A Chicago Police scandal widened today with the unsealing of federal charges against an officer for allegedly taking bribes from tow-truck operators — at least the fourth cop ensnared in the corruption probe.
Officer Jimmie Akins is charged with attempted extortion for allegedly taking bribes in 2006 and 2007.
Akins accepted bribes to let tow-truck operators remove vehicles from accident scenes the officer was responsible for in the Near North District, according to an affidavit by FBI Agent Craig Henderson. Akins would use his cell phone to alert the tow truck operators about accidents, Henderson said.
Under police rules, cops are prohibited from advising tow operators that their services might be needed — and from recommending services to car accident victims.
An informant who owns a towing company told the feds he met Akins at a nightclub in 2004 and they began a crooked business relationship, according to the affidavit.
The informant allegedly started paying Akins $100 per towed car and told the FBI he towed about 20 cars from accident scenes in downtown Chicago. The informant also said he paid Akins $500 to pay off the officer’s cell phone bill.
In 2006, Akins was secretly recorded by the FBI demanding $2,300 from the informant for vehicles the informant had towed in 2005, according to the FBI.
“We did one hundred a car — I got you 38 cars,” Akins allegedly told the informant. “So from the 38 cars, out of those you gave me $1,500. So the change is $2,300.”
On April 21, 2006, they met at a McDonald’s and the informant paid Akins $1,000. The meeting was secretly recorded, according to the FBI. The informant paid Akins the remaining $500 about a week later, the FBI says.
Meanwhile, another tow-truck operator said Akins was angry at him for not paying for tows from accident scenes. In April 2006, Akins allegedly tried to get the tow-truck operator to leave an accident scene.
Akins wound up hitting the tow-truck operator, handcuffing him to a steering wheel and arresting him on charges of theft, illegally using a cell phone in a vehicle and resisting a peace officer, records show. Those charges were later thrown out.
In 2007, they apparently had repaired their relationship and the tow-truck operator paid Akins at least $1,800 in exchange for towing jobs, the FBI said.
Even after the Chicago Police Department stripped Akins of his police powers because of the FBI investigation, he continued to call the tow-truck driver and inquire about accident scenes, the FBI said. Akins was still interested in getting paid for towing jobs, according to the FBI.
In one secretly recorded meeting with the second tow-truck operator, Akins told him that he expected an additional $2,000 for billings on repairs to vehicles towed from accident scenes, the FBI said.
Three other cops have been charged in the corruption investigation, which involves at least five Chicago Police districts and began in 2003.
In April 2008, federal prosecutors charged Chicago Police Officer Scott Campbell with setting up a scheme to make it look as if someone had stolen his 1996 green Volkswagen Passat.
Federal prosecutors said Campbell arranged to have the car taken and sold in pieces. State Farm Insurance paid Campbell about $4,000 for what they believed was a stolen vehicle. Joseph DeMichael of Chicago was charged with scheming with Campbell by taking the car home, dismantling it and selling the parts.
In March 2008, Chicago Police Officer Michael J. Ciancio, who also served as an assistant athletic director at a west suburban high school, was accused of extorting up to $800 a week from a tow truck company. He pleaded guilty in federal court earlier this month and is awaiting sentencing May 13.
Chicago Police Officer Joseph Grillo and Collision Towing owner Jim “Meatball” Athans were previously charged in the investigation.
Grillo and Athans were charged with helping Campbell carry out the insurance scam. Grillo, who pleaded not guilty, is scheduled to change his plea on Feb. 17, records show.
http://www.suntimes.com
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Retired Officer Walter Fournier Arrested for Growing Marijuana
A retired Detroit police officer was arrested at his Waterford Township home last week after federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) personnel executed a search warrant at the home and discovered drugs.
According to documents filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit, DEA personnel executed a federal search warrant on Thursday, Jan. 22 at Walter Fournier's residence in the 3000 block of Megan Street.
Fournier was home at the time of the search.
The DEA reportedly found a dedicated indoor marijuana grow room in the basement of Fournier's home. According to the federal court documents, the basement contained 157 marijuana plants, two paper grocery bags containing approximately three pounds of marijuana, a heat sealer, packaging and pre-packaged marijuana in a heat-sealed bag.
A loaded revolver was also found inside a nightstand in the home's master bedroom. The court documents didn't indicate whether the gun was registered.
DEA Information Officer Rich Isaacson said he couldn't comment on the case because it's still under investigation.
Fournier, who retired from the Detroit Police Department in 1974, has been charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. He was released on a $10,000 bond and appointed a public defender. The attorney's name hasn't been released.
While free on bond, Fournier will have to participate in random testing for prohibited substances, participate in abuse therapy and counseling, and refrain from possessing a firearm, a destructive device, or other dangerous weapons.
Fournier will appear in court again on Wednesday, Feb. 11 for a preliminary examination.
According to documents filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit, DEA personnel executed a federal search warrant on Thursday, Jan. 22 at Walter Fournier's residence in the 3000 block of Megan Street.
Fournier was home at the time of the search.
The DEA reportedly found a dedicated indoor marijuana grow room in the basement of Fournier's home. According to the federal court documents, the basement contained 157 marijuana plants, two paper grocery bags containing approximately three pounds of marijuana, a heat sealer, packaging and pre-packaged marijuana in a heat-sealed bag.
A loaded revolver was also found inside a nightstand in the home's master bedroom. The court documents didn't indicate whether the gun was registered.
DEA Information Officer Rich Isaacson said he couldn't comment on the case because it's still under investigation.
Fournier, who retired from the Detroit Police Department in 1974, has been charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. He was released on a $10,000 bond and appointed a public defender. The attorney's name hasn't been released.
While free on bond, Fournier will have to participate in random testing for prohibited substances, participate in abuse therapy and counseling, and refrain from possessing a firearm, a destructive device, or other dangerous weapons.
Fournier will appear in court again on Wednesday, Feb. 11 for a preliminary examination.
Judge Says Tasering Was Excessive Force
BANFF, Alta.
A judge says an Alberta man was wrongly arrested and Tasered multiple times, before and after he was handcuffed - and he's slamming the arresting Mountie's testimony as "deliberately false."
Judge John Reilly this week dismissed an obstruction charge and a bylaw ticket for being a nuisance against Adam Dormer stemming from an incident in Banff in 2007.
The judge said Dormer was subjected to excessive force when he was Tasered while in handcuffs.
"I am not even sure, on the basis of what I hear here, there was a justification for arrest at all," Reilly told court Monday.
He issued a stern rebuke to Banff RCMP Const. Casey Murphy, whose evidence he called "deliberately false."
Dormer, a 26-year-old carpenter and resident of Exshaw - 85 kilometres west of Calgary - testified he and two friends were walking from one bar to another on July 21, 2007, giving random people high fives.
He said when he encountered the constable, he offered the officer a high five, which did not go over well. Dormer testified he then tried to express to the officer that he has a lot of respect for what the RCMP do, adding that his brother was training to join the force.
He said he attempted to shake Murphy's hand, which was refused.
"After he wouldn't shake my hand a second time, I took it as offensive," Dormer said, adding he told Murphy his refusal is one of the reasons why people view cops as "f-- pigs."
Dormer said that after he was Tasered twice while being handcuffed, the weapon was discharged another three times while Murphy held the Taser to his back and pushed him toward a police cruiser.
Const. Murphy testified that he only approached Dormer after a woman complained the six-foot-nine Dormer had been bothering her earlier in the evening, trying to look up her skirt.
"I directed him to go home, he had been drinking and I was going to leave it at that," he said.
Murphy said the accused became combative, swearing at the officer.
http://www.canada.com
A judge says an Alberta man was wrongly arrested and Tasered multiple times, before and after he was handcuffed - and he's slamming the arresting Mountie's testimony as "deliberately false."
Judge John Reilly this week dismissed an obstruction charge and a bylaw ticket for being a nuisance against Adam Dormer stemming from an incident in Banff in 2007.
The judge said Dormer was subjected to excessive force when he was Tasered while in handcuffs.
"I am not even sure, on the basis of what I hear here, there was a justification for arrest at all," Reilly told court Monday.
He issued a stern rebuke to Banff RCMP Const. Casey Murphy, whose evidence he called "deliberately false."
Dormer, a 26-year-old carpenter and resident of Exshaw - 85 kilometres west of Calgary - testified he and two friends were walking from one bar to another on July 21, 2007, giving random people high fives.
He said when he encountered the constable, he offered the officer a high five, which did not go over well. Dormer testified he then tried to express to the officer that he has a lot of respect for what the RCMP do, adding that his brother was training to join the force.
He said he attempted to shake Murphy's hand, which was refused.
"After he wouldn't shake my hand a second time, I took it as offensive," Dormer said, adding he told Murphy his refusal is one of the reasons why people view cops as "f-- pigs."
Dormer said that after he was Tasered twice while being handcuffed, the weapon was discharged another three times while Murphy held the Taser to his back and pushed him toward a police cruiser.
Const. Murphy testified that he only approached Dormer after a woman complained the six-foot-nine Dormer had been bothering her earlier in the evening, trying to look up her skirt.
"I directed him to go home, he had been drinking and I was going to leave it at that," he said.
Murphy said the accused became combative, swearing at the officer.
http://www.canada.com
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Deputy Lt. Steve Ford Accused of Falsify TimeCard
VALPARAISO
The Porter County Sheriff's Department has suspended a deputy who they say was off doing unknown activities when he should have been supervising his crew of officers.
Lt. Steve Ford, a 13-year veteran of the department, received a seven-day suspension without pay.
Ford will not be demoted and will not be required to reimburse the county for pay he received for work he didn't perform, Sheriff David Lain said. But Lain said the suspension does cost Ford monetarily.
Lain said the allegations came to light a few weeks ago and the department "discovered there was a discrepancy between what his timecard showed and what was in fact the hours he worked."
Lain said there is no proof of what Ford was doing when he should have been supervising, but the bottom line is the department "wants to make sure our shift supervisors in particular are accessible to their crews' needs."
The Porter County Sheriff's Department has suspended a deputy who they say was off doing unknown activities when he should have been supervising his crew of officers.
Lt. Steve Ford, a 13-year veteran of the department, received a seven-day suspension without pay.
Ford will not be demoted and will not be required to reimburse the county for pay he received for work he didn't perform, Sheriff David Lain said. But Lain said the suspension does cost Ford monetarily.
