FLEMINGTON
A corrections officer accused of having a five-month sexual relationship with an inmate at a Hunterdon County women's prison has been indicted on sexual assault and official misconduct charges, according to authorities.
James Gallichio, 24, of Clifton, a corrections officer at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women in Union Township, Hunterdon, is facing the second-degree charges after an unidentified inmate told investigators that she and Gallichio had a "mutual sexual relationship'' inside the prison, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Court papers state Gallichio got a cell phone so that the inmate could call him "numerous times throughout the day'' from her cottage, or unit, inside the facility. In all, police said they captured 894 phone calls between the two from November 2007 to March 2008.
Because the conversations were done over a recorded line, investigators said they heard the pair professing their love for one another and also taped Gallichio mentioning that he brought the inmate a "wand'' that "tells you something,'' according to court papers.
The inmate said Gallichio had brought the "wand,'' a code name for a pregnancy test, because she thought she was pregnant, according to investigators.
Gallichio was hired as a corrections officer in July 2006 and his yearly salary is $52,553, according to a state Department of Corrections spokesman.
As of today, Gallichio was listed as actively employed, although that could change pending his legal status, said the spokesman, Matthew Schuman.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Wrongly Accused Man May Sue
HAINES CITY
Jean Chery, the Polk County School bus driver who was mistaken by police for a fugitive with the same name, will meet with Florida Civil Rights Association lawyers Monday in Orlando, FCRA announced Saturday.
Chery said Saturday he was unsure whether to pursue legal action.
Haines City police officer Daniel Barnard arrested Chery on Aug. 26 after Chery approached him to ask a question.
Barnard ran Chery's name and discovered a warrant for Chery's arrest from New York City police. Chery spent a day and a half in jail before authorities determined he was not the New York Jean Chery and released him.
"The arrest and imprisonment of Jean Georges Chery of Polk County, Florida demostrates [sic] a clear and reckless act of sloppy police work," wrote FCRA president J. Willie David III in a news release.
David said Haines City police and the Polk County Sheriff's Office "deliberately ignored" facts about Chery that would have shown they had the wrong person.
Chery is a 45-year-old Haitian-born man with a wife and three children who has claimed to have never been to New York. He's lived in Florida for 17 years without a single arrest or traffic violation, Chery said, and passed an FBI background check before he was hired by the Polk County School Board in August 2007.
According to David, the Chery of New York is a white female wanted on a felony assault charge from Manhattan in 1997.
He said law enforcement could have avoided arresting Jean Chery of Haines City based on any number of comparisons, including the differences between each Chery's middle name, national origin, race/color, sex, age, birthdate, and address.
A Haines City police representative said Saturday no one would be available to speak to a reporter until Monday.
According to Donna Wood of the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the mistake originated from the national crime database, which listed Jean Chery of New York as a male.
Chery's arrest was questioned at book-in because another document out of New York City listed Chery as female, Wood said, but NYPD requested that Chery be held because the charge was a violent felony, and they wanted a fingerprint comparison.
After two attempts to get fingerprints from NYPD, Wood said, the Sheriff's Office determined Chery of Polk County was not their man, and released him from jail.
The problem had started Aug. 20, David said. After applying for a security guard license, Chery received a letter from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services explaining that they had conducted a background check and found criminal justice information that made Chery ineligible for licensure, David said. Chery said he learned about the warrant when he inquired about the letter, and was told to get copies of his fingerprints to clear his name.
When Chery stopped Barnard in the parking lot of Publix on 17-92 in Haines City on Aug. 26, he explained his situation and asked if it would be possible to get his fingerprints taken at the police station.
Barnard's incident report reads: "On the above date time and location I was flagged down by the suspect in reference to a legal question about a warrant he was told he has out of New York City, I then ran the suspect through FCIC/NCIC via dispatch and was advised that he did have a warrant and they wanted me to hold the suspect ... [sic]"
According to the report, Barnard noted that Chery's birth date was different from the birth date on the warrant. Nevertheless, NYPD wanted police to hold Chery until they could confirm his identity with fingerprints, the report said. Barnard arrested Chery.
In the FCRA news release, David described three more incidents after Chery's arrest.
On Aug. 29, David said, the Sheriff's Office charged Chery $39 to perform a fingerprint comparison with NYPD. Wood said the $39 was not for a comparison but was a standard book-in fee, and that Chery was reimbursed.
On Sept. 4, two deputies went to Chery's home and asked him to sign an agreement releasing the Sheriff's Office from liability.
David said Chery, whose first language is not English, was pressured to sign the document and accept a $500 check on behalf of Haines City police, the Sheriff's Office, Polk County commissioners and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. One of the deputies told Chery he needed to sign the form so the sheriff wouldn't think they took the check for themselves, David said.
Wood said David's statement is not true. The Sheriff's Office called Chery and asked to meet with him at his house. The two lieutenants who went to the house offered Chery an apology and a $500 settlement for his missed wages and the inconvenience of having been held. Chery declined the money, Wood said, but agreed to sign the waiver stating that he and the Sheriff's Office had reached an agreement. The School Board paid Chery his missed wages.
At 10 p.m. that night, another deputy went to Chery's home to deliver a letter stating Chery's prints were not the same as the fugitive Jean Chery from New York, David said. The deputy told Chery to keep the letter in case he was stopped by police.
"Mr. Chery told Lt. Henry and Lt. Williams that he was not upset with the Polk County Sheriff's Office and he was pleased with the extra phone calls and the fact that we treated him graciously. This settlement offer was made in good faith, and is standard agency policy - it was not deceptive, misleading, or coercive," Wood said in a statement.
Reached at home Saturday, Chery said he had not yet decided whether to file a lawsuit.
"I think they discriminated against me," Chery said.
Jean Chery, the Polk County School bus driver who was mistaken by police for a fugitive with the same name, will meet with Florida Civil Rights Association lawyers Monday in Orlando, FCRA announced Saturday.
Chery said Saturday he was unsure whether to pursue legal action.
Haines City police officer Daniel Barnard arrested Chery on Aug. 26 after Chery approached him to ask a question.
Barnard ran Chery's name and discovered a warrant for Chery's arrest from New York City police. Chery spent a day and a half in jail before authorities determined he was not the New York Jean Chery and released him.
"The arrest and imprisonment of Jean Georges Chery of Polk County, Florida demostrates [sic] a clear and reckless act of sloppy police work," wrote FCRA president J. Willie David III in a news release.
David said Haines City police and the Polk County Sheriff's Office "deliberately ignored" facts about Chery that would have shown they had the wrong person.
Chery is a 45-year-old Haitian-born man with a wife and three children who has claimed to have never been to New York. He's lived in Florida for 17 years without a single arrest or traffic violation, Chery said, and passed an FBI background check before he was hired by the Polk County School Board in August 2007.
According to David, the Chery of New York is a white female wanted on a felony assault charge from Manhattan in 1997.
He said law enforcement could have avoided arresting Jean Chery of Haines City based on any number of comparisons, including the differences between each Chery's middle name, national origin, race/color, sex, age, birthdate, and address.
A Haines City police representative said Saturday no one would be available to speak to a reporter until Monday.
According to Donna Wood of the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the mistake originated from the national crime database, which listed Jean Chery of New York as a male.
Chery's arrest was questioned at book-in because another document out of New York City listed Chery as female, Wood said, but NYPD requested that Chery be held because the charge was a violent felony, and they wanted a fingerprint comparison.
After two attempts to get fingerprints from NYPD, Wood said, the Sheriff's Office determined Chery of Polk County was not their man, and released him from jail.
The problem had started Aug. 20, David said. After applying for a security guard license, Chery received a letter from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services explaining that they had conducted a background check and found criminal justice information that made Chery ineligible for licensure, David said. Chery said he learned about the warrant when he inquired about the letter, and was told to get copies of his fingerprints to clear his name.
When Chery stopped Barnard in the parking lot of Publix on 17-92 in Haines City on Aug. 26, he explained his situation and asked if it would be possible to get his fingerprints taken at the police station.
Barnard's incident report reads: "On the above date time and location I was flagged down by the suspect in reference to a legal question about a warrant he was told he has out of New York City, I then ran the suspect through FCIC/NCIC via dispatch and was advised that he did have a warrant and they wanted me to hold the suspect ... [sic]"
According to the report, Barnard noted that Chery's birth date was different from the birth date on the warrant. Nevertheless, NYPD wanted police to hold Chery until they could confirm his identity with fingerprints, the report said. Barnard arrested Chery.
In the FCRA news release, David described three more incidents after Chery's arrest.
On Aug. 29, David said, the Sheriff's Office charged Chery $39 to perform a fingerprint comparison with NYPD. Wood said the $39 was not for a comparison but was a standard book-in fee, and that Chery was reimbursed.
On Sept. 4, two deputies went to Chery's home and asked him to sign an agreement releasing the Sheriff's Office from liability.
David said Chery, whose first language is not English, was pressured to sign the document and accept a $500 check on behalf of Haines City police, the Sheriff's Office, Polk County commissioners and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. One of the deputies told Chery he needed to sign the form so the sheriff wouldn't think they took the check for themselves, David said.
Wood said David's statement is not true. The Sheriff's Office called Chery and asked to meet with him at his house. The two lieutenants who went to the house offered Chery an apology and a $500 settlement for his missed wages and the inconvenience of having been held. Chery declined the money, Wood said, but agreed to sign the waiver stating that he and the Sheriff's Office had reached an agreement. The School Board paid Chery his missed wages.
At 10 p.m. that night, another deputy went to Chery's home to deliver a letter stating Chery's prints were not the same as the fugitive Jean Chery from New York, David said. The deputy told Chery to keep the letter in case he was stopped by police.
"Mr. Chery told Lt. Henry and Lt. Williams that he was not upset with the Polk County Sheriff's Office and he was pleased with the extra phone calls and the fact that we treated him graciously. This settlement offer was made in good faith, and is standard agency policy - it was not deceptive, misleading, or coercive," Wood said in a statement.
Reached at home Saturday, Chery said he had not yet decided whether to file a lawsuit.
"I think they discriminated against me," Chery said.
Friday, September 05, 2008
Officers Plan to Plead Not Guilty
SCHENECTADY
Three city officers accused of beating a drunken driving suspect last winter are scheduled to be arraigned today on criminal charges related to the altercation.
Attorneys for patrolmen Andrew Karaskiewicz and Eric Reyell say their clients plan to plead not guilty to charges in an indictment which is expected to be unsealed by County Court Judge Karen Drago.
Sources familiar with the investigation who requested anonymity identified the third officer facing charges for his alleged role in the incident as Officer Gregory Hafensteiner.
Cheryl Coleman, who represents Reyell, said an official with the state Attorney General's office told her to make arrangements to have her client fingerprinted and processed.
"Obviously they are charging him with something," she said.
Attorney General's office spokesman John Milgrim declined comment. The agency is looking into the allegations related to an incident involving Donald L. Randolph on Dec. 7. The Pattersonville man claims Hafensteiner, Reyell, Karaskiewicz, Daryl Mallard and Kevin Derkowski beat and kicked him at a Union Street McDonald's parking lot and again at Union and McClellan streets. The officers have been on paid leave since late December.
In May, Randolph pleaded guilty in City Court to a misdemeanor second-degree unlicensed motor vehicle operation after originally facing felony driving while intoxicated and a harassment violation. He is suing the department.
The latest development on the brutality case comes as the city is poised to name a new chief in a bid to regain public confidence after various criminal charges against police officers.
Though he stressed he had no official word the officers would be indicted, city Councilman Gary McCarthy, who also chairs the public safety committee, said the latest "self-inflicted wound" is bad news and "another unfortunate incident in the history of the police department," he said.
Three city officers accused of beating a drunken driving suspect last winter are scheduled to be arraigned today on criminal charges related to the altercation.
Attorneys for patrolmen Andrew Karaskiewicz and Eric Reyell say their clients plan to plead not guilty to charges in an indictment which is expected to be unsealed by County Court Judge Karen Drago.
Sources familiar with the investigation who requested anonymity identified the third officer facing charges for his alleged role in the incident as Officer Gregory Hafensteiner.
Cheryl Coleman, who represents Reyell, said an official with the state Attorney General's office told her to make arrangements to have her client fingerprinted and processed.
"Obviously they are charging him with something," she said.
Attorney General's office spokesman John Milgrim declined comment. The agency is looking into the allegations related to an incident involving Donald L. Randolph on Dec. 7. The Pattersonville man claims Hafensteiner, Reyell, Karaskiewicz, Daryl Mallard and Kevin Derkowski beat and kicked him at a Union Street McDonald's parking lot and again at Union and McClellan streets. The officers have been on paid leave since late December.
In May, Randolph pleaded guilty in City Court to a misdemeanor second-degree unlicensed motor vehicle operation after originally facing felony driving while intoxicated and a harassment violation. He is suing the department.
The latest development on the brutality case comes as the city is poised to name a new chief in a bid to regain public confidence after various criminal charges against police officers.
Though he stressed he had no official word the officers would be indicted, city Councilman Gary McCarthy, who also chairs the public safety committee, said the latest "self-inflicted wound" is bad news and "another unfortunate incident in the history of the police department," he said.
Officer Juan Hurtado Tapia Pleads Not Guilty on Federal Charges
SAN DIEGO
A police officer pleaded not guilty to federal charges of using his position to pass information about an investigation to drug suspects.
San Diego police Officer Juan Hurtado Tapia, 38, was arraigned Wednesday in U.S. District Court on charges of obstruction, fraud and making false statements.
A federal complaint alleges he used a police computer to run criminal history checks for suspects in a drug-trafficking ring, and in at least one case warned a suspect not to cross the border into Mexico.
Agents questioned Tapia in July, and he denied warning one of the suspects, the complaint states.
In wiretapped phone conversations in May, investigators heard two men discuss information they received from a police officer they referred to as "Corrupto," the complaint alleges.
