Duncan, Oklahoma
A Stephens County District Judge is in hot water following a traffic stop in Duncan. An officer who pulled Judge Joe Enos over for speeding Thursday morning says the judge called him a derogatory name after getting out of his car and arguing with the officer about whether he was speeding. Enos is responding to the allegations, but the Duncan City Attorney is telling the police department not to discuss the incident or release any information about the stop - including dash-cam video recording the encounter. However, late on Friday afternoon, an open records request was approved.
Judge Enos was on his way to the Duncan Simmons Center at about 5 a.m., when an officer says he witnessed the judge driving a little too fast. He followed him into the parking lot until the judge stopped. "It appears that the intent of the stop was to advise the judge that he was exceeding the speed limit," said Duncan City Attorney James Frieda.
After he stopped, the judge did something that police are constantly warning people not to do - he exited his vehicle and began walking toward the officer. The audio on the dash-cam recording reveals that the officer tried to stop him. The officer was unaware who the driver was, and tells the judge he should have stayed in his car. The officer asks for the man's license and insurance - that's when he realizes who the driver is. "Judge Enos," said the officer.
Enos tells the officer that he was driving 35 miles per hour, but the officer says he clocked him at 37 miles per hour, in a 30. "Are going to write me a ticket?" asked Enos. "No, I'm not going to write you a ticket," said Officer Alvarez. At that point, the judge walks away. However, according to the officer, Enos turned and called the officer a derogatory name. "The police officer there, I would assume, has full control of the situation, has the authority to make the stop, has the authority to detain the individual, the authority to issue a citation, and chose not to do that," said Frieda.
The judge did not wish to talk in person, instead he released the following statement:
"When Officer Alvarez stopped me early Thursday morning, while I thought I was travelling 35 miles per hour in a 35-mile-per-hour zone, Officer Alvarez was apparently correct that I had travelled out of the 35-mile-per-hour zone into a 30-mile-per-hour zone. Officer Alvarez was very professional at all times. I regret that the officer took offense to what he thought he might have heard. I said nothing derogatory, offensive or confrontational to Officer Alvarez. I will have no other comment on this matter."
The city attorney says he doesn't know whether Enos' statement is true or not. "The officer who gave the interview indicated there was a derogatory statement made," said Frieda. "Whether, in fact, that occurred, I can't tell you that, because I don't know."
Frieda says that since there was no citation issued, there will be no official action taken by the City of Duncan. We asked the city attorney for a copy of the officer's incident report on the traffic stop, but we were told there isn't one - only a confidential report that will not be released to the public.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Trooper John Sawyer Pleds Guilty to Using Excessive Force
A former South Carolina state trooper pleaded guilty in federal court Monday to using excessive force when he repeatedly kicked an arrested man in the head and neck following a high speed chase.
Ex-trooper John Sawyer pled guilty in Charleston, South Carolina, to civil rights violations for the May 2006 incident.
Sawyer was charged with causing bodily harm to Sergio Caridi.
Authorities said Caridi led troopers on a lengthy chase in a large dump truck, and the authorities had to shoot out the tires and truck engine to get him to stop.
He was dragged out of the cab and then kicked repeatedly by Sawyer, according to the guilty plea.
The videotaped incident received wide attention because it came in the wake of a second case in which a former South Carolina trooper was indicted on federal civil rights charges for an incident in which he allegedly tried to run down a black man with his cruiser.
In that case, which was also videotaped by the trooper dash camera, white ex-trooper Steve Garren was acquitted by a jury of allegations he intentionally struck the man.
The two cases were among 10 claims of excessive force by troopers that led the U.S. Attorney to form a South Carolina Task Force to review the allegations.
More Information: http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/03/20/sc.troopers.investigation/index.html?iref=newssearch
Ex-trooper John Sawyer pled guilty in Charleston, South Carolina, to civil rights violations for the May 2006 incident.
Sawyer was charged with causing bodily harm to Sergio Caridi.
Authorities said Caridi led troopers on a lengthy chase in a large dump truck, and the authorities had to shoot out the tires and truck engine to get him to stop.
He was dragged out of the cab and then kicked repeatedly by Sawyer, according to the guilty plea.
The videotaped incident received wide attention because it came in the wake of a second case in which a former South Carolina trooper was indicted on federal civil rights charges for an incident in which he allegedly tried to run down a black man with his cruiser.
In that case, which was also videotaped by the trooper dash camera, white ex-trooper Steve Garren was acquitted by a jury of allegations he intentionally struck the man.
The two cases were among 10 claims of excessive force by troopers that led the U.S. Attorney to form a South Carolina Task Force to review the allegations.
More Information: http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/03/20/sc.troopers.investigation/index.html?iref=newssearch
Former Officer Isaac Thornton Accused of Planning to Shoot a Police Officer
BOSTON
A former Boston police officer has found himself on the wrong side of the law.
Isaac Thornton, 43, of Arlington, was arrested outside a club early Saturday morning, accused of planning to shoot a police officer.
Thornton was at the Dublin House at 7 Stoughton Street in Dorchester when someone overheard him say he was carrying a firearm because he was going to shoot a police officer.
Boston Police were called to the Dublin House and when they arrived, Thornton was hiding in a doorway next door.
Officers approached him, a fight ensued, and he was taken into custody.
Police discovered a firearm, a round of bullets, and a police badge in his possession.
Thornton has a past record of trouble with the law.
Back in July of 1991, he faced charges for shooting a Dorchester teen at The Gallery nightclub in Roxbury.
Thornton was cleared of all charges, but has since been terminated from the Boston Police Department.
He is being held at District B2 in Roxbury and faces several charges including unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and carrying a loaded firearm
A former Boston police officer has found himself on the wrong side of the law.
Isaac Thornton, 43, of Arlington, was arrested outside a club early Saturday morning, accused of planning to shoot a police officer.
Thornton was at the Dublin House at 7 Stoughton Street in Dorchester when someone overheard him say he was carrying a firearm because he was going to shoot a police officer.
Boston Police were called to the Dublin House and when they arrived, Thornton was hiding in a doorway next door.
Officers approached him, a fight ensued, and he was taken into custody.
Police discovered a firearm, a round of bullets, and a police badge in his possession.
Thornton has a past record of trouble with the law.
Back in July of 1991, he faced charges for shooting a Dorchester teen at The Gallery nightclub in Roxbury.
Thornton was cleared of all charges, but has since been terminated from the Boston Police Department.
He is being held at District B2 in Roxbury and faces several charges including unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and carrying a loaded firearm
Saturday, January 03, 2009
New Sheriff Kem Kimbrough Fires 14 Deputies
New Clayton County Sheriff Kem Kimbrough fired 14 deputies on his first day in office —- a move similar to the one that cost the former sheriff $7 million in lawsuits.
The difference: All of the deputies Kimbrough fired were on probation, and many had criminal records.
“These 14 were people with the most egregious things in their files —- criminal records, failure to pass training or they were fired before and rehired with no resolution to the issues they were fired for,” he said Friday.
Kimbrough, who defeated Sheriff Victor Hill in August, promised voters he would restore integrity in the department and rid it of corruption.
“These people don’t deserve to have thugs and criminals carrying badges and guns,” said Kimbrough, an attorney and former deputy. “Everything we did on Day One was prudent, supported, legal and in the best intentions of Clayton County.”
Kimbrough said he also is changing locks in the sheriff’s office and the jail and is scrutinizing inventory after finding missing keys, weapons and other equipment.
Kimbrough said he got approval from the county’s personnel director before taking action. Some vacancies have been filled with deputies Hill fired —- veteran officers who’d been working at the police department.
While the newly fired deputies say Kimbrough is just as bad as Hill, some officers and inmates cheered at midnight Wednesday when the new sheriff took office.
Kimbrough and his new chief deputy, Garland Watkins, whom Hill had fired, started their first day in office at 6:30 a.m. Thursday, swearing in 311 employees. The two then asked a handful of deputies to stay behind and handed out pink slips.
That is just the beginning of a 100-day personnel audit that could lead to more terminations, Kimbrough said.
First up on the possible termination list could be the “30 or 40” deputies who did not show up for the swearing-in. Many of those were on the county payroll but handled Hill’s re-election campaign, worked on his autobiography and did other personal work for the former sheriff, Kimbrough said.
However, two of the dismissed deputies —- Edward M. Hobbs and Miriam Taylor —- said they were fired because of their loyalty to Hill.
“You fired me because I supported Victor Hill. You fired me because I was Victor Hill’s driver,” Hobbs said. “You said you were going to take 120 days to assess the employees. You only waited eight hours and fired me.”
Court records show Hobbs was convicted of simple battery in Fulton County in 2005 and placed on probation. He had an outstanding warrant for violating his probation when he showed up for his first day at the Sheriff’s Department in May 2008.
His co-workers arrested him, and he was sent to jail. However, after Hobbs posted bail, he was allowed by Hill to return to work, Watkins said.
Hobbs, a former Fulton County sheriff’s deputy, said he got into a fight with his ex-wife and was ordered to complete counseling. Hobbs said he completed his sentence and the case was closed.
“I caught a rapist in Morrow and three robbers in Riverdale. I did nothing but my job,” Hobbs said. “He said I was a thug and a reject. That’s defamation of character.”
Taylor, of Atlanta, said she worked as a Clayton corrections officer for about a month —- not long enough to “get in trouble,” she said.
Taylor was fired because she never had a background check and failed the mandated Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training test, Kimbrough said.
Kimbrough said she could reapply for her job and go through a background check.
“You put me out of work and put my family in jeopardy because you want to make a statement,” Taylor said. “That’s not right. This is obviously a political move because of Victor Hill.”
Hill ended his term this week by filing for bankruptcy, alleging he couldn’t afford $1.7 million in legal damages.
That does not include $7 million a judge awarded 27 deputies Hill fired. On his first day as sheriff in 2005, Hill put snipers on the courthouse roof and led the terminated employees out.
“The only difference between him and Victor Hill is no snipers,” Hobbs said. “But he had 20 people with guns on their hips escort us out of the building.”
On Thursday, deputies told inmates they no longer have to follow Hill’s strict rules, including one to face the wall and end phone calls when officers are present.
Deputies punished some inmates for celebrating the regime change on Thursday, said Capt. Deanna Cash, who returned after being fired by Hill.
“I used to think we’re human beings, not dogs. I did four years in the military and never had to turn my back. It was like I wasn’t good enough to look at you [deputies],” said Minika Nichols, who is in jail for a DUI. “I’m just happy to have some changes.”
The difference: All of the deputies Kimbrough fired were on probation, and many had criminal records.
“These 14 were people with the most egregious things in their files —- criminal records, failure to pass training or they were fired before and rehired with no resolution to the issues they were fired for,” he said Friday.
Kimbrough, who defeated Sheriff Victor Hill in August, promised voters he would restore integrity in the department and rid it of corruption.
