Less than two months after DC's troubled Protected Services Police hired a new Chief, another officer in the department is facing scandalous allegations.
Officer James Guerra was arrested last Thursday and has been held without bond after being accused of raping a female acquaintance.
Court records show that the crime occurred inside Guerra's 4th Street Northeast home when the victim came to visit Guerra who had been sick. The victims say she had known Guerra for about a year.
Guerra and the victim reportedly began fighting when she told him she wanted to leave. When the victim screamed for help, Guerra allegedly put a blanket over her head, punched and choked her, handcuffed her, and bound her to a bed with a belt.
The victim alleges Guerra threatened her with a knife and told her he was going to kill her. The victim claims he then raped her and left her bound to the bed after giving her an icepack and some Tylenol for her injuries.
DC Protective Services Police are in charge of protecting the Mayor and city employees inside District-owned buildings like the Wilson Building and the Reeves Center. Six months ago, an investigation exposed several Protective Services Police officers that were allowed to carry weapons even though they had disciplinary and criminal records.
A spokesman for the DC Protective Services Police Department says the agency is not going to make a comment about the arrest. Guerra is scheduled to next appear in court on Friday.
More Information: http://www.myfoxdc.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=7623639&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1
Thursday, October 09, 2008
South Tucson Officer Fired for Stealing more then $300,000
New information has been released regarding a high-ranking South Tucson Police officer fired last summer after allegations of theft. The officer is believed to have stolen more than $300,000 in money and seized items.
"We suspect it's somewhere in the range of $300 - $400,000," says City Manager Enrique Serna.
The story began last may when FBI agents served search warrants at the South Tucson City Hall, the South Tucson Police Department and the former officer's west side home.
Officials say the former officer was solely responsible for the evidence room, including all seized assets and cash. Some of that money was to help fund the police department's $2 million budget.
The sheer amount of money and items stolen will not only affect the police department, but the community as well.
"It's going to hurt us," says Serna.
The police department was going to use part of the money to hire more officers.
South Tucson Police Chief Sharon Hayes Martinez says, "That's a huge loss for us monetarily because that is what we use to buy police cars, send people to training and equipment that we purchase."
Another thing hurting the bottom line of South Tucson's Police department is that they get no government money. Federal officials are holding back handing over funds until they are satisfied South Tucson has safeguards in place to keep this from happening again.
The investigation is now in the hands of the U.S. attorney's office. The DEA has reviewed the new policies and procedures and has resumed working with them on asset seizures.
The officer has not been publicly named because he is not yet been charged.
"We suspect it's somewhere in the range of $300 - $400,000," says City Manager Enrique Serna.
The story began last may when FBI agents served search warrants at the South Tucson City Hall, the South Tucson Police Department and the former officer's west side home.
Officials say the former officer was solely responsible for the evidence room, including all seized assets and cash. Some of that money was to help fund the police department's $2 million budget.
The sheer amount of money and items stolen will not only affect the police department, but the community as well.
"It's going to hurt us," says Serna.
The police department was going to use part of the money to hire more officers.
South Tucson Police Chief Sharon Hayes Martinez says, "That's a huge loss for us monetarily because that is what we use to buy police cars, send people to training and equipment that we purchase."
Another thing hurting the bottom line of South Tucson's Police department is that they get no government money. Federal officials are holding back handing over funds until they are satisfied South Tucson has safeguards in place to keep this from happening again.
The investigation is now in the hands of the U.S. attorney's office. The DEA has reviewed the new policies and procedures and has resumed working with them on asset seizures.
The officer has not been publicly named because he is not yet been charged.
Officers Accused of Using Excessive Force
An East Dundee Wal-Mart employee has sued the village and two of its police officers, claiming they used excessive force during a medical emergency last year by shocking him twice with a Taser gun and breaking his arm.
The complaint, filed earlier this week in U.S. District Court, does not name the police officers involved.
In the suit, Johnny E. Ward claims as a result of unlawful and excessive force he incurred mental, emotional and physical injuries, humiliation, medical and legal expenses and mental distress and anguish.
The seven-count suit seeks an unspecified amount in damages.
Ward says the incident occurred in the early morning hours of Oct. 17, 2007 as he was trying to leave his job at the Wal-Mart store on Dundee Avenue to get medication for a diabetic condition.
The complaint says that as an ambulance arrived to assist Ward, multiple officers in several police squad cars also pulled up to the store, even though store employees had not requested police assistance.
After Ward discussed his condition with paramedics, the complaint says, one of the officers shot him in the back with a Taser, knocking him to the ground. Ward hit his head on the ground as a result of the unprovoked use of force, the complaint says.
The suit says Ward then heard one of the police officers make a racially derogatory comment to another officer before pulling the Taser trigger again, administering a second shock.
Ward's left arm was broken when the officers handcuffed him behind his back and lifted him from the ground to the ambulance, the suit says.
He was taken to Sherman Hospital in Elgin where he was treated for a broken arm and other injuries. No report was completed documenting the police officers' use of force or use of the Taser device, the complaint says.
Calls to Ward's attorney, George Sachs, were not returned Wednesday.
East Dundee Police Chief Terry Mee said he had could not comment on the case because he had not yet seen the complaint.
Ward was not charged with violation of any law or ordinance.
The complaint, filed earlier this week in U.S. District Court, does not name the police officers involved.
In the suit, Johnny E. Ward claims as a result of unlawful and excessive force he incurred mental, emotional and physical injuries, humiliation, medical and legal expenses and mental distress and anguish.
The seven-count suit seeks an unspecified amount in damages.
Ward says the incident occurred in the early morning hours of Oct. 17, 2007 as he was trying to leave his job at the Wal-Mart store on Dundee Avenue to get medication for a diabetic condition.
The complaint says that as an ambulance arrived to assist Ward, multiple officers in several police squad cars also pulled up to the store, even though store employees had not requested police assistance.
After Ward discussed his condition with paramedics, the complaint says, one of the officers shot him in the back with a Taser, knocking him to the ground. Ward hit his head on the ground as a result of the unprovoked use of force, the complaint says.
The suit says Ward then heard one of the police officers make a racially derogatory comment to another officer before pulling the Taser trigger again, administering a second shock.
Ward's left arm was broken when the officers handcuffed him behind his back and lifted him from the ground to the ambulance, the suit says.
He was taken to Sherman Hospital in Elgin where he was treated for a broken arm and other injuries. No report was completed documenting the police officers' use of force or use of the Taser device, the complaint says.
Calls to Ward's attorney, George Sachs, were not returned Wednesday.
East Dundee Police Chief Terry Mee said he had could not comment on the case because he had not yet seen the complaint.
Ward was not charged with violation of any law or ordinance.
Sergeant John Landahl Accused of Stealing Cooking Grease
Four Folsom police officers have been placed on paid administrative leave, including a sergeant who is accused of stealing cooking oil, officials said Wednesday.
The actions have come as a result of four separate internal affairs investigations.
Sgt. John Landahl, a 22-year veteran of the Folsom Police Department, turned himself in Sept. 30 after he was accused of stealing $350 worth of cooking oil during a theft in March from the Malabar restaurant, police said.
"The police department has a duty to investigate all crimes regardless of who may be involved," Folsom Police Chief Sam Spiegel said in a statement. "Our investigation revealed a member of the department as a suspect."
The theft was reported by Sacramento Rendering Co., who are contracted to collect used cooking oil from local restaurants for recycling, police said.
Cooking oil is commonly used to convert to bio-diesel and other consumer products.
Landahl was released on his own recognizance the same day he turned himself in and has a court date set for later this month, officials said.
Last Thursday, three other officers were put on administrative leave for alleged misconduct.
"If the allegations are proven, than the department takes the appropriate steps necessary to impose the discipline that fits the crime," Lt. Perry Albers said.
http://cbs13.com/local/folsom.police.department.2.836125.html
Chop Shop Owner and two Officers Arrested
GEORGETOWN
Georgetown County Sheriff’s Investigators and members of the Organized Crime Bureau (OCB) arrested 22-year-old Martin Grice of Jackson Village Road, Georgetown, 30-year-old Patrick Cumbee of Freddie Lane, Andrews, and 26-year-old Dedrick McCray of Spruce Street, Andrews yesterday afternoon. Grice, a Georgetown County Detention Center Correctional Officer, was charged with Misconduct in Office and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Cumbee, an Andrews Police Officer, was charged with Misconduct in Office and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, and McCray, owner of a chop shop, was charged with Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Chop Shop, and Receiving Stolen Goods.
The investigation began Monday, October 6, 2008, when members of the OCB received information from a Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office employee that Grice was attempting to sell a stolen motorcycle. Once members of the OCB received this information they, along with sheriff’s investigators, discovered that Grice sold the motorcycle to Cumbee.
As the investigation continued, sheriff’s investigators, members of the OCB and members of the Andrews Police Department found that Cumbee purchased the motorcycle from Grice and took the motorcycle to McCray’s chop shop for alleged mechanical work.
When the investigation led to the whereabouts of the motorcycle and other valuable evidence, a search warrant was obtained for McCray’s residence to retrieve the motorcycle. During the execution of the search warrant, members of the OCB and sheriff’s investigators located the motorcycle in addition to other motorcycles. At this point another search warrant was obtained for the additional motorcycles.
Once the second search warrant was obtained it was discovered that parts on the other motorcycles were from other stolen motorcycles combined to construct one along with removed VINs and stolen license plates. These motorcycles and the one Grice sold Cumbee were seized along with other evidence items relating to the operation of a chop shop.
