The PSNI has confirmed that a serving police officer has been arrested in Northern Ireland and questioned about the illegal possession of guns.
Police say that a number of firearms were recovered following a search of premises in Aghadooey, outside Coleraine in Co Derry.
They said the serving policeman, in his late 20s, was arrested in connection with the possession of a number of unlicensed guns.
It is understood the officer graduated from the PSNI training college and joined the force last year.
In a follow up search, an inspection was carried out at a gun shop in the village of Portgelnown in Co Antrim, and a number of firearms taken away for examination.
The police officer who was arrested was released on bail pending further inquiries.
The PSNI do not believe this incident is terrorism-related.
More Information: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/7781620.stm
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Officer Christopher Garcia Arrested for Burglary and Harassment
A Colorado Springs police officer was arrested in Pueblo early Friday after opening his ex-girlfriend's window and breaking a lamp, telling cops he was angry that a Pueblo police patrol car was parked outside.
Christopher Garcia, 38, faces burglary and harassment charges and was placed on administrative leave from CSPD pending adjudication, Lt. David Whitlock said in a news release.
Louisa Delatorre, 39, told police she received a series of harassing text messages and phone calls from Garcia after she stopped responding to his texts. The two had lived together at her home on Seminole Lane for several years and have a child together, according to the police report.
She called Sgt. L.B. Unger to the house to ask about "options she had to stop Garcia from contacting her because she was feeling harassed by his accusations of her going out with other men, according to the report.
"Delatorre said she wanted to know how to take action without Garcia ‘getting in trouble,'" the report reads.
With Unger and Delatorre inside, Garcia arrived, rang the doorbell and opened the window next to the front door, knocking over a glass lamp. Delatorre said his hand was reaching to unlock the front door when Delatorre and Unger pushed his hand out..
Garcia denied trying to open the door.
"I just wanted to see what was happening inside," he told police.
Unger called for backup and when another officer arrived, Garcia, standing in the driveway, said he called acting Pueblo police Captain D. Ingraham.
Ingraham arrived, spoke briefly with Garcia, and another officer took Garcia to the police station, according to the report.
Christopher Garcia, 38, faces burglary and harassment charges and was placed on administrative leave from CSPD pending adjudication, Lt. David Whitlock said in a news release.
Louisa Delatorre, 39, told police she received a series of harassing text messages and phone calls from Garcia after she stopped responding to his texts. The two had lived together at her home on Seminole Lane for several years and have a child together, according to the police report.
She called Sgt. L.B. Unger to the house to ask about "options she had to stop Garcia from contacting her because she was feeling harassed by his accusations of her going out with other men, according to the report.
"Delatorre said she wanted to know how to take action without Garcia ‘getting in trouble,'" the report reads.
With Unger and Delatorre inside, Garcia arrived, rang the doorbell and opened the window next to the front door, knocking over a glass lamp. Delatorre said his hand was reaching to unlock the front door when Delatorre and Unger pushed his hand out..
Garcia denied trying to open the door.
"I just wanted to see what was happening inside," he told police.
Unger called for backup and when another officer arrived, Garcia, standing in the driveway, said he called acting Pueblo police Captain D. Ingraham.
Ingraham arrived, spoke briefly with Garcia, and another officer took Garcia to the police station, according to the report.
Former Officer Macario Venegas Charged with Molesting Child
HOLLISTER, Calif.
A former police officer has been arrested in connection with the molestation of a 16-year-old girl, Hollister police said Friday.
Macario Venegas, 30, was charged with annoying or molesting a child under 18 and booked at the San Benito County Jail.
Venegas is accused of fondling a girl while she was inside his patrol car on Dec. 9.
Venegas, who served as a patrol officer for less than eight months, was released from the Hollister Police Department on Thursday, officials said.
His bail has been set at $6,000.
Probation Officer Nkosi Littleton Charged with Molesting Teen
LOS ANGELES
A Los Angeles County probation officer has been charged with sexually molesting a 15-year-old girl after they were found in a car earlier this week.
Nkosi Littleton pleaded not guilty Friday to two felony counts in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Prosecutors say officers caught the 36-year-old Littleton in a car with the girl on Wednesday near downtown Los Angeles.
Probation Department spokeswoman Kerri Web says Littleton has been suspended without pay from his job at a juvenile probation camp for boys in Malibu.
He faces three years and eight months in prison if convicted.
The judge will decide whether there is enough evidence for a trial at a hearing Dec. 24.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2008/12/county-probatio.html
A Los Angeles County probation officer has been charged with sexually molesting a 15-year-old girl after they were found in a car earlier this week.
Nkosi Littleton pleaded not guilty Friday to two felony counts in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Prosecutors say officers caught the 36-year-old Littleton in a car with the girl on Wednesday near downtown Los Angeles.
Probation Department spokeswoman Kerri Web says Littleton has been suspended without pay from his job at a juvenile probation camp for boys in Malibu.
He faces three years and eight months in prison if convicted.
