Raleigh, N.C.
A National Guard soldier is facing charges in Wake County.
Briana Caldwell, 22, is accused of stealing more than $10,000 worth of computer equipment from the National Guard while on duty.
A spokesperson for the National Guard says Caldwell stole the computers then sold the equipment for cash.
The computers and money have been recovered, the spokesperson said.
Caldwell was out of jail Monday evening on $3,000 bond.
Her rank in the Guard was not immediately available.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Trooper Marty Nix Terminated After Filing False Complaint
NASHVILLE
The Tennessee Highway Patrol has terminated a trooper accused of filing a false complaint against a lieutenant in the Knoxville district.
The state Department of Safety today served Trooper Marty Nix with a "minimum due process letter for termination" following an internal investigation into the false complaint, according to a Safety Department release.
"I recommended to Commissioner Dave Mitchell that Trooper Nix be terminated for conduct unbecoming," THP Col. Mike Walker says in the release. "The recommendation to terminate was based upon evidence developed during an investigation conducted by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR)."
The termination is based on six violations of Department of Human Resources and Department of Safety rules and policies, including failure to maintain satisfactory and harmonious relationships with the public and fellow employees," according to the release.
Nix has the right to appeal.
The internal investigation found that Nix made an anonymous phone call to a staff attorney on Feb. 29, alleging a lieutenant in the Knoxville district had made sexual gestures toward a female employee.
The female employee told investigators she had not been sexually harassed.
On March 13, Nix confirmed that he had made the call. On March 20, Nix was interviewed by internal investigators and said another trooper had given him the information about the allegations, according to today's release.
A polygraph examination of Nix indicated deception, according to the release.
The termination comes after Nix in June filed a federal lawsuit against the Tennessee Department of Safety, which commands THP, and a slew of superiors.
The superiors include Mitchell, Walker, Lt. Col. Tracey Trott, Major John Savage, Capt. Raymond Fletcher, Capt. Victor Donoho, Lt. Michael Womack, and Sgt. Charles Shaver.
Nix in his lawsuit accused the agency's commanders of punishing troopers whose politics do not square with theirs, doling out promotions based on politics and protecting troubled troopers whose politics suit them.
The lawsuit followed a two-week suspension without pay in October 2007, the result of a series of allegations against Nix, 43, a nine-year veteran of the THP.
The first complaint was filed in May 2007 by a Loudon County lawman who alleged Nix cursed him out after he arrested Nix's brother on misdemeanor charges, including possession of drug paraphernalia. Nix denied the allegation.
A month later, then-Knox County Medical Examiner Dr. Sandra Elkins alleged Nix showed up in uniform to collect 54 photos in a death investigation of a friend of Nix's that the trooper was not involved in. Nix insists he made it clear he was picking up the photos on behalf of relatives of the victim.
Soon after that complaint, THP officers inspected Nix's cruiser and found an envelope of seized cocaine and photographs of a nude woman. He disavowed the photos and deemed his failure to turn in the drugs as an oversight.
Attempts to reach Nix or his attorney, Arthur F. Knight III, were not immediately successful,
The Safety Department has denied treating Nix unfairly and contended his suspension was justified.
The lawsuit demands back pay, removal from his personnel file any negative documents and compensatory damages. Nix had remained employed at THP, although he was taken off road patrols and assigned to a weigh station.
Jail Employee Jiontanelle Owens Arrested for Shoplifting
SHREVEPORT, La.
Shreveport police have arrested an off-duty city jail employee for shoplifting.
Jiontanelle Owens was booked with one count of misdemeanor theft and issued a summons to appear in City Court. Officers responded to a shoplifting call at the Village Mart on Nov. 7.
Police say she was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
Shreveport police have arrested an off-duty city jail employee for shoplifting.
Jiontanelle Owens was booked with one count of misdemeanor theft and issued a summons to appear in City Court. Officers responded to a shoplifting call at the Village Mart on Nov. 7.
Police say she was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
Trooper Lyle Hicks Charged with Drunk Driving
MOUNT VERNON, Ill.
An Illinois State Police trooper is free on bond after being accused of driving drunk last month in southern Illinois.
Forty-seven-year-old Lyle Hicks is charged in Jefferson County with driving under the influence of alcohol and failure to reduce speed.
Hicks was arrested by sheriff's deputies early on Oct. 18 after swerving into a ditch in rural Jefferson County. He sustained minor injuries.
A state police spokesman says Hicks has been relieved of his trooper duties and that an internal investigation of any policy violations by Hicks is under way.
Hicks doesn't have a listed home telephone number in Mount Vernon. It isn't immediately clear if he has an attorney.
He's scheduled to appear in court Nov. 21.
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Information from: Mount Vernon Register-News, www.register-news.com
An Illinois State Police trooper is free on bond after being accused of driving drunk last month in southern Illinois.
Forty-seven-year-old Lyle Hicks is charged in Jefferson County with driving under the influence of alcohol and failure to reduce speed.
Hicks was arrested by sheriff's deputies early on Oct. 18 after swerving into a ditch in rural Jefferson County. He sustained minor injuries.
A state police spokesman says Hicks has been relieved of his trooper duties and that an internal investigation of any policy violations by Hicks is under way.
Hicks doesn't have a listed home telephone number in Mount Vernon. It isn't immediately clear if he has an attorney.
He's scheduled to appear in court Nov. 21.
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Information from: Mount Vernon Register-News, www.register-news.com
Officer John Lewis Charged with Stalking, Assaulting Wife
A Schenectady police officer is again facing trouble with the law and on the job after being charged with stalking and aggravated harrassment.
Officer John Lewis, 38, of Oregon Ave. was arrested Monday after an unspecified domestic violence incident, the Schenectady Police Department.
Lewis was previously arrested in June after his wife accused him of assaulting her. Lewis was cleared of the harrassment charge by a city court judge but ordered to stay away from his wife.
The Schenectady Police Department said at the time it was conducting an internal investigation of the incident and had put Lewis on unpaid leave.
Lewis was again put on unpaid leave after Monday's arrest. He is scheduled to reappear in court on Nov. 24th.
This isn't the first time that Lewis has come under fire. Back in 1998 Lewis was fired from the force after being accused of using a racial slur. He was eventually reinstated by an arbitrator.
More Information and Video: http://capitalnews9.com/content/headlines/127764/schenectady-police-officer-suspended-after-arrest/Default.aspx
Lt Will Clark Resigns After Being Charged with DUI
A Fort Payne police officer resigned Monday after being charged with driving under the influence following a four-wheeler wreck Saturday night that happened while he was off duty.
According to Fort Payne Assistant Police Chief Mike Grant, Lt. Will Clark, 37 of Fort Payne, turned himself in to DeKalb County Sheriff’s deputies Monday morning. Clark was later released on $1,500 bond.
Grant said he accepted Clark’s resignation before his arrest.
“Will did come in and resign,” Grant said. “He’s been treated basically like anyone else. We wish him the best.”
Grant said Clark was apparently riding a four-wheeler on County Road 295, which is a dirt road, just after 11 p.m. when the incident happened.
“Evidently he was going too fast and entered a curve on a dirt road,” Grant said. “He lost control and left the roadway.”
Grant said both Clark and Missy Williams, 21, suffered minor injuries. He said both were treated at Rapid Care on Sunday.
Grant said Clark called an off-duty Fort Payne officer, and when that officer arrived, a state trooper was already on the scene.
Grant said the officer told the state trooper he would take Clark to the hospital. He said during the trip to the hospital, Clark apparently told the officer to pull his car over.
“He did tell him to stop,” Grant said. “There was apparently a disagreement in the car.”
Grant said the officer called dispatch, and on-duty officers were sent to look for Clark. He said Clark apparently called to have someone pick him up and was confirmed at home a short time later.
“We wanted to make sure he was OK and that he didn’t have a concussion, was intoxicated or wasn’t seriously hurt,” Grant said. “He was not under arrest. We made sure he did make it home.”
Grant said a warrant was issued Monday for Clark’s arrest on DUI charges signed by State Trooper Ranger Wright.
“After an investigation was conducted, we secured a warrant for DUI,” said State Trooper Lt. George Thorpe. “He was not arrested that night. We understand he did turn himself in [Monday] morning and a bond has been provided for him.”
Clark’s promotion to lieutenant and shift commander was an apparent subject of discussion with the Fort Payne City Council in early March that ultimately led to a city policy change that gave the council more authority over personnel decisions.
