A FORMER Victoria Police detective, Paul Noel Dale, has been charged with the murder of Terence Hodson, who was a corruption witness when he was shot dead along with his wife, Christine, in May 2004.
The former drug squad officer's arrest yesterday comes after a jailed underworld figure agreed to testify against Dale.
The witness' identity is suppressed, but it is believed he has told police about his relationship with Dale and the former detective's alleged role in commissioning the contract killing of Hodson.
Dale, 39, yesterday represented himself during a brief hearing at the Wangaratta Magistrates Court. "This is going to turn my life upside down. I am anxious to get these matters before the courts to clear my name," he said.
In late 2003, Hodson, Dale and detective David Miechel were charged over an attempt to steal $1.3 million in drugs from an East Oakleigh house.
After Hodson agreed to testify against the police, files identifying him as an informer were leaked to the underworld. Within weeks, Hodson and his wife were killed and the case against Dale collapsed.
Miechel was later sentenced to 12 years' jail.
Force command denied any link between corruption and the gangland killings after the Hodsons' death, despite holding information about Dale's underworld links and his suspected role in leaking the Hodson files.
The murders sparked calls for a royal commission and led to the creation of a new police watchdog, the Office of Police Integrity, which held two inquiries into issues related to the murders.
Deputy Commissioner Simon Overland said yesterday the reliability of the police witness "was obviously an issue" and that he expected evidence to be vigorously contested.
"We have obviously taken advice from the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) in relation to that and we have now got to the point where we believe we have sufficient evidence to charge," he said.
He also defended police handling of the case. "We didn't deny police involvement (at the outset), we just didn't leap to the conclusion that everyone else leapt to."
Police are investigating the hitman suspected of killing the Hodsons.
He is in jail facing unrelated murder charges.
Dale was remanded into custody and will appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court in June.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
A FORMER Victoria Police detective, Paul Noel Dale, has been charged with the murder of Terence Hodson, who was a corruption witness when he was shot dead along with his wife, Christine, in May 2004.
The former drug squad officer's arrest yesterday comes after a jailed underworld figure agreed to testify against Dale.
The witness' identity is suppressed, but it is believed he has told police about his relationship with Dale and the former detective's alleged role in commissioning the contract killing of Hodson.
Dale, 39, yesterday represented himself during a brief hearing at the Wangaratta Magistrates Court. "This is going to turn my life upside down. I am anxious to get these matters before the courts to clear my name," he said.
In late 2003, Hodson, Dale and detective David Miechel were charged over an attempt to steal $1.3 million in drugs from an East Oakleigh house.
After Hodson agreed to testify against the police, files identifying him as an informer were leaked to the underworld. Within weeks, Hodson and his wife were killed and the case against Dale collapsed.
Miechel was later sentenced to 12 years' jail.
Force command denied any link between corruption and the gangland killings after the Hodsons' death, despite holding information about Dale's underworld links and his suspected role in leaking the Hodson files.
The murders sparked calls for a royal commission and led to the creation of a new police watchdog, the Office of Police Integrity, which held two inquiries into issues related to the murders.
Deputy Commissioner Simon Overland said yesterday the reliability of the police witness "was obviously an issue" and that he expected evidence to be vigorously contested.
"We have obviously taken advice from the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) in relation to that and we have now got to the point where we believe we have sufficient evidence to charge," he said.
He also defended police handling of the case. "We didn't deny police involvement (at the outset), we just didn't leap to the conclusion that everyone else leapt to."
Police are investigating the hitman suspected of killing the Hodsons.
He is in jail facing unrelated murder charges.
Dale was remanded into custody and will appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court in June.
The former drug squad officer's arrest yesterday comes after a jailed underworld figure agreed to testify against Dale.
The witness' identity is suppressed, but it is believed he has told police about his relationship with Dale and the former detective's alleged role in commissioning the contract killing of Hodson.
Dale, 39, yesterday represented himself during a brief hearing at the Wangaratta Magistrates Court. "This is going to turn my life upside down. I am anxious to get these matters before the courts to clear my name," he said.
In late 2003, Hodson, Dale and detective David Miechel were charged over an attempt to steal $1.3 million in drugs from an East Oakleigh house.
After Hodson agreed to testify against the police, files identifying him as an informer were leaked to the underworld. Within weeks, Hodson and his wife were killed and the case against Dale collapsed.
Miechel was later sentenced to 12 years' jail.
Force command denied any link between corruption and the gangland killings after the Hodsons' death, despite holding information about Dale's underworld links and his suspected role in leaking the Hodson files.
The murders sparked calls for a royal commission and led to the creation of a new police watchdog, the Office of Police Integrity, which held two inquiries into issues related to the murders.
Deputy Commissioner Simon Overland said yesterday the reliability of the police witness "was obviously an issue" and that he expected evidence to be vigorously contested.
"We have obviously taken advice from the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) in relation to that and we have now got to the point where we believe we have sufficient evidence to charge," he said.
He also defended police handling of the case. "We didn't deny police involvement (at the outset), we just didn't leap to the conclusion that everyone else leapt to."
Police are investigating the hitman suspected of killing the Hodsons.
He is in jail facing unrelated murder charges.
Dale was remanded into custody and will appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court in June.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Officer Yaniris Balbuena Accused of Laundering Drug Money
A New York City police officer was accused on Friday of conspiring to launder thousands of dollars in drug proceeds in what the authorities said was a large-scale heroin organization in the Bronx that the officer’s companion ran until his death last year.
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan charged that the officer, Yaniris Balbuena, 31, who was arrested on Friday, took deliveries of drug money, sometimes on Jerome Avenue near the station house of the 44th Precinct, where she worked.
The prosecutors, citing an informant’s account, described her as being nervous during one such exchange, as she instructed the informant to drop money on the floor of her private car before driving away.
Officer Balbuena controlled nine bank accounts, according to a criminal complaint unsealed in Federal District Court in Manhattan. It said she deposited more than $230,000 in unexplained cash in her accounts, an amount that “far surpassed her legitimate income.”
The officer, who joined the force in 2000, was suspended after her arrest, a Police Department spokesman said. A federal magistrate judge ordered her released on bond late in the day. She said nothing during the hearing and did not enter a plea, dabbing her eyes and crying as she left. Her lawyer, John Tynan, declined to comment.
The authorities did not identify the officer’s companion in court documents, but said they had lived together and had two children. He was killed, apparently in a drug-related homicide, an official said. Officer Balbuena’s deposits of unexplained cash into her accounts stopped after his death, another official said.
The complaint said that the drug-trafficking operation generated hundreds of thousands of dollars, and that her companion lived luxuriously, driving expensive cars and buying property in the United States and the Dominican Republic.
The complaint is based in part on claims from people described as confidential informants who had been charged with crimes and were now assisting the government.
One of those sources, the complaint said, told the authorities that Officer Balbuena once told her companion that he “needed to change his lifestyle and live an honest life with a normal job.”
He replied that he “enjoyed the criminal lifestyle and did not want to work a regular job,” the complaint said.
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http://www.nytimes.com/
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan charged that the officer, Yaniris Balbuena, 31, who was arrested on Friday, took deliveries of drug money, sometimes on Jerome Avenue near the station house of the 44th Precinct, where she worked.
The prosecutors, citing an informant’s account, described her as being nervous during one such exchange, as she instructed the informant to drop money on the floor of her private car before driving away.
Officer Balbuena controlled nine bank accounts, according to a criminal complaint unsealed in Federal District Court in Manhattan. It said she deposited more than $230,000 in unexplained cash in her accounts, an amount that “far surpassed her legitimate income.”
The officer, who joined the force in 2000, was suspended after her arrest, a Police Department spokesman said. A federal magistrate judge ordered her released on bond late in the day. She said nothing during the hearing and did not enter a plea, dabbing her eyes and crying as she left. Her lawyer, John Tynan, declined to comment.
The authorities did not identify the officer’s companion in court documents, but said they had lived together and had two children. He was killed, apparently in a drug-related homicide, an official said. Officer Balbuena’s deposits of unexplained cash into her accounts stopped after his death, another official said.
The complaint said that the drug-trafficking operation generated hundreds of thousands of dollars, and that her companion lived luxuriously, driving expensive cars and buying property in the United States and the Dominican Republic.
The complaint is based in part on claims from people described as confidential informants who had been charged with crimes and were now assisting the government.
One of those sources, the complaint said, told the authorities that Officer Balbuena once told her companion that he “needed to change his lifestyle and live an honest life with a normal job.”
He replied that he “enjoyed the criminal lifestyle and did not want to work a regular job,” the complaint said.
