FULLERTON, Calif.
A Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy has pleaded not guilty to groping a 15-year-old girl as her dying father was in the hospital.
James Doyle, 45, of Long Beach, entered the plea Wednesday in an Orange County courtroom to a felony count of committing a lewd act on a child. He faces up to three years in prison if convicted.
Doyle, who works as a courtroom bailiff, is free on bail.
Doyle had taken his friend's two daughters out to eat while the man was hospitalized in June. Prosecutors say while driving the girls home, Doyle reached under the 15-year-old's shirt and grabbed her breast.
Authorities say the girl's mother learned of the alleged incident a week later but delayed reporting it to Brea police until after the father died in September.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Riots and Looting Erupt After Police Kill Schoolboy
ATHENS:
Riots and looting erupted across Athens yesterday as the Greek Government confronted a sixth day of violent protests over the police killing of a schoolboy.
Demonstrators clashed with security forces outside the country's biggest prison and a university in central Athens, and police said groups of youths were looting shops in various districts. Others blocked main roads.
More demonstrations were expected in Athens last night.
The unrest continued as a police officer appeared in court to be charged with voluntary homicide over the killing of a teenager that sparked nationwide riots.
Epaminondas Korkoneas, 37, has also been charged with the "illegal use" of his service weapon over the killing of Alexis Grigoropoulos, 15, and was ordered by a magistrate to remain in custody. The officer's partner, Vassilios Saraliotis, 31, was charged with being an accomplice and will remain in custody.
Korkoneas is alleged to have killed Alexis on Saturday during a clash with about 30 youths in the Athens district of Exarchia.
Questioned by a magistrate, Korkoneas said he acted out of self-defence when the group began throwing firebombs and other objects while shouting that they "were going to kill them".
Opposition to the Government's conservative fiscal policies and plans to privatise hospitals and schools is unlikely to fade soon. A poll for the newspaper Kathimerini found 68 per cent of Greeks believed the Government had mishandled the crisis, including about half of respondents who voted for the right-wing New Democracy party of the Prime Minister, Costas Karamanlis, in elections last year.
Agence France-Presse; Guardian News & Media; Telegraph, London
Riots and looting erupted across Athens yesterday as the Greek Government confronted a sixth day of violent protests over the police killing of a schoolboy.
Demonstrators clashed with security forces outside the country's biggest prison and a university in central Athens, and police said groups of youths were looting shops in various districts. Others blocked main roads.
More demonstrations were expected in Athens last night.
The unrest continued as a police officer appeared in court to be charged with voluntary homicide over the killing of a teenager that sparked nationwide riots.
Epaminondas Korkoneas, 37, has also been charged with the "illegal use" of his service weapon over the killing of Alexis Grigoropoulos, 15, and was ordered by a magistrate to remain in custody. The officer's partner, Vassilios Saraliotis, 31, was charged with being an accomplice and will remain in custody.
Korkoneas is alleged to have killed Alexis on Saturday during a clash with about 30 youths in the Athens district of Exarchia.
Questioned by a magistrate, Korkoneas said he acted out of self-defence when the group began throwing firebombs and other objects while shouting that they "were going to kill them".
Opposition to the Government's conservative fiscal policies and plans to privatise hospitals and schools is unlikely to fade soon. A poll for the newspaper Kathimerini found 68 per cent of Greeks believed the Government had mishandled the crisis, including about half of respondents who voted for the right-wing New Democracy party of the Prime Minister, Costas Karamanlis, in elections last year.
Agence France-Presse; Guardian News & Media; Telegraph, London
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Officer Dan Davis Arrested for Drunk Driving
ELM GROVE, Wis.
A 25-year-veteran of the Milwaukee Police Department is facing a drunken driving charge after his weekend arrest.
Elm Grove officers arrested Officer Dan Davis after finding him inside his car in a ditch on Friday night.
Davis was off duty at the time but he had his holster and gun with him when he ran off the road. That could lead to a criminal charge in the case.
The officers found Davis along Watertown Plank and Verdant Drive at about 2:30 a.m. Friday.
