BIRMINGHAM, Ala.
A former north Alabama police officer accused of staging his own disappearance to cover up the theft of funds from his own department is due in court in Birmingham.
A hearing was set for Friday morning for former Decatur police Sgt. Faron White of Falkville. It will be his first court appearance since his indictment earlier this week on federal theft charges.
Prosecutors say White stage his disappearance from his office on Jan. 2 to cover up the fact that more than $5,000 in confiscated drug money was missing from a safe at work. He was arrested three days later in a hotel in Las Vegas.
A former police volunteer is accused of helping White.
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Other Information: http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2009/01/former_alabama_police_officer.html
Friday, January 30, 2009
Officer Jimmie L Akins Faces Federal Corruption Charges
Chicago police officer Jimmie L. Akins won’t have his day in court — at least the court of “Judge Jeanine Pirro.”
Akins, who faces federal corruptions charges in an alleged tow truck bribery scheme, played the part of the bailiff on Pirro’s courtroom show.
He has since lost the gig, said Laura Mandel, a spokeswoman with Telepictures Productions.
“Telepictures did its due diligence during the hiring process which included a background check,” Mandel said in a statement. “It did not reveal a federal investigation nor was Akins a member of the Chicago Police Department at the time. The show has completed taping of the first season and Jimmie Akins is no longer associated with the show.”
Pirro, a former district attorney in a county outside New York City, rules in her Chicago-based courtroom every day at 3 p.m. on WGN-Channel 9.
On today’s show, for instance, two friends “duke it out” over teenage pregnancy and drug use, according to Pirro’s Web site.
Akins will still appear in episodes that were previously taped.
The 41-year-old Akins allegedly charged tow truck drivers $100 each time they towed a car from a wreck he was supervising. He was the fourth Chicago police officer arrested in the scheme, which federal agents have been investigating since 2003.
Akins joined the police force in 1998, and declared bankruptcy in 2001, federal court documents said. He is no longer a Chicago police officer.
Akins, who faces federal corruptions charges in an alleged tow truck bribery scheme, played the part of the bailiff on Pirro’s courtroom show.
He has since lost the gig, said Laura Mandel, a spokeswoman with Telepictures Productions.
“Telepictures did its due diligence during the hiring process which included a background check,” Mandel said in a statement. “It did not reveal a federal investigation nor was Akins a member of the Chicago Police Department at the time. The show has completed taping of the first season and Jimmie Akins is no longer associated with the show.”
Pirro, a former district attorney in a county outside New York City, rules in her Chicago-based courtroom every day at 3 p.m. on WGN-Channel 9.
On today’s show, for instance, two friends “duke it out” over teenage pregnancy and drug use, according to Pirro’s Web site.
Akins will still appear in episodes that were previously taped.
The 41-year-old Akins allegedly charged tow truck drivers $100 each time they towed a car from a wreck he was supervising. He was the fourth Chicago police officer arrested in the scheme, which federal agents have been investigating since 2003.
Akins joined the police force in 1998, and declared bankruptcy in 2001, federal court documents said. He is no longer a Chicago police officer.
Officer Ravell Slayton Arrested for Theft & Misconduct
A Memphis police officer who was arrested on theft and misconduct charges turned in his badge Friday.
Ravell Slayton, 36, had been placed on paid leave Thursday, along with another officer who was arrested in a separate investigation.
That officer, Lt. Billy Smallwood, 45, remains with the police department pending an administrative hearing.
Slayton quit before his administrative hearing, which had been scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday.
He is believed to have participated with his brother and another man in a stolen-property scheme.
Acting on a tip, undercover officers sold Slayton three 52-inch TVs he believed were stolen, police said.
He also told investigators he sat in uniform in a marked squad car outside a house where his brother sold drugs more than 50 times.
A Shelby County grand jury indicted Slayton on two counts of official misconduct, one count of theft and another count of attempted theft. If convicted of all charges, he could face up to two years in prison.
A federal grand jury charged Smallwood with using a fake identity to access Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and FBI databases, then selling personal information to a third party.
He's charged with three counts of wire fraud, one count of creating a false document in a matter within FBI jurisdiction and another count of computer fraud.
Information: http://www.wztv.com/template/inews_wire/wires.regional.tn/3b64e570-www.fox17.com.shtml
Ravell Slayton, 36, had been placed on paid leave Thursday, along with another officer who was arrested in a separate investigation.
That officer, Lt. Billy Smallwood, 45, remains with the police department pending an administrative hearing.
Slayton quit before his administrative hearing, which had been scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday.
He is believed to have participated with his brother and another man in a stolen-property scheme.
Acting on a tip, undercover officers sold Slayton three 52-inch TVs he believed were stolen, police said.
He also told investigators he sat in uniform in a marked squad car outside a house where his brother sold drugs more than 50 times.
A Shelby County grand jury indicted Slayton on two counts of official misconduct, one count of theft and another count of attempted theft. If convicted of all charges, he could face up to two years in prison.
A federal grand jury charged Smallwood with using a fake identity to access Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and FBI databases, then selling personal information to a third party.
He's charged with three counts of wire fraud, one count of creating a false document in a matter within FBI jurisdiction and another count of computer fraud.
Information: http://www.wztv.com/template/inews_wire/wires.regional.tn/3b64e570-www.fox17.com.shtml
Kenton Officer Arrested for Rape still on Duty
MORE allegations of police brutality in Kenton-on-Sea are being investigated after a woman was allegedly raped at the police station and two other people were allegedly assaulted.
The police officer suspected of rape was arrested on Monday and appeared briefly in the Alexandria Magistrate’s Court before being released on R500 bail.
He was, however, back on duty this week pending a police decision on whether or not to suspend him.
The latest allegations come about two weeks after an alleged late night attack on 25-year- old Vusi Mbabela.