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http://www.nytimes.com/
Officer Finess Brown Accused of Assaulting Wife for the Second Time
Complaints about a Murfreesboro Police officer assaulting his wife for the second time in two years are being investigated by detectives, a sergeant reported.
Officer Finess Brown, 36, was accused of assaulting his wife, Catina, during an argument Tuesday. The wife accused him of grabbing her wrist, causing her arm to be pulled behind her, Sgt. Harry Haigh reported. Their 15-year-old son tried to intervene.
“I examined Ms. Brown’s wrist and did not notice any signs of injury and she stated she was not injured,” Haigh reported.
Brown was charged with domestic assault of his wife in June 2007. Court records showed no documentation, indicating his record might have been erased as part of his case.
He has not been charged in this week’s complaint but his wife obtained a document ordering him to stay away from him.
Deputy Police Chief Randy Garrett said Brown has not been served yet with the order to stay away from his family.
“Until the investigation is completed by Detective West, I don’t know if we can answer questions about his status,” Garrett said.
Haigh reported Mrs. Brown told him she and her husband argued again Wednesday until she left the home with their four children.
She accused Brown of stopping her and the children Thursday where he allegedly rocked the car with them inside, the sergeant said. She called 911 and drove to the police department.
West helped Mrs. Brown apply for the order of protection and to Judge Mark Rogers’ office to sign the order of protection.
Brown and his son were not available for questioning about the case, the sergeant reported.
Officer Finess Brown, 36, was accused of assaulting his wife, Catina, during an argument Tuesday. The wife accused him of grabbing her wrist, causing her arm to be pulled behind her, Sgt. Harry Haigh reported. Their 15-year-old son tried to intervene.
“I examined Ms. Brown’s wrist and did not notice any signs of injury and she stated she was not injured,” Haigh reported.
Brown was charged with domestic assault of his wife in June 2007. Court records showed no documentation, indicating his record might have been erased as part of his case.
He has not been charged in this week’s complaint but his wife obtained a document ordering him to stay away from him.
Deputy Police Chief Randy Garrett said Brown has not been served yet with the order to stay away from his family.
“Until the investigation is completed by Detective West, I don’t know if we can answer questions about his status,” Garrett said.
Haigh reported Mrs. Brown told him she and her husband argued again Wednesday until she left the home with their four children.
She accused Brown of stopping her and the children Thursday where he allegedly rocked the car with them inside, the sergeant said. She called 911 and drove to the police department.
West helped Mrs. Brown apply for the order of protection and to Judge Mark Rogers’ office to sign the order of protection.
Brown and his son were not available for questioning about the case, the sergeant reported.
Houston Tasering Death Case Goes to Court
HOUSTON
A woman whose son died after he was Tasered by Precinct 1 deputy constables four years ago appeared in court Friday for her wrongful death suit against Harris County.
“She is here to try to get justice for her son,” Nagel’s attorney, Kent Spence, said.
Four years ago, Nagel called deputies to her home for help.
Her son, Joel Don Casey, a paranoid schizophrenic, had gone off his medication.
Deputies tried to take him to a hospital for evaluation, but they said Casey became violent.
Deputies used their Tasers to subdue him and handcuffed his hands and legs.
“Very unfortunate, but they were just trying to do their job,” Harris County Attorney Frank Sanders said.
Fifteen minutes later, the deputies radioed for help.
“He’s slowing down. We’ve got the suspect in the vehicle at this time. Stand by EMS to this unit ASAP please. Be advised suspect’s not breathing. He’s not being responsive,” deputies said on the radio.
Casey died on his 52nd birthday.
Now, attorneys for Nagel are trying to prove the deputies were aware that placing Casey in restraints could result in death.
When asked on the stand what he would do differently, Deputy Gehring said he “would do it the same.”
Had the question been directed at Nagel, though, the response might be different.
“She doesn’t think she can ever recover,” Spence said of Nagel.
Still, she’ll seek to recover damages from the county.
A woman whose son died after he was Tasered by Precinct 1 deputy constables four years ago appeared in court Friday for her wrongful death suit against Harris County.
“She is here to try to get justice for her son,” Nagel’s attorney, Kent Spence, said.
Four years ago, Nagel called deputies to her home for help.
Her son, Joel Don Casey, a paranoid schizophrenic, had gone off his medication.
Deputies tried to take him to a hospital for evaluation, but they said Casey became violent.
Deputies used their Tasers to subdue him and handcuffed his hands and legs.
“Very unfortunate, but they were just trying to do their job,” Harris County Attorney Frank Sanders said.
Fifteen minutes later, the deputies radioed for help.
“He’s slowing down. We’ve got the suspect in the vehicle at this time. Stand by EMS to this unit ASAP please. Be advised suspect’s not breathing. He’s not being responsive,” deputies said on the radio.
Casey died on his 52nd birthday.
Now, attorneys for Nagel are trying to prove the deputies were aware that placing Casey in restraints could result in death.
When asked on the stand what he would do differently, Deputy Gehring said he “would do it the same.”
Had the question been directed at Nagel, though, the response might be different.
“She doesn’t think she can ever recover,” Spence said of Nagel.
Still, she’ll seek to recover damages from the county.
Rudolph Byrd Dies After Being Tasered
ALBANY, GA
About 2:00AM, a Thomas County deputy sheriff spotted a stalled vehicle on U.S. 19 near the western Inn in Thomasville, and then spotted a man in the vicinity.
He called for backup, and four other deputies soon arrived at the scene. Officers began questioning the man, who appeared to be bleeding from his arm, but the man, Rudolph Byrd, Junior, of Quincy, Florida was incoherent.
Officers say that Byrd began fighting with officers, and they tasered him three times, but say that only two tasers impacted him.
They subdued Byrd, and emergency medical personnel placed him on a stretcher and began to transport him to a hospital, and Byrd stopped breathing.
A cause of death is not immediately available, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation
About 2:00AM, a Thomas County deputy sheriff spotted a stalled vehicle on U.S. 19 near the western Inn in Thomasville, and then spotted a man in the vicinity.
He called for backup, and four other deputies soon arrived at the scene. Officers began questioning the man, who appeared to be bleeding from his arm, but the man, Rudolph Byrd, Junior, of Quincy, Florida was incoherent.
Officers say that Byrd began fighting with officers, and they tasered him three times, but say that only two tasers impacted him.
They subdued Byrd, and emergency medical personnel placed him on a stretcher and began to transport him to a hospital, and Byrd stopped breathing.
A cause of death is not immediately available, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation
Former Deputy Lance Roe Charged with Forgery
A former Anderson County deputy sheriff is accused of forging a commercial driver's license in order to drive a church bus.
Former deputy Lance Roe, along with Michael Sivils were indicted on charges of felony forgery, according to the State Journal. The paper says that Sivils worked with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet handling computer programs for commercial driver's license. Sivils is suspected of changing the information on the Transportation Cabinet's database to make it look like Roe passed a failed test.
Authorities say a circuit court clerk found Roe's certification, and called police.
Former deputy Lance Roe, along with Michael Sivils were indicted on charges of felony forgery, according to the State Journal. The paper says that Sivils worked with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet handling computer programs for commercial driver's license. Sivils is suspected of changing the information on the Transportation Cabinet's database to make it look like Roe passed a failed test.
Authorities say a circuit court clerk found Roe's certification, and called police.
After Anthony Goodrow complained that he had been brutalized by Hawthorne police officers during an arrest nearly three years ago, department officials said they "conducted an in-depth and thorough internal investigation."
Their conclusion: Officers acted appropriately and did not use excessive force.
That finding, however, appears at odds with the city's payment of $1 million in late January to settle Goodrow's lawsuit alleging excessive force.
Evidence in the case included a photograph that Goodrow's attorneys say shows an officer about to kick their client in the face; a police video of officers slapping high-fives while an injured Goodrow was booked into the city's jail; and reports from the officers acknowledging that they punched and kicked Goodrow several times during the arrest.
For the Rest of the story: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-hawthorne13-2009feb13,0,7243471.story
Their conclusion: Officers acted appropriately and did not use excessive force.
That finding, however, appears at odds with the city's payment of $1 million in late January to settle Goodrow's lawsuit alleging excessive force.
Evidence in the case included a photograph that Goodrow's attorneys say shows an officer about to kick their client in the face; a police video of officers slapping high-fives while an injured Goodrow was booked into the city's jail; and reports from the officers acknowledging that they punched and kicked Goodrow several times during the arrest.
