, who anchored the public affairs program "Straight to the Point" and was known for hard-hitting commentaries on issues like illegal gambling, graft and corruption in government, and illegal drugs, slipped into a coma after he was shot in the head and hip, the NUJP said.
He died two days after another RMN broadcaster, Martin Roxas, was gunned down in Roxas City, Capiz. Roxas was also an officer of the NUJP chapter in Capiz and was the first member of the media organization to be killed.
The two broadcasters brought the total number of journalists murdered since 2001, when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo came to power, to 90, the highest death toll under any administration, including the 14-year Marcos dictatorship.
Officer Dawn Hodge Arrested
NORTH RANDALL
A North Randall police officer ends up behind bars. Early Saturday morning, Highland Hills police noticed a limo driving erratically near the intersection of Harvard and Richmond Roads.
After the limo pulled over, police say the passenger, Dawn Hodge pulled out her badge and then began screaming and yelling.
Investigators say Hodge, who is a North Randall police officer, refused to tell them her department. Police say it took several officers to arrest her. Hodge was booked into jail but was later released.
Neighbors like Rod Johnstone say, "Being an officer of the law, you should carry yourself in a situation where you don't bring shame or dishonor to your department."
"Everybody's human. No matter what position you hold, you're still a human being," says Ralph Williams.
No word on whether the limo driver will be charged.
Police say the officer will most likely face charges of disorderly conduct and obstructing justice.
A North Randall police officer ends up behind bars. Early Saturday morning, Highland Hills police noticed a limo driving erratically near the intersection of Harvard and Richmond Roads.
After the limo pulled over, police say the passenger, Dawn Hodge pulled out her badge and then began screaming and yelling.
Investigators say Hodge, who is a North Randall police officer, refused to tell them her department. Police say it took several officers to arrest her. Hodge was booked into jail but was later released.
Neighbors like Rod Johnstone say, "Being an officer of the law, you should carry yourself in a situation where you don't bring shame or dishonor to your department."
"Everybody's human. No matter what position you hold, you're still a human being," says Ralph Williams.
No word on whether the limo driver will be charged.
Police say the officer will most likely face charges of disorderly conduct and obstructing justice.
Officers Don't Care if Someones Loved Pet Dies
San Marcos, Texas, police officer has been accused of inappropriate behavior during a traffic stop which may have lead to a dog's death.
Pet owners were stopped for speeding while rushing dying pet to vet. Officer Paul Stephens spotted driver Michael Gonzalez speeding down Interstate 35 and pulled him over for clocking 100 miles per hour. After a brief pursuit, Gonzalez pulled alongside the highway and emerged from his car, saying, "He's dying."
"Who's dying? Relax," Stephens said as his cruiser's dashboard camera captured the interaction.
"My dog," Gonzalez said during the Aug. 5 traffic stop.
Gonzalez and his girlfriend said they were speeding because they were rushing their choking teacup poodle Missy to an emergency veterinary clinic for treatment.
But on the video, Stephens sounded less than empathetic as he berated the driver for putting others' lives at risk as he sped down the highway.
"You're driving down the highway at 100 per hour," he said sternly. "It's a dog, it's OK. You can get another one. Relax."
For 15 minutes, Stephens kept Gonzalez on the roadside.
"He said, 'You need to chill out. It's just a dog.' And I said, 'It's not just a dog; it's my family,'" Gonzalez said.
Missy died as Gonzalez waited for the Stephens to issue a citation.
Though Stephens' supervisors found him not guilty of misconduct, they did agree he handled the situation poorly.
"His world was collapsing. And what the officer says to him, basically, is, 'I don't care,'" said San Marcos police department chief Howard Williams.
Pet owners were stopped for speeding while rushing dying pet to vet. Officer Paul Stephens spotted driver Michael Gonzalez speeding down Interstate 35 and pulled him over for clocking 100 miles per hour. After a brief pursuit, Gonzalez pulled alongside the highway and emerged from his car, saying, "He's dying."
"Who's dying? Relax," Stephens said as his cruiser's dashboard camera captured the interaction.
"My dog," Gonzalez said during the Aug. 5 traffic stop.
Gonzalez and his girlfriend said they were speeding because they were rushing their choking teacup poodle Missy to an emergency veterinary clinic for treatment.
But on the video, Stephens sounded less than empathetic as he berated the driver for putting others' lives at risk as he sped down the highway.
"You're driving down the highway at 100 per hour," he said sternly. "It's a dog, it's OK. You can get another one. Relax."
For 15 minutes, Stephens kept Gonzalez on the roadside.
"He said, 'You need to chill out. It's just a dog.' And I said, 'It's not just a dog; it's my family,'" Gonzalez said.