He was taken to hospital under a false name and treated for a broken rib and other injuries.
Ekuphumleni community leader Zache Ngxingo yesterday said emotions were running high after the 24-year-old woman had been arrested for being drunk and disorderly and then allegedly raped by the policeman in the victim empowerment room at the local police station.
The rape allegedly took place two days after 500 people had protested Mbabela’s beating.
They handed over a memorandum calling for an investigation into alleged police brutality .
“The young woman was at home with her parents and was a bit drunk and shouting at them when they decided to call the police to take her away so she could cool off.”
He said after the alleged rape, the policeman told her not to tell anybody before releasing her.
Police spokesperson Captain Mali Govender yesterday confirmed a policeman had been arrested for the alleged rape and that two other cases of alleged assault by police were being investigated.
Ngxingo said a man and a woman had allegedly been beaten up by patrolling police a day after the protest march.
“ The people want police from out of town to investigate these allegations of police brutality.”
The police officer suspected of rape was arrested on Monday and appeared briefly in the Alexandria Magistrate’s Court before being released on R500 bail.
He was, however, back on duty this week pending a police decision on whether or not to suspend him.
The latest allegations come about two weeks after an alleged late night attack on 25-year- old Vusi Mbabela.
He was taken to hospital under a false name and treated for a broken rib and other injuries.
Ekuphumleni community leader Zache Ngxingo yesterday said emotions were running high after the 24-year-old woman had been arrested for being drunk and disorderly and then allegedly raped by the policeman in the victim empowerment room at the local police station.
The rape allegedly took place two days after 500 people had protested Mbabela’s beating.
They handed over a memorandum calling for an investigation into alleged police brutality .
“The young woman was at home with her parents and was a bit drunk and shouting at them when they decided to call the police to take her away so she could cool off.”
He said after the alleged rape, the policeman told her not to tell anybody before releasing her.
Police spokesperson Captain Mali Govender yesterday confirmed a policeman had been arrested for the alleged rape and that two other cases of alleged assault by police were being investigated.
Ngxingo said a man and a woman had allegedly been beaten up by patrolling police a day after the protest march.
“ The people want police from out of town to investigate these allegations of police brutality.”
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Deputy Michael Arrington Arrested for Selling Drugs to Inmates
AUGUSTA, Ga.
A Richmond County deputy was arrested after investigators say he sold marijuana to an inmate. Investigators arrested Deputy Michael Arrington on Thursday and placed him inside the same jail where he worked.
Richmond County Sheriff Ronnie Strength says Arrington’s arrest comes after a month long investigation.
Investigators say an inmate tipped them off about contraband being sold inside the Law Enforcement Center on Walton Way.
Strength tells 26 News officers caught Arrington selling some marijuana to an inmate. Arrington is also accused of selling cigarettes to other inmates.
"We in law enforcement are no different that anyone else. We have to stay in the guidelines of the law. And we have no problem taking what ever actions are warranted," said Strength.
Arrington is on administrative leave without pay, until the end of the investigation. He's worked at the sheriff's office for a year and a half. Investigators say has no prior disciplinary history.
Arrington is charged with selling marijuana and crossing a guard line with drugs. Both are felonies.
http://www.nbcaugusta.com/news/crime/38602117.html
A Richmond County deputy was arrested after investigators say he sold marijuana to an inmate. Investigators arrested Deputy Michael Arrington on Thursday and placed him inside the same jail where he worked.
Richmond County Sheriff Ronnie Strength says Arrington’s arrest comes after a month long investigation.
Investigators say an inmate tipped them off about contraband being sold inside the Law Enforcement Center on Walton Way.
Strength tells 26 News officers caught Arrington selling some marijuana to an inmate. Arrington is also accused of selling cigarettes to other inmates.
"We in law enforcement are no different that anyone else. We have to stay in the guidelines of the law. And we have no problem taking what ever actions are warranted," said Strength.
Arrington is on administrative leave without pay, until the end of the investigation. He's worked at the sheriff's office for a year and a half. Investigators say has no prior disciplinary history.
Arrington is charged with selling marijuana and crossing a guard line with drugs. Both are felonies.
http://www.nbcaugusta.com/news/crime/38602117.html
Officer Ryan Wilcox Arrested for Break-in and Assault
A Chandler Police officer was arrested Monday in connection with an alleged break-in and assault at a home in the Brownsboro area.
Thirty-year-old Ryan Michael Wilcox was booked into the Henderson County Jail Monday afternoon and released a short time later after posting $2,500 bond.
The Henderson County Sheriff’s Department received a call from a woman Monday night telling of the incident. According to the complaint, Wilcox entered the home at about 2:30 a.m. Sunday.
Because the accused in the case is a police officer, the investigation is being conducted by Texas Ranger Trace McDonald.
McDonald, who was working on his arrest report Tuesday, said he did not wish to reveal the address of the break-in or the identity of the victim at this time. He said the break-in was not an attempt to steal from the victim.
“It wasn’t a theft type situation,” McDonald said. “It was a case of him entering a home without consent and committing an assault.”
According to the Texas Penal Code, a person commits a burglary if he or she “enters a habitation, or a building (or any portion of a building) not then open to the public, with intent to commit a felony, theft or an assault”
McDonald and Henderson County Sheriff’s Department Investigator Michael Teal arrested Wilcox without incident.
Athens Review attempts to reach Chandler Police Chief Ron Reeves concerning Wilcox’s arrest were unsuccessful Wednesday.
Officer Michael Strobele Fights Over Parking Spot
An off-duty Buffalo Police officer is suspended following an incident Thursday morning outside Buffalo City Court.
Several patrol cars responded to the scene shortly before 10 A.M.
