A Gordon County Sheriff’s deputy has been arrested after an investigation linked him to the theft of fuel.
Scott W. Payne, 37, of Derby Lane, Calhoun, has been terminated as a deputy sheriff and jailed on theft and drug charges, Gordon County Sheriff Mitch Ralston said.
According to Ralston:
Upon assuming office on Jan. 1, 2009, Ralton ordered a thorough audit and review of the operation of the Sheriff’s Office.
Part of this audit included an examination of fuel consumption in official vehicles. A serious discrepancy was noted concerning a particular deputy sheriff in the patrol division. As this discrepancy appeared very serious, Ralston contacted the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to conduct an independent criminal investigation.
This investigation, which began in April, spanned several weeks and concluded with Payne’s arrest Monday by the GBI on theft charges.
When Payne was being allowed to retrieve personal belongings from a patrol car, he attempted to grab and destroy a cigarette box found to contain what is believed to be marijuana.
In addition to the theft charge, Payne will be charged with violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act by the GBI. He was booked at the Gordon County Jail and housed in a neighboring jurisdiction pending bond proceedings.
Payne had been employed in the Sheriff’s Office since November 1995, serving under two previous administrations. He was certified as a peace officer in October 1997.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Officer Zachariah Brown Arrested for Stealing from Evidence Room
A Temple Terrace police officer has been arrested after investigators say drugs went missing from an evidence room.
Zachariah Brown, 33, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, petit theft and tampering with evidence.
Detectives say an internal investigation was launched after the drugs went missing, and the investigation led to Brown.
Brown was placed on administrative leave. He has been with the Temple Terrace Police Department since 2005.
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Zachariah Brown, 33, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, petit theft and tampering with evidence.
Detectives say an internal investigation was launched after the drugs went missing, and the investigation led to Brown.
Brown was placed on administrative leave. He has been with the Temple Terrace Police Department since 2005.
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Officer Marvin Bryant Charged with Larceny
A Lake View police officer has been charged with petit larceny in Marion County, Marion County Sheriff’s Office incident reports show.
Marvin Dougles Bryant, 24, of Latta is on administrative leave, an official with the Lake View Police Department said. It’s not clear whether he’s on paid leave.
A Marion County sheriff’s detective said he had surveillance video of a man in a police uniform taking a backpack sprayer and tie-down strap from outside of his store in Mullins. Deputies spoke with a Lake View police lieutenant, who identified the suspect on the video, reports show.
Bryant was arrested Thursday and has been released from the Marion County Detention Center. Bond information wasn’t available.
Elba Caban Files Lawsuit Against Officer Who Broke Her Arm
A woman has filed a brutality lawsuit against the local police, saying that an officer broke her arm after stopping her car and arresting her on a highway ramp in 2007.
The lawsuit was filed Wednesday at U.S. District Court in New Haven on behalf of Elba Caban, her lawyer, David Rosen, said Thursday. It was assigned to Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport. The suit asks for an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages and other costs.
Police have no comment on the incident, said Officer Hugo Benettieri, a department spokesman. Details about Caban's arrest were not available because the charges against her eventually were dismissed.
According to a press release written for Rosen by a public relations firm, the clash occurred on Nov. 29, 2007, after Caban left her Sisson Street apartment "to remove herself from a domestic dispute with her brothers."
One of her brothers had called police, the release says, providing a description of his sister as being 4 feet 10 and 110 pounds.
Police stopped the car she was in on an I-84 on-ramp and removed her, the release says. Officers Christopher Vasseur and Darrell Drouin began to "interrogate" her, it says, asking questions about her education and marital status.
Officer John Dupont arrived and charged Caban with disorderly conduct, the release says. When Caban responded that she should not be charged with a crime, "Dupont became enraged," it says, grabbing her and wrenching her arm behind her back.
When she cried out in pain, the release says, "Dupont told her to 'shut up' and snapped her humerus in two."
Before she was taken from the scene in an ambulance, police charged her with assault on a police officer and "for behaving as a negligent pedestrian," the release says.
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http://www.wfsb.com/news/19466204/detail.html
The lawsuit was filed Wednesday at U.S. District Court in New Haven on behalf of Elba Caban, her lawyer, David Rosen, said Thursday. It was assigned to Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport. The suit asks for an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages and other costs.
Police have no comment on the incident, said Officer Hugo Benettieri, a department spokesman. Details about Caban's arrest were not available because the charges against her eventually were dismissed.
According to a press release written for Rosen by a public relations firm, the clash occurred on Nov. 29, 2007, after Caban left her Sisson Street apartment "to remove herself from a domestic dispute with her brothers."
One of her brothers had called police, the release says, providing a description of his sister as being 4 feet 10 and 110 pounds.
Police stopped the car she was in on an I-84 on-ramp and removed her, the release says. Officers Christopher Vasseur and Darrell Drouin began to "interrogate" her, it says, asking questions about her education and marital status.
Officer John Dupont arrived and charged Caban with disorderly conduct, the release says. When Caban responded that she should not be charged with a crime, "Dupont became enraged," it says, grabbing her and wrenching her arm behind her back.
When she cried out in pain, the release says, "Dupont told her to 'shut up' and snapped her humerus in two."
Before she was taken from the scene in an ambulance, police charged her with assault on a police officer and "for behaving as a negligent pedestrian," the release says.
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http://www.wfsb.com/news/19466204/detail.html
Two Former Officers & a Lawyer Charged with Attempted Murder
DETROIT
Dozens of members and associates of a motorcycle gang, including two former police officers and a lawyer, were charged yesterday with attempted murder, cocaine and steroid distribution, and related crimes.
A 35-count indictment unsealed in U.S. District Court in Detroit was part of a long-running state and federal investigation of The Highwaymen.
Authorities said 30 defendants were in custody yesterday, and others were being sought.
Of the 74 people charged, 16 men were accused of being leaders of the gang and of directing others to carry out crimes. Some defendants were accused of conspiring to kill members of another motorcycle club, and others were charged with transporting stolen motorcycles into Michigan.
Two former police officers from Garden City and Hamtramck, an attorney and group president Joseph "Little Joe" Whiting were among those named in the indictment. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Marion said Whiting was expected to arraigned today.
William Swor, an attorney for ex-Garden City police sergeant David "Stifler" Tomlan, said his client liked to ride motorcycles and had "done nothing wrong." Richard Convertino, attorney for former Hamtramck police officer Randell Hutchinson, said his client was not a member or an associate of the Highwaymen.
The investigation, which spanned many years, was "the largest prosecution in the history of Michigan" and one of the largest of its kind in the country, U.S. Attorney Terrence Berg said yesterday.
The Highwaymen is a national organization based in Detroit, Berg said.
Dozens of members and associates of a motorcycle gang, including two former police officers and a lawyer, were charged yesterday with attempted murder, cocaine and steroid distribution, and related crimes.
A 35-count indictment unsealed in U.S. District Court in Detroit was part of a long-running state and federal investigation of The Highwaymen.
Authorities said 30 defendants were in custody yesterday, and others were being sought.
Of the 74 people charged, 16 men were accused of being leaders of the gang and of directing others to carry out crimes. Some defendants were accused of conspiring to kill members of another motorcycle club, and others were charged with transporting stolen motorcycles into Michigan.
Two former police officers from Garden City and Hamtramck, an attorney and group president Joseph "Little Joe" Whiting were among those named in the indictment. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Marion said Whiting was expected to arraigned today.
William Swor, an attorney for ex-Garden City police sergeant David "Stifler" Tomlan, said his client liked to ride motorcycles and had "done nothing wrong." Richard Convertino, attorney for former Hamtramck police officer Randell Hutchinson, said his client was not a member or an associate of the Highwaymen.
The investigation, which spanned many years, was "the largest prosecution in the history of Michigan" and one of the largest of its kind in the country, U.S. Attorney Terrence Berg said yesterday.
The Highwaymen is a national organization based in Detroit, Berg said.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Defense Begins for Officers Accused of Causing the Death of Shawn Pirolozzi
CLEVELAND
Lawyers for the city of Canton began Thursday building a defense for the four police officers accused of beating Shawn Pirolozzi and causing his death.
