A police officer accused of stealing tires from city police cruisers and installing them on his own car has resigned in lieu of being charged with a felony.
Mark Lewis, 40, could lose his police certification, said police Lt. William Glennon.
Lewis, who resigned June 6, has since repaid Sunrise $411 for the tires. He could not be reached for comment.
He became a Sunrise officer in 2004.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will review Lewis' case later this month.
Lewis initially denied taking the tires, the report said. When investigators told Lewis each tire has a number that shows the year it was made, Lewis admitted to stealing the tires.
http://www.tirereview.com/default.aspx?type=wm&module=4&id=2&state=DisplayFullText&item=12766
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Sheriff Reymundo Guerra Indicted on Drug Charges
Starr County Sheriff Reymundo Guerra was indicted on drug charges and arrested by FBI agents Tuesday at his Rio Grande City office.
The 52-year-old sheriff, also known as "Tio," is a defendant in an indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury earlier this month.
The 19-count indictment alleges Guerra and 14 others were part of a conspiracy to move hundreds of pounds of marijuana and cocaine through the remote Mexican border county.
Guerra is charged with three counts, including conspiracy, acting as an accessory by suggesting a co-defendant use fake lease documents to avoid apprehension, and using a telephone in the conspiracy.
He faces 10 years to life in prison plus a $4 million fine on the conspiracy charge, up to 20 years in prison plus a $2 million fine on the accessory charge, and up to four years in prison plus a $250,000 fine on the third charge.
The burly, mustachioed sheriff told U.S. Magistrate Judge Dorina Ramos he understood the charges at an initial appearance Tuesday. Ramos ordered him to remain in custody pending an arraignment Friday.
His attorney, Philip Hilder of Houston, said he was innocent.
"We will answer the charges in a court of law," Hilder said.
If convicted, Guerra will join a list of Texas border officials to go down for drug trafficking or corruption.
Among them, Eugenio "Gene" Falcon, a predecessor in the Starr County sheriff's office, went to prison in 1998 for taking kickbacks from a bail bondsman.
Zapata County Sheriff Romeo Ramirez, pleaded guilty in 1998 to accepting bribes from federal agents posing as drug dealers.
Former Cameron County Sheriff Conrado Cantu is serving more than 26 years for using his badge to extort money from drug dealers and other criminals.
And former Laredo Police Chief Agustin Dovalina is behind bars for taking bribes to protect illegal eight-liner gambling parlors.
"We are hopeful that this type of investigation will prove to be a deterrent to those who are considering engaging in violations of the law while enjoying the public's trust," FBI Special Agent Ralph Diaz said Tuesday.
http://www.chron.com/
The 52-year-old sheriff, also known as "Tio," is a defendant in an indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury earlier this month.
The 19-count indictment alleges Guerra and 14 others were part of a conspiracy to move hundreds of pounds of marijuana and cocaine through the remote Mexican border county.
Guerra is charged with three counts, including conspiracy, acting as an accessory by suggesting a co-defendant use fake lease documents to avoid apprehension, and using a telephone in the conspiracy.
He faces 10 years to life in prison plus a $4 million fine on the conspiracy charge, up to 20 years in prison plus a $2 million fine on the accessory charge, and up to four years in prison plus a $250,000 fine on the third charge.
The burly, mustachioed sheriff told U.S. Magistrate Judge Dorina Ramos he understood the charges at an initial appearance Tuesday. Ramos ordered him to remain in custody pending an arraignment Friday.
His attorney, Philip Hilder of Houston, said he was innocent.
"We will answer the charges in a court of law," Hilder said.
If convicted, Guerra will join a list of Texas border officials to go down for drug trafficking or corruption.
Among them, Eugenio "Gene" Falcon, a predecessor in the Starr County sheriff's office, went to prison in 1998 for taking kickbacks from a bail bondsman.
Zapata County Sheriff Romeo Ramirez, pleaded guilty in 1998 to accepting bribes from federal agents posing as drug dealers.
Former Cameron County Sheriff Conrado Cantu is serving more than 26 years for using his badge to extort money from drug dealers and other criminals.
And former Laredo Police Chief Agustin Dovalina is behind bars for taking bribes to protect illegal eight-liner gambling parlors.
"We are hopeful that this type of investigation will prove to be a deterrent to those who are considering engaging in violations of the law while enjoying the public's trust," FBI Special Agent Ralph Diaz said Tuesday.
http://www.chron.com/
Corrections Officer Adonis Walker Arrested for Rape
A second suspect was arrested Friday in a Jeffersonville rape case.
Adonis Walker, who is a community corrections officer in Clark County, appeared in Clark County Circuit Court on Monday afternoon on allegations of rape. At the hearing, the prosecutor’s office asked for a 72-hour continuance before filing charges.
Court records allege that on Sept. 13, Walker and Johnny Colastin, 20, of Jeffersonville raped two female college students they met at Fourth Street Live, an entertainment complex in downtown Louisville.
Colastin was charged Sept. 26 with rape, a class B felony, and criminal confinement, a class D felony.
Deputy Prosecutor Dawn Elston said she did not know if Walker would be charged with class A or B felony rape.
According to a probable-cause affidavit in Colastin’s case, Colastin and Walker offered to take the two women and another man home from the popular downtown nightspot. Instead, the two took them to the 800 block of East Chestnut Street in Jeffersonville, the document states.
The male — who was in the vehicle — told police that several men exited the apartment. He said one of the suspects grabbed one victim and took her in the house while another pushed the other victim back into the car. He said that when he realized they were in danger, he ran to the 600 block of East Court Avenue and called 911.
Officers found the two girls in an apartment along the 2000 block of Paddlewheel Drive. Police said they found Colastin hiding in the closet. Colastin denied having sex with either girl.
Walker initially said he may have had sex with one of the girls. Later, he reportedly confessed to assaulting one girl and having sex with another who was sleeping, according to the affidavit in the Colastin case.
Both girls told detectives that they were very intoxicated and could not remember having sex with anyone. A forensic nurse determined that both girls had intercourse and both had injuries consistent with forced sex.
Walker’s bond was initially set at $50,000 cash only. Circuit Court Judge Abe Navarro gave the prosecution until 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Circuit Court to file charges. At that time, the issue of bond will be revisited, Navarro said. Walker was not represented by an attorney in court.
Colastin is still being held without bond in the Michael L. Becher Adult Corrections Complex. His first pretrial conference is scheduled for Nov. 24, with jury trial set to begin Feb. 10.
Grapevine Officers Under Investigation
A former Grapevine patrol officer is under investigation on suspicion of indecency with a child at his Roanoke home, while another Grapevine patrol officer remained on leave, accused of failing to report an incidence of family violence, in which a father reportedly punched his daughter at Grapevine Mills mall, authorities said Monday.
No criminal charges have been filed against either of the officers.
