FAIRLAND, Okla.
The acting police chief of this northeastern Oklahoma town has been fired and is under investigation for allegedly passing counterfeit bills at a Vinita Wal-Mart.
Fairland's acting Police Chief William Ray Moore, who was fired Friday, is listed on a Vinita police report as the suspect caught on a surveillance video passing four counterfeit bills while in uniform.
The U.S. Secret Service is investigating whether the counterfeit bills were evidence seized in an earlier counterfeiting case investigated by Moore and Secret Service officers, The Oklahoman reported.
A man thought to be Moore was recorded buying a prepaid Visa card with four counterfeit $100 bills on Oct. 17 around 6:40 p.m., according to the police report.
The suspect had a holstered pistol and was wearing a polo style police shirt with an embroidered badge, the report states. The shirt had the word “Fairland” on it, a Wal-Mart assistant manager recalled.
The Vinita Police Department seized the counterfeit bills and turned them over to the Secret Service, which has jurisdiction over investigations involving counterfeit money.
Moore, 31, could not be reached for comment.
Moore was listed as the arresting officer in a case in August in which Tawni Lorene Gaines, 36, of Fairland was charged with forgery and second-degree counterfeiting. Gaines admitted using a copier/scanner to make the counterfeit bills, Moore wrote in the affidavit.
The charge against Gaines initially was filed in Ottawa County District Court and evidence reportedly was being held by the Fairland Police Department while Gaines was awaiting her preliminary hearing.
Eric Wade, Fairland's town attorney, confirmed Monday that Moore is no longer acting police chief or with the police department.
Wade also confirmed Secret Service agents were in the rural Ottawa County community for the last four days, but declined to say what they are investigating.
Charles McLoughlin, assistant U.S. attorney in Tulsa, said it is against Department of Justice policy to confirm or deny the existence of a pending investigation.
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Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Officer Stuart Gaines Arrested for DUI After Leaving Funeral
The Lawrenceville Police Department said goodbye to two veteran officers this week — one who was buried and another who was fired for allegedly driving drunk just hours after the funeral.
Most of the officers within the department attended a funeral Sunday afternoon for retired Lawrenceville police Lt. Frank Otto, a 28-year veteran who had died following a long illness. A department spokesman said that Stuart Gaines, a criminal investigator and 15-year employee, was among the mourners at the memorial service and the burial in Lawrenceville. Other officers saw him leave the Gwinnett Memorial Park Cemetery alone around 4 p.m., said Maj. Paul King Tuesday.
About two hours later, Gaines was driving his unmarked patrol car on Highway 129 in Gainesville when he rear-ended a white Lincoln Towncar, according to the Georgia State Patrol post in Gainesville.
Lawrenceville police department was notified by a trooper that Gaines was being charged with DUI. Gaines’ supervisor met with them at the scene, according to King.
“They detected alcoholic beverage coming from him and felt like with the way he was talking and his demeanor, he was at some level intoxicated,” King said.
Gaines was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for treatment of a cut to the eye. The other driver was also evaluated at the hospital as a precaution after he complained of soreness, King said.
Gaines bonded out of the Hall County jail Sunday and was fired on Monday. The tight-knit department is still reeling from Sunday’s events.
“It was a tough day for the entire department. It started out sadly and ended badly,” he said. “You can tell it around the department that people are upset, but they also understand they are held to a higher standard. There was no choice but to terminate him.”
***********
I feel for the man, but...just like the rest of us (and as some your other buddies probably did) you go home and drink. Or you call a friend, so you don't accidently end another persons life. I hope you receive the maximum penalty, mostly because you should have known better. There is no excuse for DRUNK DRIVING.
Most of the officers within the department attended a funeral Sunday afternoon for retired Lawrenceville police Lt. Frank Otto, a 28-year veteran who had died following a long illness. A department spokesman said that Stuart Gaines, a criminal investigator and 15-year employee, was among the mourners at the memorial service and the burial in Lawrenceville. Other officers saw him leave the Gwinnett Memorial Park Cemetery alone around 4 p.m., said Maj. Paul King Tuesday.
About two hours later, Gaines was driving his unmarked patrol car on Highway 129 in Gainesville when he rear-ended a white Lincoln Towncar, according to the Georgia State Patrol post in Gainesville.
Lawrenceville police department was notified by a trooper that Gaines was being charged with DUI. Gaines’ supervisor met with them at the scene, according to King.
“They detected alcoholic beverage coming from him and felt like with the way he was talking and his demeanor, he was at some level intoxicated,” King said.
Gaines was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for treatment of a cut to the eye. The other driver was also evaluated at the hospital as a precaution after he complained of soreness, King said.
Gaines bonded out of the Hall County jail Sunday and was fired on Monday. The tight-knit department is still reeling from Sunday’s events.
“It was a tough day for the entire department. It started out sadly and ended badly,” he said. “You can tell it around the department that people are upset, but they also understand they are held to a higher standard. There was no choice but to terminate him.”
***********
I feel for the man, but...just like the rest of us (and as some your other buddies probably did) you go home and drink. Or you call a friend, so you don't accidently end another persons life. I hope you receive the maximum penalty, mostly because you should have known better. There is no excuse for DRUNK DRIVING.
What Are You Afraid Of?
"Police ask to carry own rifles" (Arizona Republic, November 24)
"Phoenix police union officials are proposing that 200 senior officers be allowed to buy their own semiautomatic rifles to use on the job after some said they felt more at risk and asked for additional firepower."
Pretty dangerous out there, eh, boys? In 2007, in fact, two officers were killed on the job, whereas 2008 has seen a whopping one on-the-job death. From an automobile accident, which no doubt could have been prevented had there been a semiautomatic rifle at hand.
Naturally, you guys are afraid -- according to the Officer Down Memorial Page website, the Phoenix Police Department has been fairly plagued with on-the-job deaths. Thirty-four -- that's thirty-four officers have been killed in the line of duty, fifteen of them by gunfire, since 1925. That averages out to -- let's see; .41 deaths per year.
According to the Arizona Republic, about 76% of Phoenix officers surveyed said that the job "has become increasingly violent since they graduated from the police academy." I'm sure it has. The use of percussion grenades, battering rams, armored vehicles and assault rifles against suspected drug users and their families has increased by quantum leaps in the past decade.
Think about this...If you get a bigger weapon, the 'bad guy' is going to try and get an even bigger weapon, and then you feel the need to getter a bigger and badder weapon, and then the 'bad guy' ....you get the picture. How big does your weapon have to be? Where does it finally stop? There is another way, and it's not a better weapon than the Jones have.
Since you are the ones causing the violence, I'm pretty sure that arming yourselves with even more weapons isn't going to improve matters. It might make you feel safer, but I was under the impression that we pay, and trust, you to protect us. You remember us, don't you -- the public?
"Phoenix police union officials are proposing that 200 senior officers be allowed to buy their own semiautomatic rifles to use on the job after some said they felt more at risk and asked for additional firepower."
Pretty dangerous out there, eh, boys? In 2007, in fact, two officers were killed on the job, whereas 2008 has seen a whopping one on-the-job death. From an automobile accident, which no doubt could have been prevented had there been a semiautomatic rifle at hand.
Naturally, you guys are afraid -- according to the Officer Down Memorial Page website, the Phoenix Police Department has been fairly plagued with on-the-job deaths. Thirty-four -- that's thirty-four officers have been killed in the line of duty, fifteen of them by gunfire, since 1925. That averages out to -- let's see; .41 deaths per year.
According to the Arizona Republic, about 76% of Phoenix officers surveyed said that the job "has become increasingly violent since they graduated from the police academy." I'm sure it has. The use of percussion grenades, battering rams, armored vehicles and assault rifles against suspected drug users and their families has increased by quantum leaps in the past decade.
Think about this...If you get a bigger weapon, the 'bad guy' is going to try and get an even bigger weapon, and then you feel the need to getter a bigger and badder weapon, and then the 'bad guy' ....you get the picture. How big does your weapon have to be? Where does it finally stop? There is another way, and it's not a better weapon than the Jones have.
Since you are the ones causing the violence, I'm pretty sure that arming yourselves with even more weapons isn't going to improve matters. It might make you feel safer, but I was under the impression that we pay, and trust, you to protect us. You remember us, don't you -- the public?
Officer Maurice Morris Accused of Dropping Tickets for Sex
A Riviera Beach police officer is out of jail on bond this morning.
He is charged with sexual assault in an alleged sex for traffic tickets scandal.
Veteran Riviera Beach Police Officer, Maurice Morris, is named in a sealed indictment, charged with sexual assault and official misconduct.
Last month, Morris allegedly worked a security detail at a Barack Obama campaign rally in Lake Worth. He was in uniform, driving a marked squad car, and allegedly pulled over a female driver and wrote her several tickets, and then told her he would drop the tickets if she had sex with him.
The two of them allegedly went back to her West Palm Beach apartment for sex, and Morris even put his K-9 dog in her bathroom, because he did not want to leave the animal out in his squad car.
His attorney says Maurice Morris has never been arrested in his life, and has more than dozen commendations in his file for good police work.
Morris made a brief court appearance this morning. His lawyer told the judge Morris turned himself in last night. The judge set his bond at $25,000 dollars, and also ordered that he not have any contact with the victim and not have any weapons.
Morris is now on administrative leave.
Deputy Jorge Figueroa Charged with Shooting Man Having Affair with His Wife
HOUSTON
A Harris County sheriff's deputy was charged with shooting the man having an affair with his wife.
Deputy Jorge Figueroa, 39, is charged with shooting civilian jailer James Perez in the back. They both worked at the Harris County Jail in downtown Houston.
Officials said Perez was having an affair with Figueroa's wife and showed up at Figueroa's house in Needville on Saturday night.
Figueroa got into an argument with his wife and then into a physical fight with Perez before shooting him in the back as Perez walked out with Figueroa's wife, according to the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office.