Lawyers representing Pirolozzi’s estate in a trial in U.S. District Judge James S. Gwin’s court rested their case Thursday morning.
After grilling two of the police officers accused of beating Pirolozzi during an arrest on June 13, 2005, lawyer Geoffrey N. Fieger closed his case by calling Pirolozzi’s 9-year-old daughter, Shawntaa Pugh. Fieger had two questions.
“Who’s your father?”
“Shawn,” the little girl answered.
“Do you miss your daddy?” Fieger asked.
“Yes,” Shawntaa said.
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For More of the Story Please Visit: http://www.cantonrep.com/communities/canton/x1194174495/Defense-starts-case-in-Canton-police-brutality-lawsuit
Lawyers for the city of Canton began Thursday building a defense for the four police officers accused of beating Shawn Pirolozzi and causing his death.
Lawyers representing Pirolozzi’s estate in a trial in U.S. District Judge James S. Gwin’s court rested their case Thursday morning.
After grilling two of the police officers accused of beating Pirolozzi during an arrest on June 13, 2005, lawyer Geoffrey N. Fieger closed his case by calling Pirolozzi’s 9-year-old daughter, Shawntaa Pugh. Fieger had two questions.
“Who’s your father?”
“Shawn,” the little girl answered.
“Do you miss your daddy?” Fieger asked.
“Yes,” Shawntaa said.
__________________
For More of the Story Please Visit: http://www.cantonrep.com/communities/canton/x1194174495/Defense-starts-case-in-Canton-police-brutality-lawsuit
Officer Ronald Robert Sweeten Jr. Charged with Obtaining Merchandise by False Pretense
A Bartlesville police officer currently on administrative leave was arraigned Wednesday on charges of obtaining merchandise by false pretense.
Ronald Robert Sweeten Jr. was arraigned in Nowata County on charges stemming from an incident alleged to have occurred in 2007.
According to District Attorney Rick Esser, the state asked for a $5,000 bond but Special Judge Carl Gibson released Sweeten on his own recognizance.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by the Okahoma State Bureau of Investigation, authorities contend that Sweeten used his position at the Bartlesville Police Department to transfer a valuable Colt M-16 rifle owned by the BPD to himself for $500 by going through a Nowata gun dealer.
Authorities say the real value of the weapon has been estimated at between $8,000 and $14,000. They contend that Sweeten did this by undervaluing the cost of other weapons sold in the deal.
According to the report, Sweeten had been in contact with Nowata Firearms, a Class lll firearms dealer. The classification allows the dealer to buy and sell fully automatic weapons.
Ronald Robert Sweeten Jr. was arraigned in Nowata County on charges stemming from an incident alleged to have occurred in 2007.
According to District Attorney Rick Esser, the state asked for a $5,000 bond but Special Judge Carl Gibson released Sweeten on his own recognizance.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by the Okahoma State Bureau of Investigation, authorities contend that Sweeten used his position at the Bartlesville Police Department to transfer a valuable Colt M-16 rifle owned by the BPD to himself for $500 by going through a Nowata gun dealer.
Authorities say the real value of the weapon has been estimated at between $8,000 and $14,000. They contend that Sweeten did this by undervaluing the cost of other weapons sold in the deal.
According to the report, Sweeten had been in contact with Nowata Firearms, a Class lll firearms dealer. The classification allows the dealer to buy and sell fully automatic weapons.
Officer Tom Webster Placed on Administrative Leave
A second member of Gaylord’s Police Department has been placed on paid administrative leave.
On the recommendation of the City Attorney, council members Wednesday voted unanimously to place officer Tom Webster on non-disciplinary paid administrative leave. That action came a week after Gaylord’s City Council approved placing Gaylord Police Chief Dale Roiger on paid administrative leave.
Two weeks ago, criminal charges were filed against Roiger for allegedly planting a “bug” in the Chamber of Commerce office nearly two years ago. According to the criminal complaint, officer Webster initially denied any involvement with the planting of the digital recording device. He later said Roiger told him to plant the device in the chamber office, according to the complaint.
There have been no charges filed against Webster. Council members were initially going to consider probation terms for the officer last week. But, City Attorney Donald Lannoye recommended that before the City makes a decision, an internal investigation should be conducted.
It is Lannoye’s belief that the City does not have all the information in this case. He believes the most responsible way to handle the situation is to get all the information possible, then determine an appropriate solution.
Lannoye also recommended that Webster be placed on leave during the internal investigation. Because the allegations question Webster’s honesty, the officer could be a liability to the City at this time, Lannoye explained.
It is expected to take 2-4 weeks to complete an investigation. Because of a conflict of interest, the investigation will not be conducted by Sibley County officials. There will be no cost to the City for the investigation, Lannoye explained.
Charges against Chief Roiger in this case include illegal interception of communications and misconduct of a public officer or employee. Roiger made his first court appearance last month. A probable cause hearing has been set for Monday, June 8th.
On the recommendation of the City Attorney, council members Wednesday voted unanimously to place officer Tom Webster on non-disciplinary paid administrative leave. That action came a week after Gaylord’s City Council approved placing Gaylord Police Chief Dale Roiger on paid administrative leave.
Two weeks ago, criminal charges were filed against Roiger for allegedly planting a “bug” in the Chamber of Commerce office nearly two years ago. According to the criminal complaint, officer Webster initially denied any involvement with the planting of the digital recording device. He later said Roiger told him to plant the device in the chamber office, according to the complaint.
There have been no charges filed against Webster. Council members were initially going to consider probation terms for the officer last week. But, City Attorney Donald Lannoye recommended that before the City makes a decision, an internal investigation should be conducted.
It is Lannoye’s belief that the City does not have all the information in this case. He believes the most responsible way to handle the situation is to get all the information possible, then determine an appropriate solution.
Lannoye also recommended that Webster be placed on leave during the internal investigation. Because the allegations question Webster’s honesty, the officer could be a liability to the City at this time, Lannoye explained.
It is expected to take 2-4 weeks to complete an investigation. Because of a conflict of interest, the investigation will not be conducted by Sibley County officials. There will be no cost to the City for the investigation, Lannoye explained.
Charges against Chief Roiger in this case include illegal interception of communications and misconduct of a public officer or employee. Roiger made his first court appearance last month. A probable cause hearing has been set for Monday, June 8th.
Officer Michael Roberts Pleads Guilty to Giving Gang Members Information
A surprise guilty plea came Thursday late in the corruption trial of a Minneapolis police officer accused of giving a gang member information about a rival in exchange for cash.
Michael D. Roberts, 59, stifled sobs as he admitted in federal court to one count of unauthorized access to a protected computer and three counts of filing false tax returns as part of a plea agreement.
According to the agreement, Roberts met with a gang member on two occasions in August 2007 and gave him information about a member of a rival gang in exchange for $200. In one instance, Roberts used a police computer to get the information.
The gang member, Taylor Trump, was also an FBI informant and was secretly videotaping the meetings. Trump, who had been caught dealing drugs, told the FBI five officers were taking cash for information, but Roberts was the only officer indicted.
Attorneys for Roberts, a 27-year veteran of the department, argued that Trump and his handlers entrapped Roberts into the wrongdoing.
The defense called several witnesses, and the case had been expected to go to the jury Thursday until the judge met with attorneys behind closed doors.
Defense attorney F. Clayton Tyler said Roberts decided to plead guilty to avoid putting his family through any additional stress
The plea agreement says Roberts can't appeal his sentence if he receives 16 months in prison or less. Tyler said he hopes Judge Richard Kyle will be lenient. A sentencing date has not been set.
The filing false tax returns counts are for Roberts' admitting to working off-duty security jobs and not paying taxes for income he received.
Michael D. Roberts, 59, stifled sobs as he admitted in federal court to one count of unauthorized access to a protected computer and three counts of filing false tax returns as part of a plea agreement.
According to the agreement, Roberts met with a gang member on two occasions in August 2007 and gave him information about a member of a rival gang in exchange for $200. In one instance, Roberts used a police computer to get the information.
The gang member, Taylor Trump, was also an FBI informant and was secretly videotaping the meetings. Trump, who had been caught dealing drugs, told the FBI five officers were taking cash for information, but Roberts was the only officer indicted.
