MANILA, Philippines
Four Manila policemen will be investigated for allegedly extorting P800,000 from a Korean in exchange for his release after being jailed for illegal drug possession.
The chief of the Manila Police District (MPD), Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales, ordered the probe on Tuesday of four cops detailed at the Anti-Illegal Drugs Division.
The policemen, whose identities were withheld pending the investigation, reportedly arrested 32-year-old Sungjun Byun on October 17 for illegal drug possession. According to earlier reports, a fellow Korean, Seong Mun Kin, also 32, mediated to have Sungjun released. It was allegedly Seong who gave the money to the four policemen.
Seong's arrest was not reported to the MPD, according to Chief Inspector Audie Madrideo, chief of the MPD District Police Intelligence Operations Unit (DPIOU).
Police learned of the alleged extortion only on Sunday (October 19) when Seong held Sungjun captive in the latter's own room at the Manila Pavilion in Malate, Manila. According to Sungjun, Seong was demanding payment of the P800,000 before letting him go.
Sungjun called his girlfriend to ask for the money. The girlfriend reported the incident to the police attache of the South Korean Embassy, Consul Park Jangsik, who then asked for police assistance.
Police went to the hotel to arrest Seong, who will be charged with kidnapping.
- GMANews.TV
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Lt. Jon Burge Shames his Badge
CHICAGO
A prosecutor says a former top Chicago police officer "shamed" his uniform and badge by allegedly covering up the torture of murder suspects.
A federal indictment accuses former police Lt. Jon Burge of perjury and obstruction of justice, for denying that he and detectives under his command had tortured people suspected of murder.
The denial came in 2003, when Burge was questioned in a civil rights lawsuit filed by a man who said Burge and other detectives had tortured him. Madison Hobley said the officers had covered his head with a typewriter cover until he couldn't breathe.
Hobley was suspected of setting a fire that killed seven people, including his wife and son. He says a confession that was introduced at his trial was fabricated by police. He was convicted and spent 13 years on death row, but was pardoned in 2003.
Burge was arrested this morning at his Florida home. The arrest caps a long controversy over allegations that beatings, electric shocks and death threats were used against suspects.
The allegations contributed to the decision by Illinois Governor George Ryan in 1993 to empty the state's death row.
A prosecutor says a former top Chicago police officer "shamed" his uniform and badge by allegedly covering up the torture of murder suspects.
A federal indictment accuses former police Lt. Jon Burge of perjury and obstruction of justice, for denying that he and detectives under his command had tortured people suspected of murder.
The denial came in 2003, when Burge was questioned in a civil rights lawsuit filed by a man who said Burge and other detectives had tortured him. Madison Hobley said the officers had covered his head with a typewriter cover until he couldn't breathe.
Hobley was suspected of setting a fire that killed seven people, including his wife and son. He says a confession that was introduced at his trial was fabricated by police. He was convicted and spent 13 years on death row, but was pardoned in 2003.
Burge was arrested this morning at his Florida home. The arrest caps a long controversy over allegations that beatings, electric shocks and death threats were used against suspects.
The allegations contributed to the decision by Illinois Governor George Ryan in 1993 to empty the state's death row.
Deputy Gilbert Barrientos Jr Arrested for Possessing Child Porn
SAN ANTONIO, Texas
A Bexar County Sheriff’s deputy is behind bars accused of possessing child pornography.
Gilbert Barrientos Jr., 38, was arrested after his wife called police.
Police say she found two computer thumb drives with more than 200 illegal pictures on them.
Barrientos is being held on a $10,000 bond. He is being kept away from other inmates.
A Bexar County Sheriff’s deputy is behind bars accused of possessing child pornography.
Gilbert Barrientos Jr., 38, was arrested after his wife called police.
Police say she found two computer thumb drives with more than 200 illegal pictures on them.
Barrientos is being held on a $10,000 bond. He is being kept away from other inmates.
Former Commander Jon Burge Arrested for Obstruction of Justice
Former Chicago Police Commander Jon Burge was arrested today at his home in Florida on federal obstruction of justice and perjury charges for allegedly lying about whether he and other officers under his command participated in torture and physical abuse of suspects in police custody dating back to the 1980s. Burge was charged with two counts of obstruction of justice and one count of perjury in a three-count indictment that was returned under seal by a federal grand jury last Thursday, Oct. 16. 2008, and unsealed following his arrest.
The indictment was announced jointly by Grace Chung Becker, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the U.S. Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, Patrick J. Fitzgerald, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Today's indictment alleges that Burge lied and impeded court proceedings in November 2003 when he provided written answers to questions, known as interrogatories, in a civil lawsuit alleging that he and others tortured and abused people in their custody.
"Throughout our nation, our fine law enforcement officers make daily sacrifices in the pursuit of justice," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Becker. "It is imperative that we take these charges seriously but also bear in mind they do not reflect upon the conduct of the vast majority of law enforcement officers."
"There is no place for torture and abuse in a police station. There is no place for perjury and false statements in federal lawsuits," said U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald. "No person is above the law, and nobody - even a suspected murderer - is beneath its protection. The alleged criminal conduct by defendant Burge goes to the core principles of our criminal justice system."
"Everyday Chicago Police Officers execute their sworn duties lawfully with great skill, courage and integrity," said Special Agent-in-Charge Grant. "Sometimes they do so with great peril, as we have been sadly reminded in recent weeks and months.
But police officers have a special duty which is underscored by today's announcement. Police officers don't serve the public as judge and jury and they have a special responsibility to care for those within their custody, regardless of their alleged crimes. Today's announcement brings great shame on the career of retired Commander Jon Burge. These charges will not erase the pain within our Chicago community, but perhaps it can help begin the healing process."
Burge, 60, of Apollo Beach. Fla., is expected to have an initial appearance later today in Federal Court in Tampa. No date has yet been set for him to appear in U.S. District Court in Chicago, where he will face prosecution.
According to the indictment, Burge was a Chicago Police Officer from 1970 to 1993. He served in several jurisdictions throughout the city, as a detective from 1972-1974, a sergeant from 1977-1980, and a lieutenant commanding detectives working in the Area Two violent crimes unit from about 1981-1986 . Subsequently, he was commander of the Bomb and Arson Unit, and, later, commander of Area Three detectives. Burge was suspended by the Chicago Police Department in 1991 and fired in 1993.
The indictment alleges that during the time Burge worked in Area Two, he was present on one or more occasions for, and at times participated in, the torture and physical abuse of persons in police custody. It is further alleged that during the time he worked as the lieutenant supervising Area Two violent crimes detectives, Burge was aware that detectives he supervised, on one or more other occasions, engaged in torture and physical abuse of people in their custody.
Chicago Police Department regulations, as well as state and federal law, prohibit torture, physical abuse and other use of excessive force by police officers.
Since 1991, a series of police brutality civil lawsuits have been filed alleging that Burge and other detectives and police officers under his command participated in torture and abuse of suspects. One such case, Hobley v. Burge, et al., filed in 2003 in U.S. District Court in Chicago, alleged that plaintiff Madison Hobley was tortured and abused by police officers at Area Two headquarters in January 1987 in order to coerce a confession. The suit included an allegation that police officers had placed a plastic bag over Hobley's head until he lost consciousness.
The Hobley lawsuit claimed that Burge was aware of a pattern of torture and abuse at Area Two police headquarters. The indictment does not, however, allege that Hobley was tortured or abused.
During the discovery process in civil litigation, Hobley's attorneys served Burge with written interrogatories. Burge's written responses are the basis for today's charges, which allege that Burge corruptly obstructed, influenced and impeded an official proceeding by signing answers containing false statements in response to two interrogatories in the Hobley litigation.
If convicted, Burge faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count of obstruction of justice, five years for perjury, and a $250,000 fine on each count.
The investigation is continuing. An indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeff Cramer, Barry Miller and Sergio Acosta, and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Betsy Biffl.
SOURCE U.S. Department of Justice
http://www.USDOJ.gov
The indictment was announced jointly by Grace Chung Becker, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the U.S. Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, Patrick J. Fitzgerald, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Today's indictment alleges that Burge lied and impeded court proceedings in November 2003 when he provided written answers to questions, known as interrogatories, in a civil lawsuit alleging that he and others tortured and abused people in their custody.
"Throughout our nation, our fine law enforcement officers make daily sacrifices in the pursuit of justice," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Becker. "It is imperative that we take these charges seriously but also bear in mind they do not reflect upon the conduct of the vast majority of law enforcement officers."
"There is no place for torture and abuse in a police station. There is no place for perjury and false statements in federal lawsuits," said U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald. "No person is above the law, and nobody - even a suspected murderer - is beneath its protection. The alleged criminal conduct by defendant Burge goes to the core principles of our criminal justice system."
"Everyday Chicago Police Officers execute their sworn duties lawfully with great skill, courage and integrity," said Special Agent-in-Charge Grant. "Sometimes they do so with great peril, as we have been sadly reminded in recent weeks and months.
But police officers have a special duty which is underscored by today's announcement. Police officers don't serve the public as judge and jury and they have a special responsibility to care for those within their custody, regardless of their alleged crimes. Today's announcement brings great shame on the career of retired Commander Jon Burge. These charges will not erase the pain within our Chicago community, but perhaps it can help begin the healing process."