The judge will decide whether there is enough evidence for a trial at a hearing Dec. 24.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2008/12/county-probatio.html
Former Lt Scott Fross Convicted of Bribery Get's Just One Year of HOME Detention
A former police officer has been sentenced to one year home detention after pleading guilty to taking cash from Hispanic drivers who wanted to avoid traffic tickets or jail.
Former Westfield Police Lt. Scott Fross pleaded guilty to bribery in August and was sentenced Thursday.
Fross was a 10-year veteran of police force in the northern Indianapolis suburb but resigned in November 2007 after being charged with four counts of armed robbery while on patrol.
Investigators said Fross was armed and in uniform when he took money from Hispanic motorists he stopped for traffic infractions.
The sentence did not include fines or restitution.
Former Westfield Police Lt. Scott Fross pleaded guilty to bribery in August and was sentenced Thursday.
Fross was a 10-year veteran of police force in the northern Indianapolis suburb but resigned in November 2007 after being charged with four counts of armed robbery while on patrol.
Investigators said Fross was armed and in uniform when he took money from Hispanic motorists he stopped for traffic infractions.
The sentence did not include fines or restitution.
Trooper Steven Spoonire Charged with Possession of Marijuana
A 16-year veteran of the Maryland State Police is due in Frederick County Circuit Court on Friday for a pre-trial conference for his July arrest on drug charges.
Steven W. Spoonire, 36, is facing one year in jail and/or a $1,500 fine for possessing marijuana and paraphernalia when he goes on trial on Jan. 26.
Three Maryland State troopers arrived at Spoonire's house on Woodsboro Pike on July 9 to investigate a tip about marijuana growing there.
When they arrived, they immediately saw the marijuana plant growing by the back steps of the house, along with Spoonire's cruiser parked in the driveway. The troopers knew Spoonire lived at the house, according to court documents.
Spoonire climbed out of a second car parked in the driveway, and the troopers told him why they were there.
According to court documents, Spoonire responded by telling them that he did not own the house and that he was renting it.
The troopers told Spoonire they were going to obtain a search warrant. At Spoonire's request, they allowed his wife to leave, according to court documents. Inside the house were Spoonire's sister-in-law and two young children; they were also allowed to leave.
The troopers searched the house, and found in the master bedroom two smoking devices with suspected marijuana residue, rolling papers and a prescription bottle with suspected marijuana residue. They also found a small clay pot with suspected marijuana seeds and potting soil in the bedroom window and the marijuana plant outside. The troopers found a drug test kit in a second-floor bathroom.
They arrested Spoonire, who was released on a $10,000 bond. Spoonire told police he had lived at the house for about a year, and made $61,000 per year working as a patrol officer in Westminster. He has since changed his address to one in Union Bridge.
Elena Russo, a State Police spokeswoman, said Spoonire has been suspended with pay.
***********************************
$10,000 for some fucking weed!!! Come'on people!!! Wake UP!!! Legalize this shit!!! It's safer than drinking, and apparently this officer was able to do his job for 16 years without a problem!!!
Steven W. Spoonire, 36, is facing one year in jail and/or a $1,500 fine for possessing marijuana and paraphernalia when he goes on trial on Jan. 26.
Three Maryland State troopers arrived at Spoonire's house on Woodsboro Pike on July 9 to investigate a tip about marijuana growing there.
When they arrived, they immediately saw the marijuana plant growing by the back steps of the house, along with Spoonire's cruiser parked in the driveway. The troopers knew Spoonire lived at the house, according to court documents.
Spoonire climbed out of a second car parked in the driveway, and the troopers told him why they were there.
According to court documents, Spoonire responded by telling them that he did not own the house and that he was renting it.
The troopers told Spoonire they were going to obtain a search warrant. At Spoonire's request, they allowed his wife to leave, according to court documents. Inside the house were Spoonire's sister-in-law and two young children; they were also allowed to leave.
The troopers searched the house, and found in the master bedroom two smoking devices with suspected marijuana residue, rolling papers and a prescription bottle with suspected marijuana residue. They also found a small clay pot with suspected marijuana seeds and potting soil in the bedroom window and the marijuana plant outside. The troopers found a drug test kit in a second-floor bathroom.
They arrested Spoonire, who was released on a $10,000 bond. Spoonire told police he had lived at the house for about a year, and made $61,000 per year working as a patrol officer in Westminster. He has since changed his address to one in Union Bridge.
Elena Russo, a State Police spokeswoman, said Spoonire has been suspended with pay.
***********************************
$10,000 for some fucking weed!!! Come'on people!!! Wake UP!!! Legalize this shit!!! It's safer than drinking, and apparently this officer was able to do his job for 16 years without a problem!!!
Officer Dominich Fuentes Accused of Jury Tampering
Prosecutors are considering jury tampering charges against a Los Angeles policeman who allegedly told alternate jurors in a robbery trial that the defendant had a long criminal history.