In a March 5 meeting, the council met with then-Police Chief David Walker and Grant in a closed meeting to discuss good name and character.
Following the closed session, then-Councilman Andrew Hairston recommended the council change the way city departments handle their policies and to allow the council more authority over personnel decisions.
The policy, passed in June, requires city department heads to inform at least one council member of personnel decisions.
According to Fort Payne Assistant Police Chief Mike Grant, Lt. Will Clark, 37 of Fort Payne, turned himself in to DeKalb County Sheriff’s deputies Monday morning. Clark was later released on $1,500 bond.
Grant said he accepted Clark’s resignation before his arrest.
“Will did come in and resign,” Grant said. “He’s been treated basically like anyone else. We wish him the best.”
Grant said Clark was apparently riding a four-wheeler on County Road 295, which is a dirt road, just after 11 p.m. when the incident happened.
“Evidently he was going too fast and entered a curve on a dirt road,” Grant said. “He lost control and left the roadway.”
Grant said both Clark and Missy Williams, 21, suffered minor injuries. He said both were treated at Rapid Care on Sunday.
Grant said Clark called an off-duty Fort Payne officer, and when that officer arrived, a state trooper was already on the scene.
Grant said the officer told the state trooper he would take Clark to the hospital. He said during the trip to the hospital, Clark apparently told the officer to pull his car over.
“He did tell him to stop,” Grant said. “There was apparently a disagreement in the car.”
Grant said the officer called dispatch, and on-duty officers were sent to look for Clark. He said Clark apparently called to have someone pick him up and was confirmed at home a short time later.
“We wanted to make sure he was OK and that he didn’t have a concussion, was intoxicated or wasn’t seriously hurt,” Grant said. “He was not under arrest. We made sure he did make it home.”
Grant said a warrant was issued Monday for Clark’s arrest on DUI charges signed by State Trooper Ranger Wright.
“After an investigation was conducted, we secured a warrant for DUI,” said State Trooper Lt. George Thorpe. “He was not arrested that night. We understand he did turn himself in [Monday] morning and a bond has been provided for him.”
Clark’s promotion to lieutenant and shift commander was an apparent subject of discussion with the Fort Payne City Council in early March that ultimately led to a city policy change that gave the council more authority over personnel decisions.
In a March 5 meeting, the council met with then-Police Chief David Walker and Grant in a closed meeting to discuss good name and character.
Following the closed session, then-Councilman Andrew Hairston recommended the council change the way city departments handle their policies and to allow the council more authority over personnel decisions.
The policy, passed in June, requires city department heads to inform at least one council member of personnel decisions.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Police Investigating Allegations that Officers Cursed at Black Witnesses
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.
West Lafayette police are investigating allegations that officers cursed at black witnesses while responding to a fight at a diner.
Police Chief Jason Dombkowski says a complaint was filed against one officer over language he used when he responded to the Nov. 2 call at the Triple XXX restaurant. Dombkowski did not identify the officer.
Purdue student Meisha Waters says she was part of a group that became involved in a confrontation with a waitress and was asked to leave. She says a man who appeared to be a security guard grabbed one of her friends and threw her into a window. The fight then spilled outside.
The diner's owner declined comment.
Another witness, Chris Warren, says police focused on black people at the scene and cursed at him when he tried to give a statement.
Dombkowski says police did speak with the restaurant's manager.
West Lafayette police are investigating allegations that officers cursed at black witnesses while responding to a fight at a diner.
Police Chief Jason Dombkowski says a complaint was filed against one officer over language he used when he responded to the Nov. 2 call at the Triple XXX restaurant. Dombkowski did not identify the officer.
Purdue student Meisha Waters says she was part of a group that became involved in a confrontation with a waitress and was asked to leave. She says a man who appeared to be a security guard grabbed one of her friends and threw her into a window. The fight then spilled outside.
The diner's owner declined comment.
Another witness, Chris Warren, says police focused on black people at the scene and cursed at him when he tried to give a statement.
Dombkowski says police did speak with the restaurant's manager.
Sergeant Arthur Anderson Charged with Drunk Driving
MUSCATINE, Iowa
A Muscatine police sergeant faces a charge of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.
According to the Muscatine County Sheriff’s Department, Arthur Anderson, 40, of Muscatine, was booked into Muscatine County Jail at 7:42 a.m. Saturday.
Anderson, who was off-duty, was released on his own recognizance.
The Muscatine Police Department referred questions to the Muscatine County Attorney’s Office.
Assistant County Attorney Dana Christiansen confirmed this morning that Anderson was arrested near the Muscatine Public Safety Building. Dispatch records show an intoxicated person was arrested at the police station at 6:44 a.m.
Christiansen said he had no other information to release at this time.
http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2008/11/09/news/local/doc491787a424d54485769026.txt
A Muscatine police sergeant faces a charge of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.
According to the Muscatine County Sheriff’s Department, Arthur Anderson, 40, of Muscatine, was booked into Muscatine County Jail at 7:42 a.m. Saturday.
Anderson, who was off-duty, was released on his own recognizance.
The Muscatine Police Department referred questions to the Muscatine County Attorney’s Office.
Assistant County Attorney Dana Christiansen confirmed this morning that Anderson was arrested near the Muscatine Public Safety Building. Dispatch records show an intoxicated person was arrested at the police station at 6:44 a.m.
Christiansen said he had no other information to release at this time.
http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2008/11/09/news/local/doc491787a424d54485769026.txt
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Officer Alan Shelley Charged with Exploitation of Vulnerable Adult
A former Lake City and Darlington police officer has been arrested by the State Law Enforcement Division’s Special Victims Unit on allegations he exploited and neglected a vulnerable adult, according to a SLED press release.
Alan Ross Shelley, 52, of Room 113 at The Holiday Inn Express, 202 Ron McNair Blvd., is charged with exploitation of a vulnerable adult and neglect of a vulnerable adult.
Shelley is accused of improperly using the funds of his late aunt, 81-year-old Katherine Carlsten Shelley, for his own and his acquaintances’ use, according to the release. He also is accused of failing to provide her with the proper medication she required. It’s believed that the accused neglect placed her at substantial risk for her death. These incidents occurred between July 24, 2007 and Sept. 14, 2007.
Katherine Shelley, who was considered to be a vulnerable adult, had a physical condition that impaired her from adequately taking care of herself, according to the release. Alan Shelley was her caregiver and had power of attorney for her. She died Sept. 14, 2007.
If convicted of both felonies, Alan Shelley could face a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisoned for not more than five years.
Alan Ross Shelley, 52, of Room 113 at The Holiday Inn Express, 202 Ron McNair Blvd., is charged with exploitation of a vulnerable adult and neglect of a vulnerable adult.
Shelley is accused of improperly using the funds of his late aunt, 81-year-old Katherine Carlsten Shelley, for his own and his acquaintances’ use, according to the release. He also is accused of failing to provide her with the proper medication she required. It’s believed that the accused neglect placed her at substantial risk for her death. These incidents occurred between July 24, 2007 and Sept. 14, 2007.
Katherine Shelley, who was considered to be a vulnerable adult, had a physical condition that impaired her from adequately taking care of herself, according to the release. Alan Shelley was her caregiver and had power of attorney for her. She died Sept. 14, 2007.
If convicted of both felonies, Alan Shelley could face a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisoned for not more than five years.
Officer Don Moore Charged with Assault
A Barrie city police officer has been charged with assault causing body harm in connection with injuries a woman received last May.
Det.-Const. Don Moore, a 38-year-old officer, who has been on the Barrie Police Service since September 2000, was charged following a probe by Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU).
"It's an allegation of excessive force during an arrest," said Barrie Deputy Police Chief Steve Rogers, who said the incident took place in the Dunlop Street/Maple Avenue area in the the city's downtown.
Moore has been suspended, with pay, from the police force.
"The officer was on duty and the woman was being investigated by police at the time," said John Yoannou of the SIU.
"The nature and extent of the injuries (to the woman) will form part of the evidence to be presented at the trial," he added.
The charge arises from the SIU's investigation of injuries sustained by a 34-year-old Barrie woman on May 16, 2008.
According to information released by city police on that date, a local woman was arrested on an outstanding warrant.
An officer on patrol saw a woman who appeared to be engaged in prostitution. The officer investigated and determined she had lied about her identity -- because she had outstanding warrants for failing to attend court and to be fingerprinted.
She was arrested and charged on the outstanding warrants, and for obstructing police.