Attorneys for Roberts, a 27-year veteran of the department, argued that Trump and his handlers entrapped Roberts into the wrongdoing.
The defense called several witnesses, and the case had been expected to go to the jury Thursday until the judge met with attorneys behind closed doors.
Defense attorney F. Clayton Tyler said Roberts decided to plead guilty to avoid putting his family through any additional stress
The plea agreement says Roberts can't appeal his sentence if he receives 16 months in prison or less. Tyler said he hopes Judge Richard Kyle will be lenient. A sentencing date has not been set.
The filing false tax returns counts are for Roberts' admitting to working off-duty security jobs and not paying taxes for income he received.
California Officer Investigated after Kicking Suspect on Video
A high-speed police chase through suburban Los Angeles County on Wednesday ended with a foot pursuit and a police officer kicking a suspect in the head after he gave up and lay face down on the ground.
A KNBC-TV helicopter showed the driver speeding the wrong way down a street in an eastern area of the county. He then crashed into an oncoming vehicle, got out of the car and ran into a residential backyard.
Surrounded by high garden walls and apparently realizing he had nowhere to go, the suspect got face down on the grass with his arms outstretched.
Moments later, an officer from the El Monte Police Department ran up to the suspect and delivered what appeared to be one sharp kick to the head or neck.
The officer was soon joined by three colleagues and a police dog and could be seen giving a high-five to one officer and slapping another on the back. It was not clear whether those officers had seen the kick.
El Monte police Chief Tom Armstrong said he had not yet seen the video and could not comment.
"Before coming to any conclusion, I want to look at all the facts," Armstrong said. "I don't know what was in the mind of the officer."
The foot pursuit followed a high-speed car chase that lasted more than 30 minutes and saw the suspect lead a chaotic drive through El Monte, Whittier and other parts of eastern Los Angeles County.
The car sped through several intersections without stopping and at one point drove along a short stretch of sidewalk when it was hemmed in at a junction.
The chase started in El Monte around 1:30 p.m. after the driver failed to stop for an officer, police Lt. Chuck Carlson said. The sedan drove away at speeds of up to 80 mph in a 30 mph zone.
The car had two passengers, Carlson said. One was detained after leaping out when the car stopped in traffic, and the other was arrested after the crash, he said.
No one was seriously injured, Carlson said.
Sandi Gibbons, a spokeswoman at the Los Angeles County district attorney's office, had not seen the video and did not know if her office would conduct an independent review.
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http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ii-nV74KwzD-wx08nsbv9tqEiUMQD986BIL80
A KNBC-TV helicopter showed the driver speeding the wrong way down a street in an eastern area of the county. He then crashed into an oncoming vehicle, got out of the car and ran into a residential backyard.
Surrounded by high garden walls and apparently realizing he had nowhere to go, the suspect got face down on the grass with his arms outstretched.
Moments later, an officer from the El Monte Police Department ran up to the suspect and delivered what appeared to be one sharp kick to the head or neck.
The officer was soon joined by three colleagues and a police dog and could be seen giving a high-five to one officer and slapping another on the back. It was not clear whether those officers had seen the kick.
El Monte police Chief Tom Armstrong said he had not yet seen the video and could not comment.
"Before coming to any conclusion, I want to look at all the facts," Armstrong said. "I don't know what was in the mind of the officer."
The foot pursuit followed a high-speed car chase that lasted more than 30 minutes and saw the suspect lead a chaotic drive through El Monte, Whittier and other parts of eastern Los Angeles County.
The car sped through several intersections without stopping and at one point drove along a short stretch of sidewalk when it was hemmed in at a junction.
The chase started in El Monte around 1:30 p.m. after the driver failed to stop for an officer, police Lt. Chuck Carlson said. The sedan drove away at speeds of up to 80 mph in a 30 mph zone.
The car had two passengers, Carlson said. One was detained after leaping out when the car stopped in traffic, and the other was arrested after the crash, he said.
No one was seriously injured, Carlson said.
Sandi Gibbons, a spokeswoman at the Los Angeles County district attorney's office, had not seen the video and did not know if her office would conduct an independent review.
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http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ii-nV74KwzD-wx08nsbv9tqEiUMQD986BIL80
Animal Control Officr Roy Hamilton Charged with Animal Cruelty
Forrest City’s chief animal control officer has been charged with animal cruelty, but it’s hard to find someone who wants to talk about it on the record.
One exception is the mayor, who said the subject may be brought up at Tuesday’s city council meeting, and that “appropriate action” will be taken.
According to a report from the St. Francis County Sheriff’s Department, Roy Hamilton, 24, of 121 Early Cove, was arrested at 8:20 a.m., Wednesday and charged, according to the report, with cruelty to animals and impounding animals.
The alleged offense occurred April 4. However, there are several affidavits which allege that Hancock was not properly caring for dogs in the city’s humane shelter, dating back to Jan. 12.
The accusations are that Hamilton was not providing food or water for extended lengths of time to animals at the shelter.
The charges were brought by members of the Forrest City Area Humane Society.
One member whose name appears in the accusations, Gayden Schwartz, said she felt that she should not comment on the charges. Attempts to contact Kim Hudspeth, also with the FCAHS, were unsuccessful.
Contacted this morning, Hamilton said he had no comment on the charges.
Also contacted this morning, Mayor Gordon McCoy seemed angered by the charges.
“It’s crazy, man,” he said. “It has gone too far, that’s all I can say. I’m fixing to take appropriate action and do what I need to do. That is the bottom line.”
He declined to say what he meant by appropriate action.
“I won’t say right now,” said McCoy. “I’d rather not comment on that. I have to wait until I finish meeting with legal counsel. But I want everyone to know that we are firmly supporting Mr. Hamilton, with any means we possess. He is a city employee and he represents us.”
As far as any other comments, McCoy said, “I’m just going to wait. I certainly intend to discuss it Tuesday night.”
The charges against Hamilton make up the latest chapter in the on-going dispute between the city and the Humane Society.
Last October, Brook Goodbar resigned as animal control director, and there was some concern that animals at the shelter might be euthanized. In November, McCoy announced that Hamilton had been hired to head up animal control.
In January of this year, following a dispute at the humane shelter over the care of animals, McCoy recommended that the city and the Humane Society make a complete break.
“Sometimes you’ve got to realize when some things are working or not working,” McCoy said at the time. “Recently we’ve had a lot of discussion between Forrest City Animal Control and the Humane Society…This is part of my job, but not all of it. I owe Forrest City more than that. I wasn’t elected to spend all this time with animal control,” he said.
No council action has been taken on the matter.
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http://www.kfsm.com/news/sns-ap-ar--animalofficercharged,0,810846.story
One exception is the mayor, who said the subject may be brought up at Tuesday’s city council meeting, and that “appropriate action” will be taken.
According to a report from the St. Francis County Sheriff’s Department, Roy Hamilton, 24, of 121 Early Cove, was arrested at 8:20 a.m., Wednesday and charged, according to the report, with cruelty to animals and impounding animals.
The alleged offense occurred April 4. However, there are several affidavits which allege that Hancock was not properly caring for dogs in the city’s humane shelter, dating back to Jan. 12.
The accusations are that Hamilton was not providing food or water for extended lengths of time to animals at the shelter.
The charges were brought by members of the Forrest City Area Humane Society.
One member whose name appears in the accusations, Gayden Schwartz, said she felt that she should not comment on the charges. Attempts to contact Kim Hudspeth, also with the FCAHS, were unsuccessful.
Contacted this morning, Hamilton said he had no comment on the charges.
Also contacted this morning, Mayor Gordon McCoy seemed angered by the charges.
“It’s crazy, man,” he said. “It has gone too far, that’s all I can say. I’m fixing to take appropriate action and do what I need to do. That is the bottom line.”
He declined to say what he meant by appropriate action.
“I won’t say right now,” said McCoy. “I’d rather not comment on that. I have to wait until I finish meeting with legal counsel. But I want everyone to know that we are firmly supporting Mr. Hamilton, with any means we possess. He is a city employee and he represents us.”
As far as any other comments, McCoy said, “I’m just going to wait. I certainly intend to discuss it Tuesday night.”