According to police spokesperson Mike DeGeorge, it's believed Michael Strobele, a 10-year veteran of the force, and John Stronka of Cheektowaga, got into a fight over a parking spot.
Strobele, 35, is charged with assault and harassment. Stronka suffered injuries to his face.
http://www.wkbw.com/news/local/38631152.html
Officer Matthew Brown Charged with Inappropriately Touching 16-year-old
ALBANY, GA
An Albany Police Officer is in jail charged with inappropriately touching a 16-year old girl in his custody.
G-B-I Agents arrested 25-year old Matthew Brown Wednesday night.
He's charged with sexual assault, sexual battery, and violation of oath of office, all felonies.
A-P-D fired the 3-year veteran Tuesday
On January 5th Brown was supposed to drive a 16-year old runaway back home to South Albany.
She told her family Brown instead touched her.
GBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Mark Pro said "After the intiation of the report that he did, evidently she stayed in the vehicle , and they went to another location where the incident occured."
Brown is in the Dougherty County Jail without bond.
An Albany Police Officer is in jail charged with inappropriately touching a 16-year old girl in his custody.
G-B-I Agents arrested 25-year old Matthew Brown Wednesday night.
He's charged with sexual assault, sexual battery, and violation of oath of office, all felonies.
A-P-D fired the 3-year veteran Tuesday
On January 5th Brown was supposed to drive a 16-year old runaway back home to South Albany.
She told her family Brown instead touched her.
GBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Mark Pro said "After the intiation of the report that he did, evidently she stayed in the vehicle , and they went to another location where the incident occured."
Brown is in the Dougherty County Jail without bond.
Officer Brian Carswell Accused of Assaulting 16-year-old
A BURLY policeman has been accused of assaulting a 16-year-old cafe worker.
PC Brian Carswell took David Shields to Ayr police station to question him about money which had gone missing from the cafe the teenager worked in.
But it is alleged that Carswell, 48, assaulted the youngster before grabbing his mobile phone and deleting a recording of the attack.
During a trial at Ayr Sheriff Court this week, Sheriff Carole Cunninghame heard that despite no money being found on him at a search in O’Briens’s sandwich bar, David agreed to go with Carswell to the police station.
While the two were alone, David claimed that Carswell flew at him, grabbing his clothes and pinning him against a wall. He said that he was seized by the throat and that Carswell tried to take his mobile phone from him.
The court heard that when three other officers came to the interview room they found David with marks on his throat, crying and distressed.
Carswell said that he was restraining David because he feared he had a knife in his hand.
Carswell, who has 25 years service, denies two charges of assault and a charge of attempting to defeat the ends of justice by taking David’s mobile phone with the intention of deleting incriminating evidence.
The trial continues next week.
http://www.ayrshirepost.net
PC Brian Carswell took David Shields to Ayr police station to question him about money which had gone missing from the cafe the teenager worked in.
But it is alleged that Carswell, 48, assaulted the youngster before grabbing his mobile phone and deleting a recording of the attack.
During a trial at Ayr Sheriff Court this week, Sheriff Carole Cunninghame heard that despite no money being found on him at a search in O’Briens’s sandwich bar, David agreed to go with Carswell to the police station.
While the two were alone, David claimed that Carswell flew at him, grabbing his clothes and pinning him against a wall. He said that he was seized by the throat and that Carswell tried to take his mobile phone from him.
The court heard that when three other officers came to the interview room they found David with marks on his throat, crying and distressed.
Carswell said that he was restraining David because he feared he had a knife in his hand.
Carswell, who has 25 years service, denies two charges of assault and a charge of attempting to defeat the ends of justice by taking David’s mobile phone with the intention of deleting incriminating evidence.
The trial continues next week.
http://www.ayrshirepost.net
Former Officer Nicholas Minet Pleads Guilty to Killing 2-year-old
LIBERTY, Mo.
A former police officer charged with second-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend's 2-year-old daughter changed his plea to guilty on Thursday.
Nicholas Minet, a former Kansas City, Mo., police officer admitted in a Clay County courtroom that he shook Alyssa Eickmeier violently and threw her on the floor or a mattress causing a deadly blow to the head.
Minet said he shook the girl because she wouldn't stop crying for her mother.
"He was a new boyfriend. You go through the whole divorce process, every boyfriend you have around your kids, of course, you hate them, but I was actually comfortable with him for the fact that he was a police officer," said Chris Eickmeier, Alyssa Eickmeier's father.
Minet was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
"It's hard to deal with, reliving all this stuff. That's why this plea I'm glad happened. Like I said, memories, bad memories," Chris Eickmeier said.
Alyssa Eickmeier's mother and several other family members were in the courtroom. They wore pink T-shirts in her memory.
"I know he's sorry. He said he was sorry in court. I believe that he's sorry," the girl's mother Amy Eickmeier said. "She paid with her life. She didn't get a chance to plead for hers."
Other Information: http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/1008507.html
A former police officer charged with second-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend's 2-year-old daughter changed his plea to guilty on Thursday.
Nicholas Minet, a former Kansas City, Mo., police officer admitted in a Clay County courtroom that he shook Alyssa Eickmeier violently and threw her on the floor or a mattress causing a deadly blow to the head.
Minet said he shook the girl because she wouldn't stop crying for her mother.
"He was a new boyfriend. You go through the whole divorce process, every boyfriend you have around your kids, of course, you hate them, but I was actually comfortable with him for the fact that he was a police officer," said Chris Eickmeier, Alyssa Eickmeier's father.
Minet was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
"It's hard to deal with, reliving all this stuff. That's why this plea I'm glad happened. Like I said, memories, bad memories," Chris Eickmeier said.
Alyssa Eickmeier's mother and several other family members were in the courtroom. They wore pink T-shirts in her memory.