“These people don’t deserve to have thugs and criminals carrying badges and guns,” said Kimbrough, an attorney and former deputy. “Everything we did on Day One was prudent, supported, legal and in the best intentions of Clayton County.”
Kimbrough said he also is changing locks in the sheriff’s office and the jail and is scrutinizing inventory after finding missing keys, weapons and other equipment.
Kimbrough said he got approval from the county’s personnel director before taking action. Some vacancies have been filled with deputies Hill fired —- veteran officers who’d been working at the police department.
While the newly fired deputies say Kimbrough is just as bad as Hill, some officers and inmates cheered at midnight Wednesday when the new sheriff took office.
Kimbrough and his new chief deputy, Garland Watkins, whom Hill had fired, started their first day in office at 6:30 a.m. Thursday, swearing in 311 employees. The two then asked a handful of deputies to stay behind and handed out pink slips.
That is just the beginning of a 100-day personnel audit that could lead to more terminations, Kimbrough said.
First up on the possible termination list could be the “30 or 40” deputies who did not show up for the swearing-in. Many of those were on the county payroll but handled Hill’s re-election campaign, worked on his autobiography and did other personal work for the former sheriff, Kimbrough said.
However, two of the dismissed deputies —- Edward M. Hobbs and Miriam Taylor —- said they were fired because of their loyalty to Hill.
“You fired me because I supported Victor Hill. You fired me because I was Victor Hill’s driver,” Hobbs said. “You said you were going to take 120 days to assess the employees. You only waited eight hours and fired me.”
Court records show Hobbs was convicted of simple battery in Fulton County in 2005 and placed on probation. He had an outstanding warrant for violating his probation when he showed up for his first day at the Sheriff’s Department in May 2008.
His co-workers arrested him, and he was sent to jail. However, after Hobbs posted bail, he was allowed by Hill to return to work, Watkins said.
Hobbs, a former Fulton County sheriff’s deputy, said he got into a fight with his ex-wife and was ordered to complete counseling. Hobbs said he completed his sentence and the case was closed.
“I caught a rapist in Morrow and three robbers in Riverdale. I did nothing but my job,” Hobbs said. “He said I was a thug and a reject. That’s defamation of character.”
Taylor, of Atlanta, said she worked as a Clayton corrections officer for about a month —- not long enough to “get in trouble,” she said.
Taylor was fired because she never had a background check and failed the mandated Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training test, Kimbrough said.
Kimbrough said she could reapply for her job and go through a background check.
“You put me out of work and put my family in jeopardy because you want to make a statement,” Taylor said. “That’s not right. This is obviously a political move because of Victor Hill.”
Hill ended his term this week by filing for bankruptcy, alleging he couldn’t afford $1.7 million in legal damages.
That does not include $7 million a judge awarded 27 deputies Hill fired. On his first day as sheriff in 2005, Hill put snipers on the courthouse roof and led the terminated employees out.
“The only difference between him and Victor Hill is no snipers,” Hobbs said. “But he had 20 people with guns on their hips escort us out of the building.”
On Thursday, deputies told inmates they no longer have to follow Hill’s strict rules, including one to face the wall and end phone calls when officers are present.
Deputies punished some inmates for celebrating the regime change on Thursday, said Capt. Deanna Cash, who returned after being fired by Hill.
“I used to think we’re human beings, not dogs. I did four years in the military and never had to turn my back. It was like I wasn’t good enough to look at you [deputies],” said Minika Nichols, who is in jail for a DUI. “I’m just happy to have some changes.”
Friday, January 02, 2009
Former Officer David Finch Charged with Rape, Won't do Jail Time
WAGONER
A former police officer charged with raping a high-school girl has avoided a trial and possible jail time by accepting a deal with prosecutors.
David Finch, 37, of Tahlequah, who was charged with one count of second-degree rape entered a no-contest plea last week in return for a five-year suspended sentence and probation, according to Wagoner County District Court records.
As part of the terms, Finch, a former Wagoner police officer, will also undergo counseling, records show. A community sentencing hearing is set for Feb. 18.
Finch had previously pleaded not guilty and requested a jury trial, records show.
Finch was charged in December 2007 for an alleged assault involving a 16-year-old student.
A former police officer charged with raping a high-school girl has avoided a trial and possible jail time by accepting a deal with prosecutors.
David Finch, 37, of Tahlequah, who was charged with one count of second-degree rape entered a no-contest plea last week in return for a five-year suspended sentence and probation, according to Wagoner County District Court records.
As part of the terms, Finch, a former Wagoner police officer, will also undergo counseling, records show. A community sentencing hearing is set for Feb. 18.
Finch had previously pleaded not guilty and requested a jury trial, records show.
Finch was charged in December 2007 for an alleged assault involving a 16-year-old student.
Officer Dustin Parker Arrested for Driving Under the Influence
An off-duty Great Bend Police officer was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol following a one-vehicle injury accident Wednesday morning, according to a statement from the police department. Another off-duty officer was in the vehicle and was injured.
The accident was investigated by the Barton County Sheriff's Office, which identified the driver as Dustin Parker, 23, of Ellinwood. He was not injured. His passenger was fellow police officer Beau Brough, 24, of Great Bend.
The accident happened just before 4 a.m. Wednesday in the 200 block of North Washington Avenue. In accordance with City of Great Bend policy, the sheriff's office investigates all accidents in town that involve city officers.
Parker was driving south in a 2006 Ford F-150 pickup when he lost control of the vehicle, went into the east ditch, overcorrected his steering and skidded sideways into the west ditch. The pickup rolled onto its top.
Both Parker and Brough were wearing seat belts.
The sheriff's office reports Brough had a small cut under his bottom lip but refused treatment at the scene. However, a spokesman for Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend said Brough was treated for injuries and released sometime on Wednesday.
City officials said Brough will not be able to return to work at this time.
According to Great Bend Human Resources Director Terry Hoff, Parker has been employed by the city for a little over a year. He has been suspended pending disciplinary action. Following city policy, he is suspended with pay at this time.
The case is still under investigation, but has been referred to the Barton County Attorney's Office for prosecution.
The accident was investigated by the Barton County Sheriff's Office, which identified the driver as Dustin Parker, 23, of Ellinwood. He was not injured. His passenger was fellow police officer Beau Brough, 24, of Great Bend.
The accident happened just before 4 a.m. Wednesday in the 200 block of North Washington Avenue. In accordance with City of Great Bend policy, the sheriff's office investigates all accidents in town that involve city officers.
Parker was driving south in a 2006 Ford F-150 pickup when he lost control of the vehicle, went into the east ditch, overcorrected his steering and skidded sideways into the west ditch. The pickup rolled onto its top.
Both Parker and Brough were wearing seat belts.
The sheriff's office reports Brough had a small cut under his bottom lip but refused treatment at the scene. However, a spokesman for Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend said Brough was treated for injuries and released sometime on Wednesday.
City officials said Brough will not be able to return to work at this time.
According to Great Bend Human Resources Director Terry Hoff, Parker has been employed by the city for a little over a year. He has been suspended pending disciplinary action. Following city policy, he is suspended with pay at this time.
The case is still under investigation, but has been referred to the Barton County Attorney's Office for prosecution.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Transit Officer Shoots 22-Year Old
OAKLAND, Calif.
A 22-year-old man died Thursday after being shot on an Oakland train station platform by a transit agency police officer responding to reports of fighting on an arriving train, officials said.
The Bay Area Rapid Transit officer's gun went off while police were trying to restrain 22-year-old Oscar Grant at BART's Fruitvale station around 2:15 a.m. Thursday, agency spokesman Jim Allison said.
Grant was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead later Thursday morning, Allison said.
Authorities said they were still investigating whether the gun was fired on purpose or accidentally.
"It's clear that it was a volatile situation with young men who were arguing and in fact had continued to argue even in the presence of multiple police officers," Allison said.
Five officers had gathered on the platform as the train arrived from San Francisco following reports that two groups of men were fighting on the train near the West Oakland station two stops earlier, officials said.
The men continued to yell at each other after the train stopped, and police were in the process of separating the men when the bullet struck Grant, Allison said.
No one involved in the alleged fighting was arrested following the incident. Two men were detained for questioning but released.
Officials have not publicly identified the officer, who has served on the force for just under two years.
The officer was placed on administrative leave as authorities investigate whether proper police procedures had been followed and whether the shooting was a crime, Allison said.
A 22-year-old man died Thursday after being shot on an Oakland train station platform by a transit agency police officer responding to reports of fighting on an arriving train, officials said.
The Bay Area Rapid Transit officer's gun went off while police were trying to restrain 22-year-old Oscar Grant at BART's Fruitvale station around 2:15 a.m. Thursday, agency spokesman Jim Allison said.
Grant was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead later Thursday morning, Allison said.
Authorities said they were still investigating whether the gun was fired on purpose or accidentally.
"It's clear that it was a volatile situation with young men who were arguing and in fact had continued to argue even in the presence of multiple police officers," Allison said.
Five officers had gathered on the platform as the train arrived from San Francisco following reports that two groups of men were fighting on the train near the West Oakland station two stops earlier, officials said.
The men continued to yell at each other after the train stopped, and police were in the process of separating the men when the bullet struck Grant, Allison said.
No one involved in the alleged fighting was arrested following the incident. Two men were detained for questioning but released.
Officials have not publicly identified the officer, who has served on the force for just under two years.
The officer was placed on administrative leave as authorities investigate whether proper police procedures had been followed and whether the shooting was a crime, Allison said.
Officer Mike Briseno Facing Battery Charge
FARMINGTON, N.M.
Farmington police officer Mike Briseno is facing misdemeanor battery charges following an altercation with his daughter's 17-year-old boyfriend.
San Juan County sheriff's investigators said Briseno apparently did not approve of the teen's relationship with his 13-year-old daughter and went to the boy's home Tuesday.
Briseno, who was off-duty at the time, allegedly got into a verbal altercation with the boy and his mother. It then turned physical.
Briseno is now on paid administrative leave pending an investigation.
A six-year veteran of the force, Briseno was named in a civil rights lawsuit in November 2004 in which a Farmington resident accused him and five other officers of police brutality. He also was the subject of a 2003 lawsuit involving another resident who claimed Briseno arrested him without probable cause and entered his home without a search warrant.
Briseno also was investigated on 22 allegations of police misconduct in 1997 while working for the Bloomfield Police Department. The investigation came after 200 people signed and delivered a petition to the department.
Briseno was cleared of any wrongdoing in all of the cases.
Truby said the investigation into Tuesday's altercation is ongoing.
———
Information from: The Daily Times, http://www.daily-times.com
More Information on Officer Briseno: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2008/09/officer-mike-briseno-accused-of.html
Farmington police officer Mike Briseno is facing misdemeanor battery charges following an altercation with his daughter's 17-year-old boyfriend.
San Juan County sheriff's investigators said Briseno apparently did not approve of the teen's relationship with his 13-year-old daughter and went to the boy's home Tuesday.