"I don't know if she was just escorting him out to his vehicle or if she actually intended to leave the premises with him, but she was going out the door with him," said Chief Deputy Craig Brady with the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office.
Investigators said they do not know why Perez showed up at his mistress's home, knowing the husband was also in the house.
"It defies all reason to me as to why. I can't imagine what he was thinking going there at that time of night for that purpose, knowing that the husband was there," said Brady.
Investigators said Figueroa has known for a while that his wife was having an affair with Perez.
Figueroa and Perez are on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Perez was released from the hospital and is expected to be OK.
Figueroa does not have any disciplinary actions in his personnel file. He has worked for the department for seven years.
He is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. If he's convicted, he faces punishment ranging from probation to life in prison.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com
Monday, November 24, 2008
Officer Randy Ulmer Arrested for Theft
COQUILLE, ORE
A routine release of personal property by the Coquille Police Department on November 21st leads to the resignation and arrest of one of their own.
The Coquille Police Department issued a press release on Monday stating that they came across some inconsistencies in the handling of seized property being held by the Department.
Upon further investigation, they say, the Officer responsible for the safekeeping of the property, Randy Ulmer, admitted to converting it for personal use. He later resigned that same day.
Coquille Police Chief Mark Dannels then contacted the Coos County District Attorney's Office and the Oregon State Police to assist in the investigation.
On Monday, Ulmer was arrested and charged with Official Misconduct and Theft I, both are felony charges.
At this time Coos County District Attorney Paul Frasier says they believe it was solely cash, but they are doing a complete inventory of the evidence locker.
Chief Dannels says he was shocked by Ulmer's actions, but confirmed that any illegal misconduct by his officer's will not be tolerated.
A routine release of personal property by the Coquille Police Department on November 21st leads to the resignation and arrest of one of their own.
The Coquille Police Department issued a press release on Monday stating that they came across some inconsistencies in the handling of seized property being held by the Department.
Upon further investigation, they say, the Officer responsible for the safekeeping of the property, Randy Ulmer, admitted to converting it for personal use. He later resigned that same day.
Coquille Police Chief Mark Dannels then contacted the Coos County District Attorney's Office and the Oregon State Police to assist in the investigation.
On Monday, Ulmer was arrested and charged with Official Misconduct and Theft I, both are felony charges.
At this time Coos County District Attorney Paul Frasier says they believe it was solely cash, but they are doing a complete inventory of the evidence locker.
Chief Dannels says he was shocked by Ulmer's actions, but confirmed that any illegal misconduct by his officer's will not be tolerated.
Deputy Roy Brown Arrested for Child Porn
A Pinal County Sheriff's deputy arrested on suspicion of possessing child porn is scheduled to appear in a Tucson court on Wednesday.
The FBI arrested Deputy Roy Brown, 61, on Friday.
An investigation began on May 12, when an undercover special agent using free file sharing Web site Limewire found three child pornography files associated with Brown's Internet Protocol address.
The agent had searched certain words that are known to be associated with child pornography, according to a criminal complaint filed with the U.S. Attorney's Office.
On Sept. 18, agents executed a search warrant at Brown's Tucson home. A desktop computer and various other items were seized.
An FBI affidavit revealed agents found 87 images of child porn on Brown's desktop, along with one image on a floppy disk drive.
Brown faces one count of child porn distribution, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
He will be tried at the U.S. District Court of Arizona in Tucson. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.
PCSO said Brown, a patrol deputy serving the San Manuel and Oracle area, is a 16-year veteran.
He was placed on unpaid administrative leave pending a PCSO investigation.
The FBI arrested Deputy Roy Brown, 61, on Friday.
An investigation began on May 12, when an undercover special agent using free file sharing Web site Limewire found three child pornography files associated with Brown's Internet Protocol address.
The agent had searched certain words that are known to be associated with child pornography, according to a criminal complaint filed with the U.S. Attorney's Office.
On Sept. 18, agents executed a search warrant at Brown's Tucson home. A desktop computer and various other items were seized.
An FBI affidavit revealed agents found 87 images of child porn on Brown's desktop, along with one image on a floppy disk drive.
Brown faces one count of child porn distribution, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
He will be tried at the U.S. District Court of Arizona in Tucson. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.
PCSO said Brown, a patrol deputy serving the San Manuel and Oracle area, is a 16-year veteran.
He was placed on unpaid administrative leave pending a PCSO investigation.
Sgt Joey Rean Accused of Sexual Assault
AUSTIN
A Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper is in jail on Monday, accused of sexual assault.
Sgt Joey Rean is being held in the Travis County Jail on a first degree felony charge. He was arrested late Friday in Pflugerville.
Rean is being held on a $250,000 bond. The DPS says the 41-year-old has been suspended with pay while the investigation is ongoing, but the details of his arrest haven't been released.
http://www.khou.com/news/state/stories/khou081124_mh_DPS_trooper_arrest.1e6cce4d1.html
Trooper Jesus Larrazolo Charged with Possessing Cocaine
BROWNSVILLE, Texas
A state trooper has been charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine after police said they saw him accept two suitcases full of the drug in a parking lot.
The U.S. Attorney's office said in a statement that Department of Public Safety Trooper Jesus Rafael Larrazolo, 35, made his first appearance in federal court Monday. DPS spokeswoman Lisa Block said Larrazolo resigned shortly after his arrest Friday.
Brownsville police and agents from the FBI's Special Investigations Unit saw Larrazolo pull into a Best Buy parking lot next to another vehicle, then take two suitcases from it. Larrazolo was dressed in street clothes, but identified himself as a trooper when police approached. He was carrying a gun.
There were 26 kilograms of cocaine in the suitcases. According to court records, Larrazolo told a Texas Ranger after his arrest that he had been forced by threats to pick up the drugs.
Block said Larrazolo joined the department in October 2002 and was working as a commercial vehicle enforcement officer in Cameron County. The FBI is investigating the case.
It was not immediately clear from court records if Larrazolo had an attorney.
A state trooper has been charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine after police said they saw him accept two suitcases full of the drug in a parking lot.
The U.S. Attorney's office said in a statement that Department of Public Safety Trooper Jesus Rafael Larrazolo, 35, made his first appearance in federal court Monday. DPS spokeswoman Lisa Block said Larrazolo resigned shortly after his arrest Friday.
Brownsville police and agents from the FBI's Special Investigations Unit saw Larrazolo pull into a Best Buy parking lot next to another vehicle, then take two suitcases from it. Larrazolo was dressed in street clothes, but identified himself as a trooper when police approached. He was carrying a gun.
There were 26 kilograms of cocaine in the suitcases. According to court records, Larrazolo told a Texas Ranger after his arrest that he had been forced by threats to pick up the drugs.
Block said Larrazolo joined the department in October 2002 and was working as a commercial vehicle enforcement officer in Cameron County. The FBI is investigating the case.
It was not immediately clear from court records if Larrazolo had an attorney.
Officer Calley Lornie Accused of Shouting Racial Remarks
A POLICE officer has been accused of shouting racial remarks at a woman.
Calley Lornie was absent when the case called at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.
But in a letter to the court she denied the offence.
The 23-year-old, who was being represented by defence agent Peter Shepherd, is said to have acted in a racially aggravated manner which caused or was intended to cause alarm and distress to Claudia Assamoli.
A spokesman for Grampian Police confirmed she had been off duty at the time.
She is said to have shouted the racial remarks at Miss Assamoli at the taxi rank in Aberdeen’s Back Wynd on March 10.
Lornie, whose address was given as c/o Grampian Police Headquarters, Queen Street, Aberdeen, is due to appear at court in January next year and a date for a trial has been set.
A police spokesman said: “Grampian Police can confirm that a case was called at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Friday involving a serving officer.
“The case was called in relation to an alleged incident, which occurred on 10 March 2008 while the officer was off duty.
“The case was continued for trial and in line with good employment practice, Grampian Police is unable to make any further comment on the matter.
“A report on the circumstances will be forwarded to the Deputy Chief Constable on the conclusion of criminal proceedings.”
A force spokeswoman was unable to confirm if Lornie had been suspended from her duties.
Calley Lornie was absent when the case called at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.
But in a letter to the court she denied the offence.
The 23-year-old, who was being represented by defence agent Peter Shepherd, is said to have acted in a racially aggravated manner which caused or was intended to cause alarm and distress to Claudia Assamoli.
A spokesman for Grampian Police confirmed she had been off duty at the time.
She is said to have shouted the racial remarks at Miss Assamoli at the taxi rank in Aberdeen’s Back Wynd on March 10.
Lornie, whose address was given as c/o Grampian Police Headquarters, Queen Street, Aberdeen, is due to appear at court in January next year and a date for a trial has been set.
A police spokesman said: “Grampian Police can confirm that a case was called at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Friday involving a serving officer.
“The case was called in relation to an alleged incident, which occurred on 10 March 2008 while the officer was off duty.
“The case was continued for trial and in line with good employment practice, Grampian Police is unable to make any further comment on the matter.
“A report on the circumstances will be forwarded to the Deputy Chief Constable on the conclusion of criminal proceedings.”
A force spokeswoman was unable to confirm if Lornie had been suspended from her duties.
Officer Maurice Morris Accused of Sexual Assaulting Woman He Pulled Over
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.
A Riviera Beach police officer appeared before a judge Monday, accused of sexually assaulting a woman whom he pulled over for running a red light.
Maurice Morris is accused of pulling over a driver in West Palm Beach and offering to rip up her tickets if she agreed to have sex with him.
"He ended up going upstairs to her apartment," West Palm Beach police Lt. Chuck Reed said. "While up there, he sexually battered her, sexually assaulted her and then left, and we have witnesses that watched him go in and out of this apartment."
The alleged incident took place in October while Morris was off duty but still in uniform and driving his patrol car.
Police said he used his badge to intimidate the woman.
Morris is a 20-year veteran of the Riviera Beach Police Department, including 13 years with the K-9 unit. His bond was set at $25,000.
His attorney said the indictment against Morris lacks facts.