The charges against Hamilton make up the latest chapter in the on-going dispute between the city and the Humane Society.
Last October, Brook Goodbar resigned as animal control director, and there was some concern that animals at the shelter might be euthanized. In November, McCoy announced that Hamilton had been hired to head up animal control.
In January of this year, following a dispute at the humane shelter over the care of animals, McCoy recommended that the city and the Humane Society make a complete break.
“Sometimes you’ve got to realize when some things are working or not working,” McCoy said at the time. “Recently we’ve had a lot of discussion between Forrest City Animal Control and the Humane Society…This is part of my job, but not all of it. I owe Forrest City more than that. I wasn’t elected to spend all this time with animal control,” he said.
No council action has been taken on the matter.
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http://www.kfsm.com/news/sns-ap-ar--animalofficercharged,0,810846.story
Former Sheriff Buck Causey Arrested for Domestic Battery
ROGERS, Ark.
A former Barton County sheriff turned himself in to authorities last week in Rogers, Ark., where he was arrested on suspicion of domestic battery and violating an order of protection.
Buck Causey, 61, was arrested last Thursday at the Rogers, Ark., Police Department on the charges and was booked in to the Benton County Jail in Arkansas. He did not have to pay a fine for his release, a jail officer said.
The Rogers Police Department had issued two warrants for Causey's arrest; the battery reportedly occurred April 4, while the violation of the protection order occurred April 20, Rogers Police Corp. Angel Murphy-Pearce confirmed.
Murphy-Pearce said Causey faces a "level three" battery charge, or a charge of the least severity signifying no serious bodily injury was involved. She could not reveal who filed the order of protection, or a protection-from-abuse order, against Causey.
Causey reported both a Rogers, Ark., address and a Great Bend address, according to the arrest report, Murphy-Pearce said. No place of employment was listed.
He is scheduled to make a court appearance June 2 in Rogers, Ark., District Court for arraignment.
This is not the first time domestic violence allegations have surfaced against Causey.
Barton County sheriff's deputies responding to a 911 call in June 2008 were dispatched to Causey's Great Bend home, after family members of Causey's wife, Linda Causey, called to report concern for her welfare after an alleged domestic violence incident. No arrest was made, however, and no charges were filed.
Although Buck Causey had filed a divorce petition in Reno County against his wife last June, he told The News in July 2008 the petition was "on hold." His attorney, Dan Forker of Hutchinson, had indicated the couple was trying to work things out.
Last month, Causey filed another divorce petition - this time in Barton County - requesting a divorce from his wife of nearly 35 years, citing incompatibility, according to the Great Bend Tribune.
Linda Causey filed a response last week, agreeing to the divorce, the Tribune reported.
Attempts by The News to reach both Buck and Linda Causey were unsuccessful.
Buck Causey previously indicated to The News last summer that he filed the first divorce petition in Reno County to avoid publicity.
Last November, Causey was defeated by Independent candidate Greg Armstrong in a hotly contested race for the sheriff's position. While Causey was initially unopposed in the race, Armstrong decided to run after the official filing deadline after reports had surfaced of alleged domestic violence in the Causey home.
Armstrong mounted a successful petition drive, garnering 650 signatures for a spot on the ballot, and then defeated Causey in the election 5,793 to 4,857 votes, or by 936 votes.
A former Barton County sheriff turned himself in to authorities last week in Rogers, Ark., where he was arrested on suspicion of domestic battery and violating an order of protection.
Buck Causey, 61, was arrested last Thursday at the Rogers, Ark., Police Department on the charges and was booked in to the Benton County Jail in Arkansas. He did not have to pay a fine for his release, a jail officer said.
The Rogers Police Department had issued two warrants for Causey's arrest; the battery reportedly occurred April 4, while the violation of the protection order occurred April 20, Rogers Police Corp. Angel Murphy-Pearce confirmed.
Murphy-Pearce said Causey faces a "level three" battery charge, or a charge of the least severity signifying no serious bodily injury was involved. She could not reveal who filed the order of protection, or a protection-from-abuse order, against Causey.
Causey reported both a Rogers, Ark., address and a Great Bend address, according to the arrest report, Murphy-Pearce said. No place of employment was listed.
He is scheduled to make a court appearance June 2 in Rogers, Ark., District Court for arraignment.
This is not the first time domestic violence allegations have surfaced against Causey.
Barton County sheriff's deputies responding to a 911 call in June 2008 were dispatched to Causey's Great Bend home, after family members of Causey's wife, Linda Causey, called to report concern for her welfare after an alleged domestic violence incident. No arrest was made, however, and no charges were filed.
Although Buck Causey had filed a divorce petition in Reno County against his wife last June, he told The News in July 2008 the petition was "on hold." His attorney, Dan Forker of Hutchinson, had indicated the couple was trying to work things out.
Last month, Causey filed another divorce petition - this time in Barton County - requesting a divorce from his wife of nearly 35 years, citing incompatibility, according to the Great Bend Tribune.
Linda Causey filed a response last week, agreeing to the divorce, the Tribune reported.
Attempts by The News to reach both Buck and Linda Causey were unsuccessful.
Buck Causey previously indicated to The News last summer that he filed the first divorce petition in Reno County to avoid publicity.
Last November, Causey was defeated by Independent candidate Greg Armstrong in a hotly contested race for the sheriff's position. While Causey was initially unopposed in the race, Armstrong decided to run after the official filing deadline after reports had surfaced of alleged domestic violence in the Causey home.
Armstrong mounted a successful petition drive, garnering 650 signatures for a spot on the ballot, and then defeated Causey in the election 5,793 to 4,857 votes, or by 936 votes.
Cops High-Five Each Other After Kicking Man
NBC Chicago highlights a nasty piece of police brutality that was caught on tape in El Monte, California. After leading police on a high-speed chase, a suspect flees on foot but quickly realizes he can't escape and lies on the ground with his hands and legs spread awaiting arrest. A cop runs over and promptly, and viciously, kicks him in the face. As NBC Chicago notes, the police added insult to injury by high-fiving each other after the incident. More details can be found here.
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For More information & Video Please visit:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/13/police-brutality-cops-pun_n_203245.html
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For More information & Video Please visit:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/13/police-brutality-cops-pun_n_203245.html
Officer Robert Cirello Accused of Throwing Tobacco Juice At Two Motorists
The Baltimore police officer who was arrested in connection with a traffic altercation in Bel Air last week is accused of throwing a cup of tobacco juice at two motorists and flashing his Glock handgun at them, according to arrest documents on file with the Harford County District Court.
Robert G. Cirello, a decorated seven-year veteran of the force and a member of its SWAT team, was off duty when he turned right into a northbound lane of Emmorton Road about 12:30 p.m. May 8. The driver of second car, who felt he cut them off, honked at Cirello, according to police documents.
Cirello, 30, of Abingdon, then stopped his sport utility vehicle, and as the second car slowed down and attempted to pass, Cirello tossed a cup of tobacco juice through its open windows, striking the driver and another occupant, they told police. The men allege that Cirello pointed a black handgun at them before driving away, court documents said.
When state police later stopped Cirello's vehicle near Routes 24 and 1, they noticed a black .40-caliber Glock pistol protruding from his waistband and arrested him without incident. Cirello, who is licensed to carry a weapon, admitted throwing the tobacco juice but denied pointing the handgun, documents say.
City officer accused of road rage Cirello, a New Jersey native and former paramedic who responded to the scene of the collapsed Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001, won a departmental commendation and was invited to the Maryland governor's mansion after being shot in the line of duty in Patterson Park in September 2006. He served in the Southeast District of the Baltimore force for five years.
Cirello, who did not respond to messages seeking comment, was charged with two counts each of first-degree assault, second-degree assault and reckless endangerment. He was released on $20,000 bond. A court date is scheduled for June 4. Cirello is suspended from the police force until the criminal and departmental investigations are complete.
"The commissioner takes these kinds of matters extremely seriously," said Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesman for the Baltimore City Police. "The department is committed to seeing how the legal process plays itself out, of course, but behavior of the kind alleged will not be tolerated."