For the Rest of the story: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-hawthorne13-2009feb13,0,7243471.story
City Attorney Jeff Schroeder Arrested for Drunk Driving
A Warren city official was arrested early this morning on suspicion of drunken driving, according to the city's police commissioner.
Jeff Schroeder, 33, of Warren was stopped about 2:30 a.m. near Van Dyke and Toepfer, said Commissioner William Dwyer. A Warren police officer administered a sobriety test and determined that Schroeder was intoxicated.
Schroeder, assistant city attorney for Warren, is immediately suspended for five days without pay and will be reassigned when he returns because his duties now include prosecuting drunken driving cases, Warren Mayor Jim Fouts said.
"I'm sure he's embarrassed by this, as we all are," Fouts said. "He has a very good record with the city. He's a hard worker and a good prosecutor. I'm not aware he's ever had any drinking problems."
Still, Fouts said, the accusation is serious and "there will be no favoritism by this administration."
Two Breathalyzer tests indicated that Schroeder had a blood-alcohol content of .07% and .08%, Dwyer said. The legal limit in Michigan is .08%, though police can arrest someone for impaired driving with lower levels if he or she is determined to be a risk to others.
A sample of Schroeder's blood was sent to the Michigan State Police lab in Sterling Heights to get a more precise level.
Dwyer said the matter is being sent to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office instead of being handled by the city because of Schroeder's position.
"I want to make sure this is handled like we would handle every other case," Dwyer said.
Schroeder has worked for the city for more than five years, said City Attorney David Richards.
Warren officials came under scrutiny early last year when a court magistrate, James Conrad, was arrested for drunken driving and the matter was handled in-house. Conrad refused to take preliminary breath tests or a Breathalyzer exam and was released shortly after his arrest when then-Chief District Judge Walter Jakubowski Jr. set a personal bond for him.
Jakubowski since has been replaced by Judge John Chmura. Dwyer became commissioner in April, three months after Conrad's arrest.
Jeff Schroeder, 33, of Warren was stopped about 2:30 a.m. near Van Dyke and Toepfer, said Commissioner William Dwyer. A Warren police officer administered a sobriety test and determined that Schroeder was intoxicated.
Schroeder, assistant city attorney for Warren, is immediately suspended for five days without pay and will be reassigned when he returns because his duties now include prosecuting drunken driving cases, Warren Mayor Jim Fouts said.
"I'm sure he's embarrassed by this, as we all are," Fouts said. "He has a very good record with the city. He's a hard worker and a good prosecutor. I'm not aware he's ever had any drinking problems."
Still, Fouts said, the accusation is serious and "there will be no favoritism by this administration."
Two Breathalyzer tests indicated that Schroeder had a blood-alcohol content of .07% and .08%, Dwyer said. The legal limit in Michigan is .08%, though police can arrest someone for impaired driving with lower levels if he or she is determined to be a risk to others.
A sample of Schroeder's blood was sent to the Michigan State Police lab in Sterling Heights to get a more precise level.
Dwyer said the matter is being sent to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office instead of being handled by the city because of Schroeder's position.
"I want to make sure this is handled like we would handle every other case," Dwyer said.
Schroeder has worked for the city for more than five years, said City Attorney David Richards.
Warren officials came under scrutiny early last year when a court magistrate, James Conrad, was arrested for drunken driving and the matter was handled in-house. Conrad refused to take preliminary breath tests or a Breathalyzer exam and was released shortly after his arrest when then-Chief District Judge Walter Jakubowski Jr. set a personal bond for him.
Jakubowski since has been replaced by Judge John Chmura. Dwyer became commissioner in April, three months after Conrad's arrest.
Officer Vincent Carr Accused of Corruption & Drug Dealing
Vincent Carr, a St. Louis police officer accused of corruption and drug dealing , is scheduled to be in court this afternoon, and may plead guilty, court documents show.
Carr and his partner, Bobby Lee Garrett, were arrested by the FBI in December.
Carr faces charges of distributing a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit fraud, making false statements and obstruction of justice. Garrett faces those charges as well as theft of government property.
Both officers were suspended without pay following their arrest, which has triggered a review of the cases that they handled.
Garrett and his lawyers have been vigorously fighting the charges. Carr waived his opportunity to try to throw out some of the evidence against him in January.
Both were on the Crime Suppression Unit, created in January 2007 to address a rising crime rate .
The unit's officers were allowed to dress in plain clothes and were issued unmarked cars and were given the freedom to identify crime hot spots and aggressively pursue chronic criminals.
Carr and his partner, Bobby Lee Garrett, were arrested by the FBI in December.
Carr faces charges of distributing a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit fraud, making false statements and obstruction of justice. Garrett faces those charges as well as theft of government property.
Both officers were suspended without pay following their arrest, which has triggered a review of the cases that they handled.
Garrett and his lawyers have been vigorously fighting the charges. Carr waived his opportunity to try to throw out some of the evidence against him in January.
Both were on the Crime Suppression Unit, created in January 2007 to address a rising crime rate .
The unit's officers were allowed to dress in plain clothes and were issued unmarked cars and were given the freedom to identify crime hot spots and aggressively pursue chronic criminals.
Veteran Officer Charged with Domestic Assault
A veteran Winnipeg Police officer has been charged with assault in what the police describe as a domestic incident.
A police service spokesman said this afternoon that the officer was arrested at his home after midnight Thursday morning.
The officer has been released from custody on a promise to appear but is on administrative leave pending an internal hearing to determine his employment status.
The police said the incident happened while the officer was off duty.
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http://www.cjob.com/News/Local/Story.aspx?ID=1063203
A police service spokesman said this afternoon that the officer was arrested at his home after midnight Thursday morning.
The officer has been released from custody on a promise to appear but is on administrative leave pending an internal hearing to determine his employment status.
The police said the incident happened while the officer was off duty.
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http://www.cjob.com/News/Local/Story.aspx?ID=1063203
Officer Noelle Talley Indicted for Fraud
A Sharpsburg police officer was indicted by a grand jury Thursday on a fraud charge.
Noelle Talley, a spokeswoman for the N.C. Attorney General’s Office, said Sgt. Frank Richard Griffin Jr., 38, was arrested by agents from the State Bureau of Investigation for obtaining property by false pretense after a grand jury indictment.
Talley said SBI agents launched an investigation at the request of the District Attorney’s Office.
Griffin was placed in Nash County jail on a $10,000 secured bond.
He posted bail and was released, Talley said.
Sharpsburg Town Administrator Robert Masters said Friday that town officials are concerned about the charge against Griffin.
“He’s one of our most experienced officers,” Masters said, adding Griffin has been a long-term member of the department. “Sgt. Griffin has been a valuable asset to the Sharpsburg Police Department.”
Masters said the charge “possibly” involves a few hundred dollars relating to Griffin’s compensation.
“I’m really kind of surprised we are spending this much time and money with the SBI investigation,” Masters said.
Griffin will remain an active member of the department, he added.
“He’s only been charged, and he’s got a right like anyone else to be innocent until proven guilty,” Masters said. “It’s serious, and we’re going to keep an eye on it.”
Noelle Talley, a spokeswoman for the N.C. Attorney General’s Office, said Sgt. Frank Richard Griffin Jr., 38, was arrested by agents from the State Bureau of Investigation for obtaining property by false pretense after a grand jury indictment.
Talley said SBI agents launched an investigation at the request of the District Attorney’s Office.
Griffin was placed in Nash County jail on a $10,000 secured bond.
He posted bail and was released, Talley said.
Sharpsburg Town Administrator Robert Masters said Friday that town officials are concerned about the charge against Griffin.
“He’s one of our most experienced officers,” Masters said, adding Griffin has been a long-term member of the department. “Sgt. Griffin has been a valuable asset to the Sharpsburg Police Department.”
Masters said the charge “possibly” involves a few hundred dollars relating to Griffin’s compensation.
“I’m really kind of surprised we are spending this much time and money with the SBI investigation,” Masters said.
Griffin will remain an active member of the department, he added.
“He’s only been charged, and he’s got a right like anyone else to be innocent until proven guilty,” Masters said. “It’s serious, and we’re going to keep an eye on it.”
Officer Andrew Dodds Arrested for Choking his 11-year-old Daughter
An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department patrolman has been arrested after his 11-year-old daughter accused him of dragging her down a hallway and choking her.
The officer, Andrew M. Dodds, 35, is being held on $100,000 bond, said Lt. Jeff Duhamell, an IMPD spokesman. He has been suspended from the department without pay, and IMPD Chief Michael Spears has recommended he be terminated from the department pending approval from the department's merit board, Duhamell said.