"I mean, if you can't trust your police, we have a serious problem," Reed said.
This is the second recent blemish involving officers from Riviera Beach police's K-9 unit.
In September, four officers were reassigned after they were accused of visiting pornographic Web sites while on the job.
City leaders hope the allegations won't tarnish the department.
"Every now and then there's going to be allegations all over the place, but the good news is that these officers are putting their lives on the line every single day to protect our citizens," Riviera Beach Mayor Thomas Masters said.
Mayoral candidate Leonard Lovett said he feels Riviera Beach gets a bad rap because "there have been incidents that have happened in the West Palm Beach area, just short of the border, and the first thing they holler (is) Riviera Beach."
Morris' attorney told the judge that the indictment against her client lacked facts. She added that Morris has never been arrested before and has only received one traffic ticket.
A Riviera Beach police officer appeared before a judge Monday, accused of sexually assaulting a woman whom he pulled over for running a red light.
Maurice Morris is accused of pulling over a driver in West Palm Beach and offering to rip up her tickets if she agreed to have sex with him.
"He ended up going upstairs to her apartment," West Palm Beach police Lt. Chuck Reed said. "While up there, he sexually battered her, sexually assaulted her and then left, and we have witnesses that watched him go in and out of this apartment."
The alleged incident took place in October while Morris was off duty but still in uniform and driving his patrol car.
Police said he used his badge to intimidate the woman.
Morris is a 20-year veteran of the Riviera Beach Police Department, including 13 years with the K-9 unit. His bond was set at $25,000.
His attorney said the indictment against Morris lacks facts.
"I mean, if you can't trust your police, we have a serious problem," Reed said.
This is the second recent blemish involving officers from Riviera Beach police's K-9 unit.
In September, four officers were reassigned after they were accused of visiting pornographic Web sites while on the job.
City leaders hope the allegations won't tarnish the department.
"Every now and then there's going to be allegations all over the place, but the good news is that these officers are putting their lives on the line every single day to protect our citizens," Riviera Beach Mayor Thomas Masters said.
Mayoral candidate Leonard Lovett said he feels Riviera Beach gets a bad rap because "there have been incidents that have happened in the West Palm Beach area, just short of the border, and the first thing they holler (is) Riviera Beach."
Morris' attorney told the judge that the indictment against her client lacked facts. She added that Morris has never been arrested before and has only received one traffic ticket.
Officer Christopher Chase Arrested for OUI
WILTON
A veteran police officer and K-9 handler working for the Franklin County Sheriff's Department is on paid administrative leave after being arrested over the weekend on a charge of operating under the influence, a misdemeanor.
Christopher Chase, 33, of Wilton was pulled over by Wilton Police Officer Joshua King for a traffic violation on Main Street in East Wilton late Friday night. Chase was off-duty in his own vehicle and was on his way home when he was stopped, according to Franklin County Sheriff Dennis Pike.
No information was available on the arrest from Wilton police. Several attempts to reach Chief Dennis Brown by phone, through the Franklin County dispatch office and a Wilton officer were not successful.
Pike said Brown called him at home after the incident to inform him about the arrest.
"(Chase) is on paid administrative leave ... and we will be moving ahead with an internal investigation by the staff," Pike said.
He said Chase is a good officer who has served the county well since he was hired three years ago. Chase formerly worked for the town of Farmington and the Kennebec County Sheriff's Department and it was at that time he was shot in the chest during an investigation of a domestic assault. His bulletproof vest saved his life, officials said at the time.
Chase, contacted at home, declined to comment.
Franklin County sheriff's Cpl. Steve Charles, the shop steward for the Teamsters local representing the deputies, said he has been in touch with Chase, but had not yet been informed by Pike that an internal investigation was planned.
"This will be governed by the contract and department policies," Charles said. "It will go along the same lines as the grievance process."
"We have started discussions and we will work on Chris' behalf," Charles said. "He is a good officer and one of our better-trained."
The contract lays out rules and a time line following a suspension as well as the steps and time frame for an appeal, if one is sought, he said. As in a grievance, an internal investigation decision can be appealed to the county commissioners and ultimately, to the Maine Labor Relations Board.
A hearing on the criminal charges is set for Jan. 22 in Farmington District Court.
A veteran police officer and K-9 handler working for the Franklin County Sheriff's Department is on paid administrative leave after being arrested over the weekend on a charge of operating under the influence, a misdemeanor.
Christopher Chase, 33, of Wilton was pulled over by Wilton Police Officer Joshua King for a traffic violation on Main Street in East Wilton late Friday night. Chase was off-duty in his own vehicle and was on his way home when he was stopped, according to Franklin County Sheriff Dennis Pike.
No information was available on the arrest from Wilton police. Several attempts to reach Chief Dennis Brown by phone, through the Franklin County dispatch office and a Wilton officer were not successful.
Pike said Brown called him at home after the incident to inform him about the arrest.
"(Chase) is on paid administrative leave ... and we will be moving ahead with an internal investigation by the staff," Pike said.
He said Chase is a good officer who has served the county well since he was hired three years ago. Chase formerly worked for the town of Farmington and the Kennebec County Sheriff's Department and it was at that time he was shot in the chest during an investigation of a domestic assault. His bulletproof vest saved his life, officials said at the time.
Chase, contacted at home, declined to comment.
Franklin County sheriff's Cpl. Steve Charles, the shop steward for the Teamsters local representing the deputies, said he has been in touch with Chase, but had not yet been informed by Pike that an internal investigation was planned.
"This will be governed by the contract and department policies," Charles said. "It will go along the same lines as the grievance process."
"We have started discussions and we will work on Chris' behalf," Charles said. "He is a good officer and one of our better-trained."
The contract lays out rules and a time line following a suspension as well as the steps and time frame for an appeal, if one is sought, he said. As in a grievance, an internal investigation decision can be appealed to the county commissioners and ultimately, to the Maine Labor Relations Board.
A hearing on the criminal charges is set for Jan. 22 in Farmington District Court.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Officer Adam Willis Arrested for Extortion
AVON PARK
Complaints about police misconduct in Avon Park stemmed from within the Hispanic community, officials have said.
The allegations include extortion.
An undercover operation that led to the Wednesday arrest of Avon Park Police Officer Adam Willis, 30, used a vehicle that was "suggestive that the owner of the vehicle was of Hispanic dissent [sic]," the arrest report stated.
According to court documents generated in the case of the State of Florida v. Adam Willis, an investigation started in June 2008 in reference to complaints that officers within the Avon Park Police Department were stealing from citizens, "namely those of a Hispanic background."
During the investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Willis was determined to be one of the officers involved, said Yolanda Carbia, resident agent in charge of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Sebring field office.
The FDLE investigation eventually focused on two officers, Willis and Alberto Perez, court documents said.
Perez has yet to be charged, but has since been put on paid administrative leave by the APPD.
Patricia Austin, president of Council Three of the local chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens, said she fielded many complaints from the Hispanic community.
"(Avon Park Police Chief Matthew Doughney) said (the complaints) would definitely be looked into and taken care of," she said Friday. "He got right on it ... I was really impressed with the chief on that."
Some of the complaints included extorting money.
"Hispanics talked about how they had been pulled over and told if they would pay a certain amount, (officers) wouldn't write them a ticket," she said, citing examples of individuals being pulled over for infractions such as having a headlight out or window tint too dark.
"I was furious. I couldn't believe it ... everyone knows you don't pay officers for a ticket," she said. "Some of them, from what they had told me, had given the officers cash."
Two separate individuals told her they paid between $200 and $300 to officers.
Carbia said she had no comment on whether or not the officers extorted money in this manner, but did say that LULAC officials provided both the FDLE and APPD with information.
Austin recalled witnessing one of her Hispanic neighbors being pulled over for running a stop sign from the front porch of her house.
"He did not run that stop sign," she recalled.
Austin went to help the officer deal with a language barrier, as she said her neighbor didn't speak English very well. The officer let the alleged offender go with a warning.
Austin remembers who that officer was, but wouldn't give a name.
"It was one of the officers they are questioning now," she said.
The Undercover Operation
The operation involved an unlocked vehicle parked on the shoulder of North Central Avenue in Avon Park with $310 in marked bills inside a wallet, a package of cigarette rolling papers and a fake temporary registration.
Willis arrived on scene in response to an anonymous complaint regarding a suspicious vehicle.
Electronic surveillance from inside the vehicle reportedly recorded Willis taking the wallet and rolling papers. He also reportedly found the temporary registration.
"The registration's purpose was to see if the officer would make an effort to locate the owner of the vehicle, which Willis did not do," the arrest report stated. "He located the registration, simply looked at it, and then placed it back in the center console."
Newly released court records indicate there was information in the wallet not investigated by Willis.
They stated he put the wallet into his pocket after flipping through it "without looking at the names and telephone numbers written on pieces of paper inside the wallet in an attempt to identify the owner of the vehicle."
Willis locked the car and radioed dispatch, stating he did not find any identification in the vehicle, and without mentioning the found property, reports stated.
Officials from the FDLE and APPD searched in and around the vehicle after Willis left, reportedly unable to find the wallet, money, or rolling papers.
On Monday, the APPD temporary evidence hold was checked, but none of the items allegedly removed by Willis were found.
The serial numbers of the bills in the wallet were all recorded by the FDLE and when Willis was arrested, $40 of the missing money was found in his front pants pocket.
He allegedly admitted to FDLE agents that he spent the additional $270.
Reduction of bail
Initially Willis was held without bond until first appearance.
After his first appearance on Thursday, bond was set at $100,000 for the charge of armed burglary, and $25,000 for the charge of grand theft, at the request of the state.
"Namely stating that the alleged crime was horrible in that an officer of the law had violated the public's trust, and that the State Attorney's Office feared that the Defendant may interfere with further investigations and possibly tamper with witnesses," court documents from Judge Anthony Ritenour said.
At continued first appearance, granted so the judge could hear testimony from both the state and the defense on the amount set for bond, it was lowered to $1,000 for grand theft and $15,000 for armed burglary.