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Robert G. Cirello, a decorated seven-year veteran of the force and a member of its SWAT team, was off duty when he turned right into a northbound lane of Emmorton Road about 12:30 p.m. May 8. The driver of second car, who felt he cut them off, honked at Cirello, according to police documents.
Cirello, 30, of Abingdon, then stopped his sport utility vehicle, and as the second car slowed down and attempted to pass, Cirello tossed a cup of tobacco juice through its open windows, striking the driver and another occupant, they told police. The men allege that Cirello pointed a black handgun at them before driving away, court documents said.
When state police later stopped Cirello's vehicle near Routes 24 and 1, they noticed a black .40-caliber Glock pistol protruding from his waistband and arrested him without incident. Cirello, who is licensed to carry a weapon, admitted throwing the tobacco juice but denied pointing the handgun, documents say.
City officer accused of road rage Cirello, a New Jersey native and former paramedic who responded to the scene of the collapsed Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001, won a departmental commendation and was invited to the Maryland governor's mansion after being shot in the line of duty in Patterson Park in September 2006. He served in the Southeast District of the Baltimore force for five years.
Cirello, who did not respond to messages seeking comment, was charged with two counts each of first-degree assault, second-degree assault and reckless endangerment. He was released on $20,000 bond. A court date is scheduled for June 4. Cirello is suspended from the police force until the criminal and departmental investigations are complete.
"The commissioner takes these kinds of matters extremely seriously," said Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesman for the Baltimore City Police. "The department is committed to seeing how the legal process plays itself out, of course, but behavior of the kind alleged will not be tolerated."
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Previous Information:
Former Deputy Aaron Hundersmarck Accused of Sexually Molesting Teen
A former Canyon County Sheriff's deputy is accused of sexually abusing a teen girl.
John Bujak, Canyon County prosecutor, says Aaron Hundersmarck of Nampa sexually molested a 16-year-old. He's charged with two counts of sexual battery with a 16 or 17-year-old.
According to court documents, the alleged abuse occurred in April when Hundersmarck went to the teen girl's house and expressed an interest in the girl. The mother of the teen apparently saw her daughter's hand on Hundersmarck's genitalia.
Documents later allege that Hundersmarck continued to touch the teen. He also is alleged to ask the teen's mother to have sexual relations with her daughter.
Prosecutors say Hundersmarck was a deputy with the Canyon County Jail from 2001 to 2003.
Former Officer Carl Beckman Receives 3-Year Sentence
He went from putting people behind bars to being behind bars himself.
Former Sylvania officer Carl Beckman received a 3-year sentence Thursday.
Beckman was one of the oldest officers in the Sylvania Police Department. The detective assigned to the case knew him for years, and was stunned. Why?
Because Beckman was the one who trained him.
"It's probably been one of my worst cases I've had to investigate when you have to investigate your own fellow officers," said Mike Yunker of the Sylvania Police Department.
Beckman worked court security at Sylvania Municipal Court by himself. For the last 13 years he embezzled money from the property room.
"In the past, he may have taken money out of the newer cases to pay for some of the older cases," said Yunker.
No one noticed that he stole the money seized in drug cases over time. The tally was nearly $30,000.
"We understand he is behind on some payments with some things. But he didn't live a lavish lifestyle," Yunker said. "Those in public trust have to uphold the law and do what they're sworn to do by their oath."
Now Beckman is left explaining himself to the judge after pleading guilty to theft in office.
"I want to apologize to the court and the citizens of Sylvania, the city I served for 36 years."
Beckman's attorney asked for probation, saying police officers in prison are a target to other inmates.
But the judge issued a three year sentence, showing that no one is above the law.
Former Sylvania officer Carl Beckman received a 3-year sentence Thursday.
Beckman was one of the oldest officers in the Sylvania Police Department. The detective assigned to the case knew him for years, and was stunned. Why?
Because Beckman was the one who trained him.
"It's probably been one of my worst cases I've had to investigate when you have to investigate your own fellow officers," said Mike Yunker of the Sylvania Police Department.
Beckman worked court security at Sylvania Municipal Court by himself. For the last 13 years he embezzled money from the property room.
"In the past, he may have taken money out of the newer cases to pay for some of the older cases," said Yunker.
No one noticed that he stole the money seized in drug cases over time. The tally was nearly $30,000.
"We understand he is behind on some payments with some things. But he didn't live a lavish lifestyle," Yunker said. "Those in public trust have to uphold the law and do what they're sworn to do by their oath."
Now Beckman is left explaining himself to the judge after pleading guilty to theft in office.
"I want to apologize to the court and the citizens of Sylvania, the city I served for 36 years."
Beckman's attorney asked for probation, saying police officers in prison are a target to other inmates.
But the judge issued a three year sentence, showing that no one is above the law.
Officer Sarah Messier Placed on Administrative Leave
Richmond Police Officer Sarah Messier has been placed on administrative leave. No reason was given.
Messier thinks it may have to do with a call she placed to Chief William Miller. She claims she called Miller after hours to discuss a rumor she heard about her future with the department.
Messier filed a complaint with the town last year claiming she was passed up for a promotion given to someone who was less qualified for the job.
Messier thinks it may have to do with a call she placed to Chief William Miller. She claims she called Miller after hours to discuss a rumor she heard about her future with the department.
Messier filed a complaint with the town last year claiming she was passed up for a promotion given to someone who was less qualified for the job.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Former Officer Travis Rector Found Guilty of Assault
A district court judge found former Hendersonville Police Officer Travis Rector guilty of assault on a female Wednesday stemming from an altercation with his wife, Kelli.
Rector said he will appeal the conviction to Superior Court. Chief Herbert Blake said Rector is no longer a police officer, effective Wednesday.
During testimony, Rector said he had an argument with Kelli because “(I) wasn’t faithful to my wife.” The argument became heated and Rector said he attempted to leave the room.
Kelli threw a snack cake in his face, which made it difficult for him to breathe and caused him pain.
Rector said he pushed Kelli away but never hit her. Kelli stumbled backward and sat down against the wall, where she started to cry, Rector said.
“I told her I didn’t mean for her to get hit like that,” he added.
Rector tried to comfort her, but she told him to leave her alone and went into the bathroom. Kelli eventually left the apartment to go to her brother’s home, and Rector drove to his sister’s house in Transylvania County.
James Patterson, Kelli’s brother, said Kelli pulled into his driveway and got out of the car.
“She walked up, and I could tell she had been crying,” Patterson said.
He noticed that Kelli “had a black eye.” She was shaking and not coherent, he said.
Prosecuting Attorney David Norris showed Patterson a photo of Kelli taken after the incident. He was asked if the photo accurately represented Kelli’s injuries.
“To me, she looked worse than that,” Patterson said.
Henderson County Sheriff’s Deputy Steve Ridgeway contacted Rector and met him at the apartment later in the evening. Rector jumped out of his truck and spoke with Ridgeway.
“He said ... ‘She came at me first. It was self-defense,’” Ridgeway said.
Rector showed Ridgeway where the confrontation took place. When asked to explain what happened in detail, Ridgeway said Rector stated, “She bruised easily.”
He said he saw no marks or injuries on Rector, but did see slight remnants of the snack cake on his shirt.
Rector was cooperative during the conversation and when he was placed under arrest, Ridgeway said. A magistrate allowed Rector to bond immediately after the arrest, waving the normal 48-hour period because of concerns of Rector’s safety in the jail.
Rector’s attorney, Trey Yelverton, said the prosecution’s witnesses had inconsistencies in their stories. He added that a jury would not convict Rector because his client was clearly acting in self-defense.
Judge Patricia Young sentenced Rector to 12 months supervised probation and ordered him to complete a 26-week domestic violence course. With the appeal, Rector has the right to a jury trial and will not serve Young’s sentence if he gets a new trial.
Rector and Kelli are supposedly back together. A court order had barred him from having contact with Kelli. The order was dropped at her consent.
Resource Officer Jason Casper Accused of Unwanted Sexual Contact
MILTON
A Janesville teenager has accused Milton Police Department's school resource officer of "unwanted sexual contact," according to a Janesville Police Department incident report.
The report lists Jason W. Casper, 38, Milton, as the suspect. Casper works for Milton police in the Milton School District.