Dodds faces preliminary charges of battery and strangulation.
Dodds, an officer in the city's Northwest District, was sworn in to the department in July 2004. Duhamell said he had received commendation letters for his work from an agent with the U.S. Postal Service in February 2007 and from an IMPD detective in January 2008. He was nominated for Northwest District Officer of the Month in August.
"This is a family incident not involving anything to do with his police work on the street," Duhamell said. "He's a stellar performer out there. Unfortunately he stepped over the line, and now he's going to have to pay the consequences of his actions."
According to a probable cause affidavit, Dodds' daughter told an interviewer at the Child Advocacy Center that she was visiting her father's Northeastside house Tuesday. When she spilled milk on the couch, Dodds told her to go to her room, but she refused because Dodds was saying negative things about her mother and the girl was defending her, she said.
Dodds then grabbed her legs, twisted them and pulled her off the couch, dragging her down the hallway to her bedroom, according to the affidavit. When she came out of the room to use the restroom, she told investigators, Dodds grabbed her by the neck, put her against the wall and started choking her, then he let go, the girl climbed out of her bedroom window and went to the neighbors' house.
Dodds was arrested Wednesday. On Jan. 24, police investigated a domestic disturbance involving Dodds and his wife, Heather. The incident involved an argument in which both Andrew and Heather Dodds alleged physical harm, according to the written report of the incident.
Duhamell said he did not know if the couple was in the midst of a divorce.
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http://www.indystar.com/article/20090213/NEWS02/902130408
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Officer Tony Lawrence Charged with Beating Minor
SHERBURNE
A Sherburne resident who is a part-time police officer for the Hamilton Police Department and a full-time Colgate University safety officer was arrested Tuesday for allegedly beating a minor under the age of 17.
Anthony (Tony) E. Lawrence, 27, was charged with two misdemeanors – third degree assault and endangering the welfare of a minor – after State Troopers responded to a complaint involving the abuse of a young child.
Sgt. Elizabeth R. Wonka said police were not releasing the age of the victim to protect his identity, but said he was “much younger than 17.” She said the victim was a resident of the Sherburne area and that the alleged attack took place during a domestic dispute.
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http://www.evesun.com/news/stories/2009-02-12/6289/Madison-County-police-officer-arrested-in-Sherburne-assault/
A Sherburne resident who is a part-time police officer for the Hamilton Police Department and a full-time Colgate University safety officer was arrested Tuesday for allegedly beating a minor under the age of 17.
Anthony (Tony) E. Lawrence, 27, was charged with two misdemeanors – third degree assault and endangering the welfare of a minor – after State Troopers responded to a complaint involving the abuse of a young child.
Sgt. Elizabeth R. Wonka said police were not releasing the age of the victim to protect his identity, but said he was “much younger than 17.” She said the victim was a resident of the Sherburne area and that the alleged attack took place during a domestic dispute.
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http://www.evesun.com/news/stories/2009-02-12/6289/Madison-County-police-officer-arrested-in-Sherburne-assault/
Officer Troy Giovengo Charged with Stalking Ex-Girlfriend
ST. LUCIE COUNTY
A Fort Pierce police officer charged with stalking his ex-girlfriend last week is facing additional charges for allegedly barging into a birthday party for one of the woman’s sons.
Officer Troy Giovengo stormed into his ex-girlfriend’s home on Dec. 12, according to a St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office report. Witnesses said Giovengo, 42, was in his Fort Pierce Police Department uniform during the incident and told a man at the party he needed to leave the home and never return.
After Giovengo left the party, he used his police laptop computer to run the man’s license plate number, sheriff’s officials said. Upon learning the man’s address, Giovengo drove there and again threatened the man, telling him to stay away from the woman, according to the report. The incident report did not specify a relationship between the man and Giovengo’s ex-girlfriend.
Giovengo was charged Thursday with armed trespassing of a structure and for using a police data base for personal gain.
The ex-girlfriend told authorities this week she did not report the party incident because Giovengo threatened her. But Feb. 6, an argument between the officer and the woman prompted her 15-year-old son to call 911, Port St. Lucie police said.
Officers went to the woman’s home because the son said Giovengo was threatening his mother, police said. While in the woman’s driveway, Giovengo told her she “belonged to him” and threatened to burn down her house, police said.
Officers charged Giovengo with aggravated stalking. The 51-year-old-woman and the officer had dated for nine years before their relationship ended in October, the arrest affidavit said.
Giovengo was being held Thursday at the St. Lucie County Jail in lieu of $7,500 bail for the trespassing and using the database charges. Fort Pierce Police has Giovengo on leave without pay, spokeswoman Audria Moore said.
Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2009/02/officer-troy-giovengo-charged-with.html
A Fort Pierce police officer charged with stalking his ex-girlfriend last week is facing additional charges for allegedly barging into a birthday party for one of the woman’s sons.
Officer Troy Giovengo stormed into his ex-girlfriend’s home on Dec. 12, according to a St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office report. Witnesses said Giovengo, 42, was in his Fort Pierce Police Department uniform during the incident and told a man at the party he needed to leave the home and never return.
After Giovengo left the party, he used his police laptop computer to run the man’s license plate number, sheriff’s officials said. Upon learning the man’s address, Giovengo drove there and again threatened the man, telling him to stay away from the woman, according to the report. The incident report did not specify a relationship between the man and Giovengo’s ex-girlfriend.
Giovengo was charged Thursday with armed trespassing of a structure and for using a police data base for personal gain.
The ex-girlfriend told authorities this week she did not report the party incident because Giovengo threatened her. But Feb. 6, an argument between the officer and the woman prompted her 15-year-old son to call 911, Port St. Lucie police said.
Officers went to the woman’s home because the son said Giovengo was threatening his mother, police said. While in the woman’s driveway, Giovengo told her she “belonged to him” and threatened to burn down her house, police said.
Officers charged Giovengo with aggravated stalking. The 51-year-old-woman and the officer had dated for nine years before their relationship ended in October, the arrest affidavit said.
Giovengo was being held Thursday at the St. Lucie County Jail in lieu of $7,500 bail for the trespassing and using the database charges. Fort Pierce Police has Giovengo on leave without pay, spokeswoman Audria Moore said.
Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2009/02/officer-troy-giovengo-charged-with.html
Officers Under Investigation for Beating Homeless Man
Dramatic video has been released of two Fresno, California police officers arresting a homeless man.
And, because of that video, the Fresno police chief has now launched an internal investigation.
The man who shot the video did not want to be identified.
The videographer said "I just try to record everything that doesn't make sense. This didn't make any sense."
Monday morning just More..before 10AM, this video was recorded.
The videographer said "why are they socking him like that?"
Tuesday, the person behind the camera handed the tape over to KSEE-24 News and with that, began an internal investigation of the two Fresno police officers seen here.
The videographer said "they grabbed him and threw him to the ground and saw him being brutally beaten cause he didn't want to listen to them."
In a matter of seconds, the man, 52-year-old Glen Beaty, is hit four times in the face.
Even when Beaty appears to be partially restrained, with one hand behind his back, the officer strikes him again. The video then shows what appears to be the last blow. This time, both of beaty's hands are behind his back.
The videographer said "I don't think anyone should be beat like that. They don't beat dogs and let you get away with it."
KSEE-24 News showed police Chief Jerry Dyer the footage.
Fresno Police Department Chief Jerry Dyer said "I think the initial reaction from the people that view this video will be one of disbelief, one that in some cases may shock individuals and one that causes concern, in the level of force being used."
Dyer says what is not on the tape could be most important, the eight or so minutes before the recording began.
Chief Dyer said "The individual was stiff, there was alcohol around him. And, it was very apparent that he had been drinking, uh, excessively. And, when the officers contacted the individual, there was resistance in terms of the line of questioning and his answers to certain questions. And, at some point, an altercation occurred between the suspect and the officers. At one point, one of the officers was punched by the suspect in the arm .. the officer had his badge ripped off of his shirt."
Dyer's account is based on the police report, the report, the two officers involved wrote themselves.
The videographer, who admits to not being on scene when officers first approached Beaty, has a different take.
The videographer said "before the camera went on, I saw him.. he had already pulled his body away from the tree a little bit, trying to keep them from grabbing his arms. And, when they did get hold of his arms, they spun him around, put him on the ground and started socking him."
Even though an ambulance was called and used to take Beaty to the hospital, officers on scene did not gather any witness statements.
Chief Dyer says that will be done now.
Chief Dyer said "what is important to us now is to allow all the evidence to be brought in to this case, any witness statements.. all the actions that led up to the video being taken before an official opinion is formed."