Briseno, who was off-duty at the time, allegedly got into a verbal altercation with the boy and his mother. It then turned physical.
Briseno is now on paid administrative leave pending an investigation.
A six-year veteran of the force, Briseno was named in a civil rights lawsuit in November 2004 in which a Farmington resident accused him and five other officers of police brutality. He also was the subject of a 2003 lawsuit involving another resident who claimed Briseno arrested him without probable cause and entered his home without a search warrant.
Briseno also was investigated on 22 allegations of police misconduct in 1997 while working for the Bloomfield Police Department. The investigation came after 200 people signed and delivered a petition to the department.
Briseno was cleared of any wrongdoing in all of the cases.
Truby said the investigation into Tuesday's altercation is ongoing.
———
Information from: The Daily Times, http://www.daily-times.com
More Information on Officer Briseno: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2008/09/officer-mike-briseno-accused-of.html
Deputy Cornelius Davis is Accused of Rubbing his NutSack On Women in Stores
RALEIGH
Raleigh police have arrested a Warren County sheriff's deputy in bizarre incidents at two stores.
Police spokesman Jim Sughrue says his department has charged 40-year-old Cornelius Orlando Davis with two counts of sexual battery.
Davis allegedly walked up to women in the stores and rubbed his genitals on them.
The first time, it happened at the Brier Creek Wal-Mart store on Glennwood Avenue on May 30. The second time, it happened this past Wednesday at both the Wal-Mart and a Kohl's store on Alexander Promenade.
Detectives say although the attacks did not involve bare skin, they're still considered sexual assaults.
In the first incident, the victim was able to get out her cell phone and snap a picture of her attacker as he walked away.
"That's pretty brave. I think I would have been a little in shock and I don't know if I would have reacted that quickly," said shopper Libby Powers.
Despite the image, and video from surveillance cameras in the store, detectives weren't able to make the connection to Davis until after the second incidents.
Kohl's security says it noticed Davis' alleged behavior and called Wal-Mart when it appeared he was heading there. Davis was arrested inside the Wal-Mart when security there called 911.
Investigators say they're concerned Davis may have done the same thing to other women.
"It's the sort of experience that some people would report. Others might just be so startled by it they wouldn't know exactly what to do. If anyone else has had a similar experience, we would ask them to come forward," said Sughrue in a May interview.
Women who shop at the stores that we spoke with in May said they were worried what else the attacker was capable of.
"If someone's willing to do that, they'd probably be willing to take the next step," said Powers.
Davis bonded out of the Wake County Jail Thursday afternoon.
His brother said the deputy has done nothing wrong.
"I know my brother's innocent. There's been no wrongdoing. We have a tight knit family and we're going to work through it," offered Torrance Davis. "He's a war veteran. He's a good father, a good provider, a good brother, good friend.
More Information: http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=6582317
Raleigh police have arrested a Warren County sheriff's deputy in bizarre incidents at two stores.
Police spokesman Jim Sughrue says his department has charged 40-year-old Cornelius Orlando Davis with two counts of sexual battery.
Davis allegedly walked up to women in the stores and rubbed his genitals on them.
The first time, it happened at the Brier Creek Wal-Mart store on Glennwood Avenue on May 30. The second time, it happened this past Wednesday at both the Wal-Mart and a Kohl's store on Alexander Promenade.
Detectives say although the attacks did not involve bare skin, they're still considered sexual assaults.
In the first incident, the victim was able to get out her cell phone and snap a picture of her attacker as he walked away.
"That's pretty brave. I think I would have been a little in shock and I don't know if I would have reacted that quickly," said shopper Libby Powers.
Despite the image, and video from surveillance cameras in the store, detectives weren't able to make the connection to Davis until after the second incidents.
Kohl's security says it noticed Davis' alleged behavior and called Wal-Mart when it appeared he was heading there. Davis was arrested inside the Wal-Mart when security there called 911.
Investigators say they're concerned Davis may have done the same thing to other women.
"It's the sort of experience that some people would report. Others might just be so startled by it they wouldn't know exactly what to do. If anyone else has had a similar experience, we would ask them to come forward," said Sughrue in a May interview.
Women who shop at the stores that we spoke with in May said they were worried what else the attacker was capable of.
"If someone's willing to do that, they'd probably be willing to take the next step," said Powers.
Davis bonded out of the Wake County Jail Thursday afternoon.
His brother said the deputy has done nothing wrong.
"I know my brother's innocent. There's been no wrongdoing. We have a tight knit family and we're going to work through it," offered Torrance Davis. "He's a war veteran. He's a good father, a good provider, a good brother, good friend.
More Information: http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=6582317
Sgt. Andrew Gallagos Charged with Running Over Woman
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.
An off-duty Albuquerque police sergeant has been charged with running over and killing a woman in a bar parking lot in April.
Court records show Sgt. Andrew Gallegos was charged Dec. 12 with tampering with evidence and leaving the scene of an accident involving death or injury, a third-degree felony.
Gallegos, a 19-year-old veteran of the department, is accused of running over and killing Vera Haskell, 47, who was lying next to his truck in the Sidewinders parking lot. Police have said Gallegos drove off and did not call authorities.
Gallegos' attorney, Sam Bregman, said Wednesday his client is innocent.
Police Chief Ray Schultz said Gallegos has been on leave without pay since the incident, and internal affairs is investigating.
Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com
More Information: http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/crime/crime_krqe_albuquerque_sidewinders_arrest_200901011745
An off-duty Albuquerque police sergeant has been charged with running over and killing a woman in a bar parking lot in April.
Court records show Sgt. Andrew Gallegos was charged Dec. 12 with tampering with evidence and leaving the scene of an accident involving death or injury, a third-degree felony.
Gallegos, a 19-year-old veteran of the department, is accused of running over and killing Vera Haskell, 47, who was lying next to his truck in the Sidewinders parking lot. Police have said Gallegos drove off and did not call authorities.
Gallegos' attorney, Sam Bregman, said Wednesday his client is innocent.
Police Chief Ray Schultz said Gallegos has been on leave without pay since the incident, and internal affairs is investigating.
Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com
More Information: http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/crime/crime_krqe_albuquerque_sidewinders_arrest_200901011745
Joe Arpaio World's Worst Sheriff
Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County, Ariz., which includes Phoenix and its sprawling surroundings, is an aggressive self-promoter with a new claim to fame: a reality show on Fox called “Smile … You’re Under Arrest!” It’s a “Candid Camera” for crooks, with actors luring fugitives into compromising situations, for laughs.
It’s easy to snicker at the sight of a publicity-addicted law-enforcement official wallowing with the dregs of reality TV, sharing a channel with shows like “My Bare Lady,” “The Glutton Bowl” and “World Famous for Dicking Around.”
But Sheriff Arpaio is armed and dangerous. He is a genuine public menace with a long and well-documented trail of inmate abuses, unjustified arrests, racial profiling, brutal and inept policing and wasteful spending.
For years he has won fawning press coverage by playing the role of “America’s Toughest Sheriff.” But now another side of the story — that is, the truth — is leaking out.
The latest example is a report released this month that sums up, in devastating detail, the cost of Sheriff Arpaio’s reign. It was issued not by the sheriff’s usual critics — whom he routinely dismisses as a band of bleeding-hearts — but by the Goldwater Institute, a think tank dedicated to the principles of the late Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater, an obelisk of conservatism.
Read a summary here, or the full pdf.
Here’s the gist.
What has risen on Sheriff Arpaio’s watch: violent crimes (up 69 percent overall from 2004 to 2007, with homicides up 166 percent in those three years), 911 response times, unserved arrest warrants, racist sweeps of Latino neighborhoods, and dollars paid out in budget overruns, overtime and lawsuit settlements.
What has declined: the arrest rate, the number of satellite booking stations, public access to department records, Sheriff Arpaio’s reputation.
The Goldwater report must bring some comfort to the residents of Maricopa County who have spent years raising the alarm about Sheriff Arpaio, with little effect outside Arizona.
They include a Web site, barriozona.com, that has tracked the sheriff’s terrorizing sweeps through Latino neighborhoods, and a dogged reporter, Stephen Lemons of The Phoenix New Times, who keeps the heat on Sheriff Arpaio in his blog. Mr. Lemons recently posted some chilling video from a public meeting of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, where Sheriff Arpaio’s deputies arrested citizens … for clapping.
Sheriff Arpaio was elected to a fifth term in November and is riding high, at least in the worlds of bad policing and jackass television.
But pride, they say, goes before a fall. Here’s hoping!
It’s easy to snicker at the sight of a publicity-addicted law-enforcement official wallowing with the dregs of reality TV, sharing a channel with shows like “My Bare Lady,” “The Glutton Bowl” and “World Famous for Dicking Around.”
But Sheriff Arpaio is armed and dangerous. He is a genuine public menace with a long and well-documented trail of inmate abuses, unjustified arrests, racial profiling, brutal and inept policing and wasteful spending.
For years he has won fawning press coverage by playing the role of “America’s Toughest Sheriff.” But now another side of the story — that is, the truth — is leaking out.
The latest example is a report released this month that sums up, in devastating detail, the cost of Sheriff Arpaio’s reign. It was issued not by the sheriff’s usual critics — whom he routinely dismisses as a band of bleeding-hearts — but by the Goldwater Institute, a think tank dedicated to the principles of the late Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater, an obelisk of conservatism.
Read a summary here, or the full pdf.
Here’s the gist.
What has risen on Sheriff Arpaio’s watch: violent crimes (up 69 percent overall from 2004 to 2007, with homicides up 166 percent in those three years), 911 response times, unserved arrest warrants, racist sweeps of Latino neighborhoods, and dollars paid out in budget overruns, overtime and lawsuit settlements.
What has declined: the arrest rate, the number of satellite booking stations, public access to department records, Sheriff Arpaio’s reputation.
The Goldwater report must bring some comfort to the residents of Maricopa County who have spent years raising the alarm about Sheriff Arpaio, with little effect outside Arizona.
They include a Web site, barriozona.com, that has tracked the sheriff’s terrorizing sweeps through Latino neighborhoods, and a dogged reporter, Stephen Lemons of The Phoenix New Times, who keeps the heat on Sheriff Arpaio in his blog. Mr. Lemons recently posted some chilling video from a public meeting of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, where Sheriff Arpaio’s deputies arrested citizens … for clapping.
Sheriff Arpaio was elected to a fifth term in November and is riding high, at least in the worlds of bad policing and jackass television.
But pride, they say, goes before a fall. Here’s hoping!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Trial Set for Officer Richard Woodruff
A jury will decide the fate of a former Fond du Lac Police Department officer accused of a crime.
Richard C. Woodruff, 467 Rockrose Drive, appeared in court Tuesday morning for a hearing that resulted in Fond du Lac County Circuit Court Judge Richard Nuss scheduling a two-day trial.