A Milton Police Department news release said Monday that a department employee who worked in the school district had been put on paid administrative leave as part of a criminal investigation. Casper is the department's sole school resource officer, according to the department's Web site.
Milton police, Janesville police, the Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation and the Rock County Sheriff's Office are investigating the case.
According to the incident report, an 18-year-old woman contacted Janesville police late Saturday night about unwanted sexual contact from Casper. The alleged contact took place between Sept. 1 and Nov. 30, when the girl was 17, according to the report.
The alleged incident happened in Milton's jurisdiction, but Milton asked the Janesville Police Department to investigate, said Lt. Tim Hiers with the Janesville Police Department. He referred all questions to the Milton Police Department.
Milton police learned about the allegations Sunday, Chief Jerry Schuetz said.
Schuetz declined to comment on what kind of sexual contact the incident involved or what evidence has been collected. He did not say if there are other potential victims.
He hopes to release more information by the end of the week, he said.
Casper has been the department's school district liaison since about 2000, according to a 2004 Janesville Gazette story.
A Janesville teenager has accused Milton Police Department's school resource officer of "unwanted sexual contact," according to a Janesville Police Department incident report.
The report lists Jason W. Casper, 38, Milton, as the suspect. Casper works for Milton police in the Milton School District.
A Milton Police Department news release said Monday that a department employee who worked in the school district had been put on paid administrative leave as part of a criminal investigation. Casper is the department's sole school resource officer, according to the department's Web site.
Milton police, Janesville police, the Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation and the Rock County Sheriff's Office are investigating the case.
According to the incident report, an 18-year-old woman contacted Janesville police late Saturday night about unwanted sexual contact from Casper. The alleged contact took place between Sept. 1 and Nov. 30, when the girl was 17, according to the report.
The alleged incident happened in Milton's jurisdiction, but Milton asked the Janesville Police Department to investigate, said Lt. Tim Hiers with the Janesville Police Department. He referred all questions to the Milton Police Department.
Milton police learned about the allegations Sunday, Chief Jerry Schuetz said.
Schuetz declined to comment on what kind of sexual contact the incident involved or what evidence has been collected. He did not say if there are other potential victims.
He hopes to release more information by the end of the week, he said.
Casper has been the department's school district liaison since about 2000, according to a 2004 Janesville Gazette story.
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Detective Daniel Clayton Bell Arrested for Drunk Driving
An off-duty detective was drunk and texting on his cell phone when he crashed into a parked car in Hallam during the early morning hours of May 3, police said.
Daniel Clayton Bell, 35, of the first block of Buttonwood Lane, Hellam Township, was charged Wednesday with driving under the influence-general impairment, driving under the influence-highest rate of alcohol, accidents involving damage to unattended property and careless driving.
Just after 3 a.m., Hellam Township police were called to a crash in the 400 block of East Market Street, Hallam, where they found Bell's silver Jeep Cherokee overturned in the middle of road.
Bell's Jeep hit a parked vehicle so hard that it knocked off a passenger-side rear tire, according to court records.
Bell, a detective with the Columbia Borough Police Department in Lancaster County, left the scene and was found a few blocks away, according to court records. Police found Bell's wallet, identification, driver's license, police badge and .25-caliber handgun inside his wrecked car, court records state.
Bell was treated for cuts to his left arm and face and taken back to the crash scene.
He was arrested for drunken driving after police smelled alcohol on him and noted Bell's eyes were glassy and bloodshot, according to court records. Police also noted Bell had slurred speech.
Bell was taken to Memorial Hospital for a blood test, which determined Bell had a 0.184 percent blood-alcohol content - more than twice the limit at which a driver is considered drunk in Pennsylvania.
Bell told police he started drinking about 5 p.m. May 2 and drank with several friends in Lancaster, court records said.
During a ride back home to Hellam Township, Bell apologized several times and said his career as a police officer was over, according to police. Bell told police he hoped he could be a learning experience for younger police officers.
Bell admitted he was texting a message on his Blackberry when he struck the parked car, according to court records.
Bell is suspended with pay pending the outcome of the charges, according to a Columbia department spokesperson.
Bell could not be reached Wednesday for comment.
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http://www.wgal.com/news/19450195/detail.html
Daniel Clayton Bell, 35, of the first block of Buttonwood Lane, Hellam Township, was charged Wednesday with driving under the influence-general impairment, driving under the influence-highest rate of alcohol, accidents involving damage to unattended property and careless driving.
Just after 3 a.m., Hellam Township police were called to a crash in the 400 block of East Market Street, Hallam, where they found Bell's silver Jeep Cherokee overturned in the middle of road.
Bell's Jeep hit a parked vehicle so hard that it knocked off a passenger-side rear tire, according to court records.
Bell, a detective with the Columbia Borough Police Department in Lancaster County, left the scene and was found a few blocks away, according to court records. Police found Bell's wallet, identification, driver's license, police badge and .25-caliber handgun inside his wrecked car, court records state.
Bell was treated for cuts to his left arm and face and taken back to the crash scene.
He was arrested for drunken driving after police smelled alcohol on him and noted Bell's eyes were glassy and bloodshot, according to court records. Police also noted Bell had slurred speech.
Bell was taken to Memorial Hospital for a blood test, which determined Bell had a 0.184 percent blood-alcohol content - more than twice the limit at which a driver is considered drunk in Pennsylvania.
Bell told police he started drinking about 5 p.m. May 2 and drank with several friends in Lancaster, court records said.
During a ride back home to Hellam Township, Bell apologized several times and said his career as a police officer was over, according to police. Bell told police he hoped he could be a learning experience for younger police officers.
Bell admitted he was texting a message on his Blackberry when he struck the parked car, according to court records.
Bell is suspended with pay pending the outcome of the charges, according to a Columbia department spokesperson.
Bell could not be reached Wednesday for comment.
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http://www.wgal.com/news/19450195/detail.html
Former Trooper Jonathan Williams Arrested for Indecent Behavior with Teen
A former state trooper arrested in April in Monroe on two counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile has been booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on similar counts.
The 29 year-old Jonathan Dennis Williams, of West Monroe, was booked Monday on one count each of indecent behavior with a juvenile and pornography involving a juvenile.
An affidavit of probable cause says Williams received a lewd photo from a 16-year-old boy on Jan. 6 while attending the State Police academy in Baton Rouge. The affidavit said Williams sent a lewd photo to the juvenile two days later.
Williams was fired in April from his position as a probationary officer assigned to Troop F in Monroe.
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Information: http://www.wafb.com/Global/story.asp?S=10355241&nav=menu57_2
The 29 year-old Jonathan Dennis Williams, of West Monroe, was booked Monday on one count each of indecent behavior with a juvenile and pornography involving a juvenile.
An affidavit of probable cause says Williams received a lewd photo from a 16-year-old boy on Jan. 6 while attending the State Police academy in Baton Rouge. The affidavit said Williams sent a lewd photo to the juvenile two days later.
Williams was fired in April from his position as a probationary officer assigned to Troop F in Monroe.
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Information: http://www.wafb.com/Global/story.asp?S=10355241&nav=menu57_2
Former Deputy Terrence Greenwald Charged with Sexual Crimes Against Children
A preliminary hearing will be held July 1 for the former Waukesha County sheriff's deputy charged with sexual crimes involving two children.
Terrence L. Greenwald, 55, of Summit made his initial appearance Wednesday in Waukesha County Circuit Court.
He was charged last month with seven counts of first-degree sexual assault, three counts of second-degree sexual assault, eight counts of child enticement and one count of causing a child ages 13 to 18 to view sexual activity. All the charges are felonies.
The alleged incidents occurred between July 1, 1997, and Sept. 1, 2008, according to court records.
Greenwald, who was a court bailiff, retired from the Sheriff's Department on Dec. 7, 2007.
Bail was set at $100,000 last month for Greenwald, who posted the cash last month.
His attorney, Jennifer Dorow, asked Commissioner Martin Binn on Wednesday to reduce bail to $50,000. Binn declined.
"The allegations are numerous. He is facing hundreds of years' imprisonment if convicted of all of these offenses. This court does not believe that the $100,000 cash bail previously set is unreasonable under the circumstances," Binn said.