"The issue remains, though, as to whether the defendant can be charged with armed burglary as, in fact, it would be impossible for him not to be armed at the time of entering the vehicle, due to his being a law enforcement officer," Ritenour said.
The judge mentioned in the documents that the state failed to prove any possibility that Willis would harass potential victims or witnesses.
"The court cannot set bond based on innuendo," he said.
The Highlands County Sheriffs Office Web site indicated Willis was released from jail at 6:30 p.m. Friday on the reduced $16,000 bond.
His next scheduled court date is set for Dec. 15.
Complaints about police misconduct in Avon Park stemmed from within the Hispanic community, officials have said.
The allegations include extortion.
An undercover operation that led to the Wednesday arrest of Avon Park Police Officer Adam Willis, 30, used a vehicle that was "suggestive that the owner of the vehicle was of Hispanic dissent [sic]," the arrest report stated.
According to court documents generated in the case of the State of Florida v. Adam Willis, an investigation started in June 2008 in reference to complaints that officers within the Avon Park Police Department were stealing from citizens, "namely those of a Hispanic background."
During the investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Willis was determined to be one of the officers involved, said Yolanda Carbia, resident agent in charge of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Sebring field office.
The FDLE investigation eventually focused on two officers, Willis and Alberto Perez, court documents said.
Perez has yet to be charged, but has since been put on paid administrative leave by the APPD.
Patricia Austin, president of Council Three of the local chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens, said she fielded many complaints from the Hispanic community.
"(Avon Park Police Chief Matthew Doughney) said (the complaints) would definitely be looked into and taken care of," she said Friday. "He got right on it ... I was really impressed with the chief on that."
Some of the complaints included extorting money.
"Hispanics talked about how they had been pulled over and told if they would pay a certain amount, (officers) wouldn't write them a ticket," she said, citing examples of individuals being pulled over for infractions such as having a headlight out or window tint too dark.
"I was furious. I couldn't believe it ... everyone knows you don't pay officers for a ticket," she said. "Some of them, from what they had told me, had given the officers cash."
Two separate individuals told her they paid between $200 and $300 to officers.
Carbia said she had no comment on whether or not the officers extorted money in this manner, but did say that LULAC officials provided both the FDLE and APPD with information.
Austin recalled witnessing one of her Hispanic neighbors being pulled over for running a stop sign from the front porch of her house.
"He did not run that stop sign," she recalled.
Austin went to help the officer deal with a language barrier, as she said her neighbor didn't speak English very well. The officer let the alleged offender go with a warning.
Austin remembers who that officer was, but wouldn't give a name.
"It was one of the officers they are questioning now," she said.
The Undercover Operation
The operation involved an unlocked vehicle parked on the shoulder of North Central Avenue in Avon Park with $310 in marked bills inside a wallet, a package of cigarette rolling papers and a fake temporary registration.
Willis arrived on scene in response to an anonymous complaint regarding a suspicious vehicle.
Electronic surveillance from inside the vehicle reportedly recorded Willis taking the wallet and rolling papers. He also reportedly found the temporary registration.
"The registration's purpose was to see if the officer would make an effort to locate the owner of the vehicle, which Willis did not do," the arrest report stated. "He located the registration, simply looked at it, and then placed it back in the center console."
Newly released court records indicate there was information in the wallet not investigated by Willis.
They stated he put the wallet into his pocket after flipping through it "without looking at the names and telephone numbers written on pieces of paper inside the wallet in an attempt to identify the owner of the vehicle."
Willis locked the car and radioed dispatch, stating he did not find any identification in the vehicle, and without mentioning the found property, reports stated.
Officials from the FDLE and APPD searched in and around the vehicle after Willis left, reportedly unable to find the wallet, money, or rolling papers.
On Monday, the APPD temporary evidence hold was checked, but none of the items allegedly removed by Willis were found.
The serial numbers of the bills in the wallet were all recorded by the FDLE and when Willis was arrested, $40 of the missing money was found in his front pants pocket.
He allegedly admitted to FDLE agents that he spent the additional $270.
Reduction of bail
Initially Willis was held without bond until first appearance.
After his first appearance on Thursday, bond was set at $100,000 for the charge of armed burglary, and $25,000 for the charge of grand theft, at the request of the state.
"Namely stating that the alleged crime was horrible in that an officer of the law had violated the public's trust, and that the State Attorney's Office feared that the Defendant may interfere with further investigations and possibly tamper with witnesses," court documents from Judge Anthony Ritenour said.
At continued first appearance, granted so the judge could hear testimony from both the state and the defense on the amount set for bond, it was lowered to $1,000 for grand theft and $15,000 for armed burglary.
"The issue remains, though, as to whether the defendant can be charged with armed burglary as, in fact, it would be impossible for him not to be armed at the time of entering the vehicle, due to his being a law enforcement officer," Ritenour said.
The judge mentioned in the documents that the state failed to prove any possibility that Willis would harass potential victims or witnesses.
"The court cannot set bond based on innuendo," he said.
The Highlands County Sheriffs Office Web site indicated Willis was released from jail at 6:30 p.m. Friday on the reduced $16,000 bond.
His next scheduled court date is set for Dec. 15.
Sgt. Uthai Dechawiwat Charged with Murder Released from Prison
CALGARY
An off-duty police officer charged in the shooting death of a Canadian in Thailand has been released from prison because there was a problem with part of the investigation - a move that has angered the victim's family in Calgary.
Leo Del Pinto's father says he learned Friday that Sgt. Uthai Dechawiwat had been released.
"We, as a family, are upset. My wife is just devastated," Ernie Del Pinto said Sunday.
"I don't know what it was like on Friday, if it was sunny; I was so miserable."
Dechawiwat has been charged with premeditated murder and attempted murder in the Jan. 6 shooting in the small town of Pai in northern Thailand.
Leo, 25, was killed and his friend, Carly Reisig, was injured in the incident.
Dechawiwat has insisted the shooting was an accident - the result of a struggle.
The Pai police officer was off duty when the shooting happened.
Until now, he had been behind bars in Bangkok awaiting trial after he was denied bail in mid-October following an arraignment hearing.
Ernie said he was told part of the police investigation in Pai was not completed the way it should have been, resulting in Dechawiwat's release.
"It happens to be the Pai police department that missed a part in their investigation," Ernie said.
The Department of Special Investigation - a Thai federal agency - was officially appointed in April to also independently investigate the shooting.
Ernie said if the Pai police missed something, he could not understand why it was not caught by others looking into the shooting.
"They (the Pai police) definitely missed something. If it was by error, or if they wanted to, it should have never been missed by anyone else."
Ernie said he has been told the case will go on and the charges against Dechawiwat still stand.
"I've been reassured this procedure will continue," he said.
"All I want is a trial date."
Ernie and several other family members plan to travel to Thailand when the trial does go ahead.
An off-duty police officer charged in the shooting death of a Canadian in Thailand has been released from prison because there was a problem with part of the investigation - a move that has angered the victim's family in Calgary.
Leo Del Pinto's father says he learned Friday that Sgt. Uthai Dechawiwat had been released.
"We, as a family, are upset. My wife is just devastated," Ernie Del Pinto said Sunday.
"I don't know what it was like on Friday, if it was sunny; I was so miserable."
Dechawiwat has been charged with premeditated murder and attempted murder in the Jan. 6 shooting in the small town of Pai in northern Thailand.
Leo, 25, was killed and his friend, Carly Reisig, was injured in the incident.
Dechawiwat has insisted the shooting was an accident - the result of a struggle.
The Pai police officer was off duty when the shooting happened.
Until now, he had been behind bars in Bangkok awaiting trial after he was denied bail in mid-October following an arraignment hearing.
Ernie said he was told part of the police investigation in Pai was not completed the way it should have been, resulting in Dechawiwat's release.
"It happens to be the Pai police department that missed a part in their investigation," Ernie said.
The Department of Special Investigation - a Thai federal agency - was officially appointed in April to also independently investigate the shooting.
Ernie said if the Pai police missed something, he could not understand why it was not caught by others looking into the shooting.
"They (the Pai police) definitely missed something. If it was by error, or if they wanted to, it should have never been missed by anyone else."
Ernie said he has been told the case will go on and the charges against Dechawiwat still stand.
"I've been reassured this procedure will continue," he said.
"All I want is a trial date."
Ernie and several other family members plan to travel to Thailand when the trial does go ahead.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Former Officer Richard Mashburn Arrested for Making Homebrewed Beer
A man who had long enforced anti-booze laws in a dry Northwest Alaska village was arrested and charged earlier this month after investigators found a big stash of homebrew — and plenty of stuff to make more — in his house.
Alaska State Troopers charged Richard Mashburn, 52, and wife, Lydia Mashburn, 51, both of Selawik, with two felony counts each of manufacturing homebrew and two more felony counts each of intent to sell without a license.
Residents in the village of 830 had voiced suspicions about the Mashburns to troopers at community meetings called this year to address the need for a new village public safety officer, said Sgt. Karl Main in the Troopers’ Kotzebue post.
Richard Mashburn served as Selawik’s village public safety officer for around a decade until last year, when the Native nonprofit that ran the region’s VPSO program at the time terminated him for “performance-related issues,” Main said.
The nonprofit, the Kodiak Area Native Association, didn’t provide more information about the termination, Main said.
At the Selawik meetings, residents said drunkenness in the village was on the rise, especially among young people. Some pointed out that much of the activity seemed centered around the Mashburn house, according to Main.
On Nov. 5, Kotzebue investigators with Alaska Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Enforcement flew to the village and served a search warrant on the house. They found several black trash bags filled with fermenting homebrew. When they returned to arrest the couple a few days later, they found more, trooper said.
Troopers seized 19.5 gallons of the booze. They also took ingredients that were presumably being used to make it — 365 pounds of sugar, 20 pounds of yeast and 19 cans of fruit.
