Three city cops at the center of a sodomy investigation turned themselves in to the Brooklyn District Attorney's office early today to face criminal charges.
Officers Richard Kern, Alex Cruz and Andrew Morales were ushered into the downtown Brooklyn office by the attorneys around 6 a.m. They each declined to comment.
The three cops are expected to be indicted this morning for assaulting 24-year-old Michael Mineo in a subway station Oct. 15.
A fellow cop accused Kern of inserting his police baton between Mineo's buttocks as officers tried to arrest and cuff the tatoo shop worker for allegedly smoking marijuana.
Kern's lawyer John Patten declined to discuss the indictment Monday. Kern, 25, has previously denied he acted improperly.
Mineo originally said it was Cruz, 26, who violated him as he lay face down in the Prospect Park station, held down by two other police officers.
But NYPD transit Officer Kevin Maloney testified before a grand jury that it was Kern who wielded the baton, sources said.
"My client steadfastly maintains his innocence and he observed no misconduct," Cruz' lawyer Stuart London said Monday.
Mineo said he felt vindicated by a grand jury's decision.
"At first a lot of people weren't believing me, but I left it in God's hands," he said Sunday on the Rev. Al Sharpton's radio show. "I'm pleased with how everything is going."
Mineo expressed gratitude to the transit cop for breaking the so-called Blue Wall of silence and telling the grand jury what happened.
"I do appreciate him coming forward," he said. "I'd like to thank him."
Lawyers for Mineo hailed the indictment and announced they plan to file a federal civil rights suit against the city, the NYPD and the officers involved.
"The man was held down and raped," lawyer Kevin Mosley said after Mineo spoke.
Lawyer Stephen Jackson said Monday all the cops involved should be charged with "serious felonies."
"Anything short of jail time will be a miscarriage of justice," Sharpton said.
Jackson said the grand jury interviewed more than 20 witnesses and examined physical evidence of injuries to Mineo's rectal area. Sharpton and Mineo's lawyers blasted the NYPD for rushing to publicly clear the officers after the alleged assault.
Days later, Maloney became the star witness at the grand jury that brought charges against Kern.
"The internal affairs department of the New York City Police Department repeatedly said that ... [Mineo's] charges were groundless," Sharpton said. "Clearly police cannot police themselves.
More Information: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2008/12/09/2008-12-09_police_taunt_subway_accuser_who_blows_ki.html
Monday, December 08, 2008
Chicago Wants Police Department's Image to Change
CHICAGO
More than a year after he last wore a badge and months after his boss said he wanted him fired, a policeman videotaped beating a female bartender remains the best-known officer in the Chicago Police Department.
Footage of the 250-pound officer punching, kicking and throwing the 115-pound bartender has aired repeatedly after it surfaced the next month.
It would be embarrassing for any police department, but for Chicago — which already withstood the humiliation once — it means much more. Especially now.
As bright as the media spotlight has shone on the department in the past, it will only get brighter because Chicago is the hometown of the next president of the United States and the city is vying for the 2016 Olympics.
It's unclear whether Anthony Abbate, the officer charged in the beating, will stand trial — it was supposed to begin Tuesday but has been delayed — or if the case will end with a plea bargain. A judge's gag order has prevented anyone from talking publicly about the case.
"I have to think it is important to get past (the case) not only from a PR standpoint, but Abbate has for the last two years defined what the department is," said Daniel P. Smith, author of "On the Job: Behind the Stars of the Chicago Police Department."
"So many officers do their job the right way but Abbate has defined who they are (and) I know for a fact many of them want it all erased."
Chicago officials already have set about to change the police department's image, starting 11 months ago, when they hired a new police superintendent, Jodi Weis, the former head of the FBI's Philadelphia office.
Police officers know that what they do is being watched like never before — starting on election night, when a quarter million people descended on Grant Park to be part of President-elect Barack Obama's historic victory.
"I talked to two sergeants who had their teams down there and one told his guys the eyes of the whole world are on (the park)," said Sgt. John Pallohusky, president of the police sergeants union.
It was the same message from the other sergeant. "He told his team, 'Do your part, show the world this is what we do,'" said Pallohusky.
Under the watchful eye of police, the scene at the park was peaceful. Department spokeswoman Monique Bond said that, despite the massive crowd, officers made fewer arrests than a typical Tuesday night.
That wasn't lost on observers, especially those who know the same park 40 years ago the world watched billy club-swinging police wading into crowds of protesters at the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
"It was a commercial for the city," said A.D. Frazier, the chief operating officer of the Olympic Games in Atlanta. "The fact that it went off flawlessly will stand out as a plus in everyone's mind who votes for an Olympic city."
Even so, Smith said, that scene will be hard-pressed to compete with the surveillance video from the night Abbate allegedly beat the bartender in February 2007 after she refused to serve him more drinks.
"All we see is the Abbate tape rolling over in our heads and we forget the absolute (great) job they did out there," he said.
It remains to be seen whether the Abbate case generates as much angst for the department as that of Jon Burge, the former commander of a unit that allegedly tortured black suspects decades ago.
Burge long has been a source of anger in Chicago, as politicians, community activists and others have complained that he remained free, living in retirement in Florida, while men they say were innocent and confessed only after being tortured remained in prison.
It was not until this year that Burge was charged by federal authorities with lying under oath when he denied participating in torture.
"Burge has haunted them for years," said Wesley Skogan, a Northwestern University political scientist who has studied the department extensively. "The Abbate case is difficult (and) because we've all seen the tape 10 times, it will linger longer in the public imagination."
Skogan said that how long Abbate casts a shadow on the department may depend on what attorneys are doing behind the scenes, and whether Abbate walks into court and pleads guilty or goes ahead with a trial.
"If there is a plea settlement as time gets really close, that might take the wind out of the sails," he said.
But, he added, even if that happens, "It could linger like O.J. (Simpson) or go away very quickly."
Bond, the police spokeswoman, would not specifically discuss the Abbate case. But Craig Futterman, a University of Chicago law professor who has studied the department, said it's clear why Weis publicly denounced Abbate and recommended firing him.
"By making an example of him they're saying this is a new day, we don't tolerate this stuff in Chicago," he said.
But he wonders if the firing was little more than a public relations ploy.
"My fear is that the underlying issues that allowed Abbate to do what he did ... haven't been addressed," he said. "As much as they want to say, 'this is a new day' ... is this really true?"
More than a year after he last wore a badge and months after his boss said he wanted him fired, a policeman videotaped beating a female bartender remains the best-known officer in the Chicago Police Department.
Footage of the 250-pound officer punching, kicking and throwing the 115-pound bartender has aired repeatedly after it surfaced the next month.
It would be embarrassing for any police department, but for Chicago — which already withstood the humiliation once — it means much more. Especially now.
As bright as the media spotlight has shone on the department in the past, it will only get brighter because Chicago is the hometown of the next president of the United States and the city is vying for the 2016 Olympics.
It's unclear whether Anthony Abbate, the officer charged in the beating, will stand trial — it was supposed to begin Tuesday but has been delayed — or if the case will end with a plea bargain. A judge's gag order has prevented anyone from talking publicly about the case.
"I have to think it is important to get past (the case) not only from a PR standpoint, but Abbate has for the last two years defined what the department is," said Daniel P. Smith, author of "On the Job: Behind the Stars of the Chicago Police Department."
"So many officers do their job the right way but Abbate has defined who they are (and) I know for a fact many of them want it all erased."
Chicago officials already have set about to change the police department's image, starting 11 months ago, when they hired a new police superintendent, Jodi Weis, the former head of the FBI's Philadelphia office.
Police officers know that what they do is being watched like never before — starting on election night, when a quarter million people descended on Grant Park to be part of President-elect Barack Obama's historic victory.
"I talked to two sergeants who had their teams down there and one told his guys the eyes of the whole world are on (the park)," said Sgt. John Pallohusky, president of the police sergeants union.
It was the same message from the other sergeant. "He told his team, 'Do your part, show the world this is what we do,'" said Pallohusky.
Under the watchful eye of police, the scene at the park was peaceful. Department spokeswoman Monique Bond said that, despite the massive crowd, officers made fewer arrests than a typical Tuesday night.
That wasn't lost on observers, especially those who know the same park 40 years ago the world watched billy club-swinging police wading into crowds of protesters at the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
"It was a commercial for the city," said A.D. Frazier, the chief operating officer of the Olympic Games in Atlanta. "The fact that it went off flawlessly will stand out as a plus in everyone's mind who votes for an Olympic city."
Even so, Smith said, that scene will be hard-pressed to compete with the surveillance video from the night Abbate allegedly beat the bartender in February 2007 after she refused to serve him more drinks.
"All we see is the Abbate tape rolling over in our heads and we forget the absolute (great) job they did out there," he said.
It remains to be seen whether the Abbate case generates as much angst for the department as that of Jon Burge, the former commander of a unit that allegedly tortured black suspects decades ago.
Burge long has been a source of anger in Chicago, as politicians, community activists and others have complained that he remained free, living in retirement in Florida, while men they say were innocent and confessed only after being tortured remained in prison.
It was not until this year that Burge was charged by federal authorities with lying under oath when he denied participating in torture.
"Burge has haunted them for years," said Wesley Skogan, a Northwestern University political scientist who has studied the department extensively. "The Abbate case is difficult (and) because we've all seen the tape 10 times, it will linger longer in the public imagination."
Skogan said that how long Abbate casts a shadow on the department may depend on what attorneys are doing behind the scenes, and whether Abbate walks into court and pleads guilty or goes ahead with a trial.
"If there is a plea settlement as time gets really close, that might take the wind out of the sails," he said.
But, he added, even if that happens, "It could linger like O.J. (Simpson) or go away very quickly."
Bond, the police spokeswoman, would not specifically discuss the Abbate case. But Craig Futterman, a University of Chicago law professor who has studied the department, said it's clear why Weis publicly denounced Abbate and recommended firing him.
"By making an example of him they're saying this is a new day, we don't tolerate this stuff in Chicago," he said.
But he wonders if the firing was little more than a public relations ploy.
"My fear is that the underlying issues that allowed Abbate to do what he did ... haven't been addressed," he said. "As much as they want to say, 'this is a new day' ... is this really true?"
Officer Eduardo Bermudez Arrested for Sexual Assault
LOS ANGELES
Authorities say a Los Angeles police officer has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault for an incident at a hotel after a department holiday party.