Washington County Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Hanson said all requested documents about the alleged theft of two Wal-Mart gift cards from the Cops for Kids Foundation were delivered to the defense.
Before Woodruff's attorney, Kirk Everson, left the courtroom, he told Nuss he believed he did not receive all discovery information from the prosecution. Nuss said if the Fond du Lac Police Department is withholding any information about the case, that information would be excluded from a jury trial.
Woodruff is accused of using a $100 gift card to partially pay for a power washer June 27 and a $50 card to purchase food on July 5, according to the criminal complaint.
Surveillance videos show a man — identified as Woodruff by a Police Department employee — using the cards, the report states.
Six BP gift cards were also reported missing or had been cashed, according to the complaint.
The criminal investigation was handled by the Sheboygan Police Department.
Washington County District Attorney Todd K. Martens made the charging decision.
Richard C. Woodruff, 467 Rockrose Drive, appeared in court Tuesday morning for a hearing that resulted in Fond du Lac County Circuit Court Judge Richard Nuss scheduling a two-day trial.
Washington County Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Hanson said all requested documents about the alleged theft of two Wal-Mart gift cards from the Cops for Kids Foundation were delivered to the defense.
Before Woodruff's attorney, Kirk Everson, left the courtroom, he told Nuss he believed he did not receive all discovery information from the prosecution. Nuss said if the Fond du Lac Police Department is withholding any information about the case, that information would be excluded from a jury trial.
Woodruff is accused of using a $100 gift card to partially pay for a power washer June 27 and a $50 card to purchase food on July 5, according to the criminal complaint.
Surveillance videos show a man — identified as Woodruff by a Police Department employee — using the cards, the report states.
Six BP gift cards were also reported missing or had been cashed, according to the complaint.
The criminal investigation was handled by the Sheboygan Police Department.
Washington County District Attorney Todd K. Martens made the charging decision.
Rules Don't Apply to Them
In some states, the sordid downfall of George "Chris" Ortloff might be the year's biggest scandal.
Not in New York.
When Ortloff, a former state Parole Board member and longtime Plattsburgh-area assemblyman, admitted on Christmas Eve that he tried to entice two preteenage "sisters" into sex at a Colonie hotel, his guilty plea in U.S. District Court was not even the latest scandal at the Division of Parole.
In a year in which Americans faced an economic crisis and elected a new president, an assortment of politicians in the Empire State added new pages to an ever-increasing story leaders and lawmakers who break the law.
It is a story that spans the state from Buffalo to Queens and that is without former Gov. Eliot Spitzer, who avoided criminal charges after being toppled in a prostitution scandal. His departure followed the exit of former Comptroller Alan Hevesi, who was forced to resign in 2007 after defrauding the government.
The continuing legal troubles in state politics raise a simple question: Why does this keep happening?
"Far too many elected officials think that the rules don't apply to them," said Blair Horner, of the New York Public Interest Research Group. "Because of their 'exalted status,' they are outside of the normal restrictions that apply to everyone else. This rogues' gallery should spur action on legislation to create truly independent ethics oversight entities."
The Times Union reported last December that nearly one-fifth of elected legislators in New York had, by some measure, broken a law in recent years, ranging from traffic violations to bribery and theft.
A year later, the Ortloff case arguably makes them all appear tame.
When the 61-year-old tough-on-crime Republican quietly pleaded guilty to online enticement of minors Dec. 24, it was while facing charges he tried to arrange sex trysts with girls, ages 11 and 12, through their "mother," an undercover police officer. Ortloff had acknowledged to the undercover officer that he not only had a fondness for "toddlers," but had previously molested at least one child.
Five days before the Ortloff plea, on Dec, 19, state Sen.-elect. Hiram Monserrate, a Queens Democrat, was charged with slashing and beating his girlfriend. A day earlier, Assemblyman Anthony Seminerio, a longtime Queens Democrat, pleaded not guilty to fraud charges. He is accused of illegally accepting payments from groups with business pending before the state.
As it turns out, Monserrate took the seat of former Sen. John Sabini, whose own political career survived an alcohol-related driving arrest.
Meanwhile, Seminerio's arrest is said to have stemmed from cooperation from disgraced former Assemblyman Brian McLaughlin, another Queens Democrat, possible mayoral candidate and former president of the New York City Central Labor Council convicted of stealing money and perks in March.
The cases go beyond Queens. Among the year's other highlights (or lowlights):
On Dec. 19, an investigation by state Inspector General Joseph Fisch revealed that Division of Parole Chairman George B. Alexander of Buffalo took home a $1,700 government computer in 2007 and did not return it until anti-theft software traced it to his home. He tendered his resignation.
When Rep. Vito Fossella, a Staten Island Republican, was charged with drunken driving in Arlington, Va. ,on May 1, he told police he was headed to pick up his sick daughter. But the arrest revealed the married lawmaker had an out-of-wedlock daughter with a retired Air Force lieutenant. He chose not to seek re-election, then was convicted of driving under the influence.
Assemblywoman Diane Gordon, a Brooklyn Democrat, was convicted last year of trying to have a private developer build her a $500,000 home for a dollar in exchange for arranging a $2 million land deal.
Sen. Efrain Gonzalez, D-Bronx, had been under indictment on allegations he funneled nearly half a million taxpayer dollars through a charity to finance his cigar company, purchase Yankees tickets and pay tuition for his daughter.
As the year drew to a close, it was unclear what new cases might arise, though at least one top name made headlines without facing any charges. A federal probe into former Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno's business dealings was said to be nearing an end, with criminal charges being contemplated. The Brunswick lawmaker, the Legislature's most powerful Republican before he stepped down in July, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Not in New York.
When Ortloff, a former state Parole Board member and longtime Plattsburgh-area assemblyman, admitted on Christmas Eve that he tried to entice two preteenage "sisters" into sex at a Colonie hotel, his guilty plea in U.S. District Court was not even the latest scandal at the Division of Parole.
In a year in which Americans faced an economic crisis and elected a new president, an assortment of politicians in the Empire State added new pages to an ever-increasing story leaders and lawmakers who break the law.
It is a story that spans the state from Buffalo to Queens and that is without former Gov. Eliot Spitzer, who avoided criminal charges after being toppled in a prostitution scandal. His departure followed the exit of former Comptroller Alan Hevesi, who was forced to resign in 2007 after defrauding the government.
The continuing legal troubles in state politics raise a simple question: Why does this keep happening?
"Far too many elected officials think that the rules don't apply to them," said Blair Horner, of the New York Public Interest Research Group. "Because of their 'exalted status,' they are outside of the normal restrictions that apply to everyone else. This rogues' gallery should spur action on legislation to create truly independent ethics oversight entities."
The Times Union reported last December that nearly one-fifth of elected legislators in New York had, by some measure, broken a law in recent years, ranging from traffic violations to bribery and theft.
A year later, the Ortloff case arguably makes them all appear tame.
When the 61-year-old tough-on-crime Republican quietly pleaded guilty to online enticement of minors Dec. 24, it was while facing charges he tried to arrange sex trysts with girls, ages 11 and 12, through their "mother," an undercover police officer. Ortloff had acknowledged to the undercover officer that he not only had a fondness for "toddlers," but had previously molested at least one child.
Five days before the Ortloff plea, on Dec, 19, state Sen.-elect. Hiram Monserrate, a Queens Democrat, was charged with slashing and beating his girlfriend. A day earlier, Assemblyman Anthony Seminerio, a longtime Queens Democrat, pleaded not guilty to fraud charges. He is accused of illegally accepting payments from groups with business pending before the state.
As it turns out, Monserrate took the seat of former Sen. John Sabini, whose own political career survived an alcohol-related driving arrest.
Meanwhile, Seminerio's arrest is said to have stemmed from cooperation from disgraced former Assemblyman Brian McLaughlin, another Queens Democrat, possible mayoral candidate and former president of the New York City Central Labor Council convicted of stealing money and perks in March.
The cases go beyond Queens. Among the year's other highlights (or lowlights):
On Dec. 19, an investigation by state Inspector General Joseph Fisch revealed that Division of Parole Chairman George B. Alexander of Buffalo took home a $1,700 government computer in 2007 and did not return it until anti-theft software traced it to his home. He tendered his resignation.
When Rep. Vito Fossella, a Staten Island Republican, was charged with drunken driving in Arlington, Va. ,on May 1, he told police he was headed to pick up his sick daughter. But the arrest revealed the married lawmaker had an out-of-wedlock daughter with a retired Air Force lieutenant. He chose not to seek re-election, then was convicted of driving under the influence.
Assemblywoman Diane Gordon, a Brooklyn Democrat, was convicted last year of trying to have a private developer build her a $500,000 home for a dollar in exchange for arranging a $2 million land deal.
Sen. Efrain Gonzalez, D-Bronx, had been under indictment on allegations he funneled nearly half a million taxpayer dollars through a charity to finance his cigar company, purchase Yankees tickets and pay tuition for his daughter.
As the year drew to a close, it was unclear what new cases might arise, though at least one top name made headlines without facing any charges. A federal probe into former Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno's business dealings was said to be nearing an end, with criminal charges being contemplated. The Brunswick lawmaker, the Legislature's most powerful Republican before he stepped down in July, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Officer Max Etienne Accused of Hit and Run
ALBANY
An Albany police officer suspected of losing his department-issued handgun during the city's LarkFest in September is now accused of crashing his personal vehicle into three parked cars and leaving the scene on Sunday.
The off-duty cop, Max Etienne, 37, was driving a Chevy sport utility vehicle when it struck a Honda sedan, a Chrysler and an Acura on Colatosti Place, said Detective James Miller, a police spokesman.
Officers were notified about 10 a.m., Miller said. No injuries were reported.
Chief James W. Tuffey declined to discuss the matter further Tuesday evening, citing department policy regarding personnel issues.
"We're doing an internal investigation now," he said. "We don't comment on internal investigations."
Miller said Etienne was issued two tickets, one for failing to keep right, another for leaving the scene of a property damage accident.
Etienne, who has not been suspended or put on leave, was identified in September as the officer suspected of losing his semiautomatic service pistol while off duty at the LarkFest event on Sept. 20.
The weapon was said to have been dropped in front of Justin's restaurant on Lark Street. Detectives determined it was his pistol, according to two people familiar with the incident.
Police never publicly identified Etienne as the officer who lost the gun. It couldn't determined where that case may stand.
The crash happened in the early morning hours Sunday. The officer then went to his home in a nearby apartment complex. Police later determined he was the driver and he was ticketed, authorities said.
While he is on active duty, the department's Internal Affairs investigators are probing the crash.
An Albany police officer suspected of losing his department-issued handgun during the city's LarkFest in September is now accused of crashing his personal vehicle into three parked cars and leaving the scene on Sunday.
The off-duty cop, Max Etienne, 37, was driving a Chevy sport utility vehicle when it struck a Honda sedan, a Chrysler and an Acura on Colatosti Place, said Detective James Miller, a police spokesman.