Trae Bower, an investigator in the region for three years, said the find was sizable.
“This is one of the larger amounts of homebrew ever found in one residence at one time,” he said.
He didn’t know its street value. As for its alcohol content, homebrew is generally two to three times more potent than beer, he said.
Selling the stuff can be very lucrative in villages, with peddlers able to earn more than 10 times their investment, Main said.
“You can spend $30 to $50 on ingredients and make $500,” he said.
Main praised Selawik residents for notifying Troopers about the couple, and complimented investigators who had worked with community members in the case.
“A lot of this was the result of the community standing up and saying enough’s enough. They won’t wait until someone dies or gets hurt because of serious alcohol consumption,” he said.
“It’s a great example of what can be accomplished if we all work together.”
Alaska State Troopers charged Richard Mashburn, 52, and wife, Lydia Mashburn, 51, both of Selawik, with two felony counts each of manufacturing homebrew and two more felony counts each of intent to sell without a license.
Residents in the village of 830 had voiced suspicions about the Mashburns to troopers at community meetings called this year to address the need for a new village public safety officer, said Sgt. Karl Main in the Troopers’ Kotzebue post.
Richard Mashburn served as Selawik’s village public safety officer for around a decade until last year, when the Native nonprofit that ran the region’s VPSO program at the time terminated him for “performance-related issues,” Main said.
The nonprofit, the Kodiak Area Native Association, didn’t provide more information about the termination, Main said.
At the Selawik meetings, residents said drunkenness in the village was on the rise, especially among young people. Some pointed out that much of the activity seemed centered around the Mashburn house, according to Main.
On Nov. 5, Kotzebue investigators with Alaska Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Enforcement flew to the village and served a search warrant on the house. They found several black trash bags filled with fermenting homebrew. When they returned to arrest the couple a few days later, they found more, trooper said.
Troopers seized 19.5 gallons of the booze. They also took ingredients that were presumably being used to make it — 365 pounds of sugar, 20 pounds of yeast and 19 cans of fruit.
Trae Bower, an investigator in the region for three years, said the find was sizable.
“This is one of the larger amounts of homebrew ever found in one residence at one time,” he said.
He didn’t know its street value. As for its alcohol content, homebrew is generally two to three times more potent than beer, he said.
Selling the stuff can be very lucrative in villages, with peddlers able to earn more than 10 times their investment, Main said.
“You can spend $30 to $50 on ingredients and make $500,” he said.
Main praised Selawik residents for notifying Troopers about the couple, and complimented investigators who had worked with community members in the case.
“A lot of this was the result of the community standing up and saying enough’s enough. They won’t wait until someone dies or gets hurt because of serious alcohol consumption,” he said.
“It’s a great example of what can be accomplished if we all work together.”
Deputy Sgt. Lance Rawson Charged with Securities Fraud
CHARLOTTE COUNTY
Two men accused of securities fraud say the case is just a big misunderstanding, but a Charlotte County sheriff's deputy has been charged, a circle of Punta Gorda friends has been broken and fingerpointing has begun.
Sgt. Lance Scott Rawson's photo was not released. Joseph R. Venezia, above, is also charged. Sgt. Lance Scott Rawson, 39, a 14-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office, and Joseph R. Venezia, 72, each were charged with securities fraud, a third-degree felony, on Nov. 12.
The two were released from jail the same day after posting $10,000 bail. Rawson was placed on leave without pay pending the outcome of an administrative investigation. They are scheduled for arraignment on Dec. 15.
Investigators say they sold more than $20,000 worth of eSuite Hotels stock to MaryAnn Hall -- an acquaintance of Venezia's -- after telling her the shares would triple in price within weeks.
Trouble was, they were never authorized to sell the stock in the first place, sheriff's Detective Cpl. Randy Whitney said.
Venezia claims that eSuite Chairman Jerry Ellenburg asked both him and Rawson to seek investors to help raise money for the fledgling Tampa-based hotel company. Venezia owned 254,000 shares and Rawson 506,000 as accredited investors.
"I thought it was OK to sell the stock," Venezia said, adding that shares were sold to 17 people. "I had no idea I would get in trouble."
Ellenburg declined to comment on whether he asked the pair to sell shares, but stressed that they required company approval to do so and that no permission was granted.
"Permission was not achieved, everybody knows that, that is the beginning and end of that topic," Ellenburg said. "The rest is speculation. Did they know they shouldn't have sold it? Should they have known? No one knows."
Both Venezia and Rawson told investigators they knew each stock sale had to be approved by eSuites.
But Venezia says he is being "railroaded" by Ellenburg because the chairman does not want a black eye for his company.
He also said he believes Rawson, a friend and neighbor from the 26000 block of Copiapo Circle, has turned against him.
Rawson agreed with Venezia that the case is a misunderstanding, but declined to comment further. Rawson told investigators he was never a part of the deal with Hall and never received any money from the transactions.
Rawson's attorney, Russell Kirshy, said his client is innocent and that the alleged actions do not even amount to a crime.
Prosecutor Donald Mason's office said he would not comment.
Hall was introduced to Venezia and Rawson, both of whom told her the value of the shares would triple in two to four weeks, she told investigators. Rawson said she could trust him because he was a deputy and had never cheated anyone, the arrest warrant said.
Venezia received a check for $16,500 in October 2007 and one for $6,000 in November 2007 from Hall, the warrant stated. Hall was told she was buying 18,000 shares in eSuite Hotels, described on its Web site as a new upscale hotel brand offering high-tech infrastructure and services.
According to Venezia, as well as Hall's statement to detectives, Rawson asked that the second check be made out to Venezia and not to him. Venezia says he and Rawson each took half of the $22,500.
When the stock failed to sell, Hall contacted Ellenburg, who told her that no such transaction was ever made in her name, and that there was no board approval for the transfer.
Venezia said Hall has since been repaid all of her money, plus $100, with him and Rawson splitting the payback 50-50. Kirshy, Rawson's attorney, confirmed that Hall has been compensated but said he could not comment on how the repayment was split.
Trial Begins Next Month for Officer Tony Gonzalez Accused of Sexual Abuse
SALEM
The trial of a former Silverton police officer facing sexual abuse charges is set to begin next month after attorneys in the case reached an agreement Friday.
Tony Gonzalez has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of sex abuse. His trial before Marion County Circuit Judge Joseph Guimond is scheduled for Dec. 9 and 10.
Gonzalez was arrested July 13 after a woman told Keizer police he had been sexually abusing her daughter.
In a separate case, Gonzalez was cleared of any wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of an unarmed Irish citizen June 30.
A Marion County grand jury determined in July that Gonzalez believed 20-year-old Andrew James Hanlon was armed when he charged the officer. His family later said Hanlon was mentally ill.
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20081122/NEWS/811220318/1001
The trial of a former Silverton police officer facing sexual abuse charges is set to begin next month after attorneys in the case reached an agreement Friday.
Tony Gonzalez has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of sex abuse. His trial before Marion County Circuit Judge Joseph Guimond is scheduled for Dec. 9 and 10.
Gonzalez was arrested July 13 after a woman told Keizer police he had been sexually abusing her daughter.
In a separate case, Gonzalez was cleared of any wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of an unarmed Irish citizen June 30.
A Marion County grand jury determined in July that Gonzalez believed 20-year-old Andrew James Hanlon was armed when he charged the officer. His family later said Hanlon was mentally ill.
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20081122/NEWS/811220318/1001
Officer Brian Gable Charged with DUI
An off-duty Philadelphia Police officer was charged early today with driving under the influence of alcohol after he was involved in a collision on Roosevelt Boulevard that injured a 67-year-old Bucks County man.
Brian Gable, 21, a 25th District officer with a year's service, was placed on desk duty pending an administrative review, said Lt. Frank Vanore, a police spokesman.
Vanore said Gable was charged after his pickup truck collided with a van driven by a Bensalem man at 3:40 a.m. on the Boulevard near Rhawn Street. The other motorist, who was not identified, was treated for a concussion and released.
Brian Gable, 21, a 25th District officer with a year's service, was placed on desk duty pending an administrative review, said Lt. Frank Vanore, a police spokesman.
Vanore said Gable was charged after his pickup truck collided with a van driven by a Bensalem man at 3:40 a.m. on the Boulevard near Rhawn Street. The other motorist, who was not identified, was treated for a concussion and released.
Former Sheriff Candidate Robert Hill Ordered Involuntary Committed
A former candidate for Pierce County Sheriff has been ordered into involuntary commitment at a mental health facility following his release from the Pierce County Jail.
Robert Jesse Hill, 28, was arrested Wednesday after he allegedly pointed a replica handgun at a security guard at the Pierce County courthouse.
Hill was at the courthouse to attend the arraignment of Issac Sherman Powell, who was arrested Wednesday after deputies said he tried to enter the courthouse carrying a handgun. Sheriff's spokesman Detective Ed Troyer said the gun Powell was carrying is registered to Robert Hill's mother.
Hill was also arrested on Monday for allegedly driving on a suspended license. He was wanted on a warrant and showed up for a court appearance at the Pierce County courthouse.
Hill was involuntarily committed after a mental health review prior to his release from jail Thursday night. Hill will likely remain in the hospital until he appears before a judge next week.
Hill ran for Pierce County sheriff in the November election, garnering more than 50,000 votes or close to 20 percent.
He is also under investigation for possible death threats against the sheriff, Troyer said.
During his campaign for sheriff, Hill made statements about his opponent Sheriff Paul Pastor dying before taking office.
In a telephone interview with KIRO 7 South Sound reporter Kevin McCarty Hill said, "Jehovah's probably going to strike him down here in the next couple months," claiming God was angry at Pastor.
Due to federal privacy laws, Puget Sound hospital and the Pierce county sheriff's department cannot comment, or confirm Hill's commitment.
Previous post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2008/11/former-sheriff-candidate-robert-hill.html
Robert Jesse Hill, 28, was arrested Wednesday after he allegedly pointed a replica handgun at a security guard at the Pierce County courthouse.