Federal authorities said they later identified the officer as Tapia, who remains in federal custody.
FBI agents also arrested four suspects on drug-trafficking charges.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20080904-9999-1m4federal.html
A police officer pleaded not guilty to federal charges of using his position to pass information about an investigation to drug suspects.
San Diego police Officer Juan Hurtado Tapia, 38, was arraigned Wednesday in U.S. District Court on charges of obstruction, fraud and making false statements.
A federal complaint alleges he used a police computer to run criminal history checks for suspects in a drug-trafficking ring, and in at least one case warned a suspect not to cross the border into Mexico.
Agents questioned Tapia in July, and he denied warning one of the suspects, the complaint states.
In wiretapped phone conversations in May, investigators heard two men discuss information they received from a police officer they referred to as "Corrupto," the complaint alleges.
Federal authorities said they later identified the officer as Tapia, who remains in federal custody.
FBI agents also arrested four suspects on drug-trafficking charges.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20080904-9999-1m4federal.html
Lt. Keith Buckley Charged with Killing Colleague
TRENTON, N.J.
A North Brunswick police lieutenant has been charged with vehicular homicide in the death of a fellow officer following a high-speed car crash last month.
According to investigators, 40-year-old Lt. Keith Buckley allegedly was driving at least 94 mph in a 45 mph zone on Aug. 12 in a rented Dodge Viper. The car crashed into a utility pole, killing 41-year-old Lt. Christopher Zerby, police said.
Zerby was a 15-year veteran of the force and in charge of the North Brunswick police's traffic safety division.
Buckley, an 18-year veteran of the department and head of the patrol division, suffered minor injuries in the crash.
Buckley also is charged with reckless driving and speeding. If convicted of vehicular homicide, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Police said alcohol and drugs were not factors in the crash.
http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-13/122067571263230.xml&coll=1
A North Brunswick police lieutenant has been charged with vehicular homicide in the death of a fellow officer following a high-speed car crash last month.
According to investigators, 40-year-old Lt. Keith Buckley allegedly was driving at least 94 mph in a 45 mph zone on Aug. 12 in a rented Dodge Viper. The car crashed into a utility pole, killing 41-year-old Lt. Christopher Zerby, police said.
Zerby was a 15-year veteran of the force and in charge of the North Brunswick police's traffic safety division.
Buckley, an 18-year veteran of the department and head of the patrol division, suffered minor injuries in the crash.
Buckley also is charged with reckless driving and speeding. If convicted of vehicular homicide, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Police said alcohol and drugs were not factors in the crash.
http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-13/122067571263230.xml&coll=1
Officer Freddy Guedea Accused of Interfering with an Emergency Call
A Sherman peace officer turns himself in to the police department. The seven-year veteran is accused of interfering with an emergency call, a call investigators say his wife was making.
At a news conference Wednesday afternoon, Sherman police Sergeant Bruce Dawsey said the law is the law and it doesn't matter your occupation. He adds that the particular officer involved has never been in trouble with the department before.
Tuesday, a warrant was issued for Federico Guedea.
The 42 year-old turned himself in to the Grayson county jail just before seven Tuesday night. He posted a $1,500 bond and was released the same day.
On August 15th, Sherman Police say that dispatchers got a 911 call from a cell phone... a woman was heard crying and a male voice yelling... then the phone went dead.
Sergeant Dawsey explains how police responded.
"A 911 call was received. It was an open line and officers could hear voices over the phone that they recognized as Michelle and Freddy Guedea so they knew how to respond..typical of a cell phone."
No injuries were reported... only a cell phone was found broken.
Sergeant Dawsey says this isn't the first time fellow officers have responded to the Guedea's residence.
I am also told they do have a small child. It is unknown whether the child was in the home at the time of the incident.
Guedea is currently on paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of the police department's internal investigation.
K-10 News
At a news conference Wednesday afternoon, Sherman police Sergeant Bruce Dawsey said the law is the law and it doesn't matter your occupation. He adds that the particular officer involved has never been in trouble with the department before.
Tuesday, a warrant was issued for Federico Guedea.
The 42 year-old turned himself in to the Grayson county jail just before seven Tuesday night. He posted a $1,500 bond and was released the same day.
On August 15th, Sherman Police say that dispatchers got a 911 call from a cell phone... a woman was heard crying and a male voice yelling... then the phone went dead.
Sergeant Dawsey explains how police responded.
"A 911 call was received. It was an open line and officers could hear voices over the phone that they recognized as Michelle and Freddy Guedea so they knew how to respond..typical of a cell phone."
No injuries were reported... only a cell phone was found broken.
Sergeant Dawsey says this isn't the first time fellow officers have responded to the Guedea's residence.
I am also told they do have a small child. It is unknown whether the child was in the home at the time of the incident.
Guedea is currently on paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of the police department's internal investigation.
K-10 News
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Officer "Corrupto" Charged With Obstruction
San Diego police officer nicknamed “Corrupto” was charged yesterday with using his position to pass information about a narcotics investigation to drug-trafficking suspects.
Related documents
Tapia indictment (PDF)
Officer Juan Hurtado Tapia, 38, was arraigned on federal charges of obstruction, fraud and making false statements, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.
FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration agents arrested Tapia on Tuesday at the downtown federal building. He remained in federal custody yesterday, said David Ramirez, San Diego police executive assistant chief.
Ramirez said Tapia's police powers were revoked in August, and he was placed on unpaid leave yesterday.
“We were aware he was being looked at as a possible suspect in this case,” Ramirez said.
Tapia worked as a patrol officer in the Southern Division for his 7½ years with the department, Ramirez said. In 2005, Tapia won an award from the county Auto Theft Advisory Committee for recovering stolen cars.
A federal complaint says Tapia used a police computer to run criminal history checks for suspects in a drug-trafficking ring. It also alleges that he warned at least one suspect against trying to cross the border from Mexico one night.
San Diego police and the DEA were running separate heroin-sales investigations when they realized they were after some of the same men, the federal complaint says. The police investigation started in October. Federal authorities arrested one man, Adrian Jovan Rocha, in April on suspicion of trying to bring 14 pounds of methamphetamine into the United States.
Working together, the two agencies made drug buys and used court-authorized wiretaps to listen to dealers arranging heroin and meth deliveries. In phone conversations in May, two men talked of getting information on Rocha from a San Diego officer referred to as “Corrupto,” the complaint says.
On May 9, the complaint says, investigators learned that a San Diego patrol officer named Juan, while assigned to the Border Crimes Task Force, had seen an organizational chart naming suspects in the heroin investigation. One suspect worked for a business run by Tapia's family.
Agents arrested four trafficking suspects – William Jesus Amezcua-Flores, Alexander Florencio Mayorquin, Raul Rodriguez-Orozco and Juan Ramon Perez-Mascurro – in July. They were indicted in August and face pretrial hearings Sept. 22, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Smith Jr. said.
FBI agents questioned Tapia in July, and he denied warning Mayorquin not to cross the border, the complaint says. It also says Tapia did not consider his discussion of information with Amezcua-Flores to be a warning.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Leo S. Papas set a preliminary hearing for Tapia on Sept. 16.
Officer Jim Crowley Arrested for Being Drunk While on Duty
The Aspen police chief is defending his decision to fire an officer accused of reporting to work drunk, but an attorney helping the officer says he had a hangover and hadn't been drinking immediately before going on duty.
Jim Crowley, an 18-year veteran of the Aspen force, was dismissed last week and arrested on suspicion of driving while ability-impaired and prohibited use of a weapon.
Police say Crowley smelled of alcohol when he reported on Aug. 28, and a breath test showed his blood-alcohol level at .063, above the 0.05 threshold for driving impaired. Another officer drove him home, where he was arrested later by police from nearby Snowmass Village, who were asked to take over the case.
"I know the question on some people's minds is this was a drastic action," Aspen Police Chief Richard Pryor said Tuesday. "But the distinction for me is this was behavior that is not acceptable. This was a safety issue and not something I could live with. And I've consulted with our attorney, and I believe we're on solid ground and ethical ground."
Pryor said the weapons charge was filed because Crowley had a firearm in his holster at the time he was allegedly intoxicated.
Pitkin County Assistant District Attorney Jeff Cheney said no decision had been made on whether to proceed with a criminal case.
Attorney Lawson Wills, who said he is providing legal advice to Crowley as a friend, said Crowley told him he went to work with a hangover.
"This is not a situation where he was drinking before work," he said.
Wills questioned the ability-impaired charge because, he said, no one witnessed Crowley driving to work.
Wills said he will not be Crowley's attorney in any court proceedings.
Jim Crowley, an 18-year veteran of the Aspen force, was dismissed last week and arrested on suspicion of driving while ability-impaired and prohibited use of a weapon.
Police say Crowley smelled of alcohol when he reported on Aug. 28, and a breath test showed his blood-alcohol level at .063, above the 0.05 threshold for driving impaired. Another officer drove him home, where he was arrested later by police from nearby Snowmass Village, who were asked to take over the case.
"I know the question on some people's minds is this was a drastic action," Aspen Police Chief Richard Pryor said Tuesday. "But the distinction for me is this was behavior that is not acceptable. This was a safety issue and not something I could live with. And I've consulted with our attorney, and I believe we're on solid ground and ethical ground."
Pryor said the weapons charge was filed because Crowley had a firearm in his holster at the time he was allegedly intoxicated.
Pitkin County Assistant District Attorney Jeff Cheney said no decision had been made on whether to proceed with a criminal case.
Attorney Lawson Wills, who said he is providing legal advice to Crowley as a friend, said Crowley told him he went to work with a hangover.
"This is not a situation where he was drinking before work," he said.
Wills questioned the ability-impaired charge because, he said, no one witnessed Crowley driving to work.
Wills said he will not be Crowley's attorney in any court proceedings.
Officer Christopher Russell on Administrative Leave After being charged with DUI
WELLS
A Kennebunk police officer is on administrative leave after being charged with operating under the influence stemming from an Aug. 19 motor vehicle accident.
Patrol Officer Christopher Russell, who serves as the juvenile officer and senior citizen liaison, is currently on administrative leave, said Kennebunk Police.
When contacted, Kennebunk Police Lt. Nick Higgins said the department could not comment on an allegation of criminal conduct by an on- or off-duty police officer.
"If there was an allegation that the department was made aware of there would be an investigation into that alleged conduct," said Higgins Tuesday during a phone interview.
Russell, 27, of Wells, was charged with operating under the influence after skidding through an intersection and hitting a Branch Road guardrail, said Wells police.
Attempts to reach Russell were unsuccessful.
According to Wells Police, Russell was driving down Chick Crossing Road about 11 p.m. when his sunglasses fell onto the floor of his 2002 Dodge pickup truck.
He reached down to pick up the eyewear, but was approaching a stop sign at the Branch Road (Route 9A) intersection and hit his brakes said Wells Police.
Russell went through the stop sign, running off the road and struck a guardrail causing $1,500 worth of damage to the pickup truck, Wells Police said.
No injuries were reported, police said.
Police said they responded to the scene around 11:20 p.m. after receiving reports of the accident from callers, including one place by Russell.
Wells Police Chief Jo-Ann Putnam said the sunglasses most likely slid off the dashboard and that Russell tried to pick them up so the eyewear didn't get caught on the vehicle's pedals.
"It was 11 o'clock at night, he probably didn't have (the sunglasses) on," said Putnam.
Putnam said the police have forwarded the report to the district attorney's office for review.
"I don't know of any other charges at this point," said Putnam. "We're not anticipating any further charges."
Russell is scheduled for an Oct. 30 arraignment in York District Court.
A Kennebunk police officer is on administrative leave after being charged with operating under the influence stemming from an Aug. 19 motor vehicle accident.
Patrol Officer Christopher Russell, who serves as the juvenile officer and senior citizen liaison, is currently on administrative leave, said Kennebunk Police.
When contacted, Kennebunk Police Lt. Nick Higgins said the department could not comment on an allegation of criminal conduct by an on- or off-duty police officer.
"If there was an allegation that the department was made aware of there would be an investigation into that alleged conduct," said Higgins Tuesday during a phone interview.
Russell, 27, of Wells, was charged with operating under the influence after skidding through an intersection and hitting a Branch Road guardrail, said Wells police.
Attempts to reach Russell were unsuccessful.
According to Wells Police, Russell was driving down Chick Crossing Road about 11 p.m. when his sunglasses fell onto the floor of his 2002 Dodge pickup truck.
He reached down to pick up the eyewear, but was approaching a stop sign at the Branch Road (Route 9A) intersection and hit his brakes said Wells Police.
Russell went through the stop sign, running off the road and struck a guardrail causing $1,500 worth of damage to the pickup truck, Wells Police said.
No injuries were reported, police said.
Police said they responded to the scene around 11:20 p.m. after receiving reports of the accident from callers, including one place by Russell.
Wells Police Chief Jo-Ann Putnam said the sunglasses most likely slid off the dashboard and that Russell tried to pick them up so the eyewear didn't get caught on the vehicle's pedals.
"It was 11 o'clock at night, he probably didn't have (the sunglasses) on," said Putnam.
Putnam said the police have forwarded the report to the district attorney's office for review.
"I don't know of any other charges at this point," said Putnam. "We're not anticipating any further charges."
Russell is scheduled for an Oct. 30 arraignment in York District Court.
Officer Brad Wheeler Arrested for Drunk Driving
FRANKLIN, N.H.
An off-duty New Hampshire police officer turned down a chance to avoid a sobriety checkpoint and ended up getting charged with drunken driving.
Franklin police say they arrested Brad Wheeler - a police corporal in Newbury - after he failed a sobriety test during the weekend.
State law requires police to warn drivers they are approaching checkpoints so they can choose alternate routes. Franklin police say they assume Wheeler saw a warning sign but chose to go through the checkpoint.