"I know he's sorry. He said he was sorry in court. I believe that he's sorry," the girl's mother Amy Eickmeier said. "She paid with her life. She didn't get a chance to plead for hers."
Other Information: http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/1008507.html
Tasering of the Mental Ill
One of the most distrubing aspects of the use of taser torture devices is its common use on the mentally ill. Here, you have schizophrenic man, in custody, tasered and pepper sprayed mercilessly because he woulodn't come out of his cell. He finally did when they told him he could call his mother.
New court documents reveal disturbing details of what happened to Reynaldo “Reny” Cabral, the young Orland man who became paralyzed from the neck down when he rammed his head against a wall during a schizophrenic episode in the Glenn County Jail.
The CN&R has previously reported (”Breakdown in mental-health care,” Dec. 13, 2007) how, in the morning of Jan. 6, 2007, sheriff’s officers arrested Cabral after he assaulted his girlfriend, Torrie Gonzales, at his family’s Orland home. At the time, Cabral’s brother Arturo and others told them he was ill and needed medications.
According to an amended complaint, the jail nurse, Donna Tomisch, and Jail Staff Cpl. Rosemary Carmen initially refused to receive Cabral until he’d had a psychiatric evaluation. However, a sheriff’s deputy, Brandy McDonald, told Carmen that there would be no evaluation “because inmate Cabral had tried to kill someone and that he needed to be in jail,” not sent to a mental-health facility.
Over a period of several hours, while Cabral was kept in a holding cell, various people—his brother; his mother, Rosa Cabral; his girlfriend, who didn’t want him jailed; Tony Nasr, MD, a family friend; and officials at Butte County Behavioral Health, where he’d been placed on an involuntary hold just three days before—contacted the jail to say Cabral was mentally ill.
Efforts to get him seen by health professionals were fruitless. A single call was made to Glenn County Mental Health, which punted responsibility to Dr. Robert Zadra, whose company, Sierra Family Services, was under contract to provide mental-health care at the jail. But Zadra was on vacation, and his office referred the matter back to GCMH, which in turn said it had no contract with the jail.
There was a contract, but it was with Glenn Medical Center, the local hospital. In any event, there is a “handshake agreement” between the jail and Mental Health, said Scott Gruendl, the Chico City Councilman whose day job is director of Glenn County Health Services. “If the jail requires our assistance, we’re going to provide it,” he said.
Not this time, apparently.
By early the next morning, court documents continue, Cabral began hearing voices and showing signs of mental illness. He took off his clothes, vomited, and began throwing feces, urine and vomit around his cell.
Jail staff wanted to move him into the padded “safety cell.” Lacking the help of a health-care professional, and without contacting anyone in Cabral’s family, they called in a total of four officers from the Willows Police Department and the Sheriff’s Office. Three Highway Patrol officers showed up later.
Cabral wasn’t being violent, but Deputy Paulette Blakeley testified that he was “scooping water from the toilet in his cell and rubbing it on his body, and that the water, possibly containing his own waste, was spread elsewhere in the cell.” At this point, Willows PD Officer Jason Dahl ordered Cabral to come out of the cell. When Cabral refused, saying “I’m fine,” Dahl pointed his Taser weapon at Cabral “and said he would shoot him with it if he did not do as Officer Dahl demanded.”
“Shoot me,” Cabral replied. The officers stormed the cell.
By the time it was over, Dahl had alternately demanded that Cabral come out of his cell and, when he refused, Tasered him a total of eight times, for five seconds each time, over a period of 4-1/2 minutes. “Each time, the [officers] watched … Cabral react with great pain and slide down the wall, seeking protection of the toilet,” the documents read. The Tasering stopped only when the weapon’s battery ran out of charge.
“The officers then left the cell but observed that … Cabral had reacted to the shocks by chewing on the telephone in the cell and observed that he was bleeding from the mouth.”
And so it went. The officers again stormed the cell, this time using an electric stun-gun-type shield that they applied directly to Cabral’s wet, bare skin. Cabral slid to the floor in agony. When that didn’t convince him to leave, Dahl subsequently Tasered him three more times.
Again the officers pulled back, this time to wait for the CHP to show up. Then, all seven officers went into the cell, determined to remove Cabral physically. Cabral was having none of it, continuing rather “to throw water on himself stating that he wanted to play with the water and that it was fun.” Officer Dahl then emptied a 4-ounce can of pepper spray on Cabral, covering his face, head, shoulder and back. Cabral used toilet water to try to wash it off but only got it in his eyes.
When he asked to speak with his mother, the officers said he could if he came out. He did so and was quickly handcuffed. He wasn’t allowed to make the call.
By 3:30 that morning, Cabral had finally been placed in the “safety cell.” It had “little or no light, no furnishings other than a drain in the floor, and no monitoring other than a small sliding window. … The walls had a thin coating of hard rubber.” Cabral was naked.
The rest of the story already has been told—how Cabral, hearing voices from God and still stinging from the spray, charged into the wall head-first, breaking his neck; how he lay on the floor unmoving from about 4:45 that morning until nearly 2 in the afternoon, more than nine hours; and how he told jail staff he was paralyzed and several times asked for help but was ignored.
Cabral’s civil suit names numerous defendants, from the officers at the jail to the heads of various county departments, including Gruendl. The CN&R left messages for several of the attorneys representing them, but only John Whiteside, of the Sacramento firm Angelo Kilday & Kilduff, representing the city of Willows and Officer Dahl, called back.
The firm has filed a motion to dismiss, he said, on the basis that nothing the complaint alleges to have occurred is a violation of federal or state law.
“In layman’s terms: ‘OK, so what?'” Whiteside said.
I won't comment on that sadistic and inhuman comment. It speaks for itself.