Police say 29-year-old Officer Eduardo Bermudez was arrested Sunday, booked for investigation of attempted rape and was being held in a downtown jail on $100,000 bail.
Police say in a written statement that the alleged attack took place while Bermudez was off duty at a gathering at a hotel near Los Angeles International Airport that followed the Pacific Division's holiday celebration, but gave no further details about the allegations.
The department's internal affairs division is conducting the investigation.
Bermudez has been an officer for two years.
More Information: http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/LAPD-Officer-Accused-of-Rape-Released-on-Bail.html
http://laist.com/2008/12/08/westside_lapd_officer_arrested_for.php
Authorities say a Los Angeles police officer has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault for an incident at a hotel after a department holiday party.
Police say 29-year-old Officer Eduardo Bermudez was arrested Sunday, booked for investigation of attempted rape and was being held in a downtown jail on $100,000 bail.
Police say in a written statement that the alleged attack took place while Bermudez was off duty at a gathering at a hotel near Los Angeles International Airport that followed the Pacific Division's holiday celebration, but gave no further details about the allegations.
The department's internal affairs division is conducting the investigation.
Bermudez has been an officer for two years.
More Information: http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/LAPD-Officer-Accused-of-Rape-Released-on-Bail.html
http://laist.com/2008/12/08/westside_lapd_officer_arrested_for.php
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Chief Gerardo Garay Arrested for Helping Cartel
MEXICO CITY
Mexico's former acting federal police chief was accused Friday of collaborating with a notorious cartel and stealing money from a mansion during a raid to bust a drug trafficking ring.
A judge ordered Gerardo Garay's formal arrest on suspicion of organized crime, robbery and abuse of power, according to a statement from the Attorney General's office. Garay had been under preliminary detention for a month, but authorities had not revealed the allegations against him. He has previously denied any wrongdoing.
Garay is among several federal police officers arrested in "Operation Clean House," which aims to weed out corruption that came to light after the January arrest of Alfredo Beltran Leyva, a reputed Sinaloa cartel lieutenant.
Some of those arrested had been at the helm of President Felipe Calderon's nationwide offensive to take back territory controlled by drug gangs, a two-year campaign involving the deployment of more than 20,000 soldiers.
The U.S. has backed that effort with $400 million to provide Mexican security forces with training and equipment, although Congress has conditioned 15 percent of the aid on Mexico's efforts to clean up its police force.
The Attorney General's office said Garay is accused of protecting the Beltran Leyva brothers, reputed drug gang leaders. Officials declined to elaborate.
He is also accused of stealing money from a mansion during an October raid that led to the breakup of gang that allegedly arranged for cocaine shipments from Colombia to the Beltran Leyvas. At the time, police also seized a collection of animals, including two tigers and two lions, from a private zoo at the ornate mansion in Mexico City.
Garay took over as acting federal police chief earlier this year after the assassination of his predecessor.
He was transferred to a federal prison Thursday, along with three other federal police officers.
One officer was also accused of collaborating with the Beltran Leyva brothers and stealing from the mansion. The other two were accused of protecting Jesus "The King" Zambada, a reputed Sinaloa cartel lieutenant arrested in October. Zambada allegedly led drug smuggling operations through the Mexico City airport.
Separately Friday, the No. 2 immigration official in the southern Mexican border state of Chiapas was fired for allegedly taking bribes from nightclub owners who employed illegal migrants.
An official with the National Migration Institute says Erick Alejandro Jan is under investigation for corruption and abuse of authority. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized the disclose the information.
Mexico's former acting federal police chief was accused Friday of collaborating with a notorious cartel and stealing money from a mansion during a raid to bust a drug trafficking ring.
A judge ordered Gerardo Garay's formal arrest on suspicion of organized crime, robbery and abuse of power, according to a statement from the Attorney General's office. Garay had been under preliminary detention for a month, but authorities had not revealed the allegations against him. He has previously denied any wrongdoing.
Garay is among several federal police officers arrested in "Operation Clean House," which aims to weed out corruption that came to light after the January arrest of Alfredo Beltran Leyva, a reputed Sinaloa cartel lieutenant.
Some of those arrested had been at the helm of President Felipe Calderon's nationwide offensive to take back territory controlled by drug gangs, a two-year campaign involving the deployment of more than 20,000 soldiers.
The U.S. has backed that effort with $400 million to provide Mexican security forces with training and equipment, although Congress has conditioned 15 percent of the aid on Mexico's efforts to clean up its police force.
The Attorney General's office said Garay is accused of protecting the Beltran Leyva brothers, reputed drug gang leaders. Officials declined to elaborate.
He is also accused of stealing money from a mansion during an October raid that led to the breakup of gang that allegedly arranged for cocaine shipments from Colombia to the Beltran Leyvas. At the time, police also seized a collection of animals, including two tigers and two lions, from a private zoo at the ornate mansion in Mexico City.
Garay took over as acting federal police chief earlier this year after the assassination of his predecessor.
He was transferred to a federal prison Thursday, along with three other federal police officers.
One officer was also accused of collaborating with the Beltran Leyva brothers and stealing from the mansion. The other two were accused of protecting Jesus "The King" Zambada, a reputed Sinaloa cartel lieutenant arrested in October. Zambada allegedly led drug smuggling operations through the Mexico City airport.
Separately Friday, the No. 2 immigration official in the southern Mexican border state of Chiapas was fired for allegedly taking bribes from nightclub owners who employed illegal migrants.
An official with the National Migration Institute says Erick Alejandro Jan is under investigation for corruption and abuse of authority. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized the disclose the information.
Officer Richard Kern Indicted for Sodomizing Man
With word that an indictment will be unsealed Tuesday against a police officer accused of sodomizing a man in a Brooklyn subway station, supporters of the victim spoke out Sunday.
According to the New York Post, Officer Richard Kern will be charged with assault or aggravated sexual assault in the alleged attack on Michael Mineo.
Kern has maintained his innocence throughout the investigation.
The paper also says two other accused officers will face lesser charges.
Mineo says he was beaten and sodomized with a foreign object after officers tried to arrest him at the Prospect Park subway station back in October. Mineo's attorneys say hospital records prove he was sodomized, and one transit officer has backed up part of Mineo's claim.
Sunday morning, Mineo's attorneys appeared on the Reverend Al Sharpton's radio show to speak out in support on their client.
They say they feel confident about the indictment and that it is coming.
"If this policeman had not come forward, we may not have been at this point, and I think the city owes this cop that broke the blue wall of silence and did his job," said Sharpton.
Sharpton said this incident is further proof that serious reform is needed in the New York City Police Department.
"Clearly police cannot police themselves," he said. "I think with a new president and a new governor that if this is not the climate for serious police reform legislation, I don't know what would be."
Mineo's attorneys said that they are planning on filing a civil suit against the city this week. They would not specify about the damages they are seeking.
The NYPD says all three officers involved in the incident have been placed on modified duty, meaning they have been stripped of their guns and shields.
More Information: http://www.nypost.com/seven/12062008/news/regionalnews/grand_jury_to_indict_cop_accused_of_sodo_142954.htm
According to the New York Post, Officer Richard Kern will be charged with assault or aggravated sexual assault in the alleged attack on Michael Mineo.
Kern has maintained his innocence throughout the investigation.
The paper also says two other accused officers will face lesser charges.
Mineo says he was beaten and sodomized with a foreign object after officers tried to arrest him at the Prospect Park subway station back in October. Mineo's attorneys say hospital records prove he was sodomized, and one transit officer has backed up part of Mineo's claim.
Sunday morning, Mineo's attorneys appeared on the Reverend Al Sharpton's radio show to speak out in support on their client.
They say they feel confident about the indictment and that it is coming.
"If this policeman had not come forward, we may not have been at this point, and I think the city owes this cop that broke the blue wall of silence and did his job," said Sharpton.
Sharpton said this incident is further proof that serious reform is needed in the New York City Police Department.
"Clearly police cannot police themselves," he said. "I think with a new president and a new governor that if this is not the climate for serious police reform legislation, I don't know what would be."
Mineo's attorneys said that they are planning on filing a civil suit against the city this week. They would not specify about the damages they are seeking.
The NYPD says all three officers involved in the incident have been placed on modified duty, meaning they have been stripped of their guns and shields.
More Information: http://www.nypost.com/seven/12062008/news/regionalnews/grand_jury_to_indict_cop_accused_of_sodo_142954.htm
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Officer Paul Ewing Indicted on 5 Counts of Indecent Liberties with Minor
PORTSMOUTH
A former city police officer was indicted Thursday on five counts each of indecent liberties with a minor and production of child pornography, the department reported.
Paul Alonzo Ewing, of the 600 block of Shenandoah St., was a four-year veteran when he resigned in October, shortly after being arrested and charged with raping a 16-year-old acquaintance almost two years earlier. Thursday’s indictments were in addition to the rape charge, which is still pending a court hearing, police said.
A special prosecutor will be appointed to handle the case, the city commonwealth’s attorney’s office has said.
Rookie Bryan Pour Charged with Aggravated Battery with Firearm
Edwardsville
An off-duty St. Louis police rookie was wrong to shoot a man in a fight outside an Illinois bar, a Madison County grand jury said, and a Pontoon Beach officer was justified to shoot a different officer in the aftermath.
Bryan Pour, fired by the St. Louis police after the Nov. 9 incident, was indicted on a charge of aggravated battery with a firearm. Two of three city officers with him that night — including the one who got shot by a Pontoon Beach officer — were fired Friday.
Nobody was killed in the early morning melee outside Mac N Mick's Sports Bar & Grill, 5240 Nameoki Road in Pontoon Beach.
"Alcohol and weapons do not mix, and incidents like this will not be tolerated regardless of the fact that police officers were involved," Madison County State's Attorney William Mudge said Friday.
Pour, 26, graduated at the top of his Police Academy class in July and was assigned to the 4th District, downtown. If convicted, he could face a prison term of six to 30 years. He was arrested Friday in Edwardsville and released from jail on $100,000 bond.
"This was a difficult case to sort out due to the chaotic nature of the incident," Mudge said. Illinois State Police handled the investigation.
The charges and a statement from Mudge's office provided a clearer picture of an incident that began with four off-duty St. Louis officers celebrating a birthday and engagement.
Officials said Pour was intoxicated, got involved in a dispute outside the bar and shot Jeffrey Bladdick in the chest with a department-issued Beretta pistol as Bladdick "tried to alleviate the situation."