Officers were notified about 10 a.m., Miller said. No injuries were reported.
Chief James W. Tuffey declined to discuss the matter further Tuesday evening, citing department policy regarding personnel issues.
"We're doing an internal investigation now," he said. "We don't comment on internal investigations."
Miller said Etienne was issued two tickets, one for failing to keep right, another for leaving the scene of a property damage accident.
Etienne, who has not been suspended or put on leave, was identified in September as the officer suspected of losing his semiautomatic service pistol while off duty at the LarkFest event on Sept. 20.
The weapon was said to have been dropped in front of Justin's restaurant on Lark Street. Detectives determined it was his pistol, according to two people familiar with the incident.
Police never publicly identified Etienne as the officer who lost the gun. It couldn't determined where that case may stand.
The crash happened in the early morning hours Sunday. The officer then went to his home in a nearby apartment complex. Police later determined he was the driver and he was ticketed, authorities said.
While he is on active duty, the department's Internal Affairs investigators are probing the crash.
Officer Jeff Vernatti Has Faced 3 Prior Civil Rights Lawsuits
The Belleville police officer being sued after arresting a man wearing a T-shirt printed with the word "Police" has faced three prior federal civil rights lawsuits since 1999 -- two since he's worked for the Belleville Police Department.
Both of those suits resulted in settlements for the plaintiffs.
Last week, Adam Weinstein, of Missouri sued Belleville police Officer Jeff Vernatti, who is president of the police officer's union, after Weinstein's arrest at a Christmas party on Dec. 23, 2006, at Crehan's Bar in Belleville.
Weinstein's lawsuit accuses Vernatti of abusing and falsely arresting Weinstein.
Weinstein, 36, was wearing an undershirt with the word "Police" on it.
The officers asked Weinstein, an emergency medical technician and licensed security officer, for his police credentials and when Weinstein told them he didn't have any, he claims Vernatti, 39, placed handcuffs tightly around his wrists, twisted his wrists, then shoved him against a police car and into the back seat.
Weinstein was ticketed for impersonating a police officer, but that charge was later dropped.
Belleville Police Capt. Don Sax declined to comment on the suit on the advice of the department's lawyer. He also said he couldn't comment on whether Vernatti ever faced discipline at the department because it was a personnel issue.
Weinstein's suit was filed in circuit court in Belleville, but the three other suits were filed in U.S. District Court in East St. Louis.
In 2005, a Belleville man sued Vernatti after he alleged Vernatti used a Taser on him after a rollover accident. Bryan Joseph Schmittling's suit alleged Vernatti failed to provide medical attention for Schmittling's broken shoulder after the one-car crash on Dec. 20, 2004.
The suit further alleged that Vernatti, then the department's Taser trainer, called Schmittling obscene names, then used the Taser on him three or four times until Schmittling, who stated he was not resisting arrest, lost control of his bowels.
Four years earlier, Arben Milleson, of Mascoutah, filed suit, alleging he was beaten by Vernatti and six other officers after an arrest on Feb. 15, 2000.
Milleson and Schmittling settled their cases and signed a confidentiality agreement not to disclose the terms of the settlement.
Vernatti also was sued in 1999 when he worked for the Shiloh Police Department, but that suit was dismissed after the plaintiff, Tommy Lee Maxwell Jr., failed to file an amended complaint.
Vernatti has worked for the Belleville Police Department since 1999.
More information: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/12/31/Police_T-shirt_leads_to_arrest_lawsuit/UPI-35511230745415/
Both of those suits resulted in settlements for the plaintiffs.
Last week, Adam Weinstein, of Missouri sued Belleville police Officer Jeff Vernatti, who is president of the police officer's union, after Weinstein's arrest at a Christmas party on Dec. 23, 2006, at Crehan's Bar in Belleville.
Weinstein's lawsuit accuses Vernatti of abusing and falsely arresting Weinstein.
Weinstein, 36, was wearing an undershirt with the word "Police" on it.
The officers asked Weinstein, an emergency medical technician and licensed security officer, for his police credentials and when Weinstein told them he didn't have any, he claims Vernatti, 39, placed handcuffs tightly around his wrists, twisted his wrists, then shoved him against a police car and into the back seat.
Weinstein was ticketed for impersonating a police officer, but that charge was later dropped.
Belleville Police Capt. Don Sax declined to comment on the suit on the advice of the department's lawyer. He also said he couldn't comment on whether Vernatti ever faced discipline at the department because it was a personnel issue.
Weinstein's suit was filed in circuit court in Belleville, but the three other suits were filed in U.S. District Court in East St. Louis.
In 2005, a Belleville man sued Vernatti after he alleged Vernatti used a Taser on him after a rollover accident. Bryan Joseph Schmittling's suit alleged Vernatti failed to provide medical attention for Schmittling's broken shoulder after the one-car crash on Dec. 20, 2004.
The suit further alleged that Vernatti, then the department's Taser trainer, called Schmittling obscene names, then used the Taser on him three or four times until Schmittling, who stated he was not resisting arrest, lost control of his bowels.
Four years earlier, Arben Milleson, of Mascoutah, filed suit, alleging he was beaten by Vernatti and six other officers after an arrest on Feb. 15, 2000.
Milleson and Schmittling settled their cases and signed a confidentiality agreement not to disclose the terms of the settlement.
Vernatti also was sued in 1999 when he worked for the Shiloh Police Department, but that suit was dismissed after the plaintiff, Tommy Lee Maxwell Jr., failed to file an amended complaint.
Vernatti has worked for the Belleville Police Department since 1999.
More information: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/12/31/Police_T-shirt_leads_to_arrest_lawsuit/UPI-35511230745415/
Trooper Bruce Wrzosek Drunk At Taco Bell
One year after he graduated from the Maryland police academy state trooper Bruce Wrzosek, 22, found a strange way to celebrate.
The off-duty state trooper pulled up for some fast food and found big trouble on the menu instead. During the incident, police say Wrzosek was dressed in plain-clothes but was driving his police car.
According to WJZ news station, Baltimore County Police were called to Taco Bell by employees, who said they were being disturbed by a drunken trooper turning on his siren and trying to pull people over in the drive-thru lane.
Before police arrived the off-duty trooper Wrzosek had thrown a 20-year-old man into the front seat of his cruiser. That man said while in the drive-thru, the trooper yelled, “Get the [expletive] out of the way.”
After county police smelled alcohol on the troopers breath he decided to make a hasty retreat and drove off with the man he had previously arrested in tow, telling him: “They can’t do [expletive] to me.”
County police proceeded to chase the trooper into a residential area to Tilmont Avenue before he surrendered and was administered a heel-to-toe sobriety test, which the trooper failed. During the test Wrzosek said, “That’s great, I’m drunk.” Then before finishing he said, “I’m done, lock me up.” Which they did!
Wrzosek is in the Baltimore County jail on $500,000 bond. The county’s investigation showed the 20-year-old man forced into into the troopers car was falsely arrested. The trooper is charged with DUI, false imprisonment and eluding police.
And since the trooper was still within his two-year probationary period, he was also swiftly fired.
More information: http://jalopnik.com/5121646/drunk-maryland-state-cop-abducts-man-takes-city-cops-on-high-speed-chase-with-cruiser
The off-duty state trooper pulled up for some fast food and found big trouble on the menu instead. During the incident, police say Wrzosek was dressed in plain-clothes but was driving his police car.
According to WJZ news station, Baltimore County Police were called to Taco Bell by employees, who said they were being disturbed by a drunken trooper turning on his siren and trying to pull people over in the drive-thru lane.
Before police arrived the off-duty trooper Wrzosek had thrown a 20-year-old man into the front seat of his cruiser. That man said while in the drive-thru, the trooper yelled, “Get the [expletive] out of the way.”
After county police smelled alcohol on the troopers breath he decided to make a hasty retreat and drove off with the man he had previously arrested in tow, telling him: “They can’t do [expletive] to me.”
County police proceeded to chase the trooper into a residential area to Tilmont Avenue before he surrendered and was administered a heel-to-toe sobriety test, which the trooper failed. During the test Wrzosek said, “That’s great, I’m drunk.” Then before finishing he said, “I’m done, lock me up.” Which they did!
Wrzosek is in the Baltimore County jail on $500,000 bond. The county’s investigation showed the 20-year-old man forced into into the troopers car was falsely arrested. The trooper is charged with DUI, false imprisonment and eluding police.
And since the trooper was still within his two-year probationary period, he was also swiftly fired.
More information: http://jalopnik.com/5121646/drunk-maryland-state-cop-abducts-man-takes-city-cops-on-high-speed-chase-with-cruiser
Deputy Jose Avinael Lopez Charged with Stealing Bobcat loader
A Watonwan County sheriff's deputy is facing a felony charge after investigators allegedly found a stolen Bobcat skid loader at his home.
A criminal complaint filed Monday says the Bobcat was reported stolen in 2004 by Crow River Rental in Otsego. It says the loader was found in a pole barn during a Dec. 8 search at the home of Deputy Jose Avinael Lopez in rural Martin County.
Citing data practices laws, Watonwan County Sheriff Gary Menssen declined to comment about Lopez specifically but did say a deputy was on paid leave pending a criminal investigation.
Lopez, 33, is due to make his first court appearance Jan. 13.
He's the second Watonwan County deputy to face felony charges this year. Joe Dahl retired in April after being charged with theft for allegedly lying about hours worked. He is scheduled to go to trial in March.
A criminal complaint filed Monday says the Bobcat was reported stolen in 2004 by Crow River Rental in Otsego. It says the loader was found in a pole barn during a Dec. 8 search at the home of Deputy Jose Avinael Lopez in rural Martin County.
Citing data practices laws, Watonwan County Sheriff Gary Menssen declined to comment about Lopez specifically but did say a deputy was on paid leave pending a criminal investigation.
Lopez, 33, is due to make his first court appearance Jan. 13.
He's the second Watonwan County deputy to face felony charges this year. Joe Dahl retired in April after being charged with theft for allegedly lying about hours worked. He is scheduled to go to trial in March.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Officer Edward Henry Arrested for Raping Hair Stylist
ORLANDO, Fla.
A reserve officer with the Oakland Police Department is on unpaid leave for allegedly raping his long-time hair stylist. Edward Henry was also working as a security guard for Disney.
A Disney spokesperson confirmed to Eyewitness News that Henry worked there as a security guard, but wouldn't give any other details. She said Disney takes the allegations very seriously and he is now on unpaid leave.
Oakland reserve officer Edward Henry was arrested by the Orlando Police Department after he was accused of raping his hairdresser. He asked his long-time stylist to come to his house to do his hair.
"She indicated her purpose was to color his hair, and to be taken advantage of, I mean, no means no, no matter what," said Sgt. Barbara Jones, Orlando Police Department.
When police confronted Henry, he tried to blame the hair stylist, but then later admitted he raped her.