In the indecency case, a 14-year-old girl alerted a parent who contacted Roanoke police in late July, Roanoke officials said Monday.
The officer resigned Aug. 15 as Grapevine police began an internal investigation, Grapevine police said Monday.
The 47-year-old officer, who is not being identified because he has not been arrested or charged, had been with the department for seven years.
The officer was assigned to patrol, and he did not have any contact with children as part of his regular duties, Grapevine police Sgt. Kim Smith said Monday.
Roanoke police began an investigation July 22 after getting the report from the girl.
"The report was that a juvenile had been furnished alcohol and she had been touched," Roanoke police Sgt. Chris Almonrode said Monday.
As of Monday, there was one juvenile accuser and several juvenile witnesses, Almonrode said.
Roanoke police, armed with warrants, searched the former officer’s home Aug. 26. They confiscated two cellphones and two computers from the home.
Secret Service agents are conducting tests on the electronic equipment, Almonrode said.
The FBI, Secret Service and other federal agencies provide investigation services in Tarrant County to local law enforcement agencies, authorities said.
The former officer faces charges of indecency with a child by sexual contact and providing alcohol to minors, Almonrode said Monday.
Resignation
The veteran officer was placed on administrative leave with pay July 23 after Roanoke police contacted Grapevine police officials about the criminal investigation.
Grapevine police began an internal investigation Aug. 11, and he resigned Aug. 15, noting that he was leaving because of the allegations, authorities said Monday.
"The allegations against him is not a representation of this department," Smith said. "We want to be known as a professional department."
Grapevine incident
On July 12, officer Gus Barrera, 30, was dispatched to a report of shoplifting at Grapevine Mills mall.
According to Grapevine police reports, store employees called the parents of a 16-year-old girl.
The father was so upset with his daughter that he struck her with his hands and threatened her with a pipe, the report states.
When he arrived, Barrera found that the 16-year-old and her parents had left, but employees told him about the assault and voiced concern over the incident.
Grapevine police did not learn about the assault until store employees contacted authorities a few days later.
Barrera is accused of failing to make a family violence report on the incident.
Police arrested Sung Shik Choi, 43, of Fort Worth on Aug. 11 on suspicion of aggravated assault. He posted $50,000 bail Aug. 13 and remained free Monday.
Officer on leave
Barrera, a seven-year veteran, was placed on administrative leave with pay Aug. 13.
Barrera remained on leave as of Monday.
No criminal charges have been filed against either of the officers.
In the indecency case, a 14-year-old girl alerted a parent who contacted Roanoke police in late July, Roanoke officials said Monday.
The officer resigned Aug. 15 as Grapevine police began an internal investigation, Grapevine police said Monday.
The 47-year-old officer, who is not being identified because he has not been arrested or charged, had been with the department for seven years.
The officer was assigned to patrol, and he did not have any contact with children as part of his regular duties, Grapevine police Sgt. Kim Smith said Monday.
Roanoke police began an investigation July 22 after getting the report from the girl.
"The report was that a juvenile had been furnished alcohol and she had been touched," Roanoke police Sgt. Chris Almonrode said Monday.
As of Monday, there was one juvenile accuser and several juvenile witnesses, Almonrode said.
Roanoke police, armed with warrants, searched the former officer’s home Aug. 26. They confiscated two cellphones and two computers from the home.
Secret Service agents are conducting tests on the electronic equipment, Almonrode said.
The FBI, Secret Service and other federal agencies provide investigation services in Tarrant County to local law enforcement agencies, authorities said.
The former officer faces charges of indecency with a child by sexual contact and providing alcohol to minors, Almonrode said Monday.
Resignation
The veteran officer was placed on administrative leave with pay July 23 after Roanoke police contacted Grapevine police officials about the criminal investigation.
Grapevine police began an internal investigation Aug. 11, and he resigned Aug. 15, noting that he was leaving because of the allegations, authorities said Monday.
"The allegations against him is not a representation of this department," Smith said. "We want to be known as a professional department."
Grapevine incident
On July 12, officer Gus Barrera, 30, was dispatched to a report of shoplifting at Grapevine Mills mall.
According to Grapevine police reports, store employees called the parents of a 16-year-old girl.
The father was so upset with his daughter that he struck her with his hands and threatened her with a pipe, the report states.
When he arrived, Barrera found that the 16-year-old and her parents had left, but employees told him about the assault and voiced concern over the incident.
Grapevine police did not learn about the assault until store employees contacted authorities a few days later.
Barrera is accused of failing to make a family violence report on the incident.
Police arrested Sung Shik Choi, 43, of Fort Worth on Aug. 11 on suspicion of aggravated assault. He posted $50,000 bail Aug. 13 and remained free Monday.
Officer on leave
Barrera, a seven-year veteran, was placed on administrative leave with pay Aug. 13.
Barrera remained on leave as of Monday.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Trooper Mark Piccirillo Suspended for Domestic Violence
The resident state police trooper in Bethlehem has been suspended after Naugatuck police arrested him in connection with a domestic violence dispute with his wife at the couple's home last week.
Trooper Mark Piccirillo, 48, of 24 City Brook Road, was charged by Naugatuck police with misdemeanor charges of third-degree assault and breach of peace after the incident, which occurred in the couple's home on Thursday. The trooper's wife, Mary Piccirillo, 49, of the same address, faces the same charges.
The Naugatuck Police Department would not release a report of the incident on Tuesday. The Republican-American has filed a request for the report through the Freedom of Information Act.
Attempts to reach Piccirillo on Tuesday were unsuccessful.
Although little is known about what happened during the domestic dispute, state law says a third-degree assault charge, the most serious charge the Piccirillos face, can be levied if a person causes physical injury to another person.
According to documents on file at Waterbury Superior Court, Piccirillo and his wife posted separate $200 cash bonds at the police department on Thursday night and were arraigned at the courthouse on Friday.
Their case was remanded to Family Court Services of Waterbury, and the Piccirillos have signed court-imposed protective orders that say they will refrain from "imposing any physical restraint upon the person or liberty of the protected person" and from "threatening, harassing, stalking, assaulting, molesting, sexually assaulting or attacking the protected person."
Mark Piccirillo, who has been a state trooper in Bethlehem for at least 13 years, was ordered by the court to not possess any firearms, including all weapons issued to him by the Connecticut State Police.
Lt. J. Paul Vance, the state police spokesman, said Piccirillo's police powers have been suspended and that Piccirillo has been reassigned to undisclosed administrative duty, which requires him to have no contact with the public.
Vance said state police will conduct an internal affairs investigation of the case.
Vance also said another trooper from state police Troop L in Litchfield has been assigned to be the acting resident state trooper in Bethlehem "pending the outcome of this incident."
Vance did not immediately know Tuesday which trooper replaced Piccirillo.