Lain said the allegations came to light a few weeks ago and the department "discovered there was a discrepancy between what his timecard showed and what was in fact the hours he worked."
Lain said there is no proof of what Ford was doing when he should have been supervising, but the bottom line is the department "wants to make sure our shift supervisors in particular are accessible to their crews' needs."
Deputy Dennis Walker Charged with Obscuring His License Plate
Texas
A Precinct 7 constable’s deputy who was assigned to the Toll Road Authority was fired and charged with obscuring his license plate after allegations surfaced that he had been driving on the Sam Houston Tollway without paying, authorities said Tuesday.
Harris County District Attorney spokeswoman Donna Hawkins said Dennis Walker was charged with a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a $2,000 fine if convicted.
Walker, 45, could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Investigators with the Harris County Toll Road Authority videotaped Walker stopping his personal vehicle at the southeast toll plaza on Jan. 21, court records show.
Walker can be seen taping a piece of paper over his license plate before going through the toll booth, Hawkins said.
About 90 officers are assigned to the 100 miles of Houston’s toll roads, said Assistant Chief Randy Johnson of the Harris County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office.
In July 2007, more than 1,000 county employees, including officers, lost the free EZ Tag privileges for their personal vehicles after agency officials reviewed the perk, Johnson said.
Precinct 7 spokeswoman Pamela Greenwood said Walker was terminated this week after eight years with the department.
A Precinct 7 constable’s deputy who was assigned to the Toll Road Authority was fired and charged with obscuring his license plate after allegations surfaced that he had been driving on the Sam Houston Tollway without paying, authorities said Tuesday.
Harris County District Attorney spokeswoman Donna Hawkins said Dennis Walker was charged with a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a $2,000 fine if convicted.
Walker, 45, could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Investigators with the Harris County Toll Road Authority videotaped Walker stopping his personal vehicle at the southeast toll plaza on Jan. 21, court records show.
Walker can be seen taping a piece of paper over his license plate before going through the toll booth, Hawkins said.
About 90 officers are assigned to the 100 miles of Houston’s toll roads, said Assistant Chief Randy Johnson of the Harris County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office.
In July 2007, more than 1,000 county employees, including officers, lost the free EZ Tag privileges for their personal vehicles after agency officials reviewed the perk, Johnson said.
Precinct 7 spokeswoman Pamela Greenwood said Walker was terminated this week after eight years with the department.
Judge Curtissa Cofield Placed on Administrative Duties
ROCKY HILL, Conn.
A Connecticut judge charged with a DUI months ago has request she be placed on administrative duties pending the outcome of her judicial review hearing.
Hartford Superior Court Judge Curtissa Cofield was arrested in October after police said she struck a state trooper's cruiser with her car. The trooper was parked in a construction zone on Route 2 in Glastonbury.
A videotape was released earlier in the week that shows Cofield making racial remarks at the police station following her arrest.
On the videotape, Cofield, who is black, asked Sgt. Dwight Washington, who is also black, "if a Negro was sent to arrest a Negro." She also called herself the most intelligent person in the room.
When asked if she was drunk or sick, Cofield said she “was suffering from Negroitis.”
Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2009/01/judge-curtissa-cofield-arrested-for-dui.html
A Connecticut judge charged with a DUI months ago has request she be placed on administrative duties pending the outcome of her judicial review hearing.
Hartford Superior Court Judge Curtissa Cofield was arrested in October after police said she struck a state trooper's cruiser with her car. The trooper was parked in a construction zone on Route 2 in Glastonbury.
A videotape was released earlier in the week that shows Cofield making racial remarks at the police station following her arrest.
On the videotape, Cofield, who is black, asked Sgt. Dwight Washington, who is also black, "if a Negro was sent to arrest a Negro." She also called herself the most intelligent person in the room.
When asked if she was drunk or sick, Cofield said she “was suffering from Negroitis.”
Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2009/01/judge-curtissa-cofield-arrested-for-dui.html
Officer Joseph Houston Allegedly Urinates on Man at Concert
BREWSTER
A Brewster police officer is on paid administrative leave after allegedly urinating on a fellow music-lover at a Metallica concert in Boston then refusing to leave TD Banknorth Garden when security guards ejected him for disorderly conduct.
A Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Transit Police report from that night identifies Brewster police Officer Joseph Houston, 29, as being thrown out of the Jan. 18 rock concert by security guards around 10 p.m.
Although he has been charged with trespassing only, Houston appeared to be drunk, flashed his badge in an attempt to get back into the concert, called a black MBTA officer an "Obama," and had been asked to leave the concert after he allegedly urinated on another patron, according to the report.
Citing an ongoing departmental investigation, Brewster Police Chief Richard Koch would not confirm the officer's identity but did confirm the incident occurred. He got word that Sunday night that an officer had been arrested, went to Boston the next day, Jan. 19, and immediately placed the officer on leave, he said.
Houston earned $50,456.35, including overtime and detail pay, in 2008, according to town records.
Attorney Thomas Drechsler, who, according to court records, is representing Houston, did not return two phone requests for comment yesterday.
Houston's Brewster phone number is unlisted, and he was not at home last night.
After he was ejected from the concert, Houston allegedly flashed his badge at the security officers and identified himself as a member of the Brewster Police Department. Transit police then approached Houston, who they said appeared to be drunk. The report stated they also smelled alcohol on his breath.
Transit police warned Houston that he would have to leave or face arrest for trespassing. Houston again allegedly reached into his pocket and showed the transit police officers his badge, but was told that he had to leave or face arrest.
Transit police took Houston outside the Garden, and told him not to return or he'd face trespassing charges.
"At which time, Houston stated 'Look at Obama,' which was directed at me in a loud disorderly manner to patrons standing outside as well as entering the lobby," the transit police officer wrote in the report.
When Houston again attempted to enter the Garden, he was arrested by the transit police after a brief struggle, the report said.
After the arrest, Garden security personnel then told transit police officers that Houston had been thrown out of the concert by them for urinating on another patron. The parents of that person went to transit police headquarters after the concert to report the incident. They were referred to the Boston police.
A Boston police spokeswoman said there was no record of any charges filed by her department against Houston. Suffolk County District Attorney's office spokesman Jake Wark said there were no charges filed against Houston beyond trespassing, which carries a maximum $100 fine and/or 30 days in jail. Houston is due back in court on Feb. 5 on that charge, Wark said.
But Wark said the victim could file charges at Boston Municipal Court, where a clerk-magistrate hearing would determine the need for a trial. Those charges would not be public until after the hearing.
Koch said he would complete his investigation within the next day or two. If he believes more than a five-day suspension is warranted, he will take the case before the Brewster selectmen, who are the hiring and firing authority for the department.
Houston has worked for Brewster for less than three years, Koch said. He worked for the Nantucket Police Department before that.
Nantucket Chief William Pittman said Houston had no incidents while employed in his department.
Police Report: http://www.capecodonline.com/misc/mbtareport26.pdf
A Brewster police officer is on paid administrative leave after allegedly urinating on a fellow music-lover at a Metallica concert in Boston then refusing to leave TD Banknorth Garden when security guards ejected him for disorderly conduct.
A Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Transit Police report from that night identifies Brewster police Officer Joseph Houston, 29, as being thrown out of the Jan. 18 rock concert by security guards around 10 p.m.
Although he has been charged with trespassing only, Houston appeared to be drunk, flashed his badge in an attempt to get back into the concert, called a black MBTA officer an "Obama," and had been asked to leave the concert after he allegedly urinated on another patron, according to the report.
Citing an ongoing departmental investigation, Brewster Police Chief Richard Koch would not confirm the officer's identity but did confirm the incident occurred. He got word that Sunday night that an officer had been arrested, went to Boston the next day, Jan. 19, and immediately placed the officer on leave, he said.
Houston earned $50,456.35, including overtime and detail pay, in 2008, according to town records.
Attorney Thomas Drechsler, who, according to court records, is representing Houston, did not return two phone requests for comment yesterday.
Houston's Brewster phone number is unlisted, and he was not at home last night.
After he was ejected from the concert, Houston allegedly flashed his badge at the security officers and identified himself as a member of the Brewster Police Department. Transit police then approached Houston, who they said appeared to be drunk. The report stated they also smelled alcohol on his breath.
Transit police warned Houston that he would have to leave or face arrest for trespassing. Houston again allegedly reached into his pocket and showed the transit police officers his badge, but was told that he had to leave or face arrest.
Transit police took Houston outside the Garden, and told him not to return or he'd face trespassing charges.
"At which time, Houston stated 'Look at Obama,' which was directed at me in a loud disorderly manner to patrons standing outside as well as entering the lobby," the transit police officer wrote in the report.
When Houston again attempted to enter the Garden, he was arrested by the transit police after a brief struggle, the report said.
After the arrest, Garden security personnel then told transit police officers that Houston had been thrown out of the concert by them for urinating on another patron. The parents of that person went to transit police headquarters after the concert to report the incident. They were referred to the Boston police.
A Boston police spokeswoman said there was no record of any charges filed by her department against Houston. Suffolk County District Attorney's office spokesman Jake Wark said there were no charges filed against Houston beyond trespassing, which carries a maximum $100 fine and/or 30 days in jail. Houston is due back in court on Feb. 5 on that charge, Wark said.
But Wark said the victim could file charges at Boston Municipal Court, where a clerk-magistrate hearing would determine the need for a trial. Those charges would not be public until after the hearing.
Koch said he would complete his investigation within the next day or two. If he believes more than a five-day suspension is warranted, he will take the case before the Brewster selectmen, who are the hiring and firing authority for the department.
Houston has worked for Brewster for less than three years, Koch said. He worked for the Nantucket Police Department before that.
Nantucket Chief William Pittman said Houston had no incidents while employed in his department.
Police Report: http://www.capecodonline.com/misc/mbtareport26.pdf
Monday, January 26, 2009
Detective Hector Ortiz Arrested for DUI
An off-duty Merced police detective was arrested by the California Highway Patrol earlier this month on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Hector Ortiz, 46, was taken into custody Jan. 10 after two CHP officers pulled over his pickup truck around 2:15 a.m. for a vehicle code violation on Yosemite Avenue west of R Street, according to CHP spokesperson Shane Ferriera.
Ferriera said the officers smelled an alcoholic beverage after making contact with Ortiz. After being given a field sobriety test, Ferriera said the officers determined that he was under the influence.
Ortiz also submitted to a breath test and was found to have a blood alcohol content above the .08 legal limit, Ferriera said. He was booked into the Merced County Main Jail.