Officer Dominick Fuentes allegedly approached the alternates a day after testifying in the trial of 49-year-old Ralph Robinson, who was eventually acquitted of robbery but convicted of attempted robbery and grand theft.
Court records show the alternate jurors complained to the judge.
District attorney's spokeswoman Jane Robison says prosecutors are considering criminal charges. Police Deputy Chief Kenny Garner says there is also an internal affairs investigation.
Fuentes, a 20-year LAPD veteran, has declined comment. He's now on patrol duty.
___
Information from: Los Angeles Times, www.latimes.com
More Information: http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-jury12-2008dec12,0,6559503.story
Officer Dominick Fuentes allegedly approached the alternates a day after testifying in the trial of 49-year-old Ralph Robinson, who was eventually acquitted of robbery but convicted of attempted robbery and grand theft.
Court records show the alternate jurors complained to the judge.
District attorney's spokeswoman Jane Robison says prosecutors are considering criminal charges. Police Deputy Chief Kenny Garner says there is also an internal affairs investigation.
Fuentes, a 20-year LAPD veteran, has declined comment. He's now on patrol duty.
___
Information from: Los Angeles Times, www.latimes.com
More Information: http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-jury12-2008dec12,0,6559503.story
Former Officer William Bergin Appeared in Court for Identity Theft & Misconduct
SANDY, Ore.
A former Sandy police officer appeared in court on identity theft and official misconduct charges Thursday but his arraignment was abruptly halted after concerns were raised over a possible conflict of interest involving the defense lawyer in the case.
William Bergin, 27, stood quietly during the abbreviated hearing in Clackamas County.
The former Sandy police officer was charged with identity theft, official misconduct and misuse of a license.
According to a search warrant, Bergin collected confiscated driver's licenses and then passed them along to underage girls, who used the fake IDs to get into bars.
The Sandy Police Department issued a statement regarding the crimes.
"Whenever someone in the law enforcement community, past or present, is accused of wrongdoing, law enforcement officers are hurt by it. We are saddened and embarrassed by this," the statement said.
The department union president, who represents police, said Bergin’s fellow officers were unaware of the alleged criminal activity and "disappointed."
Bergin also faced a civil lawsuit in federal court.
In 2005, Bergin was one of two officers who shot and killed a naked, unarmed Portland man named Fouad Kaady.
For a short time after the shooting, the Kaady family retained well-known attorney Des Connell.
Connell was originally supposed to represent Bergin in court Thursday.
However, conflict-of-interest questions were raised during the hearing.
Kaady’s civil lawyer filed a motion asking that Connell be removed from the case.
The judge rescheduled Bergin's formal arraignment for Jan. 5 so that the lawyers can straighten things out.
A former Sandy police officer appeared in court on identity theft and official misconduct charges Thursday but his arraignment was abruptly halted after concerns were raised over a possible conflict of interest involving the defense lawyer in the case.
William Bergin, 27, stood quietly during the abbreviated hearing in Clackamas County.
The former Sandy police officer was charged with identity theft, official misconduct and misuse of a license.
According to a search warrant, Bergin collected confiscated driver's licenses and then passed them along to underage girls, who used the fake IDs to get into bars.
The Sandy Police Department issued a statement regarding the crimes.
"Whenever someone in the law enforcement community, past or present, is accused of wrongdoing, law enforcement officers are hurt by it. We are saddened and embarrassed by this," the statement said.
The department union president, who represents police, said Bergin’s fellow officers were unaware of the alleged criminal activity and "disappointed."
Bergin also faced a civil lawsuit in federal court.
In 2005, Bergin was one of two officers who shot and killed a naked, unarmed Portland man named Fouad Kaady.
For a short time after the shooting, the Kaady family retained well-known attorney Des Connell.
Connell was originally supposed to represent Bergin in court Thursday.
However, conflict-of-interest questions were raised during the hearing.
Kaady’s civil lawyer filed a motion asking that Connell be removed from the case.
The judge rescheduled Bergin's formal arraignment for Jan. 5 so that the lawyers can straighten things out.
Officer Jim Crowley Charged with Reporting to Work Drunk
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo.
An arraignment hearing has been rescheduled for next month for a former Aspen police officer accused of reporting to work drunk.
Forty-three-year-old Jim Crowley had been expected in Garfield County Court Thursday, but the arraignment was reset for Jan. 15. No reason was given for the delay.
Crowley was an 18-year veteran of the Aspen Police Department when he was arrested Aug. 28 on suspicion of driving while ability-impaired and prohibited use of a weapon.
Police Chief Richard Pryor fired Crowley the next day.
Attorney Lawson Willis, who has provided legal advice to Crowley as a friend, has said Crowley told him he went to work with a hangover.
The case was moved to Garfield County after a Pitkin County judge disqualified herself.
An arraignment hearing has been rescheduled for next month for a former Aspen police officer accused of reporting to work drunk.