They say he was put in a holding cell and his car was towed after his arrest.
Newbury police declined to say whether the arrest would affect Wheeler's job.
Information from: WMUR-TV, http://wmur.com
An off-duty New Hampshire police officer turned down a chance to avoid a sobriety checkpoint and ended up getting charged with drunken driving.
Franklin police say they arrested Brad Wheeler - a police corporal in Newbury - after he failed a sobriety test during the weekend.
State law requires police to warn drivers they are approaching checkpoints so they can choose alternate routes. Franklin police say they assume Wheeler saw a warning sign but chose to go through the checkpoint.
They say he was put in a holding cell and his car was towed after his arrest.
Newbury police declined to say whether the arrest would affect Wheeler's job.
Information from: WMUR-TV, http://wmur.com
Police Deny Using Excessive Force
Authorities in Minnesota's Twin Cities have created "a climate of intense police intimidation," protesters at the Republican National Convention contend, but officials say they're merely preserving the peace.
As of 9 a.m. CT Thursday, 422 people had been arrested since the convention began, according to law enforcement's Joint Information Center. Only 40 were still in custody earlier in the day.
St. Paul police had arrested 145 individuals on felony charges, 107 on misdemeanors, and 53 on gross misdemeanors, said Deputy Tracy Martin of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Department. She did not know the charges against 15 others.
More than 100 were detained Wednesday night after a Rage Against the Machine concert, Minneapolis Police Chief Tim Dolan said Thursday. None were charged with felonies.
Most were given citations and released, but about 15 remained in jail after refusing to identify themselves, he said.
"The bottom line with those individuals is they wanted to be arrested," Dolan said.
Another demonstration is due to begin at 5 p.m. before Arizona Sen. John McCain gives his nomination acceptance speech at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
The RNC Welcoming Committee, a self-described anarchist/anti-authoritarian organizing body that has been behind many of the protests, said more than 300 demonstrators were being held as of Wednesday at the Ramsey and Hennepin county jails.
Numerous federal agencies are helping with convention security, but the anarchist group is focusing its outrage at Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher.
"We demand the immediate end to the brutality of Sheriff Bob Fletcher -- who has personally harassed our organizers both in jail and out," the group said.
Fletcher spokeswoman Holli Drinkwine said the hard-core protesters deserved special attention from the police. Eight people arrested during raids last weekend face felony charges including second-degree conspiracy to commit riot in furtherance of terrorism, she said.
Convictions could result in more than 10 years in prison, she said.
"This group had been planning for over a year the destruction that they were going to place on the city during the RNC," Drinkwine said.
Among the acts of terror the group allegedly planned, according to court documents, were kidnapping delegates, sabotaging a local airport, damaging bridges and taking over federal buildings.
"Their ultimate goal was to crash the convention," she said.
The American Civil Liberties Union said it was providing limited representation to many of those arrested during street demonstrations and raids on meeting places.
"Free speech has to be safeguarded during the Republican National Convention, as the workings of our democracy in the streets are as important as those in convention halls," ACLU Executive Director Anthony D. Romero said in a written statement. Watch a woman's shock at being arrested »
iReporter Bob Stewart, a student in Minneapolis, said he saw a group of about 40 protesters in St. Paul vandalize a garbage bin and a bus as they marched toward the Xcel Energy Center earlier this week.
"The cops were pretty cautious. They were holding back," Stewart said. "It wasn't until we got downtown in the streets where they started to more aggressively approach the protesters."
Things started to get out of hand at that point, and police fired bean bags into the crowd, which took off in two directions, he said.
St. Paul Police Chief John Harrington said officers with all the agencies working the convention are trained to give protesters an opportunity to leave the area and issue verbal warnings before using chemical agents or projectiles.
Officers who are attacked are authorized to use pepper spray or Mace without issuing a warning, Harrington said.
An iReporter captured video of a police officer being tackled by a protester while trying to make an arrest; while still on his knees, the officer randomly sprays the surrounding crowd with a chemical agent, then walks away without his detainee. Watch the officer hit the deck »
"There were 10,000 protesters here on Monday -- peaceful protesters -- and there were right around 300 arrests for people who were not peaceful protesters," Drinkwine, the Ramsey County sheriff's spokeswoman, said. "These were people who were doing damages to the city that are criminal.
"There were moms and dads with little kids walking down the street, and then there were people that were setting fire to Dumpsters and throwing feces on state troopers' vehicles and things like that.
"The police showed great restraint in what they were doing," she continued. "They were dealing with 300 criminals on the street while trying to protect the 10,000 peaceful protesters that were in St. Paul that day."
Harrington said having the convention in St. Paul has been worthwhile despite the trouble in the streets.
"Yes, we were tested. But I think that's part of the experience of developing and growing," he said. "... On balance, this has been a great event."
Video http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/04/convention.protests/#cnnSTCVideo
CNN
As of 9 a.m. CT Thursday, 422 people had been arrested since the convention began, according to law enforcement's Joint Information Center. Only 40 were still in custody earlier in the day.
St. Paul police had arrested 145 individuals on felony charges, 107 on misdemeanors, and 53 on gross misdemeanors, said Deputy Tracy Martin of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Department. She did not know the charges against 15 others.
More than 100 were detained Wednesday night after a Rage Against the Machine concert, Minneapolis Police Chief Tim Dolan said Thursday. None were charged with felonies.
Most were given citations and released, but about 15 remained in jail after refusing to identify themselves, he said.
"The bottom line with those individuals is they wanted to be arrested," Dolan said.
Another demonstration is due to begin at 5 p.m. before Arizona Sen. John McCain gives his nomination acceptance speech at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
The RNC Welcoming Committee, a self-described anarchist/anti-authoritarian organizing body that has been behind many of the protests, said more than 300 demonstrators were being held as of Wednesday at the Ramsey and Hennepin county jails.
Numerous federal agencies are helping with convention security, but the anarchist group is focusing its outrage at Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher.
"We demand the immediate end to the brutality of Sheriff Bob Fletcher -- who has personally harassed our organizers both in jail and out," the group said.
Fletcher spokeswoman Holli Drinkwine said the hard-core protesters deserved special attention from the police. Eight people arrested during raids last weekend face felony charges including second-degree conspiracy to commit riot in furtherance of terrorism, she said.
Convictions could result in more than 10 years in prison, she said.
"This group had been planning for over a year the destruction that they were going to place on the city during the RNC," Drinkwine said.
Among the acts of terror the group allegedly planned, according to court documents, were kidnapping delegates, sabotaging a local airport, damaging bridges and taking over federal buildings.
"Their ultimate goal was to crash the convention," she said.
The American Civil Liberties Union said it was providing limited representation to many of those arrested during street demonstrations and raids on meeting places.
"Free speech has to be safeguarded during the Republican National Convention, as the workings of our democracy in the streets are as important as those in convention halls," ACLU Executive Director Anthony D. Romero said in a written statement. Watch a woman's shock at being arrested »
iReporter Bob Stewart, a student in Minneapolis, said he saw a group of about 40 protesters in St. Paul vandalize a garbage bin and a bus as they marched toward the Xcel Energy Center earlier this week.
"The cops were pretty cautious. They were holding back," Stewart said. "It wasn't until we got downtown in the streets where they started to more aggressively approach the protesters."
Things started to get out of hand at that point, and police fired bean bags into the crowd, which took off in two directions, he said.
St. Paul Police Chief John Harrington said officers with all the agencies working the convention are trained to give protesters an opportunity to leave the area and issue verbal warnings before using chemical agents or projectiles.
Officers who are attacked are authorized to use pepper spray or Mace without issuing a warning, Harrington said.
An iReporter captured video of a police officer being tackled by a protester while trying to make an arrest; while still on his knees, the officer randomly sprays the surrounding crowd with a chemical agent, then walks away without his detainee. Watch the officer hit the deck »
"There were 10,000 protesters here on Monday -- peaceful protesters -- and there were right around 300 arrests for people who were not peaceful protesters," Drinkwine, the Ramsey County sheriff's spokeswoman, said. "These were people who were doing damages to the city that are criminal.
"There were moms and dads with little kids walking down the street, and then there were people that were setting fire to Dumpsters and throwing feces on state troopers' vehicles and things like that.
"The police showed great restraint in what they were doing," she continued. "They were dealing with 300 criminals on the street while trying to protect the 10,000 peaceful protesters that were in St. Paul that day."
Harrington said having the convention in St. Paul has been worthwhile despite the trouble in the streets.
"Yes, we were tested. But I think that's part of the experience of developing and growing," he said. "... On balance, this has been a great event."
Video http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/04/convention.protests/#cnnSTCVideo
CNN
Officer David Flaig Was Not Charged
A Williamsburg Borough Police officer currently suspended with pay will not be charged for any criminal misconduct.
State Police say their investigation into Officer David Flaig’s actions has concluded. Flaig was suspended form the department after Williamsburg Mayor John Traxler contacted State Police and requested the investigation.
State Police say the investigation focused on three areas. First, Flaig was accused of showing a minor a cartoon video that included sexual references. The boy and his mother declined prosecution. Next, Flaig was accused of making inappropriate comments to several women while on duty. State Police interviewed the women, each of whom declined any prosecution. The third accusation was that Flaig tampered with official police documents. It involved two traffic tickets issued by a former police officer. State Police say nothing illegal occurred.
State Police say the case has now been turned back over to the Williamsburg Mayor and City Council.
http://wearecentralpa.com/content/fulltext/?cid=27631
State Police say their investigation into Officer David Flaig’s actions has concluded. Flaig was suspended form the department after Williamsburg Mayor John Traxler contacted State Police and requested the investigation.
State Police say the investigation focused on three areas. First, Flaig was accused of showing a minor a cartoon video that included sexual references. The boy and his mother declined prosecution. Next, Flaig was accused of making inappropriate comments to several women while on duty. State Police interviewed the women, each of whom declined any prosecution. The third accusation was that Flaig tampered with official police documents. It involved two traffic tickets issued by a former police officer. State Police say nothing illegal occurred.
State Police say the case has now been turned back over to the Williamsburg Mayor and City Council.
http://wearecentralpa.com/content/fulltext/?cid=27631
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Deputy Charged with Sexual Assault of 16 year old
An Outagamie County sheriff's deputy is charged with fourth-degree sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl and two counts of disorderly conduct while off-duty.
Police say the girl attended the same high school in Freedom where 35-year-old Adam Burrows was the police school liaison officer.
The criminal complaint in the case accuses the deputy of inappropriately touching the girl while she was camping with another family near Lake Poygan in July.
According to the complaint, while the 16-year-old girl alleges Burrows kissed her inside his cabin, investigators say the teenager told them Burrows put his hand down her pants out by a campfire in front of at least one other person.
According to the complaint, the girl "says she kept trying to move around the fire but the defendant kept following her. She thought the defendant was pretty drunk."
Police say the teen said she knows the sheriff's deputy because she goes to school at Freedom High School where Burrows was the police school liaison officer.
It's a position at the school Burrows no longer holds.
Burrows is on paid administrative leave pending the criminal and an internal investigation.
"The misconduct in question here took place when he was off-duty and out of the county, and not related to his assignment (as liaison officer). Still, any alleged conduct of that nature is of great concern to the department," Captain Mike Jobe, Outagamie County Sheriff's Department, said.
Burrows was not home when we tried to talk to him, but his attorney says the allegations are simply not true.
"I think you know when everything comes out we're fairly confident that Adam is going to be vindicated," attorney Rob Bellin said. "There's going to be plenty of evidence that that story is just not believable."
But the 16-year old isn't the only one alleging misconduct by the off-duty officer, according to this criminal complaint. A woman says Burrows kept putting his arm around her and then tackled her to the ground.
She's the same woman who told police that she removed Burrows's hand from the pants of the 16-year-old girl.
According to the criminal complaint, police say she told him, "She's 16, and if you ever touch her again, I'll kill you."
If he is found guilty, the deputy could spend more than a year behind bars.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-wi-deputy-assault,0,4092128.story
Police say the girl attended the same high school in Freedom where 35-year-old Adam Burrows was the police school liaison officer.
The criminal complaint in the case accuses the deputy of inappropriately touching the girl while she was camping with another family near Lake Poygan in July.
According to the complaint, while the 16-year-old girl alleges Burrows kissed her inside his cabin, investigators say the teenager told them Burrows put his hand down her pants out by a campfire in front of at least one other person.
According to the complaint, the girl "says she kept trying to move around the fire but the defendant kept following her. She thought the defendant was pretty drunk."
Police say the teen said she knows the sheriff's deputy because she goes to school at Freedom High School where Burrows was the police school liaison officer.
It's a position at the school Burrows no longer holds.
Burrows is on paid administrative leave pending the criminal and an internal investigation.
"The misconduct in question here took place when he was off-duty and out of the county, and not related to his assignment (as liaison officer). Still, any alleged conduct of that nature is of great concern to the department," Captain Mike Jobe, Outagamie County Sheriff's Department, said.
Burrows was not home when we tried to talk to him, but his attorney says the allegations are simply not true.
"I think you know when everything comes out we're fairly confident that Adam is going to be vindicated," attorney Rob Bellin said. "There's going to be plenty of evidence that that story is just not believable."
But the 16-year old isn't the only one alleging misconduct by the off-duty officer, according to this criminal complaint. A woman says Burrows kept putting his arm around her and then tackled her to the ground.
She's the same woman who told police that she removed Burrows's hand from the pants of the 16-year-old girl.
According to the criminal complaint, police say she told him, "She's 16, and if you ever touch her again, I'll kill you."
If he is found guilty, the deputy could spend more than a year behind bars.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-wi-deputy-assault,0,4092128.story
UPDATE: Officer William Wike Junior Accused of Fondling 15-year old
HUNTINGTON, Ind.
A Huntington city police officer accused of fondling a 15-year old girl has now been taken off the city pay roll.