Ferriera described Ortiz as cooperative and "apologetic."
The case has been filed with the Merced County District Attorney's Office. Ortiz is scheduled to appear in court on March 11.
Merced Police Cmdr. Floyd Higdon said Ortiz was placed on leave the day after the incident. He's expected to be back at work Tuesday.
Higdon declined comment, when asked if Ortiz will face any specific disciplinary measures. "All personnel issues are confidential," Higdon said.
Ortiz works as a domestic violence investigator.
Hector Ortiz, 46, was taken into custody Jan. 10 after two CHP officers pulled over his pickup truck around 2:15 a.m. for a vehicle code violation on Yosemite Avenue west of R Street, according to CHP spokesperson Shane Ferriera.
Ferriera said the officers smelled an alcoholic beverage after making contact with Ortiz. After being given a field sobriety test, Ferriera said the officers determined that he was under the influence.
Ortiz also submitted to a breath test and was found to have a blood alcohol content above the .08 legal limit, Ferriera said. He was booked into the Merced County Main Jail.
Ferriera described Ortiz as cooperative and "apologetic."
The case has been filed with the Merced County District Attorney's Office. Ortiz is scheduled to appear in court on March 11.
Merced Police Cmdr. Floyd Higdon said Ortiz was placed on leave the day after the incident. He's expected to be back at work Tuesday.
Higdon declined comment, when asked if Ortiz will face any specific disciplinary measures. "All personnel issues are confidential," Higdon said.
Ortiz works as a domestic violence investigator.
Vancouver Officers Facing Charges
Vancouver police are recommending criminal charges be laid against two police officers allegedly involved in attacking and robbing a National Post delivery driver last week.
A New Westminster officer will face charges of assault and possession of stolen property, while a West Vancouver officer is looking at a robbery charge, Chief Jim Chu told a news conference yesterday.
A third off-duty policeman from the Delta force who was arrested after the early morning assault last Wednesday will not be charged, Chief Chu said, citing evidence that the officer may have tried to intervene to stop the assault.
It was the chief's second statement in less than a week, the latest in a recent string of B. C. cops being accused of behaving badly.
"From the moment the Vancouver police were called to the scene, many of us realized that this would be a case that could polarize public opinion, shake their faith in the justice system and offer every police critic a new platform to speak from," Chief Chu said in a statement released yesterday.
"While I abhor the actions that are attributed to these members, I am very pleased with the [police department's] response."
All three officers spent a night in a jail after police responded to a 911 call outside the Hyatt Regency Hotel, where 47-year-old delivery man Firoz Khan claimed the officers attacked him unprovoked, robbed him, racially abused him and threatened to use a Taser. His assailants were alleged to have stolen his cellphone and $200.
Because the victim could not identify the officer who allegedly uttered racial remarks, police were not recommending the case be tried as a hate crime, Chief Chu said, noting the matter would be left to the courts to "take into consideration."
Chiefs from the New Westminster, West Vancouver and Delta departments will also be conducting their own investigations to determine the status of the three officers, he added.
A New Westminster officer will face charges of assault and possession of stolen property, while a West Vancouver officer is looking at a robbery charge, Chief Jim Chu told a news conference yesterday.
A third off-duty policeman from the Delta force who was arrested after the early morning assault last Wednesday will not be charged, Chief Chu said, citing evidence that the officer may have tried to intervene to stop the assault.
It was the chief's second statement in less than a week, the latest in a recent string of B. C. cops being accused of behaving badly.
"From the moment the Vancouver police were called to the scene, many of us realized that this would be a case that could polarize public opinion, shake their faith in the justice system and offer every police critic a new platform to speak from," Chief Chu said in a statement released yesterday.
"While I abhor the actions that are attributed to these members, I am very pleased with the [police department's] response."
All three officers spent a night in a jail after police responded to a 911 call outside the Hyatt Regency Hotel, where 47-year-old delivery man Firoz Khan claimed the officers attacked him unprovoked, robbed him, racially abused him and threatened to use a Taser. His assailants were alleged to have stolen his cellphone and $200.
Because the victim could not identify the officer who allegedly uttered racial remarks, police were not recommending the case be tried as a hate crime, Chief Chu said, noting the matter would be left to the courts to "take into consideration."
Chiefs from the New Westminster, West Vancouver and Delta departments will also be conducting their own investigations to determine the status of the three officers, he added.
Officer Hubert Teague Charged with Internet Sex-Exploitation of Child
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office arrested a Bent County law enforcement officer.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office says they arrested Hubert E. Teague, 35, of La Junta on January 23. Teague is being charged with Attempted Internet Sex-Exploitation of Child and Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Child.
Teague was employed as a detention officer with the Bent County Sheriff’s Office. He has been place on administrative leave without pay pending investigation.
The case is being investigated by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and District attorney.
Teague will have his first appearance in court on Monday.
Omaha Man Claims Officers Used Excessive Force
An Omaha man alleges police brutality, saying several Council Bluffs officers used excessive force in apprehending him following a traffic stop earlier this month.
“They broke my whole face open, there was no fight in me," says Matt Petersen. "I understand taking me to the ground and cuff me, but there’s no reason to beat me up. I didn’t try to fight or hurt anybody.”
Petersen’s attorney, James Martin Davis, has filed an excessive force complaint against Council Bluffs Police. “They can’t deliver their own brand of street justice by excessively using force and beating up somebody,” says Davis.
Petersen was stopped by a Bluffs officer late at night three weeks ago. "I did get out and run and I did have a driver's (license) suspension which I shouldn't have done."
Petersen claims after the first officer tackled and cuffed him, backup officers stepped on his head and one hit him in the eye with a blunt object.
"They hit me with a flashlight, something, hit me in my eye right here and that's what did all the damage."
Council Bluffs Police Chief Ralph O’Donnell says an internal affairs investigation is underway into the excessive force allegation. "We have a complete set of reports and the DVD camera from the cruiser has been placed into property as per general orders."
Chief O’Donnell says Petersen has some possible charges of his own to answer to resulting from his actions, including eluding arrest, driving under suspension and resisting arrest. A drunken driving charge is possible pending lab results.
Chief O'Donnell couldn’t say how long the internal affairs investigation would take. Davis plans to file a claim with the city of Council Bluffs for Petersen’s medical bills which he estimates could reach $100,000.
Petersen says he’s spent a total of eight days in an Omaha hospital, undergoing surgery to repair cheekbones and install a metal plate to support his left eye.
“They broke my whole face open, there was no fight in me," says Matt Petersen. "I understand taking me to the ground and cuff me, but there’s no reason to beat me up. I didn’t try to fight or hurt anybody.”
Petersen’s attorney, James Martin Davis, has filed an excessive force complaint against Council Bluffs Police. “They can’t deliver their own brand of street justice by excessively using force and beating up somebody,” says Davis.
Petersen was stopped by a Bluffs officer late at night three weeks ago. "I did get out and run and I did have a driver's (license) suspension which I shouldn't have done."
Petersen claims after the first officer tackled and cuffed him, backup officers stepped on his head and one hit him in the eye with a blunt object.
"They hit me with a flashlight, something, hit me in my eye right here and that's what did all the damage."
Council Bluffs Police Chief Ralph O’Donnell says an internal affairs investigation is underway into the excessive force allegation. "We have a complete set of reports and the DVD camera from the cruiser has been placed into property as per general orders."
Chief O’Donnell says Petersen has some possible charges of his own to answer to resulting from his actions, including eluding arrest, driving under suspension and resisting arrest. A drunken driving charge is possible pending lab results.
Chief O'Donnell couldn’t say how long the internal affairs investigation would take. Davis plans to file a claim with the city of Council Bluffs for Petersen’s medical bills which he estimates could reach $100,000.
Petersen says he’s spent a total of eight days in an Omaha hospital, undergoing surgery to repair cheekbones and install a metal plate to support his left eye.
Officer Chris Buccelli Accused of Having Sex with Prostitutes While on the Job
MELBOURNE, Fla.
New details were released this weekend about the Melbourne police officer accused of having sex with prostitutes while on the job.
That officer was fired on Friday.
Police said it had been going on right on the streets of Melbourne with Officer Chris Buccelli in full uniform.
Streetwalkers were seen this weekend in the area known as the Triangle. Locals said prostitution in the area is rampant.
Prostitutes said one officer was letting them ply their trade in exchange for sex in his patrol vehicle.
One man's businesses, he said, is surrounded by prostitutes. He said he's shocked at the accusations that Buccelli had sex with prostitutes on the job.
In an internal investigation, one prostitute told investigators, "Officer Buccelli had intercourse with her" and that "he was in full uniform."
One undercover officer, who arrested a prostitute, reported, "After making the deal for sex, (the prostitute) made the statement that she 'does a Melbourne cop once a week.'"
She identified the officer as Buccelli, police said. One woman on the street said she knows two prostitutes who were told they would have to give him sex or get arrested.
The police chief suspended Buccelli last month after the accusations were made. Now, after a new report that Buccelli stopped and threatened a man in a pickup truck, Buccelli has been fired.
The report suggests Buccelli was jealous because the driver was seeing one of the prostitutes who were servicing Buccelli.
Residents said they're tired of the rampant prostitution, but said Buccelli is the exception to the rule.
Buccelli denied all the accusations against him, and said the prostitutes were lying.
The police chief said, given his denials, there's not enough evidence to charge him with a crime, but he did violate department policy.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com
New details were released this weekend about the Melbourne police officer accused of having sex with prostitutes while on the job.
That officer was fired on Friday.
Police said it had been going on right on the streets of Melbourne with Officer Chris Buccelli in full uniform.
Streetwalkers were seen this weekend in the area known as the Triangle. Locals said prostitution in the area is rampant.
Prostitutes said one officer was letting them ply their trade in exchange for sex in his patrol vehicle.
One man's businesses, he said, is surrounded by prostitutes. He said he's shocked at the accusations that Buccelli had sex with prostitutes on the job.
In an internal investigation, one prostitute told investigators, "Officer Buccelli had intercourse with her" and that "he was in full uniform."
One undercover officer, who arrested a prostitute, reported, "After making the deal for sex, (the prostitute) made the statement that she 'does a Melbourne cop once a week.'"
She identified the officer as Buccelli, police said. One woman on the street said she knows two prostitutes who were told they would have to give him sex or get arrested.
The police chief suspended Buccelli last month after the accusations were made. Now, after a new report that Buccelli stopped and threatened a man in a pickup truck, Buccelli has been fired.