Future court proceedings will be handled by Jefferson County Circuit Judge William F. Hue. He has been appointed to handle the case because Greenwald is a former Waukesha County deputy.
A special prosecutor, Robert Repischak, an assistant district attorney from Racine County, also has been appointed.
Terrence L. Greenwald, 55, of Summit made his initial appearance Wednesday in Waukesha County Circuit Court.
He was charged last month with seven counts of first-degree sexual assault, three counts of second-degree sexual assault, eight counts of child enticement and one count of causing a child ages 13 to 18 to view sexual activity. All the charges are felonies.
The alleged incidents occurred between July 1, 1997, and Sept. 1, 2008, according to court records.
Greenwald, who was a court bailiff, retired from the Sheriff's Department on Dec. 7, 2007.
Bail was set at $100,000 last month for Greenwald, who posted the cash last month.
His attorney, Jennifer Dorow, asked Commissioner Martin Binn on Wednesday to reduce bail to $50,000. Binn declined.
"The allegations are numerous. He is facing hundreds of years' imprisonment if convicted of all of these offenses. This court does not believe that the $100,000 cash bail previously set is unreasonable under the circumstances," Binn said.
Future court proceedings will be handled by Jefferson County Circuit Judge William F. Hue. He has been appointed to handle the case because Greenwald is a former Waukesha County deputy.
A special prosecutor, Robert Repischak, an assistant district attorney from Racine County, also has been appointed.
Former Officer Jamie Buford Receives 6-Year Sentence
A former South Bend Police officer will spend six years behind bars for selling stolen guns and drugs.
Back in February, former St. Joseph County Officers Andrew Taghon and Ryan Huston and former South Bend Officer Jamie Buford all pleaded guilty to wire fraud, drug, and weapons charges.
They took drugs, guns, and electronics from two trailers and sold them with the help of a convicted felon.
On Thursday, Buford was sentenced to six years behind bars.
Taghon was sentenced on Wednesday and will spend six and a half years behind bars.
Huston will learn his punishment for the crime in July.
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http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/44921282.html
Back in February, former St. Joseph County Officers Andrew Taghon and Ryan Huston and former South Bend Officer Jamie Buford all pleaded guilty to wire fraud, drug, and weapons charges.
They took drugs, guns, and electronics from two trailers and sold them with the help of a convicted felon.
On Thursday, Buford was sentenced to six years behind bars.
Taghon was sentenced on Wednesday and will spend six and a half years behind bars.
Huston will learn his punishment for the crime in July.
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http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/44921282.html
Former Officer Daniel Griffin Arrested for Impersonating Officer
A former Kingston police officer fired in 2007 still acts like he’s a cop at times and his antics got him arrested for impersonating a police officer in Berks County, according to charges filed Wednesday.
Daniel Griffin, 45, was captured in downtown Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday morning on an arrest warrant from Fleetwood Borough police. The warrant claims he pulled a badge and identified himself as a cop when police pulled him over in a personal vehicle customized to look like an unmarked police car.
Kingston officials fired Griffin in 2007. He was later convicted for altering documents and forging a signature of his police chief to obtain a tactical shotgun manufactured only for police departments.
“If you remember, we arrested him. Nothing surprises me,” said Kingston police Chief Keith Keiper. “He kept saying he was a police officer after he was arrested.”
Griffin, of Swoyersville, is charged with impersonating a police officer and providing false information to law enforcement. Magisterial District Judge Michael Dotzel of Wilkes-Barre Township released Griffin on unsecured bail. Dotzel ordered Griffin to answer to the charges in Berks County within 10 days.
After his arraignment, Griffin spoke to reporters and called his arrest a “political issue” and retaliation by Kingston officials for filing a federal lawsuit against them after his arrest. He insisted he was never fired, but retired because of a disability. Griffin claims the charges in Berks County are “false” and said he “took no official action whatsoever.”
According to arrest papers:
Police on May 7 spotted a 2003 gray Ford Crown Victoria Interceptor that “appeared to be an unmarked police vehicle.” The car had a black front license plate that says “POLICE” and red “K-9” decals on the trunk. After clocking the vehicle traveling 60 mph in a 35 mph zone, police stopped the car.
Griffin immediately hopped out of the vehicle, waving a police badge. He ignore commands to return to his vehicle, approached the officers, identified himself as a Kingston cop, and flashed a gold Kingston police badge. He then handed over an expired state-issued police identification card.
Griffin said the car he was driving is his personal vehicle, but he uses it for police work. He said he’s retired, but still works as a K-9 officer and undercover detective.
Griffin was issued a warning for speeding. Police later contacted Keiper, who advised Griffin was terminated and was told not to associate himself with the department.
Police in Fleetwood did not say whether the badge Griffin flashed was authentic. Keiper on Wednesday said Griffin had relinquished his department-issued badge at the time he was fired.
In December 2008, Griffin filed a federal lawsuit against Kingston, its administrator, police chief and civil service commission, alleging the charges stemming from the gun purchase were “planned, conceived and plotted” with the intent of “ruining his reputation.” Police said Griffin bought the gun in 2003, but they weren’t tipped off to the purchase until May 2007 when Griffin submitted a reimbursement form to the municipality under the auspice of his uniform allowance.
Griffin, the department’s firearms instructor, claimed he purchased the gun for the department’s use. He has appealed his conviction and says his sentence of probation has been “stayed,” pending the appeal.
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Other Information: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/20090513_ap_firedpacopaccusedofimpersonatingofficer.html
Daniel Griffin, 45, was captured in downtown Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday morning on an arrest warrant from Fleetwood Borough police. The warrant claims he pulled a badge and identified himself as a cop when police pulled him over in a personal vehicle customized to look like an unmarked police car.
Kingston officials fired Griffin in 2007. He was later convicted for altering documents and forging a signature of his police chief to obtain a tactical shotgun manufactured only for police departments.
“If you remember, we arrested him. Nothing surprises me,” said Kingston police Chief Keith Keiper. “He kept saying he was a police officer after he was arrested.”
Griffin, of Swoyersville, is charged with impersonating a police officer and providing false information to law enforcement. Magisterial District Judge Michael Dotzel of Wilkes-Barre Township released Griffin on unsecured bail. Dotzel ordered Griffin to answer to the charges in Berks County within 10 days.
After his arraignment, Griffin spoke to reporters and called his arrest a “political issue” and retaliation by Kingston officials for filing a federal lawsuit against them after his arrest. He insisted he was never fired, but retired because of a disability. Griffin claims the charges in Berks County are “false” and said he “took no official action whatsoever.”
According to arrest papers:
Police on May 7 spotted a 2003 gray Ford Crown Victoria Interceptor that “appeared to be an unmarked police vehicle.” The car had a black front license plate that says “POLICE” and red “K-9” decals on the trunk. After clocking the vehicle traveling 60 mph in a 35 mph zone, police stopped the car.
Griffin immediately hopped out of the vehicle, waving a police badge. He ignore commands to return to his vehicle, approached the officers, identified himself as a Kingston cop, and flashed a gold Kingston police badge. He then handed over an expired state-issued police identification card.
Griffin said the car he was driving is his personal vehicle, but he uses it for police work. He said he’s retired, but still works as a K-9 officer and undercover detective.
Griffin was issued a warning for speeding. Police later contacted Keiper, who advised Griffin was terminated and was told not to associate himself with the department.
Police in Fleetwood did not say whether the badge Griffin flashed was authentic. Keiper on Wednesday said Griffin had relinquished his department-issued badge at the time he was fired.
In December 2008, Griffin filed a federal lawsuit against Kingston, its administrator, police chief and civil service commission, alleging the charges stemming from the gun purchase were “planned, conceived and plotted” with the intent of “ruining his reputation.” Police said Griffin bought the gun in 2003, but they weren’t tipped off to the purchase until May 2007 when Griffin submitted a reimbursement form to the municipality under the auspice of his uniform allowance.
Griffin, the department’s firearms instructor, claimed he purchased the gun for the department’s use. He has appealed his conviction and says his sentence of probation has been “stayed,” pending the appeal.