Police said that Davis had apparently been outside the vehicle trying to get it out of the ditch but then got back inside his car.
After officers got him out of the car, they saw he was wearing an empty holster. That’s when they said he explained that he was a Milwaukee officer.
The officers allegedly found his service gun in the snow.
Elm Grove police said he failed field sobriety tests and was arrested on charges of drunken driving.
A blood sample was taken but the results aren’t back yet.
Elm Grove Police Chief Jim Gage told WISN that Davis made no attempt to use his position as an officer to talk his way out of being arrested.
A 25-year-veteran of the Milwaukee Police Department is facing a drunken driving charge after his weekend arrest.
Elm Grove officers arrested Officer Dan Davis after finding him inside his car in a ditch on Friday night.
Davis was off duty at the time but he had his holster and gun with him when he ran off the road. That could lead to a criminal charge in the case.
The officers found Davis along Watertown Plank and Verdant Drive at about 2:30 a.m. Friday.
Police said that Davis had apparently been outside the vehicle trying to get it out of the ditch but then got back inside his car.
After officers got him out of the car, they saw he was wearing an empty holster. That’s when they said he explained that he was a Milwaukee officer.
The officers allegedly found his service gun in the snow.
Elm Grove police said he failed field sobriety tests and was arrested on charges of drunken driving.
A blood sample was taken but the results aren’t back yet.
Elm Grove Police Chief Jim Gage told WISN that Davis made no attempt to use his position as an officer to talk his way out of being arrested.
Sgt. Justin Vitrano Accused of Battery
New Orleans Police Sgt. Justin Vitrano was issued a summons Tuesday alleging one count of simple battery after Vitrano, in a marked police vehicle and in uniform, hit a 19-year-old boy in Metairie, authorities said.
"We have no motive (so far), " said Col. John Fortunato, spokesman for the Sheriff's Office. "He got out of his car and began striking the 19-year-old."
The incident occurred about 3 p.m. in the 3600 block of Cypress Street, he said.
The boy, Steven Fayia, refused medical attention, authorities said.
"The New Orleans Police Department is cooperating fully with the investigation and Vitrano, if deemed necessary, will be reassigned during the investigation, " said Officer Janssen Valencia.
More Information: http://www.wwltv.com/topstories/stories/wwl120908tpbeat.49f0efe2.html
"We have no motive (so far), " said Col. John Fortunato, spokesman for the Sheriff's Office. "He got out of his car and began striking the 19-year-old."
The incident occurred about 3 p.m. in the 3600 block of Cypress Street, he said.
The boy, Steven Fayia, refused medical attention, authorities said.
"The New Orleans Police Department is cooperating fully with the investigation and Vitrano, if deemed necessary, will be reassigned during the investigation, " said Officer Janssen Valencia.
More Information: http://www.wwltv.com/topstories/stories/wwl120908tpbeat.49f0efe2.html
Former Officer Johnny Seay Arrested for Beating Woman and Keeping her Prisoner
EAST FALMOUTH
A former local police officer was arrested Monday after he allegedly beat a woman and kept her prisoner inside his house, the police said.
At 11:24 a.m. Monday, a woman told Falmouth police she had been assaulted and locked away inside a Gonsalves Lane house for five hours. Johnny Seay, 65, was arrested at his home Monday and arraigned yesterday in Falmouth District Court.
Police said the woman showed signs of physical abuse but was not taken to the hospital. She also told police Seay threatened to kill her if she reported him.
It is not known how she escaped the house, police said.
Seay left the police department in 1978 on disability, according to the Times archives.
Seay faces multiple charges, including assault and battery, kidnapping, intimidating a witness and threatening to commit a crime (murder), according court records.
He was released without having to post bail and the court ordered him to stay away from the alleged victim. He faces a pretrial hearing Dec. 11.
A former local police officer was arrested Monday after he allegedly beat a woman and kept her prisoner inside his house, the police said.
At 11:24 a.m. Monday, a woman told Falmouth police she had been assaulted and locked away inside a Gonsalves Lane house for five hours. Johnny Seay, 65, was arrested at his home Monday and arraigned yesterday in Falmouth District Court.