Officials said Pontoon Beach police were called shortly after 1 a.m. regarding a fight. They arrived to find Bladdick wounded and people in the lot.
"Attempting to secure the scene, officers observed armed individuals and ordered them to drop their weapons," Mudge's statement said. "One person, Christopher Hantak, 23, an off-duty St. Louis police officer who was not in uniform and was reportedly intoxicated, did not comply and was shot by Pontoon Beach police Officer Aaron Morgan when he pointed his weapon in the direction of Morgan. The grand jury found that Officer Morgan's actions were justified."
St. Louis police announced Friday that Hantak and Officer Philip Meyer were dismissed as a result of their involvement in the incident. Pour was fired Nov. 10.
State Police Lt. Jim Morrisey said Friday that Bladdick, 25, of Granite City, and Hantak are recovering from their wounds. He said that Bladdick is getting outpatient treatment and that Hantak is expected to be moved from a hospital to a rehabilitation center soon.
Pour's attorney, Albert Watkins, contends that his client acted in self-defense. He told a reporter after the shootings that Pour was walking across the parking lot when he was attacked by two people who struck him on the head with a metal bar and knocked him down.
As they continued to beat him, Watkins said, Pour reached for his gun in his rear waistband and fired it, mistakenly hitting Bladdick, who was trying to help him.
The prosecutor's statement Friday said Pour had no visible injuries when he was arrested at the scene but suffered a self-inflicted head injury after being placed in a police vehicle.
St. Louis police spokeswoman Erica Van Ross said Friday that the fourth city officer present that night remains on administrative duties pending completion of an internal affairs investigation. He was not carrying a weapon that night, she said.
Mudge's statement said, "I urge the St. Louis City Police Department to adopt stricter policies regarding the possession and use of department-issued weapons while its officers are off-duty."
Van Ross said Missouri law prohibits possession of a firearm while intoxicated.
Watkins said Friday that Pour's indictment was "absolutely no surprise" because the grand jury needed only a "shred of evidence" to begin the prosecution.
But he said Pour's arrest Friday was unexpected. He said his client was subpoenaed to testify before the grand jury Friday but instead was arrested on a suppressed indictment handed up Thursday. Pour wanted to testify but wasn't afforded that opportunity, Watkins said.
More Information: http://publicbroadcasting.net/kwmu/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1432559§ionID=1
An off-duty St. Louis police rookie was wrong to shoot a man in a fight outside an Illinois bar, a Madison County grand jury said, and a Pontoon Beach officer was justified to shoot a different officer in the aftermath.
Bryan Pour, fired by the St. Louis police after the Nov. 9 incident, was indicted on a charge of aggravated battery with a firearm. Two of three city officers with him that night — including the one who got shot by a Pontoon Beach officer — were fired Friday.
Nobody was killed in the early morning melee outside Mac N Mick's Sports Bar & Grill, 5240 Nameoki Road in Pontoon Beach.
"Alcohol and weapons do not mix, and incidents like this will not be tolerated regardless of the fact that police officers were involved," Madison County State's Attorney William Mudge said Friday.
Pour, 26, graduated at the top of his Police Academy class in July and was assigned to the 4th District, downtown. If convicted, he could face a prison term of six to 30 years. He was arrested Friday in Edwardsville and released from jail on $100,000 bond.
"This was a difficult case to sort out due to the chaotic nature of the incident," Mudge said. Illinois State Police handled the investigation.
The charges and a statement from Mudge's office provided a clearer picture of an incident that began with four off-duty St. Louis officers celebrating a birthday and engagement.
Officials said Pour was intoxicated, got involved in a dispute outside the bar and shot Jeffrey Bladdick in the chest with a department-issued Beretta pistol as Bladdick "tried to alleviate the situation."
Officials said Pontoon Beach police were called shortly after 1 a.m. regarding a fight. They arrived to find Bladdick wounded and people in the lot.
"Attempting to secure the scene, officers observed armed individuals and ordered them to drop their weapons," Mudge's statement said. "One person, Christopher Hantak, 23, an off-duty St. Louis police officer who was not in uniform and was reportedly intoxicated, did not comply and was shot by Pontoon Beach police Officer Aaron Morgan when he pointed his weapon in the direction of Morgan. The grand jury found that Officer Morgan's actions were justified."
St. Louis police announced Friday that Hantak and Officer Philip Meyer were dismissed as a result of their involvement in the incident. Pour was fired Nov. 10.
State Police Lt. Jim Morrisey said Friday that Bladdick, 25, of Granite City, and Hantak are recovering from their wounds. He said that Bladdick is getting outpatient treatment and that Hantak is expected to be moved from a hospital to a rehabilitation center soon.
Pour's attorney, Albert Watkins, contends that his client acted in self-defense. He told a reporter after the shootings that Pour was walking across the parking lot when he was attacked by two people who struck him on the head with a metal bar and knocked him down.
As they continued to beat him, Watkins said, Pour reached for his gun in his rear waistband and fired it, mistakenly hitting Bladdick, who was trying to help him.
The prosecutor's statement Friday said Pour had no visible injuries when he was arrested at the scene but suffered a self-inflicted head injury after being placed in a police vehicle.
St. Louis police spokeswoman Erica Van Ross said Friday that the fourth city officer present that night remains on administrative duties pending completion of an internal affairs investigation. He was not carrying a weapon that night, she said.
Mudge's statement said, "I urge the St. Louis City Police Department to adopt stricter policies regarding the possession and use of department-issued weapons while its officers are off-duty."
Van Ross said Missouri law prohibits possession of a firearm while intoxicated.
Watkins said Friday that Pour's indictment was "absolutely no surprise" because the grand jury needed only a "shred of evidence" to begin the prosecution.
But he said Pour's arrest Friday was unexpected. He said his client was subpoenaed to testify before the grand jury Friday but instead was arrested on a suppressed indictment handed up Thursday. Pour wanted to testify but wasn't afforded that opportunity, Watkins said.
More Information: http://publicbroadcasting.net/kwmu/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1432559§ionID=1
Deputy Alan Welch Arrested for DUI
A Lee County Sheriff's deputy was arrested early Thursday morning on a charge of DUI, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report.
Alan George Welch, 47, is a corrections officer at the Lee County jail facility on Ortiz Road, according to Capt. Tom Eberhardt, the jail commander.
According to a dispatch report, FHP trooper Robert Ellis stopped Welch at the 118 mile marker of Interstate 75 around 12 a.m. Friday. Welch was driving a Nissan truck, the report said. He was arrested at 12:11 a.m. and charged with DUI, and his truck was towed, the report said.
Welch was hired in February 2006 and worked at the stockade before being moved to the core facility, Eberhardt said. He worked the 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. shift, and was scheduled to work today.
Following his arrest, Welch was held in the downtown jail until about 9:30 a.m., when he posted bond, Eberhardt said. The arrest appears to be his first.
Alan George Welch, 47, is a corrections officer at the Lee County jail facility on Ortiz Road, according to Capt. Tom Eberhardt, the jail commander.
According to a dispatch report, FHP trooper Robert Ellis stopped Welch at the 118 mile marker of Interstate 75 around 12 a.m. Friday. Welch was driving a Nissan truck, the report said. He was arrested at 12:11 a.m. and charged with DUI, and his truck was towed, the report said.
Welch was hired in February 2006 and worked at the stockade before being moved to the core facility, Eberhardt said. He worked the 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. shift, and was scheduled to work today.
Following his arrest, Welch was held in the downtown jail until about 9:30 a.m., when he posted bond, Eberhardt said. The arrest appears to be his first.
Officer Francis Estrada Admits to Drunk Driving to Years Earlier
Francis J. Estrada was so drunk one night three years ago that he blacked out and drove the wrong way down Interstate 5. He smashed into a pickup and sideswiped two more vehicles before driving away.
Witnesses caught his license plate, and although a warrant was issued, Estrada didn't surrender until nearly two years later.
Until then, he continued his work as a Seattle police officer. And it wasn't until his superiors discovered the warrant through a routine review of employee records that Estrada appeared in court and answered the charges against him.
Estrada, 36, said Wednesday that he has agreed to resign in lieu of termination this month amid a lengthy internal investigation into why he never reported the incident. His resignation, effective Dec. 16, ends a 14-year career that was once regarded as exceptional.
Estrada faced no felony charges because no one was seriously hurt in the collisions on Oct. 22, 2005. Last May, Estrada entered a deferred prosecution on charges of reckless driving and hit-and-run, both gross misdemeanors. As part of the deal, he agreed to attend alcohol counseling, pay a $1,500 fine and stay clean for two years. The Seattle Police Officers' Guild also agreed to forgo an appeal of disciplinary charges.
In an interview on Wednesday, Estrada said that he was drunk and blacked out, and that he didn't know he'd been charged because a summons from Snohomish County was mailed to his old address. The prosecutor and Seattle police officials say his explanation is plausible.
"I'm thankful every day that I didn't kill or hurt somebody," Estrada told the Seattle P-I. "Trust me, there were some dark days there. This has been a life-changing experience for me."
Kathryn Olson, who heads the Police Department's Office of Professional Accountability, declined to comment because of an open internal investigation.
"It's just one of those things where something was sent to the wrong address and he had never been made aware of it," said Sgt. Rich O'Neill, the police guild president.
The first collision happened after 10:15 p.m. on a Saturday. Estrada was near Marysville on his way home from a wedding reception, and state troopers had just been dispatched to reports of a driver heading south in the northbound lanes of I-5.
Estrada had apparently sideswiped a pickup heading north. In his statement, the driver, Michael Dean of Marysville, said that "the car in front of me swerved hard right and I saw headlights heading right at me."
Dean jerked hard to the left and at the last second, Estrada pulled right. But Estrada's Toyota 4Runner clipped Dean's side mirror and shattered his window, according to a State Patrol report.
The wrong-way driver continued south, slamming into a silver Dodge Dakota and smashing its front end. The vehicle's air bags blew out. A woman and a toddler were taken to Everett Providence Medical Center as a precaution.
The wrong-way driver then turned onto state Route 529, north of Everett. About a half-mile later, on a narrow bridge over the Steamboat Slough, he sideswiped another pickup.
Estrada was momentarily blocked in by other traffic. As Estrada turned around, witnesses copied down his license plate number. A passenger in the second pickup also got a good look at the driver and later picked Estrada's face from a montage of state licensing photos, according to the trooper's report.