The videographer said "I don't think anybody deserves to be beaten like that even if they are being arrested."
The police department also produced a copy of a Fresno County Sheriff's report from 2004 that showed Beaty, at the time, was involved in a violent confrontation with a sheriff's deputy responding to a disturbance call at his parents' home.
In that incident, the deputy reported that he had to subdue Beaty using a police baton and that Beaty hit him with a flashlight.
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Video: http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=b20_1234380246
And, because of that video, the Fresno police chief has now launched an internal investigation.
The man who shot the video did not want to be identified.
The videographer said "I just try to record everything that doesn't make sense. This didn't make any sense."
Monday morning just More..before 10AM, this video was recorded.
The videographer said "why are they socking him like that?"
Tuesday, the person behind the camera handed the tape over to KSEE-24 News and with that, began an internal investigation of the two Fresno police officers seen here.
The videographer said "they grabbed him and threw him to the ground and saw him being brutally beaten cause he didn't want to listen to them."
In a matter of seconds, the man, 52-year-old Glen Beaty, is hit four times in the face.
Even when Beaty appears to be partially restrained, with one hand behind his back, the officer strikes him again. The video then shows what appears to be the last blow. This time, both of beaty's hands are behind his back.
The videographer said "I don't think anyone should be beat like that. They don't beat dogs and let you get away with it."
KSEE-24 News showed police Chief Jerry Dyer the footage.
Fresno Police Department Chief Jerry Dyer said "I think the initial reaction from the people that view this video will be one of disbelief, one that in some cases may shock individuals and one that causes concern, in the level of force being used."
Dyer says what is not on the tape could be most important, the eight or so minutes before the recording began.
Chief Dyer said "The individual was stiff, there was alcohol around him. And, it was very apparent that he had been drinking, uh, excessively. And, when the officers contacted the individual, there was resistance in terms of the line of questioning and his answers to certain questions. And, at some point, an altercation occurred between the suspect and the officers. At one point, one of the officers was punched by the suspect in the arm .. the officer had his badge ripped off of his shirt."
Dyer's account is based on the police report, the report, the two officers involved wrote themselves.
The videographer, who admits to not being on scene when officers first approached Beaty, has a different take.
The videographer said "before the camera went on, I saw him.. he had already pulled his body away from the tree a little bit, trying to keep them from grabbing his arms. And, when they did get hold of his arms, they spun him around, put him on the ground and started socking him."
Even though an ambulance was called and used to take Beaty to the hospital, officers on scene did not gather any witness statements.
Chief Dyer says that will be done now.
Chief Dyer said "what is important to us now is to allow all the evidence to be brought in to this case, any witness statements.. all the actions that led up to the video being taken before an official opinion is formed."
The videographer said "I don't think anybody deserves to be beaten like that even if they are being arrested."
The police department also produced a copy of a Fresno County Sheriff's report from 2004 that showed Beaty, at the time, was involved in a violent confrontation with a sheriff's deputy responding to a disturbance call at his parents' home.
In that incident, the deputy reported that he had to subdue Beaty using a police baton and that Beaty hit him with a flashlight.
_________________
Video: http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=b20_1234380246
Officer Troy Giovengo Charged with Trespassing
FORT PIERCE, Fla.
A Fort Pierce police officer was arrested on Thursday and charged with armed trespassing and unauthorized use of a computer network.
St. Lucie County sheriff’s detectives arrested Officer Troy Giovengo at about 12:15 p.m.
He posted $7,500 bond and was released from the St. Lucie County Jail just before 3 p.m.
Last Friday, the Port St. Lucie Police Department arrested Giovengo on aggravated stalking charges. The next day, he was released after posting $10,000 bond.
Following those events, another woman, interviewed by the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, described an encounter in her home with Giovengo on Dec. 12.
The sheriff’s office’s investigation led to the new charges that were the basis for Giovengo’s arrest on Thursday.
Correctional Officer Marco Moniz Arrested for Delivering Contraband
Dartmouth
A Bristol County correctional officer from Fall River was arrested Wednesday while on duty at the House of Correction for allegedly delivering contraband to the penal facility.
Marco Moniz, 20, of 928 Cherry St., Fall River,is also charged with conspiracy to violate drug laws.
Major Nelson DeGouveia of the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office and Lt. John Silva of that office’s Internal Affairs Division made the arrest.
DeGouveia of the Law Enforcement Division of the Sheriff’s Office is assigned to the South Coast Anti-Crime Task Force.
Bernard Sullivan, a spokesman for the Sheriff’s Office, said he did not immediately know what kind of contraband was involved as the investigation is ongoing.
Moniz was held overnight for arraignment today in Third District Court, New Bedford.
The arrest was a result of a textbook collaborative effort by Fall River, Fairhaven and New Bedford police, assigned to the Drug Enforcement Agency and District Attorney C. Samuel Sutter’s Office.
Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson expressed pride in the performance of members of the task force, internal affairs units and Sutter’s office.
“While I am deeply saddened when a sworn officer violates the badge he wears and the trust it implies, I am exceptionally pleased that our officers joined in a collaborative that conducted an extensive investigation that will, I hope, result in an end to criminal activity that is a danger to my officers, the inmates and the entire staff of our office,” Hodgson stated.
“Policing our own is not pleasant, but it is necessary to maintain the pride we have in the conduct of the staff of our correctional officers, who perform with pride the most difficult job in law enforcement,” he said.
More Information:http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090212/NEWS/902120399
A Bristol County correctional officer from Fall River was arrested Wednesday while on duty at the House of Correction for allegedly delivering contraband to the penal facility.
Marco Moniz, 20, of 928 Cherry St., Fall River,is also charged with conspiracy to violate drug laws.
Major Nelson DeGouveia of the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office and Lt. John Silva of that office’s Internal Affairs Division made the arrest.
DeGouveia of the Law Enforcement Division of the Sheriff’s Office is assigned to the South Coast Anti-Crime Task Force.
Bernard Sullivan, a spokesman for the Sheriff’s Office, said he did not immediately know what kind of contraband was involved as the investigation is ongoing.
Moniz was held overnight for arraignment today in Third District Court, New Bedford.
The arrest was a result of a textbook collaborative effort by Fall River, Fairhaven and New Bedford police, assigned to the Drug Enforcement Agency and District Attorney C. Samuel Sutter’s Office.
Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson expressed pride in the performance of members of the task force, internal affairs units and Sutter’s office.
“While I am deeply saddened when a sworn officer violates the badge he wears and the trust it implies, I am exceptionally pleased that our officers joined in a collaborative that conducted an extensive investigation that will, I hope, result in an end to criminal activity that is a danger to my officers, the inmates and the entire staff of our office,” Hodgson stated.
“Policing our own is not pleasant, but it is necessary to maintain the pride we have in the conduct of the staff of our correctional officers, who perform with pride the most difficult job in law enforcement,” he said.
More Information:http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090212/NEWS/902120399
Officer Eric Hargrove Charged with Having Child Porn
A Chicago police officer has been charged with possessing child pornography after investigators found videos in his home computer allegedly of teenage boys engaging in sex.
Bail was set at $100,000 Wednesday for Eric Hargrove, 27, a patrol officer since joining the department in 2005. He has been relieved of his police powers and placed on administrative duty, a department spokesman said.
Bail was set at $100,000 Wednesday for Eric Hargrove, 27, a patrol officer since joining the department in 2005. He has been relieved of his police powers and placed on administrative duty, a department spokesman said.
Two Officers Argue while Wounded, Handcuffed Suspect Bleeds on the Ground
A YouTube video purportedly showing a wounded, handcuffed suspect bleeding on the ground as two Philadelphia police officers argue nearby has sparked a federal investigation.
The 59-second clip captures an explicit verbal exchange between a female sergeant and a male highway patrol officer shortly after Marcus Henderson was allegedly shot by cops, the Philadelphia Daily News reported.
The Internal Affairs Division, which the paper said announced plans to investigate, has not identified the officers in the video. The clip has been removed from file-sharing Web site YouTube.
The female sergeant, a supervisor, reportedly shouts instructions at the patrol officer about what to do with the suspect.
"Don't tell me what to do! He's f——— shot! He's going to a hospital!" the sergeant screams, according to the News.
The officer yells back that Henderson aimed a gun at his partner.
"I'm not telling you what to do!" he retorts. "I'm telling you what happened!"
Witnesses told MyFOXPhilly.com that the officer resisted her orders because he didn’t want to put the wounded man in his patrol car.
Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey told the News that a primary focus of the investigation isn't the officers' dispute — it's reports from witnesses that the male officer kicked the wounded suspect while he was on the ground bleeding and refused to use his patrol car to drive Henderson, 35, to the hospital.
"It doesn't look good," Ramsey told the paper. "We're concerned about it. It's probably just a misunderstanding, but we’re looking at it."
Henderson, who was eventually taken to the hospital with wounds to the arm and torso, is recovering behind bars until a Feb. 18 preliminary hearing.
He reportedly pointed a 9mm handgun at police twice, according to the News.
"The suspect was writhing around," the YouTube video photographer's brother told the paper. "It looked like he had been shot in his body, but he managed to get up on his knees."
Internal Affairs Chief Inspector Anthony DiLacqua said witnesses will be interviewed this week.
"We’ll get to the bottom of it," he told the News.
The 59-second clip captures an explicit verbal exchange between a female sergeant and a male highway patrol officer shortly after Marcus Henderson was allegedly shot by cops, the Philadelphia Daily News reported.
The Internal Affairs Division, which the paper said announced plans to investigate, has not identified the officers in the video. The clip has been removed from file-sharing Web site YouTube.
The female sergeant, a supervisor, reportedly shouts instructions at the patrol officer about what to do with the suspect.
"Don't tell me what to do! He's f——— shot! He's going to a hospital!" the sergeant screams, according to the News.
The officer yells back that Henderson aimed a gun at his partner.
"I'm not telling you what to do!" he retorts. "I'm telling you what happened!"
Witnesses told MyFOXPhilly.com that the officer resisted her orders because he didn’t want to put the wounded man in his patrol car.
Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey told the News that a primary focus of the investigation isn't the officers' dispute — it's reports from witnesses that the male officer kicked the wounded suspect while he was on the ground bleeding and refused to use his patrol car to drive Henderson, 35, to the hospital.
"It doesn't look good," Ramsey told the paper. "We're concerned about it. It's probably just a misunderstanding, but we’re looking at it."
Henderson, who was eventually taken to the hospital with wounds to the arm and torso, is recovering behind bars until a Feb. 18 preliminary hearing.
He reportedly pointed a 9mm handgun at police twice, according to the News.
"The suspect was writhing around," the YouTube video photographer's brother told the paper. "It looked like he had been shot in his body, but he managed to get up on his knees."
Internal Affairs Chief Inspector Anthony DiLacqua said witnesses will be interviewed this week.
"We’ll get to the bottom of it," he told the News.
Officer Randy Oliver Betts Arrested for Felony Theft
An Austin police officer has been arrested on an active felony warrant out of Pulaski County.
Thursday afternoon, the Lonoke County Sheriff's Office received information on an active arrest warrant for Felony theft by receiving. The initial investigation revealed that the warrant from Pulaski County was for 44-year-old Randy Oliver Betts of Searcy.
Further investigation revealed Betts was a police officer for the Austin Police Department and was currently on-duty. Authorities contacted the Austin Police Department and Betts was relieved of duty and turned himself in at the Lonoke County Sheriff's Office.
Betts was released to the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office.
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http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29167299/
Man Dies After Being Tasered by San Jose Police
A man in his 20s died Wednesday night after being shot with a Taser by a San Jose police officer who was attempting to take him into custody.
It is the sixth instance of someone dying after San Jose police deployed the electric stun gun on them.
The man resisted arrest, tried to grab the officer's gun from its holster and fought with two police officers for several minutes before one of the officers shot him with a Taser, according to police.
After he was shot with a Taser, the man went into medical distress, police spokesman Enrique Garcia said. Officers performed CPR, but the man died at the scene. His name was not immediately released.
The officers, whose names were also not released Thursday, were treated at a hospital for injuries incurred in the struggle; one suffered facial lacerations and the other had a leg injury, Garcia said.
They had been dispatched to Story Road and Adrian Way at 10:24 p.m. and approached the man, who ran away. A resident in the 2200 block of Amador Drive reported someone in the backyard.
Garcia said the officers located the man and tried to take him into custody. He "resisted and got into a violent struggle with our officers," Garcia said.
The officers used their batons during the struggle, which lasted several minutes. One of the officers shot the man with a Taser.
In 2004, the San Jose Police Department armed every officer with stun guns, devices capable of temporarily disabling
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suspects by sending 50,000-volt jolts through their body, as an alternative to deadly force. The move came after San Jose police shot and killed a Vietnamese woman after they mistook her vegetable peeler for a large knife.
In four San Jose incidents where suspects died after being shot with a stun gun, family members filed lawsuits over the deaths. In December, San Jose officials agreed to pay $70,000 to the wife and child of a man who died in 2005 after being shot with a Taser by police, marking the city's first settlement over a fatality linked to the stun guns.
In mid-December, a San Jose man with psychiatric problems died outside of Valley Medical Center when a Campbell police officer fired his Taser while he was helping Santa Clara County Sheriff's deputies control the situation.
The San Jose Police Department Homicide Unit is investigating Wednesday night's death, Garcia said. The Santa Clara County medical examiner's office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Investigators from San Jose Police Department's Internal Affairs Unit and the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office are also monitoring the case.
It is the sixth instance of someone dying after San Jose police deployed the electric stun gun on them.
The man resisted arrest, tried to grab the officer's gun from its holster and fought with two police officers for several minutes before one of the officers shot him with a Taser, according to police.
After he was shot with a Taser, the man went into medical distress, police spokesman Enrique Garcia said. Officers performed CPR, but the man died at the scene. His name was not immediately released.
The officers, whose names were also not released Thursday, were treated at a hospital for injuries incurred in the struggle; one suffered facial lacerations and the other had a leg injury, Garcia said.
They had been dispatched to Story Road and Adrian Way at 10:24 p.m. and approached the man, who ran away. A resident in the 2200 block of Amador Drive reported someone in the backyard.
Garcia said the officers located the man and tried to take him into custody. He "resisted and got into a violent struggle with our officers," Garcia said.
The officers used their batons during the struggle, which lasted several minutes. One of the officers shot the man with a Taser.
In 2004, the San Jose Police Department armed every officer with stun guns, devices capable of temporarily disabling
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suspects by sending 50,000-volt jolts through their body, as an alternative to deadly force. The move came after San Jose police shot and killed a Vietnamese woman after they mistook her vegetable peeler for a large knife.
In four San Jose incidents where suspects died after being shot with a stun gun, family members filed lawsuits over the deaths. In December, San Jose officials agreed to pay $70,000 to the wife and child of a man who died in 2005 after being shot with a Taser by police, marking the city's first settlement over a fatality linked to the stun guns.
In mid-December, a San Jose man with psychiatric problems died outside of Valley Medical Center when a Campbell police officer fired his Taser while he was helping Santa Clara County Sheriff's deputies control the situation.
The San Jose Police Department Homicide Unit is investigating Wednesday night's death, Garcia said. The Santa Clara County medical examiner's office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Investigators from San Jose Police Department's Internal Affairs Unit and the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office are also monitoring the case.
Deputy Gregory Todd Bowden Arrested for Enticing a Minor
ATLANTA
The FBI arrested a Bibb County sheriff's deputy Wednesday on a charge of using a computer to entice a minor for sexual activity.
Special Agent Gregory Jones said Gregory Todd Bowden, 42, of Byron, Ga., was arrested Wednesday after he engaged in a series of telephone and Internet conversations with what he believed was the mother of a girl under 10 years of age, and he went to Atlanta to engage in sexual activity with the mother and child.
The FBI says the mother and child were fictional, and that Bowden was arrested upon his arrival at an agreed-upon meeting place.
The FBI arrested a Bibb County sheriff's deputy Wednesday on a charge of using a computer to entice a minor for sexual activity.
Special Agent Gregory Jones said Gregory Todd Bowden, 42, of Byron, Ga., was arrested Wednesday after he engaged in a series of telephone and Internet conversations with what he believed was the mother of a girl under 10 years of age, and he went to Atlanta to engage in sexual activity with the mother and child.
The FBI says the mother and child were fictional, and that Bowden was arrested upon his arrival at an agreed-upon meeting place.
Trooper Charles Odom Accused of Sexually Assaulting Woman Trying to Get Bond Reduced
A trooper accused of sexually assaulting a woman during a traffic stop is trying to get his bond reduced.
Charles Odom is in the Leon County Jail facing a 250-thousand dollar bond.
A hearing was scheduled for this afternoon in Wakulla County, but Judge Sanders Sauls has recused himself from the case and that hearing has been moved to Leon County.