Trooper Mark Piccirillo, 48, of 24 City Brook Road, was charged by Naugatuck police with misdemeanor charges of third-degree assault and breach of peace after the incident, which occurred in the couple's home on Thursday. The trooper's wife, Mary Piccirillo, 49, of the same address, faces the same charges.
The Naugatuck Police Department would not release a report of the incident on Tuesday. The Republican-American has filed a request for the report through the Freedom of Information Act.
Attempts to reach Piccirillo on Tuesday were unsuccessful.
Although little is known about what happened during the domestic dispute, state law says a third-degree assault charge, the most serious charge the Piccirillos face, can be levied if a person causes physical injury to another person.
According to documents on file at Waterbury Superior Court, Piccirillo and his wife posted separate $200 cash bonds at the police department on Thursday night and were arraigned at the courthouse on Friday.
Their case was remanded to Family Court Services of Waterbury, and the Piccirillos have signed court-imposed protective orders that say they will refrain from "imposing any physical restraint upon the person or liberty of the protected person" and from "threatening, harassing, stalking, assaulting, molesting, sexually assaulting or attacking the protected person."
Mark Piccirillo, who has been a state trooper in Bethlehem for at least 13 years, was ordered by the court to not possess any firearms, including all weapons issued to him by the Connecticut State Police.
Lt. J. Paul Vance, the state police spokesman, said Piccirillo's police powers have been suspended and that Piccirillo has been reassigned to undisclosed administrative duty, which requires him to have no contact with the public.
Vance said state police will conduct an internal affairs investigation of the case.
Vance also said another trooper from state police Troop L in Litchfield has been assigned to be the acting resident state trooper in Bethlehem "pending the outcome of this incident."
Vance did not immediately know Tuesday which trooper replaced Piccirillo.
New Taser Policy for San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO
Citing research that links Tasers to the deaths of drug users, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus announced a new policy banning the use of the weapons on anyone known to be under the influence.
The policy also calls for more training and prohibits more than one officer from using a Taser on one person. The policy on Tasers, which deliver electrical shocks that can disrupt a person's neuromuscular system, is effective immediately, McManus said.
"You have to see them using (drugs)," McManus said in Tuesday's online edition of the San Antonio Express-News. The newspaper had published an investigation into how police have used the weapons since December 2006.
He said the new policy, issued Thursday in an internal bulletin, is in correlation to " excited delirium," a diagnosis described as an overdose of adrenaline to the heart and a possible cause of death among people who were shocked by Tasers.
"The research has connected excited delirium to deaths," McManus said. "Excited delirium is a possibility when drugs are being used."
The policy does not limit the number of times an officer can shock someone, although it requires that police stop using the weapon when a person is in custody. The new policy requires officers to get 16 hours of training, doubling the requirement. The 141 officers who already use the weapons will get the additional eight hours of training.
An audit of the San Antonio Police Department released in July says the department should clarify its use of deadly and Taser force and should make its complaint process more accessible to citizens.
San Antonio city officials hired an outside firm to audit the department after several high-profile incidents in which officers were accused of committing crimes, on and off the job, and activists complained of excessive force and civil rights violations.
McManus, though he denied there were any widespread problems with the department, asked for an outside review, and the city hired Police Executive Research Forum, a think tank, to look over the department.
The audit resulted in 141 recommendations and was released weeks later than expected, but McManus said more than two-thirds were already planned for implementation. Seven, including one to list all complaints in officers' files, are being ignored.
Citing research that links Tasers to the deaths of drug users, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus announced a new policy banning the use of the weapons on anyone known to be under the influence.
The policy also calls for more training and prohibits more than one officer from using a Taser on one person. The policy on Tasers, which deliver electrical shocks that can disrupt a person's neuromuscular system, is effective immediately, McManus said.
"You have to see them using (drugs)," McManus said in Tuesday's online edition of the San Antonio Express-News. The newspaper had published an investigation into how police have used the weapons since December 2006.
He said the new policy, issued Thursday in an internal bulletin, is in correlation to " excited delirium," a diagnosis described as an overdose of adrenaline to the heart and a possible cause of death among people who were shocked by Tasers.
"The research has connected excited delirium to deaths," McManus said. "Excited delirium is a possibility when drugs are being used."
The policy does not limit the number of times an officer can shock someone, although it requires that police stop using the weapon when a person is in custody. The new policy requires officers to get 16 hours of training, doubling the requirement. The 141 officers who already use the weapons will get the additional eight hours of training.
An audit of the San Antonio Police Department released in July says the department should clarify its use of deadly and Taser force and should make its complaint process more accessible to citizens.
San Antonio city officials hired an outside firm to audit the department after several high-profile incidents in which officers were accused of committing crimes, on and off the job, and activists complained of excessive force and civil rights violations.
McManus, though he denied there were any widespread problems with the department, asked for an outside review, and the city hired Police Executive Research Forum, a think tank, to look over the department.
The audit resulted in 141 recommendations and was released weeks later than expected, but McManus said more than two-thirds were already planned for implementation. Seven, including one to list all complaints in officers' files, are being ignored.
Former Sgt. Frank DeSanto Jr Released from Hospital After Arrest
A hospital spokeswoman confirmed Monday that the former Barnegat Township police officer accused of violating a restraining order was released from Southern Ocean County Hospital on Sunday.
Former Barnegat police Sgt. Frank DeSanto Jr., 31, was arrested at the Atlantic City Service Area on the Garden State Parkway. The Monroe Township, Middlesex County, Police Department had issued a no-bail warrant for his arrest and subsequently took him into custody Sunday after an initial arrest by State Police and Galloway Township po-lice.
Officials from the Middlesex County department confirmed Monday that it was their department that made the arrest, but could not release more information until this morning because senior authorities were off for the Columbus Day holiday. Earlier reports said the arrest was made by officers from another department.
The Middlesex County Jail did not have DeSanto in custody Monday, according to a shift commander there.
DeSanto sent his wife a text message saying he was suicidal, armed and threatening to harm police officers, which violated the restraining order, according to State Police.
Galloway police received a tip that he would be in the area, and, when police found his SUV at the rest stop, they closed it for a half-hour to search for him.
Eventually an unidentified woman dropped DeSanto off and police then arrested him at about 3 p.m.
After his arrest, police said they took him to Southern Ocean County Hospital because he complained of chest pains. On Monday SOCH spokeswoman Lisa Weinstein said he was treated and released Sunday.
Former Barnegat police Sgt. Frank DeSanto Jr., 31, was arrested at the Atlantic City Service Area on the Garden State Parkway. The Monroe Township, Middlesex County, Police Department had issued a no-bail warrant for his arrest and subsequently took him into custody Sunday after an initial arrest by State Police and Galloway Township po-lice.
Officials from the Middlesex County department confirmed Monday that it was their department that made the arrest, but could not release more information until this morning because senior authorities were off for the Columbus Day holiday. Earlier reports said the arrest was made by officers from another department.
The Middlesex County Jail did not have DeSanto in custody Monday, according to a shift commander there.