Based on the results of the SIU investigation, director Ian Scott concluded that there are reasonable grounds to believe the officer committed the offence of assault causing bodily harm, contrary to section 267(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada.
Moore is to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Barrie on Jan. 5, 2009. The Justice Prosecutions branch of the Ministry of the Attorney General will be responsible for conducting the prosecution.
The SIU is a civilian agency that investigates cases of serious injuries (including allegations of sexual assault) and deaths involving the police.
Pursuant to section 113 of the Police Services Act, the director of the SIU is mandated to consider whether a criminal offence has been committed by an officer(s) in connection with the incident under investigation and, where warranted by the evidence, to cause a criminal charge or charges to be laid against the officer( s).
The director reports the results of investigations to the Attorney General.
Det.-Const. Don Moore, a 38-year-old officer, who has been on the Barrie Police Service since September 2000, was charged following a probe by Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU).
"It's an allegation of excessive force during an arrest," said Barrie Deputy Police Chief Steve Rogers, who said the incident took place in the Dunlop Street/Maple Avenue area in the the city's downtown.
Moore has been suspended, with pay, from the police force.
"The officer was on duty and the woman was being investigated by police at the time," said John Yoannou of the SIU.
"The nature and extent of the injuries (to the woman) will form part of the evidence to be presented at the trial," he added.
The charge arises from the SIU's investigation of injuries sustained by a 34-year-old Barrie woman on May 16, 2008.
According to information released by city police on that date, a local woman was arrested on an outstanding warrant.
An officer on patrol saw a woman who appeared to be engaged in prostitution. The officer investigated and determined she had lied about her identity -- because she had outstanding warrants for failing to attend court and to be fingerprinted.
She was arrested and charged on the outstanding warrants, and for obstructing police.
Based on the results of the SIU investigation, director Ian Scott concluded that there are reasonable grounds to believe the officer committed the offence of assault causing bodily harm, contrary to section 267(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada.
Moore is to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Barrie on Jan. 5, 2009. The Justice Prosecutions branch of the Ministry of the Attorney General will be responsible for conducting the prosecution.
The SIU is a civilian agency that investigates cases of serious injuries (including allegations of sexual assault) and deaths involving the police.
Pursuant to section 113 of the Police Services Act, the director of the SIU is mandated to consider whether a criminal offence has been committed by an officer(s) in connection with the incident under investigation and, where warranted by the evidence, to cause a criminal charge or charges to be laid against the officer( s).
The director reports the results of investigations to the Attorney General.
Former Chief Jose Luis Vela Scheduled for Second Trial
A former South Texas police chief was acquitted Friday on charges that he sexually assaulted one of his officers after a drunken party at his house.
A second trial for former Police Chief Jose Luis Vela is scheduled to begin Monday. Jurors deliberated about two hours Friday before acquitting Jose Luis Vela, 44, the Alton police chief in 2006, on sexual assault charges. He had been accused of performing oral sex on an officer who had passed out drunk at his house. Mr. Vela testified that the sex was consensual, and that he had an ongoing sexual relationship with the officer.
Mr. Vela won't get much time to enjoy the victory because District Judge Letty Lopez scheduled his next trial on a separate sexual assault charge to begin Monday. The victim of the other alleged sexual assault testified in the first trial that he woke up face down and naked in Mr. Vela's bed after getting drunk at a party. Mr. Vela said that was also a consensual encounter.
"We basically tried that case, and now we're going to try it again," said Luis Singleterry, Mr. Vela's attorney.
After Friday's verdict, Mr. Vela said the trial had been difficult and he would not be returning to police work.
"I'm ready for something else," he said.
Mr. Singleterry told jurors that his client was the victim of a conspiracy arranged by another employee and her ex-husband, who investigated the case for the Hidalgo County sheriff's office.
Prosecutor Hope Palacios painted the image of an unprofessional police chief who partied with his employees even while they were on the clock.
D.C. Officer Arrested in Prostitution Sting
WASHINGTON
District of Columbia police say they have arrested a Secret Service officer during a prostitution sting.
WUSA-TV reports D.C. police Inspector Brian Bray says his squad was conducting a prostitution sting around 11th and K streets in northwest Washington early Saturday. He says a marked Secret Service Uniformed Division patrol car pulled up to speak with an undercover female officer posing as a prostitute.
The Secret Service sergeant, who was in uniform, allegedly inquired what sex acts the undercover officer would perform. They agreed on a price of $20, and he drove to meet her. But then D.C. police arrested and charged him with solicitation for the propose of prostitution.
Darrin Blackford, a Secret Service spokesman, says the agency's internal affairs division is investigating the matter. He says the officer, whose name was not released, has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Information from: WUSA-TV, http://www.wusatv9.com
District of Columbia police say they have arrested a Secret Service officer during a prostitution sting.
WUSA-TV reports D.C. police Inspector Brian Bray says his squad was conducting a prostitution sting around 11th and K streets in northwest Washington early Saturday. He says a marked Secret Service Uniformed Division patrol car pulled up to speak with an undercover female officer posing as a prostitute.
The Secret Service sergeant, who was in uniform, allegedly inquired what sex acts the undercover officer would perform. They agreed on a price of $20, and he drove to meet her. But then D.C. police arrested and charged him with solicitation for the propose of prostitution.
Darrin Blackford, a Secret Service spokesman, says the agency's internal affairs division is investigating the matter. He says the officer, whose name was not released, has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Information from: WUSA-TV, http://www.wusatv9.com
Friday, November 07, 2008
New Robbery Charge Filed Against Officer Jorge Arbaje-Diaz
NEW YORK
Federal prosecutors have filed a new robbery charge against a former New York City police officer already accused of helping a robbery crew.
Jorge Arbaje-Diaz (ahr-BAH'-hay dee-AHZ') could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the new charge, filed Friday.
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan said Arbaje-Diaz and six others conspired to rob a suspected drug dealer on Aug. 26. His lawyer did not immediately return a telephone call.
Last week, Arbaje-Diaz was charged in federal court in Brooklyn with participating in a robbery crew that impersonated police and tortured drug dealers.
The 30-year-old has resigned from the force since his Oct. 31 arrest. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges in Brooklyn. They include robbery and drug dealing and carry a potential 45-year prison sentence.
Federal prosecutors have filed a new robbery charge against a former New York City police officer already accused of helping a robbery crew.
Jorge Arbaje-Diaz (ahr-BAH'-hay dee-AHZ') could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the new charge, filed Friday.
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan said Arbaje-Diaz and six others conspired to rob a suspected drug dealer on Aug. 26. His lawyer did not immediately return a telephone call.
Last week, Arbaje-Diaz was charged in federal court in Brooklyn with participating in a robbery crew that impersonated police and tortured drug dealers.
The 30-year-old has resigned from the force since his Oct. 31 arrest. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges in Brooklyn. They include robbery and drug dealing and carry a potential 45-year prison sentence.
Officer Testifies Against NYPD
Michael Mineo, the Brooklyn man who has accused four police officers of beating and sodomizing him on a subway platform, got a boost Thursday when another officer testified he saw one of the accused cops use a baton near Mineo's buttocks, according to two sources briefed on the investigation.
Officer Kevin Maloney told the investigative grand jury that he saw Officer Richard Kern unfold his collapsible baton and place it near Mineo's buttocks. Mineo, the sources said, screamed out that Kern was sodomizing him, though Maloney did not realize the importance of what had happened until the alleged Oct. 15 incident was revealed a week later.
The grand jury could take another two weeks or so before making a decision about whether to bring charges against anyone in the case.
But the testimony of Maloney, a two-year veteran who is assigned to the Transit Bureau and lives on Long Island, is considered damaging to the four officers under investigation.
Mineo's lawyers have said Mineo suffered injuries consistent with anal assault. Mineo, 24, a body-piercer at a tattoo parlor, had previously identified another cop, Officer Alex Cruz, as his attacker.
Kern, Cruz, Officer Noel Jugraj and Officer Andrew Morales were involved in the chase and apprehension of Mineo inside the Prospect Park station. Mineo, police said, had been approached outside the station because he was smoking marijuana. He fled into the station, police said, and was given a summons for disorderly conduct after eating the marijuana cigarette.
Police had previously said two civilian witnesses did not see Mineo violated, but he has stuck to his story. Mineo also testified Thursday before the grand jury.