The report suggests Buccelli was jealous because the driver was seeing one of the prostitutes who were servicing Buccelli.
Residents said they're tired of the rampant prostitution, but said Buccelli is the exception to the rule.
Buccelli denied all the accusations against him, and said the prostitutes were lying.
The police chief said, given his denials, there's not enough evidence to charge him with a crime, but he did violate department policy.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com
Former Sheriff Bill Keating Pleads Guilty to Forcing Woman to Give Him Oral Sex
The former sheriff of Montague County has admitted sexually assaulting a woman after promising her he wouldn't arrest her when deputies found drug paraphernalia in her house.
Bill Keating, whose four-year term as sheriff ended Jan. 1, agreed Friday to plead guilty to a federal charge of deprivation of civil rights under color of law after he confessed to authorities that he had forced the woman to give him oral sex after a drug raid Nov. 14.
Keating, 61, is expected to turn himself in at a hearing at 10:30 a.m. Thursday before Magistrate Judge R. Kerry Roach in Wichita Falls. His attorney, Mark Daniel of Fort Worth, declined to comment Monday.
The FBI and Texas Rangers are investigating further allegations of sexual misconduct by Keating and other former Montague County employees at the jail, and state charges could result, officials said.
"The citizens of the county will be chagrined at what's going to be shown," said Montague County District Attorney Jack McGaughey. He said that by mid-February he expects to have secured indictments against the former sheriff as well as up to a dozen former jail personnel and prisoners alleging sexual misconduct inside the jail.
Problems at the jail surfaced after the FBI moved a handful of inmates out in December.
Within minutes of his swearing in, the new sheriff found the jail in an upheaval. He transferred out dozens of inmates and began assessing the crumbling infrastructure and security controls. The price tag so far: more than $750,000.
According to court papers filed Monday, on the morning of Nov. 14, Keating and some of his deputies executed an arrest warrant at a home occupied by a woman and her boyfriend.
Keating, wearing civilian clothes but with his gun and badge on his belt, entered the bedroom and found the couple sleeping. Meanwhile, deputies found paraphernalia used to make methamphetamine, and traces of what appeared to be meth in a plastic container.
Keating directed his deputies to arrest the boyfriend, then ordered another deputy to leave the bedroom.
"You are about to be my new best friend," he told the woman after she had gotten dressed and he had closed the door, according to court documents.
He told the woman that he found illegal drugs in her house and that "in order to avoid going to jail, she would be required to 'assist' him," or perform oral sex on him, court documents state.
Keating told the woman that "if she complied ... he would assist her in obtaining a job, a place to live and she would not be criminally charged with possessing any drugs or drug-making equipment that was found within the residence," court documents state.
If she did not comply, "she would go straight to jail," court documents state.
Keating then took the woman to his personal vehicle, which was parked outside. He drove her to a secluded area off a farm-to-market road and parked.
"He unzipped his pants, instructed [the woman] to perform oral sex on him, and grabbed the back of her neck and pushed her head down into his lap causing her pain and bodily injury," court papers state.
The sheriff later admitted to federal authorities that he had the woman perform oral sex on him "on multiple occasions" and agree to be a Montague County Sheriff's Ddepartment informant.
If convicted of the federal charge, Keating faces up to 10 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine.
"What a jerk," said Paul Cunningham, who replaced Keating as sheriff this year, after learning the specifics of the federal charge Monday afternoon. "There ain't no other way to put it."
Within minutes of taking the oath as sheriff just after midnight on Jan. 1, Cunningham found the county jail in disarray. Inside some cells, he found, among other things: recliners, doors that lock from the inside, pills scattered about, and makeshift privacy partitions fashioned out of paper towels strung on ropes.
He immediately ordered 56 inmates transferred to neighboring Wise County. A few weeks earlier, the FBI took five inmates from Montague County and moved them to Wise County as its investigation showed mounting abuses.
The Montague County Jail is currently accepting inmates, but if they cannot bond out within 48 hours, they are transferred to Wise County, Cunningham said.
Just before the year ended, five jailers resigned "after they talked to federal authorities," Cunningham said. Two dispatchers also resigned before Cunningham took office. The new sheriff has not fired any jail staff.
Cunningham said Monday it will cost $857,000 to repair the jail. That includes repairing or replacing the security camera system, jail control boards, fire alarms and the air conditioning and heating systems.
"All that stuff was either faulty or missing," Cunningham said.
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards is monitoring Cunningham's progress.
"I've got to commend the new sheriff for taking the bull by the horns and doing what he had to do," said Adan Muñoz Jr., the commission's executive director. "I've seen photographs and it's horrible."
The sheriff is expected to testify before the commission on Feb. 5.
In October, state inspectors found that the jail's fire alarm system was still faulty after it had been red-tagged in an earlier inspection.
Other Information: http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/1166100.html
Bill Keating, whose four-year term as sheriff ended Jan. 1, agreed Friday to plead guilty to a federal charge of deprivation of civil rights under color of law after he confessed to authorities that he had forced the woman to give him oral sex after a drug raid Nov. 14.
Keating, 61, is expected to turn himself in at a hearing at 10:30 a.m. Thursday before Magistrate Judge R. Kerry Roach in Wichita Falls. His attorney, Mark Daniel of Fort Worth, declined to comment Monday.
The FBI and Texas Rangers are investigating further allegations of sexual misconduct by Keating and other former Montague County employees at the jail, and state charges could result, officials said.
"The citizens of the county will be chagrined at what's going to be shown," said Montague County District Attorney Jack McGaughey. He said that by mid-February he expects to have secured indictments against the former sheriff as well as up to a dozen former jail personnel and prisoners alleging sexual misconduct inside the jail.
Problems at the jail surfaced after the FBI moved a handful of inmates out in December.
Within minutes of his swearing in, the new sheriff found the jail in an upheaval. He transferred out dozens of inmates and began assessing the crumbling infrastructure and security controls. The price tag so far: more than $750,000.
According to court papers filed Monday, on the morning of Nov. 14, Keating and some of his deputies executed an arrest warrant at a home occupied by a woman and her boyfriend.
Keating, wearing civilian clothes but with his gun and badge on his belt, entered the bedroom and found the couple sleeping. Meanwhile, deputies found paraphernalia used to make methamphetamine, and traces of what appeared to be meth in a plastic container.
Keating directed his deputies to arrest the boyfriend, then ordered another deputy to leave the bedroom.
"You are about to be my new best friend," he told the woman after she had gotten dressed and he had closed the door, according to court documents.
He told the woman that he found illegal drugs in her house and that "in order to avoid going to jail, she would be required to 'assist' him," or perform oral sex on him, court documents state.
Keating told the woman that "if she complied ... he would assist her in obtaining a job, a place to live and she would not be criminally charged with possessing any drugs or drug-making equipment that was found within the residence," court documents state.
If she did not comply, "she would go straight to jail," court documents state.
Keating then took the woman to his personal vehicle, which was parked outside. He drove her to a secluded area off a farm-to-market road and parked.
"He unzipped his pants, instructed [the woman] to perform oral sex on him, and grabbed the back of her neck and pushed her head down into his lap causing her pain and bodily injury," court papers state.
The sheriff later admitted to federal authorities that he had the woman perform oral sex on him "on multiple occasions" and agree to be a Montague County Sheriff's Ddepartment informant.
If convicted of the federal charge, Keating faces up to 10 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine.
"What a jerk," said Paul Cunningham, who replaced Keating as sheriff this year, after learning the specifics of the federal charge Monday afternoon. "There ain't no other way to put it."
Within minutes of taking the oath as sheriff just after midnight on Jan. 1, Cunningham found the county jail in disarray. Inside some cells, he found, among other things: recliners, doors that lock from the inside, pills scattered about, and makeshift privacy partitions fashioned out of paper towels strung on ropes.
He immediately ordered 56 inmates transferred to neighboring Wise County. A few weeks earlier, the FBI took five inmates from Montague County and moved them to Wise County as its investigation showed mounting abuses.
The Montague County Jail is currently accepting inmates, but if they cannot bond out within 48 hours, they are transferred to Wise County, Cunningham said.
Just before the year ended, five jailers resigned "after they talked to federal authorities," Cunningham said. Two dispatchers also resigned before Cunningham took office. The new sheriff has not fired any jail staff.
Cunningham said Monday it will cost $857,000 to repair the jail. That includes repairing or replacing the security camera system, jail control boards, fire alarms and the air conditioning and heating systems.
"All that stuff was either faulty or missing," Cunningham said.
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards is monitoring Cunningham's progress.
"I've got to commend the new sheriff for taking the bull by the horns and doing what he had to do," said Adan Muñoz Jr., the commission's executive director. "I've seen photographs and it's horrible."
The sheriff is expected to testify before the commission on Feb. 5.
In October, state inspectors found that the jail's fire alarm system was still faulty after it had been red-tagged in an earlier inspection.
Other Information: http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/1166100.html
Captain Edward Hope Jr Arrested for Forcible Sodomy
RICHMOND
Virginia State Police Captain Edward L. Hope, Jr., was placed under arrest in Chesterfield County at approximately 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, 2009, on one felony charge of forcible sodomy.
The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation in conjunction with the Chesterfield County Commonwealth's Attorney. The investigation is still ongoing.
Hope, 52, joined the Virginia State Police in 1979. His most current position with the Department was as the Division Commander of the Information Technology Division and was assigned to the State Police Administrative Headquarters in Richmond. He was appointed captain in March 2007.
Hope was placed on administrative leave without pay. As is standard procedure, an investigation will be conducted by the Department's Internal Affairs following completion of the criminal investigation.
"An investigation into this matter was initiated as soon as the allegation was brought to the attention of the Department," said Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent. "To have a state police employee, especially an individual of rank, charged with a crime of this nature is most disturbing and disappointing. I am confident that the Commonwealth Attorney's office will prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law."
http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/virginia/dp-va--captaincharged0126jan26,0,1143099.story
Virginia State Police Captain Edward L. Hope, Jr., was placed under arrest in Chesterfield County at approximately 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, 2009, on one felony charge of forcible sodomy.
The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation in conjunction with the Chesterfield County Commonwealth's Attorney. The investigation is still ongoing.
Hope, 52, joined the Virginia State Police in 1979. His most current position with the Department was as the Division Commander of the Information Technology Division and was assigned to the State Police Administrative Headquarters in Richmond. He was appointed captain in March 2007.