Grice, Cumbee, and McCray turned themselves in at the sheriff’s office yesterday where they were arrested and transported to the Georgetown County Detention Center. All three are currently awaiting a bond hearing.
http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/story/625095.html
Georgetown County Sheriff’s Investigators and members of the Organized Crime Bureau (OCB) arrested 22-year-old Martin Grice of Jackson Village Road, Georgetown, 30-year-old Patrick Cumbee of Freddie Lane, Andrews, and 26-year-old Dedrick McCray of Spruce Street, Andrews yesterday afternoon. Grice, a Georgetown County Detention Center Correctional Officer, was charged with Misconduct in Office and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Cumbee, an Andrews Police Officer, was charged with Misconduct in Office and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, and McCray, owner of a chop shop, was charged with Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Chop Shop, and Receiving Stolen Goods.
The investigation began Monday, October 6, 2008, when members of the OCB received information from a Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office employee that Grice was attempting to sell a stolen motorcycle. Once members of the OCB received this information they, along with sheriff’s investigators, discovered that Grice sold the motorcycle to Cumbee.
As the investigation continued, sheriff’s investigators, members of the OCB and members of the Andrews Police Department found that Cumbee purchased the motorcycle from Grice and took the motorcycle to McCray’s chop shop for alleged mechanical work.
When the investigation led to the whereabouts of the motorcycle and other valuable evidence, a search warrant was obtained for McCray’s residence to retrieve the motorcycle. During the execution of the search warrant, members of the OCB and sheriff’s investigators located the motorcycle in addition to other motorcycles. At this point another search warrant was obtained for the additional motorcycles.
Once the second search warrant was obtained it was discovered that parts on the other motorcycles were from other stolen motorcycles combined to construct one along with removed VINs and stolen license plates. These motorcycles and the one Grice sold Cumbee were seized along with other evidence items relating to the operation of a chop shop.
Grice, Cumbee, and McCray turned themselves in at the sheriff’s office yesterday where they were arrested and transported to the Georgetown County Detention Center. All three are currently awaiting a bond hearing.
http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/story/625095.html
Deputy Accused of Stealing Nickles From Crash Site
TITUSVILLE, Fla.
At least one Brevard County sheriff's deputy is being investigated on suspicion of gathering some of the federal government's scattered nickels that remain along Interstate 95 nearly a month after a crash involving a U.S. Treasury truck.
Details of the internal investigation will not be made public until the inquiry is complete.
"All we are allowed to say is that there is an active internal investigation going on that started on Sept. 26," Brevard County sheriff's Sgt. Linda Moros said. "The investigation was authorized by the sheriff and it was brought about internally."
One motorist caught with $300 in nickels had to give them up but was let off with only a warning.
The freshly minted nickels are property of the U.S. Treasury, and, in this case, finders aren't keepers.
The nickels were en route from the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia to the Federal Reserve Bank in Miami.
Two other people were injured in the crash, which shut down southbound I-95 just south of Scottsmoor for several hours while Treasury officials used heavy equipment to scrape up as many nickels as they could collect.
The Sept. 17 fatal wreck closed a stretch of I-95 for several hours in north Brevard County as Secret Service crews worked to clear the roadway of 3.7 million nickels. Most of the $185,000 was recovered.
The Florida Highway Patrol said that the armored truck carrying the booty rear-ended another truck, sending it into a guardrail on the west shoulder of the highway, just south of county Road 5A. The armored truck then overturned on its right side in the center median, killing a guard in the truck's sleeper cab and spilling tons of nickels.
The truck was on its way to the Miami branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, according to authorities.
Florida Highway Patrol officials have warned against anyone stopping to take the coins, as they are still property of the Treasury Department.
FHP spokeswoman Kim Miller said it is not only dangerous, but against the law.
"This isn't abandoned property," she said last month. "We know who the owner is."
http://www.local6.com/
September 22, 2008: Police Search For Motorists Who Stuffed Pockets With Nickels After Treasury Rig Crash
September 17, 2008: 4 Million Nickels Scattered On I-95 When U.S. Treasury Big Rig Crashes
At least one Brevard County sheriff's deputy is being investigated on suspicion of gathering some of the federal government's scattered nickels that remain along Interstate 95 nearly a month after a crash involving a U.S. Treasury truck.
Details of the internal investigation will not be made public until the inquiry is complete.
"All we are allowed to say is that there is an active internal investigation going on that started on Sept. 26," Brevard County sheriff's Sgt. Linda Moros said. "The investigation was authorized by the sheriff and it was brought about internally."
One motorist caught with $300 in nickels had to give them up but was let off with only a warning.
The freshly minted nickels are property of the U.S. Treasury, and, in this case, finders aren't keepers.
The nickels were en route from the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia to the Federal Reserve Bank in Miami.
Two other people were injured in the crash, which shut down southbound I-95 just south of Scottsmoor for several hours while Treasury officials used heavy equipment to scrape up as many nickels as they could collect.
The Sept. 17 fatal wreck closed a stretch of I-95 for several hours in north Brevard County as Secret Service crews worked to clear the roadway of 3.7 million nickels. Most of the $185,000 was recovered.
The Florida Highway Patrol said that the armored truck carrying the booty rear-ended another truck, sending it into a guardrail on the west shoulder of the highway, just south of county Road 5A. The armored truck then overturned on its right side in the center median, killing a guard in the truck's sleeper cab and spilling tons of nickels.
The truck was on its way to the Miami branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, according to authorities.
Florida Highway Patrol officials have warned against anyone stopping to take the coins, as they are still property of the Treasury Department.
FHP spokeswoman Kim Miller said it is not only dangerous, but against the law.
"This isn't abandoned property," she said last month. "We know who the owner is."
http://www.local6.com/
September 22, 2008: Police Search For Motorists Who Stuffed Pockets With Nickels After Treasury Rig Crash
September 17, 2008: 4 Million Nickels Scattered On I-95 When U.S. Treasury Big Rig Crashes
Sgt Jerry Pace Jr Back on the Job After Being Arrested for Domestic Assault
Danville Police Sgt. Jerry L. Pace has returned to administrative desk duty after being on administrative leave, Chief Philip Broadfoot said in a statement released Wednesday.
Pace was arrested by the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office on Sept. 30 on a charge of domestic assault.
Pace was placed on administrative leave until his arraignment on Tuesday, Broadfoot said.
“I have reviewed the preliminary findings of the department’s internal affairs investigation into this matter,” Broadfoot said. “I have determined that it is appropriate to return Sgt. Pace to administrative desk duty, effective today (Wednesday), until the conclusion of the internal investigation and all court proceedings, at which time a final decision on the status of Sgt. Pace will be made.”
Pace, a member of the police department’s Investigations Division and president of the Fraternal Order of Police, was arrested and charged with assault after a deputy responded to a domestic violence call in the county, Sheriff Mike Taylor said Monday.
Authorities have not said whether the woman Pace is accused of assaulting is his girlfriend or wife, and have not released any other evidence from the case.
Pace was released on bond.
The sergeant also was charged with assault in December 2003 after a dispute with his girlfriend and her daughter, but those charges were dropped in May 2004.
Officer Mark Szweda Suspended for Drunk Driving
SOUTH BEND
A South Bend police officer who admitted to drunk driving is now serving a 21-day unpaid suspension.
The Public Safety Board handed down the punishment Wednesday morning.
The Public Safety Board handed down the punishment Wednesday morning.
Nappanee Police arrested Mark Szweda in August. They say he was going 62 in a 35 mph zone.
In addition to the suspension Szweda will have to participate in an alcohol treatment program.
The punishment adopted was recommended by Police Chief Daryll Boykins.
“Anytime an officer, whether it’s DUI or any type of discipline, has to go through the Board of Works they can take my recommendation or go with their own,” Boykins explained.
A judge sentenced Szweda to one year in jail, but suspended that and placed him on probation.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Officer Robert Bennett Charged with Bribery
A Pearson Police officer is arrested, charged with extorting money from drivers.
28 year-old Robert Bennett is charged with two counts bribery and two counts theft by extortion.
The GBI and Atkinson County Sheriff's Office say they arrested Bennett while he was on duty Friday.
He's accuse of pulling over Hispanic drivers and not ticketing them in exchange for money.
http://www.wrcbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9147133
28 year-old Robert Bennett is charged with two counts bribery and two counts theft by extortion.
The GBI and Atkinson County Sheriff's Office say they arrested Bennett while he was on duty Friday.
He's accuse of pulling over Hispanic drivers and not ticketing them in exchange for money.
http://www.wrcbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9147133
Officer Ken Groppi Has Resigned
A Plymouth police officer accused of sending inappropriate text messages to a female high school student has resigned.
Officer Ken Groppi was a resource officer at Plymouth North High School. He had been under investigation since last week when the student came forward and reported the messages to school officials.
Groppi, 36, submitted a letter of resignation to Plymouth police Tuesday morning.
Police officials say there is no indication that any physical contact occurred between Groppi and the student.
Groppi had been with the Plymouth Police Department for five years and had been assigned to the high school for about three years.
http://www.patriotledger.com/news/x2046364301/Officer-accused-of-inappropriate-text-messages-resigns
Officer Kevin Sledge Facing Rape Charges is Free on Bond
LAWRENCE
A Lawrence police officer facing rape and kidnapping charges has been released on $10,000 cash bail.
Chief John Romero says Officer Kevin Sledge was released Friday.
The 46-year-old Sledge, a 15-year veteran, allegedly left his post without permission and picked up an intoxicated 23-year-old woman he came upon on Jackson Street last month. He allegedly sexually assaulted the woman in his car in a parking lot near the police station over a two-hour period before the woman got out of his car and went to the station to report the incident.
Sledge, of Salem, N.H., has been placed on paid administrative leave and stripped of his gun and badge.
Romero says a termination hearing scheduled for last Friday was postponed at the request of the patrolmen’s union’s lawyer until later this month.
___
Information from: The Eagle-Tribune, http://www.eagletribune.com
A Lawrence police officer facing rape and kidnapping charges has been released on $10,000 cash bail.
Chief John Romero says Officer Kevin Sledge was released Friday.
The 46-year-old Sledge, a 15-year veteran, allegedly left his post without permission and picked up an intoxicated 23-year-old woman he came upon on Jackson Street last month. He allegedly sexually assaulted the woman in his car in a parking lot near the police station over a two-hour period before the woman got out of his car and went to the station to report the incident.