Burge, 60, of Apollo Beach. Fla., is expected to have an initial appearance later today in Federal Court in Tampa. No date has yet been set for him to appear in U.S. District Court in Chicago, where he will face prosecution.
According to the indictment, Burge was a Chicago Police Officer from 1970 to 1993. He served in several jurisdictions throughout the city, as a detective from 1972-1974, a sergeant from 1977-1980, and a lieutenant commanding detectives working in the Area Two violent crimes unit from about 1981-1986 . Subsequently, he was commander of the Bomb and Arson Unit, and, later, commander of Area Three detectives. Burge was suspended by the Chicago Police Department in 1991 and fired in 1993.
The indictment alleges that during the time Burge worked in Area Two, he was present on one or more occasions for, and at times participated in, the torture and physical abuse of persons in police custody. It is further alleged that during the time he worked as the lieutenant supervising Area Two violent crimes detectives, Burge was aware that detectives he supervised, on one or more other occasions, engaged in torture and physical abuse of people in their custody.
Chicago Police Department regulations, as well as state and federal law, prohibit torture, physical abuse and other use of excessive force by police officers.
Since 1991, a series of police brutality civil lawsuits have been filed alleging that Burge and other detectives and police officers under his command participated in torture and abuse of suspects. One such case, Hobley v. Burge, et al., filed in 2003 in U.S. District Court in Chicago, alleged that plaintiff Madison Hobley was tortured and abused by police officers at Area Two headquarters in January 1987 in order to coerce a confession. The suit included an allegation that police officers had placed a plastic bag over Hobley's head until he lost consciousness.
The Hobley lawsuit claimed that Burge was aware of a pattern of torture and abuse at Area Two police headquarters. The indictment does not, however, allege that Hobley was tortured or abused.
During the discovery process in civil litigation, Hobley's attorneys served Burge with written interrogatories. Burge's written responses are the basis for today's charges, which allege that Burge corruptly obstructed, influenced and impeded an official proceeding by signing answers containing false statements in response to two interrogatories in the Hobley litigation.
If convicted, Burge faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count of obstruction of justice, five years for perjury, and a $250,000 fine on each count.
The investigation is continuing. An indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeff Cramer, Barry Miller and Sergio Acosta, and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Betsy Biffl.
SOURCE U.S. Department of Justice
http://www.USDOJ.gov
Officer Donald Mcfarland Arrested for Domestic Dispute
A Fort Worth police officer was arrested Saturday on accusations that he waved a gun at his wife and her friend during a domestic dispute.
Donald Dwayne McFarland, 50, faces charges of deadly conduct and assault by offensive contact or threat.
According to a police report, McFarland was arrested after police were called to a west Fort Worth residence about 8:30 p.m. He is accused of waving a pistol and making threats against his wife and her friend, both 51.
Lt. Paul Henderson, police spokesman, said McFarland has been placed on restrictive duty.
"An internal investigation has been launched into the matter," Henderson said.
http://www.star-telegram.com/
Donald Dwayne McFarland, 50, faces charges of deadly conduct and assault by offensive contact or threat.
According to a police report, McFarland was arrested after police were called to a west Fort Worth residence about 8:30 p.m. He is accused of waving a pistol and making threats against his wife and her friend, both 51.
Lt. Paul Henderson, police spokesman, said McFarland has been placed on restrictive duty.
"An internal investigation has been launched into the matter," Henderson said.
http://www.star-telegram.com/
Salem Police Investigate Officer Throwing Suspect to Ground
Salem police are investigating an arrest in which an officer is shown on video throwing a suspect to the ground.
Salem Police Chief Robert St. Pierre tells The Salem News that Patrolman Larry Puleo has been assigned to "internal duties" until an internal investigation is completed.
The video being shown on the Web site You Tube shows an officer grabbing a young man by the throat and throwing him to the ground as he makes an arrest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=432DtkCD3L8
Salem police said Monday the incident happened early Friday as officers were dispersing crowds leaving downtown bars.
Police said just before that arrest, the officer had been punched in the face and kicked while making another unrelated arrest.
___
Information from: The Salem News, http://www.salemnews.com
More Information: http://wbztv.com/local/salem.police.arrest.2.844893.html
Salem Police Chief Robert St. Pierre tells The Salem News that Patrolman Larry Puleo has been assigned to "internal duties" until an internal investigation is completed.
The video being shown on the Web site You Tube shows an officer grabbing a young man by the throat and throwing him to the ground as he makes an arrest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=432DtkCD3L8
Salem police said Monday the incident happened early Friday as officers were dispersing crowds leaving downtown bars.
Police said just before that arrest, the officer had been punched in the face and kicked while making another unrelated arrest.
___
Information from: The Salem News, http://www.salemnews.com
More Information: http://wbztv.com/local/salem.police.arrest.2.844893.html
Probationary Officer Ryan Honnette Arrested for Vehicular Manslaughter
A 27-year-old Stockton Police Department probationary officer has been placed on administrative leave after he was arrested over the weekend on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and felony drunken driving.
Ryan Honnette of Denair had completed police academy and was nearing the end of the department's 18-month probationary officer program, Officer Pete Smith, a Stockton Police Department spokesman, confirmed.
"He had been here for very nearly that amount of time," Smith said.
Because of the personnel issues, Smith would not comment further other than to confirm that Honnette was on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation into the fatal crash outside of La Grange.
Honnette shortly after 4:40 p.m. Saturday was driving a sport utility vehicle south on Lake Road a little more than a mile south of state Highway 132 southwest of La Grange, California Highway Patrol Officer Tom Killian said. The vehicle was going at about 40 mph.
"Due to intoxication, he was unable to negotiate the curves in the road," Killian said of Honnette.
The sport utility vehicle drifted onto the west shoulder, Honnette overcorrected and the vehicle ended up in the oncoming lane, Killian said. Honnette overcorrected again, causing the vehicle to return to the west shoulder, off the road and through some bushes before Honnette overcorrected again and lost control.
The vehicle returned to the southbound lane of the road where it overturned once and came to rest on the driver's side, Killian said.
Matthew Miller, 25, of Turlock was a rear-seat passenger and was not wearing a seatbelt. He was thrown from the vehicle through a rear window, Killian said. Miller was taken to Oak Valley Hospital in Oakdale and pronounced dead.
Other passengers in the vehicle, Blake Gonsalves, 25, Wesley Romero, 27, and Timothy Robero, 25, all of Turlock, were not seriously hurt. Only Honnette and Gonsalves were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
Honnette was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and felony drunken driving, Killian said, but Honnette's name does not appear on the Stanislaus County Jail in-custody Web site.
More Information: http://www.my58.com/news/17774295/detail.html
Ryan Honnette of Denair had completed police academy and was nearing the end of the department's 18-month probationary officer program, Officer Pete Smith, a Stockton Police Department spokesman, confirmed.
"He had been here for very nearly that amount of time," Smith said.
Because of the personnel issues, Smith would not comment further other than to confirm that Honnette was on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation into the fatal crash outside of La Grange.
Honnette shortly after 4:40 p.m. Saturday was driving a sport utility vehicle south on Lake Road a little more than a mile south of state Highway 132 southwest of La Grange, California Highway Patrol Officer Tom Killian said. The vehicle was going at about 40 mph.
"Due to intoxication, he was unable to negotiate the curves in the road," Killian said of Honnette.
The sport utility vehicle drifted onto the west shoulder, Honnette overcorrected and the vehicle ended up in the oncoming lane, Killian said. Honnette overcorrected again, causing the vehicle to return to the west shoulder, off the road and through some bushes before Honnette overcorrected again and lost control.
The vehicle returned to the southbound lane of the road where it overturned once and came to rest on the driver's side, Killian said.
Matthew Miller, 25, of Turlock was a rear-seat passenger and was not wearing a seatbelt. He was thrown from the vehicle through a rear window, Killian said. Miller was taken to Oak Valley Hospital in Oakdale and pronounced dead.
Other passengers in the vehicle, Blake Gonsalves, 25, Wesley Romero, 27, and Timothy Robero, 25, all of Turlock, were not seriously hurt. Only Honnette and Gonsalves were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
Honnette was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and felony drunken driving, Killian said, but Honnette's name does not appear on the Stanislaus County Jail in-custody Web site.
More Information: http://www.my58.com/news/17774295/detail.html
Officer Christopher Buckley Arrested for Raping 13-year-old girl
A ten-year veteran of the New Orleans Police Department was arrested for the rape of a 13-year-old girl, Superintendent Warren Riley announced in a statement.
Christopher Buckley, 36, was with the Fifth District before resigning Tuesday, said NOPD spokesman Bob Young.
Buckley was arrested following an investigation by the NOPD’s Public Integrity Bureau, police said.
The officer was taken to Central Lock-Up Tuesday around 4 p.m., booking him for rape, police said.
Police said that the investigation into the crime is still ongoing.
Christopher Buckley, 36, was with the Fifth District before resigning Tuesday, said NOPD spokesman Bob Young.
Buckley was arrested following an investigation by the NOPD’s Public Integrity Bureau, police said.
The officer was taken to Central Lock-Up Tuesday around 4 p.m., booking him for rape, police said.