Hope was placed on administrative leave without pay. As is standard procedure, an investigation will be conducted by the Department's Internal Affairs following completion of the criminal investigation.
"An investigation into this matter was initiated as soon as the allegation was brought to the attention of the Department," said Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent. "To have a state police employee, especially an individual of rank, charged with a crime of this nature is most disturbing and disappointing. I am confident that the Commonwealth Attorney's office will prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law."
http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/virginia/dp-va--captaincharged0126jan26,0,1143099.story
Officer Ricardo Moyet Arrested for Battery on an Officer
An Atlanta police officer has been arrested on misdemeanor battery charges after getting into an altercation with two other officers — one of them the mother of his child — at the Police Department’s headquarters.
Ricardo Moyet, 30, was arrested a couple of days after the Jan. 14 incident, according to Atlanta police.
He has been assigned to desk duty and, for now, has been stripped of his law enforcement powers, said Atlanta police spokeswoman Sgt. Lisa Keyes.
The other two officers, Shannon Durham and Stephen McKesey, are still on normal duty.
The fight happened about 8:30 p.m. in a parking lot outside City Hall East on Ponce de Leon Avenue, where the Police Department is housed.
Moyet and Durham, 27, were off duty and meeting to exchange custody of their young son, according to a police report.
While Durham was putting her son in his child seat, Moyet pulled her from the vehicle and “started yelling baseless statements,” Durham told police.
She tried to ignore him and continued putting her son in the seat, but Moyet pulled her from the car again, spun her around and pushed her into a vehicle, Durham reported.
Moyet left after a brief argument. Soon after, McKesey, a 31-year-old investigator, came to the parking lot and asked Durham if she was all right.
Moyet returned and accused McKesey of “coming between him and his family,” Durham reported.
Moyet punched McKesey in the face, police said, and Durham stepped between them. But when McKesey tried to get his bag, Moyet hit him in the face again, prompting a fight between the two men.
Both suffered some scrapes and bruises, but avoided serious injury, Keyes said.
Durham and Moyet are not facing criminal charges.
Moyet has been a police officer since 2003.
Ricardo Moyet, 30, was arrested a couple of days after the Jan. 14 incident, according to Atlanta police.
He has been assigned to desk duty and, for now, has been stripped of his law enforcement powers, said Atlanta police spokeswoman Sgt. Lisa Keyes.
The other two officers, Shannon Durham and Stephen McKesey, are still on normal duty.
The fight happened about 8:30 p.m. in a parking lot outside City Hall East on Ponce de Leon Avenue, where the Police Department is housed.
Moyet and Durham, 27, were off duty and meeting to exchange custody of their young son, according to a police report.
While Durham was putting her son in his child seat, Moyet pulled her from the vehicle and “started yelling baseless statements,” Durham told police.
She tried to ignore him and continued putting her son in the seat, but Moyet pulled her from the car again, spun her around and pushed her into a vehicle, Durham reported.
Moyet left after a brief argument. Soon after, McKesey, a 31-year-old investigator, came to the parking lot and asked Durham if she was all right.
Moyet returned and accused McKesey of “coming between him and his family,” Durham reported.
Moyet punched McKesey in the face, police said, and Durham stepped between them. But when McKesey tried to get his bag, Moyet hit him in the face again, prompting a fight between the two men.
Both suffered some scrapes and bruises, but avoided serious injury, Keyes said.
Durham and Moyet are not facing criminal charges.
Moyet has been a police officer since 2003.
Officer Monte Montalvo Convicted of Hitting Neighbor with Metal Rod
Monte R. Montalvo has been terminated as an officer with the Buffalo Police Department (BPD) after he was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment charges.
According to Michael DeGeorge, spokesman for the BPD, Buffalo Police Commissioner H. McCarthy Gipson terminated Montalvo on Jan. 14, eight days after he was convicted on charges of striking a neighbor outside of his Baraga Street home in August. Montalvo was accused of assaulting the neighbor with a large metal rod.
"His dismissal was pursuant to the Public Officer's law, which basically states that if an officer is convicted of a felony or misdemeanor that affects the oath of office, the officer is terminated," DeGeorge said. "In this case, he was convicted on an assault [charge], which is a misdemeanor that affects the oath of office."
Montalvo is the officer accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old UB student during an incident unrelated to the assault charges. Montalvo allegedly met the female student last year while working security at a fraternity party. Montalvo is accused of bringing the woman to his apartment after the party and forcibly performing oral sex on her.
Montalvo served as a member of the force for 15 years prior to the conviction. The former 38-year-old officer is currently being tried for the alleged incident with the student. DeGeorge said that the BPD is reserving comment pending the outcome of that trial.
"It's in the hands of the courts at this point," DeGeorge said. "The department would have no comment until the case is resolved in court... and until the case is concluded."
Montalvo is also currently facing charges for an alleged December 2007 incident involving a handgun.
According to Michael DeGeorge, spokesman for the BPD, Buffalo Police Commissioner H. McCarthy Gipson terminated Montalvo on Jan. 14, eight days after he was convicted on charges of striking a neighbor outside of his Baraga Street home in August. Montalvo was accused of assaulting the neighbor with a large metal rod.
"His dismissal was pursuant to the Public Officer's law, which basically states that if an officer is convicted of a felony or misdemeanor that affects the oath of office, the officer is terminated," DeGeorge said. "In this case, he was convicted on an assault [charge], which is a misdemeanor that affects the oath of office."
Montalvo is the officer accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old UB student during an incident unrelated to the assault charges. Montalvo allegedly met the female student last year while working security at a fraternity party. Montalvo is accused of bringing the woman to his apartment after the party and forcibly performing oral sex on her.
Montalvo served as a member of the force for 15 years prior to the conviction. The former 38-year-old officer is currently being tried for the alleged incident with the student. DeGeorge said that the BPD is reserving comment pending the outcome of that trial.
"It's in the hands of the courts at this point," DeGeorge said. "The department would have no comment until the case is resolved in court... and until the case is concluded."
Montalvo is also currently facing charges for an alleged December 2007 incident involving a handgun.
Officer Anthony Battisti Investigated for Paying Man to Assault Former Girlfriend
The mother of an NYPD cop accused of hiring a Long Island grifter to stab his ex-wife denied that her son could plot the attack even as investigators moved closer Sunday to arresting the officer.
Officer Anthony Battisti, who was suspended by the NYPD on Saturday, is under investigation for allegedly paying Timothy Gersbeck $5,000 to assault his former flame outside her Franklin Square home.
"He would never, ever do anything like that," said the cop's mother, Mary Ann Battisti, 66. "I can't take this. ... It's killing me."
"Why would he want to hurt the mother of his children?" she asked. "He's the best father in the world."
Gersbeck, 37, told Nassau County cops that Battisti, 42, commissioned the hit because he was jealous of his ex-wife's new love interest, police sources said.
Gersbeck - who had done some odd jobs for the NYPD officer - was arrested Friday after he plunged a screwdriver into the neck of Patricia Battisti, 44, outside the house she used to share with her ex-husband.
Anthony Battisti has not yet been charged with a crime, although sources said yesterday that an arrest could be forthcoming this week.
Patricia Battisti is listed in serious but stable condition at a Nassau County hospital, police said. Sources said she was one of the victims of Michael Mastromarino, who ran a New Jersey biomedical firm that illegally harvested body parts from corpses and sold them to tissue-transplant companies for surgeries around the world.
Patricia Battisti had charged that she contracted syphilis after undergoing a transplant that used a bone from the ghoulish facility, but when subsequent tests came back clean, she was sued for false claims by Long Island Jewish Health Systems.
Officer Anthony Battisti, who was suspended by the NYPD on Saturday, is under investigation for allegedly paying Timothy Gersbeck $5,000 to assault his former flame outside her Franklin Square home.
"He would never, ever do anything like that," said the cop's mother, Mary Ann Battisti, 66. "I can't take this. ... It's killing me."
"Why would he want to hurt the mother of his children?" she asked. "He's the best father in the world."
Gersbeck, 37, told Nassau County cops that Battisti, 42, commissioned the hit because he was jealous of his ex-wife's new love interest, police sources said.
Gersbeck - who had done some odd jobs for the NYPD officer - was arrested Friday after he plunged a screwdriver into the neck of Patricia Battisti, 44, outside the house she used to share with her ex-husband.
Anthony Battisti has not yet been charged with a crime, although sources said yesterday that an arrest could be forthcoming this week.
Patricia Battisti is listed in serious but stable condition at a Nassau County hospital, police said. Sources said she was one of the victims of Michael Mastromarino, who ran a New Jersey biomedical firm that illegally harvested body parts from corpses and sold them to tissue-transplant companies for surgeries around the world.
Patricia Battisti had charged that she contracted syphilis after undergoing a transplant that used a bone from the ghoulish facility, but when subsequent tests came back clean, she was sued for false claims by Long Island Jewish Health Systems.
Former Officer Wilbert Jamison Jr Accused of Beating Son Wants Jury Trial
GAFFNEY, S.C.
A former Gaffney police officer accused of beating his 10-year-old son formally pleaded not guilty Monday morning and requested a jury trial.
Wilbert Jamison Jr. was indicted on Jan. 13 on three counts of unlawful conduct towards a child. He is also charged with criminal domestic violence, accused of injuring his wife.
Monday, he was in court for a preliminary hearing, that quickly turned into a bond hearing.
Jamison's attorney had asked the judge to let his client remain out on the $5,200 bond Jamison had already paid in connection with a domestic violence charge. But the judge set a bond for the abuse charges at $50,000
The judge ordered that Jamison be tracked by GPS monitoring and not leave his home except to go to work, to church, to meet with his lawyer or to go to the doctor.
He was also ordered to have no contact with his son or his wife.
A trial date has not yet been set.
According to a grand jury indictment, Jamison used handcuffs and a belt to abuse his son -- on one occasion locking him in a closet face-down while he was handcuffed.
According to a warrant, Jamison also shoved his wife, causing her to fall to the ground and hit her head.
Jamison was a Gaffney police officer starting in the late 1990s, and he served as both a patrol officer and a school resource officer at Gaffney Middle School.
Jamison resigned late last year, citing personal reasons. The alleged abuse took place while Jamison was an active duty officer.
The indictment says that between April 1 and Aug. 30, 2007, Jamison handcuffed his son and forced him to run back and forth in the yard while Jamison beat him with a belt, causing him severe physical and mental injury.