The investigating trooper wasn't able to find a working phone number for Estrada, and had to cancel a trip to Seattle a few days later after arresting another drunken driver on the way, said Trooper Keith Leary, an agency spokesman.
The investigator believed he had sufficient evidence for charges without having to personally contact the suspect.
The case wasn't forwarded to detectives because no one was seriously hurt and the property damage was low, Leary said.
"We'll go to the ends of the Earth to try and solve these things. If we can't find them and we have the necessary information to file a charge, we'll go forth and file that charge," Leary said.
Estrada said he doesn't know how he made it home to Seattle that night. About two blocks from his house, he jumped the curb and struck a guardrail and telephone pole, which blew out two tires and broke his mirror, he said. He presumed that's when he did all the damage to his sport utility vehicle.
Charges were filed almost a year later. The Seattle Police Department didn't find out until June 2007, when the warrant was flagged during an annual background review -- standard for all employees. Then, Estrada was restricted to office duty as his superiors launched an inquiry into whether he tried to cover it up. He's been off for the last two months, collecting sick and vacation time.
He never had a reason to run his own name in the system, Estrada said. "Once I found out about it, I took full responsibility," he said, noting that he's been in counseling since March. "I was as shocked as anybody when I found out I had a warrant for so long."
Estrada said he didn't drink frequently, but in retrospect, he sees he had a worsening problem with how much he drank during social occasions.
His drinking was exacerbated by personal and financial stress, much of it related to a high-profile shooting he'd been involved in a month before, he said. He and Officer Greg Neubert returned fire after a man shot into a Belltown crowd from a passing motorcycle. The gunman was hit as well as a bystander caught in the crossfire. Both survived their injuries.
O'Neill, the guild president, said most officers with a first-time DUI usually get suspended with a second chance at keeping their job. He said Estrada's only gain by resigning is that his record won't show he was fired.
"Unfortunately, it's still a fact that police work is very stressful and that some people deal with the stress in unhealthy ways," O'Neill said.
For now, Estrada keeps his state law enforcement certification but his disciplinary records would be available to other agencies, should he seek police work elsewhere.
Estrada, a former Army Ranger, said he thinks he got into police work for the "right reasons," but knows now it is time to move on.
"There are no excuses for what I did. I knew better. But I have nothing to hide. I made a mistake and I owned up to it."
Witnesses caught his license plate, and although a warrant was issued, Estrada didn't surrender until nearly two years later.
Until then, he continued his work as a Seattle police officer. And it wasn't until his superiors discovered the warrant through a routine review of employee records that Estrada appeared in court and answered the charges against him.
Estrada, 36, said Wednesday that he has agreed to resign in lieu of termination this month amid a lengthy internal investigation into why he never reported the incident. His resignation, effective Dec. 16, ends a 14-year career that was once regarded as exceptional.
Estrada faced no felony charges because no one was seriously hurt in the collisions on Oct. 22, 2005. Last May, Estrada entered a deferred prosecution on charges of reckless driving and hit-and-run, both gross misdemeanors. As part of the deal, he agreed to attend alcohol counseling, pay a $1,500 fine and stay clean for two years. The Seattle Police Officers' Guild also agreed to forgo an appeal of disciplinary charges.
In an interview on Wednesday, Estrada said that he was drunk and blacked out, and that he didn't know he'd been charged because a summons from Snohomish County was mailed to his old address. The prosecutor and Seattle police officials say his explanation is plausible.
"I'm thankful every day that I didn't kill or hurt somebody," Estrada told the Seattle P-I. "Trust me, there were some dark days there. This has been a life-changing experience for me."
Kathryn Olson, who heads the Police Department's Office of Professional Accountability, declined to comment because of an open internal investigation.
"It's just one of those things where something was sent to the wrong address and he had never been made aware of it," said Sgt. Rich O'Neill, the police guild president.
The first collision happened after 10:15 p.m. on a Saturday. Estrada was near Marysville on his way home from a wedding reception, and state troopers had just been dispatched to reports of a driver heading south in the northbound lanes of I-5.
Estrada had apparently sideswiped a pickup heading north. In his statement, the driver, Michael Dean of Marysville, said that "the car in front of me swerved hard right and I saw headlights heading right at me."
Dean jerked hard to the left and at the last second, Estrada pulled right. But Estrada's Toyota 4Runner clipped Dean's side mirror and shattered his window, according to a State Patrol report.
The wrong-way driver continued south, slamming into a silver Dodge Dakota and smashing its front end. The vehicle's air bags blew out. A woman and a toddler were taken to Everett Providence Medical Center as a precaution.
The wrong-way driver then turned onto state Route 529, north of Everett. About a half-mile later, on a narrow bridge over the Steamboat Slough, he sideswiped another pickup.
Estrada was momentarily blocked in by other traffic. As Estrada turned around, witnesses copied down his license plate number. A passenger in the second pickup also got a good look at the driver and later picked Estrada's face from a montage of state licensing photos, according to the trooper's report.
The investigating trooper wasn't able to find a working phone number for Estrada, and had to cancel a trip to Seattle a few days later after arresting another drunken driver on the way, said Trooper Keith Leary, an agency spokesman.
The investigator believed he had sufficient evidence for charges without having to personally contact the suspect.
The case wasn't forwarded to detectives because no one was seriously hurt and the property damage was low, Leary said.
"We'll go to the ends of the Earth to try and solve these things. If we can't find them and we have the necessary information to file a charge, we'll go forth and file that charge," Leary said.
Estrada said he doesn't know how he made it home to Seattle that night. About two blocks from his house, he jumped the curb and struck a guardrail and telephone pole, which blew out two tires and broke his mirror, he said. He presumed that's when he did all the damage to his sport utility vehicle.
Charges were filed almost a year later. The Seattle Police Department didn't find out until June 2007, when the warrant was flagged during an annual background review -- standard for all employees. Then, Estrada was restricted to office duty as his superiors launched an inquiry into whether he tried to cover it up. He's been off for the last two months, collecting sick and vacation time.
He never had a reason to run his own name in the system, Estrada said. "Once I found out about it, I took full responsibility," he said, noting that he's been in counseling since March. "I was as shocked as anybody when I found out I had a warrant for so long."
Estrada said he didn't drink frequently, but in retrospect, he sees he had a worsening problem with how much he drank during social occasions.
His drinking was exacerbated by personal and financial stress, much of it related to a high-profile shooting he'd been involved in a month before, he said. He and Officer Greg Neubert returned fire after a man shot into a Belltown crowd from a passing motorcycle. The gunman was hit as well as a bystander caught in the crossfire. Both survived their injuries.
O'Neill, the guild president, said most officers with a first-time DUI usually get suspended with a second chance at keeping their job. He said Estrada's only gain by resigning is that his record won't show he was fired.
"Unfortunately, it's still a fact that police work is very stressful and that some people deal with the stress in unhealthy ways," O'Neill said.
For now, Estrada keeps his state law enforcement certification but his disciplinary records would be available to other agencies, should he seek police work elsewhere.
Estrada, a former Army Ranger, said he thinks he got into police work for the "right reasons," but knows now it is time to move on.
"There are no excuses for what I did. I knew better. But I have nothing to hide. I made a mistake and I owned up to it."
Friday, December 05, 2008
Capt. Curt Rude Charged with Gross Misdemeanor
A district judge has denied motions to dismiss criminal charges against an Austin police captain accused of illegally taking prescription drugs from the department's evidence room last year.
Capt. Curt Rude, a 23-year veteran with the Austin Police Department, is charged with two felonies and one gross misdemeanor. His attorney, Terry Maus of Rochester, moved to have the charges dismissed for lack of probable cause he committed any crime.
An omnibus hearing was held in September and Olmsted District Judge Kevin Lund took the motion under advisement. Lund's order was issued today.
Maus said this morning that Lund has denied the motions to dismiss the charges and they will proceed to trial on all of the charges.
Authorities allege that Rude illegally took a package containing the prescription painkiller Oxycotin from the police evidence room and that he was illegally in possession of the drug. Both of those counts are felonies. He also is charged with a gross misdemeanor of interfering with property in official custody. The charges stem from alleged activity on Nov. 6, 2007. Rude is on administrative leave from the police department.
Capt. Curt Rude, a 23-year veteran with the Austin Police Department, is charged with two felonies and one gross misdemeanor. His attorney, Terry Maus of Rochester, moved to have the charges dismissed for lack of probable cause he committed any crime.
An omnibus hearing was held in September and Olmsted District Judge Kevin Lund took the motion under advisement. Lund's order was issued today.
Maus said this morning that Lund has denied the motions to dismiss the charges and they will proceed to trial on all of the charges.
Authorities allege that Rude illegally took a package containing the prescription painkiller Oxycotin from the police evidence room and that he was illegally in possession of the drug. Both of those counts are felonies. He also is charged with a gross misdemeanor of interfering with property in official custody. The charges stem from alleged activity on Nov. 6, 2007. Rude is on administrative leave from the police department.
Former Judge Donald Thompson Arrested for Drunk Driving
Tulsa, Oklahoma
A former district judge who went to prison for exposing himself by using a sexual device while presiding over trials has been arrested on a complaint of driving under the influence.
Lt. George Brown with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol confirmed that former Creek County judge Donald D. Thompson was booked early Friday into the Tulsa County Jail.
The 62-year-old man was accused of using a "penis pump" during trials and convicted in 2006 on four counts of indecent exposure.
He served about 20 months of a four-year prison term and was released in April.
Thompson's attorney, Clark Brewster, says Thompson made bail and expected him to be released Friday.
Chief Ronald Lee and Officer Matthew Pruegert Accused of Drunk Driving on the Job
Okay, Oklahoma
An area sheriff's department is now in control of a town that fired its police department.
The police chief and officer were let go for allegedly being drunk on the job. The allegations are being made in Okay, in Wagoner County, about 40 miles east-southeast of Tulsa.
The small town of about six hundred residents is still trying to come to grips with it all. With a new scandal and two vacant positions, will the town recover?
Elden McCullough says he isn't surprised Okay is in the headlines again.
"I got a call at 12:30 the night before from a lady who said they're down at the EZ Mart and they're drunk."
A few minutes later, McCullough says he got another call.
"Some lady said they're drunk down here, they're in the police car."
The call was about Okay officer Matthew Pruegert, who was later arrested on a complaint of driving under the influence. The arrest was made by a Wagoner police officer who said he observed a strong odor of alcohol.