The Huntington Board Of Public Works voted to suspend William Wike Junior without pay pending the outcome of his trial.
The eight-year department veteran is charged with one count of sexual misconduct with a minor, a class "C" felony.
According to court documents, Wike allegedly fondled a 15-year old girl several times, between November of 2006 and January of 2007.
But since Wike has not gone to trial yet and the city has to be careful with each step it takes.
Huntington mayor steve updike said, “the procedure is to give the officer, innocent or guilty, the right to go through all the steps to protect himself and to protect our rights as far as the city is concerned. This is just one of the steps that cities and towns take in actions like this.”
Wike's next court appearance is October 30th.
He faces up to four years in prison if convicted.
http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080903/LOCAL07/809030350
A Huntington city police officer accused of fondling a 15-year old girl has now been taken off the city pay roll.
The Huntington Board Of Public Works voted to suspend William Wike Junior without pay pending the outcome of his trial.
The eight-year department veteran is charged with one count of sexual misconduct with a minor, a class "C" felony.
According to court documents, Wike allegedly fondled a 15-year old girl several times, between November of 2006 and January of 2007.
But since Wike has not gone to trial yet and the city has to be careful with each step it takes.
Huntington mayor steve updike said, “the procedure is to give the officer, innocent or guilty, the right to go through all the steps to protect himself and to protect our rights as far as the city is concerned. This is just one of the steps that cities and towns take in actions like this.”
Wike's next court appearance is October 30th.
He faces up to four years in prison if convicted.
http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080903/LOCAL07/809030350
Officer T. A. Paylor Accused of Hitting Woman in Face
DURHAM
A Durham police officer has been placed on paid leave after being arrested on assault charges Sunday.
Officer T.A. Paylor is accused of hitting a woman in the face, causing her nose to bleed and splitting her lip, and holding her against her will, according to an arrest warrant.
Paylor, 42, was released from the Durham County jail after posting a $30,000 bond the same day. The department's Professional Standards Division is reviewing the case, which is standard procedure.
Paylor is a crime prevention officer who joined the department in 1996. His next court appearance will be Oct. 13.
A Durham police officer has been placed on paid leave after being arrested on assault charges Sunday.
Officer T.A. Paylor is accused of hitting a woman in the face, causing her nose to bleed and splitting her lip, and holding her against her will, according to an arrest warrant.
Paylor, 42, was released from the Durham County jail after posting a $30,000 bond the same day. The department's Professional Standards Division is reviewing the case, which is standard procedure.
Paylor is a crime prevention officer who joined the department in 1996. His next court appearance will be Oct. 13.
Officer Henry Smallwood Caught Smoking Marijuana at Park
WASHINGTON
An off-duty D.C. police officer is facing drug charges after authorities say he was caught smoking marijuana and tried to run.
Sergeant Robert Lachance of the U.S. Park Police say two suspicious men were found smoking in a Rock Creek Park picnic area. Police found marijuana on the scene.
D.C. police confirmed that one of the men is an officer in the department. They identified him as Henry Smallwood and said he has been on the force for 18 years.
Lachance says that after park police confronted them, Smallwood ran to the parking lot and drove a few blocks. He then ditched his vehicle and tried to flee on foot, but was caught.
The officer faces charges for narcotics violations and possibly fleeing to elude. He is currently on administrative leave.
An off-duty D.C. police officer is facing drug charges after authorities say he was caught smoking marijuana and tried to run.
Sergeant Robert Lachance of the U.S. Park Police say two suspicious men were found smoking in a Rock Creek Park picnic area. Police found marijuana on the scene.
D.C. police confirmed that one of the men is an officer in the department. They identified him as Henry Smallwood and said he has been on the force for 18 years.
Lachance says that after park police confronted them, Smallwood ran to the parking lot and drove a few blocks. He then ditched his vehicle and tried to flee on foot, but was caught.
The officer faces charges for narcotics violations and possibly fleeing to elude. He is currently on administrative leave.
Monday, September 01, 2008
Officer Charged with Manslaughter
SOLOMON ISLANDS
The Samoan RAMSI police officer was today formally charged with manslaughter and dangerous driving causing death in relation to the accident that killed Solomon Islands nurse, Hilda Ilabae on the 13th of June 2008.
Police have alleged that the 29-year-old Samoan off-duty RAMSI officer was driving the vehicle that collided with Ms. Hilda Ilibae.
The RAMSI officer appeared in the Honiara Magistrates Court this morning after the Samoan Government confirmed that it would not be asserting jurisdiction in this case.
Under the Facilitation of International Assistance Act which governs RAMSI's presence in Solomon Islands, a contributing country such as Samoa has the option of prosecuting its personnel charged with an offence in Solomon Islands in its own courts.
Acting Commissioner of Police, Johnson Siapu, welcomed Samoa's decision which has cleared the way for the case to be dealt with by the Solomon Islands legal system.
Acting Commissioner Siapu said that the SIPF had worked hard on the investigation.
"Solomon Islands detectives have spoken with many witnesses, and have also travelled to Australia to speak with the other Samoan police officer involved in the incident. A specialist crash scene investigator was also sourced from New Zealand to assist with the investigation," says Acting Commissioner Siapu.
Commissioner Siapu continues to say that a very comprehensive brief of evidence was given to the Director of Public Prosecutions and we have been waiting for the jurisdiction matter to be finalised before we could charge the Samoan in the Solomon Islands.
"When the advice was received this morning that the Samoan Government was not going to assert jurisdiction, the Solomon Islands Police Force immediately arranged for the charges to be laid against the 29-year-old," he said.
Acting Commissioner Siapu said the SIPF appreciated the full cooperation provided by RAMSI during the investigation.
The 29-year-old appeared in the Honiara Magistrates Court today and was bailed to reappear on 1 October 2008.
Arrangements between the Solomon Islands and Samoan Government will permit the 29-year-old to travel to Samoa briefly whilst on bail before he reappears in the Honiara Magistrates Court.
The 29-year-old's travel documents including his passport will be held by the Commissioner of Samoa Police during his brief trip.
Bail conditions imposed today include that the 29-year-old must return from Samoa to Solomon Islands on 29 September 2008, reappear in the Honiara Magistrates Court on the 1st of October 2008, and upon his return must remain at the Guadalacanal Beach Resort and surrender his passport to the Commissioner of the Solomon Islands Police Force.
PRESS RELEASE (POLICE MEDIA UNIT)
The Samoan RAMSI police officer was today formally charged with manslaughter and dangerous driving causing death in relation to the accident that killed Solomon Islands nurse, Hilda Ilabae on the 13th of June 2008.
Police have alleged that the 29-year-old Samoan off-duty RAMSI officer was driving the vehicle that collided with Ms. Hilda Ilibae.
The RAMSI officer appeared in the Honiara Magistrates Court this morning after the Samoan Government confirmed that it would not be asserting jurisdiction in this case.
Under the Facilitation of International Assistance Act which governs RAMSI's presence in Solomon Islands, a contributing country such as Samoa has the option of prosecuting its personnel charged with an offence in Solomon Islands in its own courts.
Acting Commissioner of Police, Johnson Siapu, welcomed Samoa's decision which has cleared the way for the case to be dealt with by the Solomon Islands legal system.
Acting Commissioner Siapu said that the SIPF had worked hard on the investigation.
"Solomon Islands detectives have spoken with many witnesses, and have also travelled to Australia to speak with the other Samoan police officer involved in the incident. A specialist crash scene investigator was also sourced from New Zealand to assist with the investigation," says Acting Commissioner Siapu.
Commissioner Siapu continues to say that a very comprehensive brief of evidence was given to the Director of Public Prosecutions and we have been waiting for the jurisdiction matter to be finalised before we could charge the Samoan in the Solomon Islands.
"When the advice was received this morning that the Samoan Government was not going to assert jurisdiction, the Solomon Islands Police Force immediately arranged for the charges to be laid against the 29-year-old," he said.
Acting Commissioner Siapu said the SIPF appreciated the full cooperation provided by RAMSI during the investigation.
The 29-year-old appeared in the Honiara Magistrates Court today and was bailed to reappear on 1 October 2008.
Arrangements between the Solomon Islands and Samoan Government will permit the 29-year-old to travel to Samoa briefly whilst on bail before he reappears in the Honiara Magistrates Court.
The 29-year-old's travel documents including his passport will be held by the Commissioner of Samoa Police during his brief trip.
Bail conditions imposed today include that the 29-year-old must return from Samoa to Solomon Islands on 29 September 2008, reappear in the Honiara Magistrates Court on the 1st of October 2008, and upon his return must remain at the Guadalacanal Beach Resort and surrender his passport to the Commissioner of the Solomon Islands Police Force.
PRESS RELEASE (POLICE MEDIA UNIT)
Chief's Son, Officer Marquis Williams Charged with Drunk Driving
Ohio,MASSILLON
Massillon police Officer Marquis D. Williams, son of Chief Robert Williams, was charged with drunken driving Saturday by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Several motorists spotted Williams driving out of control in the southbound lanes of I-77 around 3:52 a.m., according to Lt. Eric Sheppard of the Canton Post.
"We had received several citizen's band radio reports of a vehicle traveling southbound on I-77," Sheppard said. "The vehicle exited Everhard Road and was subsequently observed by one of our officers.
"The officer had observed further marked lanes violations, initiated the traffic stop, just east of Belden Village Avenue on Everhard. The officer had seen obvious signs of impairment and placed him under arrest."
Williams, 24, was transported to the Canton Post of the Highway Patrol, where he submitted to an alcohol breath test.
Williams' breath-alcohol content was 0.11 percent, just above the legal limit of 0.08 percent. He faces charges of operating a vehicle impaired and marked lanes violations, both misdemeanors.
Sheppard said he did not know where Williams was coming from or where he was headed or if anyone else was in the car at the time of the arrest. He also did not have the make or model of the vehicle Williams was driving at the time.
Safety Services Director Mike Loudiana said the city was made aware of the incident, but is waiting to see a police report and learn the outcome of a court trial before disciplining Williams.
"I don't have all of the facts," Loudiana said. "I know he was picked up by the State Highway Patrol, but he was released. He was not jailed."
Loudiana said Williams isn't due back to work until Wednesday, the same day he is scheduled for arraignment in Massillon Municipal Court. Loudiana said until then he has no other comment.
Loudiana added that the police chief will have no role in any potential punishment his son may face.
Williams was hired by the city along with two other patrolmen a year ago. He has prior driving violations of speeding (2004) and driving with expired plates (2007), according to court records.
Chief Williams did not return calls Monday seeking comment.
The arrest marks the second time in as many months that a city safety services employee has been arrested for drunken driving. In July, the State Highway Patrol arrested 34-year-old Paul Harbaugh, a firefighter, for driving with a blood-alcohol content of 0.091 percent.
Harbaugh, who was also charged with felonies for drug possession and improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle, failed several field sobriety tests, according to reports.
His case has been transferred to a Stark County grand jury.
Massillon police Officer Marquis D. Williams, son of Chief Robert Williams, was charged with drunken driving Saturday by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Several motorists spotted Williams driving out of control in the southbound lanes of I-77 around 3:52 a.m., according to Lt. Eric Sheppard of the Canton Post.
"We had received several citizen's band radio reports of a vehicle traveling southbound on I-77," Sheppard said. "The vehicle exited Everhard Road and was subsequently observed by one of our officers.
"The officer had observed further marked lanes violations, initiated the traffic stop, just east of Belden Village Avenue on Everhard. The officer had seen obvious signs of impairment and placed him under arrest."
Williams, 24, was transported to the Canton Post of the Highway Patrol, where he submitted to an alcohol breath test.
Williams' breath-alcohol content was 0.11 percent, just above the legal limit of 0.08 percent. He faces charges of operating a vehicle impaired and marked lanes violations, both misdemeanors.
Sheppard said he did not know where Williams was coming from or where he was headed or if anyone else was in the car at the time of the arrest. He also did not have the make or model of the vehicle Williams was driving at the time.
Safety Services Director Mike Loudiana said the city was made aware of the incident, but is waiting to see a police report and learn the outcome of a court trial before disciplining Williams.
"I don't have all of the facts," Loudiana said. "I know he was picked up by the State Highway Patrol, but he was released. He was not jailed."
Loudiana said Williams isn't due back to work until Wednesday, the same day he is scheduled for arraignment in Massillon Municipal Court. Loudiana said until then he has no other comment.
Loudiana added that the police chief will have no role in any potential punishment his son may face.
Williams was hired by the city along with two other patrolmen a year ago. He has prior driving violations of speeding (2004) and driving with expired plates (2007), according to court records.
Chief Williams did not return calls Monday seeking comment.
The arrest marks the second time in as many months that a city safety services employee has been arrested for drunken driving. In July, the State Highway Patrol arrested 34-year-old Paul Harbaugh, a firefighter, for driving with a blood-alcohol content of 0.091 percent.
Harbaugh, who was also charged with felonies for drug possession and improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle, failed several field sobriety tests, according to reports.
His case has been transferred to a Stark County grand jury.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Russian Officers Accused of Killing Website Owner
MOSCOW
The owner of an independent website critical of authorities was shot and killed Sunday by police in a volatile province in southern Russia, his colleague said.
Police arrested Ingushetiya.ru owner Magomed Yevloyev on Sunday, taking him off a plane that had just landed in Ingushetia province near Chechnya, said the site's deputy editor, Ruslan Khautiyev.
Police whisked Yevloyev away in a car and later dumped him on the road with a gunshot wound in the head, Khautiyev said. He said Yevloyev died in a hospital shortly afterward.
In Moscow, Investigative Committee spokesman Vladimir Markin said in a statement that Yevloyev was detained by police and died in an "incident" while being taken to police headquarters for an interrogation. Markin did not elaborate, saying that a check to clarify the circumstances of Yevloyev's death had begun. The committee is under the Prosecutor General's office.