Police said the woman showed signs of physical abuse but was not taken to the hospital. She also told police Seay threatened to kill her if she reported him.
It is not known how she escaped the house, police said.
Seay left the police department in 1978 on disability, according to the Times archives.
Seay faces multiple charges, including assault and battery, kidnapping, intimidating a witness and threatening to commit a crime (murder), according court records.
He was released without having to post bail and the court ordered him to stay away from the alleged victim. He faces a pretrial hearing Dec. 11.
Corrections Officer Alan Welch Arrested for DWI
BONITA SPRINGS
A Lee County corrections officer arrested on a driving while intoxicated charge asked the highway trooper making the arrest to show some “professional courtesy” during the stop, according to the arrest report.
Alan George Welch, 47, was pulled over early last Thursday morning when an Interstate 75 driver complained his silver truck was moving erratically near mile marker 118 in the northbound lane, the report says.
Florida Highway Patrol officer Robert Ellis made the stop near the 136 mile marker.
The following is according to Ellis’ report:
As Ellis approached Welch’s truck, the corrections officer showed his Sheriff’s Office badge. Ellis asked if he had a gun, and he removed it from the truck.
Welch told Ellis he was coming from the Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Track in Bonita, where a combination of two beers, an empty stomach and pills for arthritis left him out of sorts.
He failed several coordination tests and blew a .173 on a breathalyzer test 90 minutes after being pulled over.
The corrections officer told Ellis the stop would ruin Welch’s 20-year law enforcement career and that the trooper didn’t understand what he was doing. At one point he asked for “professional courtesy” from Ellis, although the word “courtesy” was misspelled in the report.
“The defendant continued to say how I ruined his 20 years and that he did nothing wrong,” Ellis wrote in the report. “He said I didn’t understand.”
Welch, who has been employed by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office since February 2006, was a corrections officer at the Ortiz campus of the Lee County jail, where his responsibilities included guarding and moving inmates, jail commander Capt. Tom Eberhardt said. It’s unclear where he was earlier in his career.
Welch’s firearm, badge, ammunition, department jacket and department identification were turned over to Sheriff’s Office deputies on the night of the arrest.
Following his arrest, Welch was briefly held in the downtown jail before being released on bond, Eberhardt said.
He was placed on administrative leave, Sheriff’s Office John Sheehan said the day after the arrest.
A Lee County corrections officer arrested on a driving while intoxicated charge asked the highway trooper making the arrest to show some “professional courtesy” during the stop, according to the arrest report.
Alan George Welch, 47, was pulled over early last Thursday morning when an Interstate 75 driver complained his silver truck was moving erratically near mile marker 118 in the northbound lane, the report says.
Florida Highway Patrol officer Robert Ellis made the stop near the 136 mile marker.
The following is according to Ellis’ report:
As Ellis approached Welch’s truck, the corrections officer showed his Sheriff’s Office badge. Ellis asked if he had a gun, and he removed it from the truck.
Welch told Ellis he was coming from the Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Track in Bonita, where a combination of two beers, an empty stomach and pills for arthritis left him out of sorts.
He failed several coordination tests and blew a .173 on a breathalyzer test 90 minutes after being pulled over.
The corrections officer told Ellis the stop would ruin Welch’s 20-year law enforcement career and that the trooper didn’t understand what he was doing. At one point he asked for “professional courtesy” from Ellis, although the word “courtesy” was misspelled in the report.
“The defendant continued to say how I ruined his 20 years and that he did nothing wrong,” Ellis wrote in the report. “He said I didn’t understand.”
Welch, who has been employed by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office since February 2006, was a corrections officer at the Ortiz campus of the Lee County jail, where his responsibilities included guarding and moving inmates, jail commander Capt. Tom Eberhardt said. It’s unclear where he was earlier in his career.
Welch’s firearm, badge, ammunition, department jacket and department identification were turned over to Sheriff’s Office deputies on the night of the arrest.