Sledge, of Salem, N.H., has been placed on paid administrative leave and stripped of his gun and badge.
Romero says a termination hearing scheduled for last Friday was postponed at the request of the patrolmen’s union’s lawyer until later this month.
___
Information from: The Eagle-Tribune, http://www.eagletribune.com
Deputy Robert McClain Fired After Attacking his Wife
IRVINE
A Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy arrested in Irvine for allegedly attacking his wife and a man he apparently believed to be her lover will be fired today, a sheriff's spokesman said.
Deputy Robert Avery McClain, 34, will be separated from the job he has held since November 2007 by the end of the business day, said Steve Whitmore, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
"Obviously, it was a very brutal attack, and the sheriff feels very strongly about it," Whitmore said.
McClain is also expected to be charged and make his initial appearance in a Newport Beach courtroom today for allegedly attacking his wife and the 23- year-old man, authorities said.
The woman was hurt in the attack but not as severely as the young man.
McClain was in custody in the Theo Lacy branch jail, where he was booked on suspicion of attempted murder and other crimes for allegedly attacking the man and stabbing him near the genitals.
Handfield took issue with press accounts describing the attack on the man as an attempted castration.
"He does have puncture wounds in the area of the groin, on the inside of his leg, but (a castration attempt) is a little too exaggerated for me," he said.
The victim was being kept in a medically induced coma and listed in stable condition, Handfield said.
The father of the injured man said that his son's face was beaten so severely that he could hardly recognize him. He said it was his "understanding" that the woman was trying to leave the deputy, who thought his wife was having an affair with his son.
McClain also allegedly attacked his wife, but police refused to identify her or say how she had been hurt.
Irvine police were sent to an apartment leasing office at 1000 Peyton on Monday in response to reports of an assault, which apparently took place there between 10:30 p.m. Sunday and 1 a.m. Monday, Handfield said. The wife works in the office, and the male victim lives at the complex, according to police and published reports.
A Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy arrested in Irvine for allegedly attacking his wife and a man he apparently believed to be her lover will be fired today, a sheriff's spokesman said.
Deputy Robert Avery McClain, 34, will be separated from the job he has held since November 2007 by the end of the business day, said Steve Whitmore, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
"Obviously, it was a very brutal attack, and the sheriff feels very strongly about it," Whitmore said.
McClain is also expected to be charged and make his initial appearance in a Newport Beach courtroom today for allegedly attacking his wife and the 23- year-old man, authorities said.
The woman was hurt in the attack but not as severely as the young man.
McClain was in custody in the Theo Lacy branch jail, where he was booked on suspicion of attempted murder and other crimes for allegedly attacking the man and stabbing him near the genitals.
Handfield took issue with press accounts describing the attack on the man as an attempted castration.
"He does have puncture wounds in the area of the groin, on the inside of his leg, but (a castration attempt) is a little too exaggerated for me," he said.
The victim was being kept in a medically induced coma and listed in stable condition, Handfield said.
The father of the injured man said that his son's face was beaten so severely that he could hardly recognize him. He said it was his "understanding" that the woman was trying to leave the deputy, who thought his wife was having an affair with his son.
McClain also allegedly attacked his wife, but police refused to identify her or say how she had been hurt.
Irvine police were sent to an apartment leasing office at 1000 Peyton on Monday in response to reports of an assault, which apparently took place there between 10:30 p.m. Sunday and 1 a.m. Monday, Handfield said. The wife works in the office, and the male victim lives at the complex, according to police and published reports.
Sergeant Jerry Pace Jr Charged with Assault
Danville Police Department Sergeant, Jerry Pace, Jr., was arrested by the Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office last Tuesday and charged with assault.
Details concerning the case were not released other than the arrest and charge.
Pace, also the president of the Fraternal Order of Police, is on administrative leave from the police department indefinitely.
He was previously charged with assault in Dec. 2003, but those charges were dropped in May 2004.
Pace is the president of the Fraternal Order of Police.
Details concerning the case were not released other than the arrest and charge.
Pace, also the president of the Fraternal Order of Police, is on administrative leave from the police department indefinitely.
He was previously charged with assault in Dec. 2003, but those charges were dropped in May 2004.
Pace is the president of the Fraternal Order of Police.
Officer Nicholas Reitmeier Pleads Guilty of Taking Pornographic Photos of Teens
A Lakeville police officer accused of supplying two 17-year-old girls with liquor and taking pornographic photos and video footage of them pleaded guilty Tuesday.
Patrol officer Nicholas Albert Reitmeier, 25, pleaded guilty in Dakota County District Court to a felony charge for the use of minors in pornography and a misdemeanor charge for the reckless use of handguns. He initially faced two charges for each of those offenses as well as two gross misdemeanors for allegedly furnishing alcohol to minors.
Dakota County prosecutor Scott Hersey and defense attorney Jim Carlson reached a plea agreement to dismiss the other charges, which Judge Timothy McManus accepted.
The agreement also stated Reitmeier would serve 30 days in county jail, would not use alcohol or drugs, would not have contact with the victims and would not possess firearms. He will be on probation for up to four years.
"I'm just trying to move on with my life now," Reitmeier said during the court hearing. "I have a kid on the way. I want to be there for that."
Reitmeier is on administrative leave from the Lakeville Police Department, Carlson said. However, he likely will lose his job because of the felony conviction.
A police spokesman could not be reached Tuesday night for comment.
"Mr. Reitmeier has given up a lot more than most individuals in his same situation," Carlson said. "This was a huge error in his judgment."
According to the criminal complaint:
Reitmeier's friend Shin Taniguchi, 26, of Apple Valley, knew one of the teenagers and invited the girls to Reitmeier's house in the early morning of Dec. 23, 2007.
Reitmeier allegedly gave them 40-ounce beers and asked how old they were, the girls told authorities. "Old enough," one girl answered.
Taniguchi later told investigators he knew the age of the girl he invited to the house.
Carlson said Tuesday that Reitmeier did not know how old the girls were.
"These individuals were 17 years of age. These individuals were not 5," Carlson said.
Regardless, the victims, now 18, were affected by the incident, Hersey said.
After the beers, Reitmeier made the teens several mixed drinks in a martini shaker, the girls said. One of them changed into Reitmeier's shirt, which had a police logo on it.
The men also posed with Reitmeier's guns in photos and aimed them at each other. One of the weapons was Reitmeier's police sidearm.
The teenagers said they started kissing each other and became partially undressed while the men took pictures with a camera and videotaped them with cell phones.
Someone who knew Taniguchi later told one of the girls about seeing the videos. News of the recorded images circulated at the girls' school, and a student told a police liaison about them. Authorities refused to name the Dakota County school.
On Jan. 11, Dakota County sheriff's investigators searched Reitmeier's home. They seized a computer with 12 photographs of Reitmeier, Taniguchi and a female posing with the handguns, which detectives found in his house and vehicle.
They found an additional 19 photographs and four short videos of the girls partially undressed in sexual positions with each other.
Taniguchi faces two felony counts for the alleged use of minors in the pornography and two misdemeanor counts each for the alleged reckless use of handguns. He is scheduled to appear in court Nov. 17.
Reitmeier became a patrol officer in 2004 after serving as a nonsworn community service officer for two years in Lakeville.
http://www.twincities.com/
Patrol officer Nicholas Albert Reitmeier, 25, pleaded guilty in Dakota County District Court to a felony charge for the use of minors in pornography and a misdemeanor charge for the reckless use of handguns. He initially faced two charges for each of those offenses as well as two gross misdemeanors for allegedly furnishing alcohol to minors.
Dakota County prosecutor Scott Hersey and defense attorney Jim Carlson reached a plea agreement to dismiss the other charges, which Judge Timothy McManus accepted.
The agreement also stated Reitmeier would serve 30 days in county jail, would not use alcohol or drugs, would not have contact with the victims and would not possess firearms. He will be on probation for up to four years.
"I'm just trying to move on with my life now," Reitmeier said during the court hearing. "I have a kid on the way. I want to be there for that."
Reitmeier is on administrative leave from the Lakeville Police Department, Carlson said. However, he likely will lose his job because of the felony conviction.
A police spokesman could not be reached Tuesday night for comment.
"Mr. Reitmeier has given up a lot more than most individuals in his same situation," Carlson said. "This was a huge error in his judgment."
According to the criminal complaint:
Reitmeier's friend Shin Taniguchi, 26, of Apple Valley, knew one of the teenagers and invited the girls to Reitmeier's house in the early morning of Dec. 23, 2007.
Reitmeier allegedly gave them 40-ounce beers and asked how old they were, the girls told authorities. "Old enough," one girl answered.
Taniguchi later told investigators he knew the age of the girl he invited to the house.
Carlson said Tuesday that Reitmeier did not know how old the girls were.
"These individuals were 17 years of age. These individuals were not 5," Carlson said.
Regardless, the victims, now 18, were affected by the incident, Hersey said.
After the beers, Reitmeier made the teens several mixed drinks in a martini shaker, the girls said. One of them changed into Reitmeier's shirt, which had a police logo on it.
The men also posed with Reitmeier's guns in photos and aimed them at each other. One of the weapons was Reitmeier's police sidearm.
The teenagers said they started kissing each other and became partially undressed while the men took pictures with a camera and videotaped them with cell phones.
Someone who knew Taniguchi later told one of the girls about seeing the videos. News of the recorded images circulated at the girls' school, and a student told a police liaison about them. Authorities refused to name the Dakota County school.
On Jan. 11, Dakota County sheriff's investigators searched Reitmeier's home. They seized a computer with 12 photographs of Reitmeier, Taniguchi and a female posing with the handguns, which detectives found in his house and vehicle.
They found an additional 19 photographs and four short videos of the girls partially undressed in sexual positions with each other.