Forty-three-year-old Jim Crowley had been expected in Garfield County Court Thursday, but the arraignment was reset for Jan. 15. No reason was given for the delay.
Crowley was an 18-year veteran of the Aspen Police Department when he was arrested Aug. 28 on suspicion of driving while ability-impaired and prohibited use of a weapon.
Police Chief Richard Pryor fired Crowley the next day.
Attorney Lawson Willis, who has provided legal advice to Crowley as a friend, has said Crowley told him he went to work with a hangover.
The case was moved to Garfield County after a Pitkin County judge disqualified herself.
Officer Robert Jacobs Charged with DUI
NORFOLK
A Norfolk police officer who was relieved of duty after being charged with obstruction of justice was charged with driving under the influence in Hampton just days later.
Robert Antwan Jacobs, 28, was one of three officers who was arrested this month. Three days later, at 2:10 a.m. Dec. 6, he was pulled over by a state trooper on Interstate 64 at the Hampton Creek Bridge, said state police spokeswoman Sgt. Michelle Cotten.
Jacobs had been "weaving out of his traffic lane" and showing signs of impairment, she said.
There was a "strong odor of alcohol," and he failed a DUI test, Cotten said.
On Dec. 3, Norfolk Police Chief Bruce Marquis announced that Jacobs had been charged with misdemeanor obstruction of justice and relieved of duty. He was assigned to the Second Patrol Division and had been with the department for three years.
In addition, Gregory W. Dudley, 24, of Rugby Street in Virginia Beach, was charged with felony procuring another to give false testimony and misdemeanor making a false report to police. Dudley resigned from the police department on Oct. 31. He was assigned to the First Patrol Division and had been with the department for two years.
And Andrew T. Wenzel, 29, of Captain Carter Drive in Chesapeake, was charged with two counts of felony perjury and one count of misdemeanor making a false report to police. Wenzel, who was also relieved of duty, had been assigned to the Second Patrol Division and had been with the Norfolk Police Department for three years.
The cases are said to be unrelated and occurred while the three were on street duty.
A Norfolk police officer who was relieved of duty after being charged with obstruction of justice was charged with driving under the influence in Hampton just days later.
Robert Antwan Jacobs, 28, was one of three officers who was arrested this month. Three days later, at 2:10 a.m. Dec. 6, he was pulled over by a state trooper on Interstate 64 at the Hampton Creek Bridge, said state police spokeswoman Sgt. Michelle Cotten.
Jacobs had been "weaving out of his traffic lane" and showing signs of impairment, she said.
There was a "strong odor of alcohol," and he failed a DUI test, Cotten said.
On Dec. 3, Norfolk Police Chief Bruce Marquis announced that Jacobs had been charged with misdemeanor obstruction of justice and relieved of duty. He was assigned to the Second Patrol Division and had been with the department for three years.
In addition, Gregory W. Dudley, 24, of Rugby Street in Virginia Beach, was charged with felony procuring another to give false testimony and misdemeanor making a false report to police. Dudley resigned from the police department on Oct. 31. He was assigned to the First Patrol Division and had been with the department for two years.
And Andrew T. Wenzel, 29, of Captain Carter Drive in Chesapeake, was charged with two counts of felony perjury and one count of misdemeanor making a false report to police. Wenzel, who was also relieved of duty, had been assigned to the Second Patrol Division and had been with the Norfolk Police Department for three years.
The cases are said to be unrelated and occurred while the three were on street duty.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Retired Officer Janine Gebhardt Arrested for Stealing from Kohls
CONCORD, N.C.
A retired Concord police officer is accused of stealing $900 worth of clothing and jewelry from a Kohl's department store.
She said she is disgraced by what she did and doesn't expect any special treatment from the justice system.
Remorseful Janine Gebhardt said, "In a million years I would never have thought I'd have done something like this."
Police say Gebhardt walked into Kohl's with an empty handbag. But when she paid for a few items and left the store, that handbag was then bulging.
"I’m willing to admit that I did something wrong," Gebhardt said.
When she got back to her car, she explains that a loss prevention officer asked to see her handbag.
"I said, 'No, you have no right. Why do you want to see my pocket book?' And we started fighting over it," she said.
After a short scuffle, Gebhardt says she pulled out her retired Concord Police Department badge.
"I said, 'No, don't. I'm a retired police officer. I'm not going to cause you any more problems, I promise,'" Gebhardt said.
In her handbag, police found $900 worth of stolen watches, clothing, and earrings. She was arrested and charged with larceny and assault.
She says she has prayed for forgiveness ever since.
"I've just disgraced myself ... my family, the police department, the whole police profession," Gebhardt said.
Officers with the Concord Police Department say Gebhardt was allowed to keep her badge when she retired several years ago. They say that is a fairly common practice among departments.
Gebhardt says she wishes she never showed the badge that day.
A retired Concord police officer is accused of stealing $900 worth of clothing and jewelry from a Kohl's department store.
She said she is disgraced by what she did and doesn't expect any special treatment from the justice system.