It's also alleged that Okay Police Chief Ronald Lee was observed intoxicated back at the police station by a town board member.
"When we went into executive session, that's all I can tell you, she said 'yes, he was drunk'. He said he wasn't. She said yes. It was a 5 to nothing vote."
And, with that, the police chief and officer were both let go.
Residents we spoke with say they're shocked.
"I wouldn't feel safe with them being drunk on duty," says Brock Moore. "What they do on their own times, that's their business. When you're at work, no."
The next town board meeting is next Tuesday. Members could then decide what to do about the police department.
An area sheriff's department is now in control of a town that fired its police department.
The police chief and officer were let go for allegedly being drunk on the job. The allegations are being made in Okay, in Wagoner County, about 40 miles east-southeast of Tulsa.
The small town of about six hundred residents is still trying to come to grips with it all. With a new scandal and two vacant positions, will the town recover?
Elden McCullough says he isn't surprised Okay is in the headlines again.
"I got a call at 12:30 the night before from a lady who said they're down at the EZ Mart and they're drunk."
A few minutes later, McCullough says he got another call.
"Some lady said they're drunk down here, they're in the police car."
The call was about Okay officer Matthew Pruegert, who was later arrested on a complaint of driving under the influence. The arrest was made by a Wagoner police officer who said he observed a strong odor of alcohol.
It's also alleged that Okay Police Chief Ronald Lee was observed intoxicated back at the police station by a town board member.
"When we went into executive session, that's all I can tell you, she said 'yes, he was drunk'. He said he wasn't. She said yes. It was a 5 to nothing vote."
And, with that, the police chief and officer were both let go.
Residents we spoke with say they're shocked.
"I wouldn't feel safe with them being drunk on duty," says Brock Moore. "What they do on their own times, that's their business. When you're at work, no."
The next town board meeting is next Tuesday. Members could then decide what to do about the police department.
Officer Matthew Pruegert Arrested while in Uniform for Being Drunk
An on-duty reserve police officer is arrested on several charges, including suspicion of being drunk.
Okay reserve officer Matthew Pruegert was arrested at a convenience store by a Wagoner police officer.
The officer from Wagoner said he smelled alcohol on Pruegert.
At the time of his arrest, Pruegert was driving an Okay police car and wearing a gun, badge and uniform shirt.
He was booked into the Wagoner County Detention Center and later released on $3,000 bond.
Okay reserve officer Matthew Pruegert was arrested at a convenience store by a Wagoner police officer.
The officer from Wagoner said he smelled alcohol on Pruegert.
At the time of his arrest, Pruegert was driving an Okay police car and wearing a gun, badge and uniform shirt.
He was booked into the Wagoner County Detention Center and later released on $3,000 bond.
Corporal Andrew Kos Suspended for Bringing Personal Laptop to Work
An Austin police officer is suspended for 15 days for using his personal laptop while on the job.
Corporal Andrew Kos was repeatedly warned not to bring his laptop to work and not to maintain his personal hockey website while on the job, according to a memo from Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo.
On a particularly busy night, Kos failed to volunteer for several calls and another officer found his cruiser parked next to a closed coffee shop so he could access free Wi-Fi on his laptop.
Corporal Andrew Kos was repeatedly warned not to bring his laptop to work and not to maintain his personal hockey website while on the job, according to a memo from Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo.
On a particularly busy night, Kos failed to volunteer for several calls and another officer found his cruiser parked next to a closed coffee shop so he could access free Wi-Fi on his laptop.
Deputy David McGarah Arrested for Assault and Theft
A Williamson County Sheriff Deputy was arrested back on November 15 for assault and theft of a service.
According to Detective John Foster, a spokesman for Williamson County Sheriff's Department, 56-year-old David McGarah was arrested and suspended with pay Nov. 17, and will remain on suspension until further details are released in the case.
David McGarah has been with the department for seven years. No other comment were made about the arrest due to McGarah being arrested by another police department.
http://www.kvue.com/news/local/stories/120508kvue_Deputy_suspended-cb.32709f18.html
According to Detective John Foster, a spokesman for Williamson County Sheriff's Department, 56-year-old David McGarah was arrested and suspended with pay Nov. 17, and will remain on suspension until further details are released in the case.
David McGarah has been with the department for seven years. No other comment were made about the arrest due to McGarah being arrested by another police department.
http://www.kvue.com/news/local/stories/120508kvue_Deputy_suspended-cb.32709f18.html
Deputy Don Griffee Charged with Punching Handcuffed Suspect
A King County sheriff's deputy was charged Thursday with misdemeanor assault for allegedly punching a handcuffed suspect in the back of a patrol car.
Don C. Griffee, 61, has been on paid administrative leave during an investigation into the Aug. 3 incident. If convicted, he faces up to a year in jail and the loss of his career.
The state Attorney General's Office is handling the case because the victim, Johnny Bradford, 21, has filed a claim for monetary damages against the county. That presents a potential conflict of interest for the Prosecutor's Office, which represents the county in legal disputes.
The Seattle P-I obtained a copy of the complaint after it was filed late Thursday in King County District Court. The incident happened after Griffee was called to investigate a complaint at 149 S.W. 160th Street in Burien, according to a source familiar with the case. Records show he arrested Bradford on suspicion of obstructing an officer, although the nature of the original 911 call was unclear Thursday.
Sources said the deputy was accused of striking the handcuffed suspect after he uttered offensive remarks. The blow cut the suspect's lip. The case was investigated by the Sheriff's Office.
Griffee, a patrol deputy, joined the Sheriff's Office 14 years ago after switching careers, Sheriff's Sgt. John Urquhart said.
The Sheriff's Office policy, similar to most police agencies, dictates that deputies use physical force only when "reasonably" necessary to make an arrest, defend themselves or others, or carry out police duties such as searching a home or vehicle.
Bradford was again the focus of a sheriff's investigation Nov. 25, after a neighbor accused him of punching her several times. Bradford wasn't home when deputies arrived to investigate, so a citation for misdemeanor assault was mailed to him, according to sources.
Griffee's case falls on the eve of a federal civil rights trial set to begin Monday involving another sheriff's deputy, Brian Bonnar. He is accused of striking a handcuffed woman in the head with his knee, lifting her up by the hair and slamming her head against a police car after she was arrested for fleeing from police. Bonnar, 42, also is accused of lying to a grand jury.
Don C. Griffee, 61, has been on paid administrative leave during an investigation into the Aug. 3 incident. If convicted, he faces up to a year in jail and the loss of his career.
The state Attorney General's Office is handling the case because the victim, Johnny Bradford, 21, has filed a claim for monetary damages against the county. That presents a potential conflict of interest for the Prosecutor's Office, which represents the county in legal disputes.
The Seattle P-I obtained a copy of the complaint after it was filed late Thursday in King County District Court. The incident happened after Griffee was called to investigate a complaint at 149 S.W. 160th Street in Burien, according to a source familiar with the case. Records show he arrested Bradford on suspicion of obstructing an officer, although the nature of the original 911 call was unclear Thursday.
Sources said the deputy was accused of striking the handcuffed suspect after he uttered offensive remarks. The blow cut the suspect's lip. The case was investigated by the Sheriff's Office.
Griffee, a patrol deputy, joined the Sheriff's Office 14 years ago after switching careers, Sheriff's Sgt. John Urquhart said.
The Sheriff's Office policy, similar to most police agencies, dictates that deputies use physical force only when "reasonably" necessary to make an arrest, defend themselves or others, or carry out police duties such as searching a home or vehicle.
Bradford was again the focus of a sheriff's investigation Nov. 25, after a neighbor accused him of punching her several times. Bradford wasn't home when deputies arrived to investigate, so a citation for misdemeanor assault was mailed to him, according to sources.
Griffee's case falls on the eve of a federal civil rights trial set to begin Monday involving another sheriff's deputy, Brian Bonnar. He is accused of striking a handcuffed woman in the head with his knee, lifting her up by the hair and slamming her head against a police car after she was arrested for fleeing from police. Bonnar, 42, also is accused of lying to a grand jury.
Officer Jon Fitzgerald Charged with Using Excessive Force
On December 4, the Harris County District Attorney's Office accepted one count of Official Oppression against Baytown Police Officer Jon Kevin Fitzgerald. This class "A" misdemeanor charge was the result of an internal affairs investigation into allegations that Officer Fitzgerald used excessive force during a November 13, 2008 arrest of motorist Ryan Sanders. Mr. Sanders is a 24-year-old maintenance worker residing in Baytown.
The Harris County District Attorney's Office, Police Integrity Division, found probable cause to believe that Officer Fitzgerald's actions were excessive and filed charges in the 262nd District Court.
Baytown Police Chief Keith Dougherty has issued the following statement: "Officer Fitzgerald has been charged with one count of Official Oppression, a Class "A" Misdemeanor under the Texas Penal Code Section 39.03. Based upon the criminal charge filed against him, I have suspended him without pay pursuant to the Texas Civil Service Act. We as police officers have taken a solemn oath to serve and protect the citizens of our community. I want to reassure the public that this administration will never tolerate misconduct or excessive force against any person."
More Information: http://www.click2houston.com/news/18219114/detail.html
The Harris County District Attorney's Office, Police Integrity Division, found probable cause to believe that Officer Fitzgerald's actions were excessive and filed charges in the 262nd District Court.
Baytown Police Chief Keith Dougherty has issued the following statement: "Officer Fitzgerald has been charged with one count of Official Oppression, a Class "A" Misdemeanor under the Texas Penal Code Section 39.03. Based upon the criminal charge filed against him, I have suspended him without pay pursuant to the Texas Civil Service Act. We as police officers have taken a solemn oath to serve and protect the citizens of our community. I want to reassure the public that this administration will never tolerate misconduct or excessive force against any person."
More Information: http://www.click2houston.com/news/18219114/detail.html
Christopher Buckley Indicted on Two Counts of Forcible Rape of Juvenile
A New Orleans Police officer accused of rape was indicted by a grand jury Friday, according to a statement from the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office.
Christopher Buckley, 36, was indicted for two counts of forcible rape and two counts of molestation of a juvenile. His bond was set at $1.2 million, according to the district attorney’s office.
Buckley is accused of raping a 13-year-old girl who was the daughter of an acquaintance.
Shortly after Buckley's arrest, police chief Warren Riley confirmed that the NOPD investigated similar allegations against Buckely in 2001 and 2003, but that the department took no administrative action and the District Attorney’s Office refused to prosecute both times.