Taniguchi faces two felony counts for the alleged use of minors in the pornography and two misdemeanor counts each for the alleged reckless use of handguns. He is scheduled to appear in court Nov. 17.
Reitmeier became a patrol officer in 2004 after serving as a nonsworn community service officer for two years in Lakeville.
http://www.twincities.com/
Police Officers Accused of Assaulting 4 Inmates
South Africa
FOUR Mdantsane residents have accused police of beating them up in an attack last weekend that put one of them in hospital with serious injuries. And the NU1 officers have responded by opening a case of assault against their accusers.
Yesterday Nomava Nonto, Thamsanqa Faku and Bulelani Makeleni were nursing bruises they claimed to have got while being held in the police cells.
One victim , Simbonile Ntongwane, 27, was taken to Cecilia Makiwane Hospital after a fire extinguisher was allegedly slammed into his head by the officers at the station.
Yesterday he was transferred to Frere Hospital to receive stitches to his gums and head.
His mother, Nolakhe Ntongwane, said she couldn’t hold back her tears when she saw him.
“They nearly killed my son,” she said. “He can’t eat; he is in pain; he just can’t do anything.
“He told me that the police said they will kill him to stop the case.”
The other three said they were terrified of the officers who, they claimed, bragged they would dispose of the dockets if any case was opened against them.
The trouble began on Friday when the policemen tried to arrest a group of people playing dice on the street.
The gamblers ran away and at that point Faku, who is Nonto’s brother, was stopped by the officers and questioned as he apparently passed by.
Nonto alleged that the police grabbed Faku and when she stopped them, they pulled out a gun and hit her with it.
In an ensuing melee, the two police officers allegedly pulled out another firearm and arrested Ntongwane and Makeleni, who were on the scene.
Nonto said they were then forced into the back of the police vehicle at gun point and taken to the cells, where the assaults allegedly continued.
Children at the scene captured footage of the incident but none of the cellphone clips showed any assaults taking place, although one officer can be seen with a firearm.
Mdantsane police spokesperson Leon Fortune said he could confirm that an officer was assaulted last week.
“We don’t know about the alleged assault in the holding cells,” said Fortune.
“Anyone who was assaulted must come to the police station to open up a case.”
The three making the allegations against the police appeared in the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court on Monday on charges of assault and are scheduled to appear again on November 6.
FOUR Mdantsane residents have accused police of beating them up in an attack last weekend that put one of them in hospital with serious injuries. And the NU1 officers have responded by opening a case of assault against their accusers.
Yesterday Nomava Nonto, Thamsanqa Faku and Bulelani Makeleni were nursing bruises they claimed to have got while being held in the police cells.
One victim , Simbonile Ntongwane, 27, was taken to Cecilia Makiwane Hospital after a fire extinguisher was allegedly slammed into his head by the officers at the station.
Yesterday he was transferred to Frere Hospital to receive stitches to his gums and head.
His mother, Nolakhe Ntongwane, said she couldn’t hold back her tears when she saw him.
“They nearly killed my son,” she said. “He can’t eat; he is in pain; he just can’t do anything.
“He told me that the police said they will kill him to stop the case.”
The other three said they were terrified of the officers who, they claimed, bragged they would dispose of the dockets if any case was opened against them.
The trouble began on Friday when the policemen tried to arrest a group of people playing dice on the street.
The gamblers ran away and at that point Faku, who is Nonto’s brother, was stopped by the officers and questioned as he apparently passed by.
Nonto alleged that the police grabbed Faku and when she stopped them, they pulled out a gun and hit her with it.
In an ensuing melee, the two police officers allegedly pulled out another firearm and arrested Ntongwane and Makeleni, who were on the scene.
Nonto said they were then forced into the back of the police vehicle at gun point and taken to the cells, where the assaults allegedly continued.
Children at the scene captured footage of the incident but none of the cellphone clips showed any assaults taking place, although one officer can be seen with a firearm.
Mdantsane police spokesperson Leon Fortune said he could confirm that an officer was assaulted last week.
“We don’t know about the alleged assault in the holding cells,” said Fortune.
“Anyone who was assaulted must come to the police station to open up a case.”
The three making the allegations against the police appeared in the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court on Monday on charges of assault and are scheduled to appear again on November 6.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Arrest of Brandon Backe leads to Galveston PD Internal Probe
GALVESTON
Police have begun an internal investigation of a weekend confrontation between police and members of a wedding party that led to the arrest of Astros pitcher Brandon Backe.
Witnesses said Monday that police needlessly beat, Tasered and pepper-sprayed wedding guests who were trying to comply with police commands during an incident in which officers arrested 10 people, including Backe, at an outdoor bar at the San Luis Hotel on Seawall Boulevard.
Daniel Cole O'Balle, 19, was injured during the incident and flown by helicopter to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. Backe was charged with three counts of assault on a public servant and two counts of retaliation. He was released on $115,000 bond.
Galveston police spokesman Cpt. Walter Braun said the department's office of professional conduct was conducting an internal investigation, although no formal complaints of officer misconduct had been received. "This administration is taking a proactive step," Braun said.
Police said a melee ensued after an officer approached O'Balle about entering the pool area with an open container of alcohol.
Witnesses' versions of the Saturday night confrontation differ widely from the description in the police report. Five witnesses told the Houston Chronicle they saw no one, including Backe, resist police.
They also said that there was no fight in the bar as described by police.
Witnesses described dozens of police storming a shocked and unresisting wedding party, shouting profanity and roughly shoving men and women.
Michael McMillan, 36, of Houston, said he and Backe walked up to see what the commotion was about and saw O'Balle on the ground bleeding, being shocked with a Taser and handcuffed. Police began shouting at them to back up and they complied, he said.
After they backed up as far as they could, McMillan said, officers continued shouting, "and Brandon Backe said, 'Sir, be cool, we're backed up as far as we can go.' "
As soon as Backe spoke, several officers wrestled him to the ground, punching him as he went down, McMillan said.
"A police officer kicks him right in the face," he said.
Backe never used profanity, insults or resisted the officers, McMillan said.
McMillan said he moved away and began walking down the hill with his wife when an officer ran at him and struck him with an elbow, knocking him to the ground. Several officers piled on and one put a foot in his back, he said.
He was put in a police car with Backe, he said. When they complained about their handcuffs being painfully tight, officers increased the pain by cornering at high speeds and forcing them to slide along the seat, he said. He said officers laughed as they cried out in pain.
Describing the experience, McMillan said, "You will feel the most helpless, humiliated, betrayed, that you will ever feel."
Chris Cornwell, 26, of Galveston, said police threw him to the ground when he asked them to stop shoving his pregnant wife. An officer put his foot on Cornwell's head until he stopped talking, he said.
Matt Goodson, 26, of Galveston, said he was taken down next to Cornwell. One of the officers picked up his head and pepper-sprayed him in the face for no reason, he said.
http://www.chron.com
Deputy Randall Creek Wanted for Murder has been Captured
A Kentucky sheriff's deputy accused of killing his ex-girlfriend was captured in Iowa early Tuesday after an officer spotted his car at a hotel.
Randall Creek, 41, of Bowling Green, Ky., was taken into custody without incident shortly after midnight at a motel in Evansdale, about 600 miles from Smiths Grove, Ky., where his ex-girlfriend, Debbie Rediess, was gunned down Sunday.
Black Hawk County sheriff's Capt. Reid Corson said they had information that Creek was in Iowa, and officers started checking motels. A police officer on routine patrol spotted Creek's car at a Days Inn and officers set up surveillance.
"He exited the hotel room unaware that they were there and they grabbed him," Corson said.
Corson said Creek had no ties to Iowa and was just "traveling through."
Kentucky authorities have said Creek confessed to the killing in an e-mail exchange Monday that was sent to a newspaper, Kentucky State Police and about 30 other recipients.
"I am not running to get away but I am going to make the KSP earn their money on this one," Creek said in the e-mail, which was posted on the Daily News of Bowling Green's Web site. "I have never been armed after the encounter and there will be no chase or struggle I assure you."
Late Monday afternoon, Creek sent another e-mail to law enforcement and media in which he threatened a county jailer.
Creek waived extradition during a court appearance Tuesday morning, Black Hawk County sheriff's Sgt. Pat Hagerty said.
Creek was represented by the public defender's office. Bond was set at $1 million.
Hagerty said Creek will return to Kentucky. He declined to say when that might happen.
More Information: http://www.gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081007/NEWS/710079940/1006/news
Randall Creek, 41, of Bowling Green, Ky., was taken into custody without incident shortly after midnight at a motel in Evansdale, about 600 miles from Smiths Grove, Ky., where his ex-girlfriend, Debbie Rediess, was gunned down Sunday.
Black Hawk County sheriff's Capt. Reid Corson said they had information that Creek was in Iowa, and officers started checking motels. A police officer on routine patrol spotted Creek's car at a Days Inn and officers set up surveillance.
"He exited the hotel room unaware that they were there and they grabbed him," Corson said.
Corson said Creek had no ties to Iowa and was just "traveling through."
Kentucky authorities have said Creek confessed to the killing in an e-mail exchange Monday that was sent to a newspaper, Kentucky State Police and about 30 other recipients.
"I am not running to get away but I am going to make the KSP earn their money on this one," Creek said in the e-mail, which was posted on the Daily News of Bowling Green's Web site. "I have never been armed after the encounter and there will be no chase or struggle I assure you."
Late Monday afternoon, Creek sent another e-mail to law enforcement and media in which he threatened a county jailer.
Creek waived extradition during a court appearance Tuesday morning, Black Hawk County sheriff's Sgt. Pat Hagerty said.
Creek was represented by the public defender's office. Bond was set at $1 million.
Hagerty said Creek will return to Kentucky. He declined to say when that might happen.