Remorseful Janine Gebhardt said, "In a million years I would never have thought I'd have done something like this."
Police say Gebhardt walked into Kohl's with an empty handbag. But when she paid for a few items and left the store, that handbag was then bulging.
"I’m willing to admit that I did something wrong," Gebhardt said.
When she got back to her car, she explains that a loss prevention officer asked to see her handbag.
"I said, 'No, you have no right. Why do you want to see my pocket book?' And we started fighting over it," she said.
After a short scuffle, Gebhardt says she pulled out her retired Concord Police Department badge.
"I said, 'No, don't. I'm a retired police officer. I'm not going to cause you any more problems, I promise,'" Gebhardt said.
In her handbag, police found $900 worth of stolen watches, clothing, and earrings. She was arrested and charged with larceny and assault.
She says she has prayed for forgiveness ever since.
"I've just disgraced myself ... my family, the police department, the whole police profession," Gebhardt said.
Officers with the Concord Police Department say Gebhardt was allowed to keep her badge when she retired several years ago. They say that is a fairly common practice among departments.
Gebhardt says she wishes she never showed the badge that day.
Trooper Derek Snavely Resigns After Being Accused of Rape
The West Virginia State Police officer accused of rape by a Charleston woman has resigned.
Trooper Derek S. Snavely resigned from the department Friday, said Lt. Col. Steve Tucker.
Col. David Lemmon confirmed that the personnel investigation into Snavely was complete but that the criminal investigation is ongoing.
The woman alleges she was drunk and was forced to have sex with Snavely last month after he followed her to a friend's house where she was staying.
She and her lawyer, Mike Clifford, showed a Gazette reporter part of a videotape that apparently shows the woman and a man wearing a State Police uniform inside the woman's residence.
"I think it's appropriate," Clifford said of Snavely's resignation. "I also surmise that the officer was given the choice between resigning and being fired."
Snavely had been on restrictive duty pending the outcome of the investigations.
Clifford said he has been in contact with the State Police about civil remedies to the case and is waiting to see the result of the criminal investigation.
The woman, who is not being identified because she is an alleged rape victim, said she left The Vault, a bar in downtown Charleston, about 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16. She and a bar employee were driving to a restaurant when she was stopped by Snavely near the parking lot of Smiley's Restaurant and Lounge in Jefferson.
The woman said Snavely told her she was driving in the middle of the road, then performed a field sobriety test on her. She asked him if she was going to get a DUI, and he told her he didn't think she was that drunk.
Eventually they drove in separate cars to another spot, where Snavely, who is in his early 20s, began kissing and fondling her, she said. Then they drove in separate cars to her house, she said. "I went in survival mode," she said last week. "I couldn't call anybody because he was the police."
The surveillance video allegedly shows the scene inside the house where the woman was staying with a friend and her friend's husband. It was not clear why the surveillance video was set up.
The video segment begins at about 5:30 a.m. A man is lying on a couch smoking a cigarette when a woman and another man, apparently in a State Police uniform, enter the picture. The woman and trooper greet the man, then go off-screen.
The woman said she and Snavely went into the guest bedroom of the house, where she was forced to perform oral sex on him, then have sex with him.
More Information: http://www.wvmetronews.com/index.cfm?func=displayfullstory&storyid=27876
Trooper Derek S. Snavely resigned from the department Friday, said Lt. Col. Steve Tucker.
Col. David Lemmon confirmed that the personnel investigation into Snavely was complete but that the criminal investigation is ongoing.
The woman alleges she was drunk and was forced to have sex with Snavely last month after he followed her to a friend's house where she was staying.
She and her lawyer, Mike Clifford, showed a Gazette reporter part of a videotape that apparently shows the woman and a man wearing a State Police uniform inside the woman's residence.
"I think it's appropriate," Clifford said of Snavely's resignation. "I also surmise that the officer was given the choice between resigning and being fired."
Snavely had been on restrictive duty pending the outcome of the investigations.
Clifford said he has been in contact with the State Police about civil remedies to the case and is waiting to see the result of the criminal investigation.
The woman, who is not being identified because she is an alleged rape victim, said she left The Vault, a bar in downtown Charleston, about 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16. She and a bar employee were driving to a restaurant when she was stopped by Snavely near the parking lot of Smiley's Restaurant and Lounge in Jefferson.
The woman said Snavely told her she was driving in the middle of the road, then performed a field sobriety test on her. She asked him if she was going to get a DUI, and he told her he didn't think she was that drunk.
Eventually they drove in separate cars to another spot, where Snavely, who is in his early 20s, began kissing and fondling her, she said. Then they drove in separate cars to her house, she said. "I went in survival mode," she said last week. "I couldn't call anybody because he was the police."
The surveillance video allegedly shows the scene inside the house where the woman was staying with a friend and her friend's husband. It was not clear why the surveillance video was set up.
The video segment begins at about 5:30 a.m. A man is lying on a couch smoking a cigarette when a woman and another man, apparently in a State Police uniform, enter the picture. The woman and trooper greet the man, then go off-screen.