Hill was at the courthouse to attend the arraignment of Issac Sherman Powell, who was arrested Wednesday after deputies said he tried to enter the courthouse carrying a handgun. Sheriff's spokesman Detective Ed Troyer said the gun Powell was carrying is registered to Robert Hill's mother.
Hill was also arrested on Monday for allegedly driving on a suspended license. He was wanted on a warrant and showed up for a court appearance at the Pierce County courthouse.
Hill was involuntarily committed after a mental health review prior to his release from jail Thursday night. Hill will likely remain in the hospital until he appears before a judge next week.
Hill ran for Pierce County sheriff in the November election, garnering more than 50,000 votes or close to 20 percent.
He is also under investigation for possible death threats against the sheriff, Troyer said.
During his campaign for sheriff, Hill made statements about his opponent Sheriff Paul Pastor dying before taking office.
In a telephone interview with KIRO 7 South Sound reporter Kevin McCarty Hill said, "Jehovah's probably going to strike him down here in the next couple months," claiming God was angry at Pastor.
Due to federal privacy laws, Puget Sound hospital and the Pierce county sheriff's department cannot comment, or confirm Hill's commitment.
Previous post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2008/11/former-sheriff-candidate-robert-hill.html
Ex-officer accused in Manila slayings arrested in Pembroke Pines
Two former Philippine police officers accused in a politically motivated double homicide have been arrested in the United States, including one in Pembroke Pines, authorities in New York and Miami said Friday.
Philippine authorities have charged Glenn Dumlao and Cesar Mancao with being among as many as 10 officers who carried out the kidnapping and slaying of Salvador "Bubby" Dacer, a publicist who represented top political figures. Dacer and his driver, Emmanuel Corbito, were snatched from a Manila street in 2000. They were found strangled.
Dumlao, 45, was arrested by U.S. immigration agents on Thursday outside his apartment in Patchogue, a Long Island village.
Mancao, 47, was arrested Thursday in Pembroke Pines, according to a statement by the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida. A magistrate ordered him held without bail.
Philippine authorities have charged Glenn Dumlao and Cesar Mancao with being among as many as 10 officers who carried out the kidnapping and slaying of Salvador "Bubby" Dacer, a publicist who represented top political figures. Dacer and his driver, Emmanuel Corbito, were snatched from a Manila street in 2000. They were found strangled.
Dumlao, 45, was arrested by U.S. immigration agents on Thursday outside his apartment in Patchogue, a Long Island village.
Mancao, 47, was arrested Thursday in Pembroke Pines, according to a statement by the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida. A magistrate ordered him held without bail.
Fugitive Deputy Kyle Yates Arrested for Raping and Molesting Child
The former Palm Beach County deputy who ran from the law for four months was arrested Saturday in Texas on charges of raping and molesting a child.
Kyle Yates, 38, ran away with his work-issued .45-caliber Glock handgun after he was confronted with the allegations in July. Deputies later charged him.
Police said a county employee in Corpus Christi recognized Yates while at a nightclub, according to the Caller-Times newspaper. The employee notified authorities, who arrested Yates without incident as he left the club early Saturday.
He will be extradited to Palm Beach County to face his charges.
Some of his family and friends said Saturday that they couldn't believe the man who loved law enforcement could be charged with such a crime.
Yates, an Army veteran and former Greenacres police officer, lost his badge with the Sheriff's Office after he went on the run.
"He abandoned his position," as a deputy, sheriff's spokeswoman Teri Barbera said.
Yates was hired by the Sheriff's Office in 2004 and worked in Belle Glade and Wellington. His personnel file shows that he was a deputy who, in many aspects, exceeded requirements.
"Yates is a hard worker always willing to do more or assist a co-worker," his 2006 performance plan read. His mother welled up when asked about her son.
"He is a perfect son," said his mother, Linda Key. "I could tell you the good things but they're overshadowed by the bad things."
Yates, who grew up in Tennessee, loved spending time with his 8-year-old boy, Key said.
Yates told family members in July that he was going to check himself into a mental health facility and left before deputies arrived to question him.
Besides his Glock, Yates may have taken a Remington shotgun, deputies said.
He answered a call from a Sheriff's Office sergeant on the night he left and expressed suicidal thoughts. He reportedly said that he was on his way to the South County Mental Health Center in Delray Beach. Instead, investigators said, he took his family's only vehicle and drove to Texas.
The next day, July 25, Yates was recorded using a credit card at a gas station in Odem, Texas, not far from Corpus Christi, the Sheriff's Office said. Authorities lost his trail after that.
"He's one of the finest people I know and I have nothing bad to say about him," said family friend Jo Ann Talley, 80, of Bell Buckle, Tenn. "I'm hoping to God this turns out to be untrue."
http://www.cbs12.com/news/deputy_4710906___article.html/yates_christie.html
Officer Daniel Lane Arrested for Domestic Assault
A Kingsport police officer was arrested Thursday night for allegedly assaulting his wife. The two currently are separated.
According to an arrest report from the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded to a report of an assault at 203 Hickory Hill Road in Church Hill about 10 p.m. The alleged victim told deputies that her husband, Daniel Scott Lane, 32, had grabbed her by the throat and forced her to the bed.
According to the arrest report, deputies observed several red marks on the woman’s throat. The marks were consistent with the type of assault described, deputies said in the report. Photos of the woman’s injuries were taken.
Based on the woman’s account of what happened and the marks on her neck, detectives determined there was probable cause to arrest Lane, 1513 Pendleton St., Kingsport. The police report says Lane was arrested at the Church Hill Police Department, charged with domestic assault, and taken to the Hawkins County Jail.
Lane is a patrolman for the Kingsport Police Department, Police Chief Gale Osborne confirmed. He was hired on March 10. Prior to that, he had several years of experience as a Hawkins County deputy, Osborne said.
Osborne said this is the first time Lane has gotten into trouble since he joined the department.
Lane has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of an internal investigation, Osborne said.
http://www.timesnews.net
Friday, November 21, 2008
Trooper Sean Kilbride Charged with DUI
New Haven
An off-duty Connecticut State Police trooper has been charged with driving under the influence.
The arrest happened Thursday night in New Haven. Police say they spotted Sean Kilbride, 34, driving the wrong way on South Frontage Road.
Kilbride was also charged with driving the wrong way on a one way street and refusal to submit to an alcohol test. He was released on a promise to appear.
A state police spokesman says Kilbride has been placed on administrative duty and his police powers have been suspended.
An off-duty Connecticut State Police trooper has been charged with driving under the influence.
The arrest happened Thursday night in New Haven. Police say they spotted Sean Kilbride, 34, driving the wrong way on South Frontage Road.
Kilbride was also charged with driving the wrong way on a one way street and refusal to submit to an alcohol test. He was released on a promise to appear.
A state police spokesman says Kilbride has been placed on administrative duty and his police powers have been suspended.
Officers Gilberto Cruz and Bacilio Cuzman Accused of Beating NFL Player's Father
HOUSTON
The family of an NFL football player's dad, who claims he was beaten by Houston Police officers, is applauding news that the officers involved have been taken off the streets. But the victim's family says they want more, including criminal prosecution.
Officers Gilberto Cruz and Bacilio Guzman, the two accused of beating the man, along with a third officer, Matthew Marin, who made the initial traffic stop, have all now been reassigned to desk jobs pending the outcome of the investigation into what took place early Monday morning.
Marvin Driver, father of Green Bay Packers Wide Receiver Donald Driver, was arrested on outstanding traffic warrants and taken to the Southeast Jail on Mykawa. There, police say he was found to be unresponsive, so an ambulance was called to transport him to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he was initially listed in critical condition.
Driver's family accuses Officers Cruz and Guzman of brutally beating Driver before taking him to the jail. They say he suffered injuries from blunt force trauma.
"We just want justice," Michael Driver, Marvin Driver's son, said after a news conference Friday outside his father's home.
Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt says investigators are awaiting medical reports to determine what injuries Driver sustained.
The family called the removal of the officers from patrol duty "a step in the right direction," but they, along with activist Quannel X, say they want the officers taken off the force for good, and they want them criminally prosecuted.
"We will be overjoyed and celebrating when these officers are removed permanently from the Houston Police Department," said Quannel X at a press conference on Friday.
Houston Police Officers Union President Gary Blankinship says the officers have all categorically denied using any force against Driver. He said he hopes the family will release Driver's medical records, and he's confident the officers will be vindicated.
"We take allegations such as these very seriously and will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and be transparent in our findings, whatever the conclusion," Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt said in a prepared statement.
NFL star Donald Driver had a brief visit to Houston to be with his father at Memorial Hermann Hospital. His uncle said that Driver will likely refrain from commenting on the case until all the facts come to light.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/11/21/texas.beating/
The family of an NFL football player's dad, who claims he was beaten by Houston Police officers, is applauding news that the officers involved have been taken off the streets. But the victim's family says they want more, including criminal prosecution.
Officers Gilberto Cruz and Bacilio Guzman, the two accused of beating the man, along with a third officer, Matthew Marin, who made the initial traffic stop, have all now been reassigned to desk jobs pending the outcome of the investigation into what took place early Monday morning.
Marvin Driver, father of Green Bay Packers Wide Receiver Donald Driver, was arrested on outstanding traffic warrants and taken to the Southeast Jail on Mykawa. There, police say he was found to be unresponsive, so an ambulance was called to transport him to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he was initially listed in critical condition.
Driver's family accuses Officers Cruz and Guzman of brutally beating Driver before taking him to the jail. They say he suffered injuries from blunt force trauma.
"We just want justice," Michael Driver, Marvin Driver's son, said after a news conference Friday outside his father's home.
Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt says investigators are awaiting medical reports to determine what injuries Driver sustained.
The family called the removal of the officers from patrol duty "a step in the right direction," but they, along with activist Quannel X, say they want the officers taken off the force for good, and they want them criminally prosecuted.