DeSanto sent his wife a text message saying he was suicidal, armed and threatening to harm police officers, which violated the restraining order, according to State Police.
Galloway police received a tip that he would be in the area, and, when police found his SUV at the rest stop, they closed it for a half-hour to search for him.
Eventually an unidentified woman dropped DeSanto off and police then arrested him at about 3 p.m.
After his arrest, police said they took him to Southern Ocean County Hospital because he complained of chest pains. On Monday SOCH spokeswoman Lisa Weinstein said he was treated and released Sunday.
Deputy Shawn Lally Charged with DUI
A Sarasota County sheriff's deputy found himself behind bars this weekend for DUI.
28-year-old Shawn Lally was pulled over Saturday night around 11:30 p.m. in Venice.
Witnesses say Lally was driving over 100 miles per hour on the interstate in his personal vehicle before exiting onto Jacaranda Blvd. where he was seen swerving.
A report says Lally showed signs of being under the influence of alcohol, but refused all field sobriety tests, including a breath test. He told deputies that he was on his way home from a wedding and hadn't had anything alcoholic to drink.
Lally is charged with Driving Under the Influence.
Spokesman Lt. Chuck Lesaltato says the sheriff will decide Monday what action will be taken against the deputy as far as his job.
http://www.blogger.com/publish-confirmation.g?blogID=20294250&postID=1944515534634299544×tamp=1224042549597&javascriptEnabled=true
28-year-old Shawn Lally was pulled over Saturday night around 11:30 p.m. in Venice.
Witnesses say Lally was driving over 100 miles per hour on the interstate in his personal vehicle before exiting onto Jacaranda Blvd. where he was seen swerving.
A report says Lally showed signs of being under the influence of alcohol, but refused all field sobriety tests, including a breath test. He told deputies that he was on his way home from a wedding and hadn't had anything alcoholic to drink.
Lally is charged with Driving Under the Influence.
Spokesman Lt. Chuck Lesaltato says the sheriff will decide Monday what action will be taken against the deputy as far as his job.
http://www.blogger.com/publish-confirmation.g?blogID=20294250&postID=1944515534634299544×tamp=1224042549597&javascriptEnabled=true
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Detention Officer Nicolas Trevathan Charged with Domestic Violence
A J. Reuben Long detention officer was charged early Sunday with criminal domestic violence after an incident at a Conway apartment complex, officials said.
Nicolas Dale Trevathan, 22, was booked into the detention center at 5:18 a.m. Sunday on the charges, the jail’s website showed. He was released at 10 a.m. Sunday on $1,000 bail.
On Monday, jail officials began an internal investigation into Trevathan because of the incident, said Tom Fox, detention center director.
Trevathan was hired Feb. 4 as a detention officer, and had been attending basic jail school at the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy. Officials will discuss whether or not Trevathan will continue in the school pending an internal investigation about his employment with the center, Fox said.
Horry County police arrested Trevathan after someone made a 911 call at 1:50 a.m. Sunday from Myrtle Greens Apartment complex in Conway, an incident report showed. Officers heard a woman and man inside an apartment, but 911 dispatchers could not get anyone to answer the line, the report showed.
An officer in his patrol car outside the building was struck by a vehicle driven by Trevathan, who tried to back out of a parking spot, the report showed. The offier took Trevathan into investigative custody after smelling a strong odor of alcohol coming from him, the report showed.
A woman, who was crying, came from the apartment building and told police Trevathan was her husband, but they had been separated for several months, the report showed. The woman said Trevathan had assaulted her and she called 911.
The officer noted the front door to the apartment had been forced open, the report showed.
http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/story/629566.html
Nicolas Dale Trevathan, 22, was booked into the detention center at 5:18 a.m. Sunday on the charges, the jail’s website showed. He was released at 10 a.m. Sunday on $1,000 bail.
On Monday, jail officials began an internal investigation into Trevathan because of the incident, said Tom Fox, detention center director.
Trevathan was hired Feb. 4 as a detention officer, and had been attending basic jail school at the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy. Officials will discuss whether or not Trevathan will continue in the school pending an internal investigation about his employment with the center, Fox said.
Horry County police arrested Trevathan after someone made a 911 call at 1:50 a.m. Sunday from Myrtle Greens Apartment complex in Conway, an incident report showed. Officers heard a woman and man inside an apartment, but 911 dispatchers could not get anyone to answer the line, the report showed.
An officer in his patrol car outside the building was struck by a vehicle driven by Trevathan, who tried to back out of a parking spot, the report showed. The offier took Trevathan into investigative custody after smelling a strong odor of alcohol coming from him, the report showed.
A woman, who was crying, came from the apartment building and told police Trevathan was her husband, but they had been separated for several months, the report showed. The woman said Trevathan had assaulted her and she called 911.
The officer noted the front door to the apartment had been forced open, the report showed.
http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/story/629566.html
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Former Officer Clay Adams Pleads Guilty to Growing Marijuana
An Altamonte Springs police officer accused of setting up a marijuana grow house and owning an arsenal of handguns, rifles and shotguns to defend it pleaded guilty Friday in Orlando federal court.
Clay Adams, 36, who lives near Altamonte Springs, will likely be sentenced to at least 15 years in prison. He pleaded guilty to five federal charges, including conspiring with his wife to grow 2,200 pounds of marijuana.
Adams and his wife, Robyn, 32, were arrested July 21, hours after rigging a house in Chuluota with hydroponic equipment and grow lights and getting marijuana seeds to sprout, according to his plea agreement.
Both husband and wife confessed.
At a separate hearing Friday, a tearful Robyn Adams pleaded guilty to two charges: conspiracy and a weapons count. She likely will face at least 10 years in prison.
Shortly after the hearings, the Altamonte Springs Police Department reported it would fire Adams, a nine-year employee.
Part of that time, he was assigned to Seminole County's narcotics squad. He used the computer in his patrol car to download information about the county's drug agents -- including their photos -- and handed it to a convicted felon, a supposed partner in the grow operation.
That partner, though, went to police and wound up wearing a recording device to gather evidence against the Adamses.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Bodnar Jr. said there was no evidence any other police officers were involved in the operation.
He also said that despite initial allegations, the Adamses had one -- not two -- grow houses.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-sl-pot-police-officer-101008,0,7879202.story
Friday, October 10, 2008
Corrections Officer Geremy Mullennix Resigns after Giving Alcohol to Minor
A Miami County corrections officer resigned Friday, Oct. 10, a day after he and his brother were charged with allegedly offering and providing alcohol to Piqua High School band members during an alumni band activity at the Sept. 19 football game.
Geremy Mullennix, 30, of Piqua, turned in his resignation to jail and sheriff's office administrators, who were looking into disciplinary action and an internal investigation, Capt. Dave Duchak said.
Mullennix had worked at the jail since May 1999.