The woman said she and Snavely went into the guest bedroom of the house, where she was forced to perform oral sex on him, then have sex with him.
More Information: http://www.wvmetronews.com/index.cfm?func=displayfullstory&storyid=27876
Correction Officer Dana Williams Arrested for Grand Larceny
A New York City correction officer from Huntington Station was arrested yesterday on charges that she submitted false doctor's reports and illegally collected about $50,000 in sick pay, officials said.
The charges against Dana Williams, 36, include third-degree grand larceny, 14 counts of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, and 14 counts of falsifying business records, officials said.
The Department of Investigation said Williams submitted documents that contained false doctor's reports.
Williams, who makes $68,475 a year, was suspended without pay pending resolution of the charges, officials said.
The charges against Dana Williams, 36, include third-degree grand larceny, 14 counts of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, and 14 counts of falsifying business records, officials said.
The Department of Investigation said Williams submitted documents that contained false doctor's reports.
Williams, who makes $68,475 a year, was suspended without pay pending resolution of the charges, officials said.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
El Reno Police Apologize for Tasering Diabetic Man
Video: http://cfc.ktul.com/videoondemand.cfm?id=29298
El Reno
Police in El Reno are apologizing for a mistake that was made under difficult circumstances. Last month, they arrested a driver who lost control of his pickup on the interstate. He appeared to be drunk, but he turned out to be suffering from diabetic shock.
"Step out of the vehicle! Step out of the vehicle! Sir, step out of the vehicle!"
The man who's being wrestled out of his truck is combative and uncooperative, so officers resort to using a taser gun.
"Sir. Cooperate!"
Only after questioning the suspect in a police cruiser do officers learn that the man had a medical problem. Paramedics were called and the man was taken to an emergency room.
Doctors say the man's blood sugar was so low he wasn't able to respond. El Reno's police chief says the medical emergency wasn't obvious because the man was agitated.
"It's unfortunate for the officers I expect and I know they feel extremely bad. After they learned that in fact it was a medical need and not someone who was under the influence of intoxicant drugs or alcohol."
El Reno's police are trained to recognize medical problems like diabetes. But, this shows some cases aren't clear cut
El Reno
Police in El Reno are apologizing for a mistake that was made under difficult circumstances. Last month, they arrested a driver who lost control of his pickup on the interstate. He appeared to be drunk, but he turned out to be suffering from diabetic shock.
"Step out of the vehicle! Step out of the vehicle! Sir, step out of the vehicle!"
The man who's being wrestled out of his truck is combative and uncooperative, so officers resort to using a taser gun.
"Sir. Cooperate!"
Only after questioning the suspect in a police cruiser do officers learn that the man had a medical problem. Paramedics were called and the man was taken to an emergency room.
Doctors say the man's blood sugar was so low he wasn't able to respond. El Reno's police chief says the medical emergency wasn't obvious because the man was agitated.
"It's unfortunate for the officers I expect and I know they feel extremely bad. After they learned that in fact it was a medical need and not someone who was under the influence of intoxicant drugs or alcohol."
El Reno's police are trained to recognize medical problems like diabetes. But, this shows some cases aren't clear cut
Officer William Edwards Sr Charged with Sexual Assault Against Minor
New London
State police have obtained an arrest warrant charging William R. Edwards Sr., a well-known city patrolman, with sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor.
Edwards, 45, has been hospitalized under psychiatric care for several days, preventing state police from serving a warrant that charges him with risk of injury to a minor, third-degree sexual assault, unlawful restraint and tampering with a witness, according to several law enforcement sources. Details of the alleged crimes are not available.
Over the weekend, New London City Manager Martin Berliner sent an e-mail to members of the City Council to inform them of the pending charges. Berliner wrote that police Chief Bruce F. Rinehart informed him on Dec. 4 that state police were investigating Edwards for an off-duty incident. The city manager said he did not plan to tell the councilors until Edwards was arrested “in fairness to Officer Edwards.”
”Unfortunately, since the process has taken so long, you may have heard about this situation from someone else. For that I am sorry,” Berliner wrote. “At this point, a signed arrest warrant is on file with state police. You will be informed when the warrant is executed.”
Rinehart said Edwards requested and is currently on paid leave. He said he could not comment on the allegations since the investigation is ongoing.
Edwards is a 20-year veteran of the police department who serves as the city's crime prevention officer, working with various groups of city residents, including children, the elderly, neighborhood watch groups and business owners. His family is well known in New London, where Edwards' father, Kenneth W. Edwards Sr., is a retired deputy fire chief, and his brother, Kenneth W. Edwards Jr., is a retired police captain.
Members of the police union discussed the situation at a meeting on Tuesday so officers would be aware of Edwards' impending arrest and be prepared to respond to any backlash they might hear during the course of their duties in the community, according to a police source.