Yevloyev has angered regional authorities with bold criticism of police treatment of civilians in the region. A court in June ordered him to shut his site on charges of spreading "extremist" statements, but it reappeared under a different name.
Khautiyev said that Yevloyev arrived in Ingushetia from Moscow on Sunday on the same plane with regional President Murat Zyazikov. Police blocked the jet on the runway after it landed in Ingushetia's provincial capital, Magas, entered the plane and took Yevloyev out.
Yevloyev's death is likely to further stir up passions in Ingushetia, which has been plagued by frequent raids and ambushes against federal forces and local authorities. Government critics attribute the attacks to anger fueled by abductions, beatings, unlawful arrests and killings of suspects by government forces and local allied paramilitaries.
Many in Ingushetia are intensely unhappy with Zyazikov, a former KGB officer and a close ally of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
Immediately after Yevloyev's detention, his website urged Ingushetia's residents to gather outside the headquarters of a leading opposition group.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/31/AR2008083101846.html?hpid=moreheadlines
The owner of an independent website critical of authorities was shot and killed Sunday by police in a volatile province in southern Russia, his colleague said.
Police arrested Ingushetiya.ru owner Magomed Yevloyev on Sunday, taking him off a plane that had just landed in Ingushetia province near Chechnya, said the site's deputy editor, Ruslan Khautiyev.
Police whisked Yevloyev away in a car and later dumped him on the road with a gunshot wound in the head, Khautiyev said. He said Yevloyev died in a hospital shortly afterward.
In Moscow, Investigative Committee spokesman Vladimir Markin said in a statement that Yevloyev was detained by police and died in an "incident" while being taken to police headquarters for an interrogation. Markin did not elaborate, saying that a check to clarify the circumstances of Yevloyev's death had begun. The committee is under the Prosecutor General's office.
Yevloyev has angered regional authorities with bold criticism of police treatment of civilians in the region. A court in June ordered him to shut his site on charges of spreading "extremist" statements, but it reappeared under a different name.
Khautiyev said that Yevloyev arrived in Ingushetia from Moscow on Sunday on the same plane with regional President Murat Zyazikov. Police blocked the jet on the runway after it landed in Ingushetia's provincial capital, Magas, entered the plane and took Yevloyev out.
Yevloyev's death is likely to further stir up passions in Ingushetia, which has been plagued by frequent raids and ambushes against federal forces and local authorities. Government critics attribute the attacks to anger fueled by abductions, beatings, unlawful arrests and killings of suspects by government forces and local allied paramilitaries.
Many in Ingushetia are intensely unhappy with Zyazikov, a former KGB officer and a close ally of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
Immediately after Yevloyev's detention, his website urged Ingushetia's residents to gather outside the headquarters of a leading opposition group.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/31/AR2008083101846.html?hpid=moreheadlines
Officer Accused of Misconduct Allowed to keep Working
SAN BERNARDINO
When Sgt. Bradley Lawrence was accused of criminal misconduct by a fellow police officer July 2, he was allowed to continue working.
About a month later, a complaint lodged by another officer, alleging more constitutional violations, resulted in police leaders putting Lawrence on paid leave effective Aug. 7.
Lawrence is now the subject of an internal investigation, police leaders have said.
But questions have grown louder in recent weeks about whether an internal investigation is appropriate in this case, or consistent with common police practices.
A survey of several area policing agencies shows a general alignment in the way each handles criminal or procedural complaints against officers.
For the most part, agencies stick to a practice of investigating complaints of non-criminal behavior internally while bringing in an outside agency, usually the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, when the behavior would be criminal.
"Most of our policy violations are done in-house through an internal- affairs department that reports to the chief," said Fontana police Sgt. Jeff Decker. "As a general rule, if there was a criminal allegation, there would be an internal and separate investigation into criminal activity done by an outside agency."
But Decker, like leaders in other departments, stressed that the rule isn't immutable.
"There is some room for flexibility," Decker said.
But recently,fresh attention has been aimed at investigations of officer misconduct.
A number of officers have groused privately about the way in which Lawrence's situation has been handled.
Some, including retired Lt. Don Soderbloom and Police Association President Sgt. Rich Lawhead, have openly suggested that unequal treatment - or the perception of favoritism - may be at play, with Lawrence's investigation kept in-house and casting a shadow over its progress and ultimate conclusions.
But other department leaders' statements about the criteria by which investigations are conducted internally or by an outside agency suggest that San Bernardino police are out of step in their internal handling of Lawrence.
"There are allegations of criminal conduct, without question," said Gary Smith, a local attorney representing Greg Parker, whom Lawrence is accused of illegally detaining in September 2007. An internal booking log obtained by The Sun lists Parker as held "on ice," and does not list charges.
Smith noted that if internal documents use such terms to describe Lawrence's detentions, there is no telling how many may have been complicit.
"It is my expectation that the department must go to an outside, independent agency for the investigation," he said. "Lawrence isn't operating alone."
In the case of San Bernardino, some discretion has clearly been exercised in who faces outside or inside investigations, Soderbloom said.
Soderbloom points to his own investigation, in which he was accused of dissuading another officer from filing charges against a bartender who served alcohol to a minor. That was conducted by District Attorney's Office at the administration's request, he said.
Soderbloom was cleared of wrongdoing.
But Lawrence is being investigated in-house.
Soderbloom names other officers accused of serious crimes - including former officer Ronald VanRossum, who was convicted of rape - whose initial investigations were conducted in-house.
Rialto police Capt. Tony Farrar, like Decker and Redlands Police Chief Jim Bueermann, said it is important to maintain the perception that investigations are open and impartial by investigating criminal allegations through an outside agency.
"We definitely don't want to lose the public's trust," Farrar said.
Assistant District Attorney Dennis Christy, who has said the Lawrence investigation is proceeding normally, said San Bernardino police are in line with protocol with their internal investigations.
"There are occasions when an outside department will do an investigation, but that is the exception rather than the rule," Christy said. Larger departments tend to do internal investigations into criminal wrongdoing more often than smaller ones, he added.
But Bueermann said conducting internal investigations can be problematic and raise questions about the integrity of the process.
"For us, it's very simple," Bueermann said. "If there's any indication that an employee may have committed a crime, we ask an outside agency to investigate," Bueermann said.
In San Bernardino, Billdt has steadfastly declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding Lawrence and the investigation into his conduct, citing state law prohibiting him from discussing personnel matters.
Lawrence has a checkered history, including standing trial for allegedly threatening to tie a child to the back of his patrol car during an interrogation in 1989.
And new questions as to the probity of the department's internal investigations were raised, when it was revealed last week that an investigation into alleged police brutality on the Westside was unfinished after a year, meaning the statute of limitations for internal discipline had expired.
Lt. Scott Paterson said a lack of cooperation from the community was partly to blame for the protracted investigation.
When Sgt. Bradley Lawrence was accused of criminal misconduct by a fellow police officer July 2, he was allowed to continue working.
About a month later, a complaint lodged by another officer, alleging more constitutional violations, resulted in police leaders putting Lawrence on paid leave effective Aug. 7.
Lawrence is now the subject of an internal investigation, police leaders have said.
But questions have grown louder in recent weeks about whether an internal investigation is appropriate in this case, or consistent with common police practices.
A survey of several area policing agencies shows a general alignment in the way each handles criminal or procedural complaints against officers.
For the most part, agencies stick to a practice of investigating complaints of non-criminal behavior internally while bringing in an outside agency, usually the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, when the behavior would be criminal.
"Most of our policy violations are done in-house through an internal- affairs department that reports to the chief," said Fontana police Sgt. Jeff Decker. "As a general rule, if there was a criminal allegation, there would be an internal and separate investigation into criminal activity done by an outside agency."
But Decker, like leaders in other departments, stressed that the rule isn't immutable.
"There is some room for flexibility," Decker said.
But recently,fresh attention has been aimed at investigations of officer misconduct.
A number of officers have groused privately about the way in which Lawrence's situation has been handled.
Some, including retired Lt. Don Soderbloom and Police Association President Sgt. Rich Lawhead, have openly suggested that unequal treatment - or the perception of favoritism - may be at play, with Lawrence's investigation kept in-house and casting a shadow over its progress and ultimate conclusions.
But other department leaders' statements about the criteria by which investigations are conducted internally or by an outside agency suggest that San Bernardino police are out of step in their internal handling of Lawrence.
"There are allegations of criminal conduct, without question," said Gary Smith, a local attorney representing Greg Parker, whom Lawrence is accused of illegally detaining in September 2007. An internal booking log obtained by The Sun lists Parker as held "on ice," and does not list charges.
Smith noted that if internal documents use such terms to describe Lawrence's detentions, there is no telling how many may have been complicit.
"It is my expectation that the department must go to an outside, independent agency for the investigation," he said. "Lawrence isn't operating alone."
In the case of San Bernardino, some discretion has clearly been exercised in who faces outside or inside investigations, Soderbloom said.
Soderbloom points to his own investigation, in which he was accused of dissuading another officer from filing charges against a bartender who served alcohol to a minor. That was conducted by District Attorney's Office at the administration's request, he said.
Soderbloom was cleared of wrongdoing.
But Lawrence is being investigated in-house.
Soderbloom names other officers accused of serious crimes - including former officer Ronald VanRossum, who was convicted of rape - whose initial investigations were conducted in-house.
Rialto police Capt. Tony Farrar, like Decker and Redlands Police Chief Jim Bueermann, said it is important to maintain the perception that investigations are open and impartial by investigating criminal allegations through an outside agency.
"We definitely don't want to lose the public's trust," Farrar said.
Assistant District Attorney Dennis Christy, who has said the Lawrence investigation is proceeding normally, said San Bernardino police are in line with protocol with their internal investigations.
"There are occasions when an outside department will do an investigation, but that is the exception rather than the rule," Christy said. Larger departments tend to do internal investigations into criminal wrongdoing more often than smaller ones, he added.
But Bueermann said conducting internal investigations can be problematic and raise questions about the integrity of the process.
"For us, it's very simple," Bueermann said. "If there's any indication that an employee may have committed a crime, we ask an outside agency to investigate," Bueermann said.
In San Bernardino, Billdt has steadfastly declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding Lawrence and the investigation into his conduct, citing state law prohibiting him from discussing personnel matters.
Lawrence has a checkered history, including standing trial for allegedly threatening to tie a child to the back of his patrol car during an interrogation in 1989.
And new questions as to the probity of the department's internal investigations were raised, when it was revealed last week that an investigation into alleged police brutality on the Westside was unfinished after a year, meaning the statute of limitations for internal discipline had expired.
Lt. Scott Paterson said a lack of cooperation from the community was partly to blame for the protracted investigation.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Probation Officer Russell Springs Accused of Sexual Misconduct with Client
Gonzales County probation officer Russell Springs has been accused of an inappropriate relationship and sexual conduct with a client.
“On Aug. 13, I was contacted by the Gonzales County District Attorney’s office about allegations against Mr. Springs,” Department of Public Safety agent Dwayne Goll said. Goll is in charge of the investigation in cooperation with the Texas Rangers.
“That day I also spoke with Linda Smith, the chief probation officer of the 25th district,” he said.
As director of the Second 25th Judicial District, including the probation department, which covers Gonzales, Lavaca and Colorado counties, Smith is Springs’ supervisor. Her office is in Hallettsville.
“The buck stops here at my desk, unfortunately,” said Smith during a telephone interview, Aug. 22. The Inquirer contacted Smith to ask for comment on the position of her department in this situation, but she declined offering an explanation of the allegations or any information on the status of the alleged victim’s claim.
“I am not going to comment on this issue,” she said. “Not now, not ever.”
Goll is moving forward with the investigation to determine if formal charges will be filed.
“I have spoken with both he (Springs) and the alleged victim,” said Goll. “It is too early to say when and what charges may be filed against him.”
Goll said the name of the victim is being withheld from the public to protect her identity.
Gonzales attorney Houston Munson is representing Springs in this case. Munson told Inquirer that on Friday afternoon (Aug. 22), Springs met with Linda Smith in her office to discuss the situation.
“After considering his seniority with the probation department, she decided to allow him to retire in lieu of termination, due to the allegations,” said Munson.
According to the Lavaca County Auditor’s office, which manages the district’s payroll, Spring’s has been an employee of the second 25th district since July, 15, 1995.
“During the course of the investigation, he submitted his application to retire,” said Smith during a second interview Tuesday. “He’s been an employee with us for a long time, and he elected to retire instead of being terminated.”
Smith said Springs’ retirement is effective immediately, and that although the paperwork will not be finalized until Aug. 30, he is no longer a probation officer or employee of the Second 25th Judicial District.
"As a county employee, he has been paying into his retirement fund, and can request to withdraw that money at any time," Smith said. "We are not writing him a check to retire, the County matches the amount deposited into the account by each individual."
Munson said no charges have been filed against his client, and he does not know when or if there will be any, now that Springs is retired from the probation department.
“I am not sure if they will take his retirement and service into consideration or what part it will play in this,” said Munson.
When asked when the case against Springs may become official and go to court, Munson reiterated that official charges have not been filed.
“Since the Grand Jury just met in Gonzales last Friday, it may be a while before anything moves forward on this case,” said Munson.
“On Aug. 13, I was contacted by the Gonzales County District Attorney’s office about allegations against Mr. Springs,” Department of Public Safety agent Dwayne Goll said. Goll is in charge of the investigation in cooperation with the Texas Rangers.
“That day I also spoke with Linda Smith, the chief probation officer of the 25th district,” he said.
As director of the Second 25th Judicial District, including the probation department, which covers Gonzales, Lavaca and Colorado counties, Smith is Springs’ supervisor. Her office is in Hallettsville.
“The buck stops here at my desk, unfortunately,” said Smith during a telephone interview, Aug. 22. The Inquirer contacted Smith to ask for comment on the position of her department in this situation, but she declined offering an explanation of the allegations or any information on the status of the alleged victim’s claim.