Police said that the investigation into the crime is still ongoing.
Constable Timothy Hesketh Accused of Fracturing the Back of a Prisoner
A police officer accused of fracturing the back of a prisoner when he slammed on the brakes of a police wagon went on trial in Palmerston North yesterday.
Constable Timothy Edward Hesketh's "braking without cause'' last November also sent one colleague flying from his seat and swear words flying from others, the High Court heard.
The Crown alleges Hesketh's actions were responsible for the paralysis of 46-year-old Mark Edwards, who suffered a fractured dislocation of his spine.
It left him with loss of sensation and paralysis of all four limbs, the jury was told.
Hesketh is charged with reckless disregard causing grievous bodily harm and faces a maximum seven years' imprisonment if convicted.
Mr Edwards had been arrested for trespassing at a former girlfriend's home after five police officers were called to assist.
After a 40-minute struggle to extricate an intoxicated Mr Edwards from the Palmerston North address, he was arrested and loaded into the police wagon about 1.30am on November 4, 2007, the court heard.
Three officers gave evidence that the drunk man had walked unsupported into the back of the vehicle to sit on the bench seat.
It was not until they arrived at the police station that Mr Edwards was found lying face-down on the van floor, unable to move on his own.
It took four officers to carry the 183cm, 110kg man into the cells.
But Hesketh claimed Mr Edwards was dragged from the address and placed in the footwell of the van's compartment in the recovery position, Crown prosecutor Ben Vanderkolk said.
Hesketh ``overstated the aggression and resistance'' of Mr Edwards before the arrest after he heard him making a complaint of police brutality against him on the phone to a police operator, Mr Vanderkolk said.
Constable Jymahl Glassey said that when Hesketh braked at the intersection of Albert and Church streets, he left his seat and hit a barrier rail in front enough for another officer to ask if he was okay.
Back at the station, Mr Edwards' persona had changed and he noticed blood on his face, he said.
``In the cells he looked puffed and tired and lacking energy ... he was a different man. I thought maybe he had heart problems or something.'' Mr Glassey said.
Defence counsel Susan Hughes QC read from Mr Glassey's police report that Mr Edwards' injuries appeared to be as a result of being taken to ground and his head hitting the pavement.
``That's what I believed happened at the time, I've used the words, `appear to be as a result','' Mr Glassey said.
Constable Matthew McFlynn said he too went forward in his seat when Hesketh braked.
``I think I said `Shit' because I got a fright and I think someone else said the same thing.''
He too saw injuries on Mr Edwards after the trip in the wagon.
``His feet and his legs looked limp ... he couldn't walk himself.''
Each officer who gave evidence said they considered Hesketh to be honest and level-headed in carrying out his duties.
Constable Timothy Edward Hesketh's "braking without cause'' last November also sent one colleague flying from his seat and swear words flying from others, the High Court heard.
The Crown alleges Hesketh's actions were responsible for the paralysis of 46-year-old Mark Edwards, who suffered a fractured dislocation of his spine.
It left him with loss of sensation and paralysis of all four limbs, the jury was told.
Hesketh is charged with reckless disregard causing grievous bodily harm and faces a maximum seven years' imprisonment if convicted.
Mr Edwards had been arrested for trespassing at a former girlfriend's home after five police officers were called to assist.
After a 40-minute struggle to extricate an intoxicated Mr Edwards from the Palmerston North address, he was arrested and loaded into the police wagon about 1.30am on November 4, 2007, the court heard.
Three officers gave evidence that the drunk man had walked unsupported into the back of the vehicle to sit on the bench seat.
It was not until they arrived at the police station that Mr Edwards was found lying face-down on the van floor, unable to move on his own.
It took four officers to carry the 183cm, 110kg man into the cells.
But Hesketh claimed Mr Edwards was dragged from the address and placed in the footwell of the van's compartment in the recovery position, Crown prosecutor Ben Vanderkolk said.
Hesketh ``overstated the aggression and resistance'' of Mr Edwards before the arrest after he heard him making a complaint of police brutality against him on the phone to a police operator, Mr Vanderkolk said.
Constable Jymahl Glassey said that when Hesketh braked at the intersection of Albert and Church streets, he left his seat and hit a barrier rail in front enough for another officer to ask if he was okay.
Back at the station, Mr Edwards' persona had changed and he noticed blood on his face, he said.
``In the cells he looked puffed and tired and lacking energy ... he was a different man. I thought maybe he had heart problems or something.'' Mr Glassey said.
Defence counsel Susan Hughes QC read from Mr Glassey's police report that Mr Edwards' injuries appeared to be as a result of being taken to ground and his head hitting the pavement.
``That's what I believed happened at the time, I've used the words, `appear to be as a result','' Mr Glassey said.
Constable Matthew McFlynn said he too went forward in his seat when Hesketh braked.
``I think I said `Shit' because I got a fright and I think someone else said the same thing.''
He too saw injuries on Mr Edwards after the trip in the wagon.
``His feet and his legs looked limp ... he couldn't walk himself.''
Each officer who gave evidence said they considered Hesketh to be honest and level-headed in carrying out his duties.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Officer William Jordan Accused of Selling Hydrocodone
MEMPHIS, Tenn.
A West Tennessee police officer faces federal drug charges and is accused of selling the pain killer hydrocodone to youngsters at a drive-in restaurant.
William Patrick Jordan, an officer with the Bolivar Police Department, faces charges filed by federal prosecutors in Memphis on Friday.
An affidavit from an officer with the West Tennessee Drug Task Force says Jordan bought tablets of the powerful painkilling drug from an undercover informant. The affidavit also says authorities began investigating Jordan on reports he was selling drugs to "young girls at a Sonic Drive-in in Bolivar."
Courts records say Jordan will be represented by a public defender but did not indicate if one had been appointed for him. He does not have a listed phone number in Bolivar.
A West Tennessee police officer faces federal drug charges and is accused of selling the pain killer hydrocodone to youngsters at a drive-in restaurant.
William Patrick Jordan, an officer with the Bolivar Police Department, faces charges filed by federal prosecutors in Memphis on Friday.
An affidavit from an officer with the West Tennessee Drug Task Force says Jordan bought tablets of the powerful painkilling drug from an undercover informant. The affidavit also says authorities began investigating Jordan on reports he was selling drugs to "young girls at a Sonic Drive-in in Bolivar."
Courts records say Jordan will be represented by a public defender but did not indicate if one had been appointed for him. He does not have a listed phone number in Bolivar.
Officer Alph Coleman Indicted on Aggravated Robbery
A Dallas police officer was indicted Monday on charges he planned and carried out a June robbery at a Red Bird-area Sam’s Club where he worked off-duty security.
Officer Alph Coleman is charged with aggravated robbery in the June 27 incident at the store in the 2900 block of West Wheatland Road, police said. He was arrested in August and released on bail.
Officer Coleman, 29, was in uniform and working at the store that night when a masked gunman entered and held him at gunpoint, the officer told investigators. The robbery failed when employees locked themselves in a storage room and refused to give the suspects access to the vault.
Investigators ultimately identified holes in Officer Coleman’s story and have said they have phone records indicating the officer and getaway driver were in contact shortly before the crime.
Floyd Gibson Jr., 37, and Christopher Johnson, 26, were also indicted on aggravated robbery charges. Mr. Gibson and Cecil Rosemond, 35, were indicted on a charge of conspiracy to commit robbery.
A decision will be made on whether to fire Officer Coleman once an administrative investigation is completed. He has been with the Police Department since 2004 and has no history of disciplinary problems, police said.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/6069362.html
Officer Alph Coleman is charged with aggravated robbery in the June 27 incident at the store in the 2900 block of West Wheatland Road, police said. He was arrested in August and released on bail.
Officer Coleman, 29, was in uniform and working at the store that night when a masked gunman entered and held him at gunpoint, the officer told investigators. The robbery failed when employees locked themselves in a storage room and refused to give the suspects access to the vault.
Investigators ultimately identified holes in Officer Coleman’s story and have said they have phone records indicating the officer and getaway driver were in contact shortly before the crime.
Floyd Gibson Jr., 37, and Christopher Johnson, 26, were also indicted on aggravated robbery charges. Mr. Gibson and Cecil Rosemond, 35, were indicted on a charge of conspiracy to commit robbery.
A decision will be made on whether to fire Officer Coleman once an administrative investigation is completed. He has been with the Police Department since 2004 and has no history of disciplinary problems, police said.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/6069362.html
Officer Erick Supplee Arrested for Failure to Obey
An off-duty Bend police officer was arrested in Pullman, Wash., over the weekend on a charge of failure to obey an officer, Bend's police chief confirmed Monday afternoon.
Erick Supplee, 32, was arrested early Saturday morning and taken to the Pullman city jail on the misdemeanor charge, then released on his own recognizance, a police officer said.
An officer said he was on foot patrol on College Hill when he saw a man driving the wrong way on Ruby Street. The officer says he approached the vehicle and yelled at the man to stop, at which times he allegedly sped off.
Other police patrol cars stopped the driver minutes later, a few blocks away.
Officers say Supplee smelled of alcohol but noted he did not appear intoxicated. Supplee refused to take a Breathalyzer or field sobriety test, they said.