But the fact that there are no state or federal laws against torturing mentally ill citizens who are in custody seems to me to be an obvious problem in any country that considers itself to be even moderately civilized.
New court documents reveal disturbing details of what happened to Reynaldo “Reny” Cabral, the young Orland man who became paralyzed from the neck down when he rammed his head against a wall during a schizophrenic episode in the Glenn County Jail.
The CN&R has previously reported (”Breakdown in mental-health care,” Dec. 13, 2007) how, in the morning of Jan. 6, 2007, sheriff’s officers arrested Cabral after he assaulted his girlfriend, Torrie Gonzales, at his family’s Orland home. At the time, Cabral’s brother Arturo and others told them he was ill and needed medications.
According to an amended complaint, the jail nurse, Donna Tomisch, and Jail Staff Cpl. Rosemary Carmen initially refused to receive Cabral until he’d had a psychiatric evaluation. However, a sheriff’s deputy, Brandy McDonald, told Carmen that there would be no evaluation “because inmate Cabral had tried to kill someone and that he needed to be in jail,” not sent to a mental-health facility.
Over a period of several hours, while Cabral was kept in a holding cell, various people—his brother; his mother, Rosa Cabral; his girlfriend, who didn’t want him jailed; Tony Nasr, MD, a family friend; and officials at Butte County Behavioral Health, where he’d been placed on an involuntary hold just three days before—contacted the jail to say Cabral was mentally ill.
Efforts to get him seen by health professionals were fruitless. A single call was made to Glenn County Mental Health, which punted responsibility to Dr. Robert Zadra, whose company, Sierra Family Services, was under contract to provide mental-health care at the jail. But Zadra was on vacation, and his office referred the matter back to GCMH, which in turn said it had no contract with the jail.
There was a contract, but it was with Glenn Medical Center, the local hospital. In any event, there is a “handshake agreement” between the jail and Mental Health, said Scott Gruendl, the Chico City Councilman whose day job is director of Glenn County Health Services. “If the jail requires our assistance, we’re going to provide it,” he said.
Not this time, apparently.
By early the next morning, court documents continue, Cabral began hearing voices and showing signs of mental illness. He took off his clothes, vomited, and began throwing feces, urine and vomit around his cell.
Jail staff wanted to move him into the padded “safety cell.” Lacking the help of a health-care professional, and without contacting anyone in Cabral’s family, they called in a total of four officers from the Willows Police Department and the Sheriff’s Office. Three Highway Patrol officers showed up later.
Cabral wasn’t being violent, but Deputy Paulette Blakeley testified that he was “scooping water from the toilet in his cell and rubbing it on his body, and that the water, possibly containing his own waste, was spread elsewhere in the cell.” At this point, Willows PD Officer Jason Dahl ordered Cabral to come out of the cell. When Cabral refused, saying “I’m fine,” Dahl pointed his Taser weapon at Cabral “and said he would shoot him with it if he did not do as Officer Dahl demanded.”
“Shoot me,” Cabral replied. The officers stormed the cell.
By the time it was over, Dahl had alternately demanded that Cabral come out of his cell and, when he refused, Tasered him a total of eight times, for five seconds each time, over a period of 4-1/2 minutes. “Each time, the [officers] watched … Cabral react with great pain and slide down the wall, seeking protection of the toilet,” the documents read. The Tasering stopped only when the weapon’s battery ran out of charge.
“The officers then left the cell but observed that … Cabral had reacted to the shocks by chewing on the telephone in the cell and observed that he was bleeding from the mouth.”
And so it went. The officers again stormed the cell, this time using an electric stun-gun-type shield that they applied directly to Cabral’s wet, bare skin. Cabral slid to the floor in agony. When that didn’t convince him to leave, Dahl subsequently Tasered him three more times.
Again the officers pulled back, this time to wait for the CHP to show up. Then, all seven officers went into the cell, determined to remove Cabral physically. Cabral was having none of it, continuing rather “to throw water on himself stating that he wanted to play with the water and that it was fun.” Officer Dahl then emptied a 4-ounce can of pepper spray on Cabral, covering his face, head, shoulder and back. Cabral used toilet water to try to wash it off but only got it in his eyes.
When he asked to speak with his mother, the officers said he could if he came out. He did so and was quickly handcuffed. He wasn’t allowed to make the call.
By 3:30 that morning, Cabral had finally been placed in the “safety cell.” It had “little or no light, no furnishings other than a drain in the floor, and no monitoring other than a small sliding window. … The walls had a thin coating of hard rubber.” Cabral was naked.
The rest of the story already has been told—how Cabral, hearing voices from God and still stinging from the spray, charged into the wall head-first, breaking his neck; how he lay on the floor unmoving from about 4:45 that morning until nearly 2 in the afternoon, more than nine hours; and how he told jail staff he was paralyzed and several times asked for help but was ignored.
Cabral’s civil suit names numerous defendants, from the officers at the jail to the heads of various county departments, including Gruendl. The CN&R left messages for several of the attorneys representing them, but only John Whiteside, of the Sacramento firm Angelo Kilday & Kilduff, representing the city of Willows and Officer Dahl, called back.
The firm has filed a motion to dismiss, he said, on the basis that nothing the complaint alleges to have occurred is a violation of federal or state law.
“In layman’s terms: ‘OK, so what?'” Whiteside said.
I won't comment on that sadistic and inhuman comment. It speaks for itself.
But the fact that there are no state or federal laws against torturing mentally ill citizens who are in custody seems to me to be an obvious problem in any country that considers itself to be even moderately civilized.
Former Sheriff Bill Keating Admits to Being A Rapist with a Badge
Law-enforcement officers are supposed to be protectors of the public. As such, they make claim to certain rights and privileges in the use of force and other techniques denied the rest of us. They demand deference from the masses for the supposed extra risks they take in keeping the peace. And then ... every now and then one of them reminds us that it's not always wise to hand carte blanche to normal humans with feet of clay -- or worse, the souls of sexual predators. Predators like former Sheriff William E. Keating of Montague County, Texas.