Following his arrest, Welch was briefly held in the downtown jail before being released on bond, Eberhardt said.
He was placed on administrative leave, Sheriff’s Office John Sheehan said the day after the arrest.
Former Sheriff Von Thompson Turns Himself in for Swindling 91-year-old
Former Kanabec County Sheriff Von Thompson, who has been charged with four felonies and has eluded local police for more than a week, turned himself in to the county sheriff on Tuesday.
Thompson was charged in October with swindling a 91-year-old man of more than $179,000. After being judged a "low flight risk," the judge rejected a county prosecutor's request that bail be set for $25,000 and released Thompson on his own recognizance.
But on Nov. 26, a warrant for his arrest was issued after he violated terms of his release by allegedly continuing to solicit money from people. The judge recommended that bail be set at $20,000. Mora police, however, said last week that they were unable to find Thompson to arrest him.
After media reports about him being a fugitive, Thompson turned himself in early Tuesday after contacting a Kanabec County sheriff's investigator, Sheriff Steve Schulz said. "It's the first time any of my deputies saw him" since a warrant was issued, Schulz said.
Mora Police Chief Chris Olson could not be reached for comment.
Kanabec County Attorney Amy Brosnahan said her office requested bail be set at $20,000 as recommended last week but the judge set it at $10,000 instead during a hearing in Pine County. Brosnahan declined to comment further about the case.
Schulz said Thompson posted the bail later in the day and was released from jail.
Thompson's next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 16.
Thompson was charged in October with swindling a 91-year-old man of more than $179,000. After being judged a "low flight risk," the judge rejected a county prosecutor's request that bail be set for $25,000 and released Thompson on his own recognizance.
But on Nov. 26, a warrant for his arrest was issued after he violated terms of his release by allegedly continuing to solicit money from people. The judge recommended that bail be set at $20,000. Mora police, however, said last week that they were unable to find Thompson to arrest him.
After media reports about him being a fugitive, Thompson turned himself in early Tuesday after contacting a Kanabec County sheriff's investigator, Sheriff Steve Schulz said. "It's the first time any of my deputies saw him" since a warrant was issued, Schulz said.
Mora Police Chief Chris Olson could not be reached for comment.
Kanabec County Attorney Amy Brosnahan said her office requested bail be set at $20,000 as recommended last week but the judge set it at $10,000 instead during a hearing in Pine County. Brosnahan declined to comment further about the case.
Schulz said Thompson posted the bail later in the day and was released from jail.
Thompson's next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 16.
Former Officer Michael Johnson Jr Wanted for Rape
The Maryland State Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Michael Lawrence Johnson Jr., a fugitive from York, Pa. who is believed to be in the Westminster area.
Johnson, 40, is wanted for numerous charges including rape, assault and impersonating a public official, according to a police statement.
Police believe he is operating a 2006 blue Chevrolet Cobalt four door, bearing Pennsylvania registration number: MB11785.
He is described as being six feet tall, weighing 225 pounds with brown hair and green eyes.
Johnson is a former police officer in York, Pa., and authorities consider him armed and dangerous, police stated.
Johnson, 40, is wanted for numerous charges including rape, assault and impersonating a public official, according to a police statement.
Police believe he is operating a 2006 blue Chevrolet Cobalt four door, bearing Pennsylvania registration number: MB11785.
He is described as being six feet tall, weighing 225 pounds with brown hair and green eyes.
Johnson is a former police officer in York, Pa., and authorities consider him armed and dangerous, police stated.
More Information: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-suspect1210,0,2339687.story
Anyone coming in contact with Johnson should not attempt to apprehend him but should call the Maryland State Police at 410-386-3000.
Anyone coming in contact with Johnson should not attempt to apprehend him but should call the Maryland State Police at 410-386-3000.
Officer Dan Jacob Davis Arrested for OWI
ELM GROVE
An off-duty Milwaukee police officer was arrested Friday for operating while intoxicated in the village, and a criminal investigation continues into allegations his gun fell from his holster while he searched for identification following a one-car accident.