Bend Interim Police Chief Sandi Baxter said Supplee has been on the force for just over 5 ½ years.
"He is continuing to work," she said. "There are two different processes. One is a criminal investigation. That is to be completed up there (in Pullman). We are initiating an internal affairs investigation."
"We are not making any pre-judgments here," Baxter said, noting they were in the "initial stages of investigation" regarding the incident.
From KTVZ.COM news sources
**********************
How about the charge of Drunk Driving?!?
Former Officer Robert Pavlovich Jr Trial to Begin for Molesting Children
Jury selection for a former Marysville police officer accused of propositioning and molesting girls ages 12 to 19 is to begin today in Perry County Court, despite attempts by the former officer's attorney to have the trial moved.
President Judge Kathy A. Morrow said she was not convinced the media coverage in the case involving Robert J. Pavlovich Jr., 40, of Lower Allen Twp., has been "inherently prejudicial."
"The court believes defendant has not shown that he is unable to impanel a fair and impartial jury from residents of Perry County," Morrow wrote last week in a two-page opinion.
Pavlovich's trial is to begin Wednesday and last for three days.
Morrow said that the judge presiding over the jury selection -- Senior Judge C. Joseph Rehkamp -- will have the final say over whether the trial should be moved. That would happen if it is demonstrated that potential jurors cannot be impartial during interviews today, Morrow said.
The test for moving the trial is whether the publicity regarding the case has been "sensational, inflammatory or slanted towards conviction rather than factual and objective," Morrow said.
Pavlovich was charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, unlawful contact with minors, sexual assault and 21 other counts from between July 2002 and March 2003.
Morrow refused a request by Pavlovich's attorney, P. Richard Wagner, to throw out eight of the 24 charges against his client, including one involving a girl who claims she blacked out at a drinking party and didn't remember anything sexual occurring with Pavlovich.
In September 2006, Perry County District Attorney Charles Chenot asked the state attorney general's office to investigate complaints about Pavlovich, who worked in Marysville from 2001 to 2007, records state.
Pavlovich was arrested in October 2007 and was fired by Marysville the next month. He is free on $250,000 bail.
http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1224552305215640.xml&coll=1
President Judge Kathy A. Morrow said she was not convinced the media coverage in the case involving Robert J. Pavlovich Jr., 40, of Lower Allen Twp., has been "inherently prejudicial."
"The court believes defendant has not shown that he is unable to impanel a fair and impartial jury from residents of Perry County," Morrow wrote last week in a two-page opinion.
Pavlovich's trial is to begin Wednesday and last for three days.
Morrow said that the judge presiding over the jury selection -- Senior Judge C. Joseph Rehkamp -- will have the final say over whether the trial should be moved. That would happen if it is demonstrated that potential jurors cannot be impartial during interviews today, Morrow said.
The test for moving the trial is whether the publicity regarding the case has been "sensational, inflammatory or slanted towards conviction rather than factual and objective," Morrow said.
Pavlovich was charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, unlawful contact with minors, sexual assault and 21 other counts from between July 2002 and March 2003.
Morrow refused a request by Pavlovich's attorney, P. Richard Wagner, to throw out eight of the 24 charges against his client, including one involving a girl who claims she blacked out at a drinking party and didn't remember anything sexual occurring with Pavlovich.
In September 2006, Perry County District Attorney Charles Chenot asked the state attorney general's office to investigate complaints about Pavlovich, who worked in Marysville from 2001 to 2007, records state.
Pavlovich was arrested in October 2007 and was fired by Marysville the next month. He is free on $250,000 bail.
http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1224552305215640.xml&coll=1
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Officer Shanita McKnight Accused of Letting Man Smoke Weed in her Car
A former police officer is accused of letting a man smoke marijuana in her patrol car.
Deshawn Wallace, who is serving time for gun charges, testified that former Lake City Officer, Shanita McKnight, let him smoke pot in her patrol car as well as let him drive the vehicle.
Last summer, McKnight, was indicted on Federal Drug Dealing Charges and using her position as a police officer to make people pay her money.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Officer David B Young III Charged with DUI
A Newark police officer has resigned after being charged with driving under the influence, reckless endangerment and other charges.
David B. Young III, a police officer for seven years, resigned Oct. 6, spokesman Lt. Brian Henry said.
Young was driving a vehicle that skidded through a sobriety checkpoint Oct. 5 near Smyrna, sending officers scrambling for safety, said Lt. Norman Wood, of the Smyrna Police Department.
Smyrna and Clayton police jointly were conducting the DUI checkpoint Oct. 5 on Del. 300 west of Underwoods Corner Road.
At about 1 a.m., Young's vehicle sped toward the checkpoint, braked and skidded through the site, then attempted to speed away, Wood said.
Young was stopped after a brief police chase.
None of the officers at the scene recognized Young but "he told us he was a police officer," Wood said.
Young, 31, of Clayton, was charged with eight counts of first-degree reckless endangering, resisting arrest, failure to stop on command, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
This arrest comes just over a year after Young was arrested on drunken driving charges after crashing a Newark city-leased car into a concrete barrier south of the Biddles Corner toll plaza on Del. 1.
In Newark, Young attained the rank of corporal, and served most recently in the patrol division of the 65-member force, Henry said.
Young was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 7 and released after posting a $5,500 secured bond to await another court appearance.
David B. Young III, a police officer for seven years, resigned Oct. 6, spokesman Lt. Brian Henry said.
Young was driving a vehicle that skidded through a sobriety checkpoint Oct. 5 near Smyrna, sending officers scrambling for safety, said Lt. Norman Wood, of the Smyrna Police Department.
Smyrna and Clayton police jointly were conducting the DUI checkpoint Oct. 5 on Del. 300 west of Underwoods Corner Road.
At about 1 a.m., Young's vehicle sped toward the checkpoint, braked and skidded through the site, then attempted to speed away, Wood said.
Young was stopped after a brief police chase.
None of the officers at the scene recognized Young but "he told us he was a police officer," Wood said.
Young, 31, of Clayton, was charged with eight counts of first-degree reckless endangering, resisting arrest, failure to stop on command, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
This arrest comes just over a year after Young was arrested on drunken driving charges after crashing a Newark city-leased car into a concrete barrier south of the Biddles Corner toll plaza on Del. 1.
In Newark, Young attained the rank of corporal, and served most recently in the patrol division of the 65-member force, Henry said.
Young was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 7 and released after posting a $5,500 secured bond to await another court appearance.
Former Officer and Sheriffs Son Face Federal Charges
HOUSTON
Cameras were there when Jack Heard Jr. walked out of the federal court house late Thursday afternoon.
A judge had just read a long list of criminal charges against him. If his face looks familiar, maybe it's because you remember his dad.
The accused is the son of former Harris County Sheriff Jack Heard Sr., who died in 2005 after a long and distinguished career in law enforcement.
Heard Junior spent seven years as a Houston police officer, and he's been a fixture in this community. At least twice he's spent thousands of dollars helping young people by outbidding others at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
But now it seems he needs some help. He said he has hired prominent defense attorney Dick DeGuerin to help him fight a federal indictment.
According to the indictment, Heard has been charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States of employment taxes, bribing a government official, trying to obtain government contracts, failure to pay prevailing wages and a couple of other charges, including tax evasion.
All the allegations are associated with a security company Heard owns called Superior Protection, Inc.
Three other men, Gary Lambert, William Lane and John Bailey were also indicted. They all work for Heard.
A closer look at the indictment reveals allegations that Heard failed to pay employment taxes on more than $5.7 million going back as far as 1987. He also failed to provide the required firearms training to his security guards, nor did he properly pay the guards.
Agents from the IRS, ATF and the Department of Homeland Security said they spent years investigating this case.
If he's convicted, the son of a longtime sheriff could spend up to 15 years in prison.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Corrections Officer Patrick Gee Found Guilty of Having Sex with Inmates
A guilty verdict against a former Fluvanna County corrections officer accused of sex crimes against inmates.
Patrick Gee was found guilty of four counts of carnal knowledge of an inmate.
The jury recommend two and half years in jail for each count. This conviction was for the accusations made by one inmate.
Gee will stand trial for accusations made by two other inmates starting next week.
Three inmates at the Fluvanna Correctional Center for women accuse Patrick Gee of sexual abuse, alleging it happened over a two-year period.
Officer Russell Mecano Arrested for Forcing Women to Have Sex with Him
A Los Angeles police officer is under investigation for allegedly trying to force women he met while on duty to have sex with him, law enforcement sources said Friday.
Police officials confirmed that Officer Russell Mecano, an eight-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, was arrested earlier this week on suspicion of soliciting a sex act, but declined to release further details in the case, saying a judge had ordered that court records in the ongoing probe remain secret. Specifically, the judge has ordered that a criminal indictment against Mecano be sealed.
Mecano, 40, was taken into custody at the West Los Angeles police station, where he worked as a patrol officer, LAPD spokesman Lt. John Romero said. He was released a short time later in lieu of $127,000 bail. Mecano is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 6.
Two law enforcement sources familiar with the case said the alleged victims were young women Mecano had met while on duty last summer. The sources said Mecano allegedly attempted to coerce women to engage in sex acts with him in exchange for not pursuing some sort of law enforcement action against them.