More Information: http://www.gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081007/NEWS/710079940/1006/news
Deputy Randall Creek Wanted for Murder Taunts Police
A sheriff's deputy accused of killing his ex-girlfriend in Kentucky taunted state police in an e-mail exchange Monday, threatening a county jailer and telling police he was going to "make them earn their money" in their search for him.
Simpson County Sheriff's Deputy Randall Creek, 41, is wanted on a warrant for murder in the death of his ex-girlfriend, Debbie R. Rediess, 46, authorities said. Rediess was shot to death outside her home Sunday morning in Smiths Grove, 85 miles south of Louisville.
In an e-mail that was sent to a newspaper, Kentucky State Police and about 30 other recipients, Creek confesses to the killing, trooper Todd Holder said.
"I am not running to get away but I am going to make the KSP earn their money on this one," Creek said in the e-mail, which was posted on The Daily News of Bowling Green's Web site. "I have never been armed after the encounter and there will be no chase or struggle I assure you."
Authorities, however, said they think Creek is armed with at least a handgun, and they said they had evidence that he had been in the Louisville area.
Late Monday afternoon, Creek sent another e-mail to law enforcement and media in which he threatened Warren County Jailer Jackie Strode. Creek ran as a Republican in the 2002 jailer's race and was defeated by Strode, the incumbent. Creek also said in the e-mail that Strode fired him from a job at the county jail in 1999.
"If I have contact with him at his facility I assure you I will kill him with my bare hands and he knows I am capable even before this encounter happened," he said in the e-mail.
Holder said police had notified Strode, the jail and area law enforcement.
"We know he's stopping and using computers. We know he's alive," Holder said.
Hours before Rediess was shot, Creek sent an e-mail to The Daily News describing his feelings for her. It was one of several letters Creek had written to the paper in recent years, the newspaper reported.
In the letter, Creek said Rediess ended their relationship after five years because he wouldn't set a wedding date.
"I don't blame her for leaving but I guess the message I am trying to get across to couples in this area is never take for granted that your spouse or girlfriend will always be there," he wrote in the e-mail. "To my darling Debbie I love you very much and I hope that one day we will be married and live happily ever after."
State police got Creek's personal e-mail address from the suspect's brother and sent their own message asking Creek to turn himself in. Three hours and 35 minutes later, Creek responded, saying he had become jealous after seeing his ex-girlfriend with another man.
Louisville police, state troopers and U.S. marshals were searching for Creek.
Simpson County Sheriff's Deputy Randall Creek, 41, is wanted on a warrant for murder in the death of his ex-girlfriend, Debbie R. Rediess, 46, authorities said. Rediess was shot to death outside her home Sunday morning in Smiths Grove, 85 miles south of Louisville.
In an e-mail that was sent to a newspaper, Kentucky State Police and about 30 other recipients, Creek confesses to the killing, trooper Todd Holder said.
"I am not running to get away but I am going to make the KSP earn their money on this one," Creek said in the e-mail, which was posted on The Daily News of Bowling Green's Web site. "I have never been armed after the encounter and there will be no chase or struggle I assure you."
Authorities, however, said they think Creek is armed with at least a handgun, and they said they had evidence that he had been in the Louisville area.
Late Monday afternoon, Creek sent another e-mail to law enforcement and media in which he threatened Warren County Jailer Jackie Strode. Creek ran as a Republican in the 2002 jailer's race and was defeated by Strode, the incumbent. Creek also said in the e-mail that Strode fired him from a job at the county jail in 1999.
"If I have contact with him at his facility I assure you I will kill him with my bare hands and he knows I am capable even before this encounter happened," he said in the e-mail.
Holder said police had notified Strode, the jail and area law enforcement.
"We know he's stopping and using computers. We know he's alive," Holder said.
Hours before Rediess was shot, Creek sent an e-mail to The Daily News describing his feelings for her. It was one of several letters Creek had written to the paper in recent years, the newspaper reported.
In the letter, Creek said Rediess ended their relationship after five years because he wouldn't set a wedding date.
"I don't blame her for leaving but I guess the message I am trying to get across to couples in this area is never take for granted that your spouse or girlfriend will always be there," he wrote in the e-mail. "To my darling Debbie I love you very much and I hope that one day we will be married and live happily ever after."
State police got Creek's personal e-mail address from the suspect's brother and sent their own message asking Creek to turn himself in. Three hours and 35 minutes later, Creek responded, saying he had become jealous after seeing his ex-girlfriend with another man.
Louisville police, state troopers and U.S. marshals were searching for Creek.
Two Officers Charged with Beating Pasadena Officer
An apparent love triangle among three police officers erupted in violence last week, landing two of them in court Monday, officials said.
Tina Marie Perez, 37, a Pasadena police officer, and Timothy Robert Troxell, 38, a South Houston police sergeant, are charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with a confrontation between them and another Pasadena police officer, said John Cannon, spokesman for the Houston Police Department.
Cannon said Houston police investigated the case. The three officers were off-duty at the time.
Perez and Troxell appeared in court Monday but were rescheduled to appear Nov. 12. They are free on $30,000 bond each. Perez's attorney, Charles Adams, said the incident is a case of self-defense.
"I am saying emphatically that Ms. Perez and Troxell did nothing wrong in this case," Adams said outside the courtroom.
Troxell's attorney, Cristobal Galindo, said his client had come to Perez's aid after she was attacked.
Assistant District Attorney Katie Warren declined to discuss the case, saying it is under investigation.
Houston police identified the third officer as Marvin Ouellette, 36.
The officers could not be reached for comment.
Houston police said Perez told investigators she had broken off her relationship with Ouellette. She said Troxell was her boyfriend.
Ouellette told investigators that he and Perez had an on-again, off-again relationship and that they were trying to reconcile, police said.
Police said that Ouellette arrived at Perez's home in the 9700 block of Ebb about 3 a.m. Friday after he had tried in vain to reach Perez by telephone.
Perez told investigators, police said, that Ouellette assaulted her outside her house in the driveway and that Troxell defended her.
Troxell, police said, hit Ouellette several times with a pistol, and Perez kicked and punched him. Ouellette did not admit hitting Perez, police said.
A witness saw two people beating a third person, police said.
Ouellette was treated at Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital and later released, said Vance Mitchell, spokesman for the Pasadena Police Department. Mitchell said Perez is temporarily suspended without pay. He said she was rehired by the department in June 2005 after leaving the force to work for another law enforcement agency.
Mitchell said he could not release information about Ouellette's status in the department because he has not been charged with a crime.
Troxell has been temporarily suspended without pay, said South Houston Police Chief Herbert Gilbert.
Gilbert declined to discuss the allegations, but added that Troxell has been with the department for 5 1/2 years.
Perez and Troxell each could face up to 20 years in prison if they are convicted of the second-degree felony.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Officer Christopher McGinn Charged with Drug Offences
A SERVING Police officer has appeared in court charged with drug offences.
Christopher McGinn, 28, appeared on petition at Haddington Sheriff Court today, where he was charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and with perverting the course of justice.
McGinn, a serving police officer from Prestonpans in East Lothian, has now been suspended from duty.
He appeared in court alongside another man, 27-year-old David Gare.
Gare, of Musselburgh in East Lothian, was also charged under the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act.
A Crown Office spokeswoman said both men made no plea or declaration and were remanded in custody.
Source: Edinburgh Evening News
The case was continued for further examination and they are expected to appear in court again later this month.
Lothian and Borders Police today confirmed two men had been arrested and charged with alleged drugs offences following an investigation by the force.
In a statement, they said: "The force can confirm that one of the accused is a serving uniformed police officer, and that individual has been suspended."
Christopher McGinn, 28, appeared on petition at Haddington Sheriff Court today, where he was charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and with perverting the course of justice.
McGinn, a serving police officer from Prestonpans in East Lothian, has now been suspended from duty.
He appeared in court alongside another man, 27-year-old David Gare.
Gare, of Musselburgh in East Lothian, was also charged under the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act.
A Crown Office spokeswoman said both men made no plea or declaration and were remanded in custody.
Source: Edinburgh Evening News
The case was continued for further examination and they are expected to appear in court again later this month.
Lothian and Borders Police today confirmed two men had been arrested and charged with alleged drugs offences following an investigation by the force.
In a statement, they said: "The force can confirm that one of the accused is a serving uniformed police officer, and that individual has been suspended."
Rookie Officer Alfie Madrid Charged with Killing Officer
MANILA, Philippines
A rookie policeman – one of the topnotchers in the 2005 criminology licensure examinations – was charged Monday with shooting and killing a police officer and wounding his wife following an argument over a minor road accident in Bacoor, Cavite province.
PO1 Alfie Madrid, 26, was charged with murder and frustrated murder at the Bacoor Prosecutor’s Office, according to Supt. Mario Reyes, town police chief.
Reyes said they also filed a case for illegal possession of firearms and ammunitions against the suspect.
The same charges were filed against Hermogenes Gagan, a civilian who was with Madrid at the time of the shooting incident.
A police investigation showed that Madrid, who is assigned to the Regional Special Action Unit of the National Capital Region Police Office, shot Insp. William Pelicano, a policeman assigned in Las Piñas City, during an argument following a vehicular accident on Marcos Alvarez Road in Barangay Molino 3, Bacoor, at around 8 p.m. Friday.
Pelicano, who was accompanied by his wife, Babylyn, was in a passenger jeepney when it was bumped by a Daihatsu multicab driven by Gagan. Seated beside Gagan was Madrid.
The victim, who was wearing a police uniform, alighted from the jeep and talked to Gagan. When the victim and the suspects started arguing, Madrid allegedly shot Pelicano several times, a police report said.
Pelicano’s wife rushed to his aid, but Madrid also shot her in the arm, the report added.
Pelicano was rushed to the Molino Doctors Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.
Police found two 9 mm Beretta pistols, bullets and magazines for .45 cal. and 9 mm handguns and Gagan’s license to carry firearms in his van. Gagan was arrested by Bacoor police who rushed to the scene, while Madrid was apprehended in a follow-up operation.