Edwards is the president of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association and was in charge of its finances, according to a source, who said a committee of patrolmen are checking the PBA's finances. He is also a past president of the New London Rotary Club.
Edwards is married and has two children. Court records indicate that Deutsche Bank foreclosed on the family home at 68 Cedar Grove Ave. in July and that the bank repossessed the home.
The New London Police Department and the county's state's attorneys have not been involved in the investigation. To avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest, state police detectives at Troop E investigated the allegations involving Edwards and presented a warrant affidavit to be signed by officials in Windham County.
Former Trooper Charlene Green Arrested for Writing Fraudulent Citations
FALL BRANCH, Tenn.
Former Claiborne County Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Charlene Green, 32, was arrested and currently faces 77 felony counts on charges that she wrote fraudulent citations, according to a Tennessee Department of Safety release.
Greene resigned from her job in October instead of being terminated after she was accused of neglecting her duty by failing to submit traffic citations to courts of record, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety.
The THP launched a formal investigation into Green's alleged actions.
"After cross-checking other citations turned in by Green with those on file at the Clerk’s Office, investigators discovered that Green wrote dozens of “fake” tickets, sometimes using information of individuals she issued tickets to years ago," according to the THP release. "In one case, Green is accused of using the name of a driver she issued a ticket to in 2004. She allegedly forged his name on four citations she turned in to her superiors in February, March and July of 2008."
"In all, CID agents were able to determine that from January 12, 2008, through September 2, 2008, Green wrote a total of 60 fraudulent citations involving 28 individuals," the release states.
Green faces 38 counts of forgery, 38 counts of false reporting and one count of official misconduct.
Green was assigned to Claiborne County in the Fall Branch District after being commissioned in January 2004, according the TDOS release.
Officer Robert Cahill Suspended After he Assaulted Iraqi War Veteran
JOHNSON CITY
A 31-year-old Vestal police officer has been suspended without pay following an accusation that he punched and kicked an Iraqi war veteran at a local bar.
Robert D. Cahill was charged by Johnson City police with third-degree assault with intent to cause injuries, a misdemeanor, and arraigned Dec. 5 in village court, according to village police Lt. David A. Smith. Cahill was released on his own recognizance.
The complaint, filed in village court by Johnson City Sgt. Mark R. Wallikas, states that Cahill punched Patrick F. Dinottia II in the head and then kicked him at 12:50 a.m. Nov. 26. at Giblin's. Dinottia, of Johnson City, was treated at Wilson Regional Medical Center for a cut above his left eye.
Cahill declined comment when reached at home; Dinottia did not return a call for comment.
Vestal Police Chief John Butler said Cahill has been suspended indefinitely without pay. Butler wouldn't comment further, citing a personnel matter.
Bar owner William Giblin said the fight was recorded by a digital surveillance camera that he turned over to police the night after the fight. The Main Street establishment is usually calm, said Giblin, adding that this was the first fight he's had in the six years he's been open. Dinottia, who served seven months in 2003 as a U.S. Navy Seabee in Iraq, wrote in a police statement that earlier in the night, a woman he believed to be a state trooper confronted him and a friend about giving her "dirty looks." According to Dinottia's statement, he responded that he didn't know what she was talking about.
Cahill was sitting with the woman later, before approaching him, Dinottia said in the statement.
Dinottia wrote that he doesn't remember what Cahill said to him, but he knew there was a problem when two of Cahill's "friends," who Dinottia later learned were also police officers, stood next to him.
"I made a comment to (Cahill) saying 'so this is how it's going to be.' As soon as I stood up he reached back and threw a haymaker punch that hit me in the face. I then fell to the ground. I was hit so hard that I was almost knocked out," Dinottia in his statement, adding that someone kicked him while he was on the ground. "I never threw a punch during any of the incident, because I never had a chance."
Dinottia, who didn't initially press charges, went to Wilson Regional Medical Center and got eight stitches for the cut above his eye. He then decided to file a complaint with Johnson City police.
Cahill joined the Vestal Police Department in the summer of 2007, after working as a Johnson City police officer since 2003. In 2006, he was one of the first officers who found Matthew Romano unconscious and face down in Calvary Cemetery after being stabbed. Romano said he was stabbed by an assailant, but prosecutors later said Romano stabbed himself and filed a false report about the attack. He was acquitted in November of those charges.
Cahill's father is retired Binghamton Assistant Chief William Cahill, who worked under Butler when the latter was Binghamton police chief.
A 31-year-old Vestal police officer has been suspended without pay following an accusation that he punched and kicked an Iraqi war veteran at a local bar.
Robert D. Cahill was charged by Johnson City police with third-degree assault with intent to cause injuries, a misdemeanor, and arraigned Dec. 5 in village court, according to village police Lt. David A. Smith. Cahill was released on his own recognizance.
The complaint, filed in village court by Johnson City Sgt. Mark R. Wallikas, states that Cahill punched Patrick F. Dinottia II in the head and then kicked him at 12:50 a.m. Nov. 26. at Giblin's. Dinottia, of Johnson City, was treated at Wilson Regional Medical Center for a cut above his left eye.