In the second count, the indictment alleges that between Jan. 1 and April 30, 2007, Jamison handcuffed the boy, and locked him faced own in a closet.
The third count of the indictment says that between Dec. 6 and Dec. 8, 2006, Jamison beat the child with a belt, and the belt and buckle caused severe injury to the boy's ankle and foot.
Current Gaffney Police Chief Rick Turner said that he cannot comment on why Jamison continued to work for the department during the investigation because he was not chief at the time.
Jamison's wife, Teresa Jamison, said that she still married to Jamison, but is seeking a divorce so she and her son can move on.
Teresa Jamison said, "We've formed … a new family without the abuse. And any time you get rid of abuse, it can only go up from there."
Previous Story: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2009/01/forjmer-officer-wilbert-jamison-jr.html
A former Gaffney police officer accused of beating his 10-year-old son formally pleaded not guilty Monday morning and requested a jury trial.
Wilbert Jamison Jr. was indicted on Jan. 13 on three counts of unlawful conduct towards a child. He is also charged with criminal domestic violence, accused of injuring his wife.
Monday, he was in court for a preliminary hearing, that quickly turned into a bond hearing.
Jamison's attorney had asked the judge to let his client remain out on the $5,200 bond Jamison had already paid in connection with a domestic violence charge. But the judge set a bond for the abuse charges at $50,000
The judge ordered that Jamison be tracked by GPS monitoring and not leave his home except to go to work, to church, to meet with his lawyer or to go to the doctor.
He was also ordered to have no contact with his son or his wife.
A trial date has not yet been set.
According to a grand jury indictment, Jamison used handcuffs and a belt to abuse his son -- on one occasion locking him in a closet face-down while he was handcuffed.
According to a warrant, Jamison also shoved his wife, causing her to fall to the ground and hit her head.
Jamison was a Gaffney police officer starting in the late 1990s, and he served as both a patrol officer and a school resource officer at Gaffney Middle School.
Jamison resigned late last year, citing personal reasons. The alleged abuse took place while Jamison was an active duty officer.
The indictment says that between April 1 and Aug. 30, 2007, Jamison handcuffed his son and forced him to run back and forth in the yard while Jamison beat him with a belt, causing him severe physical and mental injury.
In the second count, the indictment alleges that between Jan. 1 and April 30, 2007, Jamison handcuffed the boy, and locked him faced own in a closet.
The third count of the indictment says that between Dec. 6 and Dec. 8, 2006, Jamison beat the child with a belt, and the belt and buckle caused severe injury to the boy's ankle and foot.
Current Gaffney Police Chief Rick Turner said that he cannot comment on why Jamison continued to work for the department during the investigation because he was not chief at the time.
Jamison's wife, Teresa Jamison, said that she still married to Jamison, but is seeking a divorce so she and her son can move on.
Teresa Jamison said, "We've formed … a new family without the abuse. And any time you get rid of abuse, it can only go up from there."
Previous Story: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2009/01/forjmer-officer-wilbert-jamison-jr.html
Officer Dexter Yarbrough Accused of Making Troubling Comments
DENVER, Jan. 26
The student newspaper for Colorado State University alleges a former Chicago police officer detailed illicit police activities during a 2008 visit.
The Rocky Mountain Collegian reported former Chicago police officer Dexter Yarbrough told students Chicago police routinely beat suspects and paid informants for information with drugs.
The alleged comments by Yarbrough, who was a Gresham District community policing officer, were recorded by a student when the former cop lectured at the university last year.
"If there's a news conference going on, I can't get in front of a crowd and say, 'He got exactly what ... (expletive) he deserved.' You know the police should have beat him, you know. I used to beat (expletive) when I was in Chicago too. I can't say that," Yarbrough was quoted as saying in reference to alleged police violence against suspects.
Chicago Police Supt. Jody Weis responded to the alleged comments by saying the formation of the Bureau of Professional Standards assured improved supervision of police, the Chicago Tribune said.
Information: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-crime-policeabuse-columnjan26,0,1683644.story
The student newspaper for Colorado State University alleges a former Chicago police officer detailed illicit police activities during a 2008 visit.
The Rocky Mountain Collegian reported former Chicago police officer Dexter Yarbrough told students Chicago police routinely beat suspects and paid informants for information with drugs.
The alleged comments by Yarbrough, who was a Gresham District community policing officer, were recorded by a student when the former cop lectured at the university last year.
"If there's a news conference going on, I can't get in front of a crowd and say, 'He got exactly what ... (expletive) he deserved.' You know the police should have beat him, you know. I used to beat (expletive) when I was in Chicago too. I can't say that," Yarbrough was quoted as saying in reference to alleged police violence against suspects.
Chicago Police Supt. Jody Weis responded to the alleged comments by saying the formation of the Bureau of Professional Standards assured improved supervision of police, the Chicago Tribune said.
Information: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-crime-policeabuse-columnjan26,0,1683644.story
Officer P. Payton Arrested for DUI
A Fort Worth police officer was arrested this morning on suspicion of driving under the influence, authorities said.
Officer P. Payton was arrested by North Richland Hills police, said Fort Worth police Sgt. Pedro Criado. He was released after posting bail.
Payton has been placed on restricted duty pending the outcome of an internal investigation. Payton has been with the department for approximately a year, Criado said.
Information: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/012609dnmetfwofficer.6f48c25.html
Officer P. Payton was arrested by North Richland Hills police, said Fort Worth police Sgt. Pedro Criado. He was released after posting bail.
Payton has been placed on restricted duty pending the outcome of an internal investigation. Payton has been with the department for approximately a year, Criado said.
Information: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/012609dnmetfwofficer.6f48c25.html
Judge Curtissa Cofield Arrested for DUI Uses Racially Offensive Language
ROCKY HILL, Conn.
A surveillance video released of a judge facing several alcohol-related charges shows the woman using racially offensive language aimed at a Connecticut state trooper.
According to the police report, when Judge Curtissa Cofield was pulled over for sideswiping a police cruiser, she smelled of alcohol. Police stated in the report that Cofield appeared confused and not aware that she was in accident.
She also failed the field sobriety test, it states.
However, officers said things got worse during processing. They said she used racially offensive language in addressing a state trooper.
On the video, Cofield, who is black, asked Sgt. Dwight Washington, who is also black, "if a Negro was sent to arrest a Negro." She also called herself the most intelligent person in the room.
Another judge granted Cofield admittance into an alcohol rehabilitation program. Her record will be cleared upon completion.
Previous Stories:
Dec. 8, 2008: Judge Granted Entrance To Alcohol Program
Nov. 24, 2008: Trooper Objects To Clearing Judge's Name
A surveillance video released of a judge facing several alcohol-related charges shows the woman using racially offensive language aimed at a Connecticut state trooper.
According to the police report, when Judge Curtissa Cofield was pulled over for sideswiping a police cruiser, she smelled of alcohol. Police stated in the report that Cofield appeared confused and not aware that she was in accident.
She also failed the field sobriety test, it states.
However, officers said things got worse during processing. They said she used racially offensive language in addressing a state trooper.
On the video, Cofield, who is black, asked Sgt. Dwight Washington, who is also black, "if a Negro was sent to arrest a Negro." She also called herself the most intelligent person in the room.
Another judge granted Cofield admittance into an alcohol rehabilitation program. Her record will be cleared upon completion.
Previous Stories:
Dec. 8, 2008: Judge Granted Entrance To Alcohol Program
Nov. 24, 2008: Trooper Objects To Clearing Judge's Name
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Police Brutality
Allegations of police brutality are not new. Every country has its own serious issues on this subject. Police officers are known for having created their own society with its own rules whereby, as if by law, they all cover for, and support each other in times of crisis.
On one level this is good because it gives them additional courage to take on criminals but, on the other, this turns them into a group who think that they live by their own rules and, sometimes, above the law.
Unfortunately, this police belief in their own invincibility, often written into law, leaves citizens feeling unprotected and exposed to all kinds of police brutality.
These Officer should be exposed and held responsible for any form of brutality. Until reform of the justice systems occurs such officers will continue feeling they can operate as if they were invincible.
The Following is a repost from Kendra Anderson. She is a second year magazine production student from Stafford Va http://media.www.thefamuanonline.com/media/storage/paper319/news/2009/01/23/Opinions/Brutality.Reaches.Its.Peak-3595058.shtml
The judicial system is being held under a magnifying glass, as civilians are being abused and killed for unjust reasons. Many police and correction officers are abusing their privileges and taking advantage of their occupation. Officers are supposed to be the people enforcing the law, not abusing it.
Johannes Mehserle, a former Bay Area Rapid Transit Officer, is one of those who decided to take matters into his own hands. According to cnn.com, Mehserle shot and killed 22- year-old Oscar Grant at a BART subway station in Oakland, Calif. on New Year's Day.
Trust is something that many Americans, including myself have always had in the judicial system. Everyone believed that police officers have a duty to promote justice and be advocates for peace.
However, I am not oblivious to the unfair practices that certain officers chose to use on certain groups of people specifically, African-American men.
The wrong doings of many law enforcers are pushed under the rug and most often covered up. As a result, it never reaches the public.
The Director of Amnesty International, Dalia Hashad, said, "The delay in this critical part of the investigation hints at the callousness to the worth of human life to a public that is all too familiar with racial profiling, police brutality and cover-ups."
Mehserle and his attorney expect to, "raise self defense arguments because he was responding to a brawl and no one had been searched for weapons before he arrived at the train station."
The Grant shooting was caught on video and many viewed it on youtube.com including myself. I was baffled while viewing an unarmed black male treated with excessive aggression and later shot in the back. What did Grant do wrong? He was cooperative as he lay facedown on the ground, not knowing that he would never get up.
It's sad to say that race starts to play a factor in wondering why Grant was treated in this manner. Although race is not always the issue when it comes to police brutality, it still does exist whether society wants to recognize it or not.
All police officials do not act in this matter, but a more strict protocol should be enforced so incidents like this will stop occurring. Certain situations cause for police officers to defend themselves and retaliate, but if the person is unarmed and cooperating, how is that justified?
It is police officers job to mediate situations not escalate them. What qualifications allow a police officer to shoot a person? The line between self-defense and manslaughter has become blurred.
Police brutality is an issue, from the Rodney King civil case in Los Angeles to the Martin Lee Anderson case in Florida, and this most recently with Oscar Grant.
Lately, it has been hard to pinpoint who the real criminals are.