More Information: http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hlRDN-VqhU6-AanJt9KaqgB7ASrg
Officer Christopher Sutherlin Resigns After DUI Arrest
NEW PORT RICHEY
Officer Christopher Sutherlin, accused last week of fleeing an accident in which he was driving drunk, resigned from the police force this week.
Sutherlin, 30, cited recent events and personal reasons in a letter Tuesday to Chief Martin Rickus. His resignation was effective immediately.
Sutherlin, who had been on the job less than a year, got off work about 9 p.m. Oct. 27. Early the next morning, he rear-ended a pickup on U.S. 19 north of Main Street and sped away, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The pickup's driver followed until Sutherlin was forced to pull over because of front-end damage to the Nissan pickup he was driving, FHP said.
Troopers arrested Sutherlin on charges of leaving the scene of an accident and later gave him a Breathalyzer test, which registered blood alcohol levels of 0.148 and 0.151 blood-alcohol level. Florida law presumes a driver impaired at 0.08.
Altogether, he faces charges of DUI, two counts of DUI with personal injury, DUI with property damage and leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries.
The police department began an internal investigation of the incident, which also involved Officer Joseph Pascalli, who was riding with Sutherlin.
Lt. Scott Baker said the investigation of both officers' conduct will continue. Pascalli, who had been part of the department's DUI unit, is now working the midnight shift on patrol.
Sutherlin had accrued 72 hours of unused vacation time, which will be paid out to him for a total of about $1,300.
Joshua Vitori, who was driving the pickup Sutherlin struck, suffered minor injuries. Vitori, 26, is a former paramedic for Pasco County. He also resigned from his job last week, following his arrest Oct. 25 on accusations he stole $300 from a patient in his ambulance.
Officer Christopher Sutherlin, accused last week of fleeing an accident in which he was driving drunk, resigned from the police force this week.
Sutherlin, 30, cited recent events and personal reasons in a letter Tuesday to Chief Martin Rickus. His resignation was effective immediately.
Sutherlin, who had been on the job less than a year, got off work about 9 p.m. Oct. 27. Early the next morning, he rear-ended a pickup on U.S. 19 north of Main Street and sped away, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The pickup's driver followed until Sutherlin was forced to pull over because of front-end damage to the Nissan pickup he was driving, FHP said.
Troopers arrested Sutherlin on charges of leaving the scene of an accident and later gave him a Breathalyzer test, which registered blood alcohol levels of 0.148 and 0.151 blood-alcohol level. Florida law presumes a driver impaired at 0.08.
Altogether, he faces charges of DUI, two counts of DUI with personal injury, DUI with property damage and leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries.
The police department began an internal investigation of the incident, which also involved Officer Joseph Pascalli, who was riding with Sutherlin.
Lt. Scott Baker said the investigation of both officers' conduct will continue. Pascalli, who had been part of the department's DUI unit, is now working the midnight shift on patrol.
Sutherlin had accrued 72 hours of unused vacation time, which will be paid out to him for a total of about $1,300.
Joshua Vitori, who was driving the pickup Sutherlin struck, suffered minor injuries. Vitori, 26, is a former paramedic for Pasco County. He also resigned from his job last week, following his arrest Oct. 25 on accusations he stole $300 from a patient in his ambulance.
Officer Stole Dead Man's Winning Slip
PC John Fleet, 28, took the winning slip , with a prize of £59.21, when he was called to investigate the death of a man, who was subsequently found to have died from natural causes.
After he found the body he spotted the slip that the dead man had made days before on a horse race.
He took the slip and cashed it but the next day the dead man's sister visited the bookies to place a bet.
The bookmaker told her it was "such a shame" about the death and revealed someone had called in to collect his winnings.
She immediately alerted police but Fleet then contacted her to try and persuade her to drop the compliant.
He was suspended and since resigned from Devon and Cornwall Constabulary.
Fleet pleaded guilty to theft by "stealing a betting slip to the value of £59.21 from the estate of Stephen Lawrence" between July 30 and August 02 this year.
He also admitted a charge of perverting the course of justice at Plymouth Magistrates Court.
Judge Francis Gilbert told him: "I warn you that you must expect immediately custody for these offences which were very serious."
At a previous hearing Fleet also admitted accessing the force computer after a friend asked him to obtain contact details for his ex-girlfriend Sally Pimm.
Fleet, of Torquay, Devon, who lives with his grandfather, was bailed to return for sentencing on December 5.
After he found the body he spotted the slip that the dead man had made days before on a horse race.
He took the slip and cashed it but the next day the dead man's sister visited the bookies to place a bet.
The bookmaker told her it was "such a shame" about the death and revealed someone had called in to collect his winnings.
She immediately alerted police but Fleet then contacted her to try and persuade her to drop the compliant.
He was suspended and since resigned from Devon and Cornwall Constabulary.
Fleet pleaded guilty to theft by "stealing a betting slip to the value of £59.21 from the estate of Stephen Lawrence" between July 30 and August 02 this year.
He also admitted a charge of perverting the course of justice at Plymouth Magistrates Court.
Judge Francis Gilbert told him: "I warn you that you must expect immediately custody for these offences which were very serious."
At a previous hearing Fleet also admitted accessing the force computer after a friend asked him to obtain contact details for his ex-girlfriend Sally Pimm.
Fleet, of Torquay, Devon, who lives with his grandfather, was bailed to return for sentencing on December 5.
Case Against Deputy Fredrico Tafoya Still Under Investigation
A case against a former Kern County Sheriff’s detention deputy accused of trying to force an inmate to submit to oral sex has been sent back for more investigation.
There was insufficient evidence to file charges against Fredrico Tafoya, according to the Kern County District Attorney’s office.
Three months after the case was sent back to the Kern County Sheriff’s Department in August, the case is still being investigated.
The case will go back to prosecutors as soon as more information from the investigation is gathered, Senior Deputy Michael Whorf said.
Whorf said he could not discuss details about why the case was sent back.
In July, an inmate said Tafoya wanted to perform oral sex on him. Tafoya threatened to remove the inmate from a work release program if the prisoner didn’t submit, detectives said.
Tafoya was arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment, causing a person to expose themselves and attempted oral copulation under color of authority.
Tafoya was booked into jail and was released after posting $22,500 bail. Tafoya, who had worked with the Sheriff’s Department for four months, was fired.
Tafoya did not return to work when his case was sent for more investigation, Whorf said.
More Information: http://www.bakersfield.com/102/story/603456.html
There was insufficient evidence to file charges against Fredrico Tafoya, according to the Kern County District Attorney’s office.
Three months after the case was sent back to the Kern County Sheriff’s Department in August, the case is still being investigated.
The case will go back to prosecutors as soon as more information from the investigation is gathered, Senior Deputy Michael Whorf said.
Whorf said he could not discuss details about why the case was sent back.
In July, an inmate said Tafoya wanted to perform oral sex on him. Tafoya threatened to remove the inmate from a work release program if the prisoner didn’t submit, detectives said.
Tafoya was arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment, causing a person to expose themselves and attempted oral copulation under color of authority.
Tafoya was booked into jail and was released after posting $22,500 bail. Tafoya, who had worked with the Sheriff’s Department for four months, was fired.
Tafoya did not return to work when his case was sent for more investigation, Whorf said.
More Information: http://www.bakersfield.com/102/story/603456.html
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Officr Gary Bayldon Arrested After Having Sex While on Duty
PO Gary Bayldon, 48, who was married at the time, regularly visited Donna Cacutt for sex at her home on the Isle of Wight when he was supposed to be on the beat.
He called the visits his "meal breaks" and kept his police radio on throughout so he could "perform his duties" at the same time, Kingston Crown Court in London heard.
The officer, who has resigned, also propositioned a second woman, Suzanne Dunkling, in the back of his police van after arresting her in connection with a domestic incident.
Bayldon told her she was "gorgeous", stroked her hand while taking her fingerprints and kissed her when he dropped her home in the police van.
The officer, who served with Hampshire Police for more than 18 years, first met Ms Cacutt, a 34-year-old divorcee with three children, in August 2003 when she called the emergency services.
After dealing with an incident involving her children Pc Bayldon, the responding officer, later telephoned her and the pair started a relationship.
Barry Gregory, prosecuting, said: "They started seeing each other on a regular basis but never when he was off duty, always when he was on duty on late shifts. She would make him dinner at her house and they would often have sex afterwards."
When the relationship began to break down in 2005 Bayldon again abused his job.
In October 2005 he responded to a 911 call from Suzanne Dunkling, 37, after a domestic incident with her partner at her house.