According to the records of the Professional Regulation Commission, Madrid ranked seventh among the 1,476 examinees who passed the criminology board tests in May 2005.
Madrid’s superior, NCRPO chief Director Jefferson Soriano, Monday ordered his men to undergo a weekly “troop information and education” to prevent similar incidents from happening.
He also met with RSAU personnel in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, where he told them to strictly “respect the police uniform and rank.”
“Starting today, I will require a strict observance of the chain of command, from Police Officers 1 to the highest position in the command,” Soriano told 300 RSAU agents, considered as the NCRPO’s elite police unit.
In his speech, Soriano said the incident only showed the “grave problem” regarding the lack of respect among PNP members.
“There’s no reason for us to draw our guns and shoot whoever we want to kill, especially someone who is wearing a police uniform,” he said.
A rookie policeman – one of the topnotchers in the 2005 criminology licensure examinations – was charged Monday with shooting and killing a police officer and wounding his wife following an argument over a minor road accident in Bacoor, Cavite province.
PO1 Alfie Madrid, 26, was charged with murder and frustrated murder at the Bacoor Prosecutor’s Office, according to Supt. Mario Reyes, town police chief.
Reyes said they also filed a case for illegal possession of firearms and ammunitions against the suspect.
The same charges were filed against Hermogenes Gagan, a civilian who was with Madrid at the time of the shooting incident.
A police investigation showed that Madrid, who is assigned to the Regional Special Action Unit of the National Capital Region Police Office, shot Insp. William Pelicano, a policeman assigned in Las Piñas City, during an argument following a vehicular accident on Marcos Alvarez Road in Barangay Molino 3, Bacoor, at around 8 p.m. Friday.
Pelicano, who was accompanied by his wife, Babylyn, was in a passenger jeepney when it was bumped by a Daihatsu multicab driven by Gagan. Seated beside Gagan was Madrid.
The victim, who was wearing a police uniform, alighted from the jeep and talked to Gagan. When the victim and the suspects started arguing, Madrid allegedly shot Pelicano several times, a police report said.
Pelicano’s wife rushed to his aid, but Madrid also shot her in the arm, the report added.
Pelicano was rushed to the Molino Doctors Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.
Police found two 9 mm Beretta pistols, bullets and magazines for .45 cal. and 9 mm handguns and Gagan’s license to carry firearms in his van. Gagan was arrested by Bacoor police who rushed to the scene, while Madrid was apprehended in a follow-up operation.
According to the records of the Professional Regulation Commission, Madrid ranked seventh among the 1,476 examinees who passed the criminology board tests in May 2005.
Madrid’s superior, NCRPO chief Director Jefferson Soriano, Monday ordered his men to undergo a weekly “troop information and education” to prevent similar incidents from happening.
He also met with RSAU personnel in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, where he told them to strictly “respect the police uniform and rank.”
“Starting today, I will require a strict observance of the chain of command, from Police Officers 1 to the highest position in the command,” Soriano told 300 RSAU agents, considered as the NCRPO’s elite police unit.
In his speech, Soriano said the incident only showed the “grave problem” regarding the lack of respect among PNP members.
“There’s no reason for us to draw our guns and shoot whoever we want to kill, especially someone who is wearing a police uniform,” he said.
Trial Begins for Keith Peoples
CHARLESTON
The trial of a fifth Charleston police officer accused of double dipping is scheduled to start Monday.
Keith Peoples is charged with obtaining by fraudulent schemes and computer fraud.
Peoples is accused of working security at the Charleston Town Center Mall while he was on the clock for the Charleston Police Department. It allegedly happened several times between January 2000 and August 2004.
The trial of a fifth Charleston police officer accused of double dipping is scheduled to start Monday.
Keith Peoples is charged with obtaining by fraudulent schemes and computer fraud.
Peoples is accused of working security at the Charleston Town Center Mall while he was on the clock for the Charleston Police Department. It allegedly happened several times between January 2000 and August 2004.
Police Offiers Involved in Shocking Range of Crimes
POLICE officers across Wales have been involved in a shocking range of crimes in the past three years.
On Sunday investigation has found that officers have been caught red-handed committing the very crimes they are paid with taxpayers’ money to prevent.
Some officers were even accused of carrying out crimes while they were on the beat.
Using Freedom of Information legislation, we asked Wales’ four police forces to break down the number of times officers had been arrested, charged and convicted of criminal offences over the past three years.
Dyfed-Powys Police charged two of their officers for possessing child pornography – while others were quizzed for alleged sex assault, threats to kill and forgery. Seven in 10 of their police officer arrests ended in conviction.
A total of 22 officers were held by South Wales Police between 2005 and the end of last year, for alleged crimes including possession of class A drugs, stealing from their own police force, intimidating witnesses, arson and threatening behaviour.
Meanwhile North Wales Police convicted their officers of common assault, using a mobile phone while at the wheel and other driving offences. Others were held over corruption and for getting out of hand while they were meant to be on duty. The force said they were constantly checking to make sure their staff met strict criteria.
They said: “North Wales Police have rigorous vetting procedures which includes a convictions check. North Wales Police are continually reviewing and updating their vetting procedures in respect of newly recruited and existing staff.
“Recruitment and vetting is held securely in individual files.”
Gwent Police was the force with the best track record. None of their officers was arrested on suspicion of committing a criminal offences over the three year period.
Monmouthshire MP David Davies, who is also special constable for the British Transport Police, said it was important for officers to remember the importance of their role in society. He said: “If you are a police officer you are expected to adhere to a high standard at all times, but it is important not to generalise. There are no excuses for anyone who commits any type of crime, particularly possession of child pornography or drugs.
“There will be a small percentage of any organisation who will transgress, but the police forces have bluntly told me that they will do everything they can to find them and root them out.”
David Lindley, deputy chief constable of Leicestershire and Association of Chief Police Officers spokesman on performance and conduct regulations, said that vast majority of police officers could be trusted to abide by the law, and that the figures needed to be viewed in context.
He said: “The police service expects good conduct and probity from its officers and staff at all times, and when we fall below that high standard we will investigate.
“The figures should be seen in the context of the overall number of police officers, the overwhelming majority of whom serve the public with dedication.
“They also demonstrate that police officers are treated no differently to other people when wrongdoing is alleged.”
The charges they faced.
The alleged crimes that police were arrested, charged and convicted of during the past three years.
Arson
Threats to kill
Forgery
Possession of indecent images
Driving with excess alcohol
Sexual assault
Corruption
Breach of data protection
Use of a mobile phone while driving
Speeding
Careless driving
Common assault
Failure to comply with traffic light
Assault
Common assault
Intimidating a witness
Theft
Possession of a class A drug
Section 20 wounding
Misconduct in public office
Threatening behaviour
On Sunday investigation has found that officers have been caught red-handed committing the very crimes they are paid with taxpayers’ money to prevent.
Some officers were even accused of carrying out crimes while they were on the beat.
Using Freedom of Information legislation, we asked Wales’ four police forces to break down the number of times officers had been arrested, charged and convicted of criminal offences over the past three years.
Dyfed-Powys Police charged two of their officers for possessing child pornography – while others were quizzed for alleged sex assault, threats to kill and forgery. Seven in 10 of their police officer arrests ended in conviction.
A total of 22 officers were held by South Wales Police between 2005 and the end of last year, for alleged crimes including possession of class A drugs, stealing from their own police force, intimidating witnesses, arson and threatening behaviour.
Meanwhile North Wales Police convicted their officers of common assault, using a mobile phone while at the wheel and other driving offences. Others were held over corruption and for getting out of hand while they were meant to be on duty. The force said they were constantly checking to make sure their staff met strict criteria.
They said: “North Wales Police have rigorous vetting procedures which includes a convictions check. North Wales Police are continually reviewing and updating their vetting procedures in respect of newly recruited and existing staff.
“Recruitment and vetting is held securely in individual files.”
Gwent Police was the force with the best track record. None of their officers was arrested on suspicion of committing a criminal offences over the three year period.
Monmouthshire MP David Davies, who is also special constable for the British Transport Police, said it was important for officers to remember the importance of their role in society. He said: “If you are a police officer you are expected to adhere to a high standard at all times, but it is important not to generalise. There are no excuses for anyone who commits any type of crime, particularly possession of child pornography or drugs.
“There will be a small percentage of any organisation who will transgress, but the police forces have bluntly told me that they will do everything they can to find them and root them out.”
David Lindley, deputy chief constable of Leicestershire and Association of Chief Police Officers spokesman on performance and conduct regulations, said that vast majority of police officers could be trusted to abide by the law, and that the figures needed to be viewed in context.
He said: “The police service expects good conduct and probity from its officers and staff at all times, and when we fall below that high standard we will investigate.
“The figures should be seen in the context of the overall number of police officers, the overwhelming majority of whom serve the public with dedication.
“They also demonstrate that police officers are treated no differently to other people when wrongdoing is alleged.”
The charges they faced.
The alleged crimes that police were arrested, charged and convicted of during the past three years.
Arson
Threats to kill
Forgery
Possession of indecent images
Driving with excess alcohol
Sexual assault
Corruption
Breach of data protection
Use of a mobile phone while driving
Speeding
Careless driving
Common assault
Failure to comply with traffic light
Assault
Common assault
Intimidating a witness
Theft
Possession of a class A drug
Section 20 wounding
Misconduct in public office
Threatening behaviour
Sunday, October 05, 2008
More Information on Deputy Robert McClain Accused of Torture
IRVINE
Shocking new revelations today in the case of an L.A. County deputy accused of trying to castrate his wife's alleged lover.
34-year old Deputy Robert McClain was charged today with one felony count each of aggravated mayhem, torture, sodomy by force with great bodily injury.
The charges include a sentencing enhancements for personal use of a deadly weapon, great bodily injury to a sexual assault victim and the use of a deadly weapon during a sexual offense.