The Oakland police chief told Eyewitness News, as soon as Henry was arrested he took away his badge, ID and gun. He's suspended from the force until the investigation is complete.
The corporal was on Oakland's bike unit. He's been part of the reserve unit for the past three years. Before that, Henry was also an officer with the Maitland and Eatonville police departments.
Aside from being a reserve officer, Henry also works at Disney and Columbia University as a security guard.
"Whether you're an officer or a civilian, the crime of rape is very violent and it can't be and will never be tolerated," Sgt. Jones said.
Henry's attorney said his client did have an intimate relationship with the woman many, many years ago. However, she said, for the past seven years they have only been friends.
Eyewitness News asked to get a copy of his personnel file and was told by the city of Maitland it will not be available until next week.
A reserve officer with the Oakland Police Department is on unpaid leave for allegedly raping his long-time hair stylist. Edward Henry was also working as a security guard for Disney.
A Disney spokesperson confirmed to Eyewitness News that Henry worked there as a security guard, but wouldn't give any other details. She said Disney takes the allegations very seriously and he is now on unpaid leave.
Oakland reserve officer Edward Henry was arrested by the Orlando Police Department after he was accused of raping his hairdresser. He asked his long-time stylist to come to his house to do his hair.
"She indicated her purpose was to color his hair, and to be taken advantage of, I mean, no means no, no matter what," said Sgt. Barbara Jones, Orlando Police Department.
When police confronted Henry, he tried to blame the hair stylist, but then later admitted he raped her.
The Oakland police chief told Eyewitness News, as soon as Henry was arrested he took away his badge, ID and gun. He's suspended from the force until the investigation is complete.
The corporal was on Oakland's bike unit. He's been part of the reserve unit for the past three years. Before that, Henry was also an officer with the Maitland and Eatonville police departments.
Aside from being a reserve officer, Henry also works at Disney and Columbia University as a security guard.
"Whether you're an officer or a civilian, the crime of rape is very violent and it can't be and will never be tolerated," Sgt. Jones said.
Henry's attorney said his client did have an intimate relationship with the woman many, many years ago. However, she said, for the past seven years they have only been friends.
Eyewitness News asked to get a copy of his personnel file and was told by the city of Maitland it will not be available until next week.
Officer Julio Morales Arrested for Sexual Battery
A San Jose police officer was arrested Tuesday afternoon on charges that he sexually touched an 18-year-old woman while he was on duty.
Julio C. Morales, a 41-year-old patrol officer, was arrested on suspicion of sexual battery and false imprisonment — both felonies, according to police.
"In a police department of 1,400 officers, allegations are not uncommon,'' said Lt. Mark McIninch, head of the department's sex assault unit. "It's very important to the department and the people of San Jose that they know when an allegation is made it will be competently and completely investigated. We expect people to have that confidence in us.''
A warrant for Morales' arrest went out Tuesday, police said, and Morales surrendered to the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office. He was released after posting a $20,000 bond.
Police said Morales inappropriately touched the woman during a pat-down search Dec. 3 after detaining her near Third and Keyes streets.
They did not know each other. The officer then drove her in his patrol car to another location, where he left her.
Later that day, a man called the police department to say his niece had told him of the incident.
The officer, a 13-year veteran and former member of the police department's elite SWAT team, was later placed on administrative leave.
Police have no evidence Morales has done this before, but they are asking anyone who has information about any inappropriate behavior by the officer during his contacts with the public to call investigators at (408) 277-4102.
Julio C. Morales, a 41-year-old patrol officer, was arrested on suspicion of sexual battery and false imprisonment — both felonies, according to police.
"In a police department of 1,400 officers, allegations are not uncommon,'' said Lt. Mark McIninch, head of the department's sex assault unit. "It's very important to the department and the people of San Jose that they know when an allegation is made it will be competently and completely investigated. We expect people to have that confidence in us.''
A warrant for Morales' arrest went out Tuesday, police said, and Morales surrendered to the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office. He was released after posting a $20,000 bond.
Police said Morales inappropriately touched the woman during a pat-down search Dec. 3 after detaining her near Third and Keyes streets.
They did not know each other. The officer then drove her in his patrol car to another location, where he left her.
Later that day, a man called the police department to say his niece had told him of the incident.
The officer, a 13-year veteran and former member of the police department's elite SWAT team, was later placed on administrative leave.
Police have no evidence Morales has done this before, but they are asking anyone who has information about any inappropriate behavior by the officer during his contacts with the public to call investigators at (408) 277-4102.
Officer Kevin Brown Arrested for DWI
OSWEGO, N.Y.
A Fulton police officer has been arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated in Oswego.
Officer Kevin Brown was ticketed for driving while intoxicated as well as leaving the scene of an accident after police say he hit a parked car Sunday night. Police arrested Brown at a Valero gas station.
Fulton Mayor Ron Woodward said he is aware of the situation and the matter is being investigated.
"We're not happy about it. But he's a human being. Made a judgment error obviously by getting in the vehicle after he consumed alcohol," said Woodward.
Officer Brown was not working Tuesday, but Fulton Police say it was his normally scheduled day off and they do expect him back later this week.
It is not known when Brown will appear in court.
A Fulton police officer has been arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated in Oswego.
Officer Kevin Brown was ticketed for driving while intoxicated as well as leaving the scene of an accident after police say he hit a parked car Sunday night. Police arrested Brown at a Valero gas station.
Fulton Mayor Ron Woodward said he is aware of the situation and the matter is being investigated.
"We're not happy about it. But he's a human being. Made a judgment error obviously by getting in the vehicle after he consumed alcohol," said Woodward.
Officer Brown was not working Tuesday, but Fulton Police say it was his normally scheduled day off and they do expect him back later this week.
It is not known when Brown will appear in court.
Officer Ronald Hendrickson Arrested for Several Sex Crimes
A Newport News Police officer was charged Monday with several sex-related felonies in York County.
Ronald M. Hendrickson, 47, of Yorktown, was arrested Monday evening after turning himself in at the York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office. He was charged with felony abduction with intent to defile, abduction, animate object penetration, and misdemeanor sexual battery, said York-Poquoson Sheriff's Lt. Penny Diggs, an investigator on the case.
Diggs said the victim in the case is known to Hendrickson, and the charges against him stem from an incident that was reported to the sheriff's office about 3:30 a.m. Monday.
Hendrickson is being held in the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail without bond.
Newport News Police Department Spokesman Lou Thurston said Hendrickson — a lieutenant who has been with the Newport News Police Department for just under 23 years — has been placed on administrative leave with pay while an internal investigation is conducted.
At the time of his arrest, Hendrickson was assigned to the department's South Precinct patrol division in a supervisory position, Thurston said.
More Information: http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/local_news/local_wavy_nn_police_officer_arrested_20081230
Officer Ryan Warme to Remain in Custody
A federal judge this afternoon ordered Niagara Falls police officer Ryan G. Warme remain in custody because there is reason to believe he poses a danger to the community and witnesses in the case.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Hugh B. Scott issued the ruling at about 1:15 p.m., saying the serious charges against Warme, coupled with no other adequate confinement options that would reduce the risk to the public and witnesses, warranted he stay in custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Warme was arrested Dec. 2 for alleged drug, gun and civil rights crimes.
His attorney, Joel L. Daniels, had argued during the detention hearing that Warme, 27, should be allowed to be released and confined to the Grand Island home of his father, Gordon, a retired Niagara Falls police captain.
Prosecutors have alleged Warme, who is awaiting trial, had threatened three witnesses prior to his arrest, including two witnesses who faced death threats.
Earlier, Daniels filed court papers conceding Warme did have sex with two women while on duty but Warme insists that the sex with both women was consensual.
Daniels contends that Warme has been wrongly accused of federal civil rights crimes against the women, identified only as Victim 1 and Victim 2.
Daniels filed 10 pages of court papers in Warme’s defense. The documents were filed in anticipation of a detention hearing scheduled for today in federal court.
“If accurate about the names of Victim 1 and Victim 2, [Warme] asserts the evidence will show not only an absence of violence in defendant’s conduct with these two alleged victims, but that no crime happened at all,” Daniels said.
“Simply put, [Warme] recalls having consensual sex with both ladies.”
Those admissions caught the interest of attorneys for the City of Niagara Falls, who are building an administrative case that they hope will lead to Warme’s termination and removal from the city payroll.
“Obviously, that is gross misconduct, whether consensual or not,” said Deputy Niagara Falls Corporation Counsel Christopher M. Mazur.
Federal prosecutors contend that Warme trafficked in cocaine — sometimes while on duty and in uniform — and that he used his gun and police powers to force two women to have sex with him.
The suspended officer has denied the allegations, pleading not guilty. He could face a lengthy prison term if convicted, particularly if found guilty of carrying his police handgun during civil rights crimes.
Daniels had also asked the judge to give him the names of alleged victims and witnesses in the case, so he can prepare a defense.
Warme believes he knows the identities of the women who have made allegations against him, Daniels said, but those names need to be provided so he can defend his client.
In his court papers, Daniels made the following allegations:
• Warme had a “one-time sexual tryst” with Victim 1, which was consensual, in September or October 2006, after the victim noticed Warme outside a Third Street tavern and told him he looked “hot” in his police uniform.
“Defendant was then on duty. . . . Defendant drove in his assigned police car to this young woman’s home,” Daniels wrote in court papers. “After the sex act, defendant got dressed, put on his police uniform, said goodbye and left. Defendant returned to patrol duty in the City of Niagara Falls.”
The woman tried later to establish a relationship with Warme, but he rejected it, Daniels wrote.
• Victim 2 was a woman who met Warme in early 2006. She invited him to her apartment and performed oral sex on him “countless” times.
According to Daniels, Warme was assigned to investigate a complaint the woman filed against an ex-boyfriend in September 2007. Warme went to the woman’s apartment to investigate the complaint, and she again performed oral sex on him. “There was no force, no gun, no nothing; all defendant had to do was ask,” the defense attorney wrote.
In charges filed against Warme, federal prosecutors and federal agents give a much different version of Warmes’ encounters with the two women.
In those charges, Warme is alleged to have used his position in the Police Department to intimidate and scare the women into having sex with him. He is alleged to have raped Victim 1 and, while holding his hand on his police gun, forced Victim 2 to perform oral sex.
Assistant U. S. Attorney Anthony M. Bruce declined to comment in detail Monday about Daniels’ allegations concerning the two women. Bruce said prosecutors stand by their account of the events.
Bruce said Daniels has not responded to other allegations about Warme, including that he threatened other witnesses, sold and bought drugs, and gave the license plate numbers of undercover police cars to drug dealers.
Police arrested Warme after an investigation by his own department, the FBI, the U. S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Bruce and Assistant U. S. Attorney Marie P. Grisanti are prosecuting the case.
Warme has been jailed without bail since his arrest. He is currently on administrative leave but is still being paid because of vacation and personal time he had accrued before his arrest, according to Mazur.