Dunkling was arrested and during the journey to the police station in the van, Bayldon told her: "You are gorgeous."
He let her sit in the front seat of the police van and then invited her to the forest for a "chat".
Mr Gregory said: "He asked her if he could kiss her, and then outside her house, he leaned across and kissed her. Ms Dunkling later said he had used his tongue and she felt disgusted."
Michael Boardman, representing Bayldon, said the visits to Ms Cacutt were only 45 minutes.
Mr Boardman said: "He kept his radio on throughout and was able to answer calls. He was performing his duties although he was not actually out on the streets."
He described Bayldon's flirtation with Ms Dunkling as "a grave error of judgement" and an "excessively foolish thing to do".
Mr Boardman added: "This was a first class officer."
Bayldon pleaded guilty to three counts of wilful misconduct in a public office.
Judge Charles Tilling said: "You as a police officer have very considerable power and the respect of the community you serve in. People look up to you and you abused that trust."
At a previous hearing the prosecution offered no evidence on six other similar counts.
Some of the counts alleged that Bayldon, a father of four, engaged in sex acts in a police vehicle with two different women.
It was also claimed he had kissed another woman who was a prosecution witness at a trial.
He was also accused of befriending another woman and, while on duty, giving her money to buy lingerie to wear for him, and taking her to the woods and asking her to perform a sex act on him.
It was also claimed that he propositioned a woman before arresting her after responding to a call for assistance.
He called the visits his "meal breaks" and kept his police radio on throughout so he could "perform his duties" at the same time, Kingston Crown Court in London heard.
The officer, who has resigned, also propositioned a second woman, Suzanne Dunkling, in the back of his police van after arresting her in connection with a domestic incident.
Bayldon told her she was "gorgeous", stroked her hand while taking her fingerprints and kissed her when he dropped her home in the police van.
The officer, who served with Hampshire Police for more than 18 years, first met Ms Cacutt, a 34-year-old divorcee with three children, in August 2003 when she called the emergency services.
After dealing with an incident involving her children Pc Bayldon, the responding officer, later telephoned her and the pair started a relationship.
Barry Gregory, prosecuting, said: "They started seeing each other on a regular basis but never when he was off duty, always when he was on duty on late shifts. She would make him dinner at her house and they would often have sex afterwards."
When the relationship began to break down in 2005 Bayldon again abused his job.
In October 2005 he responded to a 911 call from Suzanne Dunkling, 37, after a domestic incident with her partner at her house.
Dunkling was arrested and during the journey to the police station in the van, Bayldon told her: "You are gorgeous."
He let her sit in the front seat of the police van and then invited her to the forest for a "chat".
Mr Gregory said: "He asked her if he could kiss her, and then outside her house, he leaned across and kissed her. Ms Dunkling later said he had used his tongue and she felt disgusted."
Michael Boardman, representing Bayldon, said the visits to Ms Cacutt were only 45 minutes.
Mr Boardman said: "He kept his radio on throughout and was able to answer calls. He was performing his duties although he was not actually out on the streets."
He described Bayldon's flirtation with Ms Dunkling as "a grave error of judgement" and an "excessively foolish thing to do".
Mr Boardman added: "This was a first class officer."
Bayldon pleaded guilty to three counts of wilful misconduct in a public office.
Judge Charles Tilling said: "You as a police officer have very considerable power and the respect of the community you serve in. People look up to you and you abused that trust."
At a previous hearing the prosecution offered no evidence on six other similar counts.
Some of the counts alleged that Bayldon, a father of four, engaged in sex acts in a police vehicle with two different women.
It was also claimed he had kissed another woman who was a prosecution witness at a trial.
He was also accused of befriending another woman and, while on duty, giving her money to buy lingerie to wear for him, and taking her to the woods and asking her to perform a sex act on him.
It was also claimed that he propositioned a woman before arresting her after responding to a call for assistance.
Officer Russell Mecano Arrested for Sexual Assault
LOS ANGELES
A Los Angeles police officer faces felony charges for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman and soliciting sex from another while he was on duty.
Russell Mecano was arrested last month but the grand jury indictment remained sealed until Thursday. He faces up to 12 years in prison if convicted of three felony sex charges and one misdemeanor.
Prosecutors allege Mecano told an 18-year-old woman in May that he would not arrest her for having a marijuana pipe if she had sex with him. Mecano then allegedly sexually assaulted the woman near a library.
Mecano is also accused in October 2007 of seeking sex from a 20-year-old transient following her arrest for battery. Prosecutors say he gave her $200 and told her to meet him at a motel, but she instead reported Mecano to police.
Mecano has been placed on paid administrative leave.
A Los Angeles police officer faces felony charges for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman and soliciting sex from another while he was on duty.
Russell Mecano was arrested last month but the grand jury indictment remained sealed until Thursday. He faces up to 12 years in prison if convicted of three felony sex charges and one misdemeanor.
Prosecutors allege Mecano told an 18-year-old woman in May that he would not arrest her for having a marijuana pipe if she had sex with him. Mecano then allegedly sexually assaulted the woman near a library.
Mecano is also accused in October 2007 of seeking sex from a 20-year-old transient following her arrest for battery. Prosecutors say he gave her $200 and told her to meet him at a motel, but she instead reported Mecano to police.
Mecano has been placed on paid administrative leave.
Officer Patrick Fuhrman Arrested for Beating Woman
MILWAUKEE
A Milwaukee police officer faces up to three and a half years in prison after investigators said he beat a woman.
Patrick Fuhrman is a nine-year veteran of the police department.
According to a criminal complaint, Fuhrman beat a woman at his home Monday night.
The victim is also a member of the Milwaukee Police Department.
The woman told investigators that Fuhrman became violent, "grabbing her by the neck with both hands."
She said he threw her to the ground and "beat her several times to the left and right side of the head and nose causing pain, injury and swelling."
The victim was taken to the hospital and received multiple stitches to her lower lip. She was also treated for other injuries sustained in the alleged beating.
Police said they took pictures of a blood trail in the home.
A police department representative said Fuhrman joined the department in June 1999. She said he was suspended Monday night, but before that worked as a member of the new Neighborhood Task Force.
The 200-person task force was started this summer by Police Chief Ed Flynn. The special unit swarms high crime areas and focuses on catching some of the cities most violent criminals.
Fuhrman is charged with substantial battery, which is a felony. He was given a $2,500 cash bond and ordered not to have contact with the victim.
Flynn has said in the past he would take a hard line on his officers who break the law. However, Flynn was out of town on Tuesday and unavailable to comment on Fuhrman's charges.
Fuhrman could be one of the first officers to lose his pay under the new police pay law.
He was suspended with pay. But if he is fired, he is immediately removed from pay roll.
In the past, Milwaukee officers were paid until the end of their criminal case but that controversial law was overturned earlier this year.
Former Sheriff Stan Farley Arraigned on DUI Charges
PUTNAM COUNTY, W.Va.
Former Putnam County Sheriff Stan Farley was arraigned on DUI charges around 11:30 a.m. Thursday in Putnam County.
He was involved in an accident on Route 60 in Hurricane.
According to the criminal complaint, the officer investigating the crash smelled a strong odor of alcohol on Farley and he later failed a Breathalyzer test. The officer says due to the location of the accident, a field sobriety test was not offered.
According to the complaint, Farley's blood alcohol level was .118.
This is Farley's first DUI offense.
********
ORIGINAL STORY
HURRICANE, W.Va. (WSAZ) The captain of the Hurricane Police Department tells WSAZ.com that a former Putnam County Sheriff has been arrested on DUI charges.
Captain Joe Sisk says Stan Farley was involved in an accident around 9:30 a.m. Thursday morning in front of the Hurricane Tire on Route 60.
Sisk tells WSAZ.com it appears Farley struck the back of a woman's car, but the accident is still under investigation.
The captain would not go into details about the investigation or say if Farley failed a field sobriety test. However, Sisk tells WSAZ.com Farley will be charged with driving under the influence. He's expected to be arraigned on the charges within the hour.
Farley served as Putnam County Sheriff from 1997 to 2004.
In fact, he was hoping to oust current Sheriff Mark Smith during Tuesday's general election, but lost.
More Information: http://wowktv.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=46601
Corrections Deputy Arrested for Aggravated Assault
A Sumter County Sheriff's Office corrections deputy was arrested Monday and charged with aggravated assault after Pasco deputies said he pointed a gun at two men during a fight.