"We will be overjoyed and celebrating when these officers are removed permanently from the Houston Police Department," said Quannel X at a press conference on Friday.
Houston Police Officers Union President Gary Blankinship says the officers have all categorically denied using any force against Driver. He said he hopes the family will release Driver's medical records, and he's confident the officers will be vindicated.
"We take allegations such as these very seriously and will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and be transparent in our findings, whatever the conclusion," Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt said in a prepared statement.
NFL star Donald Driver had a brief visit to Houston to be with his father at Memorial Hermann Hospital. His uncle said that Driver will likely refrain from commenting on the case until all the facts come to light.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/11/21/texas.beating/
Officer Placed on Leave After Repeatedly Punching Suspect
Howard County police officials said yesterday that an officer has been placed on administrative leave as part of an internal investigation into the arrest of a man who led police on an erratic chase along Route 32 on Thursday.
The agency is investigating the pursuit and arrest of Stephen Zombro, 40, who was wanted on an open warrant for theft. He had been under surveillance and fled from police when they tried to stop him in Jessup on Thursday afternoon, police said.
The chase sped west on Route 32 and officers used a device to flatten three of the tires on the pickup truck Zombro was driving.
Several TV news stations recorded the chase and arrest, footage that Police Chief William McMahon later said "concerned" him.
Tape shot by WJLA-TV in Washington shows a suspect face-down on the roadway surrounded by several officers and what appears to be an officer repeatedly punching him in the back.
Zombro was taken to Howard County General Hospital, police spokeswoman Sherry Llewellyn said, adding that he had no serious injuries and was released overnight.
He was taken to the county detention center, where he was being held yesterday on a $350,000 bond, said Wayne Kirwan, spokesman for the county state's attorney's office.
In a telephone interview yesterday, Zombro's sister said her brother was "brutalized."
"I'm just shocked and appalled, really, about how it all went down," said Kara Zombro, of Hanover, Pa.
"I know he's part to blame ... but in his defense, it looked like he was running for his life, the way they pulled him out of the car and beat him."
Kara Zombro said her brother is not violent and has not had aggressive contacts with police in the past.
"He's not a fighter," she said. "He's danger to himself more than anyone because of the choices he makes. He was surrendering. He was scared."
Police declined to comment on any specifics of the incident yesterday and did not release the name of the officer who was put on leave.
The investigation will look into the "entire incident" to review whether the officers followed guidelines, Llewellyn said.
Online court records show that Zombro has been charged with six counts of second-degree assault, one count of assaulting a law enforcement officer, one count of reckless endangerment, four drug possession charges and four counts of malicious destruction of property in Thursday's incident.
The records also show several previous cases, including theft convictions in Howard, Charles and Anne Arundel counties.
The agency is investigating the pursuit and arrest of Stephen Zombro, 40, who was wanted on an open warrant for theft. He had been under surveillance and fled from police when they tried to stop him in Jessup on Thursday afternoon, police said.
The chase sped west on Route 32 and officers used a device to flatten three of the tires on the pickup truck Zombro was driving.
Several TV news stations recorded the chase and arrest, footage that Police Chief William McMahon later said "concerned" him.
Tape shot by WJLA-TV in Washington shows a suspect face-down on the roadway surrounded by several officers and what appears to be an officer repeatedly punching him in the back.
Zombro was taken to Howard County General Hospital, police spokeswoman Sherry Llewellyn said, adding that he had no serious injuries and was released overnight.
He was taken to the county detention center, where he was being held yesterday on a $350,000 bond, said Wayne Kirwan, spokesman for the county state's attorney's office.
In a telephone interview yesterday, Zombro's sister said her brother was "brutalized."
"I'm just shocked and appalled, really, about how it all went down," said Kara Zombro, of Hanover, Pa.
"I know he's part to blame ... but in his defense, it looked like he was running for his life, the way they pulled him out of the car and beat him."
Kara Zombro said her brother is not violent and has not had aggressive contacts with police in the past.
"He's not a fighter," she said. "He's danger to himself more than anyone because of the choices he makes. He was surrendering. He was scared."
Police declined to comment on any specifics of the incident yesterday and did not release the name of the officer who was put on leave.
The investigation will look into the "entire incident" to review whether the officers followed guidelines, Llewellyn said.
Online court records show that Zombro has been charged with six counts of second-degree assault, one count of assaulting a law enforcement officer, one count of reckless endangerment, four drug possession charges and four counts of malicious destruction of property in Thursday's incident.
The records also show several previous cases, including theft convictions in Howard, Charles and Anne Arundel counties.
Former Sheriff Candidate Robert Hill Arrested Again
TACOMA, Wash.
A former candidate for Pierce County Sheriff was arrested after police said he tried to bring a toy gun into the county courthouse.
Robert Jesse Hill, who is also under investigation for possible death threats against the sheriff, was taken into custody Thursday morning after he allegedly pointed the toy pistol at a security guard. A red tip had been removed from the gun, making it appear real.
Hill was at the courthouse to attend the arraignment of Issac Sherman Powell, who was arrested Wednesday after deputies said he tried to enter the courthouse carrying a handgun. Sheriff's spokesman Detective Ed Troyer said the gun Powell was carrying is registered to Robert Hill's mother.
RAW VIDEO: Sheriff Candidate's Arrest Caught On Camera
Hill was arrested on Monday for allegedly driving on a suspended license. He was wanted on a warrant and showed up for a court appearance at the Pierce County courthouse.
During his campaign for sheriff, Hill made statements about his opponent Sheriff Paul Pastor dying before taking office.
In a telephone interview with KIRO 7 South Sound reporter Kevin McCarty Hill said, "Jehovah's probably going to strike him down here in the next couple months," claiming God was angry at Pastor.
Hill received nearly 40,000 votes in the Nov. 4 election.
Other Stories:
November 17, 2008: Former Pierce County Sheriff’s Candidate Arrested
November 11, 2008: Challenger May Have Threatened Sheriff, Police Say
A former candidate for Pierce County Sheriff was arrested after police said he tried to bring a toy gun into the county courthouse.
Robert Jesse Hill, who is also under investigation for possible death threats against the sheriff, was taken into custody Thursday morning after he allegedly pointed the toy pistol at a security guard. A red tip had been removed from the gun, making it appear real.
Hill was at the courthouse to attend the arraignment of Issac Sherman Powell, who was arrested Wednesday after deputies said he tried to enter the courthouse carrying a handgun. Sheriff's spokesman Detective Ed Troyer said the gun Powell was carrying is registered to Robert Hill's mother.
RAW VIDEO: Sheriff Candidate's Arrest Caught On Camera
Hill was arrested on Monday for allegedly driving on a suspended license. He was wanted on a warrant and showed up for a court appearance at the Pierce County courthouse.
During his campaign for sheriff, Hill made statements about his opponent Sheriff Paul Pastor dying before taking office.
In a telephone interview with KIRO 7 South Sound reporter Kevin McCarty Hill said, "Jehovah's probably going to strike him down here in the next couple months," claiming God was angry at Pastor.
Hill received nearly 40,000 votes in the Nov. 4 election.
Other Stories:
November 17, 2008: Former Pierce County Sheriff’s Candidate Arrested
November 11, 2008: Challenger May Have Threatened Sheriff, Police Say
Sergeant Haytham Khalil Charged with Illegally Accessing Computer
NEW YORK
A sergeant with the New York Police Department (NYPD) has been charged with accessing a computer without authorization and as a result obtaining information from the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) in December 2007.
Haytham Khalil, 34, of Brooklyn, surrendered to federal authorities Friday morning. According to the criminal complaint filed in Manhattan federal court, the FBI, which is the federal agency authorized to acquire, collect, classify and preserve identification, criminal identification, crime, and other records and to exchange such information with authorized entities, maintains some of that information in NCIC.
NCIC also contains information derived from the FBI’s “Terrorist Screening Center” regarding individuals listed on a terrorist watch list. The information is then shared for authorized use by state and local law enforcement authorities throughout the United States.
New York State maintains an electronic database system (”E-Justice”) that is designed to give users from qualified law enforcement agencies a single point of access to computerized law enforcement information within and beyond New York State.
Qualified state and local law enforcement personnel in New York have access to various forms of information maintained in E-Justice including watch list files, such as the terrorist watch list maintained by the FBI and available in NCIC.
On April 23, the FBI legal attaché in Ottawa, Canada, was informed by an officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police that the RCMP had come across a Canadian citizen who was in possession of a document containing FBI NCIC information.
Specifically, the NCIC document identified an individual as being on a terrorist watch list. Moreover, the NCIC document showed that the information was accessed on Dec. 6, 2007, from an NYPD-based computer.
The RCMP was able to determine that Individual-1 received the NCIC document in December 2007 from an NYPD officer. The NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau, through a review of NYPD files and an audit of the NYPD E-Justice account, was later able to identify that officer as Khalil.
After being interviewed by the FBI, Individual-1 stated that he/she was acquainted with Khalil. When Khalil discovered that Individual-1 was involved in a child custody proceeding against Individual-2, Khalil informed Individual-1 that he had information pertaining to Individual-2. Khalil sent the NCIC document to Individual-1, who received it in December 2007.
Individual-1 then provided the NCIC document to his/her attorney to be used in relation to the child custody proceeding. Khalil was charged with one count of accessing a computer without authorization and as a result obtaining information belonging to a department and agency of the United States.
If convicted, Khalil faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a fine of the greater of $100,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. 11-21-08
A sergeant with the New York Police Department (NYPD) has been charged with accessing a computer without authorization and as a result obtaining information from the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) in December 2007.
Haytham Khalil, 34, of Brooklyn, surrendered to federal authorities Friday morning. According to the criminal complaint filed in Manhattan federal court, the FBI, which is the federal agency authorized to acquire, collect, classify and preserve identification, criminal identification, crime, and other records and to exchange such information with authorized entities, maintains some of that information in NCIC.
NCIC also contains information derived from the FBI’s “Terrorist Screening Center” regarding individuals listed on a terrorist watch list. The information is then shared for authorized use by state and local law enforcement authorities throughout the United States.