On January 29, 2009, 62-year-old Bill Keating pleaded guilty in federal court to extorting sex from a woman as the price for avoiding drug charges. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas:
[A]t approximately 9:00 a.m. on Friday, November 14, 2008, Sheriff Keating, dressed in civilian clothes with his sheriff’s badge and gun in plain view on his belt, and other Montague County Sheriff’s Office employees, executed an arrest warrant at a residence occupied by the victim, L.M., and her boyfriend. As they entered the residence, L.M. and her boyfriend were asleep in a bedroom of the house. Sheriff deputies arrested the boyfriend on the outstanding warrant and removed him from the bedroom. Deputies searched the residence and discovered a bag that contained utensils and other articles used to manufacture methamphetamine. Deputies also located a plastic container that appeared to have trace amounts of methamphetamine on it.
After deputies removed the arrested man from the bedroom, Sheriff Keating ordered the other deputy to leave the bedroom so that L.M. could get dressed. Sheriff Keating then closed the door and, once alone with L.M., told her, “You are about to be my new best friend.” He told her that he found illegal drugs in the residence that belonged to her and that for her to avoid going to jail, she would be required to “assist” him. Keating admitted that the assistance he referred to included oral sex with him on multiple occasions and an agreement to act as an informant for the Montague County Sheriff’s Office. Keating told L.M. that if she complied with his request, that he would help her get a job, a place to live and that she wouldn’t be criminally charged with possessing any drugs or drug-making equipment that was found in the home. Keating also told her that if she didn’t comply, she would go straight to jail.
In court, Keating disputed none of the elements of the charges against him.
Of course, it's still good to be a cop. Keating was allowed to roam the streets until Judge Robert K. Roach decides what to do with him. According to news reports, Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Calvert "said he did not oppose Keating's remaining free until the sentencing because this crime and other alleged misdeeds happened when he was acting as the sheriff..."
Rape, apparently, isn't quite so bad when you're wearing a badge.
State authorities plan to take their own crack at Keating. Maybe they'll dig a little deeper and ask him just what he did, and who he did it to, with that "rack made of nails" discovered in the jail he administered until the end of last year.
On January 29, 2009, 62-year-old Bill Keating pleaded guilty in federal court to extorting sex from a woman as the price for avoiding drug charges. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas:
[A]t approximately 9:00 a.m. on Friday, November 14, 2008, Sheriff Keating, dressed in civilian clothes with his sheriff’s badge and gun in plain view on his belt, and other Montague County Sheriff’s Office employees, executed an arrest warrant at a residence occupied by the victim, L.M., and her boyfriend. As they entered the residence, L.M. and her boyfriend were asleep in a bedroom of the house. Sheriff deputies arrested the boyfriend on the outstanding warrant and removed him from the bedroom. Deputies searched the residence and discovered a bag that contained utensils and other articles used to manufacture methamphetamine. Deputies also located a plastic container that appeared to have trace amounts of methamphetamine on it.
After deputies removed the arrested man from the bedroom, Sheriff Keating ordered the other deputy to leave the bedroom so that L.M. could get dressed. Sheriff Keating then closed the door and, once alone with L.M., told her, “You are about to be my new best friend.” He told her that he found illegal drugs in the residence that belonged to her and that for her to avoid going to jail, she would be required to “assist” him. Keating admitted that the assistance he referred to included oral sex with him on multiple occasions and an agreement to act as an informant for the Montague County Sheriff’s Office. Keating told L.M. that if she complied with his request, that he would help her get a job, a place to live and that she wouldn’t be criminally charged with possessing any drugs or drug-making equipment that was found in the home. Keating also told her that if she didn’t comply, she would go straight to jail.
In court, Keating disputed none of the elements of the charges against him.
Of course, it's still good to be a cop. Keating was allowed to roam the streets until Judge Robert K. Roach decides what to do with him. According to news reports, Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Calvert "said he did not oppose Keating's remaining free until the sentencing because this crime and other alleged misdeeds happened when he was acting as the sheriff..."
Rape, apparently, isn't quite so bad when you're wearing a badge.
State authorities plan to take their own crack at Keating. Maybe they'll dig a little deeper and ask him just what he did, and who he did it to, with that "rack made of nails" discovered in the jail he administered until the end of last year.
Chief William B. Fuller Arrested for Soliciting Sex From a Minor
Virginia Commonwealth University's police chief faces sex charges stemming from an online investigation.
Chesterfield County police said Thursday that VCU Chief William B. Fuller has been charged with use of a communications device to solicit sex from a minor, and with attempted indecent liberties with a minor.
VCU has placed the 50-year-old Fuller on administrative leave without pay, said John M. Bennett, senior vice president for finance and administration. Capt. Carlton Edwards has been named acting chief.
Chesterfield police said Fuller thought he was communicating with a 14-year-old girl but he was actually conversing with police. He was arrested Wednesday.
"We regard this situation as extremely serious," Bennett said. "VCU has taken aggressive action to address it and we will fully cooperate with the Chesterfield County police investigation."
More Information: http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/crime/article/CHEF30_20090129-221305/192788/
Chesterfield County police said Thursday that VCU Chief William B. Fuller has been charged with use of a communications device to solicit sex from a minor, and with attempted indecent liberties with a minor.
VCU has placed the 50-year-old Fuller on administrative leave without pay, said John M. Bennett, senior vice president for finance and administration. Capt. Carlton Edwards has been named acting chief.
Chesterfield police said Fuller thought he was communicating with a 14-year-old girl but he was actually conversing with police. He was arrested Wednesday.