Dan Jacob Davis, 51, of Milwaukee, was arrested around 2:30 a.m. Friday in the area of Watertown Plank Road and Verdant Drive. Elm Grove police officers came upon a car driven by Davis that was in a ditch, said Elm Grove Police Chief Jim Gage.
Gage said a gun fell out of Davis’ holster when police officers were searching for identification. At that point, Davis identified himself as a Milwaukee police officer, Gage said.
The gun was later found outside the vehicle where it fell in the snow, according to preliminary Elm Grove police reports.
For full story, go to the electronic version of The Freeman. Click here to access the electronic version.
An off-duty Milwaukee police officer was arrested Friday for operating while intoxicated in the village, and a criminal investigation continues into allegations his gun fell from his holster while he searched for identification following a one-car accident.
Dan Jacob Davis, 51, of Milwaukee, was arrested around 2:30 a.m. Friday in the area of Watertown Plank Road and Verdant Drive. Elm Grove police officers came upon a car driven by Davis that was in a ditch, said Elm Grove Police Chief Jim Gage.
Gage said a gun fell out of Davis’ holster when police officers were searching for identification. At that point, Davis identified himself as a Milwaukee police officer, Gage said.
The gun was later found outside the vehicle where it fell in the snow, according to preliminary Elm Grove police reports.
For full story, go to the electronic version of The Freeman. Click here to access the electronic version.
Officer David Stevens Charged with Sexual Assault
A police officer has been charged with sexual assault at a Christmas party in an Elstree hotel.
The assault is alleged to have happened at a staff party at the Corus Hotel Elstree, in Edgwarebury Lane, off Barnet Lane, in the early hours of Friday morning.
The alleged victim is a man from London. David Stevens, 36, from Highgate, north London, has been bailed to appear before St Albans Magistrates Court on December 19 charged with sexual assault.
A spokesman for the hotel confirmed a party took place on Thursday evening. He added: “I am not able to give any more information on this matter.”
The assault is alleged to have happened at a staff party at the Corus Hotel Elstree, in Edgwarebury Lane, off Barnet Lane, in the early hours of Friday morning.
The alleged victim is a man from London. David Stevens, 36, from Highgate, north London, has been bailed to appear before St Albans Magistrates Court on December 19 charged with sexual assault.
A spokesman for the hotel confirmed a party took place on Thursday evening. He added: “I am not able to give any more information on this matter.”
Monday, December 08, 2008
Officer Bradley Weimer Arrested for DUI
Muncie
A Muncie police officer was arrested on drunk driving charges.
State police stopped Bradley Weimer for speeding early Saturday morning. Police say the trooper smelled alcohol and said Weimer had bloodshot and glassy eyes.
According to jail records Weimer refused a field sobriety test.
Weimer is a 14-year veteran with Muncie police. The deputy chief described Weimer as a good officer and said no official action has been taken.
More Information: http://www.thestarpress.com/article/20081208/NEWS06/81208014/1002/NEWS01
A Muncie police officer was arrested on drunk driving charges.
State police stopped Bradley Weimer for speeding early Saturday morning. Police say the trooper smelled alcohol and said Weimer had bloodshot and glassy eyes.
According to jail records Weimer refused a field sobriety test.
Weimer is a 14-year veteran with Muncie police. The deputy chief described Weimer as a good officer and said no official action has been taken.
More Information: http://www.thestarpress.com/article/20081208/NEWS06/81208014/1002/NEWS01
Former Deputy Roger Hall Arrested for Hiring Man to Kill Former Sheriff
HARLAN, Ky.
A former deputy has been arrested for complicity in the 2002 slaying of a former Harlan County sheriff who was attempting a political comeback in the Kentucky mountains.
Kentucky State Police spokesman Walt Meachum says Roger Hall of Benham was taken into custody Monday for allegedly paying a man to kill former Harlan County Sheriff Paul Browning Jr.
A statement from state police says Hall was charged with complicity to murder and complicity to drug trafficking. Bail was set at $1 million.