“I am not going to comment on this issue,” she said. “Not now, not ever.”
Goll is moving forward with the investigation to determine if formal charges will be filed.
“I have spoken with both he (Springs) and the alleged victim,” said Goll. “It is too early to say when and what charges may be filed against him.”
Goll said the name of the victim is being withheld from the public to protect her identity.
Gonzales attorney Houston Munson is representing Springs in this case. Munson told Inquirer that on Friday afternoon (Aug. 22), Springs met with Linda Smith in her office to discuss the situation.
“After considering his seniority with the probation department, she decided to allow him to retire in lieu of termination, due to the allegations,” said Munson.
According to the Lavaca County Auditor’s office, which manages the district’s payroll, Spring’s has been an employee of the second 25th district since July, 15, 1995.
“During the course of the investigation, he submitted his application to retire,” said Smith during a second interview Tuesday. “He’s been an employee with us for a long time, and he elected to retire instead of being terminated.”
Smith said Springs’ retirement is effective immediately, and that although the paperwork will not be finalized until Aug. 30, he is no longer a probation officer or employee of the Second 25th Judicial District.
"As a county employee, he has been paying into his retirement fund, and can request to withdraw that money at any time," Smith said. "We are not writing him a check to retire, the County matches the amount deposited into the account by each individual."
Munson said no charges have been filed against his client, and he does not know when or if there will be any, now that Springs is retired from the probation department.
“I am not sure if they will take his retirement and service into consideration or what part it will play in this,” said Munson.
When asked when the case against Springs may become official and go to court, Munson reiterated that official charges have not been filed.
“Since the Grand Jury just met in Gonzales last Friday, it may be a while before anything moves forward on this case,” said Munson.
NYPD Detective Charged with Bank Robbery
NEW YORK
A highly respected former NYPD detective with inoperable liver cancer was charged with bank robbery Friday after authorities identified him as the so-called Bling Bandit suspected of pulling off nine heists while wearing a flashy watch and ring.
Athelson Kelson, 59, was arraigned Friday afternoon in connection to a robbery at a Queens bank on July 10. He faces up to seven years in prison if convicted of the one charge. Judge Elisa Koenderman ordered Kelson be held and undergo a psychiatric evaluation. His next scheduled court appearance is Sept. 12.
Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, who described the case as "sad and shocking," said Kelson _ a former member of the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force _ was terminally ill with cancer. Kelly said he was awarded a Purple Heart for his service during the Vietnam War.
The police commissioner said Kelson had been implicated in four of the string of robberies in Queens and Long Island over the past 2 1/2 months by bank employees who picked him out of a police lineup.
He had an "excellent reputation," Kelly said. "He was very well thought of in the department."
Kelly said he didn't know why Kelson apparently turned to a life of crime. Asked if the ex-detective might have been trying to commit "suicide by cop," Kelly told reporters: "We can't exclude that."
Kelson surrendered Thursday to authorities and hasn't made any statements to police, Kelly said. A message left with Kelson's lawyer wasn't immediately returned.
The bank robber was dubbed the Bling Bandit because of surveillance videotape showing him wearing a gold watch and a flashy ring. In some of the robberies, which began on June 12, the bandit displayed a black, semiautomatic handgun. The most recent one was Tuesday.
Police said the ring appeared to be the type given to detectives when they retire, with a replica of a detective's shield on it. Kelson retired in 2005 after 33 years with the NYPD.
In the Queens robbery on July 10, prosecutors said Kelson walked into the bank and handed a note to the teller that read, "Do not press the alarm, give me all the large bills in your drawer, I have a gun, I do not want to hurt anyone, no dye, no bait money, you have 10 seconds."
The teller gave him $600 and he fled the bank, Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown said.
Police said the Bling Bandit did little to disguise his identity. The robber wore only a baseball cap and sunglasses when he entered the banks and was easily identifiable in bank surveillance tapes.
Kelson has not been charged in the Long Island robberies but remains an "active suspect," Nassau County police said.
Michael Palladino, president of the Detectives' Endowment Association, said Kelson had been a member of the police union. Palladino said he spoke to him in June at the annual union picnic and described him as "very happy."
"I am shocked by these developments," Palladino said. "He served in some of the most sensitive and dangerous undercover assignments in the NYPD. It's very disheartening."
In a separate case in March, a rookie police officer was charged with robbing banks in Manhattan and Pennsylvania.
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h3K2-js4s-iurwM5KT21vh_-uEsQD92SH2KO0
A highly respected former NYPD detective with inoperable liver cancer was charged with bank robbery Friday after authorities identified him as the so-called Bling Bandit suspected of pulling off nine heists while wearing a flashy watch and ring.
Athelson Kelson, 59, was arraigned Friday afternoon in connection to a robbery at a Queens bank on July 10. He faces up to seven years in prison if convicted of the one charge. Judge Elisa Koenderman ordered Kelson be held and undergo a psychiatric evaluation. His next scheduled court appearance is Sept. 12.
Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, who described the case as "sad and shocking," said Kelson _ a former member of the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force _ was terminally ill with cancer. Kelly said he was awarded a Purple Heart for his service during the Vietnam War.
The police commissioner said Kelson had been implicated in four of the string of robberies in Queens and Long Island over the past 2 1/2 months by bank employees who picked him out of a police lineup.
He had an "excellent reputation," Kelly said. "He was very well thought of in the department."
Kelly said he didn't know why Kelson apparently turned to a life of crime. Asked if the ex-detective might have been trying to commit "suicide by cop," Kelly told reporters: "We can't exclude that."
Kelson surrendered Thursday to authorities and hasn't made any statements to police, Kelly said. A message left with Kelson's lawyer wasn't immediately returned.
The bank robber was dubbed the Bling Bandit because of surveillance videotape showing him wearing a gold watch and a flashy ring. In some of the robberies, which began on June 12, the bandit displayed a black, semiautomatic handgun. The most recent one was Tuesday.
Police said the ring appeared to be the type given to detectives when they retire, with a replica of a detective's shield on it. Kelson retired in 2005 after 33 years with the NYPD.
In the Queens robbery on July 10, prosecutors said Kelson walked into the bank and handed a note to the teller that read, "Do not press the alarm, give me all the large bills in your drawer, I have a gun, I do not want to hurt anyone, no dye, no bait money, you have 10 seconds."
The teller gave him $600 and he fled the bank, Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown said.
Police said the Bling Bandit did little to disguise his identity. The robber wore only a baseball cap and sunglasses when he entered the banks and was easily identifiable in bank surveillance tapes.
Kelson has not been charged in the Long Island robberies but remains an "active suspect," Nassau County police said.
Michael Palladino, president of the Detectives' Endowment Association, said Kelson had been a member of the police union. Palladino said he spoke to him in June at the annual union picnic and described him as "very happy."
"I am shocked by these developments," Palladino said. "He served in some of the most sensitive and dangerous undercover assignments in the NYPD. It's very disheartening."
In a separate case in March, a rookie police officer was charged with robbing banks in Manhattan and Pennsylvania.
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h3K2-js4s-iurwM5KT21vh_-uEsQD92SH2KO0
Veteran Officer Jim Crowley Drunk on the Job
The Aspen Police Department fired an 18-year veteran of its force Friday after another officer suspected he had been under the influence of alcohol on the job. A breath test allegedly confirmed it.
Jim Crowley, a patrol officer and former detective, was arrested for suspicion of driving while ability impaired (DWAI) and prohibited use of a weapon, both of which are misdemeanor charges, at 9:45 a.m. Thursday — just a little over two hours after he had reported to duty at the police station.
“It’s my responsibility to keep people safe, and to have an intoxicated officer come to work in uniform and drive a police car is not acceptable,” Aspen Police Chief Richard Pryor said.
Crowley is suspected of driving to work in his own vehicle, although the chief noted that he is not aware of anyone who actually saw him driving. Crowley lives on Water Place near Aspen Valley Hospital, not too far from downtown.
Crowley arrived at work at about 7:30 a.m. He was wearing his uniform and had a holstered gun.
“We happened to be in small room together having a conversation with one of his supervisors and I smelled what I believed to be alcohol,” said Aspen Assistant Police Chief Bill Linn, who is also the department’s spokesman. “We excused ourselves from Jim’s presence and I asked his supervisor what he had noticed. He was sitting next to a fan blowing in the room and said he didn’t notice anything. I said, ‘Well, we need to conduct a little further investigation.’”
Linn informed Aspen Police Chief Richard Pryor, who said he elected to bring in the Snowmass Village Police Department to ensure the investigation remained impartial. Pryor said there is a two-hour window to obtain evidence in alcohol-related cases like this one and he had to make decisions fast.
“I felt I had to move as quickly as possible to preserve the integrity of any possible criminal issues. That’s why I called Snowmass," Pryor said.
Crowley submitted to a Breathalyzer test, which reportedly showed his blood-alcohol content was just over .06 percent. Snowmass Village Police Sgt. Brian Olson placed Crowley under arrest at about 9:45 a.m. and took him to the Pitkin County Jail, where he was later released.
It is unclear whether Crowley, who is in his early 40s, was drinking while on the job or if he might have shown up to work hungover.
“There’s a pretty big difference between the intentional act of consuming alcohol before work and the unintentional act of having drank before and coming to work when perhaps you may have been carrying alcohol in your system,” Linn said. “I wasn’t party to what was going on in his life but I know that Jim is an honorable, very good guy. I don’t believe this was an intentional act.”
Needless to say, the past two days have been extremely difficult ones for the Aspen Police Department.
“It is an incredibly painful experience for a bunch of people who are perceived as tough guys. There have been an awful lot of tears flowing around here there’s no way to feel good about it. The fact is Jim is someone I’ve worked with for the 15 years of my career here. I respect him and think very highly of him. I am so sad to have any role in this at all,” Linn said. “Ultimately we’re held to a very high standard as police officers. We’re not above the laws that we enforce. He’s held numerous positions in the department, investigator positions of very high responsibility because he was been a very good police officer in his career.”
Crowley has no other criminal history. It is unclear whether he has been suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at work in the past. Pryor said he was unaware of any prior issues while Linn said there has “never been any other incident like this that we felt we could have acted upon.”
Pryor, who took over as police chief earlier this year after his predecessor resigned amid accusations of sexual harassment, said terminating Crowley was a difficult decision that he considered for two days. Building trust between Aspen police and the community has been the theme of Pryor’s administration.
“I want to apologize to the community for another incident like this cropping up at the police department,” the chief said. “It’s an incredibly difficult situation. I feel like things are going really well to date and part of me feels like we’ve let people down. I feel really sorry about that and I will do everything I can to make sure this sort of incident doesn’t happen again in the future.”
Other troubles the department has suffered through in recent years include an officer who was fired for using a Taser on an elderly woman who was never charged with a crime, and its assistance with a Drug Enforcement Agency raid on downtown restaurants that divided many in the community.
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20080830/NEWS/808299886/0/FRONTPAGE
Jim Crowley, a patrol officer and former detective, was arrested for suspicion of driving while ability impaired (DWAI) and prohibited use of a weapon, both of which are misdemeanor charges, at 9:45 a.m. Thursday — just a little over two hours after he had reported to duty at the police station.
“It’s my responsibility to keep people safe, and to have an intoxicated officer come to work in uniform and drive a police car is not acceptable,” Aspen Police Chief Richard Pryor said.
Crowley is suspected of driving to work in his own vehicle, although the chief noted that he is not aware of anyone who actually saw him driving. Crowley lives on Water Place near Aspen Valley Hospital, not too far from downtown.
Crowley arrived at work at about 7:30 a.m. He was wearing his uniform and had a holstered gun.
“We happened to be in small room together having a conversation with one of his supervisors and I smelled what I believed to be alcohol,” said Aspen Assistant Police Chief Bill Linn, who is also the department’s spokesman. “We excused ourselves from Jim’s presence and I asked his supervisor what he had noticed. He was sitting next to a fan blowing in the room and said he didn’t notice anything. I said, ‘Well, we need to conduct a little further investigation.’”
Linn informed Aspen Police Chief Richard Pryor, who said he elected to bring in the Snowmass Village Police Department to ensure the investigation remained impartial. Pryor said there is a two-hour window to obtain evidence in alcohol-related cases like this one and he had to make decisions fast.
“I felt I had to move as quickly as possible to preserve the integrity of any possible criminal issues. That’s why I called Snowmass," Pryor said.
Crowley submitted to a Breathalyzer test, which reportedly showed his blood-alcohol content was just over .06 percent. Snowmass Village Police Sgt. Brian Olson placed Crowley under arrest at about 9:45 a.m. and took him to the Pitkin County Jail, where he was later released.
It is unclear whether Crowley, who is in his early 40s, was drinking while on the job or if he might have shown up to work hungover.
“There’s a pretty big difference between the intentional act of consuming alcohol before work and the unintentional act of having drank before and coming to work when perhaps you may have been carrying alcohol in your system,” Linn said. “I wasn’t party to what was going on in his life but I know that Jim is an honorable, very good guy. I don’t believe this was an intentional act.”
Needless to say, the past two days have been extremely difficult ones for the Aspen Police Department.
“It is an incredibly painful experience for a bunch of people who are perceived as tough guys. There have been an awful lot of tears flowing around here there’s no way to feel good about it. The fact is Jim is someone I’ve worked with for the 15 years of my career here. I respect him and think very highly of him. I am so sad to have any role in this at all,” Linn said. “Ultimately we’re held to a very high standard as police officers. We’re not above the laws that we enforce. He’s held numerous positions in the department, investigator positions of very high responsibility because he was been a very good police officer in his career.”
Crowley has no other criminal history. It is unclear whether he has been suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at work in the past. Pryor said he was unaware of any prior issues while Linn said there has “never been any other incident like this that we felt we could have acted upon.”