He and his brother, Chad Mullennix, 34, of Sidney, face one misdemeanor charge each of furnishing alcohol to a minor and attempted furnishing alcohol to a minor.
Bruce Jamison, acting Piqua police chief, said the two, at the game for a performance by the alumni band with the current high school band, offered alcohol to student band members. One member, a 13-year-old boy, accepted a drink, but will not face charges, Jamison said.
Arraignments for Chad and Geremy Mullennix are scheduled for Oct. 22 in Piqua Municipal Court.
http://www.whiotv.com/news/17689052/detail.html
Geremy Mullennix, 30, of Piqua, turned in his resignation to jail and sheriff's office administrators, who were looking into disciplinary action and an internal investigation, Capt. Dave Duchak said.
Mullennix had worked at the jail since May 1999.
He and his brother, Chad Mullennix, 34, of Sidney, face one misdemeanor charge each of furnishing alcohol to a minor and attempted furnishing alcohol to a minor.
Bruce Jamison, acting Piqua police chief, said the two, at the game for a performance by the alumni band with the current high school band, offered alcohol to student band members. One member, a 13-year-old boy, accepted a drink, but will not face charges, Jamison said.
Arraignments for Chad and Geremy Mullennix are scheduled for Oct. 22 in Piqua Municipal Court.
http://www.whiotv.com/news/17689052/detail.html
Officer Guillermo Hernandez Arrested for DWI
FORT WORTH
A police officer was suspended from the force indefinitely on Thursday, almost five months after he was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, police said.
The action was taken against officer Guillermo "Bill" Hernandez after an internal investigation into his May 17 arrest in north Fort Worth, according to Lt. Paul Henderson, a police spokesman.
In May, a Tarrant Regional Water District officer spotted Hernandez’s truck on Texas 199 and followed him. According to the officer’s report, the truck swerved on and off the road and eventually ran a red light.
The water district officer pulled the truck over after it almost struck another car, according to the report.
The officer reported that Hernandez apologized for running the red light and said he was swerving because the wheel was jerked around as he fought with his girlfriend, who was in the passenger seat.
The reporting officer noted a strong odor of alcohol, as did a sheriff’s deputy who arrived and arrested Hernandez, according to the report.
Hernandez is due back in court in connection with the arrest on Monday, according to court records.
Chris Barrett, an attorney provided for Hernandez by the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, said Hernandez planned to appeal his suspension. Barrett declined further comment.
Hernandez has been on restricted duty, and not allowed to carry a badge or gun, since May.
Officer Nicole Drane Arrested for Helping a Serial Bank Robber
An East Point police officer has been arrested for allegedly helping a serial bank robber, East Point police said.
East Point police said they arrested one of their own officers, Nicole Drane, on 15 different counts.
Drane is accused of misusing the police department’s computer to let a suspect in 12 bank robberies know if he was wanted.
VIDEO: East Point Officer Accused Of Helping Robber
Authorities said they took Drane into custody Thursday for violating her oath of office, hindering the apprehension of a suspected criminal and bribery.
The charges are related to Drane’s connection to Malik Dillard, a suspect involved in a string of bank robberies along the East Coast, including some in Georgia. Dillard told the FBI he had help from someone on the inside, according to East Point officials.
Dillard told investigators that he would call Drane after some of the robberies to see if authorities were looking for him.
"Well, it doesn't sit very well but I have to look again, maybe they're not paying them enough at East Point so they have to have some extracurricular activity. But no, it doesn't sit well," said East Point resident Michael Freeman.
Authorities said Drane is currently in custody at the Fulton County Jail.
Drane's first court appearance was Friday at 11 a.m. Her bond was set at $450,000.
More Information:
Judge Curtissa Cofield Arrested for DUI
A Hartford judge was arrested on DUI charges after she struck a state trooper’s vehicle Thursday night.
Curtissa Cofield, a judge in the Hartford Community Court System, was driving on Route 2 just before 11 p.m. when her BMW struck the trooper’s vehicle that was part of the construction pattern on the road, police said.
Both vehicles suffered minor damage, police said.
Police said Cofield requested a transfer to the civil court Friday because of the pending case.
The chief court administrator approved the request, effective next week.
Action, if any, will come from the Judicial Review Council, authorities said. The council is made up of legislators, judges and lawyers.
Authorities said the council can take action on cases if a complaint is made or it can decide on its own to act.
As of Friday afternoon, the Judicial Review Council hadn’t made any decisions or taken any action.
Curtissa Cofield, a judge in the Hartford Community Court System, was driving on Route 2 just before 11 p.m. when her BMW struck the trooper’s vehicle that was part of the construction pattern on the road, police said.
Both vehicles suffered minor damage, police said.
Police said Cofield requested a transfer to the civil court Friday because of the pending case.
The chief court administrator approved the request, effective next week.
Action, if any, will come from the Judicial Review Council, authorities said. The council is made up of legislators, judges and lawyers.
Authorities said the council can take action on cases if a complaint is made or it can decide on its own to act.
As of Friday afternoon, the Judicial Review Council hadn’t made any decisions or taken any action.
Homicide Det. Sgt Pace Charged a 2nd time for Domestic Assault
Authorities have not said whether the woman Pace is accused of assaulting is his girlfriend or wife... Taylor said only that the deputy who arrived at the house determined there was enough evidence to arrest Pace... Pace also was charged with assault in December 2003 after a dispute with his girlfriend and her daughter, but those charges were dropped...
[Pace is "a member of the Danville Police Department Investigations Division and PRESIDENT of the Fraternal Order of Police.' These pics of him recieving the "presitigious" homicide detective of the year award and officer of the year award are meant to show that there's a good chance that these current charges will be dropped like the last one was.
http://behindthebluewall.blogspot.com/2008/10/ky-homicide-det-sgt-pace-union.html
[Pace is "a member of the Danville Police Department Investigations Division and PRESIDENT of the Fraternal Order of Police.' These pics of him recieving the "presitigious" homicide detective of the year award and officer of the year award are meant to show that there's a good chance that these current charges will be dropped like the last one was.
http://behindthebluewall.blogspot.com/2008/10/ky-homicide-det-sgt-pace-union.html
Officer Lucreshia Carey Accused of helping Inmates
FORT WORTH
A 22-year-old police officer has been fired after investigators accused her of using her position to provide information to two federal prison inmates: a bank robber and an international con artist who scammed millions of dollars from his victims.
Lucreshia N. Carey was apparently told by the inmates that information she provided, which included copies of certificates of deposit for large sums of money, would help solve a high-profile murder case and, in turn, possibly get her a promotion and earn the inmates and her incarcerated brother an early release.
Instead, the officer, who joined the force in January 2007, is the focus of a federal investigation and was fired effective Tuesday, police say.
FBI spokesman Mark White said Friday that he was unaware of an investigation involving Carey.