McClain's 31-year old wife, whose name has been withheld, told her husband Sunday that she was going to leave him for a 23-year-old man who lives in an Irvine apartment complex, where she works in the leasing office.
McClain asked the woman to take him to meet the young man.
The two of them went to the young man's apartment about 10 p.m., but McClain then led the pair to the leasing office, which has a kitchenette area, Farrah Emami of the Orange County District Attorney's Office said.
Court records allege McClain repeatedly punched and kicked the victims and forced them at knife-point undress and ordered them to engage in a sex act.
At one point, prosecutors said, the deputy ordered his wife to castrate the young man.
She "fearfully pretended to follow his instructions" and the deputy used the knife to repeatedly slice the young man's face, according to a statement released by the Orange County district attorney's office.
McClain then used the knife to repeatedly slice the man's face, Emami said.
Authorities say the attack spanned nearly nine hours.
Once they left the leasing office, McClain allegedly forcibly sodomized the woman, chopped off her hair with the knife and ultimately drove her back to their Irvine home, Emami said.
Police were called to the leasing office around 7:30 a.m. on Monday by a cleaning crew.
They found the 23-year old victim bleeding and unconscious on the floor, suffering from apparent stab wounds.
While investigating the attack on the man, police learned that the deputy's wife had driven herself and her 4 children to a hospital around 5 a.m. where she reported the assault.
The father of the injured man said his son's face was beaten so severely that he could hardly recognize him.
"I know it's him, but his face is just swollen so large I can hardly tell it's him," the father said.
He said his son, who would likely require complete facial reconstruction, had yet to regain full consciousness.
He also said that before the attack, his son told him he had fallen for a married woman.
"He said she was beautiful. I couldn't talk him out of it, and I tried three or four times," he said.
McClain, who has served as a sheriff's deputy for 10 months and was assigned to a county jail, will likely be fired, said Sgt. David Infante, a sheriff's spokesman.
He said a decision is expected Thursday.
In the meantime, McClain is being held in the Theo Lacy branch jail on $1 million bail.
A date for his arraignment has not been set.
Allen Robinson Jr Arrested for Violating a Family Violence Order
ALBANY, GA
An employee with the Dougherty County Sheriff's Office finds himself on the other end of the law after police say he violated a family violence order.
Albany Police arrested 35-year-old Allen Wade Robinson Junior just before noon Sunday at his home in the 1500 block of Stuart Avenue.
This is the second arrest in just two days for Robinson. On Friday he was charged with battery and two counts of cruelty to a child stemming from a September 30th incident.
His live-in girlfriend reported Robinson hit her in the face in front of her two children. He was released from jail Friday on a 2,000 dollar bond and ordered not to contact the victim.
Sunday he violated that protective order, and was once again placed into custody. Robinson is a detention officer with the Dougherty County Sheriff's Office.
An employee with the Dougherty County Sheriff's Office finds himself on the other end of the law after police say he violated a family violence order.
Albany Police arrested 35-year-old Allen Wade Robinson Junior just before noon Sunday at his home in the 1500 block of Stuart Avenue.
This is the second arrest in just two days for Robinson. On Friday he was charged with battery and two counts of cruelty to a child stemming from a September 30th incident.
His live-in girlfriend reported Robinson hit her in the face in front of her two children. He was released from jail Friday on a 2,000 dollar bond and ordered not to contact the victim.
Sunday he violated that protective order, and was once again placed into custody. Robinson is a detention officer with the Dougherty County Sheriff's Office.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Police Chief George Hayden Arrested for Murder 36 years Later
Juror Thirteen site opened a 36-year-old cold case file on their message boards five weeks ago. Posting an article written by Lindell Kay of JDNews.com (The Daily News) out of Jacksonville, North Carolina.
After only a few days of the stories coming out about this cold case, two people were arrested for Miller's murder... one was a former police chief.
Motorists found the body of Sergeant William Donald Miller lying in the middle of the road on Western Boulevard halfway between Marine Boulevard and County Club Road on September 16, 1972.
He had been shot, according to an incident report of the time.
Authorities found Miller's car on the shoulder of the road with the engine running, the lights on, a blinker clicking, and a half-cocked pistol on the seat, according to a Daily News archived report.
The Sheriff's Department, the SBI, the Marine Corps and NCIS investigated Hayden for more than a year before Miller's homicide case turned cold. Investigators at the time could not find enough substantial evidence to arrest Hayden, according to the JAG letter.
Thirty-six years later, George Hayden, 57, a police chief at Cape Carteret and Belhaven police departments, was been charged with murder in Miller's shooting death, on September 9, 2008.
Also charged in the case is Vickey Miller Hayden Cooper Babbitt, Miller's wife at the time of his death, in Oregon. Babbitt was arrested in Oregon in mid-September and didn't fight extradition back to North Carolina.
Miller, Hayden and Babbitt were all in the Marine Corps in 1972. Miller and Babbitt were married, and the three were friends. In August 1972, Miller returned to Jacksonville from training in Okinawa in to find Hayden had moved in with Babbitt.
Babbitt left Miller to live with Hayden. On Sept. 16 of that year, Miller went to meet Babbitt, but was gunned down in the middle of Western Boulevard. Investigators say Babbitt lured Miller to the spot, possibly by faking car trouble, and then Hayden shot Miller twice with an M-16 - once in the head and once in the back.
The break in the case came from a key witness who has been in fear of his life over the 36 years since the murder. His identity is still being kept silent because of that fear.
"The horror on the face of the witness was unlike anything I have seen in my 42 years of law enforcement," said Onslow County Sheriff Ed Brown.
Resources....http://www.jdnews.com/news/father_58726___article.html/miller_mcgee.htmlhttp://www.jdnews.com/news/slaying_58845___article.html/adds_family.htmlhttp://www.jdnews.com/news/bend_59399___article.html/hayden_homicide.htmlhttp://groups.google.co.za/group/alt.true-crime/browse_thread/thread/4dcc53ce3f7e2f10http://www.jdnews.com/news/hayden_59355___article.html/county_witness.html&cid=1244354972&ei=sW_JSOCuCYL0_AGk4rjSBA&usg=AFQjCNHkcEYPKlopzRu3mwc71WYY0V4GFw
After only a few days of the stories coming out about this cold case, two people were arrested for Miller's murder... one was a former police chief.
Motorists found the body of Sergeant William Donald Miller lying in the middle of the road on Western Boulevard halfway between Marine Boulevard and County Club Road on September 16, 1972.
He had been shot, according to an incident report of the time.
Authorities found Miller's car on the shoulder of the road with the engine running, the lights on, a blinker clicking, and a half-cocked pistol on the seat, according to a Daily News archived report.
The Sheriff's Department, the SBI, the Marine Corps and NCIS investigated Hayden for more than a year before Miller's homicide case turned cold. Investigators at the time could not find enough substantial evidence to arrest Hayden, according to the JAG letter.
Thirty-six years later, George Hayden, 57, a police chief at Cape Carteret and Belhaven police departments, was been charged with murder in Miller's shooting death, on September 9, 2008.
Also charged in the case is Vickey Miller Hayden Cooper Babbitt, Miller's wife at the time of his death, in Oregon. Babbitt was arrested in Oregon in mid-September and didn't fight extradition back to North Carolina.
Miller, Hayden and Babbitt were all in the Marine Corps in 1972. Miller and Babbitt were married, and the three were friends. In August 1972, Miller returned to Jacksonville from training in Okinawa in to find Hayden had moved in with Babbitt.
Babbitt left Miller to live with Hayden. On Sept. 16 of that year, Miller went to meet Babbitt, but was gunned down in the middle of Western Boulevard. Investigators say Babbitt lured Miller to the spot, possibly by faking car trouble, and then Hayden shot Miller twice with an M-16 - once in the head and once in the back.
The break in the case came from a key witness who has been in fear of his life over the 36 years since the murder. His identity is still being kept silent because of that fear.
"The horror on the face of the witness was unlike anything I have seen in my 42 years of law enforcement," said Onslow County Sheriff Ed Brown.
Resources....http://www.jdnews.com/news/father_58726___article.html/miller_mcgee.htmlhttp://www.jdnews.com/news/slaying_58845___article.html/adds_family.htmlhttp://www.jdnews.com/news/bend_59399___article.html/hayden_homicide.htmlhttp://groups.google.co.za/group/alt.true-crime/browse_thread/thread/4dcc53ce3f7e2f10http://www.jdnews.com/news/hayden_59355___article.html/county_witness.html&cid=1244354972&ei=sW_JSOCuCYL0_AGk4rjSBA&usg=AFQjCNHkcEYPKlopzRu3mwc71WYY0V4GFw
Veteran Sex-Crimes Prosecutor Arrested for Rape
A veteran Contra Costa County sex-crimes prosecutor was arrested Thursday on suspicion of rape, Martinez police said.
Deputy District Attorney Michael Gressett, 51, of Martinez is suspected of raping another deputy district attorney, according to two sources close to the investigation. A statement issued by Martinez police did not refer to the alleged victim.
Gressett was booked on suspicion of committing rape, oral copulation, sodomy and penetration with a foreign object, all felonies, Cmdr. Eric Ghisletta said in the police statement. The alleged attack occurred "several months ago," police said, but they did not give a date.
Gressett's attorney, Michael Cardoza, said his client is innocent and will "fight these allegations very vigorously."
"Everybody that knows him is exceedingly shocked by these allegations," Cardoza said. "The problem with allegations like this is that when he walks away innocent, there will always be people who will wonder. The allegations alone have a devastating effect."
Gressett was being held Thursday night in the county jail in Martinez in lieu of $1 million bail, a sheriff's deputy said.
Ghisletta said investigators were first told of the alleged attack Sept. 26. Officers later served a search warrant and "discovered evidence which was consistent with the victim's statements," Ghisletta said.
Police did not say where the warrant had been served.
"It's a sad day for our office for anything like this to occur," District Attorney Robert Kochly said late Thursday. "Anything of this nature is devastating to the office. It's antithetical to what we're about."