Pryor, who took over as police chief earlier this year after his predecessor resigned amid accusations of sexual harassment, said terminating Crowley was a difficult decision that he considered for two days. Building trust between Aspen police and the community has been the theme of Pryor’s administration.
“I want to apologize to the community for another incident like this cropping up at the police department,” the chief said. “It’s an incredibly difficult situation. I feel like things are going really well to date and part of me feels like we’ve let people down. I feel really sorry about that and I will do everything I can to make sure this sort of incident doesn’t happen again in the future.”
Other troubles the department has suffered through in recent years include an officer who was fired for using a Taser on an elderly woman who was never charged with a crime, and its assistance with a Drug Enforcement Agency raid on downtown restaurants that divided many in the community.
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20080830/NEWS/808299886/0/FRONTPAGE
Friday, August 29, 2008
Officer Shaun Murray Arrested for Stealing Painkillers for Evidence Room
An Elwood police officer is out of jail on bond after his arrest on charges of stealing painkillers from his department’s evidence room, state authorities said.
Elwood evidence tech and patrol officer Shaun Andy Murray, 28, Anderson, was charged with official misconduct, theft and possession of a controlled substance, according to a news release issued Friday night by Sgt. Michael Burns, a spokesman with the Indiana State Police post at Pendleton. Burns did not immediately reply to a call to find out the severity of the charges.
Murray is alleged to have taken narcotic pain relievers from the evidence room for the past year for his personal use, the release said. Murray is the department’s evidence room technician and worked for other police agencies in Madison County, according to Burns.
State police Detective Keith O’Donnell told the Anderson Herald Bulletin that investigators learned in July Murray had become addicted to prescription painkillers. An investigation only began when Elwood police Lt. Jason Brizendine noticed evidence missing Aug. 23.
Brizendine temporarily had placed 62 confiscated hydrocodone pills into an evidence locker Aug. 21, O’Donnell said in today’s newspaper. When Brizendine returned to the evidence room Aug. 23, he noticed 10 pills missing, O’Donnell said.
Murray was arrested Friday at his home. He posted a $5,000 bond, the release said.
Murray’s phone was not listed, and he could not be reached for comment.
Murray’s status with the Elwood Police Department is not known. Patrolman Jim Robertson said today the police chief, Jack Miller, was not on duty and could not be reached for comment.
http://www.theindychannel.com/news/17339387/detail.html
Elwood evidence tech and patrol officer Shaun Andy Murray, 28, Anderson, was charged with official misconduct, theft and possession of a controlled substance, according to a news release issued Friday night by Sgt. Michael Burns, a spokesman with the Indiana State Police post at Pendleton. Burns did not immediately reply to a call to find out the severity of the charges.
Murray is alleged to have taken narcotic pain relievers from the evidence room for the past year for his personal use, the release said. Murray is the department’s evidence room technician and worked for other police agencies in Madison County, according to Burns.
State police Detective Keith O’Donnell told the Anderson Herald Bulletin that investigators learned in July Murray had become addicted to prescription painkillers. An investigation only began when Elwood police Lt. Jason Brizendine noticed evidence missing Aug. 23.
Brizendine temporarily had placed 62 confiscated hydrocodone pills into an evidence locker Aug. 21, O’Donnell said in today’s newspaper. When Brizendine returned to the evidence room Aug. 23, he noticed 10 pills missing, O’Donnell said.
Murray was arrested Friday at his home. He posted a $5,000 bond, the release said.
Murray’s phone was not listed, and he could not be reached for comment.
Murray’s status with the Elwood Police Department is not known. Patrolman Jim Robertson said today the police chief, Jack Miller, was not on duty and could not be reached for comment.
http://www.theindychannel.com/news/17339387/detail.html
Veteran Officer Arrested for 13 Counts of Larceny
The Rochester Police Department has released the results of a criminal investigation into allegations of Sgt. Carlos Garcia’s misappropriation of city property. The investigation spanned almost five months.
Today, the RPD filed a criminal complaint in Rochester City Court charging Sgt. Garcia, a 21 ½ year veteran of the RPD, with 13 counts of petit larceny for using his department issued gas credit card to obtain gasoline for his personal use, convenience or profit.
Rochester Police Chief David Moore is quoted in a written statement saying, “The RPD is very vigilant against any misconduct and will abide by the same zero tolerance that we proclaim in our efforts to combat violence. This serves as a testament of our commitment to thoroughly police ourselves.”
http://www.13wham.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=0f43ee1c-7d25-49cb-881f-93f8b0596201
Today, the RPD filed a criminal complaint in Rochester City Court charging Sgt. Garcia, a 21 ½ year veteran of the RPD, with 13 counts of petit larceny for using his department issued gas credit card to obtain gasoline for his personal use, convenience or profit.
Rochester Police Chief David Moore is quoted in a written statement saying, “The RPD is very vigilant against any misconduct and will abide by the same zero tolerance that we proclaim in our efforts to combat violence. This serves as a testament of our commitment to thoroughly police ourselves.”
http://www.13wham.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=0f43ee1c-7d25-49cb-881f-93f8b0596201
Officer Paul Hubka Placed on Probation for Killing Drug Dog
A San Diego police officer charged in the death of his canine partner pleaded no contest yesterday to a misdemeanor charge of animal endangerment and was ordered to pay for the dog.
Paul Hubka, who was not at the hearing, was placed on three years' probation and ordered to complete 100 hours of community service at any nonprofit agency within six months.
San Diego Police Chief William Lansdowne said yesterday that the officer will no longer work with canines.
San Diego Superior Court Judge Dwayne Moring also ordered Hubka to pay the department $5,000 for the dog. The amount was outlined in a memo issued by Lansdowne and referenced in court.
The prosecutor said the department paid $8,000 for the animal, which was more than 4 years old and fully trained at the time of purchase. The dog was expected to retire at age
8½.
Hubka was charged this month in connection with the dog's June 20 death. Authorities determined that Forrest, a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois, died of heatstroke at the officer's home in Alpine.
The officer, a 22-year veteran of the department, is accused of leaving the dog in a police cruiser with the windows rolled up on a day when East County temperatures exceeded 100 degrees.
Deputy District Attorney Julie Korsmeyer said her office would not oppose allowing Hubka to end his probation early if he completes the requirements in the plea agreement.
Hubka's lawyer, Rick Pinckard, said after the hearing that his client is eager to put the case behind him. The misdemeanor charge Hubka was convicted of carried a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a $500 fine.
“This was unintentional,” Pinckard said. “It was essentially a mistake, but it has absolutely devastated him.”
Lansdowne said the internal investigation of the incident is done and he is in the process of deciding what punitive action to take against Hubka.
The chief said the officer won't be fired.
“Paul Hubka as been a good officer for 22 years,” Lansdowne said. “He is very remorseful and will take full responsibility.”
City Attorney Michael Aguirre filed a lawsuit this month that seeks to recover the cost of the dog. Aguirre did not specify the amount he was seeking but said it would be in excess of $25,000.
Aguirre disagreed with the amount Hubka was ordered to pay.
“We think the number was significantly higher than that; that's why the city brought its own case,” he said in an interview yesterday.
The department's K-9 unit has received a replacement dog thanks to private donations. The San Diego Police Foundation, a nonprofit organization, bought the dog in July for $10,000, said Wenda Alvarez, the foundation's president and chief executive officer.
“Several individuals approached us in response to the loss of the dog and wanted to help,” Alvarez said.
The new canine has not yet been assigned to a handler.
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/17326535/detail.html
Paul Hubka, who was not at the hearing, was placed on three years' probation and ordered to complete 100 hours of community service at any nonprofit agency within six months.
San Diego Police Chief William Lansdowne said yesterday that the officer will no longer work with canines.
San Diego Superior Court Judge Dwayne Moring also ordered Hubka to pay the department $5,000 for the dog. The amount was outlined in a memo issued by Lansdowne and referenced in court.
The prosecutor said the department paid $8,000 for the animal, which was more than 4 years old and fully trained at the time of purchase. The dog was expected to retire at age
8½.
Hubka was charged this month in connection with the dog's June 20 death. Authorities determined that Forrest, a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois, died of heatstroke at the officer's home in Alpine.
The officer, a 22-year veteran of the department, is accused of leaving the dog in a police cruiser with the windows rolled up on a day when East County temperatures exceeded 100 degrees.
Deputy District Attorney Julie Korsmeyer said her office would not oppose allowing Hubka to end his probation early if he completes the requirements in the plea agreement.
Hubka's lawyer, Rick Pinckard, said after the hearing that his client is eager to put the case behind him. The misdemeanor charge Hubka was convicted of carried a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a $500 fine.
“This was unintentional,” Pinckard said. “It was essentially a mistake, but it has absolutely devastated him.”
Lansdowne said the internal investigation of the incident is done and he is in the process of deciding what punitive action to take against Hubka.
The chief said the officer won't be fired.
“Paul Hubka as been a good officer for 22 years,” Lansdowne said. “He is very remorseful and will take full responsibility.”
City Attorney Michael Aguirre filed a lawsuit this month that seeks to recover the cost of the dog. Aguirre did not specify the amount he was seeking but said it would be in excess of $25,000.
Aguirre disagreed with the amount Hubka was ordered to pay.
“We think the number was significantly higher than that; that's why the city brought its own case,” he said in an interview yesterday.
The department's K-9 unit has received a replacement dog thanks to private donations. The San Diego Police Foundation, a nonprofit organization, bought the dog in July for $10,000, said Wenda Alvarez, the foundation's president and chief executive officer.
“Several individuals approached us in response to the loss of the dog and wanted to help,” Alvarez said.
The new canine has not yet been assigned to a handler.
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/17326535/detail.html
Officer Arrested for Double Murder is Released on $150,000 Bond
Former DeKalb County sheriff’s deputy Derrick Yancey can await his double murder trial under house arrest and a $150,000 bond, a judge ruled Thursday.
The ruling drew a response from a representative for two siblings of Yancey’s wife, whom Yancey is accused of killing. An attorney who said she spoke on behalf of the siblings of Linda Yancey said the DeKalb district attorney’s office failed to do enough to prevent Yancey’s release.
“It appears Mr. Yancey is receiving preferential treatment as a result of his previous employment with the DeKalb County court system,” said a statement issued by lawyer Loletha Denise Hale, who said she spoke for Eugene Thomas and Gloria Thomas Sanders.
Asked about the statement, chief assistant district attorney Don Geary said Yancey “will be treated as any other criminal defendant charged in DeKalb County. We will vigorously prosecute within the limits of the law, and we will do everything we can to be mindful and considerate of the wishes of the victims’ family.”
Linda Yancey, 44, and day laborer Marcial Cax Puluc, about 20, were killed at the Yanceys’ home near Stone Mountain June 9.
Yancey told police that Cax Puluc killed his wife in an armed robbery attempt, forcing Yancey to shoot him. But authorities say lab tests showed Yancey shot both victims.
Derrick Yancey, 49, escorted prisoners to appearances in the county courthouse for 11 years until he was placed on leave because of the shootings. He resigned Aug. 11 and was jailed Aug. 14, when a grand jury indicted him.
Superior Court Judge Linda Workman issued a bond order Thursday, specifying that Yancey must wear an ankle monitor and leave his mother’s Clayton County home only for legal or medical appointments.
Workman’s order quoted a Georgia law which makes defendants eligible for release on bond if they pose “no significant risk” of fleeing, intimidating witnesses or committing other crimes. Unlike many other states, Workman wrote, Georgia does not further restrict bond for murder defendants unless they have been convicted of a prior violent crime.
Geary opposed bond in a Wednesday hearing, telling Workman that Yancey became more of a risk to flee after quitting his job and placing his 8-year-old son with his mother. Workman’s order noted, however, that Yancey had taken those steps before his indictment and still reported to jail voluntarily when an arrest warrant was issued.
Geary did not offer evidence about the shootings or suggest that Yancey might be a threat to others.
Defense attorney Keith Adams said Thursday he expected it would take “a couple of days” to arrange the bond and electronic monitoring. Yancey is being held in an undisclosed jail.
Yancey was a 17-year veteran of the sheriff’s office. Linda Yancey also worked for the sheriff’s office for 13 years, most recently as an intake officer in Juvenile Court.
Workman’s order said she expects Yancey to be tried by the end of the year.
The ruling drew a response from a representative for two siblings of Yancey’s wife, whom Yancey is accused of killing. An attorney who said she spoke on behalf of the siblings of Linda Yancey said the DeKalb district attorney’s office failed to do enough to prevent Yancey’s release.
“It appears Mr. Yancey is receiving preferential treatment as a result of his previous employment with the DeKalb County court system,” said a statement issued by lawyer Loletha Denise Hale, who said she spoke for Eugene Thomas and Gloria Thomas Sanders.
Asked about the statement, chief assistant district attorney Don Geary said Yancey “will be treated as any other criminal defendant charged in DeKalb County. We will vigorously prosecute within the limits of the law, and we will do everything we can to be mindful and considerate of the wishes of the victims’ family.”
Linda Yancey, 44, and day laborer Marcial Cax Puluc, about 20, were killed at the Yanceys’ home near Stone Mountain June 9.
Yancey told police that Cax Puluc killed his wife in an armed robbery attempt, forcing Yancey to shoot him. But authorities say lab tests showed Yancey shot both victims.
Derrick Yancey, 49, escorted prisoners to appearances in the county courthouse for 11 years until he was placed on leave because of the shootings. He resigned Aug. 11 and was jailed Aug. 14, when a grand jury indicted him.
Superior Court Judge Linda Workman issued a bond order Thursday, specifying that Yancey must wear an ankle monitor and leave his mother’s Clayton County home only for legal or medical appointments.
Workman’s order quoted a Georgia law which makes defendants eligible for release on bond if they pose “no significant risk” of fleeing, intimidating witnesses or committing other crimes. Unlike many other states, Workman wrote, Georgia does not further restrict bond for murder defendants unless they have been convicted of a prior violent crime.