In one incident, detectives were investigating allegations that Mecano sexually assaulted a woman behind a building, sources said. In another incident, Mecano allegedly tried to force a woman to go to a motel with him, the sources said.
District attorney officials said they could not comment on the Mecano investigation because the case remains under seal.
Los Angeles Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco, who said he had been briefed on the probe, also declined to comment.
LAPD officials said they have ordered that Mecano be assigned to home pending the resolution of the investigation. A person answering the telephone at Mecano's residence Friday said he was not there.
http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_10751122
Police officials confirmed that Officer Russell Mecano, an eight-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, was arrested earlier this week on suspicion of soliciting a sex act, but declined to release further details in the case, saying a judge had ordered that court records in the ongoing probe remain secret. Specifically, the judge has ordered that a criminal indictment against Mecano be sealed.
Mecano, 40, was taken into custody at the West Los Angeles police station, where he worked as a patrol officer, LAPD spokesman Lt. John Romero said. He was released a short time later in lieu of $127,000 bail. Mecano is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 6.
Two law enforcement sources familiar with the case said the alleged victims were young women Mecano had met while on duty last summer. The sources said Mecano allegedly attempted to coerce women to engage in sex acts with him in exchange for not pursuing some sort of law enforcement action against them.
In one incident, detectives were investigating allegations that Mecano sexually assaulted a woman behind a building, sources said. In another incident, Mecano allegedly tried to force a woman to go to a motel with him, the sources said.
District attorney officials said they could not comment on the Mecano investigation because the case remains under seal.
Los Angeles Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco, who said he had been briefed on the probe, also declined to comment.
LAPD officials said they have ordered that Mecano be assigned to home pending the resolution of the investigation. A person answering the telephone at Mecano's residence Friday said he was not there.
http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_10751122
LAPD Arrested Innocent People
Police have arrested innocent people due to faulty fingerprint analysis but have not determined how many cases were affected by such errors, police officials said.
A confidential police report details two cases in which charges were dropped after problems with the fingerprint analysis were discovered, the Los Angeles Times reported late Thursday. Police blame shoddy work and poor oversight for the mistakes.
"This is very, very serious," said Rhonda Sims-Lewis, chief of the Police Department's administrative and technical bureau. "We feel very compelled to take quick action when something like this arises. Guilty people can be set free and innocent people can be jailed."
One fingerprint analyst, who was involved in both the mishandled cases, was fired and three others were suspended last year after internal investigations, Sims-Lewis said. Two supervisors in the department's latent print unit were replaced.
"This is something of extraordinary concern," said Michael Judge, public defender for Los Angeles County. "Juries tend to afford the highest level of confidence to fingerprint evidence. This is the type of thing that easily could lead to innocent people being convicted."
The report details the case of a pregnant hospital technician who was charged with breaking into a store in February 2006 because of an erroneous fingerprint identification. The department said prints in that case were lost and could not be re-examined. The charge was dropped.
In another case, a man was extradited from Alabama to face burglary charges after an analyst matched his prints to those found at the scene. Two reviewers missed the mistake before a third caught it while preparing to testify at the trial.
The department has 78 forensic print specialists who run prints from a crime scene through automated databases to analyze possible matches. Two other analysts check each match for accuracy.
Department officials described a poorly run operation in which records and evidence were lost or misplaced.
"People were reviewing the work of friends and just rubber stamping it without really reviewing it," said Yvette Sanchez-Owens, commanding officer of the department's scientific investigation division.
Critics said the internal report challenges a belief that forensic matches are reliable.
Jack Weiss, chairman of the City Council's public safety committee, said there was "nothing more basic and more bread and butter than fingerprints. You have to be able to take each one of them to the bank." He said he will hold hearings on the issue and call fingerprint lab employees to testify.
"We want to know the extent of it and whether it affects any other cases. We want to know how far back it goes," he said.
Police officials had initially planned to hire an outside expert last year to review the fingerprints unit but could not get the $325,000 to $450,000 to fund the effort.
Sim-Lewis said she believes no innocent people have been convicted of crimes due to fingerprint mistakes by her department, but she acknowledged there was no way to be sure without a full review.
"We still want outside eyes to come in and make sure we're doing things right," she said.
Sandi Gibbons, a spokeswoman for district attorney's office, said her office was investigating how prosecutors could better guard against faulty evidence.
A confidential police report details two cases in which charges were dropped after problems with the fingerprint analysis were discovered, the Los Angeles Times reported late Thursday. Police blame shoddy work and poor oversight for the mistakes.
"This is very, very serious," said Rhonda Sims-Lewis, chief of the Police Department's administrative and technical bureau. "We feel very compelled to take quick action when something like this arises. Guilty people can be set free and innocent people can be jailed."
One fingerprint analyst, who was involved in both the mishandled cases, was fired and three others were suspended last year after internal investigations, Sims-Lewis said. Two supervisors in the department's latent print unit were replaced.
"This is something of extraordinary concern," said Michael Judge, public defender for Los Angeles County. "Juries tend to afford the highest level of confidence to fingerprint evidence. This is the type of thing that easily could lead to innocent people being convicted."
The report details the case of a pregnant hospital technician who was charged with breaking into a store in February 2006 because of an erroneous fingerprint identification. The department said prints in that case were lost and could not be re-examined. The charge was dropped.
In another case, a man was extradited from Alabama to face burglary charges after an analyst matched his prints to those found at the scene. Two reviewers missed the mistake before a third caught it while preparing to testify at the trial.
The department has 78 forensic print specialists who run prints from a crime scene through automated databases to analyze possible matches. Two other analysts check each match for accuracy.
Department officials described a poorly run operation in which records and evidence were lost or misplaced.
"People were reviewing the work of friends and just rubber stamping it without really reviewing it," said Yvette Sanchez-Owens, commanding officer of the department's scientific investigation division.
Critics said the internal report challenges a belief that forensic matches are reliable.
Jack Weiss, chairman of the City Council's public safety committee, said there was "nothing more basic and more bread and butter than fingerprints. You have to be able to take each one of them to the bank." He said he will hold hearings on the issue and call fingerprint lab employees to testify.
"We want to know the extent of it and whether it affects any other cases. We want to know how far back it goes," he said.
Police officials had initially planned to hire an outside expert last year to review the fingerprints unit but could not get the $325,000 to $450,000 to fund the effort.
Sim-Lewis said she believes no innocent people have been convicted of crimes due to fingerprint mistakes by her department, but she acknowledged there was no way to be sure without a full review.
"We still want outside eyes to come in and make sure we're doing things right," she said.
Sandi Gibbons, a spokeswoman for district attorney's office, said her office was investigating how prosecutors could better guard against faulty evidence.
Family Wants Trooper Dale Derr Fired
The family of a Finksburg man who died in a 2006 collision with a Maryland State Police trooper on Md. 140 has asked the governor to remove the trooper from the state police force after an alleged incident with the dead man’s brother Sunday.
A lawyer for Joseph Blizzard, whose brother Randy Rakes died after being struck by trooper Dale Derr’s patrol car while he was walking across Md. 140 in November 2006, has asked Gov. Martin O’Malley to terminate Derr after Derr allegedly confronted Blizzard after he’d been arrested Sunday.
According to the letter to O’Malley from lawyer David Ellin, who represents Rakes’ family, Derr responded to the scene where Blizzard was being detained by other troopers, then verbally and physically confronted Blizzard before throwing him to the ground, allegedly breaking Blizzard’s thumb.
Blizzard’s arrest involved allegations of forging checks, Ellin said.
Randy Rakes’ death is the subject of a $15.8 million wrongful death suit between the family and the state police.
State police have received the complaint and are investigating the allegations, said spokesman Greg Shipley.
The agency will thoroughly investigate the complaint and, if warranted, take appropriate action, he said.
In a phone interview Thursday, Ellin said that because of the nature of the allegations and the history of the case, Derr should be suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
No charges were filed against Derr in the Nov. 29, 2006, incident that resulted in Rakes’ death.
A report by the state police crash team determined Derr was driving 83 mph when he struck Rakes on Md. 140 near the intersection of Sandymount Road.
State police initially said Derr was on his way to back up another trooper on a call, but Derr told investigators he’d finished his shift and was on his way back to the Westminster barrack to turn in paperwork when the crash occurred.
Rakes had been drinking the night of the incident, according to the report.
Prosecutors decided in May 2007 there wasn’t enough information to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Derr’s speed was the cause of the collision, said Kirsten Brown of the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office, who handled the case.
A lawyer for Joseph Blizzard, whose brother Randy Rakes died after being struck by trooper Dale Derr’s patrol car while he was walking across Md. 140 in November 2006, has asked Gov. Martin O’Malley to terminate Derr after Derr allegedly confronted Blizzard after he’d been arrested Sunday.
According to the letter to O’Malley from lawyer David Ellin, who represents Rakes’ family, Derr responded to the scene where Blizzard was being detained by other troopers, then verbally and physically confronted Blizzard before throwing him to the ground, allegedly breaking Blizzard’s thumb.
Blizzard’s arrest involved allegations of forging checks, Ellin said.
Randy Rakes’ death is the subject of a $15.8 million wrongful death suit between the family and the state police.
State police have received the complaint and are investigating the allegations, said spokesman Greg Shipley.