According to an arrest report, Michael Accardi, 31, has had ongoing problems with two of his neighbors. After an argument with an acquaintance of the neighbors' at a Land O'Lakes Publix on Monday night, the two men approached his car and a fight began.
Pasco deputies said Accardi pointed his Glock 27 at the men and told them to get on the ground.
Accardi spent three hours at the Land O'Lakes jail and was released Tuesday morning on a $5,000 bond.
According to an arrest report, Michael Accardi, 31, has had ongoing problems with two of his neighbors. After an argument with an acquaintance of the neighbors' at a Land O'Lakes Publix on Monday night, the two men approached his car and a fight began.
Pasco deputies said Accardi pointed his Glock 27 at the men and told them to get on the ground.
Accardi spent three hours at the Land O'Lakes jail and was released Tuesday morning on a $5,000 bond.
Corrections Officer Craig Bird Accused of Sexual Assault on Inmate
NEWAYGO COUNTY
A county jail corrections officer accused of having sexual contact with an inmate will stand trial on three sexual assault charges.
Craig William Bird, 51, waived his right to a probable cause hearing Thursday in Newaygo County District Court.
Bird is charged with three counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. Sheriffs officials have not released details of the allegations against Bird.
A judge lowered his bond Thursday from $50,000 to $10,000, with Bird required to pay 10 percent.
A county jail corrections officer accused of having sexual contact with an inmate will stand trial on three sexual assault charges.
Craig William Bird, 51, waived his right to a probable cause hearing Thursday in Newaygo County District Court.
Bird is charged with three counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. Sheriffs officials have not released details of the allegations against Bird.
A judge lowered his bond Thursday from $50,000 to $10,000, with Bird required to pay 10 percent.
Former Chief Jose Luis Vela Acquitted on Sexual Assault
EDINBURG, Texas
A former South Texas police chief was acquitted Friday on charges alleging he sexually assaulted one of his officers after a drunken party at his house.
Jurors deliberated about two hours Friday before acquitting Jose Luis Vela, 44, the Alton police chief in 2006, on sexual assault charges. He had been accused of performing oral sex on an officer who had passed out drunk at his house. Vela testified that the sex was consensual, and that he had an ongoing sexual relationship with the officer.
Vela won't get much time to enjoy the victory because District Judge Letty Lopez scheduled his next trial on a separate sexual assault charge to begin Monday. The victim of the other alleged sexual assault testified in the first trial that he woke up face down and naked in Vela's bed after getting drunk at a party. Vela said that was also a consensual encounter.
"We basically tried that case, and now we're going to try it again," said Luis Singleterry, Vela's attorney.
After Friday's verdict, Vela said the trial had been difficult and he would not be returning to police work.
"I have no intention of getting back into it," he said. "I'm ready for something else."
During closing arguments, prosecutor Hope Palacios told jurors the officer would not have publicly testified on the embarrassing event if it were consensual.
"Rape is an ugly word," Palacios said. "It's not what we expect to hear from the mouth of a man. It's definitely not what we expect to hear from the mouth of a police officer."
Singleterry tried to convince jurors that his client was the victim of a conspiracy arranged by another employee and her ex-husband, who investigated the case for the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office.
Singleterry said the alleged victim and two others who testified about other alleged assaults were motivated by money they could win from a civil lawsuit. He pointed out that they only told their stories after they were approached by Hidalgo County Sheriff's investigator Raul Cantu, whose ex-wife worked at the Alton Police Department.
But Palacios dismissed that idea.
"Is there any amount of money in the world that would make a man do something like that?" she said.
Palacios painted the image of an unprofessional police chief who partied with his employees even while they were on the clock. She accused Vela of manipulating poorly qualified officers willing to work for minimum wage.
"He surrounded himself with officers who couldn't get jobs at reputable agencies," Palacios said. "And he preyed upon them."
Vela also faces a charge of stealing a firearm last year. He is accused of taking a pistol from the department's evidence locker while he was still police chief. At the time of his arrest on that charge, investigators found a Colt .357 Magnum stolen from a Missouri man in 1988 and recovered by police in 1993 in Vela's home.
Accusations of bad record keeping and stealing confiscated alcohol ultimately cost Vela his job in September 2007.
Alton is a town of about 4,400 residents located 10 miles north of the Mexican border in the Rio Grande Valley.
A former South Texas police chief was acquitted Friday on charges alleging he sexually assaulted one of his officers after a drunken party at his house.
Jurors deliberated about two hours Friday before acquitting Jose Luis Vela, 44, the Alton police chief in 2006, on sexual assault charges. He had been accused of performing oral sex on an officer who had passed out drunk at his house. Vela testified that the sex was consensual, and that he had an ongoing sexual relationship with the officer.
Vela won't get much time to enjoy the victory because District Judge Letty Lopez scheduled his next trial on a separate sexual assault charge to begin Monday. The victim of the other alleged sexual assault testified in the first trial that he woke up face down and naked in Vela's bed after getting drunk at a party. Vela said that was also a consensual encounter.
"We basically tried that case, and now we're going to try it again," said Luis Singleterry, Vela's attorney.
After Friday's verdict, Vela said the trial had been difficult and he would not be returning to police work.
"I have no intention of getting back into it," he said. "I'm ready for something else."
During closing arguments, prosecutor Hope Palacios told jurors the officer would not have publicly testified on the embarrassing event if it were consensual.
"Rape is an ugly word," Palacios said. "It's not what we expect to hear from the mouth of a man. It's definitely not what we expect to hear from the mouth of a police officer."
Singleterry tried to convince jurors that his client was the victim of a conspiracy arranged by another employee and her ex-husband, who investigated the case for the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office.
Singleterry said the alleged victim and two others who testified about other alleged assaults were motivated by money they could win from a civil lawsuit. He pointed out that they only told their stories after they were approached by Hidalgo County Sheriff's investigator Raul Cantu, whose ex-wife worked at the Alton Police Department.
But Palacios dismissed that idea.
"Is there any amount of money in the world that would make a man do something like that?" she said.
Palacios painted the image of an unprofessional police chief who partied with his employees even while they were on the clock. She accused Vela of manipulating poorly qualified officers willing to work for minimum wage.
"He surrounded himself with officers who couldn't get jobs at reputable agencies," Palacios said. "And he preyed upon them."
Vela also faces a charge of stealing a firearm last year. He is accused of taking a pistol from the department's evidence locker while he was still police chief. At the time of his arrest on that charge, investigators found a Colt .357 Magnum stolen from a Missouri man in 1988 and recovered by police in 1993 in Vela's home.
Accusations of bad record keeping and stealing confiscated alcohol ultimately cost Vela his job in September 2007.
Alton is a town of about 4,400 residents located 10 miles north of the Mexican border in the Rio Grande Valley.
Trooper Steven Spoonire and Wife Request Jury Trials on Marijuana Charges
A Maryland State Police trooper and his wife have requested jury trials on marijuana charges.
Suspended Trooper Steven Spoonire and Jennifer Lynn Frazier were arrested in August by police who said they found a foot-tall marijuana plant growing outside the back door of the couple's Woodsboro home.
Investigators said they also found pipes and rolling papers inside the residence.
The 36-year-old trooper and his 27-year-old wife both face misdemeanor charges of possessing marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Suspended Trooper Steven Spoonire and Jennifer Lynn Frazier were arrested in August by police who said they found a foot-tall marijuana plant growing outside the back door of the couple's Woodsboro home.
Investigators said they also found pipes and rolling papers inside the residence.
The 36-year-old trooper and his 27-year-old wife both face misdemeanor charges of possessing marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Officer Frank White to Stand Trial for Shooting Mother and Son
After a dramatic day of testimony yesterday, a judge ordered a San Diego police officer to stand trial for shooting a mother and her son in an Oceanside parking lot at the culmination of an apparent road rage incident in March.
“I think we expect more from our officers than the conduct that was displayed here,” Judge Joel Pressman said at the end of a nearly daylong preliminary hearing in Vista Superior Court.
Officer Frank White, 28, is charged with one felony count of grossly negligent discharge of a firearm and one misdemeanor count of exhibiting a firearm. He faces up to nine years in prison if convicted.
The District Attorney's Office decided to charge White in July. It marked the first time in 13 years that a county law enforcement officer – on or off duty – had been charged for shooting someone while acting under the color of authority.
Authorities say Rachel Silva, 28, cut off and aggressively followed White, who was off-duty, and his wife into a Lowe's parking lot March 15, while revving her engine and yelling at them. After she pulled in front of them in the lot, she backed up toward their car.