Cahill declined comment when reached at home; Dinottia did not return a call for comment.
Vestal Police Chief John Butler said Cahill has been suspended indefinitely without pay. Butler wouldn't comment further, citing a personnel matter.
Bar owner William Giblin said the fight was recorded by a digital surveillance camera that he turned over to police the night after the fight. The Main Street establishment is usually calm, said Giblin, adding that this was the first fight he's had in the six years he's been open. Dinottia, who served seven months in 2003 as a U.S. Navy Seabee in Iraq, wrote in a police statement that earlier in the night, a woman he believed to be a state trooper confronted him and a friend about giving her "dirty looks." According to Dinottia's statement, he responded that he didn't know what she was talking about.
Cahill was sitting with the woman later, before approaching him, Dinottia said in the statement.
Dinottia wrote that he doesn't remember what Cahill said to him, but he knew there was a problem when two of Cahill's "friends," who Dinottia later learned were also police officers, stood next to him.
"I made a comment to (Cahill) saying 'so this is how it's going to be.' As soon as I stood up he reached back and threw a haymaker punch that hit me in the face. I then fell to the ground. I was hit so hard that I was almost knocked out," Dinottia in his statement, adding that someone kicked him while he was on the ground. "I never threw a punch during any of the incident, because I never had a chance."
Dinottia, who didn't initially press charges, went to Wilson Regional Medical Center and got eight stitches for the cut above his eye. He then decided to file a complaint with Johnson City police.
Cahill joined the Vestal Police Department in the summer of 2007, after working as a Johnson City police officer since 2003. In 2006, he was one of the first officers who found Matthew Romano unconscious and face down in Calvary Cemetery after being stabbed. Romano said he was stabbed by an assailant, but prosecutors later said Romano stabbed himself and filed a false report about the attack. He was acquitted in November of those charges.
Cahill's father is retired Binghamton Assistant Chief William Cahill, who worked under Butler when the latter was Binghamton police chief.
St. Louis Officer Under Investigation for Child Porn Kills Himself
ST. LOUIS
A St. Louis police officer who was under investigation in a child pornography case jumped out of a police car, ran away, and killed himself, authorities said Wednesday.
The officer's name was not released. He was 37 and had been with the department for 2 1/2 years, city police spokeswoman Erica Van Ross said.
St. Louis County police went to the officer's home in south St. Louis County on Tuesday.
"We had received an IP address belonging to a computer at that residence associated with child pornography, either the possession or transfer of it," Panus said. "We went there to serve the search warrant."
The officer wasn't home but provided a key when investigators tracked him down. Panus said the computer and personal papers were seized, but the officer was not arrested.
Later Tuesday, members of the city police Internal Affairs division picked up the officer and were driving him to police headquarters. Van Ross said he was being taken in for two reasons: To await results of the county search of his computer and papers, and for questioning about why he apparently lived in the county when city officers are required to live in the city.
Suddenly, just blocks from police headquarters, the officer jumped out of the car and ran, Van Ross said. Police searched but couldn't find him.
Hours later, a resident called 911 after finding the officer, reportedly behind a church. He had a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Van Ross said. Police transported the officer to Saint Louis University Hospital, where he died.
Van Ross said the officer was not technically in custody so he was not handcuffed or restrained in the police car. Police Chief Dan Isom has ordered a review of protocol to see if changes should be made in the method of transporting people to the Internal Affairs Division.
A St. Louis police officer who was under investigation in a child pornography case jumped out of a police car, ran away, and killed himself, authorities said Wednesday.
The officer's name was not released. He was 37 and had been with the department for 2 1/2 years, city police spokeswoman Erica Van Ross said.
St. Louis County police went to the officer's home in south St. Louis County on Tuesday.
"We had received an IP address belonging to a computer at that residence associated with child pornography, either the possession or transfer of it," Panus said. "We went there to serve the search warrant."
The officer wasn't home but provided a key when investigators tracked him down. Panus said the computer and personal papers were seized, but the officer was not arrested.
Later Tuesday, members of the city police Internal Affairs division picked up the officer and were driving him to police headquarters. Van Ross said he was being taken in for two reasons: To await results of the county search of his computer and papers, and for questioning about why he apparently lived in the county when city officers are required to live in the city.
Suddenly, just blocks from police headquarters, the officer jumped out of the car and ran, Van Ross said. Police searched but couldn't find him.
Hours later, a resident called 911 after finding the officer, reportedly behind a church. He had a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Van Ross said. Police transported the officer to Saint Louis University Hospital, where he died.
Van Ross said the officer was not technically in custody so he was not handcuffed or restrained in the police car. Police Chief Dan Isom has ordered a review of protocol to see if changes should be made in the method of transporting people to the Internal Affairs Division.
Deputy James Doyle Accused of Lewd act on Child
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.
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.
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.
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