The agency will thoroughly investigate the complaint and, if warranted, take appropriate action, he said.
In a phone interview Thursday, Ellin said that because of the nature of the allegations and the history of the case, Derr should be suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
No charges were filed against Derr in the Nov. 29, 2006, incident that resulted in Rakes’ death.
A report by the state police crash team determined Derr was driving 83 mph when he struck Rakes on Md. 140 near the intersection of Sandymount Road.
State police initially said Derr was on his way to back up another trooper on a call, but Derr told investigators he’d finished his shift and was on his way back to the Westminster barrack to turn in paperwork when the crash occurred.
Rakes had been drinking the night of the incident, according to the report.
Prosecutors decided in May 2007 there wasn’t enough information to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Derr’s speed was the cause of the collision, said Kirsten Brown of the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office, who handled the case.
Officer John Kersley in Jail for Aggravated Assault
Kansas
A WaKeeney police officer remains in the Trego County jail pending the filing of aggravated assault charges.
Authorities, however, have yet to divulge details surrounding his arrest.
Formal charges have not yet been filed against officer John Kersley, 41, according to WaKeeney Police Chief Terry Eberle. Bond has been set at $50,000. He has been an officer with the WaKeeney Police Department since November 2005, Eberle said.
Kersley was arrested at about 1 a.m. Tuesday in connection with an incident in WaKeeney.
Assistant Trego County Attorney Dave Basgall said he has been given until 10 a.m. Wednesday to file charges in connection with the incident.
Although he said he likely would file the charges before then, he said no additional information would be provided until that happens.
"As soon as charges are filed, if any, we anticipate doing a press release," he said.
Eberle also declined to provide any details concerning the nature of the incident or even where it happened, instead referring questions to Basgall.
Basgall said the Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating the incident.
"I have not seen an official police report yet," Basgall said.
Eberle said Kersley is being kept in isolation in the Trego County jail.
A WaKeeney police officer remains in the Trego County jail pending the filing of aggravated assault charges.
Authorities, however, have yet to divulge details surrounding his arrest.
Formal charges have not yet been filed against officer John Kersley, 41, according to WaKeeney Police Chief Terry Eberle. Bond has been set at $50,000. He has been an officer with the WaKeeney Police Department since November 2005, Eberle said.
Kersley was arrested at about 1 a.m. Tuesday in connection with an incident in WaKeeney.
Assistant Trego County Attorney Dave Basgall said he has been given until 10 a.m. Wednesday to file charges in connection with the incident.
Although he said he likely would file the charges before then, he said no additional information would be provided until that happens.
"As soon as charges are filed, if any, we anticipate doing a press release," he said.
Eberle also declined to provide any details concerning the nature of the incident or even where it happened, instead referring questions to Basgall.
Basgall said the Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating the incident.
"I have not seen an official police report yet," Basgall said.
Eberle said Kersley is being kept in isolation in the Trego County jail.
Sheriff Reymundo Guerra Helped Aid Mexican Gulf Cartel
McALLEN, Texas
A South Texas sheriff arrested this week on drug trafficking charges made it easier for the Mexican Gulf Cartel to operate in his county and endangered fellow law enforcement agents by sharing names of confidential informants, a federal prosecutor said Friday.
FBI agents arrested Starr County Sheriff Reymundo Guerra on Tuesday at his office in Rio Grande City. Guerra faces three counts of a sprawling 19-count indictment implicating him and 14 others in a drug smuggling conspiracy.
At his arraignment Friday, Guerra pleaded not guilty.
Federal prosecutor Toni Trevino asked U.S. Magistrate Judge Dorina Ramos to hold Guerra without bond until his trial, contending the sheriff was a danger to the community.
"This is an issue of trust and he's shown he's willing to violate that trust," Trevino said.
Of particular concern to Ramos was that Starr County Judge Eloy Vera had said Guerra could resume his duties as sheriff pending trial.
Guerra's attorney Philip Hilder said Friday that Guerra would be willing to take a leave of absence if granted bond.
Guerra's wife, Severita Guerra, testified that her husband of 26 years was a devoted family man and active member of their Catholic church in Rio Grande City. She and two of Guerra's stepdaughters would guarantee his bond if the judge would grant it, Hilder said.
The judge said she would issue her ruling on the bond question Monday.
An indictment accuses Guerra of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana; accessory after the fact, for an alleged suggestion he made to a co-defendant to use false documents to avoid apprehension; and, facilitating the drug trafficking conspiracy through use of a telephone.
The first count alone carries a minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life as well as a $4 million fine.
FBI agent Katherine Gutierrez testified about recorded phone conversations between Guerra and co-defendant Jose Carlos Hinojosa, a Mexico native living in Roma, Texas. Investigators allege Hinojosa worked for a member of the Zetas — the Gulf Cartel's enforcers.
Hilder said that Guerra shared information with Hinojosa because he believed he worked for the Mexican equivalent of the district attorney's office. Hinojosa had helped Guerra locate fugitives in the past, Hilder said.
But Gutierrez said the recorded conversations were not like those between fellow law enforcement officers.
A South Texas sheriff arrested this week on drug trafficking charges made it easier for the Mexican Gulf Cartel to operate in his county and endangered fellow law enforcement agents by sharing names of confidential informants, a federal prosecutor said Friday.
FBI agents arrested Starr County Sheriff Reymundo Guerra on Tuesday at his office in Rio Grande City. Guerra faces three counts of a sprawling 19-count indictment implicating him and 14 others in a drug smuggling conspiracy.
At his arraignment Friday, Guerra pleaded not guilty.
Federal prosecutor Toni Trevino asked U.S. Magistrate Judge Dorina Ramos to hold Guerra without bond until his trial, contending the sheriff was a danger to the community.
"This is an issue of trust and he's shown he's willing to violate that trust," Trevino said.
Of particular concern to Ramos was that Starr County Judge Eloy Vera had said Guerra could resume his duties as sheriff pending trial.
Guerra's attorney Philip Hilder said Friday that Guerra would be willing to take a leave of absence if granted bond.
Guerra's wife, Severita Guerra, testified that her husband of 26 years was a devoted family man and active member of their Catholic church in Rio Grande City. She and two of Guerra's stepdaughters would guarantee his bond if the judge would grant it, Hilder said.
The judge said she would issue her ruling on the bond question Monday.
An indictment accuses Guerra of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana; accessory after the fact, for an alleged suggestion he made to a co-defendant to use false documents to avoid apprehension; and, facilitating the drug trafficking conspiracy through use of a telephone.
The first count alone carries a minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life as well as a $4 million fine.
FBI agent Katherine Gutierrez testified about recorded phone conversations between Guerra and co-defendant Jose Carlos Hinojosa, a Mexico native living in Roma, Texas. Investigators allege Hinojosa worked for a member of the Zetas — the Gulf Cartel's enforcers.
Hilder said that Guerra shared information with Hinojosa because he believed he worked for the Mexican equivalent of the district attorney's office. Hinojosa had helped Guerra locate fugitives in the past, Hilder said.
But Gutierrez said the recorded conversations were not like those between fellow law enforcement officers.
Senior Constable Arrested for Drunk Driving
Australia
A police officer will appear in court next month after today being charged with a traffic offence after an incident at Bligh Park this week.
Shortly after 1am on Tuesday 14 October, police from Hawkesbury Local Area Command were conducting patrols of the Bligh Park area when they received reports a motorcycle was being ridden erratically.
Officers spotted the motorcycle a short time later and attempting to stop the machine.
The cycle was then followed at low speed before it eventually stopped at a house in Guardian Crescent.
The rider was arrested and taken to Windsor Police Station where he was identified as being a police officer attached to Penrith Local Area Command.
Late this afternoon, the 33-year-old senior constable was issued a court attendance notice for the offence of driving under the influence.
He will appear at Parramatta Local Court on November 28.
http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news
A police officer will appear in court next month after today being charged with a traffic offence after an incident at Bligh Park this week.
Shortly after 1am on Tuesday 14 October, police from Hawkesbury Local Area Command were conducting patrols of the Bligh Park area when they received reports a motorcycle was being ridden erratically.
Officers spotted the motorcycle a short time later and attempting to stop the machine.
The cycle was then followed at low speed before it eventually stopped at a house in Guardian Crescent.
The rider was arrested and taken to Windsor Police Station where he was identified as being a police officer attached to Penrith Local Area Command.
Late this afternoon, the 33-year-old senior constable was issued a court attendance notice for the offence of driving under the influence.
He will appear at Parramatta Local Court on November 28.
http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news
Former Trooper Richard Keener Now Accused of Drunk Driving
A former state police trooper from Bellefonte who was on probation for assaulting a woman in Clinton County is now accused of crashing his car into a utility pole while driving drunk, seriously injuring his wife.
Spring Township police say 40-year-old Richard Scott Keener was standing outside his vehicle on the 1200 block of Airport Road covered in blood around 9 p.m. Sept. 6 when police arrived at the scene.
Keener denied being the driver of the car, refused medical treatment, and told officers that his wife — who was laying across the front seat, unconscious, bloody and had a noticeably broken arm — was “just sleeping,” police said.