Christopher Buckley, 36, was indicted for two counts of forcible rape and two counts of molestation of a juvenile. His bond was set at $1.2 million, according to the district attorney’s office.
Buckley is accused of raping a 13-year-old girl who was the daughter of an acquaintance.
Shortly after Buckley's arrest, police chief Warren Riley confirmed that the NOPD investigated similar allegations against Buckely in 2001 and 2003, but that the department took no administrative action and the District Attorney’s Office refused to prosecute both times.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Federal Probation Officer Joseph Gama Arrested for Molesting Girls
A federal probation officer from Redding has been arrested for allegedly molesting teenage girls.
Authorities say 45-year-old Joseph Gama surrendered to Redding police at his home on Wednesday.
Redding police launched their investigation last month after one of the alleged victims went to police. Sgt. Dean Stainberg says two other teenage girls have also accused Gama of similar charges.
Gama's family was honored in 2006 as the Shasta County Adoptive Family of the Year. Stainberg would not say if the girls lived at Gama's home.
Gama was being held at the Shasta County jail in lieu of $1 million bail.
More Information: http://www.kcra.com/news/18202691/detail.html
Authorities say 45-year-old Joseph Gama surrendered to Redding police at his home on Wednesday.
Redding police launched their investigation last month after one of the alleged victims went to police. Sgt. Dean Stainberg says two other teenage girls have also accused Gama of similar charges.
Gama's family was honored in 2006 as the Shasta County Adoptive Family of the Year. Stainberg would not say if the girls lived at Gama's home.
Gama was being held at the Shasta County jail in lieu of $1 million bail.
More Information: http://www.kcra.com/news/18202691/detail.html
Officer Scoot Hanley Accused of Pulling Gun on Couple
HILLSBORO, Ore.
An off-duty Hillsboro police officer is accused of pulling a gun on a Scappoose couple and threatening their lives while they were eating ice cream.
Kevin Deavers said he and his wife were eating ice cream outside a Dairy Queen last week when Deavers said off-duty officer, Scott Hanley pulled in front of him and shined his headlights into the couple's car.
Deavers asked the man to dim his lights. He said that's when officer Hanley pulled out his gun.
"He says you need to leave. You need to leave right now, you need to go. I was trying to reason with him. 'Bud, I'm just eating my ice cream, why do you have your high beams pointed at my eyes?' Then he pulls out a semi-automatic pistol and holds it sideways... and says 'I'll kill you and her,'" said Deavers.
The Hillsboro Police Department confirmed Hanley was under investigation, but he has not suspended been suspended and police said they're still working to verify the story and figure out exactly what happened. But police did not dispute the fact that Hanley pulled out a gun.
The couple said they want quick action.
"Take his gun away from him and put him behind a desk. I don't know, but if you're that unstable, they're supposed to be trained to react to something. I hope I'd get tased before I get shot in the face," said Deavers.
At this time the Columbia County District Attorney had not decided whether to file charges against Hanley.
An off-duty Hillsboro police officer is accused of pulling a gun on a Scappoose couple and threatening their lives while they were eating ice cream.
Kevin Deavers said he and his wife were eating ice cream outside a Dairy Queen last week when Deavers said off-duty officer, Scott Hanley pulled in front of him and shined his headlights into the couple's car.
Deavers asked the man to dim his lights. He said that's when officer Hanley pulled out his gun.
"He says you need to leave. You need to leave right now, you need to go. I was trying to reason with him. 'Bud, I'm just eating my ice cream, why do you have your high beams pointed at my eyes?' Then he pulls out a semi-automatic pistol and holds it sideways... and says 'I'll kill you and her,'" said Deavers.
The Hillsboro Police Department confirmed Hanley was under investigation, but he has not suspended been suspended and police said they're still working to verify the story and figure out exactly what happened. But police did not dispute the fact that Hanley pulled out a gun.
The couple said they want quick action.
"Take his gun away from him and put him behind a desk. I don't know, but if you're that unstable, they're supposed to be trained to react to something. I hope I'd get tased before I get shot in the face," said Deavers.
At this time the Columbia County District Attorney had not decided whether to file charges against Hanley.
Former Sheriff Von Thompson Wanted for Swindling 91-year old Man
MORA, Minn.
Authorities are ready to arrest former Kanabec County Sheriff Von Thompson -- as soon as they can find him.
Thompson was charged in October with four felonies for allegedly swindling a 91-year-old man of more than $179,000. He was judged a "low flight risk," but now a warrant has been issued for his arrest after he violated the terms of his release.
Mora Police officer Ken Rollins says Thompson has tried to persuade other people in the Mora area to invest money with him, which is a violation of his release.
Police tried to arrest Thompson on Nov. 26, but they weren't able to find him. Rollins says he was last seen around Mora on Nov. 24. The arrest warrant was issued last week.
Thompson was Kanabec County sheriff from 1983 to 1999. Mora is located about 70 miles north of Minneapolis.
More information: http://www.startribune.com/local/35580214.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUF
Authorities are ready to arrest former Kanabec County Sheriff Von Thompson -- as soon as they can find him.
Thompson was charged in October with four felonies for allegedly swindling a 91-year-old man of more than $179,000. He was judged a "low flight risk," but now a warrant has been issued for his arrest after he violated the terms of his release.
Mora Police officer Ken Rollins says Thompson has tried to persuade other people in the Mora area to invest money with him, which is a violation of his release.
Police tried to arrest Thompson on Nov. 26, but they weren't able to find him. Rollins says he was last seen around Mora on Nov. 24. The arrest warrant was issued last week.
Thompson was Kanabec County sheriff from 1983 to 1999. Mora is located about 70 miles north of Minneapolis.
More information: http://www.startribune.com/local/35580214.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUF
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Sgt Corey Buckner Guilty of 4 Violations of Conduct
A Kentucky State Police trooper is dismissed after the KSP trial board finds one of its own guilty of four violations of their standards of conduct.
The trial board convened yesterday afternoon in Franfort and found Sargeant Corey Buckner guilty on four violations.
Those include: honesty and conformance to law which were both class a violations, conformance to law, a Class B violation, and responsibility of ranking officers also a Class B violation.
The charges concerned misconduct involving certain Kentucky State Police Bowling Green post officer training records.
The trial board fixed Sgt. Buckner's punishment at dismissal for the two class a violations of the standards of conduct for which he was found guilty and at suspension for 20 days for each of the two Class B violations.
The trial board convened yesterday afternoon in Franfort and found Sargeant Corey Buckner guilty on four violations.
Those include: honesty and conformance to law which were both class a violations, conformance to law, a Class B violation, and responsibility of ranking officers also a Class B violation.
The charges concerned misconduct involving certain Kentucky State Police Bowling Green post officer training records.
The trial board fixed Sgt. Buckner's punishment at dismissal for the two class a violations of the standards of conduct for which he was found guilty and at suspension for 20 days for each of the two Class B violations.
Officer Jamel Dennis Charged with Assault
The 12-lane thoroughfare is often called the Boulevard of Death, but for one short-fused police officer, the authorities say, it became a road of rage.
On the afternoon of Nov. 17, a civilian, Geoffrey Hollinden, 41, was crossing Queens Boulevard near 109th Street in Forest Hills when he was nearly hit by a car, the authorities say. Enraged, Mr. Hollinden pounded on the car, a 2006 Infiniti, as it passed.
Suddenly the car pulled over, and out sprang a large and irate man — identified by the authorities as Jamel Dennis, 32, an off-duty Brooklyn narcotics officer. Officer Dennis, who is 6-foot-6, grabbed Mr. Hollinden, the authorities say, dragged him to the boulevard’s service road, lifted him to shoulder height and slammed him to the ground, knocking him unconscious.
Mr. Hollinden was hospitalized for three days.
“As a motorist — and more so, as a police officer — the defendant should have known better than to allegedly take matters into his own hands and elevate a minor traffic dispute into a felonious assault,” the Queens district attorney, Richard A. Brown, said in a statement on Tuesday.
Officer Dennis was charged on Monday night with second-degree assault and released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 15 and faces up to seven years in prison. Reached by telephone on Tuesday, he declined to comment. A man who identified himself as Officer Dennis’s father said, “They railroaded my son.”
It is not the first time that a New York police officer has been accused of road-rage assault. In August, two transit officers, Michelle Anglin, 37, and Koleen Robinson, 24, were charged with pummeling a man in the head and face with a baton and a gun after he pulled up alongside them in the Bronx with his side door open, nearly scraping their sport utility vehicle.
The Queens Boulevard episode provided yet more grist for the road’s dangerous reputation. The 8- to 12-lane street is one of the main arteries linking Queens to Manhattan; it also divides neighborhoods with a fast-moving river of traffic that some pedestrians find hard to cross.
Between 1993 and 2000, 72 pedestrians were killed along the road. Since 2004, safety improvements have led to a decrease in the number of collisions, but drivers and pedestrians still find the boulevard nerve-wracking, and accidents there still claim lives — two this year.
According to the district attorney, Officer Dennis fled after assaulting Mr. Hollinden. Two days later, Mr. Brown said, Officer Dennis went to the 112th Precinct station and identified himself as an officer in the Brooklyn North Narcotics Division. He said a man had pushed him during a traffic dispute in the area and asked whether anyone had filed a complaint. He also pointed out scuff marks on the back of his car to an officer from the Department’s Internal Affairs Bureau, which investigated the case.
District Attorney Brown said that the incident came to light because an eyewitness jotted down the license plate number of the defendant’s car. Mr. Hollinden sustained a cut in his head that required five staples, cranial bleeding and a herniated disc, according to the district attorney.
“The guy escaped the car, but not the driver,” said Kevin Ryan, the district attorney’s spokesman.
On the afternoon of Nov. 17, a civilian, Geoffrey Hollinden, 41, was crossing Queens Boulevard near 109th Street in Forest Hills when he was nearly hit by a car, the authorities say. Enraged, Mr. Hollinden pounded on the car, a 2006 Infiniti, as it passed.
Suddenly the car pulled over, and out sprang a large and irate man — identified by the authorities as Jamel Dennis, 32, an off-duty Brooklyn narcotics officer. Officer Dennis, who is 6-foot-6, grabbed Mr. Hollinden, the authorities say, dragged him to the boulevard’s service road, lifted him to shoulder height and slammed him to the ground, knocking him unconscious.
Mr. Hollinden was hospitalized for three days.