But the Star-Telegram obtained a document that details the case and states that federal investigators have told Fort Worth police that they suspect that Carey was part of a conspiracy. She faces federal charges, according to the document.
Carey has denied to internal affairs investigators that she was involved in illegal activity, documents show.
She could not be reached to comment Friday. Her attorney, Terry Daffron Hickey, said Carey plans to appeal her termination next week.
"Because there is still a pending investigation, I am unable to really comment," she said.
Forwarding information
According to the document, Carey’s brother is serving a long sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in southeast Fort Worth for distributing narcotics. Two fellow inmates learned that Carey was a police officer and asked her brother for her address so they could write to her.
"The inmates explained in the letters that they would like to provide her with information regarding an unsolved high profile murder," the document states. "They possessed important information that would lead to her obtaining a promotion and recognition by solving the crime.
"It would also lead to her brother and the inmates being released early from prison."
The inmates wrote that other federal prisoners had already been released after revealing to authorities portions of information they knew about the crime.
According to the documents, the inmates listed things for Carey to do to solve the crime. The list included researching specific out-of-state addresses to learn owner information, running names through police databases and researching an out-of-state suicide.
The document states that Carey forwarded the information to the inmates through letters to her brother. She never notified police supervisors what she was doing, according to the document.
"Every task given to Officer Carey she performed without question and provided the results back," the document states.
Later, the inmates provided Carey a name and phone number to contact, with instructions to have the person fax her several certificates of deposit, which the inmates said were a major part of solving the murder. The inmates told Carey to deliver the documents to them and to wear her police uniform to circumvent the prison’s visitor policy.
"She was instructed by the inmates to tell prison officials that she was investigating a murder and that they had information for her," the document states.
"Officer Carey received the faxed certificates of deposit that were for large sums of money. She coordinated with her brother and the other inmates on the date and time that she would arrive in uniform with the documents."
An off-duty prison visit
On May 27, Carey’s day off, she dressed in full uniform, took the certificates of deposit to the prison and asked to see the two inmates.
The document states that guards summoned a prison supervisor because uniformed officers usually do not meet with inmates without clearing the visit through prison officials.
Carey told the supervisor that she had prior approval from the prison warden. The inmates’ names had come up during a murder investigation she was conducting, and she believed that they had information about the crime, she said.
She would not, however, provide the supervisor any information about the case, calling her investigation "confidential," the document states.
"The prison warden was contacted who advised that they never spoke to an Officer Carey and apparently she was not being truthful and not there on official business," the document states. "The supervisor turned Officer Carey away who left without pleading her case."
The supervisor later checked the prison computer and learned that Carey had frequently visited her brother. Prison officials notified Fort Worth police, who began an internal affairs investigation.
"Officer Carey chose to wear her police uniform . . . to a federal prison for no other reason than to give the appearance to prison staff that she was there on official business when in fact she was not. She was not truthful with federal prison officials and attempted to bring items into the prison. . ." the document states.
In August, Fort Worth police were notified by an FBI supervisor that federal investigators planned to name Carey as a defendant in a federal indictment.
http://www.star-telegram.com/229/story/965907.html
A 22-year-old police officer has been fired after investigators accused her of using her position to provide information to two federal prison inmates: a bank robber and an international con artist who scammed millions of dollars from his victims.
Lucreshia N. Carey was apparently told by the inmates that information she provided, which included copies of certificates of deposit for large sums of money, would help solve a high-profile murder case and, in turn, possibly get her a promotion and earn the inmates and her incarcerated brother an early release.
Instead, the officer, who joined the force in January 2007, is the focus of a federal investigation and was fired effective Tuesday, police say.
FBI spokesman Mark White said Friday that he was unaware of an investigation involving Carey.
But the Star-Telegram obtained a document that details the case and states that federal investigators have told Fort Worth police that they suspect that Carey was part of a conspiracy. She faces federal charges, according to the document.
Carey has denied to internal affairs investigators that she was involved in illegal activity, documents show.
She could not be reached to comment Friday. Her attorney, Terry Daffron Hickey, said Carey plans to appeal her termination next week.
"Because there is still a pending investigation, I am unable to really comment," she said.
Forwarding information
According to the document, Carey’s brother is serving a long sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in southeast Fort Worth for distributing narcotics. Two fellow inmates learned that Carey was a police officer and asked her brother for her address so they could write to her.
"The inmates explained in the letters that they would like to provide her with information regarding an unsolved high profile murder," the document states. "They possessed important information that would lead to her obtaining a promotion and recognition by solving the crime.
"It would also lead to her brother and the inmates being released early from prison."
The inmates wrote that other federal prisoners had already been released after revealing to authorities portions of information they knew about the crime.
According to the documents, the inmates listed things for Carey to do to solve the crime. The list included researching specific out-of-state addresses to learn owner information, running names through police databases and researching an out-of-state suicide.
The document states that Carey forwarded the information to the inmates through letters to her brother. She never notified police supervisors what she was doing, according to the document.
"Every task given to Officer Carey she performed without question and provided the results back," the document states.
Later, the inmates provided Carey a name and phone number to contact, with instructions to have the person fax her several certificates of deposit, which the inmates said were a major part of solving the murder. The inmates told Carey to deliver the documents to them and to wear her police uniform to circumvent the prison’s visitor policy.
"She was instructed by the inmates to tell prison officials that she was investigating a murder and that they had information for her," the document states.
"Officer Carey received the faxed certificates of deposit that were for large sums of money. She coordinated with her brother and the other inmates on the date and time that she would arrive in uniform with the documents."
An off-duty prison visit
On May 27, Carey’s day off, she dressed in full uniform, took the certificates of deposit to the prison and asked to see the two inmates.
The document states that guards summoned a prison supervisor because uniformed officers usually do not meet with inmates without clearing the visit through prison officials.
Carey told the supervisor that she had prior approval from the prison warden. The inmates’ names had come up during a murder investigation she was conducting, and she believed that they had information about the crime, she said.
She would not, however, provide the supervisor any information about the case, calling her investigation "confidential," the document states.
"The prison warden was contacted who advised that they never spoke to an Officer Carey and apparently she was not being truthful and not there on official business," the document states. "The supervisor turned Officer Carey away who left without pleading her case."
The supervisor later checked the prison computer and learned that Carey had frequently visited her brother. Prison officials notified Fort Worth police, who began an internal affairs investigation.
"Officer Carey chose to wear her police uniform . . . to a federal prison for no other reason than to give the appearance to prison staff that she was there on official business when in fact she was not. She was not truthful with federal prison officials and attempted to bring items into the prison. . ." the document states.
In August, Fort Worth police were notified by an FBI supervisor that federal investigators planned to name Carey as a defendant in a federal indictment.
http://www.star-telegram.com/229/story/965907.html
Michael Shannon sentenced for Stealing Wants to Remain an Officer
Windsor police Const. Michael Shannon was sentenced Thursday to six months of house arrest for stealing $425 from an undercover RCMP officer during a sting operation.