In a motion filed with the court earlier this week, Odom's attorney, Don Pumphrey, said given the Odom family's finances, the 250-thousand dollar bond is tantamount to no bond at all.
Pumphrey argued that Odom has no criminal history, is an 18 year veteran in law enforcement and his entire family and all his property are in Wakulla County so he is not a flight risk.
Judge James Hankinson is scheduled to hear that bond reduction motion at one o'clock this afternoon.
Charles Odom is in the Leon County Jail facing a 250-thousand dollar bond.
A hearing was scheduled for this afternoon in Wakulla County, but Judge Sanders Sauls has recused himself from the case and that hearing has been moved to Leon County.
In a motion filed with the court earlier this week, Odom's attorney, Don Pumphrey, said given the Odom family's finances, the 250-thousand dollar bond is tantamount to no bond at all.
Pumphrey argued that Odom has no criminal history, is an 18 year veteran in law enforcement and his entire family and all his property are in Wakulla County so he is not a flight risk.
Judge James Hankinson is scheduled to hear that bond reduction motion at one o'clock this afternoon.
Officer Duhamel Torres Indicted for Rape, Kidnapping, Assault
CLEVELAND
A Cleveland police officer was indicted Wednesday on charges connected to the rape of a woman while on duty last December.
Duhamel Torres was indicted on several charges, including rape, kidnapping, intimidation of a crime victim, tampering with records and assault.
Prosecutors said Torres stopped a 41-year-old woman near West 43rd Street and Lorain Avenue. He asked her if she had a warrant out for her arrest and ordered her into his patrol car, saying he would give her a ride home, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors said Torres drove the woman to an area on Scranton Avenue, threatened her with arrest, slapped her in the face and raped her.
When he dropped her off near her home, he threatened her again, prosecutors said.
Authorities said DNA from the rape kit matched Torres'.
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http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1234431036196931.xml&coll=2
A Cleveland police officer was indicted Wednesday on charges connected to the rape of a woman while on duty last December.
Duhamel Torres was indicted on several charges, including rape, kidnapping, intimidation of a crime victim, tampering with records and assault.
Prosecutors said Torres stopped a 41-year-old woman near West 43rd Street and Lorain Avenue. He asked her if she had a warrant out for her arrest and ordered her into his patrol car, saying he would give her a ride home, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors said Torres drove the woman to an area on Scranton Avenue, threatened her with arrest, slapped her in the face and raped her.
When he dropped her off near her home, he threatened her again, prosecutors said.
Authorities said DNA from the rape kit matched Torres'.
__________________
http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1234431036196931.xml&coll=2
Hearing for Former Officer Jason Huntsinger accused of Child Porn Postponed
Missoula, Mont.
A plea hearing has been postponed for a former Missoula police officer accused of receiving child pornography through a computer owned by the police union.
Jason Huntsinger had agreed to plead guilty Thursday to a federal charge of receipt of obscene material, but his hearing was rescheduled for March 5 at his attorney's request.
Prosecutors say Huntsinger used a credit card and a PayPal account to access a child pornography Web site and used a post office box number assigned to a federal drug task force as the address attached to the credit card. He is accused of using a laptop belonging to the Missoula Police Protective Association to view the site.
Federal agents seized the laptop and Huntsinger's work computer in September 2007. Huntsinger remained on city's payroll for almost a year before he was put on paid leave. He resigned in September.
Information from: Missoulian, http://www.missoulian.com
A plea hearing has been postponed for a former Missoula police officer accused of receiving child pornography through a computer owned by the police union.
Jason Huntsinger had agreed to plead guilty Thursday to a federal charge of receipt of obscene material, but his hearing was rescheduled for March 5 at his attorney's request.
Prosecutors say Huntsinger used a credit card and a PayPal account to access a child pornography Web site and used a post office box number assigned to a federal drug task force as the address attached to the credit card. He is accused of using a laptop belonging to the Missoula Police Protective Association to view the site.
Federal agents seized the laptop and Huntsinger's work computer in September 2007. Huntsinger remained on city's payroll for almost a year before he was put on paid leave. He resigned in September.
Information from: Missoulian, http://www.missoulian.com
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Drunk Driving Deputy Allowed to Go Home Without Being Charged
The Nebraska State Patrol is conducting an internal investigation after one of its troopers is accused of showing preferential treatment to another law enforcement officer.
An off-duty Sarpy County sheriff's deputy was pulled over December 20th suspected of drunk driving. But the man in charge of the State Patrol, Col. Bryan Tuma, confirms the deputy was never given a sobriety test, never arrested and was allowed to get a ride home with a friend.
The allegations come amidst a DWI crackdown by the State Patrol, with a 37-percent increase in arrests last year by Omaha's Troop A alone. It was one of those troopers, Col. Tuma says, who let a suspected drunk driver go. “I believe he acknowledges that he made a mistake."
"The fact that (the party pulled over) was a law enforcement official may have had some bearing, may have had some influence on his decision of how he followed through."
"It's a double standard," says UNO Criminal Justice Professor Sam Walker, "because someones getting a break because he's a law enforcement officer."
The Nebraska State Patrol calls it an isolated incident.
Colonel Tuma says, "We know that there was alcohol involved and that officer allowed the person to be transported from the scene. Clearly out of context of what we normally do."
The stop happened after midnight on southbound Interstate 680 at Highway 75. One trooper noticed a car driving without headlights and pulled the driver over.
The trooper already had a suspect in custody from an earlier stop. “He radioed for assistance, another one of our troopers that was in the area came over and took over the traffic stop," says Col. Tuma.
That second, unnamed trooper approached the suspect’s vehicle. “There was an odor of alcohol in the vehicle. What's concerning is the trooper didn't follow through exactly the way we would prefer they follow through on one of those types of contacts."
"Instead of making an arrest or writing a citation or whatever was appropriate for that particular case, didn't occur and that's out of sync with our protocols."
For all we know -- the deputy who was off-duty and driving without headlights on may have been perfectly sober -- but without a test -- no one really knows.
The incident is disappointing says Mothers Against Drunk Driving Executive Director Simera Reynolds. "What we want to see is equitable treatment of all offenders. I think that this is a particular event that was unfortunate, but I don't think it's common practice."
Col. Tuma says his office was told about the situation immediately and the matter was turned over to Internal Affairs. However, the details of that investigation are not being disclosed.
"The officer will be disciplined here, appropriately, in the not-too-distant future," says Col. Tuma. He calls what happened “an error in judgment,” one which the trooper has admitted to and which is being taken "very seriously."
Sarpy County Sheriff Jeff Davis says a supervisor in his department was contacted when the off-duty deputy was stopped. He says his office understood the State Patrol would follow whatever steps were called for.
Since the sheriff’s department discovered protocol was broken, they conducted their own internal investigation. “Appropriate steps were taken with the deputy,” says Davis. He says just what steps were taken are an internal matter and cannot be released to the public. The same for State Trooper.
"I don't know if this should be a firing offense," says Professor Walker, "but definitely some discipline. There needs to be additional training and a reminder to officers that this isn't acceptable. It's favoritism and 'look the other way' and 'excuse your crime' when we wouldn't do that for somebody else."
Last year, the State Patrol’s drunk driving arrests increased by more than 18 percent over the previous year. The number of road fatalities also decreased, from 91 in 2007 to 60 in 2008.
An off-duty Sarpy County sheriff's deputy was pulled over December 20th suspected of drunk driving. But the man in charge of the State Patrol, Col. Bryan Tuma, confirms the deputy was never given a sobriety test, never arrested and was allowed to get a ride home with a friend.
The allegations come amidst a DWI crackdown by the State Patrol, with a 37-percent increase in arrests last year by Omaha's Troop A alone. It was one of those troopers, Col. Tuma says, who let a suspected drunk driver go. “I believe he acknowledges that he made a mistake."
"The fact that (the party pulled over) was a law enforcement official may have had some bearing, may have had some influence on his decision of how he followed through."
"It's a double standard," says UNO Criminal Justice Professor Sam Walker, "because someones getting a break because he's a law enforcement officer."
The Nebraska State Patrol calls it an isolated incident.
Colonel Tuma says, "We know that there was alcohol involved and that officer allowed the person to be transported from the scene. Clearly out of context of what we normally do."
The stop happened after midnight on southbound Interstate 680 at Highway 75. One trooper noticed a car driving without headlights and pulled the driver over.
The trooper already had a suspect in custody from an earlier stop. “He radioed for assistance, another one of our troopers that was in the area came over and took over the traffic stop," says Col. Tuma.