Missy died as Gonzalez waited for the Stephens to issue a citation.
Though Stephens' supervisors found him not guilty of misconduct, they did agree he handled the situation poorly.
"His world was collapsing. And what the officer says to him, basically, is, 'I don't care,'" said San Marcos police department chief Howard Williams.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Officers Arrested on Drug Charges
A WEST Midlands police officer has been arrested on suspicion of theft and possession of Class A drugs.
The 47-year-old officer is currently on police bail and has been suspended on full pay while investigations continue.
He was arrested on June 4.
He could face up to seven years in prison if charged and found guilty - the maximun sentence for possession of Class A drugs, according to the Home Office.
The case follows the earlier imprisonment of a West Midlands Police officer for drugs offences.
A female officer was jailed for 12 months for being in possession of Class A drugs, misconduct in public office and wilful neglect of duties on November 25 2005.
Aged 31 at the time, she resigned the day after she was charged.
West Midlands Police revealed the details of the cases in response to a Freedom of Information request by the Sunday Mercury.
They said four officers had been arrested for drug offences over the last three years.
Another officer was arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs, which include heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, crack magic mushrooms and amphetamines.
The fourth was arrested on suspicion of possessing Class C drugs, which include cannabis, tranquilisers and GHB.
A force spokesman said: “We can confirm a West Midlands Police officer aged 47 was arrested on June 4 2008 on suspicion of theft and possession of Class A drugs. He is currently on bail pending further inquires and suspended.
“He is on full pay. This will be stopped if he is sentenced to prison or is remanded in custody.
“We can also confirm a female officer, aged 31 at the time, was sentenced for 12 months custodial on November 25 2005.
“She was charge on 23 June 2005 with possession of Class A drugs, misconduct ina public office nad wilful neglect of duties.
“She resigned from the force the day after being charged.”
The force has refused to release any further details about the arrests.
The spokesman said officers who are arrested on suspicion of offences were not given any special treatment by fellow officers. “Their are no stipulated or mandatory guidelines in relation to this,” said the spokesman.
“The most important thing is the officer is treated exactly the same as any other member of the community, they will be taken to a police station.
“What happens then entirely depends on the circumstances.
“Relatively minor offences can be investigated internally, if it is a more serious offence then the Independent Police Complaints Commission might carry out the investigation.
“If the senior investigating officer deems the offence serious enough they can make a recommendation to the deputy chief constable.
“It is then up to the deputy chief constable to decide if they are going to suspend the officer involved.
The Home Office said it does not issue guidelines to forces on how to deal with officers who commit crimes.
The 47-year-old officer is currently on police bail and has been suspended on full pay while investigations continue.
He was arrested on June 4.
He could face up to seven years in prison if charged and found guilty - the maximun sentence for possession of Class A drugs, according to the Home Office.
The case follows the earlier imprisonment of a West Midlands Police officer for drugs offences.
A female officer was jailed for 12 months for being in possession of Class A drugs, misconduct in public office and wilful neglect of duties on November 25 2005.
Aged 31 at the time, she resigned the day after she was charged.
West Midlands Police revealed the details of the cases in response to a Freedom of Information request by the Sunday Mercury.
They said four officers had been arrested for drug offences over the last three years.
Another officer was arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs, which include heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, crack magic mushrooms and amphetamines.
The fourth was arrested on suspicion of possessing Class C drugs, which include cannabis, tranquilisers and GHB.
A force spokesman said: “We can confirm a West Midlands Police officer aged 47 was arrested on June 4 2008 on suspicion of theft and possession of Class A drugs. He is currently on bail pending further inquires and suspended.
“He is on full pay. This will be stopped if he is sentenced to prison or is remanded in custody.
“We can also confirm a female officer, aged 31 at the time, was sentenced for 12 months custodial on November 25 2005.
“She was charge on 23 June 2005 with possession of Class A drugs, misconduct ina public office nad wilful neglect of duties.
“She resigned from the force the day after being charged.”
The force has refused to release any further details about the arrests.
The spokesman said officers who are arrested on suspicion of offences were not given any special treatment by fellow officers. “Their are no stipulated or mandatory guidelines in relation to this,” said the spokesman.
“The most important thing is the officer is treated exactly the same as any other member of the community, they will be taken to a police station.
“What happens then entirely depends on the circumstances.
“Relatively minor offences can be investigated internally, if it is a more serious offence then the Independent Police Complaints Commission might carry out the investigation.
“If the senior investigating officer deems the offence serious enough they can make a recommendation to the deputy chief constable.
“It is then up to the deputy chief constable to decide if they are going to suspend the officer involved.
The Home Office said it does not issue guidelines to forces on how to deal with officers who commit crimes.
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