On one level this is good because it gives them additional courage to take on criminals but, on the other, this turns them into a group who think that they live by their own rules and, sometimes, above the law.
Unfortunately, this police belief in their own invincibility, often written into law, leaves citizens feeling unprotected and exposed to all kinds of police brutality.
These Officer should be exposed and held responsible for any form of brutality. Until reform of the justice systems occurs such officers will continue feeling they can operate as if they were invincible.
The Following is a repost from Kendra Anderson. She is a second year magazine production student from Stafford Va http://media.www.thefamuanonline.com/media/storage/paper319/news/2009/01/23/Opinions/Brutality.Reaches.Its.Peak-3595058.shtml
The judicial system is being held under a magnifying glass, as civilians are being abused and killed for unjust reasons. Many police and correction officers are abusing their privileges and taking advantage of their occupation. Officers are supposed to be the people enforcing the law, not abusing it.
Johannes Mehserle, a former Bay Area Rapid Transit Officer, is one of those who decided to take matters into his own hands. According to cnn.com, Mehserle shot and killed 22- year-old Oscar Grant at a BART subway station in Oakland, Calif. on New Year's Day.
Trust is something that many Americans, including myself have always had in the judicial system. Everyone believed that police officers have a duty to promote justice and be advocates for peace.
However, I am not oblivious to the unfair practices that certain officers chose to use on certain groups of people specifically, African-American men.
The wrong doings of many law enforcers are pushed under the rug and most often covered up. As a result, it never reaches the public.
The Director of Amnesty International, Dalia Hashad, said, "The delay in this critical part of the investigation hints at the callousness to the worth of human life to a public that is all too familiar with racial profiling, police brutality and cover-ups."
Mehserle and his attorney expect to, "raise self defense arguments because he was responding to a brawl and no one had been searched for weapons before he arrived at the train station."
The Grant shooting was caught on video and many viewed it on youtube.com including myself. I was baffled while viewing an unarmed black male treated with excessive aggression and later shot in the back. What did Grant do wrong? He was cooperative as he lay facedown on the ground, not knowing that he would never get up.
It's sad to say that race starts to play a factor in wondering why Grant was treated in this manner. Although race is not always the issue when it comes to police brutality, it still does exist whether society wants to recognize it or not.
All police officials do not act in this matter, but a more strict protocol should be enforced so incidents like this will stop occurring. Certain situations cause for police officers to defend themselves and retaliate, but if the person is unarmed and cooperating, how is that justified?
It is police officers job to mediate situations not escalate them. What qualifications allow a police officer to shoot a person? The line between self-defense and manslaughter has become blurred.
Police brutality is an issue, from the Rodney King civil case in Los Angeles to the Martin Lee Anderson case in Florida, and this most recently with Oscar Grant.
Lately, it has been hard to pinpoint who the real criminals are.
Corrections Officer William J Edwards Arrested for Burglary
FORT MYERS, Fla.
A Lee County Sheriff's Office Corrections Officer was arrested early Sunday morning.
Fort Myers Police went to O'Brien Auto Mall on 2850 Colonial Boulevard at 2:18 Sunday morning after somebody called police to report a possible burglary in progress. When they arrived they saw two men inside the car lot's fenced area.
When stopped, at first the two men denied any wrongdoing. Officers then searched the area and found a round nylon bag containing 18 lug nuts. The officers discovered the two suspects entered the compound with burglary tools and had removed the lug nuts from a 2008 blue Subaru Impreza.
The two suspects were arrested and charged with burglary of a structure, possession of burglary tools with intent to use, and petty theft.
One of those arrested was 23-year-old Lee County Sheriff's Office Corrections Officer William J. Edwards.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office said Corrections Officer Edwards began work with the Sheriff's Office on October 23, 2007.
Corrections Officer Edwards was immediately placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an Internal Affairs Investigation.
In a statement Sheriff Mike Scott said, "While disappointing to say the least... the events of this weekend involving a Fort Myers police officer and a Lee County corrections officer being arrested proves the resolve of local law enforcement that nobody is above the law."
Edwards was released from jail Sunday morning.
A Lee County Sheriff's Office Corrections Officer was arrested early Sunday morning.
Fort Myers Police went to O'Brien Auto Mall on 2850 Colonial Boulevard at 2:18 Sunday morning after somebody called police to report a possible burglary in progress. When they arrived they saw two men inside the car lot's fenced area.
When stopped, at first the two men denied any wrongdoing. Officers then searched the area and found a round nylon bag containing 18 lug nuts. The officers discovered the two suspects entered the compound with burglary tools and had removed the lug nuts from a 2008 blue Subaru Impreza.
The two suspects were arrested and charged with burglary of a structure, possession of burglary tools with intent to use, and petty theft.
One of those arrested was 23-year-old Lee County Sheriff's Office Corrections Officer William J. Edwards.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office said Corrections Officer Edwards began work with the Sheriff's Office on October 23, 2007.
Corrections Officer Edwards was immediately placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an Internal Affairs Investigation.
In a statement Sheriff Mike Scott said, "While disappointing to say the least... the events of this weekend involving a Fort Myers police officer and a Lee County corrections officer being arrested proves the resolve of local law enforcement that nobody is above the law."
Edwards was released from jail Sunday morning.
Former Detective Richard Dorman Accused of Sexually Assaulting Little Girl
HOUSTON
A former detective accused of sexually assaulting a child was told by a judge on Friday to not have any contact with the girl.
Richard Dorman, a 59-year-old retired Harris County sheriff's deputy, is charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child under the age of 14.
A judge found probable cause to make the charge stick on Friday.
A girl has claimed that Dorman started touching her when she was 8-years-old. She told investigators that Dorman repeatedly touched her private areas.
"Any time a victim in our community, especially someone at the age of our complainant in this case, which is 9-years-old, we take that very seriously," Assistant District Attorney Justin Wood said. "We will do whatever it takes to make sure she's protected."
Dorman spent 26 years as a deputy. He retired six years ago as a detective.
He and the girl making the accusations lived in the Shore Acres community. Her father, who is not identifying, said the families were close and that the girl would spend the night at Dorman's house, along with other children.
"He would do what he would do when she was there spending the night," the father said.
A woman who said she was Dorman's wife said, "It's all made up -- retaliation. (He's) great with kids. Everybody in the neighborhood over there called him Paw Paw."
Dorman's bond was set at $30,000. The judge warned Dorman not to go near his accuser if he posts bond, even if it means moving to a new address. He remained in jail Friday afternoon.
Dorman's attorney said because he just received the case, he was not ready to comment.
More Information: Court Document: Texas Vs. Richard Allen Dorman
A former detective accused of sexually assaulting a child was told by a judge on Friday to not have any contact with the girl.
Richard Dorman, a 59-year-old retired Harris County sheriff's deputy, is charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child under the age of 14.
A judge found probable cause to make the charge stick on Friday.
A girl has claimed that Dorman started touching her when she was 8-years-old. She told investigators that Dorman repeatedly touched her private areas.
"Any time a victim in our community, especially someone at the age of our complainant in this case, which is 9-years-old, we take that very seriously," Assistant District Attorney Justin Wood said. "We will do whatever it takes to make sure she's protected."
Dorman spent 26 years as a deputy. He retired six years ago as a detective.
He and the girl making the accusations lived in the Shore Acres community. Her father, who is not identifying, said the families were close and that the girl would spend the night at Dorman's house, along with other children.
"He would do what he would do when she was there spending the night," the father said.
A woman who said she was Dorman's wife said, "It's all made up -- retaliation. (He's) great with kids. Everybody in the neighborhood over there called him Paw Paw."
Dorman's bond was set at $30,000. The judge warned Dorman not to go near his accuser if he posts bond, even if it means moving to a new address. He remained in jail Friday afternoon.
Dorman's attorney said because he just received the case, he was not ready to comment.
More Information: Court Document: Texas Vs. Richard Allen Dorman
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Officer Leon Young Arrested for DUI
FORT MYERS, Fla.
A Fort Myers Police Officer was arrested early Saturday morning at a Lee County Sheriff's Office D.U.I check point. Officer Leon Young faces misdemeanor DUI Alcohol 1st Offense charges.
He was released from jail on a surety bond Saturday just before noon.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office arrest report says deputies saw the car Young was driving pull into a parking lot just before the D.U.I. checkpoint at 7070 College Parkway. Believing the driver was trying to avoid the checkpoint, deputies approached the car.
The deputy said Young's eyes appeared to be blood shot and watery and he was speaking with a "thick tongue". The deputy said he could smell alcohol on Young's breath.
The deputy also saw a green leafy substance on Young's shirt that he believed to be marijuana. Canine deputies also smelled narcotics in the air, but when Young's car was searched, no marijuana was discovered.
According to the report, Young did not want to do the field sobriety check and just asked to be taken to jail. Eventually Young agreed to take the field sobriety test. Young was then placed under arrest.
When Young was asked to take a breath test he told the arresting deputy that the deputy was part of the KKK, the arresting deputy's father was part of the KKK, and Young would not take the breath test.
Reacting to Young's arrest Fort Myers Police Chief Doug Baker told WINK News, "I am extremely disappointed. This is not the conduct that we would expect from one of our officers. State Statute and department policy requires due process and Officer Young has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of a criminal investigation and an internal affairs investigation."
A Fort Myers Police Officer was arrested early Saturday morning at a Lee County Sheriff's Office D.U.I check point. Officer Leon Young faces misdemeanor DUI Alcohol 1st Offense charges.
He was released from jail on a surety bond Saturday just before noon.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office arrest report says deputies saw the car Young was driving pull into a parking lot just before the D.U.I. checkpoint at 7070 College Parkway. Believing the driver was trying to avoid the checkpoint, deputies approached the car.
The deputy said Young's eyes appeared to be blood shot and watery and he was speaking with a "thick tongue". The deputy said he could smell alcohol on Young's breath.
The deputy also saw a green leafy substance on Young's shirt that he believed to be marijuana. Canine deputies also smelled narcotics in the air, but when Young's car was searched, no marijuana was discovered.
According to the report, Young did not want to do the field sobriety check and just asked to be taken to jail. Eventually Young agreed to take the field sobriety test. Young was then placed under arrest.
When Young was asked to take a breath test he told the arresting deputy that the deputy was part of the KKK, the arresting deputy's father was part of the KKK, and Young would not take the breath test.