Immediately after Ontario court judge Don Downie handed down the sentence, the Windsor Police Service put Shannon on an unpaid suspension. Since his arrest Oct. 4, 2007, Shannon had been suspended but still collecting a paycheque, in accordance with provincial regulations.
Shannon, 40, pleaded guilty to theft and breach of trust after taking the bait during an orchestrated traffic stop. Windsor police brass enlisted the help of an RCMP officer who Shannon wouldn't recognize, after receiving information more than six months earlier that pointed to Shannon being a dirty cop. He took planted money out of a duffel bag, and despite finding a crack pipe in the car, sent the driver off without so much as a ticket. The 15-year-veteran officer was arrested a few minutes later by waiting officers.
Shannon wrote a seven-page letter read in court by his lawyer Thursday in which he said he wants to remain a police officer. "I want to continue to serve my community," he said.
In the letter, he detailed his lifelong struggle with alcohol and drugs. He said he became a substance abuser at the age of 10 after being sexually abused by a babysitter. He managed to function well in life despite his addictions, getting a college diploma and a university degree before becoming a police officer. He racked up 37 commendations for exceptionally good work.
Despite going into rehab in 2001, he said he kept reverting to drugs and booze after: a bitter divorce; responding to the call in which fellow officer Const. John Atkinson had been shot dead; the stillborn birth of a daughter with an ex-girlfriend; the suicide of one fellow officer; and the cancer death of another.
"There's a saying that into every life a little rain must fall," said the judge. "Const. Shannon has had more than his share of rain."
Shannon's defence lawyer asked the officer be spared jail time and be allowed to serve his sentence in the community.
Crown prosecutor David Foulds, called Shannon's conduct "a terrible stain on the Windsor Police Service" and asked the judge to "be mindful of public perception" and send Shannon to "real jail" for six months to one year.
"I hope this is a compromise between what you were both looking for," said the judge.
But after the judge's ruling, Foulds said he was disappointed with the sentence.
"I would have wished a stronger message to be sent that when police officers commit serious breaches of trust, as this was, that real jail is a distinct possibility."
During his sentence, Shannon will be allowed out of the house from noon to 6 p.m. He will have to complete 24 hours of community service during the six months.
Following his sentence of house arrest, Shannon will be on probation for 12 months, during which time he must complete another 72 hours of community service.
Defence lawyer Andrew Bradie called the sentence fair for someone with an addiction. "Some people will be offended by it, some will understand."
Windsor police Deputy Chief Al Frederick said the department will seek Shannon's termination. He said the department has programs to help officers deal with stress and addictions, but "criminal conduct will not be tolerated at any time."
The department brought Shannon up on Police Services Act charges after his arrest. The hearings had been postponed until his criminal proceedings were complete.
Shannon lost his badge and gun at the time of his arrest. He never spent any time in jail, being released about 90 minutes after his arrest on a promise to appear in court.
He is to appear before a Police Services Act tribunal Oct. 16.
Immediately after Ontario court judge Don Downie handed down the sentence, the Windsor Police Service put Shannon on an unpaid suspension. Since his arrest Oct. 4, 2007, Shannon had been suspended but still collecting a paycheque, in accordance with provincial regulations.
Shannon, 40, pleaded guilty to theft and breach of trust after taking the bait during an orchestrated traffic stop. Windsor police brass enlisted the help of an RCMP officer who Shannon wouldn't recognize, after receiving information more than six months earlier that pointed to Shannon being a dirty cop. He took planted money out of a duffel bag, and despite finding a crack pipe in the car, sent the driver off without so much as a ticket. The 15-year-veteran officer was arrested a few minutes later by waiting officers.
Shannon wrote a seven-page letter read in court by his lawyer Thursday in which he said he wants to remain a police officer. "I want to continue to serve my community," he said.
In the letter, he detailed his lifelong struggle with alcohol and drugs. He said he became a substance abuser at the age of 10 after being sexually abused by a babysitter. He managed to function well in life despite his addictions, getting a college diploma and a university degree before becoming a police officer. He racked up 37 commendations for exceptionally good work.
Despite going into rehab in 2001, he said he kept reverting to drugs and booze after: a bitter divorce; responding to the call in which fellow officer Const. John Atkinson had been shot dead; the stillborn birth of a daughter with an ex-girlfriend; the suicide of one fellow officer; and the cancer death of another.
"There's a saying that into every life a little rain must fall," said the judge. "Const. Shannon has had more than his share of rain."
Shannon's defence lawyer asked the officer be spared jail time and be allowed to serve his sentence in the community.
Crown prosecutor David Foulds, called Shannon's conduct "a terrible stain on the Windsor Police Service" and asked the judge to "be mindful of public perception" and send Shannon to "real jail" for six months to one year.
"I hope this is a compromise between what you were both looking for," said the judge.
But after the judge's ruling, Foulds said he was disappointed with the sentence.
"I would have wished a stronger message to be sent that when police officers commit serious breaches of trust, as this was, that real jail is a distinct possibility."
During his sentence, Shannon will be allowed out of the house from noon to 6 p.m. He will have to complete 24 hours of community service during the six months.
Following his sentence of house arrest, Shannon will be on probation for 12 months, during which time he must complete another 72 hours of community service.
Defence lawyer Andrew Bradie called the sentence fair for someone with an addiction. "Some people will be offended by it, some will understand."
Windsor police Deputy Chief Al Frederick said the department will seek Shannon's termination. He said the department has programs to help officers deal with stress and addictions, but "criminal conduct will not be tolerated at any time."
The department brought Shannon up on Police Services Act charges after his arrest. The hearings had been postponed until his criminal proceedings were complete.
Shannon lost his badge and gun at the time of his arrest. He never spent any time in jail, being released about 90 minutes after his arrest on a promise to appear in court.
He is to appear before a Police Services Act tribunal Oct. 16.
Former County Sheriff Clarence Shepard Accused of Child Molestation
A former Evansville police officer and Vanderburgh County Sheriff is accused of child molestation.
A shocking story out of fort Myers, Florida where Clarence Shepard now lives in retirement.
The details of this incident came out Thursday night in an affidavit filed by the Lee County Sheriff's Office in Fort Myers, Florida.
The report outlines a possible sex crime involving a former Vanderburgh County Sheriff and a girl under the age of twelve.
According to that report, the victim told her mother that Clarence Shepard, 76, touched her inappropriately, made her kiss him and also made her touch his leg.
The girl told deputies the incident happened inside Shepard's house while he was showing her his wife's doll collection. The report also shows that the victim's family is friendly with the Shepards.
Following an interview with Clarence Shepard, sheriff's deputies charged him with one count of lewd and lascivious molestation and booked him into the Lee County Jail in Florida.
Shepherd served the Evansville police department for 20 years before being elected Vanderburgh County Sheriff in 1983.