Geary opposed bond in a Wednesday hearing, telling Workman that Yancey became more of a risk to flee after quitting his job and placing his 8-year-old son with his mother. Workman’s order noted, however, that Yancey had taken those steps before his indictment and still reported to jail voluntarily when an arrest warrant was issued.
Geary did not offer evidence about the shootings or suggest that Yancey might be a threat to others.
Defense attorney Keith Adams said Thursday he expected it would take “a couple of days” to arrange the bond and electronic monitoring. Yancey is being held in an undisclosed jail.
Yancey was a 17-year veteran of the sheriff’s office. Linda Yancey also worked for the sheriff’s office for 13 years, most recently as an intake officer in Juvenile Court.
Workman’s order said she expects Yancey to be tried by the end of the year.
Officer Ron Smith Charged with Aggravated Assault
A grand jury indicted a Seattle police detective and a Hells Angels member whom the detective shot and wounded in a bar fight at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota.
The detective, Ron Smith, 43, was charged with aggravated assault, perjury and carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. The Hells Angel, Joseph McGuire, 33, of Imperial Beach, Calif., was charged with aggravated assault, the Meade County state's attorney reported Thursday.
In addition, four other members of a law enforcement-oriented motorcycle club -- a second Seattle police officer, two U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents, and a U.S. Defense Department firefighter -- were charged with carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, a misdemeanor, according to State's Attorney Jesse Sondreal.
The shooting happened about 1 a.m. Aug. 9 at the Loud American Roadhouse, a crowded bar in Sturgis. The detective, a member of the Iron Pigs motorcycle club, said several Hells Angels jumped him and that he fired in self-defense after being beaten.
The other four Iron Pigs members indicted are Dennis McCoy, 59, a North Precinct patrol sergeant in Seattle; Scott Lazalde, 38; James Rector, 44; and Erik Pingel, 35.
Should the case reach a jury, the weapons charge carries an alternative offense of failing to abide by the gun permit of a reciprocal state, according to the statement.
Lazalde, of Bellingham, and Rector, of Ferndale, are stationed in Blaine with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Both remain on duty while the agency awaits formal notification of the charges, spokesman Mike Milne said.
Rector is a 20-year veteran and assistant port director of passenger vehicles, he said.
Pingel is a civilian firefighter at Buckley Air Force Base outside Aurora, Colo., according to an Air Force spokesman.
The South Dakota grand jury met Wednesday to hear from 10 more witnesses before the indictments were issued. It was the grand jury's second hearing since 25 witnesses, including Smith and other officers, appeared on Aug. 10.
Smith's testimony is apparently the basis for the perjury charge.
No court date had been set.
Either warrants or summonses would be "issued and served as appropriate," according to the state's attorney.
Smith and McGuire could face up to 15 years' imprisonment if convicted of aggravated assault. The grand jury also indicted on an alternative charge of misdemeanor assault, which would give a jury the choice of a lesser crime.
The misdemeanor version is punishable by up to a year in jail. The perjury charge could carry a penalty of up to five years.
Smith was one of five Seattle officers with the Iron Pigs at the bar while vacationing at the rally. Witnesses told the Seattle P-I that the confrontation might have started because some Hells Angels members took umbrage to the officers wearing their "colors," or three-piece patches, into the bar.
A Seattle police spokesman said Thursday that Smith and McCoy would remain on administrative leave while the department conducts its investigation. The three Seattle officers who aren't facing charges would be returned to duty, according to a department source.
Smith, of the pawnshop unit, is on the Seattle Police Officers' Guild's board of directors and is editor of the guild's newspaper, The Guardian. In a statement, police guild Vice President Ty Elster urged the community not to pass judgment until the officers have had their day in court.
"We are certain that once all the facts are known, the involved SPOG members will be vindicated and absolved of any wrongdoing," he said.
Federal law allows off-duty and retired police officers to carry their weapons anywhere in the country, overriding any state or local gun regulations. But officers are not covered by the law if under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or have been removed from duty, or have certain disabilities.
There have been cases around the country where officers were charged with weapons violations under a local regulation and relied on the federal law to get the case dismissed, said Ted Deeds, spokesman for the Law Enforcement Alliance of America, which spearheaded the drive to pass the law in 2004.
McGuire was shot twice, with one round striking his abdomen and another shattering his femur. He spent several days in intensive care after making the trip to the rally from the San Diego area. His brother said it was McGuire's first trip to Sturgis.
He left California despite pending marijuana charges against him in San Diego County. McGuire and several other Hells Angels members, including the San Diego chapter president, were arrested during drug raids conducted by federal agents and San Diego police in January 2007.
McGuire has prior convictions for burglary and possession of an illegal knife, according to San Diego County Superior Court records.
Smith had a previous tangle with a Hells Angels member in 2005. He filed a report of possible harassment against Anthony J. Magnesi, whom he said had threatened him during a telephone conversation.
Magnesi had called Smith after hearing from friends that the detective was asking about him. He wanted to find out if he were under investigation, according to Magnesi's attorney, Paul Bernstein.
At the time, Magnesi owned Lucky's Choppers, a custom motorcycle shop in Georgetown. He'd been charged before with first-degree assault for shooting near a man's feet during a scuffle in an unrelated case. But it was dismissed when the state's witnesses backed out of testifying, according to court records.
Magnesi taped one of his conversations with Smith and argued it was proof that Smith had threatened him. After hearing the tape, city prosecutors dropped the harassment charge against Magnesi, according to Bernstein and court records.
At one point on tape, Smith tells him: "Yeah, you better watch your back." Later, he tells Magnesi he has no reason to be calling and asks if he's laundering money, according to a copy that Magnesi's friend played for the P-I.
Smith tells Magnesi that "playing on the phone" is a crime and that belonging to the Hells Angels is a bigger crime, according to the tape.
Magnesi filed a complaint with the department's Office of Professional Accountability, which handles internal investigations. The complaint was referred to Smith's supervisor.
Smith has been disciplined twice before for unprofessional behavior.
He was suspended for two days for conduct unbecoming of an officer after an incident at a Seahawks game in January 2005.
He received a written reprimand after he was accused in August 2005 of threatening to shoot a man at a Tacoma bar while off-duty.
Internal records show that the man was bothering some of the officer's friends. But witnesses also heard the officer utter a racial remark at the restaurant manager, who had asked him to leave, according to department records.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/377182_sturgis30.html
The detective, Ron Smith, 43, was charged with aggravated assault, perjury and carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. The Hells Angel, Joseph McGuire, 33, of Imperial Beach, Calif., was charged with aggravated assault, the Meade County state's attorney reported Thursday.
In addition, four other members of a law enforcement-oriented motorcycle club -- a second Seattle police officer, two U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents, and a U.S. Defense Department firefighter -- were charged with carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, a misdemeanor, according to State's Attorney Jesse Sondreal.
The shooting happened about 1 a.m. Aug. 9 at the Loud American Roadhouse, a crowded bar in Sturgis. The detective, a member of the Iron Pigs motorcycle club, said several Hells Angels jumped him and that he fired in self-defense after being beaten.
The other four Iron Pigs members indicted are Dennis McCoy, 59, a North Precinct patrol sergeant in Seattle; Scott Lazalde, 38; James Rector, 44; and Erik Pingel, 35.
Should the case reach a jury, the weapons charge carries an alternative offense of failing to abide by the gun permit of a reciprocal state, according to the statement.
Lazalde, of Bellingham, and Rector, of Ferndale, are stationed in Blaine with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Both remain on duty while the agency awaits formal notification of the charges, spokesman Mike Milne said.
Rector is a 20-year veteran and assistant port director of passenger vehicles, he said.
Pingel is a civilian firefighter at Buckley Air Force Base outside Aurora, Colo., according to an Air Force spokesman.
The South Dakota grand jury met Wednesday to hear from 10 more witnesses before the indictments were issued. It was the grand jury's second hearing since 25 witnesses, including Smith and other officers, appeared on Aug. 10.
Smith's testimony is apparently the basis for the perjury charge.
No court date had been set.
Either warrants or summonses would be "issued and served as appropriate," according to the state's attorney.
Smith and McGuire could face up to 15 years' imprisonment if convicted of aggravated assault. The grand jury also indicted on an alternative charge of misdemeanor assault, which would give a jury the choice of a lesser crime.
The misdemeanor version is punishable by up to a year in jail. The perjury charge could carry a penalty of up to five years.
Smith was one of five Seattle officers with the Iron Pigs at the bar while vacationing at the rally. Witnesses told the Seattle P-I that the confrontation might have started because some Hells Angels members took umbrage to the officers wearing their "colors," or three-piece patches, into the bar.
A Seattle police spokesman said Thursday that Smith and McCoy would remain on administrative leave while the department conducts its investigation. The three Seattle officers who aren't facing charges would be returned to duty, according to a department source.
Smith, of the pawnshop unit, is on the Seattle Police Officers' Guild's board of directors and is editor of the guild's newspaper, The Guardian. In a statement, police guild Vice President Ty Elster urged the community not to pass judgment until the officers have had their day in court.
"We are certain that once all the facts are known, the involved SPOG members will be vindicated and absolved of any wrongdoing," he said.
Federal law allows off-duty and retired police officers to carry their weapons anywhere in the country, overriding any state or local gun regulations. But officers are not covered by the law if under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or have been removed from duty, or have certain disabilities.
There have been cases around the country where officers were charged with weapons violations under a local regulation and relied on the federal law to get the case dismissed, said Ted Deeds, spokesman for the Law Enforcement Alliance of America, which spearheaded the drive to pass the law in 2004.
McGuire was shot twice, with one round striking his abdomen and another shattering his femur. He spent several days in intensive care after making the trip to the rally from the San Diego area. His brother said it was McGuire's first trip to Sturgis.
He left California despite pending marijuana charges against him in San Diego County. McGuire and several other Hells Angels members, including the San Diego chapter president, were arrested during drug raids conducted by federal agents and San Diego police in January 2007.
McGuire has prior convictions for burglary and possession of an illegal knife, according to San Diego County Superior Court records.
Smith had a previous tangle with a Hells Angels member in 2005. He filed a report of possible harassment against Anthony J. Magnesi, whom he said had threatened him during a telephone conversation.
Magnesi had called Smith after hearing from friends that the detective was asking about him. He wanted to find out if he were under investigation, according to Magnesi's attorney, Paul Bernstein.
At the time, Magnesi owned Lucky's Choppers, a custom motorcycle shop in Georgetown. He'd been charged before with first-degree assault for shooting near a man's feet during a scuffle in an unrelated case. But it was dismissed when the state's witnesses backed out of testifying, according to court records.
Magnesi taped one of his conversations with Smith and argued it was proof that Smith had threatened him. After hearing the tape, city prosecutors dropped the harassment charge against Magnesi, according to Bernstein and court records.
At one point on tape, Smith tells him: "Yeah, you better watch your back." Later, he tells Magnesi he has no reason to be calling and asks if he's laundering money, according to a copy that Magnesi's friend played for the P-I.
Smith tells Magnesi that "playing on the phone" is a crime and that belonging to the Hells Angels is a bigger crime, according to the tape.
Magnesi filed a complaint with the department's Office of Professional Accountability, which handles internal investigations. The complaint was referred to Smith's supervisor.
Smith has been disciplined twice before for unprofessional behavior.
He was suspended for two days for conduct unbecoming of an officer after an incident at a Seahawks game in January 2005.
He received a written reprimand after he was accused in August 2005 of threatening to shoot a man at a Tacoma bar while off-duty.
Internal records show that the man was bothering some of the officer's friends. But witnesses also heard the officer utter a racial remark at the restaurant manager, who had asked him to leave, according to department records.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/377182_sturgis30.html
Officer William Wike Accused of Touching 15 year old Girl
HUNTINGTON, Ind.The Huntington Police Officer accused of sexual misconduct with a minor was in court for the first time.
"Sexual misconduct with a minor's categorized by either a devious sexual conduct or some kind of illegal touching and that's what we've alleged here," explains D.J. Sigler, the special prosecutor assigned to the case.
Officer William C. Wike is accused of touching a fondling a 15 year old girl. The incident allegedly happened in Whitley County between November, 2006 and January, 2007. The alleged victim is now 17 years old.
According to the Whitley County Prosecutor, 2 friends of the girl told police about an inappropriate relationship. That sparked a State Police investigation.
Wike was charged with one count of sexual misconduct with a minor, a Class C Felony. On Wednesday, State Police arrested the 8 year veteran of the Huntington Police Department.
"It takes away from our public trust, casts a shadow over us and certainly, I guess the bottom line is we hope it's not true," says Huntington Police Chief Tom Emely.
On Thursday, Wike was escorted into the Huntington County Court in handcuffs for an initial hearing. The Huntington County judge set the bond for Wike at $20,000. That is standard for a Class C Felony. The judge also set Wike's next court date for October 30.
Back in 2006, a report with similar accusations was filed. Court documents said the alleged victim denied those reports at that time. She told investigators she was afraid of what would happen if people didn't believe her story.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-in-officercharged,0,7836848.story
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Australian Officer Arrested for Having Sex with Child
A NSW Police officer on secondment with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) will face court next month after allegedly having sex with a child.
An AFP media spokeswoman said the 43-year-old Penshurst man had been charged with allegedly having sexual intercourse with a child between the ages of 14 and 16 years and possessing child pornography.
Police have also charged the man with using a carriage service to access child pornography.
He will appear in Downing Centre Local Court on September 9.
An AFP media spokeswoman said the 43-year-old Penshurst man had been charged with allegedly having sexual intercourse with a child between the ages of 14 and 16 years and possessing child pornography.
Police have also charged the man with using a carriage service to access child pornography.
He will appear in Downing Centre Local Court on September 9.
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