Kochly said Martinez police planned to turn over their evidence to the office of state Attorney General Jerry Brown to avoid a potential conflict of interest. Brown's office will decide on possible charges.
Gressett was arrested near the district attorney's office in Martinez. He was then placed on paid administrative leave, Kochly said.
Gressett has worked as a prosecutor for more than 20 years, and worked in the sex-crimes unit for the past 2 1/2 years, Kochly said. He ran unsuccessfully three times for Contra Costa district attorney, in 1994, 1998 and 2002.
During his most recent campaign, Gressett pledged to initiate a "real" no plea-bargaining policy, mandating maximum prosecution of violent felonies, including rape.
During his 1998 campaign, Gressett proposed a program that would list the disposition of every criminal case on the Internet.
"It's my belief that sunshine is the best disinfectant," Gressett said then. "This would hold the district attorney accountable. The one institution we need pure is the district attorney's office."
Gressett grew up in New Mexico and earned his law degree from UC Hastings College of the Law in 1986.
This article appeared on page B - 12 of the San Francisco Chronicle
Deputy District Attorney Michael Gressett, 51, of Martinez is suspected of raping another deputy district attorney, according to two sources close to the investigation. A statement issued by Martinez police did not refer to the alleged victim.
Gressett was booked on suspicion of committing rape, oral copulation, sodomy and penetration with a foreign object, all felonies, Cmdr. Eric Ghisletta said in the police statement. The alleged attack occurred "several months ago," police said, but they did not give a date.
Gressett's attorney, Michael Cardoza, said his client is innocent and will "fight these allegations very vigorously."
"Everybody that knows him is exceedingly shocked by these allegations," Cardoza said. "The problem with allegations like this is that when he walks away innocent, there will always be people who will wonder. The allegations alone have a devastating effect."
Gressett was being held Thursday night in the county jail in Martinez in lieu of $1 million bail, a sheriff's deputy said.
Ghisletta said investigators were first told of the alleged attack Sept. 26. Officers later served a search warrant and "discovered evidence which was consistent with the victim's statements," Ghisletta said.
Police did not say where the warrant had been served.
"It's a sad day for our office for anything like this to occur," District Attorney Robert Kochly said late Thursday. "Anything of this nature is devastating to the office. It's antithetical to what we're about."
Kochly said Martinez police planned to turn over their evidence to the office of state Attorney General Jerry Brown to avoid a potential conflict of interest. Brown's office will decide on possible charges.
Gressett was arrested near the district attorney's office in Martinez. He was then placed on paid administrative leave, Kochly said.
Gressett has worked as a prosecutor for more than 20 years, and worked in the sex-crimes unit for the past 2 1/2 years, Kochly said. He ran unsuccessfully three times for Contra Costa district attorney, in 1994, 1998 and 2002.
During his most recent campaign, Gressett pledged to initiate a "real" no plea-bargaining policy, mandating maximum prosecution of violent felonies, including rape.
During his 1998 campaign, Gressett proposed a program that would list the disposition of every criminal case on the Internet.
"It's my belief that sunshine is the best disinfectant," Gressett said then. "This would hold the district attorney accountable. The one institution we need pure is the district attorney's office."
Gressett grew up in New Mexico and earned his law degree from UC Hastings College of the Law in 1986.
This article appeared on page B - 12 of the San Francisco Chronicle
Michael Phelps Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights Violation
Acting Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Grace Chung Becker, U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona Diane J. Humetewa, and Special Agent in Charge John E. Lewis of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Phoenix Division announced today that former Fort Mojave Tribal Police Department officer, Michael Phelps has pleaded guilty to a civil rights violation and to providing a false statement to the FBI.
Phelps was charged in a two-count information lodged Oct. 2, 2008, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona in Phoenix. In the plea agreement, Phelps admitted to having sexual relations with a female arrestee and later lied to the FBI agent during an investigation into the incident. Phelps admitted that he arrested the victim for a motor vehicle offense and threatened to incarcerate her unless she had sex with him, then released the victim after she complied. Phelps also admitted that, after a complaint by the victim led to a federal investigation, he falsely told FBI agents that he did not have sex with the victim.
Phelps faces a maximum penalty of nine years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec.15, 2008.
The case was investigated by the FBI, Yuma Resident Agency. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison Bachus of the District of Arizona and Trial Attorney Cyra O'Daniel of the Department of Justice.
The Civil Rights Division is committed to the vigorous enforcement of every federal criminal civil rights statute, such as those laws that prohibit the willful use of excessive force or other acts of misconduct by law enforcement officials. In Fiscal Year 2007, the Division's Criminal Section convicted the highest number of defendants in its history, surpassing the record previously set in Fiscal Year 2006. During the last seven years, the Criminal Section obtained convictions of 53 percent more defendants in law enforcement prosecutions than during the previous seven years (391 vs. 256).
SOURCE U.S. Department of Justice
http://www.USDOJ.gov
Phelps was charged in a two-count information lodged Oct. 2, 2008, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona in Phoenix. In the plea agreement, Phelps admitted to having sexual relations with a female arrestee and later lied to the FBI agent during an investigation into the incident. Phelps admitted that he arrested the victim for a motor vehicle offense and threatened to incarcerate her unless she had sex with him, then released the victim after she complied. Phelps also admitted that, after a complaint by the victim led to a federal investigation, he falsely told FBI agents that he did not have sex with the victim.
Phelps faces a maximum penalty of nine years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec.15, 2008.
The case was investigated by the FBI, Yuma Resident Agency. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison Bachus of the District of Arizona and Trial Attorney Cyra O'Daniel of the Department of Justice.
The Civil Rights Division is committed to the vigorous enforcement of every federal criminal civil rights statute, such as those laws that prohibit the willful use of excessive force or other acts of misconduct by law enforcement officials. In Fiscal Year 2007, the Division's Criminal Section convicted the highest number of defendants in its history, surpassing the record previously set in Fiscal Year 2006. During the last seven years, the Criminal Section obtained convictions of 53 percent more defendants in law enforcement prosecutions than during the previous seven years (391 vs. 256).
SOURCE U.S. Department of Justice
http://www.USDOJ.gov
Border Officer Jesus Esparz Accused of Accepting Bribes
SAN DIEGO
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer accused of accepting bribes to allow cocaine and heroin to be smuggled into the country at the Calexico Port of Entry was arraigned Friday in federal court.
Jesus Velasco Esparza, 22, of El Centro, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter C. Lewis in El Centro, the U.S. Attorney's office in San Diego said.
Esparza was arrested Thursday in Imperial County following an nvestigation by the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.
He is accused of bribery; attempting to aid and abet importation of controlled substances; and computer fraud for looking up license plate numbers of vehicles suspected of being used to smuggle drugs into the United States, according to a federal complaint filed Thursday.
According to the complaint, the investigation began in August with the assistance of a confidential FBI source.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Forge said Friday that Esparza was paid $500 for each license plate he ran through CBP computers, and from $7,600 to $13,400 to allow drugs to be smuggled through the port.
Esparza is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday for a detention hearing.
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_10634548?nclick_check=1
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer accused of accepting bribes to allow cocaine and heroin to be smuggled into the country at the Calexico Port of Entry was arraigned Friday in federal court.
Jesus Velasco Esparza, 22, of El Centro, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter C. Lewis in El Centro, the U.S. Attorney's office in San Diego said.
Esparza was arrested Thursday in Imperial County following an nvestigation by the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.
He is accused of bribery; attempting to aid and abet importation of controlled substances; and computer fraud for looking up license plate numbers of vehicles suspected of being used to smuggle drugs into the United States, according to a federal complaint filed Thursday.
According to the complaint, the investigation began in August with the assistance of a confidential FBI source.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Forge said Friday that Esparza was paid $500 for each license plate he ran through CBP computers, and from $7,600 to $13,400 to allow drugs to be smuggled through the port.
Esparza is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday for a detention hearing.
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_10634548?nclick_check=1
Friday, October 03, 2008
Deputy Trini Gonzalez Arrested for Assaulting Ex-Girlfriend
A Minnehaha County deputy sheriff was arrested Wednesday morning after Sioux Falls police say he hit his ex-girlfriend in the head.
The two apparently got into an argument about 6 p.m. at the woman's home on South Marion Road when the deputy struck her with his hand, Sioux Falls Police Lt. Dan Kaiser said. Trini Gonzalez, 41, was arrested on charges of simple assault but released from jail that evening.
"Any time we see there's an injury and there's a report of an injury, there's an arrest made, and that's what happened in this case," Kaiser said.
The woman had a red mark on her head but required no medical attention, he said.
Gonzalez initially called police to the home, Kaiser said.
"He reported that she was disorderly and damaged his truck," he said.
Gonzalez is a 13-year veteran with the sheriff's office and is assigned to the patrol division, Minnehaha County Sheriff's Capt. Paul Niedringhaus said.
"Deputy Gonzalez will be suspended without pay pending an internal investigation," Niedringhaus said.
Gonzalez will appear in court Oct. 16.
The two apparently got into an argument about 6 p.m. at the woman's home on South Marion Road when the deputy struck her with his hand, Sioux Falls Police Lt. Dan Kaiser said. Trini Gonzalez, 41, was arrested on charges of simple assault but released from jail that evening.
"Any time we see there's an injury and there's a report of an injury, there's an arrest made, and that's what happened in this case," Kaiser said.
The woman had a red mark on her head but required no medical attention, he said.
Gonzalez initially called police to the home, Kaiser said.
"He reported that she was disorderly and damaged his truck," he said.
Gonzalez is a 13-year veteran with the sheriff's office and is assigned to the patrol division, Minnehaha County Sheriff's Capt. Paul Niedringhaus said.
"Deputy Gonzalez will be suspended without pay pending an internal investigation," Niedringhaus said.
Gonzalez will appear in court Oct. 16.
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