His wife, Brenda Keener, wasn’t sleeping. Police say her brain was bruised and bleeding, she had a broken arm, cuts on her face and shoulder, and her pelvis, vertebrae and two ribs were fractured.
Keener smelled like alcohol and told police he had two beers, police said. Two beer cans were found at the scene and Keener, who refused any field sobriety tests, was arrested and later found to have a blood alcohol level of .234 percent.
Two witnesses to the crash told police Keener was in the driver’s seat when they stopped to check on the car’s occupants.
Keener, who lives at 102 Marble Lane, was a trooper in the Lamar barracks when he was accused last year of raping a woman in her apartment. He pleaded guilty to lesser offenses of simple assault, indecent assault of unlawful restraint in exchange for no jail time, but nearly nine years of probation.
He is now in jail for violating his probation.
“Obviously this was a very serious accident in which he almost lost the life of his wife and even his actions after the accident indicate no real concern for her,” said District Attorney Michael Madeira. “So, we’re going to push hard on this one.”
Keener waived his preliminary hearing Wednesday and will face trial on aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI and other related charges.
His wife is still hospitalized at a HealthSouth rehab center.
Spring Township police say 40-year-old Richard Scott Keener was standing outside his vehicle on the 1200 block of Airport Road covered in blood around 9 p.m. Sept. 6 when police arrived at the scene.
Keener denied being the driver of the car, refused medical treatment, and told officers that his wife — who was laying across the front seat, unconscious, bloody and had a noticeably broken arm — was “just sleeping,” police said.
His wife, Brenda Keener, wasn’t sleeping. Police say her brain was bruised and bleeding, she had a broken arm, cuts on her face and shoulder, and her pelvis, vertebrae and two ribs were fractured.
Keener smelled like alcohol and told police he had two beers, police said. Two beer cans were found at the scene and Keener, who refused any field sobriety tests, was arrested and later found to have a blood alcohol level of .234 percent.
Two witnesses to the crash told police Keener was in the driver’s seat when they stopped to check on the car’s occupants.
Keener, who lives at 102 Marble Lane, was a trooper in the Lamar barracks when he was accused last year of raping a woman in her apartment. He pleaded guilty to lesser offenses of simple assault, indecent assault of unlawful restraint in exchange for no jail time, but nearly nine years of probation.
He is now in jail for violating his probation.
“Obviously this was a very serious accident in which he almost lost the life of his wife and even his actions after the accident indicate no real concern for her,” said District Attorney Michael Madeira. “So, we’re going to push hard on this one.”
Keener waived his preliminary hearing Wednesday and will face trial on aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI and other related charges.
His wife is still hospitalized at a HealthSouth rehab center.
Officer Robert Forman Arrested for Sexually Assaulting Three Women
A Riverside police officer is under arrest, accused of committing sex crimes while on duty and in uniform, according to the Riverside police department.
Three alleged victims have accused Officer Robert A. Forman of sexually assaulting them in separate incidents in attacks that spanned from February to April, 2008
Forman, who is 38 years old, was arrested Wednesday and booked into Robert Presley Detention Center. Bail has been set at $50,000, according to officials. He faces charges of committing a sex act by using his authority as a public official and one count of sexual battery, according to officials with the Riverside County Superior Court.
Forman is scheduled to appear in court Nov. 12.
Police are asking anyone with information about the case to call Lt. Robert Meier at 951-353-7112.
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More Information: http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_W_wpolice17.496d8ad.html
Former Deputy David Pennington Accused of Unauthorized Use of LE Database
NEWARK
Almost a year after his case was dismissed because of its conflict with a federal probe, a fired Licking County Sheriff's Office deputy has been indicted again.
David E. Pennington, who was fired June 12, 2007, has been accused of unauthorized use of a law-enforcement database, a fifth-degree felony, in connection with running license plates through the LEADS system between March 18, 2007, and March 27, 2007.
He allegedly ran the plates for a friend, who was under federal scrutiny, and would identify if the registration came back as "not in file" and advised that such a classification could indicate the plates belonged to law enforcement, according to an unsuccessful motion against sealing the dismissed case last year.
At that time, Licking County Prosecutor Ken Oswalt said agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives had refused to share the information with local prosecutors on the grounds it could compromise their investigation.
Without that information, Oswalt said he was concerned about not being able to provide full discovery to the defense. The case was killed in November 2007.
Oswalt declined to comment Friday except to say, "We received information that we needed and as a result the case was presented to grand jury."
A summons was issued for Pennington to make an initial appearance Nov. 3 at the courtroom in the Licking County Justice Center.
Almost a year after his case was dismissed because of its conflict with a federal probe, a fired Licking County Sheriff's Office deputy has been indicted again.
David E. Pennington, who was fired June 12, 2007, has been accused of unauthorized use of a law-enforcement database, a fifth-degree felony, in connection with running license plates through the LEADS system between March 18, 2007, and March 27, 2007.
He allegedly ran the plates for a friend, who was under federal scrutiny, and would identify if the registration came back as "not in file" and advised that such a classification could indicate the plates belonged to law enforcement, according to an unsuccessful motion against sealing the dismissed case last year.
At that time, Licking County Prosecutor Ken Oswalt said agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives had refused to share the information with local prosecutors on the grounds it could compromise their investigation.
Without that information, Oswalt said he was concerned about not being able to provide full discovery to the defense. The case was killed in November 2007.
Oswalt declined to comment Friday except to say, "We received information that we needed and as a result the case was presented to grand jury."
A summons was issued for Pennington to make an initial appearance Nov. 3 at the courtroom in the Licking County Justice Center.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Former Officer Masaru Shinya Resigns
An ex-Forest Grove police officer agreed never to work in law enforcement again in a deal struck in August with prosecutors.
Masaru Shinya, who patrolled the streets of Forest Grove from 2002 until his resignation two months ago, stepped down after his ex-girlfriend told police he abused her.
Washington County prosecutors said the case started in June, when the woman disappeared. Her family filed a missing person's report and police found her at a domestic violence shelter in Salem.
She told police Shinya abused her and prosecutors started to investigate.
The district attorney said Shinya consistently denied the abuse and said all sexual contact was consensual. However, he admitted to having an anger problem and officials said he also has issues with alcohol.
However, investigators said there's not enough evidence to prove the allegations. When Shinya agreed to resign, prosecutors agreed to drop the case.
Shinya's last known address is an apartment complex on Maywood Drive, but neighbors said he moved out three months ago. Virginia Thorne said Shinya is an honest man and can't imagine him committing the crimes.
"He was very sweet and nice," Thorne said. "He was always friendly and he offered to do anything he could for me."
Forest Grove residents said they have mixed opinions about the deal that was struck.
"I think they need to know all the details before they could assume that would all be correct," said Kurt Copp, who lives in Forest Grove. "And everybody has to be careful because those are large allegations."
"Those are people that we're supposed to be able to count on and then something like that happens," said Jeff Gilstrap, another Forest Grove resident. "It breaks that trust."
According to the resignation documents, the agreement doesn't mean Shinya admitted to the crime.
Officer Brian Slotte Arrested for Having Sex while on Duty
ASTORIA, Ore.
An Astoria police officer accused of having sex with a woman while he was on duty faces misconduct charges.
The State Police say 32-year-old Brian Slotte (slah-tee) was arrested Tuesday on 10 counts of official misconduct, a misdemeanor that carries a year of jail time as a maximum sentence.
Local police say he also faces departmental discipline. He was released from jail and is on unpaid administrative leave.
A prosecutor says the affair went on for a lengthy period, with trysts in the woman's apartment.
Outside investigators and prosecutors were brought into the case, which is routine in such invesigations.
___
Information from: The Daily Astorian, http://www.dailyastorian.com
An Astoria police officer accused of having sex with a woman while he was on duty faces misconduct charges.
The State Police say 32-year-old Brian Slotte (slah-tee) was arrested Tuesday on 10 counts of official misconduct, a misdemeanor that carries a year of jail time as a maximum sentence.
Local police say he also faces departmental discipline. He was released from jail and is on unpaid administrative leave.
A prosecutor says the affair went on for a lengthy period, with trysts in the woman's apartment.
Outside investigators and prosecutors were brought into the case, which is routine in such invesigations.
___
Information from: The Daily Astorian, http://www.dailyastorian.com
Several Tucson Officers Lose Certification to Work
A former Tucson police sergeant accused of drinking and gambling on the job lost his certification to work as a peace officer in Arizona Wednesday.
Robert Lund worked for the Tucson Police Department for more than 20 years before retiring in March.
The incident occurred Jan. 29 when someone called 911 to report a possibly impaired driver near South Harrison Road and East 22nd Street.
Officers found a 1999 Ford Taurus — an unmarked city police car — in a parking lot on the corner, police said at the time.
Lund was asked to give breath samples because officers believed he was intoxicated. The tests yielded blood-alcohol levels of 0.202 and 0.183, far exceeding the DUI level of 0.08. He was arrested on a variety of DUI charges, including extreme DUI.
An internal-affairs investigation determined Lund drank beer at the beginning of his shift and later on in the day while he was gambling on dog races.
Lund also admitted to drinking a bottle of tequila while on duty in his unmarked police car, the documents say.
Octavio Garcia — a former Santa Cruz County Sheriff's deputy — also lost his certification due to a conviction for attempting to smuggle an illegal immigrant into the country.