He was back in Evansville just about a week ago visiting former co-workers and touring the new Vanderburgh County Jail.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
District Judge Jerry Patterson Accused of Retaliating
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.
State judicial panel documents show that a district judge in north Arkansas has been accused of violating the state judicial code by becoming "very angry" over a staff shortage and retaliating against county officials.
District Judge Jerry Patterson of Marshall reportedly became angry that the Searcy (SUR'-see) County Quorum Court in December eliminated a part-time probation officer from his staff who had helped collect fines and fees for the court. That's according to a filing by Director David Stewart of the state Judicial Discipline and Disablity Commission.
Patterson then sent defendants to the county judge's office to pay fines, although the county judge, an administrator, cannot accept court fines and fees, the accusation said. In addition, Patterson told people who appeared in court June 25 on driving-while-intoxicated charges that their "fines are pardoned with amnesty," Stewart's filing said. He allegedly said, "The county doesn't need your money."
Patterson said in a telephone interview today that the accusation grossly mischaracterizes his actions. He said that he never became angry at the quorum court -- that he sent people to the county judge's office to ask where they should pay their fines because the judge's office had no one to collect money -- and that he forgave the fines owed by those who appeared before him June 25 because they could not pay a lump sum and he had no installment plan set up.
State judicial panel documents show that a district judge in north Arkansas has been accused of violating the state judicial code by becoming "very angry" over a staff shortage and retaliating against county officials.
District Judge Jerry Patterson of Marshall reportedly became angry that the Searcy (SUR'-see) County Quorum Court in December eliminated a part-time probation officer from his staff who had helped collect fines and fees for the court. That's according to a filing by Director David Stewart of the state Judicial Discipline and Disablity Commission.
Patterson then sent defendants to the county judge's office to pay fines, although the county judge, an administrator, cannot accept court fines and fees, the accusation said. In addition, Patterson told people who appeared in court June 25 on driving-while-intoxicated charges that their "fines are pardoned with amnesty," Stewart's filing said. He allegedly said, "The county doesn't need your money."
Patterson said in a telephone interview today that the accusation grossly mischaracterizes his actions. He said that he never became angry at the quorum court -- that he sent people to the county judge's office to ask where they should pay their fines because the judge's office had no one to collect money -- and that he forgave the fines owed by those who appeared before him June 25 because they could not pay a lump sum and he had no installment plan set up.
Officer Clarence Shepard Accused of Child Molestation
A former Evansville police officer and Vanderburgh County Sheriff is accused of child molestation.
A shocking story out of fort Myers, Florida where Clarence Shepard now lives in retirement.
The details of this incident came out Thursday night in an affidavit filed by the Lee County Sheriff's Office in Fort Myers, Florida.
The report outlines a possible sex crime involving a former Vanderburgh County Sheriff and a girl under the age of twelve.
According to that report, the victim told her mother that Clarence Shepard, 76, touched her inappropriately, made her kiss him and also made her touch his leg.
The girl told deputies the incident happened inside Shepard's house while he was showing her his wife's doll collection. The report also shows that the victim's family is friendly with the Shepards.
Following an interview with Clarence Shepard, sheriff's deputies charged him with one count of lewd and lascivious molestation and booked him into the Lee County Jail in Florida.
Shepherd served the Evansville police department for 20 years before being elected Vanderburgh County Sheriff in 1983.
He was back in Evansville just about a week ago visiting former co-workers and touring the new Vanderburgh County Jail.
Jury Declines to Indict Judge Charged with Evading
HOUSTON
A Harris County grand jury declined Thursday to indict a Houston municipal court judge who had been charged with evading arrest in a motor vehicle, a felony, after deputies said she interfered with the questioning of her two sons during an arrest, then sped away after an officer asked her to stop.
After hearing from several witnesses, the grand jury chose not to indict April Jill Walker, a part-time associate judge who also teaches law at Texas Southern University.
Walker's arrest in July was her second this year. She has filed a lawsuit against the Harris County Sheriff's Office in connection with an earlier arrest in January.
Walker and her attorney, Lloyd Kelley, claimed the deputies targeted her in retaliation for a formal complaint she made against the two who arrested her in January. In that incident, Walker was arrested after calling 911 because of suspicious activity in her neighborhood.
She was charged with impersonating a public official after identifying herself as a judge. The charges were dropped at her initial court appearance when officials determined she was, in fact, a judge.
The Harris County District Attorney's office does not plan to pursue the charges any further, spokeswoman Donna Hawkins said in a story in the Houston Chronicle.
"It takes pretty extraordinary circumstances to assemble another grand jury," Hawkins said. "It's not anticipated."
The July incident began when deputies were called to a house in northwest Harris County and detained Walker's two teenage sons, who were eventually charged with trespassing and possession of marijuana. Deputies said Walker heard about the incident, came to the scene and attempted to speak to the teenagers in the back of the patrol car.
Deputies said they told Walker she was at the scene of an active investigation and could talk with her sons later. They said she eventually left but did not follow a deputy's request to stop her car. A deputy followed her and after a confrontation in her driveway, Walker resisted before being arrested.
She said she did not speed when leaving the scene and that she did nothing to deserve arrest.
A Harris County grand jury declined Thursday to indict a Houston municipal court judge who had been charged with evading arrest in a motor vehicle, a felony, after deputies said she interfered with the questioning of her two sons during an arrest, then sped away after an officer asked her to stop.
After hearing from several witnesses, the grand jury chose not to indict April Jill Walker, a part-time associate judge who also teaches law at Texas Southern University.
Walker's arrest in July was her second this year. She has filed a lawsuit against the Harris County Sheriff's Office in connection with an earlier arrest in January.
Walker and her attorney, Lloyd Kelley, claimed the deputies targeted her in retaliation for a formal complaint she made against the two who arrested her in January. In that incident, Walker was arrested after calling 911 because of suspicious activity in her neighborhood.
She was charged with impersonating a public official after identifying herself as a judge. The charges were dropped at her initial court appearance when officials determined she was, in fact, a judge.
The Harris County District Attorney's office does not plan to pursue the charges any further, spokeswoman Donna Hawkins said in a story in the Houston Chronicle.
"It takes pretty extraordinary circumstances to assemble another grand jury," Hawkins said. "It's not anticipated."
The July incident began when deputies were called to a house in northwest Harris County and detained Walker's two teenage sons, who were eventually charged with trespassing and possession of marijuana. Deputies said Walker heard about the incident, came to the scene and attempted to speak to the teenagers in the back of the patrol car.
Deputies said they told Walker she was at the scene of an active investigation and could talk with her sons later. They said she eventually left but did not follow a deputy's request to stop her car. A deputy followed her and after a confrontation in her driveway, Walker resisted before being arrested.
She said she did not speed when leaving the scene and that she did nothing to deserve arrest.
Officer James Guerra Arrested for Rape
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
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
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
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