New York State maintains an electronic database system (”E-Justice”) that is designed to give users from qualified law enforcement agencies a single point of access to computerized law enforcement information within and beyond New York State.
Qualified state and local law enforcement personnel in New York have access to various forms of information maintained in E-Justice including watch list files, such as the terrorist watch list maintained by the FBI and available in NCIC.
On April 23, the FBI legal attaché in Ottawa, Canada, was informed by an officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police that the RCMP had come across a Canadian citizen who was in possession of a document containing FBI NCIC information.
Specifically, the NCIC document identified an individual as being on a terrorist watch list. Moreover, the NCIC document showed that the information was accessed on Dec. 6, 2007, from an NYPD-based computer.
The RCMP was able to determine that Individual-1 received the NCIC document in December 2007 from an NYPD officer. The NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau, through a review of NYPD files and an audit of the NYPD E-Justice account, was later able to identify that officer as Khalil.
After being interviewed by the FBI, Individual-1 stated that he/she was acquainted with Khalil. When Khalil discovered that Individual-1 was involved in a child custody proceeding against Individual-2, Khalil informed Individual-1 that he had information pertaining to Individual-2. Khalil sent the NCIC document to Individual-1, who received it in December 2007.
Individual-1 then provided the NCIC document to his/her attorney to be used in relation to the child custody proceeding. Khalil was charged with one count of accessing a computer without authorization and as a result obtaining information belonging to a department and agency of the United States.
If convicted, Khalil faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a fine of the greater of $100,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. 11-21-08
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Tulsa Police Investigating Use of Alcohol by Officers at Training Center
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa police are investigating the use of alcohol at an event at the police training center and whether alcohol was involved in the crash of a patrol car.
Police Chief Ron Palmer says Internal Affairs is looking into the incident at his request.
Police records show that a patrol car driven by Officer Danny Bean hit a power pole and a security gate about 10:40 p.m. on Oct. 16.
The 2007 Dodge Charger patrol car was totaled.
Palmer says members of the police department's Special Operations Team held a barbecue after a day of training at the center and alcohol apparently was involved.
Palmer says alcohol should not be allowed at the center.
Tulsa police are investigating the use of alcohol at an event at the police training center and whether alcohol was involved in the crash of a patrol car.
Police Chief Ron Palmer says Internal Affairs is looking into the incident at his request.
Police records show that a patrol car driven by Officer Danny Bean hit a power pole and a security gate about 10:40 p.m. on Oct. 16.
The 2007 Dodge Charger patrol car was totaled.
Palmer says members of the police department's Special Operations Team held a barbecue after a day of training at the center and alcohol apparently was involved.
Palmer says alcohol should not be allowed at the center.
Former Officer Kris Ledford Pleads Guilty
MUSKOGEE
A former Muskogee police detective charged with possessing stolen firearms and falsely claiming to be a Purple Heart recipient pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday.
In a plea deal with the United States, 30-year-old Kris Ledford of Broken Arrow will spend about three to five years in prison, based on federal sentencing guidelines.
The punishment will run concurrently with sentencing resulting from state charges in connection with the case.
He is required to plead guilty to state charges as part of the plea deal.
In Muskogee County District Court, he's charged with embezzlement, grand larceny and false declaration of ownership.
He also faces a misdemeanor charge in Tulsa County of impersonating a Tulsa police officer.
Before Magistrate Judge Kimberly E. West, Ledford said he used his position as a police officer to steal 8 to 24 firearms, which he said he sold, pawned or gave away.
In addition, he said he falsely told a police captain that he had been awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star — a misdemeanor.
Under the Stolen Valor Act of 2005, the punishment was increased from six months to up to one year in prison. The punishment was previously reserved for those falsely claiming to be Medal of Honor recipients.
Ledford told West that he has been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder and severe depression and has been treated for the past five months including an in-patient stay at the VA Hospital in Muskogee.
Ledford's attorney Donn Baker said he thinks his client was mentally competent when the crimes occurred.
Following the hearing, assistant U.S. Attorney Doug Horn said that Ledford claimed to be a traumatized war hero to gain sympathy after he had been accused of the firearms charges.
"A lot of people had sympathy for him," Horn said.
Baker said after the hearing that his client received several medals and ribbons but not the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, which requires a soldier to have been injured.
Ledford served with the Army and the Oklahoma National Guard and saw combat in Bosnia as an automatic rifleman, Baker said, reading from his client's paperwork.
With a college degree, a military career that included an honorable discharge, and a five-year career with the police department under his belt, Ledford seemed to have had a lot going for him.
"I can't answer what causes something like that," Baker said. "Everyone I talked to in the police department said he was an excellent police officer."
Baker said Ledford was recognized for having had no accidents as a Humvee driver in Germany and Bosnia and being one of the most reliable soldiers in his platoon.
Stolen valor is not a frequently applied charge.
U.S. Attorney Sheldon Sperling issued a press release saying that the troops have "weathered withering criticism and overwhelming odds to tenuous victory in Iraq and in other conflicts. The accomplishments of the truly brave should not be disparaged by those who would steal fame, absent personal sacrifice and personal loss."
Ledford was released on a $10,000 unsecured bond pending the results of a pre-sentencing investigation.MUSKOGEE — A former Muskogee police detective charged with possessing stolen firearms and falsely claiming to be a Purple Heart recipient pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday.
In a plea deal with the United States, 30-year-old Kris Ledford of Broken Arrow will spend about three to five years in prison, based on federal sentencing guidelines.
The punishment will run concurrently with sentencing resulting from state charges in connection with the case.
He is required to plead guilty to state charges as part of the plea deal.
In Muskogee County District Court, he's charged with embezzlement, grand larceny and false declaration of ownership.
He also faces a misdemeanor charge in Tulsa County of impersonating a Tulsa police officer.
Before Magistrate Judge Kimberly E. West, Ledford said he used his position as a police officer to steal 8 to 24 firearms, which he said he sold, pawned or gave away.
In addition, he said he falsely told a police captain that he had been awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star — a misdemeanor.
Under the Stolen Valor Act of 2005, the punishment was increased from six months to up to one year in prison.
Ledford told West that he has been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder and severe depression and has been treated for the past five months including an in- patient stay at the VA Hospital in Muskogee.
Ledford's attorney Donn Baker said he thinks his client was mentally competent when the crimes occurred.
Following the hearing, assistant U.S. Attorney Doug Horn said that Ledford claimed to be a traumatized war hero to gain sympathy after he had been accused of the firearms charges.
"A lot of people had sympathy for him," Horn said.
Baker said after the hearing that his client received several medals and ribbons but not the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, which requires a soldier to have been injured.
Ledford served with the Army and the Oklahoma National Guard and saw combat in Bosnia as an automatic rifleman, Baker said, reading from his client's paperwork.
With a college degree, a military career that included an honorable discharge, and a five-year career with the police department under his belt, Ledford seemed to have had a lot going for him.
"I can't answer what causes something like that," Baker said. "Everyone I talked to in the police department said he was an excellent police officer."
Baker said Ledford was recognized for having had no accidents as a Humvee driver in Germany and Bosnia and being one of the most reliable soldiers in his platoon.
Ledford was released on a $10,000 unsecured bond pending the results of a pre-sentencing investigation.
Drug Trafficking Warrant Served Against Officer Carl Wright
TABOR CITY
Drug trafficking warrants were served on a former law enforcement officer Wednesday, and Columbus County Sheriff Chris Batten said more federal charges are anticipated.
Carl David Wright, 53, of 655 Vinegar Loop Road, according to Batten, was arrested late Wednesday afternoon on family owned property off Walter Todd Road.
The former Tabor City policeman, Batten said, was held at the Columbus County Jail in Whiteville under $1 million bail, with a federal detainer.
Wright was charged with six counts each of trafficking cocaine by possession, transportation and manufacture, Batten said.
Drug enforcement agents from the Sheriff’s Office, Batten said, were joined by the FBI in a four-month investigation prompted by citizen complaints.
“There were community complaints, a lot of activity going on,” Batten said.
Undercover agents made drug buys from Wright on six occasions, Batten said. The buys did not occur at Wright’s home.
Batten said, for now, he will not identify the locations of the drug buys.
Some property was seized by the N.C. Department of Revenue, Batten said, in an effort to help satisfy more than $40,000 in back taxes owed by Wright.
The sheriff said FBI agents seized two vehicles. Wright also owes money to the federal government for back taxes.
“They haven’t said how much the federal taxes are,” Batten said.
No one else was charged Wednesday, but the sheriff said others may be arrested and charged as the investigation continues.
http://www.fayobserver.com
Drug trafficking warrants were served on a former law enforcement officer Wednesday, and Columbus County Sheriff Chris Batten said more federal charges are anticipated.
Carl David Wright, 53, of 655 Vinegar Loop Road, according to Batten, was arrested late Wednesday afternoon on family owned property off Walter Todd Road.
The former Tabor City policeman, Batten said, was held at the Columbus County Jail in Whiteville under $1 million bail, with a federal detainer.
Wright was charged with six counts each of trafficking cocaine by possession, transportation and manufacture, Batten said.
Drug enforcement agents from the Sheriff’s Office, Batten said, were joined by the FBI in a four-month investigation prompted by citizen complaints.
“There were community complaints, a lot of activity going on,” Batten said.
Undercover agents made drug buys from Wright on six occasions, Batten said. The buys did not occur at Wright’s home.
Batten said, for now, he will not identify the locations of the drug buys.
Some property was seized by the N.C. Department of Revenue, Batten said, in an effort to help satisfy more than $40,000 in back taxes owed by Wright.
The sheriff said FBI agents seized two vehicles. Wright also owes money to the federal government for back taxes.
“They haven’t said how much the federal taxes are,” Batten said.
No one else was charged Wednesday, but the sheriff said others may be arrested and charged as the investigation continues.
http://www.fayobserver.com
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