“As a motorist — and more so, as a police officer — the defendant should have known better than to allegedly take matters into his own hands and elevate a minor traffic dispute into a felonious assault,” the Queens district attorney, Richard A. Brown, said in a statement on Tuesday.
Officer Dennis was charged on Monday night with second-degree assault and released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 15 and faces up to seven years in prison. Reached by telephone on Tuesday, he declined to comment. A man who identified himself as Officer Dennis’s father said, “They railroaded my son.”
It is not the first time that a New York police officer has been accused of road-rage assault. In August, two transit officers, Michelle Anglin, 37, and Koleen Robinson, 24, were charged with pummeling a man in the head and face with a baton and a gun after he pulled up alongside them in the Bronx with his side door open, nearly scraping their sport utility vehicle.
The Queens Boulevard episode provided yet more grist for the road’s dangerous reputation. The 8- to 12-lane street is one of the main arteries linking Queens to Manhattan; it also divides neighborhoods with a fast-moving river of traffic that some pedestrians find hard to cross.
Between 1993 and 2000, 72 pedestrians were killed along the road. Since 2004, safety improvements have led to a decrease in the number of collisions, but drivers and pedestrians still find the boulevard nerve-wracking, and accidents there still claim lives — two this year.
According to the district attorney, Officer Dennis fled after assaulting Mr. Hollinden. Two days later, Mr. Brown said, Officer Dennis went to the 112th Precinct station and identified himself as an officer in the Brooklyn North Narcotics Division. He said a man had pushed him during a traffic dispute in the area and asked whether anyone had filed a complaint. He also pointed out scuff marks on the back of his car to an officer from the Department’s Internal Affairs Bureau, which investigated the case.
District Attorney Brown said that the incident came to light because an eyewitness jotted down the license plate number of the defendant’s car. Mr. Hollinden sustained a cut in his head that required five staples, cranial bleeding and a herniated disc, according to the district attorney.
“The guy escaped the car, but not the driver,” said Kevin Ryan, the district attorney’s spokesman.
Alexis Chaparro Get's Only 10 Years for Murder
Outraged shouts echoed in a Riverhead courtroom Wednesday after a New York City Police Academy instructor pleaded guilty to killing his fiancee in a deal that will send him to prison for 10 years.
Alexis Chaparro, 28, had initially been charged with second-degree murder after police found Sonia Garcia, 27, also a New York Police Department officer, shot to death in the bedroom of their Bay Shore home last year. The maximum penalty for second-degree murder is 25 years to life in prison. Chaparro pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter.
Members of Garcia's family reacted angrily to what they called a lenient sentence, some weeping audibly in court, others shaking their heads or clutching their hair. At one point, the victim's brother Ramon Hernandez, 32, shouted expletives and lunged at Chaparro until a scrum of family members and court officers hustled him out the door.
This came shortly after Chaparro admitted that after being roused from sleep on the fatal night, he pulled his service pistol from beneath his pillow and fired it.
"What did you fire it at?" Assistant District Attorney Janet Albertson asked him.
"A shadow," Chaparro said.
Albertson then asked if he discovered that he'd just shot his fiancee.
"Yes," Chaparro murmured.
Outside court, Garcia's sister, Evelyn Hernandez, 26, of Park Slope, said Chaparro "basically got away with murder."
Hernandez said she now believes Chaparro killed Garcia because she discovered he was in the midst of a homosexual love affair.
"My sister walked in on him with another man," Hernandez said. "That's why she's dead."
But Albertson said police found no indication this was true. "After three months of investigation, there is no evidence to support that scenario," she said outside court.
Chaparro's lawyer, William Keahon of Islandia, declined to comment outside court. Keahon has consistently argued that his client only remembers falling asleep the night his fiancee was shot and killed, and that he had worried about burglars entering their home in the days leading up to her death.
Albertson called the plea deal the best the district attorney's office could do considering the shifting legal definition of the specific charge handed up by the grand jury, second-degree murder by depraved indifference.
Early in the case, the district attorney's office had presented two charges to the grand jury: intentional murder and depraved indifference murder. It indicted Chaparro only on the depraved indifference charge, accusing him of acting with such reckless disregard for human life that he merited the same blame as a person who'd acted intentionally.
It was a hard charge to prove given the facts of the case, Albertson said, and so "both sides gave up something to get something."
Alexis Chaparro, 28, had initially been charged with second-degree murder after police found Sonia Garcia, 27, also a New York Police Department officer, shot to death in the bedroom of their Bay Shore home last year. The maximum penalty for second-degree murder is 25 years to life in prison. Chaparro pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter.
Members of Garcia's family reacted angrily to what they called a lenient sentence, some weeping audibly in court, others shaking their heads or clutching their hair. At one point, the victim's brother Ramon Hernandez, 32, shouted expletives and lunged at Chaparro until a scrum of family members and court officers hustled him out the door.
This came shortly after Chaparro admitted that after being roused from sleep on the fatal night, he pulled his service pistol from beneath his pillow and fired it.
"What did you fire it at?" Assistant District Attorney Janet Albertson asked him.
"A shadow," Chaparro said.
Albertson then asked if he discovered that he'd just shot his fiancee.
"Yes," Chaparro murmured.
Outside court, Garcia's sister, Evelyn Hernandez, 26, of Park Slope, said Chaparro "basically got away with murder."
Hernandez said she now believes Chaparro killed Garcia because she discovered he was in the midst of a homosexual love affair.
"My sister walked in on him with another man," Hernandez said. "That's why she's dead."
But Albertson said police found no indication this was true. "After three months of investigation, there is no evidence to support that scenario," she said outside court.
Chaparro's lawyer, William Keahon of Islandia, declined to comment outside court. Keahon has consistently argued that his client only remembers falling asleep the night his fiancee was shot and killed, and that he had worried about burglars entering their home in the days leading up to her death.
Albertson called the plea deal the best the district attorney's office could do considering the shifting legal definition of the specific charge handed up by the grand jury, second-degree murder by depraved indifference.
Early in the case, the district attorney's office had presented two charges to the grand jury: intentional murder and depraved indifference murder. It indicted Chaparro only on the depraved indifference charge, accusing him of acting with such reckless disregard for human life that he merited the same blame as a person who'd acted intentionally.
It was a hard charge to prove given the facts of the case, Albertson said, and so "both sides gave up something to get something."
Officer Ryan Warme Could Face Death Penalty for Raping 2 Women
A Niagara Falls police officer could face the death penalty if he's convicted of raping two women and violating their civil rights. Officer Ryan Warme entered a not guilty plea in U.S. District Court in downtown Buffalo Wednesday afternoon. He's charged with intentionally violating the civil rights of two women by sexually assaulting them, cocaine trafficking, and carrying a firearm in relation to one of the civil rights violations and the cocaine trafficking violation.
Authorities say the 27-year-old Warme, who joined the Niagara Falls police force in August 2005, committed many of his crimes while on duty. "I'd like to assure everyone, especially the citizens of Niagara Falls, that the actions of Mr. Ryan Warme were the actions of one individual and we have absolutely no facts to dispute that," says Niagara Falls Chief of Police John Chella.
Top officials in the NFPD were first tipped off to alleged misdeeds by Officer Warme a couple of years ago when a woman called to complain about him, but they say they didn't have enough evidence to pursue charges at the time. By July of this year though the complaints against Warme were piling up and Niagara Falls police enlisted the help of federal officers. Their investigation led to the arrest of Warme last night without incident at his Ninth Street home in the Falls.
"The one thing I really want to get out there is his actions may be shocking to the conscious of most people but I think what people need to take into consideration is the rest of the men and women of this department did not cover for him," says Det. Lt. Kelly Rizzo, NFPD.
The criminal complaint against Warme filed in U.S. District Court alleges Warme told one of the rape victims: "If she ever told anyone he would take her to the "res" (Indian reservation) and shoot her". He also allegedly told the victims his father was a police captain and no one would believe that he raped them. Gordon Warme was a decorated captain who served in the NFPD for many years and retired a few years ago. "In no way should the unacceptable behavior of Ryan Warme reflect on the fine career Captain Warme had," says Chief Chella, "I would hope that the public would not judge the father for the sins of the son."
Authorities think there could be other victims of Ryan Warme and they want victims to know it is safe to call Niagara Falls police and report a crime.
Watch the story
More Information: http://www.buffalonews.com/home/story/512028.html
Sgt. Andy Cody Charged with Simple Assault
Weaverville Police Sergeant Andy Cody, 38, has resigned after he was charged with simple assault. Madison County deputies responded to a disturbance at his home around 4 am, Tuesday.
Officer Cody and Angela Tweed, 38, living together, unmarried at the residence, were involved in a domestic altercation. After Officer Cody’s release from jail, he obtained a domestic violence protection order against Tweed.
In a statement Cody stated that Tweed hit him in the head, face, and made threats of violence.
Officer Cody has been a Weaverville officer since 2002.
*************************
On 12/12/08 Officer Andy Cody,took his own life rather than face the allegations against him.
15 Officers Charged with Conspiracy and other Criminal Activities
CHICAGO
Duffel bags stuffed with cocaine were delivered by plane to an out-of-the-way suburban airport while two sheriff's officers provided security. A police officer stood by to guard the cash and keep out the riffraff at a poker game where $100,000 changed hands. And a drug dealer was told squad cars marked "sheriff" and "sheriff's police" might be available on a "freelance" basis to provide protection for his deliveries.
Such tales of law enforcement gone awry emerged in court papers Tuesday as federal prosecutors unveiled a series of elaborate sting operations aimed at officers who hired out to ride shotgun for drug deals and other criminal activities.
Fifteen officers and two other men who had pretended to be law enforcement officers were charged with conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine or heroin or both.
But the most spectacular pretending was done by the federal agents themselves.
The pilots of the airplane were not drug runners but undercover agents. So were the gamblers who busily played hand after hand of high-stakes poker — all for show.
The drug broker who squired the officers to the airport to pick up the duffel bags was an agent. So was the drug dealer who stuffed the bags into his Mercedes-Benz.
U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald said he was dismayed to find that so many law enforcement officers had "sold out their badge."
"When drug dealers deal drugs, they ought to be afraid of the police — not turn to them for help," Fitzgerald said at a news conference.
Officials paid homage to an unnamed FBI agent who moved into a business in Harvey more than a year ago and set up shop as a drug broker. He soon attracted the attention of police and the corruption grew, authorities said.