Mazur said Warme’s base salary is more than $40,000 a year. “I believe he has about 25 more accrued days left,” he said. “After that, we will be filing administrative charges against him. He could then be suspended without pay for 20 days. After that, he could be reinstated [or] possibly terminated.”
Mazur said the city takes the charges against Warme “very seriously” and will seek to terminate him from his city employment.
Former Officer Geoff Jackson Jailed for 90 Days
A FORMER Metropolitan police officer who crashed a riot van he had taken from a high-security police station after a night out was today jailed for 90 days.
Geoff Jackson, who turned 28 yesterday, resigned from the force days after causing £2,300 worth of damage to the vehicle.
Today Jackson, of London Road, High Wycombe, pleaded with District Judge Daphne Wickham for leniency after admitting he had let “himself, his family, the police and the public” down.
But the judge told Jackson outside of work his “life was a mess”, after the defendant ran up gambling debts of £35,000.
She told Liverpudlian Jackson “something was clearly going wrong in your life”.
City of Westminster Magistrates' Court heard the defendant had consumed seven pints of Guinness, three whiskeys and a gin and tonic while on a night out with friends on January 18.
Emma Scheer, prosecuting, said Jackson had contacted his partner – who he has now split up from – to say he would get the last train from London back to High Wycombe.
She said: “Unfortunately he missed the last train and went back to Paddington Green police station, where he was based.
“He took a police carrier vehicle, which was required for operational duty the next day.”
Ms Scheer told the court Jackson drove along the A40 for around two and a half miles at speeds between 73 and 76 mph on a road with a speed limit of 50mph.
The front offside wheel collided with the road's central reservation, Ms Scheer said, and came off the van.
Jackson drove for a further kilometre before stopping the van. He twice attempted to restart the engine.
He then turned off the interior lights and fell asleep in the back of the van – meaning police officers called to the scene could not spot him.
CCTV footage at the police station proved Jackson had taken the vehicle.
But he was not found for a further five hours – after the van had been towed to a nearby garage.
Jackson was breathalysed and found to have a reading of 49 mg of alcohol in his bloodstream.
He opted to have a blood test, but this did not take place for another five and a half hours – by which time Jackson's blood-alcohol reading had dropped back below the legal drink-drive limit.
Jackson gave a no comment interview when spoken to by officers, before he resigned the following Monday morning, January 21.
The defendant told the court he had found work for a security firm and was awaiting the results of entry exams into the Oxfordshire fire brigade.
He said he would not be able to continue his work if he was banned from driving.
Accepting responsibility for what happened, he told the judge: “I have completely let myself down, I have let the Metropolitan police service down, I have let my family down and I have let the public down. What I did was wrong.
“A big part of my life was being a police officer. I enjoyed it and I enjoyed serving the public.
“One thing I have struggled with since is not being able to serve the public any more.”
He said he had tried to “shield” his court appearances from his family as he was ashamed of what had happened.
He told the court his family only found out about the crash after reading press reports.
Jackson's father is a retired police officer and his brother a serving one, he said.
“I don't believe I'm a bad person,” he said. “I am trying to rebuild my life.”
Sentencing Jackson, District Judge Wickham said: “With the massive lack of self awareness of your problems, it was almost inevitable something awful was going to happen.
“Fortunately that piece of careless driving did not hurt any member of the public or apparently yourself. Nothing else, I'm afraid, was positive.
“You did your day job extremely well but the other side of your life was a mess.”
She said Jackson faced “a long path to recovery”.
He was sentenced to 90 days in prison for taking a vehicle without consent. He will serve half that sentence.
Jackson was also disqualified from driving for six months and fined £500 for careless driving.
There was no separate charge for driving without insurance, which he had pleaded guilty to on his last appearance at court. He was also ordered to pay £1,000 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
He did not face drink-driving charges due to a lack of evidence.
Geoff Jackson, who turned 28 yesterday, resigned from the force days after causing £2,300 worth of damage to the vehicle.
Today Jackson, of London Road, High Wycombe, pleaded with District Judge Daphne Wickham for leniency after admitting he had let “himself, his family, the police and the public” down.
But the judge told Jackson outside of work his “life was a mess”, after the defendant ran up gambling debts of £35,000.
She told Liverpudlian Jackson “something was clearly going wrong in your life”.
City of Westminster Magistrates' Court heard the defendant had consumed seven pints of Guinness, three whiskeys and a gin and tonic while on a night out with friends on January 18.
Emma Scheer, prosecuting, said Jackson had contacted his partner – who he has now split up from – to say he would get the last train from London back to High Wycombe.
She said: “Unfortunately he missed the last train and went back to Paddington Green police station, where he was based.
“He took a police carrier vehicle, which was required for operational duty the next day.”
Ms Scheer told the court Jackson drove along the A40 for around two and a half miles at speeds between 73 and 76 mph on a road with a speed limit of 50mph.
The front offside wheel collided with the road's central reservation, Ms Scheer said, and came off the van.
Jackson drove for a further kilometre before stopping the van. He twice attempted to restart the engine.
He then turned off the interior lights and fell asleep in the back of the van – meaning police officers called to the scene could not spot him.
CCTV footage at the police station proved Jackson had taken the vehicle.
But he was not found for a further five hours – after the van had been towed to a nearby garage.
Jackson was breathalysed and found to have a reading of 49 mg of alcohol in his bloodstream.
He opted to have a blood test, but this did not take place for another five and a half hours – by which time Jackson's blood-alcohol reading had dropped back below the legal drink-drive limit.
Jackson gave a no comment interview when spoken to by officers, before he resigned the following Monday morning, January 21.
The defendant told the court he had found work for a security firm and was awaiting the results of entry exams into the Oxfordshire fire brigade.
He said he would not be able to continue his work if he was banned from driving.
Accepting responsibility for what happened, he told the judge: “I have completely let myself down, I have let the Metropolitan police service down, I have let my family down and I have let the public down. What I did was wrong.
“A big part of my life was being a police officer. I enjoyed it and I enjoyed serving the public.
“One thing I have struggled with since is not being able to serve the public any more.”
He said he had tried to “shield” his court appearances from his family as he was ashamed of what had happened.
He told the court his family only found out about the crash after reading press reports.
Jackson's father is a retired police officer and his brother a serving one, he said.
“I don't believe I'm a bad person,” he said. “I am trying to rebuild my life.”
Sentencing Jackson, District Judge Wickham said: “With the massive lack of self awareness of your problems, it was almost inevitable something awful was going to happen.
“Fortunately that piece of careless driving did not hurt any member of the public or apparently yourself. Nothing else, I'm afraid, was positive.
“You did your day job extremely well but the other side of your life was a mess.”
She said Jackson faced “a long path to recovery”.
He was sentenced to 90 days in prison for taking a vehicle without consent. He will serve half that sentence.
Jackson was also disqualified from driving for six months and fined £500 for careless driving.
There was no separate charge for driving without insurance, which he had pleaded guilty to on his last appearance at court. He was also ordered to pay £1,000 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
He did not face drink-driving charges due to a lack of evidence.
Retired Trooper William Cotto Kills His Wife, then Himself
MARBLETOWN, N.Y.
A retired New York state trooper is suspected of killing his estranged wife and then turning a gun on himself.
Troopers went to a home in the Ulster County community of Marbletown after getting a report of a man with a gun early Wednesday morning. Family members told police that 53-year-old William Cotto entered the home with a shotgun and killed his wife, 49-year-old Isol Cotto.
Authorities found Cotto in the parking lot of a nearby gas station, dead from an apparent self-inflicted gun shot.
Cotto retired as a trooper assigned to the Thruway detail. He had been arrested Tuesday on unlawful imprisonment, menacing and harassment charges. Police believed they had secured all his weapons after the arrest and an order of protection was issued for his wife.
A retired New York state trooper is suspected of killing his estranged wife and then turning a gun on himself.
Troopers went to a home in the Ulster County community of Marbletown after getting a report of a man with a gun early Wednesday morning. Family members told police that 53-year-old William Cotto entered the home with a shotgun and killed his wife, 49-year-old Isol Cotto.
Authorities found Cotto in the parking lot of a nearby gas station, dead from an apparent self-inflicted gun shot.
Cotto retired as a trooper assigned to the Thruway detail. He had been arrested Tuesday on unlawful imprisonment, menacing and harassment charges. Police believed they had secured all his weapons after the arrest and an order of protection was issued for his wife.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Officer Stephen Vaughn Accidentally Shoots Wife
PUEBLO, Colo
The Pueblo County sheriff's office says a woman was injured after being accidentally shot by her husband, an off-duty Pueblo police officer.
The sheriff's office says deputies responded to a report of an accidental shooting at the couple's home at about 12:15 a.m. Sunday.
The woman, Robin Vaughn, was transported to Parkview Medical Center, where she was treated for a gunshot wound to her torso.
Authorities say a preliminary investigation showed Vaughn's husband, Pueblo police officer Stephen Vaughn, had just finished cleaning a pistol when it discharged.
The two were in separate rooms at the time, and the round struck Robin Vaughn after traveling through a wall.
The case is being investigated by the sheriff's office and will be sent to the district attorney's office for review.
More Information: http://www.koaa.com/aaaa_top_stories/x1589518800/Pueblo-officer-who-shot-wife-put-on-administrative-leave
The Pueblo County sheriff's office says a woman was injured after being accidentally shot by her husband, an off-duty Pueblo police officer.
The sheriff's office says deputies responded to a report of an accidental shooting at the couple's home at about 12:15 a.m. Sunday.
The woman, Robin Vaughn, was transported to Parkview Medical Center, where she was treated for a gunshot wound to her torso.
Authorities say a preliminary investigation showed Vaughn's husband, Pueblo police officer Stephen Vaughn, had just finished cleaning a pistol when it discharged.
The two were in separate rooms at the time, and the round struck Robin Vaughn after traveling through a wall.
The case is being investigated by the sheriff's office and will be sent to the district attorney's office for review.
More Information: http://www.koaa.com/aaaa_top_stories/x1589518800/Pueblo-officer-who-shot-wife-put-on-administrative-leave
Officer Scott Garan Arrested for Drunk Driving
Aurora Patrolman Scott A. Garan was arrested Dec. 19 in Kent, where he lives, on drunken driving and criminal damaging charges.
Kent Patrolman Martin Gilliland stopped Garan, 41, driving his wife's car. Garan refused to take a breath-alcohol test, so his driver's license was automatically suspended. Kent Patrolman John Altomare brought the criminal damaging charge. Kent police would not discuss the case.
Mayor Lynn McGill placed Garan on leave from the police force he has been a part of for 17 years.
Kent Municipal Court Judge John Plough ordered Garan to wear a SCRAM alcohol monitoring device. The ankle bracelet will detect around the clock whether Garan drinks alcohol. Court records indicate that this was Garan's second drunken driving charge.