"We regard this situation as extremely serious," Bennett said. "VCU has taken aggressive action to address it and we will fully cooperate with the Chesterfield County police investigation."
More Information: http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/crime/article/CHEF30_20090129-221305/192788/
Detroit Woman Files Lawsuit After Officers Break into Her Home - Assault Her & Children
DETROIT
A woman who claims a police lieutenant offered her cash and store gift cards to keep quiet about her allegation that several officers broke into her home and assaulted her and her children has filed a $15 million lawsuit.
Attorneys for Tasha Flowers filed a the suit Wednesday in Wayne County Circuit Court. The alleged incident occurred Jan. 3.
Flowers claims in the lawsuit that several Detroit police officers from the department's Western District were responding to a neighbor's complaint that she was selling drugs in her home on Shrewsbury when they rushed into Flowers' home without her permission and without a search warrant.
"They showed up at my door and pointed a gun at me," Flowers said. "Then the officers pushed past me into my house and started asking me about drugs and guns.
"My 13-year-old daughter asked them, 'What are you doing? You can't come into our house without a warrant.'"
Flowers said her 17-year-old son's friend also questioned officers about their actions. "They pushed my daughter, and threw me to the ground and twisted my arm," she said. "Then the lieutenant grabbed my 14-year-old son in a chokehold until he was unconscious."
Flowers said the group of about 10 officers began assaulting her other six children, ages 8 to 17. The children suffered cuts, scrapes and bruises, she said.
"The cops were all standing around afterward, bragging about how they beat up the whole family," Flowers said.
Then, the next day, Flowers said the lieutenant in charge of the officers paid a second visit to her home.
"He said he felt bad about what he'd done, and asked if there was anything he could do to make up for it," Flowers said. "Then he offered me two gift cards: One from Walmart and Target; and $100 -- like I'm supposed to take this money and keep quiet. He also told me to call the domestic shelter and tell him I got my bruises because my boyfriend had beat me up."
Flowers said she turned the money and gift cards over to Detroit Police Internal affairs investigators.
Cmdr. Brian Stair of the Internal Affairs Section acknowledged that investigators are looking into the allegations. He said all the pertinent witnesses have been interviewed, and that police officials are waiting for other materials, such as squad car video, to come back before making a decision on whether to discipline the officers involved.
"This is domestic terrorism, plain and simple," said Ron Scott, director of the Detroit Coalition Against Police Brutality.
Added Flowers' attorney, Karri Mitchell: "The police ran roughshod over these people. There is absolutely no justification for what they did."
More Information: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-mi-policeraid-lawsui,0,1309811.story
A woman who claims a police lieutenant offered her cash and store gift cards to keep quiet about her allegation that several officers broke into her home and assaulted her and her children has filed a $15 million lawsuit.
Attorneys for Tasha Flowers filed a the suit Wednesday in Wayne County Circuit Court. The alleged incident occurred Jan. 3.
Flowers claims in the lawsuit that several Detroit police officers from the department's Western District were responding to a neighbor's complaint that she was selling drugs in her home on Shrewsbury when they rushed into Flowers' home without her permission and without a search warrant.
"They showed up at my door and pointed a gun at me," Flowers said. "Then the officers pushed past me into my house and started asking me about drugs and guns.
"My 13-year-old daughter asked them, 'What are you doing? You can't come into our house without a warrant.'"
Flowers said her 17-year-old son's friend also questioned officers about their actions. "They pushed my daughter, and threw me to the ground and twisted my arm," she said. "Then the lieutenant grabbed my 14-year-old son in a chokehold until he was unconscious."
Flowers said the group of about 10 officers began assaulting her other six children, ages 8 to 17. The children suffered cuts, scrapes and bruises, she said.
"The cops were all standing around afterward, bragging about how they beat up the whole family," Flowers said.
Then, the next day, Flowers said the lieutenant in charge of the officers paid a second visit to her home.
"He said he felt bad about what he'd done, and asked if there was anything he could do to make up for it," Flowers said. "Then he offered me two gift cards: One from Walmart and Target; and $100 -- like I'm supposed to take this money and keep quiet. He also told me to call the domestic shelter and tell him I got my bruises because my boyfriend had beat me up."
Flowers said she turned the money and gift cards over to Detroit Police Internal affairs investigators.
Cmdr. Brian Stair of the Internal Affairs Section acknowledged that investigators are looking into the allegations. He said all the pertinent witnesses have been interviewed, and that police officials are waiting for other materials, such as squad car video, to come back before making a decision on whether to discipline the officers involved.
"This is domestic terrorism, plain and simple," said Ron Scott, director of the Detroit Coalition Against Police Brutality.
Added Flowers' attorney, Karri Mitchell: "The police ran roughshod over these people. There is absolutely no justification for what they did."
More Information: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-mi-policeraid-lawsui,0,1309811.story
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Former Officer Jerry Bristow Charged with Taking Weapons from Evidence Room
CLINTON
A former longtime Clinton police officer was arraigned Wednesday afternoon on charges that he took guns last year from an evidence room at the Clinton police station.
Jerry Bristow, 55, wearing an orange DeWitt County jumpsuit, appeared before Judge Chris Freese. He faces eight felony charges and one misdemeanor count.
Bristow acknowledged he understood the charges and said he would be represented by Clinton attorney Kevin Hammer.
DeWitt County State’s Attorney Richard Koritz said Wednesday that Bristow surrendered voluntarily on Tuesday and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Bond was returned to jail in lieu of posting $1,000 and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 4.
Bristow is accused of taking a target pistol and shotgun from the evidence room at the police station on May 12, 2008, a pistol on July 3, 2008, and a revolver on Aug. 1, 2008.
The revolver was valued at less than $300, so that incident carries the misdemeanor charge. The other gun theft charges are felonies.