They said the agent was sent in undercover because there had been reports of police corruption over the last several years in southern Cook County, including the Harvey police department. An investigation into allegations of robbery, extortion, narcotics offenses and weapons distribution is ongoing, officials said.
Those charged include 10 Cook County sheriff's correctional officers, four Harvey police officers and one Chicago police officer.
Of the 17 defendants, 14 were arrested or surrendered Tuesday and were being immediately brought before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Mason. Two sheriff's officers are on active duty with Army National Guard units in Afghanistan, and warrants were issued for their arrest.
If convicted of conspiracy to possess and distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine or one kilogram of heroin, the defendants would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life. The maximum fine would be $4 million.
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart called the alleged behavior "absolutely reprehensible."
"The responsibility of watching over jail inmates is an important one and it's a shame these men didn't take that responsibility more seriously," he said in a statement.
Each of those charged has been suspended with pay pending a hearing next week, Dart said. "That step will then lead to a request for termination," he said.
Duffel bags stuffed with cocaine were delivered by plane to an out-of-the-way suburban airport while two sheriff's officers provided security. A police officer stood by to guard the cash and keep out the riffraff at a poker game where $100,000 changed hands. And a drug dealer was told squad cars marked "sheriff" and "sheriff's police" might be available on a "freelance" basis to provide protection for his deliveries.
Such tales of law enforcement gone awry emerged in court papers Tuesday as federal prosecutors unveiled a series of elaborate sting operations aimed at officers who hired out to ride shotgun for drug deals and other criminal activities.
Fifteen officers and two other men who had pretended to be law enforcement officers were charged with conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine or heroin or both.
But the most spectacular pretending was done by the federal agents themselves.
The pilots of the airplane were not drug runners but undercover agents. So were the gamblers who busily played hand after hand of high-stakes poker — all for show.
The drug broker who squired the officers to the airport to pick up the duffel bags was an agent. So was the drug dealer who stuffed the bags into his Mercedes-Benz.
U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald said he was dismayed to find that so many law enforcement officers had "sold out their badge."
"When drug dealers deal drugs, they ought to be afraid of the police — not turn to them for help," Fitzgerald said at a news conference.
Officials paid homage to an unnamed FBI agent who moved into a business in Harvey more than a year ago and set up shop as a drug broker. He soon attracted the attention of police and the corruption grew, authorities said.
They said the agent was sent in undercover because there had been reports of police corruption over the last several years in southern Cook County, including the Harvey police department. An investigation into allegations of robbery, extortion, narcotics offenses and weapons distribution is ongoing, officials said.
Those charged include 10 Cook County sheriff's correctional officers, four Harvey police officers and one Chicago police officer.
Of the 17 defendants, 14 were arrested or surrendered Tuesday and were being immediately brought before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Mason. Two sheriff's officers are on active duty with Army National Guard units in Afghanistan, and warrants were issued for their arrest.
If convicted of conspiracy to possess and distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine or one kilogram of heroin, the defendants would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life. The maximum fine would be $4 million.
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart called the alleged behavior "absolutely reprehensible."
"The responsibility of watching over jail inmates is an important one and it's a shame these men didn't take that responsibility more seriously," he said in a statement.
Each of those charged has been suspended with pay pending a hearing next week, Dart said. "That step will then lead to a request for termination," he said.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
911 Dispatcher Melissa Sharkey Arrested for Grand Theft
A 911 dispatch supervisor was arrested for grand theft after investigators determined she falsified her time sheets over the course of about a year to receive $1,872 more pay than she should have.
Melissa Leigh Sharkey of Jacksonville was arrested Monday, two weeks after an internal investigation into her time records was complete.
"During the investigation, ... Sharkey's signed time sheets were reviewed and compared against her actual computer-generated log in and log out times for the last year," said Nassau County Sheriff Tommy Seagraves. "Upon careful review of these documents, it revealed 42 discrepancies from Sept. 11, 2007 through Nov. 1, 2008."
Seagraves said most of the discrepancies caused Sharkey to get overtime pay she was not entitled to.
"When tabulating the monetary value received, through the fraudulently obtained hours, it was revealed that the amount totaled $1,872.11," Seagraves said.
The results of the Nassau County Sheriff's Office internal investigation were given to the State Attorney's Office and a warrant for Sharkey's arrest was issued on the charge of grand theft.
Sharkey has been released from jail on $2,002 bond.
Melissa Leigh Sharkey of Jacksonville was arrested Monday, two weeks after an internal investigation into her time records was complete.
"During the investigation, ... Sharkey's signed time sheets were reviewed and compared against her actual computer-generated log in and log out times for the last year," said Nassau County Sheriff Tommy Seagraves. "Upon careful review of these documents, it revealed 42 discrepancies from Sept. 11, 2007 through Nov. 1, 2008."
Seagraves said most of the discrepancies caused Sharkey to get overtime pay she was not entitled to.
"When tabulating the monetary value received, through the fraudulently obtained hours, it was revealed that the amount totaled $1,872.11," Seagraves said.
The results of the Nassau County Sheriff's Office internal investigation were given to the State Attorney's Office and a warrant for Sharkey's arrest was issued on the charge of grand theft.
Sharkey has been released from jail on $2,002 bond.
Former Officer Michael Johnson Charged with Raping Woman
The president of a York County township's board of commissioners — a former police officer and Army veteran — was arrested after a two-hour standoff at his home Monday and charged with raping a woman in Baltimore last month, police said.
Michael L. Johnson Jr., 40, of Hanover in southwestern York County, Pa., is accused of posing as a police officer and picking up a 21-year-old woman in the Baltimore Highlands area of Southeast Baltimore on Nov. 2.
He allegedly told her he was arresting her for prostitution as part of a sting operation and handcuffed her to the back seat of his minivan, which had its windows covered with sheets. Police allege in charging documents that he then drove her to an industrial area in the rear of the 4400 block of E. Monument St. and offered to let her go if she had sex with him.
"She said that she thought he was a police officer, so she complied with his demands," said Agent Donny Moses, a spokesman for the Baltimore Police Department.
Police said that after the assault, Johnson drove the woman around, offering to pay her and provide her help in her personal life, then pushed her out of the vehicle behind Sherrie's Show Bar and Lounge, a strip club in the 3700 block of Pulaski Highway.
The victim, who told police that she had been buying heroin when Johnson picked her up, gave investigators a license plate number and a description of the silver van, including a sticker on the back windshield that read "Fort Benning." She later identified him in a photo lineup, according to records.
A law enforcement source said the van did not belong to Johnson but had been loaned to him by a family friend of he and his wife.
Members of Baltimore's Warrant Apprehension Task Force, along with Pennsylvania State Police, arrested Johnson at his home in Hanover, Pa., after a two-hour standoff, Moses said. He was taken to the York County Prison, where he was being held on $100,000 bond on a fugitive warrant pending a hearing on his extradition to Baltimore on charges of first-degree rape, sexual assault, kidnapping and false imprisonment.
Johnson, a Republican, finished last among four candidates against Rep. Todd R. Platts in 2002, and he was described in news reports as a former champion kick boxer and Army infantryman. He worked for the York Police Department for four years and was a small-business owner. He has two young children.
He retired from the York Police Department in 1999 after his wrist was slashed during an arrest, according to a report in the Hanover Evening Sun. He was on disability and unable to use his right arm for almost two years but in 2002 told the newspaper that he had recovered and was looking to get back into police work.
Johnson was elected to the board of commissioners in Penn Township, a community of about 15,000 people, in 2000. In January, he became president of the board, and he also chairs the Public Safety Committee. As township commissioner, Johnson's duties include overseeing the local police department.
More Information: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iUtusppZVRCkKFkQo_DLd2gPC_5wD94QU2500
Officer Alberto Perez Arrested for Extortion
AVON PARK
Alberto Perez, 33, who has been an officer with the Avon Park Police Department since July 2007, has been arrested for extortion.
The Tuesday evening arrest comes on the heels of a lengthy investigation of complaints about police misconduct.
It started in June 2008 in reference to complaints that APPD officers were stealing from citizens, namely those of a Hispanic background.
The first arrest was of Adam Willis, 31, on Nov. 19.
An undercover operation with a vehicle made to look like it was abandoned on the side of the road allegedly caught Willis stealing money from the car and not making any attempts to locate the owner.
When he was arrested, he still had $40 of the marked bills in his pocket, arrest reports said.
Since Willis's arrest, Perez was put on paid administrative leave.
The two officers worked the same shift, and were commended for their actions early in November at an Avon Park City Council meeting for thwarting an alleged robbery in progress.
The two men noticed the suspicious activity behind All Star Video along the 1500 block of U.S. 27 and their efforts resulted in the arrest of three suspects.
At this time any other affiliations between the two men are unknown.
According to Patrica Austin with the Avon Park chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens, she fielded complaints of extortion that made her "furious."
They included citizens paying the officers between $200 and $300 to avoid being written a ticket.
Officials from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which organized the Willis investigation and undercover operation, would not comment on the allegations of money for tickets.
More Information: http://www2.highlandstoday.com/content/2008/dec/03/Second_AP_Police_Officer_Arrested/
Alberto Perez, 33, who has been an officer with the Avon Park Police Department since July 2007, has been arrested for extortion.
The Tuesday evening arrest comes on the heels of a lengthy investigation of complaints about police misconduct.
It started in June 2008 in reference to complaints that APPD officers were stealing from citizens, namely those of a Hispanic background.
The first arrest was of Adam Willis, 31, on Nov. 19.
An undercover operation with a vehicle made to look like it was abandoned on the side of the road allegedly caught Willis stealing money from the car and not making any attempts to locate the owner.
When he was arrested, he still had $40 of the marked bills in his pocket, arrest reports said.
Since Willis's arrest, Perez was put on paid administrative leave.
The two officers worked the same shift, and were commended for their actions early in November at an Avon Park City Council meeting for thwarting an alleged robbery in progress.
The two men noticed the suspicious activity behind All Star Video along the 1500 block of U.S. 27 and their efforts resulted in the arrest of three suspects.
At this time any other affiliations between the two men are unknown.
According to Patrica Austin with the Avon Park chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens, she fielded complaints of extortion that made her "furious."
They included citizens paying the officers between $200 and $300 to avoid being written a ticket.
Officials from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which organized the Willis investigation and undercover operation, would not comment on the allegations of money for tickets.
More Information: http://www2.highlandstoday.com/content/2008/dec/03/Second_AP_Police_Officer_Arrested/
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