That second, unnamed trooper approached the suspect’s vehicle. “There was an odor of alcohol in the vehicle. What's concerning is the trooper didn't follow through exactly the way we would prefer they follow through on one of those types of contacts."
"Instead of making an arrest or writing a citation or whatever was appropriate for that particular case, didn't occur and that's out of sync with our protocols."
For all we know -- the deputy who was off-duty and driving without headlights on may have been perfectly sober -- but without a test -- no one really knows.
The incident is disappointing says Mothers Against Drunk Driving Executive Director Simera Reynolds. "What we want to see is equitable treatment of all offenders. I think that this is a particular event that was unfortunate, but I don't think it's common practice."
Col. Tuma says his office was told about the situation immediately and the matter was turned over to Internal Affairs. However, the details of that investigation are not being disclosed.
"The officer will be disciplined here, appropriately, in the not-too-distant future," says Col. Tuma. He calls what happened “an error in judgment,” one which the trooper has admitted to and which is being taken "very seriously."
Sarpy County Sheriff Jeff Davis says a supervisor in his department was contacted when the off-duty deputy was stopped. He says his office understood the State Patrol would follow whatever steps were called for.
Since the sheriff’s department discovered protocol was broken, they conducted their own internal investigation. “Appropriate steps were taken with the deputy,” says Davis. He says just what steps were taken are an internal matter and cannot be released to the public. The same for State Trooper.
"I don't know if this should be a firing offense," says Professor Walker, "but definitely some discipline. There needs to be additional training and a reminder to officers that this isn't acceptable. It's favoritism and 'look the other way' and 'excuse your crime' when we wouldn't do that for somebody else."
Last year, the State Patrol’s drunk driving arrests increased by more than 18 percent over the previous year. The number of road fatalities also decreased, from 91 in 2007 to 60 in 2008.
Two Off-Duty Officers Arrested for Speeding & Reckless Driving
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla.
The man grinning in his mug shot is a Volusia County deputy and he's accused of taking local cops on a high-speed chase with his motorcycle. It all started when Edgewater police tried to pull over deputies Omar Lopez and Austin Littleton.
Police said the deputies were speeding and driving recklessly on their motorcycles, but the officers said they had no idea they were pursuing deputies.
There was an officer posted in a parking lot when he saw two men on motorcycles speeding past him; one was doing a wheelie. As soon as police followed them, they sped up and disappeared into a neighborhood.
Lopez was smiling when he was booked into jail Tuesday, even though the five-year sheriff's veteran is facing a felony charge, accused of running from Edgewater police.
"I think that they really needed to stop and think what they were doing, and especially the one that took off from the scene and kept on going," said Paulette Tubbs, Edgewater Police Department.
Lopez was spotted on US-1 Tuesday with Deputy Austin Littleton. Both were on personal motorcycles when an officer saw them going 60mph in a 35mph zone. They did eventually pull over, but Lopez wasn't about to stay there.
"The other officer stopped and then took off again from that position," Tubbs said.
More officers joined the pursuit and Lopez was spotted again near Oak Hill, where he appeared to be hiding behind a gas station. Again, he sped away.
It wasn't until police checked the ID of the other motorcyclist that they realized they were dealing with off-duty deputies. Police reports said a sheriff lieutenant was called to the scene. He compelled Littleton to give up Lopez and police arrested the 34-year-old in his New Smyrna Beach home.
Police insist, the pair were done no favors.
"No, no, no, 'cause they did not know that they were deputies," Tubbs said.
While Deputy Littleton was stopped and getting three tickets for his part in it, his cell phone rang and it was Deputy Lopez. The sheriff lieutenant who was on scene grabbed the phone and answered it, only to have Lopez hang up on him.
Both men were suspended with pay Wednesday morning while the sheriff's office investigates.
Video: http://www.wftv.com/news/18691350/detail.html#-
The man grinning in his mug shot is a Volusia County deputy and he's accused of taking local cops on a high-speed chase with his motorcycle. It all started when Edgewater police tried to pull over deputies Omar Lopez and Austin Littleton.
Police said the deputies were speeding and driving recklessly on their motorcycles, but the officers said they had no idea they were pursuing deputies.
There was an officer posted in a parking lot when he saw two men on motorcycles speeding past him; one was doing a wheelie. As soon as police followed them, they sped up and disappeared into a neighborhood.
Lopez was smiling when he was booked into jail Tuesday, even though the five-year sheriff's veteran is facing a felony charge, accused of running from Edgewater police.
"I think that they really needed to stop and think what they were doing, and especially the one that took off from the scene and kept on going," said Paulette Tubbs, Edgewater Police Department.
Lopez was spotted on US-1 Tuesday with Deputy Austin Littleton. Both were on personal motorcycles when an officer saw them going 60mph in a 35mph zone. They did eventually pull over, but Lopez wasn't about to stay there.
"The other officer stopped and then took off again from that position," Tubbs said.
More officers joined the pursuit and Lopez was spotted again near Oak Hill, where he appeared to be hiding behind a gas station. Again, he sped away.
It wasn't until police checked the ID of the other motorcyclist that they realized they were dealing with off-duty deputies. Police reports said a sheriff lieutenant was called to the scene. He compelled Littleton to give up Lopez and police arrested the 34-year-old in his New Smyrna Beach home.
Police insist, the pair were done no favors.
"No, no, no, 'cause they did not know that they were deputies," Tubbs said.
While Deputy Littleton was stopped and getting three tickets for his part in it, his cell phone rang and it was Deputy Lopez. The sheriff lieutenant who was on scene grabbed the phone and answered it, only to have Lopez hang up on him.
Both men were suspended with pay Wednesday morning while the sheriff's office investigates.
Video: http://www.wftv.com/news/18691350/detail.html#-
Kansas City Vetern Officer Accused of DWI
KANSAS CITY, Mo.
A 20-year veteran with the Kansas City police department is accused of driving while intoxicated.
The off-duty sergeant was arrested early Saturday on northbound Interstate 29 at 64th Street, according to court documents.
The sergeant has not been charged, so KCTV5 News is not releasing his name.
An official with the department said an internal investigation would not begin until the case gets through the court system. He also said what an officer does off-duty may not affect his on-duty status.
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Video: http://video.aol.com/video-detail/off-duty-officer-arrested-on-highway/3343466504/?icid=VIDLRVNWS04
A 20-year veteran with the Kansas City police department is accused of driving while intoxicated.
The off-duty sergeant was arrested early Saturday on northbound Interstate 29 at 64th Street, according to court documents.
The sergeant has not been charged, so KCTV5 News is not releasing his name.
An official with the department said an internal investigation would not begin until the case gets through the court system. He also said what an officer does off-duty may not affect his on-duty status.
____________________
Video: http://video.aol.com/video-detail/off-duty-officer-arrested-on-highway/3343466504/?icid=VIDLRVNWS04
Officer David Gilliam Arrested for Sexually Attack Woman
ALBANY, GA
A Dougherty County Police Officer assigned to the Albany Dougherty Drug Unit is arrested for a sexual attack on a woman while working an off-duty security job.
Albany Police charged 41-year old David Gilliam with sexual battery, false imprisonment, and violation of oath of office.
Investigators say a 26 year old woman reported Gilliam tried to rape her in one of the rooms at the Superior Creek Lodge on North Slappey Boulevard February 4th. Gilliam worked at that motel as a Security Guard.
Dougherty County Police Chief Don Cheek said "He has been on suspension with pay status since the morning after this incident last week. We place him in a suspension status at that time and he had been relieved of all duties."
Warrants for Gilliam's arrest were signed Wednesday morning.
He turned himself in at the Sheriff's Office and was released on bond.
Dougherty County Police fired him Wednesday.
He worked for D-C-P since October 2005 and was assigned to the drug squad the last two years.
A Dougherty County Police Officer assigned to the Albany Dougherty Drug Unit is arrested for a sexual attack on a woman while working an off-duty security job.
Albany Police charged 41-year old David Gilliam with sexual battery, false imprisonment, and violation of oath of office.
Investigators say a 26 year old woman reported Gilliam tried to rape her in one of the rooms at the Superior Creek Lodge on North Slappey Boulevard February 4th. Gilliam worked at that motel as a Security Guard.
Dougherty County Police Chief Don Cheek said "He has been on suspension with pay status since the morning after this incident last week. We place him in a suspension status at that time and he had been relieved of all duties."
Warrants for Gilliam's arrest were signed Wednesday morning.
He turned himself in at the Sheriff's Office and was released on bond.
Dougherty County Police fired him Wednesday.
He worked for D-C-P since October 2005 and was assigned to the drug squad the last two years.
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