The 41-year-old Hall was a deputy when Browning disappeared while campaigning for election. Browning was later found shot in the head and burned inside his pickup truck along a mountain road.
Harlan County Circuit Court Chief Deputy Clerk Barbara Arvin said paperwork hasn't yet been filed that shows who Hall's attorney is. Hall was represented previously by London attorney Warren Scoville. But Scoville said Monday afternoon that he no longer represents Hall.
A former deputy has been arrested for complicity in the 2002 slaying of a former Harlan County sheriff who was attempting a political comeback in the Kentucky mountains.
Kentucky State Police spokesman Walt Meachum says Roger Hall of Benham was taken into custody Monday for allegedly paying a man to kill former Harlan County Sheriff Paul Browning Jr.
A statement from state police says Hall was charged with complicity to murder and complicity to drug trafficking. Bail was set at $1 million.
The 41-year-old Hall was a deputy when Browning disappeared while campaigning for election. Browning was later found shot in the head and burned inside his pickup truck along a mountain road.
Harlan County Circuit Court Chief Deputy Clerk Barbara Arvin said paperwork hasn't yet been filed that shows who Hall's attorney is. Hall was represented previously by London attorney Warren Scoville. But Scoville said Monday afternoon that he no longer represents Hall.
Officer Accused of Raping Daughter Still on Duty
A Cape Town police detective captain accused of raping his teenage daughter is still on the beat investigating criminal cases pending his court case.
Sources within the Kuils River Community Policing Forum (CPF) said the forum was outraged that the policeman has not been suspended.
The 45-year-old detective is the third officer accused of rape at the same Cape-based police station.
The first two - one a police constable and the other a student constable - were suspended about three months ago after they were charged with raping a woman while on duty.
Sources close to the police said that the detective captain had not been suspended because he was not in uniform at the time of the incident.
The detective, who cannot be named until he has pleaded, was charged with rape in September.
Police sources said the charge sheet showed that the detective went to his home on September 3 where he confronted his daughter.
"The charge sheet said he then forced his daughter to have sex with him against her will. He also penetrated her with his fingers," a source at the police station said.
The accused, who at the time was a detective captain at another police station - has since been transferred to another police station due to a shortage of skills, said provincial police spokesperson Superintendent Billy Jones.
The move has infuriated the CPF who said that the captain's pending trial - in addition to the two other constables' case - was detrimental to the relationship between the community and the police.
"How am I expected to explain to the community that this man is working here? They are up in arms that he is working here and we can't get any answers as to why he hasn't been suspended along with the other two officers," said a CPF source, who declined to be named.
The source questioned how the community was expected to trust police officers charged with such crimes.
The CPF source said the police station's involvement in the 16 Days of Activism For No Violence Against Women and Children was a "farce" considering that senior members charged with sexual offences.
He added that the CPF was told that the constables were suspended because they were in uniform at the time of the alleged crime while the detective was dressed in civilian clothes.
Commenting on the matter, Jones said before officers are suspended, police management look at the strength of the witnesses' statements before determining which action to take.
He said the constables being in uniform at the time of the alleged incident was not taken into account.
"The suspension or temporary transfer of the officer was considered in terms of the SAPS disciplinary regulations.
The employee was also given the opportunity to make a written representation - a decision was taken not to suspend the employee at this stage."
Jones added that a disciplinary hearing would take place as soon as the Director of Public Prosecutions gave permission for the witnesses in the court case to testify in the disciplinary hearing.
Jones said he was unaware of the constables' case but that there was probably prima facie evidence against them, but not against the detective.
DA spokesperson on community safety Lennit Max said the police code of conduct did not differentiate between ranks.
"The disciplinary code is applicable to everyone and I can't understand why the detective has not been suspended because as a SAPS member, he is a custodian of the Constitution and an instrument of government meant to protect citizens."
Police spokesperson Novela Potelwa also told the cape Argus that there was no threat to rape investigations as these were dealt with by the Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit.
But Max rubbished this statement, saying that detectives did not always wait for the FCS before arresting a suspect.