He also is charged with six counts of official misconduct.
Each felony count carries a prison term of two to five years.
Bristow supervised the evidence room at the department and recently worked as a school resource officer before submitting his resignation Jan. 1. His resignation was not related to theft allegations, officials said.
DeWitt County Sheriff Roger Massey said Wednesday that his department was asked by Clinton Police Chief Mike Reidy on Friday to investigate the missing property.
Massey hinted that Bristow’s financial problems may have contributed to the thefts.
“I think it’s an example of tough economic times that probably led to a very poor and costly decision,” said Massey.
In addition to his time with the Clinton department, Bristow also worked for the sheriff’s department for several years. A year ago Bristow received a watch from the city of Clinton after celebrating 25 years on the force.
Information & Video: http://illinoishomepage.net/content/fulltext/?cid=66651
A former longtime Clinton police officer was arraigned Wednesday afternoon on charges that he took guns last year from an evidence room at the Clinton police station.
Jerry Bristow, 55, wearing an orange DeWitt County jumpsuit, appeared before Judge Chris Freese. He faces eight felony charges and one misdemeanor count.
Bristow acknowledged he understood the charges and said he would be represented by Clinton attorney Kevin Hammer.
DeWitt County State’s Attorney Richard Koritz said Wednesday that Bristow surrendered voluntarily on Tuesday and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Bond was returned to jail in lieu of posting $1,000 and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 4.
Bristow is accused of taking a target pistol and shotgun from the evidence room at the police station on May 12, 2008, a pistol on July 3, 2008, and a revolver on Aug. 1, 2008.
The revolver was valued at less than $300, so that incident carries the misdemeanor charge. The other gun theft charges are felonies.
He also is charged with six counts of official misconduct.
Each felony count carries a prison term of two to five years.
Bristow supervised the evidence room at the department and recently worked as a school resource officer before submitting his resignation Jan. 1. His resignation was not related to theft allegations, officials said.
DeWitt County Sheriff Roger Massey said Wednesday that his department was asked by Clinton Police Chief Mike Reidy on Friday to investigate the missing property.
Massey hinted that Bristow’s financial problems may have contributed to the thefts.
“I think it’s an example of tough economic times that probably led to a very poor and costly decision,” said Massey.
In addition to his time with the Clinton department, Bristow also worked for the sheriff’s department for several years. A year ago Bristow received a watch from the city of Clinton after celebrating 25 years on the force.
Information & Video: http://illinoishomepage.net/content/fulltext/?cid=66651
Former Trooper Anthony Keith Carlton Arrested for Drunk Driving
A former Johnston County state trooper is facing drunken driving charges.
Anthony Keith Carlton, 47, of Old Roberts Road, Benson, was arrested in the parking lot of Food Lion on N.C. 210 near Interstate 40 on Friday.
Two concerned citizens called authorities after reportedly seeing Mr. Carlton behind the wheel of his pickup.
He was arrested by Trooper C.J. Bell. Mr. Carlton later registered .34 on the Breathalyzer, more than four times the legal limit of .08 in North Carolina.
According to court documents obtained by WTSB radio station, Trooper Bell said Mr. Carlton had "very red bloodshot eyes (and) a strong odor of alcohol."
Mr. Carlton served on the Highway Patrol from January 1986 until Jan. 5, 2009.
Officials would not say why he left the patrol earlier this month.
He was released into the custody of a former corrections officer pending his next court appearance on March 18.
Anthony Keith Carlton, 47, of Old Roberts Road, Benson, was arrested in the parking lot of Food Lion on N.C. 210 near Interstate 40 on Friday.
Two concerned citizens called authorities after reportedly seeing Mr. Carlton behind the wheel of his pickup.
He was arrested by Trooper C.J. Bell. Mr. Carlton later registered .34 on the Breathalyzer, more than four times the legal limit of .08 in North Carolina.
According to court documents obtained by WTSB radio station, Trooper Bell said Mr. Carlton had "very red bloodshot eyes (and) a strong odor of alcohol."
Mr. Carlton served on the Highway Patrol from January 1986 until Jan. 5, 2009.
Officials would not say why he left the patrol earlier this month.
He was released into the custody of a former corrections officer pending his next court appearance on March 18.
Chattanooga Detective Accused of Assaulting Elderly Wal-Mart Greeter
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.
A Chattanooga detective accused of assaulting an elderly Wal-Mart greeter who asked to see his sales receipt at the store has been suspended from duty.
Police Chief Freeman Cooper told the Chattanooga Times Free Press that following a disciplinary hearing the officer was suspended 28 days without pay for conduct unbecoming an officer, improper procedure and excessive use of force.
The chief said the officer must also be retrained in the department's use of force policy and take an anger management course.
The detective was accused of pushing the 71-year-old Wal-Mart greeter who touched the off-duty officer's arm while asking if he could see a receipt in December. A report shows the greeter fell and received a scratch on his right elbow.
___
Information from: Chattanooga Times Free Press, http://www.timesfreepress.com
A Chattanooga detective accused of assaulting an elderly Wal-Mart greeter who asked to see his sales receipt at the store has been suspended from duty.
Police Chief Freeman Cooper told the Chattanooga Times Free Press that following a disciplinary hearing the officer was suspended 28 days without pay for conduct unbecoming an officer, improper procedure and excessive use of force.
The chief said the officer must also be retrained in the department's use of force policy and take an anger management course.
The detective was accused of pushing the 71-year-old Wal-Mart greeter who touched the off-duty officer's arm while asking if he could see a receipt in December. A report shows the greeter fell and received a scratch on his right elbow.
___
Information from: Chattanooga Times Free Press, http://www.timesfreepress.com
Officer Jimmie AkinsCharged with Attempted Extortion
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
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
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
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