Her right mirror hit White's left mirror, and he fired his first shot through the window of his Mercury Milan into the passenger window of her Honda Accord. Silva's son, then 8, was in the passenger seat and was struck in the left leg.
As Silva continued in reverse, the right front of her car hit the left rear of White's car. He shot four more bullets from his .38-caliber revolver through her windshield. She was struck twice in the right arm.
Silva's son, with his father by his side, teared up in court yesterday as he recalled the shooting.
He testified that his mother was upset when she picked him up at a friend's house and later when she followed the car into the parking lot. “My mom was mad at him,” he said. “She was yelling.” In the parking lot, the boy said, he saw a person in the other car pointing a gun at him.
The boy testified that he curled up in his seat when he saw the gun, putting his legs near his face. He said he told his mother, “Momma, he has a gun,” and she called 911.
Later in the hearing, prosecutors played tapes of 911 calls made by Silva and White's wife, Jacquellyn, who is a Carlsbad police dispatcher.
On the call made by Silva, she says, “There's a guy who's pulling a gun on me.” After the shooting, she says it is “some guy, a policeman.” Screams are heard throughout the tape. At one point, Silva tells her son, who sounds hysterical, “Stop! You're OK! You're OK!”
Authorities say Silva had a blood-alcohol level nearly twice the legal limit and was driving on a suspended license. She faces charges in connection with the incident. She was subpoenaed to appear at White's hearing yesterday, but she asserted her Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination and didn't testify.
On Jacquellyn White's 911 call, she tells a dispatcher that a silver Honda is “road raging” them, and they don't know why. After the shooting, she tells the dispatcher that her husband has fired his gun.
“Did he hit anybody?” the dispatcher asks.
“I don't know if he hit her,” White's wife responds. She soon says that the other driver has a child in the car.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys agree that White didn't see the child when he opened fire. The car's side windows were tinted, with a darker tint on the rear windows.
On the 911 call made by Jacquellyn White, her husband can be heard after the shooting yelling, “Turn the car off!” and “Police!”
Prosecutor Julie Korsmeyer said the District Attorney's Office “carefully” charged White. “We have someone who overreacted violently in this case.”
White's attorney, Rick Pinckard, said the couple didn't do anything to provoke the confrontation, and Silva assaulted them with her car. “This was clearly a case of self-defense,” Pinckard said.
The state Attorney General's Office has charged Silva with felony child endangerment and five misdemeanors, including drunken driving and driving on a suspended license. Her trial is set for Nov. 18.
“I think we expect more from our officers than the conduct that was displayed here,” Judge Joel Pressman said at the end of a nearly daylong preliminary hearing in Vista Superior Court.
Officer Frank White, 28, is charged with one felony count of grossly negligent discharge of a firearm and one misdemeanor count of exhibiting a firearm. He faces up to nine years in prison if convicted.
The District Attorney's Office decided to charge White in July. It marked the first time in 13 years that a county law enforcement officer – on or off duty – had been charged for shooting someone while acting under the color of authority.
Authorities say Rachel Silva, 28, cut off and aggressively followed White, who was off-duty, and his wife into a Lowe's parking lot March 15, while revving her engine and yelling at them. After she pulled in front of them in the lot, she backed up toward their car.
Her right mirror hit White's left mirror, and he fired his first shot through the window of his Mercury Milan into the passenger window of her Honda Accord. Silva's son, then 8, was in the passenger seat and was struck in the left leg.
As Silva continued in reverse, the right front of her car hit the left rear of White's car. He shot four more bullets from his .38-caliber revolver through her windshield. She was struck twice in the right arm.
Silva's son, with his father by his side, teared up in court yesterday as he recalled the shooting.
He testified that his mother was upset when she picked him up at a friend's house and later when she followed the car into the parking lot. “My mom was mad at him,” he said. “She was yelling.” In the parking lot, the boy said, he saw a person in the other car pointing a gun at him.
The boy testified that he curled up in his seat when he saw the gun, putting his legs near his face. He said he told his mother, “Momma, he has a gun,” and she called 911.
Later in the hearing, prosecutors played tapes of 911 calls made by Silva and White's wife, Jacquellyn, who is a Carlsbad police dispatcher.
On the call made by Silva, she says, “There's a guy who's pulling a gun on me.” After the shooting, she says it is “some guy, a policeman.” Screams are heard throughout the tape. At one point, Silva tells her son, who sounds hysterical, “Stop! You're OK! You're OK!”
Authorities say Silva had a blood-alcohol level nearly twice the legal limit and was driving on a suspended license. She faces charges in connection with the incident. She was subpoenaed to appear at White's hearing yesterday, but she asserted her Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination and didn't testify.
On Jacquellyn White's 911 call, she tells a dispatcher that a silver Honda is “road raging” them, and they don't know why. After the shooting, she tells the dispatcher that her husband has fired his gun.
“Did he hit anybody?” the dispatcher asks.
“I don't know if he hit her,” White's wife responds. She soon says that the other driver has a child in the car.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys agree that White didn't see the child when he opened fire. The car's side windows were tinted, with a darker tint on the rear windows.
On the 911 call made by Jacquellyn White, her husband can be heard after the shooting yelling, “Turn the car off!” and “Police!”
Prosecutor Julie Korsmeyer said the District Attorney's Office “carefully” charged White. “We have someone who overreacted violently in this case.”
White's attorney, Rick Pinckard, said the couple didn't do anything to provoke the confrontation, and Silva assaulted them with her car. “This was clearly a case of self-defense,” Pinckard said.
The state Attorney General's Office has charged Silva with felony child endangerment and five misdemeanors, including drunken driving and driving on a suspended license. Her trial is set for Nov. 18.
Officer Leland Feldman Arrested for Domestic Violence
Steamboat Springs
A Steamboat Springs police officer has been suspended in the wake of his arrest on domestic violence charges Saturday.
Leland Craig Feldman, 43, was arrested Saturday by Routt County Sheriff’s Office deputies on suspicion of a misdemeanor domestic violence charge of third-degree assault. Feldman has been a patrol officer with the Steamboat Springs Police Department since March.
Feldman is suspended while the police department completes its internal investigation into the incident, which likely will take several weeks, Capt. Joel Rae said Wednesday.
“We cannot comment on the aspects of that investigation at this time,” Rae said.
Feldman did not return calls made to his home Wednesday.
The Routt County Sheriff’s Office is handling the criminal aspect of Feldman’s case.
Deputies responded to a report of a domestic dispute between Feldman and an unidentified female in Stagecoach on Saturday afternoon, which resulted in his arrest, Investigator Ken Klinger said. No significant injuries were reported, Klinger said.
Full details about the incident were not available Wednesday, as the investigation continues and the arresting officers have not yet filed their reports, Klinger said.
“I know that there was physical contact,” Klinger said. “It was enough that our guys, following their on-scene investigation, took him into custody.”
Conviction on the misdemeanor charge undoubtedly would result in Feldman’s termination.
“Anybody who is convicted of domestic violence in Colorado cannot possess a gun, and if you cannot possess a gun, you cannot be a police officer,” Rae said.
Feldman is due to appear in Routt County Court at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 18.
A Steamboat Springs police officer has been suspended in the wake of his arrest on domestic violence charges Saturday.
Leland Craig Feldman, 43, was arrested Saturday by Routt County Sheriff’s Office deputies on suspicion of a misdemeanor domestic violence charge of third-degree assault. Feldman has been a patrol officer with the Steamboat Springs Police Department since March.
Feldman is suspended while the police department completes its internal investigation into the incident, which likely will take several weeks, Capt. Joel Rae said Wednesday.
“We cannot comment on the aspects of that investigation at this time,” Rae said.
Feldman did not return calls made to his home Wednesday.
The Routt County Sheriff’s Office is handling the criminal aspect of Feldman’s case.
Deputies responded to a report of a domestic dispute between Feldman and an unidentified female in Stagecoach on Saturday afternoon, which resulted in his arrest, Investigator Ken Klinger said. No significant injuries were reported, Klinger said.
Full details about the incident were not available Wednesday, as the investigation continues and the arresting officers have not yet filed their reports, Klinger said.
“I know that there was physical contact,” Klinger said. “It was enough that our guys, following their on-scene investigation, took him into custody.”
Conviction on the misdemeanor charge undoubtedly would result in Feldman’s termination.