He worked for the Sheriff's Office from January 2004 until October 2007 when he was fired.
The incident occurred Sept. 25, 2007, when a Mexican man who was riding in Garcia's truck applied for entry into the country at the Nogales port of entry.
Customs and Border Protections officers suspected that the man might have been trying to enter the country illegally, so he was referred for more questioning, according to court documents.
The man admitted that he had no documents to come into the U.S. and that a friend made arrangements for him to be smuggled, court documents show.
He was picked up at a casino near the border by Garcia, who told him to tell officers at the port of entry that he and Garcia were friends and had known each other for two months.
Garcia was indicted on charges of attempted transportation of an illegal immigrant for profit and bringing in an illegal for profit.
He took a plea deal and was sentenced to three years' probation.
The board on Wednesday also voted to initiate proceedings for a former Tucson police officer accused of lying on his application when he didn't disclose information about his connection to a homicide that occurred more than a decade ago.
Frank A. Soto was fired from the Tucson Police Department in October 2007 after working for the agency for three years.
The accusation surfaced in 2005 when a Tucson police sergeant working an off-duty job recognized Soto and recalled that in 1995 he had been implicated in a gang-related drive-by shooting, according to the documents.
One gang member was killed and another was wounded. Soto was not arrested, but one of his passengers was, documents show.
When Soto applied at the Tucson Police Department, he did not answer truthfully about his involvement in serious crimes.
The following questions were asked on the TPD pre-employment questionnaire:
● Did you ever accompany any person who committed any serious crime?
● Have you ever done anything, that if found out, would embarrass this department?
● Has a police officer, detective or any other law enforcement ever questioned you about any incident (whether as a witness, victim, suspect, or arrestee), even an incident for which you were not charged or arrested?
● Have you ever committed or been present during the commission of any criminal offense other than those disclosed in response to prior questions, whether or not detected or reported?
To all of the questions, Soto responded "No."
The sergeant who recognized Soto from the homicide reported his concerns to a supervisor that Soto was a Tucson police officer given his past association with the Brown Mexican Pride gang.
The report made by the sergeant was not acted upon until approximately two years later in 2007.
Upon being confronted, Soto admitted that he should have been truthful to questions regarding his presence in past criminal activity and gang associations, the documents state. However, because he was not accused or charged with a crime, Soto thought it was not relevant.
He was fired for being untruthful, the documents said. He appealed the termination, but it was upheld.He has since re-enlisted in the Army, documents show.
Also under scrutiny is former Pima County Attorney investigator Cecilia I. Sene, who worked for the office for only three months before she resigned, according to Arizona Peace Officer and Standards Training Board documents.
Her resignation stemmed from an Aug. 27, 2006 incident, when Sene was seen drinking a bottle of beer in a vehicle in the parking lot of a local casino, documents state.
When she was approached, Sene became belligerent toward security and responding police officers.
She was arrested on charges of impersonating a public servant and consuming spirituous liquor in a public place after she refused to show identification and identify herself as a police officer, documents say.
The case was turned over to the Pima County Attorney's Office but was sent to the Tucson Municipal Court due to conflict of interest, documents say.
She entered a diversion program and was ordered to attend counseling. Upon completion, the charges were dismissed.
As a result of her actions, Sene was informed that she would be failing her initial probationary period at the Pima County Attorney's Office.
Since then, Sene was arrested again in July on a disorderly conduct charge for a fight with two women at Coach's Bar in Sahuarita.
Sene reportedly was bumping into people on the dance floor and used her purse to strike two women. She also reportedly choked one of them.
The women declined to press charges.
Sene entered into another diversion program in August and if completed, would have the charges dismissed.
Robert Lund worked for the Tucson Police Department for more than 20 years before retiring in March.
The incident occurred Jan. 29 when someone called 911 to report a possibly impaired driver near South Harrison Road and East 22nd Street.
Officers found a 1999 Ford Taurus — an unmarked city police car — in a parking lot on the corner, police said at the time.
Lund was asked to give breath samples because officers believed he was intoxicated. The tests yielded blood-alcohol levels of 0.202 and 0.183, far exceeding the DUI level of 0.08. He was arrested on a variety of DUI charges, including extreme DUI.
An internal-affairs investigation determined Lund drank beer at the beginning of his shift and later on in the day while he was gambling on dog races.
Lund also admitted to drinking a bottle of tequila while on duty in his unmarked police car, the documents say.
Octavio Garcia — a former Santa Cruz County Sheriff's deputy — also lost his certification due to a conviction for attempting to smuggle an illegal immigrant into the country.
He worked for the Sheriff's Office from January 2004 until October 2007 when he was fired.
The incident occurred Sept. 25, 2007, when a Mexican man who was riding in Garcia's truck applied for entry into the country at the Nogales port of entry.
Customs and Border Protections officers suspected that the man might have been trying to enter the country illegally, so he was referred for more questioning, according to court documents.
The man admitted that he had no documents to come into the U.S. and that a friend made arrangements for him to be smuggled, court documents show.
He was picked up at a casino near the border by Garcia, who told him to tell officers at the port of entry that he and Garcia were friends and had known each other for two months.
Garcia was indicted on charges of attempted transportation of an illegal immigrant for profit and bringing in an illegal for profit.
He took a plea deal and was sentenced to three years' probation.
The board on Wednesday also voted to initiate proceedings for a former Tucson police officer accused of lying on his application when he didn't disclose information about his connection to a homicide that occurred more than a decade ago.
Frank A. Soto was fired from the Tucson Police Department in October 2007 after working for the agency for three years.
The accusation surfaced in 2005 when a Tucson police sergeant working an off-duty job recognized Soto and recalled that in 1995 he had been implicated in a gang-related drive-by shooting, according to the documents.
One gang member was killed and another was wounded. Soto was not arrested, but one of his passengers was, documents show.
When Soto applied at the Tucson Police Department, he did not answer truthfully about his involvement in serious crimes.
The following questions were asked on the TPD pre-employment questionnaire:
● Did you ever accompany any person who committed any serious crime?
● Have you ever done anything, that if found out, would embarrass this department?
● Has a police officer, detective or any other law enforcement ever questioned you about any incident (whether as a witness, victim, suspect, or arrestee), even an incident for which you were not charged or arrested?
● Have you ever committed or been present during the commission of any criminal offense other than those disclosed in response to prior questions, whether or not detected or reported?
To all of the questions, Soto responded "No."
The sergeant who recognized Soto from the homicide reported his concerns to a supervisor that Soto was a Tucson police officer given his past association with the Brown Mexican Pride gang.
The report made by the sergeant was not acted upon until approximately two years later in 2007.
Upon being confronted, Soto admitted that he should have been truthful to questions regarding his presence in past criminal activity and gang associations, the documents state. However, because he was not accused or charged with a crime, Soto thought it was not relevant.
He was fired for being untruthful, the documents said. He appealed the termination, but it was upheld.He has since re-enlisted in the Army, documents show.
Also under scrutiny is former Pima County Attorney investigator Cecilia I. Sene, who worked for the office for only three months before she resigned, according to Arizona Peace Officer and Standards Training Board documents.
Her resignation stemmed from an Aug. 27, 2006 incident, when Sene was seen drinking a bottle of beer in a vehicle in the parking lot of a local casino, documents state.
When she was approached, Sene became belligerent toward security and responding police officers.
She was arrested on charges of impersonating a public servant and consuming spirituous liquor in a public place after she refused to show identification and identify herself as a police officer, documents say.
The case was turned over to the Pima County Attorney's Office but was sent to the Tucson Municipal Court due to conflict of interest, documents say.
She entered a diversion program and was ordered to attend counseling. Upon completion, the charges were dismissed.
As a result of her actions, Sene was informed that she would be failing her initial probationary period at the Pima County Attorney's Office.
Since then, Sene was arrested again in July on a disorderly conduct charge for a fight with two women at Coach's Bar in Sahuarita.
Sene reportedly was bumping into people on the dance floor and used her purse to strike two women. She also reportedly choked one of them.
The women declined to press charges.
Sene entered into another diversion program in August and if completed, would have the charges dismissed.
Police Chief Conlin Payne Indicted for Child Abuse
LIPSCOMB, Ala.
Lipscomb’s Police Chief Conlin Payne is on unpaid administrative leave following Thursday’s child abuse indictment.
Hoover Police say the 36 year old Payne is accused of abusing an acquaintances child in October of 2007.
Originally a report was filed with Birmingham Police through D.H.R. and Children’s Hospital last October.
The case was then referred to Hoover Police seven months later.
Lipscomb Mayor Deborah Miller announced Thursday Payne has been placed on unpaid leave pending an internal investigation and the criminal case against him.
“Very disappointed in the Chief. I understand this was something done not on duty and on his own time, but I’m still disappointed,” Miller said outside City Hall Thursday.
Lipscomb’s Police Department included 5 officers in addition to the Chief.
Payne has served as Lipscomb’s chief since 2004.
Chaplain Jady Pipes will take over Payne’s duty in the meantime.
http://www.nbc13.com/vtm/news/local/article/breaking_news_police_chief_arrested_for_child_abuse/41425/#When:18:15:00Z
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