"I'm not saying he is guilty but considering that there is an upcoming trial, there is prima facie evidence and he should be removed from a place of authority until the criminal proceedings come to a halt."
Earlier this year the Cape Argus reported on the public outcry after a Khayelitsha-based constable, convicted of indecent assault after fondling a gang-rape victim, was redeployed at his station.
He was later transferred to court duty in another area.
At the time, Chantel Cooper, director of Rape Crisis Cape Town, said the attitude of the police officer and his reinstatement was "likely to deter even more women from coming forward to report rape and sexual violent crime".
The detective's trial is set to resume on January 9 at the Blue Down's magistrate's court.
This article was originally published on page 3 of Cape Argus on December 08, 2008
Sources within the Kuils River Community Policing Forum (CPF) said the forum was outraged that the policeman has not been suspended.
The 45-year-old detective is the third officer accused of rape at the same Cape-based police station.
The first two - one a police constable and the other a student constable - were suspended about three months ago after they were charged with raping a woman while on duty.
Sources close to the police said that the detective captain had not been suspended because he was not in uniform at the time of the incident.
The detective, who cannot be named until he has pleaded, was charged with rape in September.
Police sources said the charge sheet showed that the detective went to his home on September 3 where he confronted his daughter.
"The charge sheet said he then forced his daughter to have sex with him against her will. He also penetrated her with his fingers," a source at the police station said.
The accused, who at the time was a detective captain at another police station - has since been transferred to another police station due to a shortage of skills, said provincial police spokesperson Superintendent Billy Jones.
The move has infuriated the CPF who said that the captain's pending trial - in addition to the two other constables' case - was detrimental to the relationship between the community and the police.
"How am I expected to explain to the community that this man is working here? They are up in arms that he is working here and we can't get any answers as to why he hasn't been suspended along with the other two officers," said a CPF source, who declined to be named.
The source questioned how the community was expected to trust police officers charged with such crimes.
The CPF source said the police station's involvement in the 16 Days of Activism For No Violence Against Women and Children was a "farce" considering that senior members charged with sexual offences.
He added that the CPF was told that the constables were suspended because they were in uniform at the time of the alleged crime while the detective was dressed in civilian clothes.
Commenting on the matter, Jones said before officers are suspended, police management look at the strength of the witnesses' statements before determining which action to take.
He said the constables being in uniform at the time of the alleged incident was not taken into account.
"The suspension or temporary transfer of the officer was considered in terms of the SAPS disciplinary regulations.
The employee was also given the opportunity to make a written representation - a decision was taken not to suspend the employee at this stage."
Jones added that a disciplinary hearing would take place as soon as the Director of Public Prosecutions gave permission for the witnesses in the court case to testify in the disciplinary hearing.
Jones said he was unaware of the constables' case but that there was probably prima facie evidence against them, but not against the detective.
DA spokesperson on community safety Lennit Max said the police code of conduct did not differentiate between ranks.
"The disciplinary code is applicable to everyone and I can't understand why the detective has not been suspended because as a SAPS member, he is a custodian of the Constitution and an instrument of government meant to protect citizens."
Police spokesperson Novela Potelwa also told the cape Argus that there was no threat to rape investigations as these were dealt with by the Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit.
But Max rubbished this statement, saying that detectives did not always wait for the FCS before arresting a suspect.
"I'm not saying he is guilty but considering that there is an upcoming trial, there is prima facie evidence and he should be removed from a place of authority until the criminal proceedings come to a halt."
Earlier this year the Cape Argus reported on the public outcry after a Khayelitsha-based constable, convicted of indecent assault after fondling a gang-rape victim, was redeployed at his station.
He was later transferred to court duty in another area.
At the time, Chantel Cooper, director of Rape Crisis Cape Town, said the attitude of the police officer and his reinstatement was "likely to deter even more women from coming forward to report rape and sexual violent crime".
The detective's trial is set to resume on January 9 at the Blue Down's magistrate's court.
This article was originally published on page 3 of Cape Argus on December 08, 2008
Three Officers Indicted for Inserting Police Baton in Man's Buttocks
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
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
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
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