“Anybody who is convicted of domestic violence in Colorado cannot possess a gun, and if you cannot possess a gun, you cannot be a police officer,” Rae said.
Feldman is due to appear in Routt County Court at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 18.
Cpl Michael Pue Returns to Duty After Public Intoxication Arrest
A Maryland police officer charged with public intoxication at a Jimmy Buffett concert this summer paid a $92 fine and was returned to duty.
Cpl. Michael E. Pue, who works for the force in Frederick, Md., was off duty at the Nissan Pavilion concert with some friends when he was arrested on Aug. 31.
After the show, Pue returned to the parking lot to find the windows on his truck had been smashed and wires ripped from the dashboard, Frederick police Lt. Clark Pennington said.
Pue went to report the vandalism to a Prince William police officer and was then charged with public intoxication.
The charge is a class four misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $450. It is the lowest misdemeanor charge in the commonwealth.
Pennington said the vandals did about $5,000 worth of damage to the corporal’s truck.
After he was arrested, Prince William police asked Frederick police to come and pick up Pue. He was released that night on his own recognizance.
During an investigation by the Frederick department, the corporal was put on administrative leave for about two weeks.
Pennington said Prince William authorities did the right thing in arresting the off-duty officer and added his case was handled fairly.
“Corporal Pue did not get any less of a charge as anybody else, and his case was handled the same as any IT professional or fast food workers would be,” Pennington said.
Pue paid his $25 fine and $72 court cost on Friday.
He has been a member of the Frederick police department for more than 15 years.
Cpl. Michael E. Pue, who works for the force in Frederick, Md., was off duty at the Nissan Pavilion concert with some friends when he was arrested on Aug. 31.
After the show, Pue returned to the parking lot to find the windows on his truck had been smashed and wires ripped from the dashboard, Frederick police Lt. Clark Pennington said.
Pue went to report the vandalism to a Prince William police officer and was then charged with public intoxication.
The charge is a class four misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $450. It is the lowest misdemeanor charge in the commonwealth.
Pennington said the vandals did about $5,000 worth of damage to the corporal’s truck.
After he was arrested, Prince William police asked Frederick police to come and pick up Pue. He was released that night on his own recognizance.
During an investigation by the Frederick department, the corporal was put on administrative leave for about two weeks.
Pennington said Prince William authorities did the right thing in arresting the off-duty officer and added his case was handled fairly.
“Corporal Pue did not get any less of a charge as anybody else, and his case was handled the same as any IT professional or fast food workers would be,” Pennington said.
Pue paid his $25 fine and $72 court cost on Friday.
He has been a member of the Frederick police department for more than 15 years.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Deputy Ken Turner Accused of Obtaining Prescription Pills Illegally
SARASOTA COUNTY
A Sarasota sheriff's deputy quit his job and is under criminal investigation for doctor shopping after being accused of obtaining thousands of prescription pills from local physicians.
Deputy Ken Turner resigned last month in the midst of an internal affairs investigation. The inquiry, authorities say, showed that Turner went to 11 local doctors, obtained more than 1,700 pills and often visited pharmacies in his sheriff's uniform.
Legal observers say the allegations may jeopardize criminal cases worked by Turner, and local defense attorneys plan to review his role in several trials.
"We will look at all the cases that he was involved in," said Elliott Metcalfe, the public defender.
"Any time you have an instance of criminal behavior, of lying, of drug addiction, a witness's credibility comes into question," he said. "It's something we have to look into."
The number of cases that Turner would have been called to testify in as a witness was not immediately clear, but Sheriff's Office records show that he made at least four arrests in the four months he is accused of buying the drugs.
Three of those cases are still open.
"The sheriff is concerned and he will be talking to the State Attorney's Office," said Lt. Chuck Lesaltato, an agency spokesman.
Turner started at the Sheriff's Office in November 2001, briefly worked in the community policing division and was on patrol since June 2005. He made $50,000 a year.
Internal affairs records show that department officials were tipped off to potential drug use in August, when he had a doctor's appointment and was prescribed a powerful narcotic, oxycodone.
When Turner did not tell his supervisors about the prescription -- as is the practice in most police agencies -- investigators began to check out local pharmacies, looking for instances where the deputy was obtaining drugs.
They reportedly found that between July and September, Turner received 24 prescriptions and 1,737 pills. Lt. Mike Mercurio spoke with several local doctors, who said they did not know that other physicians were prescribing the pills.
Turner resigned Oct. 6. He could not be reached for comment.
A few days later, internal investigators turned over their findings to criminal detectives. A department spokesman said Monday that a criminal investigation was ongoing.
A Sarasota sheriff's deputy quit his job and is under criminal investigation for doctor shopping after being accused of obtaining thousands of prescription pills from local physicians.
Deputy Ken Turner resigned last month in the midst of an internal affairs investigation. The inquiry, authorities say, showed that Turner went to 11 local doctors, obtained more than 1,700 pills and often visited pharmacies in his sheriff's uniform.
Legal observers say the allegations may jeopardize criminal cases worked by Turner, and local defense attorneys plan to review his role in several trials.
"We will look at all the cases that he was involved in," said Elliott Metcalfe, the public defender.
"Any time you have an instance of criminal behavior, of lying, of drug addiction, a witness's credibility comes into question," he said. "It's something we have to look into."
The number of cases that Turner would have been called to testify in as a witness was not immediately clear, but Sheriff's Office records show that he made at least four arrests in the four months he is accused of buying the drugs.
Three of those cases are still open.
"The sheriff is concerned and he will be talking to the State Attorney's Office," said Lt. Chuck Lesaltato, an agency spokesman.
Turner started at the Sheriff's Office in November 2001, briefly worked in the community policing division and was on patrol since June 2005. He made $50,000 a year.
Internal affairs records show that department officials were tipped off to potential drug use in August, when he had a doctor's appointment and was prescribed a powerful narcotic, oxycodone.
When Turner did not tell his supervisors about the prescription -- as is the practice in most police agencies -- investigators began to check out local pharmacies, looking for instances where the deputy was obtaining drugs.
They reportedly found that between July and September, Turner received 24 prescriptions and 1,737 pills. Lt. Mike Mercurio spoke with several local doctors, who said they did not know that other physicians were prescribing the pills.
Turner resigned Oct. 6. He could not be reached for comment.
A few days later, internal investigators turned over their findings to criminal detectives. A department spokesman said Monday that a criminal investigation was ongoing.
Investigation Continues into Death of Woman at the Hand of the Police
Atlanta, the death of a 92-year-old woman at the hand of police has sparked yet another investigation.
While the federal probe is over and three former Atlanta police officers are serving time for crimes stemming from the botched drug raid that led to the Kathryn Johnston's death in November 2006, Atlanta Police Chief Richard Pennington is creating a special task force to find out whether any other officers violated police procedures related to the drug raid that resulted in Johnston's death, the chief said in a statement Tuesday.
"Following this task force's investigation, it will make recommendations directly to me as to any administrative action which should be taken against any other members of this department," Pennington wrote.
The announcement came the day after the FBI turned over a report to the Police Department — the contents of where not made public, reports The Atlanta-Constitution. Pennington said in his statement that no other federal charges are anticipated, but federal authorities did indicate last week that the report was going to address other issues.
Johnston died when policed barged into her home with guns blazing as part of a drug raid at the wrong address. They shot her as she brandished her own gun, possibly thinking she was being robbed. U.S. Attorney David Nahmias said it would make recommendations that could lead to state prosecutions or administrative discipline for other officers who played a role in the raid.
While the federal probe is over and three former Atlanta police officers are serving time for crimes stemming from the botched drug raid that led to the Kathryn Johnston's death in November 2006, Atlanta Police Chief Richard Pennington is creating a special task force to find out whether any other officers violated police procedures related to the drug raid that resulted in Johnston's death, the chief said in a statement Tuesday.
"Following this task force's investigation, it will make recommendations directly to me as to any administrative action which should be taken against any other members of this department," Pennington wrote.
The announcement came the day after the FBI turned over a report to the Police Department — the contents of where not made public, reports The Atlanta-Constitution. Pennington said in his statement that no other federal charges are anticipated, but federal authorities did indicate last week that the report was going to address other issues.
Johnston died when policed barged into her home with guns blazing as part of a drug raid at the wrong address. They shot her as she brandished her own gun, possibly thinking she was being robbed. U.S. Attorney David Nahmias said it would make recommendations that could lead to state prosecutions or administrative discipline for other officers who played a role in the raid.
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