And Garan has a prior conviction in Kent for disorderly conduct. Then-Sgt. Garan pleaded guilty July 23, 2007, and was fined $130. McGill took away Garan's sergeant stripes.
McGill said any misbehavior is unacceptable for a police officer, "but I can't prejudge. We have to have the appropriate hearings" about the latest charges.
Garan is on paid leave for now. He's due back in Kent Municipal Court Jan. 20.
In October, the Portage County chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving named Garan Aurora's top cop for getting drunken drivers off the road, McGill said.
Three years ago, an Aurora lieutenant was demoted to patrolman after a drunken driving conviction.
More Information: http://www.wkyc.com/news/regional/akron_article.aspx?storyid=103982&catid=6
Kent Patrolman Martin Gilliland stopped Garan, 41, driving his wife's car. Garan refused to take a breath-alcohol test, so his driver's license was automatically suspended. Kent Patrolman John Altomare brought the criminal damaging charge. Kent police would not discuss the case.
Mayor Lynn McGill placed Garan on leave from the police force he has been a part of for 17 years.
Kent Municipal Court Judge John Plough ordered Garan to wear a SCRAM alcohol monitoring device. The ankle bracelet will detect around the clock whether Garan drinks alcohol. Court records indicate that this was Garan's second drunken driving charge.
And Garan has a prior conviction in Kent for disorderly conduct. Then-Sgt. Garan pleaded guilty July 23, 2007, and was fined $130. McGill took away Garan's sergeant stripes.
McGill said any misbehavior is unacceptable for a police officer, "but I can't prejudge. We have to have the appropriate hearings" about the latest charges.
Garan is on paid leave for now. He's due back in Kent Municipal Court Jan. 20.
In October, the Portage County chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving named Garan Aurora's top cop for getting drunken drivers off the road, McGill said.
Three years ago, an Aurora lieutenant was demoted to patrolman after a drunken driving conviction.
More Information: http://www.wkyc.com/news/regional/akron_article.aspx?storyid=103982&catid=6
Sheriff Leroy Green's Son Arrested for Raping Child
The son of Wyandotte County Sheriff Leroy Green Jr. was arrested Monday on charges that he raped or lewdly fondled children under the age of 14.
Police had been looking for Leroy Green III, 35, of Kansas City, Kan., since Dec. 19, when he was charged with nine counts of rape and six counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to charges filed by Deputy District Attorney Sheryl Lidtke.
All of the counts accuse Green of engaging in lewd fondling or sexual intercourse with his victims.
Wyandotte County Jail administrator Jeff Fewell said the sheriff was aware of the charges against his son but had no comment.
The charges accuse Green of criminal acts that began in 2001 and continued until August.
District Attorney Jerome A. Gorman said Monday that Green is accused of victimizing several girls he knew.
The investigation into at least one of the charges dates to 2007, Gorman said.
According to information on the Wyandotte County Jail’s Web site, Green has been booked into the jail five times since 2002, but the charges were not listed. Each time, Green was released on his own recognizance.
Green was taken into custody without incident about 8 p.m. Monday in the 600 block of Oakland Avenue, Kansas City, Kan., police said. Gorman said bond was set at $1 million.
Police had been looking for Leroy Green III, 35, of Kansas City, Kan., since Dec. 19, when he was charged with nine counts of rape and six counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to charges filed by Deputy District Attorney Sheryl Lidtke.
All of the counts accuse Green of engaging in lewd fondling or sexual intercourse with his victims.
Wyandotte County Jail administrator Jeff Fewell said the sheriff was aware of the charges against his son but had no comment.
The charges accuse Green of criminal acts that began in 2001 and continued until August.
District Attorney Jerome A. Gorman said Monday that Green is accused of victimizing several girls he knew.
The investigation into at least one of the charges dates to 2007, Gorman said.
According to information on the Wyandotte County Jail’s Web site, Green has been booked into the jail five times since 2002, but the charges were not listed. Each time, Green was released on his own recognizance.
Green was taken into custody without incident about 8 p.m. Monday in the 600 block of Oakland Avenue, Kansas City, Kan., police said. Gorman said bond was set at $1 million.
More Information: http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/story/958902.html
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Officer John Lewis Arrested Again...This Time for Drunk Driving
SCHENECTADY, N.Y.
A Schenectady police officer already charged in connection with a domestic dispute has been arrested again following a car accident over the weekend.
John Lewis, 38, of Schenectady is charged with driving while intoxicated, aggravated driving while intoxicated, improper speed, and improper lane use.
A Schenectady police officer already charged in connection with a domestic dispute has been arrested again - this time for DWI following a car accident.
He was arraigned on Saturday and released on his own recognizance. He has been suspended without pay for 30 days.
This is not the first time Lewis has been on the other side of the law. He was arrested in November on stalking and aggravated harassment charges stemming from an incident with his wife. He was also charged with harassment earlier this year in a separate incident with his wife.
Lewis was also fired 10 years ago after using a racial slur but was later reinstated.
More Information: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/search?q=John+Lewis
A Schenectady police officer already charged in connection with a domestic dispute has been arrested again following a car accident over the weekend.
John Lewis, 38, of Schenectady is charged with driving while intoxicated, aggravated driving while intoxicated, improper speed, and improper lane use.
A Schenectady police officer already charged in connection with a domestic dispute has been arrested again - this time for DWI following a car accident.
He was arraigned on Saturday and released on his own recognizance. He has been suspended without pay for 30 days.
This is not the first time Lewis has been on the other side of the law. He was arrested in November on stalking and aggravated harassment charges stemming from an incident with his wife. He was also charged with harassment earlier this year in a separate incident with his wife.
Lewis was also fired 10 years ago after using a racial slur but was later reinstated.
More Information: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/search?q=John+Lewis
Sgt. Richard Hale Accused of Choking and Shoving Victim
TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas
Sergeant Richard Hale has been enforcing the law for 20 years with the Travis County Sheriff's Office. However, he is now accused of breaking the law. A family member called deputies to Hale's home in Manor on Dec. 14. At that time, he was accused of choking and shoving his victim. Even though he is a detective within the department, he was arrested and charged with assault with injury/family violence.
"There is a dual investigation going on at this point," said Roger Wade, with the Travis County Sheriff's Office. "There's a criminal investigation for the assault and there's an internal investigation with our internal affairs office."
Hale is not on the streets during the investigations. The detective has been stripped of his law enforcement powers, and sits behind a desk, for now. That could change, thanks to a strict domestic violence policy in the Sheriff's Office.
"First and foremost, we think of the victim," said Wade. "We don't take a person's job status into consideration when we go to these calls. We are thinking of the victim and the protection of the victim."
The Travis County Sheriff issued a resolution last year, written in honor of Dana Conley, who is undergoing physical therapy. Her husband, Julius Conley, a Travis County corrections officer, beat her with a dumbbell in February 2007 at their Round Rock home. Dana, who was pregnant at the time, was comatose for months following that beating. She gave birth to a healthy child while still in a coma in September 2007. The 39-year-old's mother's parents, who live in California, took temporary custody of the baby.
A friend of Dana's, Quincy Johnson, was also beaten in that attack. He died as a result of his injuries. The Conley's were going through a divorce at the time after a tumultuous and abusive marriage, according to investigators. Julius pleaded guilty to murder and aggravated assault in July, 2007 and was given two life sentences.
After that incident, the domestic violence resolution was posted in almost every office in the department, warning employees against family violence.
"We take family violence seriously, and we will investigate fully, even if you're an employee," said Wade.
This is something Wade said Hale should have known.
"He was a supervisor in this agency and knew and he had the responsibility of passing that information on to the people that he supervised," said Wade.
Hale will appear in front of Travis County judge on Jan. 6, 2009. A representative for Hale said the sergeant denies choking, shoving or hurting anyone. He is cooperating with investigators and expects to be exonerated.
Sergeant Richard Hale has been enforcing the law for 20 years with the Travis County Sheriff's Office. However, he is now accused of breaking the law. A family member called deputies to Hale's home in Manor on Dec. 14. At that time, he was accused of choking and shoving his victim. Even though he is a detective within the department, he was arrested and charged with assault with injury/family violence.
"There is a dual investigation going on at this point," said Roger Wade, with the Travis County Sheriff's Office. "There's a criminal investigation for the assault and there's an internal investigation with our internal affairs office."
Hale is not on the streets during the investigations. The detective has been stripped of his law enforcement powers, and sits behind a desk, for now. That could change, thanks to a strict domestic violence policy in the Sheriff's Office.
"First and foremost, we think of the victim," said Wade. "We don't take a person's job status into consideration when we go to these calls. We are thinking of the victim and the protection of the victim."
The Travis County Sheriff issued a resolution last year, written in honor of Dana Conley, who is undergoing physical therapy. Her husband, Julius Conley, a Travis County corrections officer, beat her with a dumbbell in February 2007 at their Round Rock home. Dana, who was pregnant at the time, was comatose for months following that beating. She gave birth to a healthy child while still in a coma in September 2007. The 39-year-old's mother's parents, who live in California, took temporary custody of the baby.
A friend of Dana's, Quincy Johnson, was also beaten in that attack. He died as a result of his injuries. The Conley's were going through a divorce at the time after a tumultuous and abusive marriage, according to investigators. Julius pleaded guilty to murder and aggravated assault in July, 2007 and was given two life sentences.
After that incident, the domestic violence resolution was posted in almost every office in the department, warning employees against family violence.
"We take family violence seriously, and we will investigate fully, even if you're an employee," said Wade.
This is something Wade said Hale should have known.
"He was a supervisor in this agency and knew and he had the responsibility of passing that information on to the people that he supervised," said Wade.
Hale will appear in front of Travis County judge on Jan. 6, 2009. A representative for Hale said the sergeant denies choking, shoving or hurting anyone. He is cooperating with investigators and expects to be exonerated.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Officer Michael Welch Charged with DWI
A Shreveport police officer has been charged with driving while intoxicated.
Shreveport police officer Michael Welch, 32, was charged Saturday with first-offense DWI, a misdemeanor, in connection with an incident that occurred in the 6200 block of Bert Kouns Industrial Loop.
Welch was off duty but was driving a marked police car when he was arrested, police said.
At approximately 3:30 a.m., Shreveport police received a complaint from a concerned citizen regarding a marked patrol unit being operated in a careless manner on Bert Kouns. Officers were immediately sent to the area and soon found Welch.
According to his booking report, he was found asleep behind the wheel of his police cruiser with the engine still running. After investigation, he was arrested just after 4 a.m. and booked into the Shreveport City Jail. He later was released on a $1,086 bond.
Welch, a three-year veteran assigned to the Uniformed Services Division, of the 6200 block of Bert Kouns, has been placed on administrative leave by Chief Henry Whitehorn pending an internal investigation.
More Information: http://www.ktbs.com/news/SPD-officer-arrested-22364/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)