Reacting to Young's arrest Fort Myers Police Chief Doug Baker told WINK News, "I am extremely disappointed. This is not the conduct that we would expect from one of our officers. State Statute and department policy requires due process and Officer Young has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of a criminal investigation and an internal affairs investigation."
Former Officer Maxwell Houghton Still Trying to Use His Badge to Get Out of Ticket
ST. GEORGE, Utah
A former police officer who flashed an official identification card for leniency at traffic stops has been charged with impersonating an officer.
Utah Highway Patrol officers say Maxwell Tyler Houghton pulled out the ID card twice at different stops last week despite having left the St. George Police Department nearly two years ago.
Troopers caught up with Houghton a third time and arrested him.
UHP Sgt. Dan Ferguson said it's illegal for anyone other than a police officer to possess police credentials.
Houghton, 27, was booked Friday in jail on charges of speeding and two counts of impersonating a police officer. He was released the same day on $1,331 bail.
Houghton, before saying anything at the first traffic stop Monday, produced his expired police ID along with a driver's license and a concealed weapons permit.
Trooper Roger Larson let Houghton go, then called the St. George Police Department to learn the supposed officer had left the department in April 2007 after less than a year on duty.
Then, on Friday, Ferguson said he stopped Houghton for speeding, and once more, Houghton showed a police credential. Ferguson said he cut Houghton loose, but then recalled Larson's encounter earlier in the week with a man showing an expired police ID.
This time, Ferguson and Larson caught up with Houghton and arrested him on state Route 9.
--
Information: http://www.sltrib.com/ci_11545187
A former police officer who flashed an official identification card for leniency at traffic stops has been charged with impersonating an officer.
Utah Highway Patrol officers say Maxwell Tyler Houghton pulled out the ID card twice at different stops last week despite having left the St. George Police Department nearly two years ago.
Troopers caught up with Houghton a third time and arrested him.
UHP Sgt. Dan Ferguson said it's illegal for anyone other than a police officer to possess police credentials.
Houghton, 27, was booked Friday in jail on charges of speeding and two counts of impersonating a police officer. He was released the same day on $1,331 bail.
Houghton, before saying anything at the first traffic stop Monday, produced his expired police ID along with a driver's license and a concealed weapons permit.
Trooper Roger Larson let Houghton go, then called the St. George Police Department to learn the supposed officer had left the department in April 2007 after less than a year on duty.
Then, on Friday, Ferguson said he stopped Houghton for speeding, and once more, Houghton showed a police credential. Ferguson said he cut Houghton loose, but then recalled Larson's encounter earlier in the week with a man showing an expired police ID.
This time, Ferguson and Larson caught up with Houghton and arrested him on state Route 9.
--
Information: http://www.sltrib.com/ci_11545187
Friday, January 23, 2009
Deputy George Easterly Arrested for Having Child Porn on His Computer
COLLIER COUNTY, Fla.
Deputies have arrested a Hendry County corrections officer for possession of child pornography. The officer reportedly had child porn pictures on his computer.
George Easterly, 49, now faces 10 counts of possession of child pornography.
"It's disappointing when anyone does it," says Collier County Detective Scott Rapisarda. "But, it's especially disappointing when a law enforcement official does it."
According to the Collier County Sheriff's Office, last month Easterly asked his son to fix his computer. The son found the images that appeared to be child pornography and reported it to the sheriff's office. Deputies searched his home and took his computer. Forensics revealed 10 pictures of children between the ages of 10 and 17 in various sexual acts.
Easterly's neighbors say they were surprised to hear of the arrest and fear for their children's safety.
"You know they're supposed to be enforcing the law and here they are breaking the law themselves," says Brittany Scott.
Easterly was arrested shortly before 4 p.m. Friday during a traffic stop in Golden Gate Estates.
Easterly now faces 7 to 8 years in prison.
Deputies have arrested a Hendry County corrections officer for possession of child pornography. The officer reportedly had child porn pictures on his computer.
George Easterly, 49, now faces 10 counts of possession of child pornography.
"It's disappointing when anyone does it," says Collier County Detective Scott Rapisarda. "But, it's especially disappointing when a law enforcement official does it."
According to the Collier County Sheriff's Office, last month Easterly asked his son to fix his computer. The son found the images that appeared to be child pornography and reported it to the sheriff's office. Deputies searched his home and took his computer. Forensics revealed 10 pictures of children between the ages of 10 and 17 in various sexual acts.
Easterly's neighbors say they were surprised to hear of the arrest and fear for their children's safety.
"You know they're supposed to be enforcing the law and here they are breaking the law themselves," says Brittany Scott.
Easterly was arrested shortly before 4 p.m. Friday during a traffic stop in Golden Gate Estates.
Easterly now faces 7 to 8 years in prison.
Former Sgt. Faron White Booked Friday for Staging his Disappearance
DECATUR
Former Decatur police Sgt. Faron White, accused of stealing seized drug money from his office and staging his disappearance, is back in Morgan County from Las Vegas.
White, 48, was booked into the Morgan County Jail at 3:25 p.m. Friday, a jail spokesman said. White, a Decatur officer for 22 years, has been charged with first-degree theft and his bond set at $20,000.
Morgan County District Attorney Bob Burrell has said he will seek to have White's bond increased or have him held with no bond because White is a flight risk.
White is accused of stealing at least $2,500 from a safe in his office on Jan. 2. His family reported him missing and police conducted a widespread search for White after they found signs of a physical altercation in his office.
But investigators determined that White stole the money and staged his disappearance with the help of Sarah Richardson, a volunteer worker in White's office.
Richardson, 29, has been charged with first-degree hindering prosecution or apprehension.
U.S. Marshals found White in Las Vegas on Jan. 5 and took him into custody without incident in a Las Vegas hotel lobby. White waived extradition. Richardson has told police that she thinks White may have stolen $70,000 from his office over several months.
Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/search?q=Faron+White
Former Decatur police Sgt. Faron White, accused of stealing seized drug money from his office and staging his disappearance, is back in Morgan County from Las Vegas.
White, 48, was booked into the Morgan County Jail at 3:25 p.m. Friday, a jail spokesman said. White, a Decatur officer for 22 years, has been charged with first-degree theft and his bond set at $20,000.
Morgan County District Attorney Bob Burrell has said he will seek to have White's bond increased or have him held with no bond because White is a flight risk.
White is accused of stealing at least $2,500 from a safe in his office on Jan. 2. His family reported him missing and police conducted a widespread search for White after they found signs of a physical altercation in his office.
But investigators determined that White stole the money and staged his disappearance with the help of Sarah Richardson, a volunteer worker in White's office.
Richardson, 29, has been charged with first-degree hindering prosecution or apprehension.
U.S. Marshals found White in Las Vegas on Jan. 5 and took him into custody without incident in a Las Vegas hotel lobby. White waived extradition. Richardson has told police that she thinks White may have stolen $70,000 from his office over several months.
Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/search?q=Faron+White
Const. Adam Whynott Charged with Fighting
A Halifax police officer and a Digby man charged after a street fight last June that led to allegations of racism will avoid criminal convictions.
The case of Const. Adam Whynott and William Drummond was referred to the adult diversion program on Thursday.
Under the terms of the program, both men have to accept responsibility for their actions. They face counselling instead of jail terms or fines. They won't have a criminal record.
Whynott, 27, and Drummond, 20, were charged with causing a disturbance by fighting following the late-night brawl outside a Digby bar. Drummond was also charged with resisting arrest.
Drummond and another young black man claim the June 22 scuffle with a group of off-duty police officers broke out after someone yelled a racist taunt. Drummond was the only one arrested by local RCMP.
In late August, RCMP announced the charges against both men, but also said investigators couldn't find any evidence the fight was sparked by a racial slur.
Whynott is returning to active duty with the Halifax Regional Police. However, he's still subject to an internal police review.
The case of Const. Adam Whynott and William Drummond was referred to the adult diversion program on Thursday.
Under the terms of the program, both men have to accept responsibility for their actions. They face counselling instead of jail terms or fines. They won't have a criminal record.
Whynott, 27, and Drummond, 20, were charged with causing a disturbance by fighting following the late-night brawl outside a Digby bar. Drummond was also charged with resisting arrest.
Drummond and another young black man claim the June 22 scuffle with a group of off-duty police officers broke out after someone yelled a racist taunt. Drummond was the only one arrested by local RCMP.
In late August, RCMP announced the charges against both men, but also said investigators couldn't find any evidence the fight was sparked by a racial slur.
Whynott is returning to active duty with the Halifax Regional Police. However, he's still subject to an internal police review.
Former Officer Benjamin Beauchemin Fired After DWI Charge
HOOKSETT
Former Hooksett police officer Benjamin Beauchemin refused comment last night after the police commission publicly announced that his employment with the department had been terminated.
Neither Beauchemin nor his union-appointed attorney, Bill Cahill, responded when asked if they anticipated this outcome or if they intend to appeal the commission's decision.
Commission Chairman Dave Gagnon said the firing is effective immediately, but refused to shed light on how the group arrived at the decision.
"(Beauchemin) is the one who wanted it non-public, so that's where it's staying," Gagnon said.
►Police officer won on technicality
Beauchemin has been on administrative leave without pay since last May, when he was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated.
According to police records, Beauchemin flipped his Jeep Liberty off Cedar Crest Lane in Auburn at about 1:15 a.m. May 11 into a private yard after returning home from Manchester. Court testimony revealed that Beauchemin left the scene of the accident while police were summoned by eyewitnesses. He admitted to drinking four beers at his girlfriend's house nearby in the time it took emergency responders to arrive in Auburn.
Records indicate he refused an on-site sobriety test.
In September, he was found not guilty by a district court judge, who cited insufficient evidence to convict. Judge David LeFrancois said that although Beauchemin's off-duty conduct was not fitting of a police officer, state prosecutors had not definitely proven beyond reasonable doubt that he had been drinking in excess before operating the vehicle.
After the court decision, Hooksett Police Chief Steve Agrafiotis ordered an internal investigation that considered evidence not permissible in court, including 911 recordings.
Last night, Gagnon would not comment on how the commission reached its decision.
According to the department's personnel procedures, any employee under disciplinary scrutiny has the option of opening police commission hearings to the public. Beauchemin and his counsel chose to keep those meetings closed.
If Beauchemin chooses to appeal the commission's sentence, an outside arbitrator will review the case facts and recommend a non-binding decision to the police commission, which the commission may choose to follow or reject.
Beauchemin joined the Hooksett Police Department in 2007 after a tour of duty with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan.
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