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Other Information: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/20090513_ap_firedpacopaccusedofimpersonatingofficer.html
Encounter with 2 King County Deputies Leaves Man in Coma
SEATTLE
Conflicting reports are emerging about when two King County Sheriff’s deputies identified themselves to a man who ran from them Sunday morning in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood.
Christopher Harris, 29, is now on life support in a coma with severe head injuries after hitting his head on a wall as he was being arrested.
According to the Seattle Times, an attorney for Harris’ family says deputies Matthew Paul and Joseph Eshom both wore black uniforms and yelled at Harris from a half-block away in a darkened alley. Attorney Sim Osborn says one witness reported the deputies did not identify themselves as officers until Harris began running down the alley. Osborn said Harris eventually stopped running after realizing who was chasing him.
But other witnesses say they thought Paul and Eshom yelled “police” right away.
A King County sheriff’s spokesman, Sgt. John Urquhart, would not comment to the Times because the investigation is still ongoing.
The arrest happened outside the Cinerama Theater and there is surveillance video that reportedly gives a clear view of the arrest. Urquhart said the sheriff’s office plans to release the video after the initial investigation is completed.
Osborn said he hasn’t seen the video, but he says a witness told investigators that Harris held his hands up and then was blindsided.
"From what I understand, the video is fairly sickening,” Osborn told the Times.
Paul, 26, is the one who made the arrest. Urquhart says he is being placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard in cases like these. Eshom, 28, will be back on the job tonight. Both are assigned to the graveyard shift for Metro Transit police, which patrols bus routes and shelters.
On Sunday morning at about 1 a.m., the pair was on foot patrol when they responded to a stabbing at a convenience store. The sheriff’s office said someone identified Harris as a suspect, leading to the chase and arrest. Surveillance video from the convenience store shows Harris was not involved in the stabbing, but the deputies did not know that at the time.
It’s still not clear why Harris ran in the first place. Doctors can’t yet say if Harris will recover.
After the sheriff’s office investigation, Seattle police will conduct a review to confirm the findings. Harris’ family wants an independent investigation by the Washington State Patrol.
Even if they are cleared of criminal wrongdoing, Paul and Eshom could face disciplinary action by the department.
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http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009213641_arrest13m.html
Conflicting reports are emerging about when two King County Sheriff’s deputies identified themselves to a man who ran from them Sunday morning in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood.
Christopher Harris, 29, is now on life support in a coma with severe head injuries after hitting his head on a wall as he was being arrested.
According to the Seattle Times, an attorney for Harris’ family says deputies Matthew Paul and Joseph Eshom both wore black uniforms and yelled at Harris from a half-block away in a darkened alley. Attorney Sim Osborn says one witness reported the deputies did not identify themselves as officers until Harris began running down the alley. Osborn said Harris eventually stopped running after realizing who was chasing him.
But other witnesses say they thought Paul and Eshom yelled “police” right away.
A King County sheriff’s spokesman, Sgt. John Urquhart, would not comment to the Times because the investigation is still ongoing.
The arrest happened outside the Cinerama Theater and there is surveillance video that reportedly gives a clear view of the arrest. Urquhart said the sheriff’s office plans to release the video after the initial investigation is completed.
Osborn said he hasn’t seen the video, but he says a witness told investigators that Harris held his hands up and then was blindsided.
"From what I understand, the video is fairly sickening,” Osborn told the Times.
Paul, 26, is the one who made the arrest. Urquhart says he is being placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard in cases like these. Eshom, 28, will be back on the job tonight. Both are assigned to the graveyard shift for Metro Transit police, which patrols bus routes and shelters.
On Sunday morning at about 1 a.m., the pair was on foot patrol when they responded to a stabbing at a convenience store. The sheriff’s office said someone identified Harris as a suspect, leading to the chase and arrest. Surveillance video from the convenience store shows Harris was not involved in the stabbing, but the deputies did not know that at the time.
It’s still not clear why Harris ran in the first place. Doctors can’t yet say if Harris will recover.
After the sheriff’s office investigation, Seattle police will conduct a review to confirm the findings. Harris’ family wants an independent investigation by the Washington State Patrol.
Even if they are cleared of criminal wrongdoing, Paul and Eshom could face disciplinary action by the department.
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http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009213641_arrest13m.html
Officer Dina Hoffman Investigated for Perjury
A Montgomery County Police officer who is being investigated for criminal perjury remains on duty with no restrictions, police officials said Tuesday.
"We do treat these allegations seriously. We have to let this process take place," Lt. Paul Starks, a police spokesman, said.
Officer II Dina Hoffman testified in April that she arrested a Rockville man for driving under the influence behind the wheel of a parked car. A recording from a security camera showed the man was lying down in the back seat, with his feet out the open passenger side door, when she approached him.
The Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office referred the case to the Howard County State's Attorney's Office because county prosecutors might be questioned, said Seth Zucker, a spokesman for the Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office.
Howard County's State's Attorney's Office has been notified and is waiting to receive the case against Hoffman, its spokesman, Wayne Kirwan, said Tuesday.
Starks acknowledged that the department is concerned that Hoffman's testimony in other cases might be impugned as she continues on duty.
"In situations like that, there is always that concern," Starks said.
George Zaliev, 56, of Rockville, was arrested about 7:30 p.m. May 3, 2008, for DUI at the parking lot of Sarkissian Interiors at 8537 Atlas Drive in Gaithersburg. Police said a preliminary breath test showed a blood alcohol content of 0.15, nearly twice the legal limit.
At his Montgomery County District Court trial, Hoffman testified 11 times that she found Zaliev in the front driver's seat. She said she shook him awake and he was not cooperative in doing field sobriety tests.
Zaliev's attorney, Paul E. Mack of Columbia, used a laptop computer to show a video from a security camera at Sarkissian that recorded the arrest.
The footage shows Hoffman arrived and immediately walked up to Zaliev as he was lying in the back seat.
Hoffman, a three-year veteran, has not returned messages or requests for interviews.
After Judge Dennis A. McHugh viewed the tape, he ruled the arrest lacked probable cause. The judge found Zaliev not guilty.
"I've done enough of these that I know, without the video, it would have been my client's word against the officer's and I probably wouldn't have won," Mack said in an interview.
Mack contacted reporters after receiving a transcript of the trial.
By lying in the back seat of the car, Zaliev did nothing illegal and should not have been arrested, Mack said.
Zaliev, an upholsterer, was waiting in his friend's car for his friend to get off work and drive him home, Mack said.
In her testimony at the April 2 trial, Hoffman claimed she approached Zaliev on the left side of the car where he sat behind the wheel asleep. She described shaking his shoulder to wake him.
"He was just sitting in the front seat, kind of sitting there sleeping," Hoffman testified.
After the recording was played in the courtroom, Hoffman was asked whether she was wrong about Zaliev's position in the car.
"Yeah, I must have been," Hoffman testified. "My apologies. It's been over a year. I deal with a lot of these cases every day so my apologies."
But Hoffman then said Zaliev "must've admitted to me that he was driving the vehicle at some point."
If Zaliev had been convicted, he would have faced a maximum sentence of $1,000 fine and a year in jail.
"If it was determined there's perjury in this case, this is the kind of case that would undermine the authority of police and the perception of good officers out there doing their job," said Christopher Heffernan, chairman of the Maryland State Bar Association's litigation committee. "This would damage the police officers who are doing a good job out there to protect us. This is disturbing to everyone who looks up to the police and relies on them to protect us from the bad guys."
Emily White of the Montgomery County State's Attorney's office said the office did not know how many cases might have to be dropped or delayed because prosecution depends on Hoffman's testimony.
Hoffman has eight traffic cases pending and no criminal cases, Starks said. But Hoffman could be called as a witness in cases where she responded to a call from another officer.
Although allegations of perjury are not uncommon, it is very rare that such cases are ever brought to trial, and Heffernan said he could not remember any that involved police officers.
Asked whether Montgomery County Police had faced perjury allegations against an officer recently, Starks said he asked internal affairs to check through 2005 and found no cases.
"We do treat these allegations seriously. We have to let this process take place," Lt. Paul Starks, a police spokesman, said.
Officer II Dina Hoffman testified in April that she arrested a Rockville man for driving under the influence behind the wheel of a parked car. A recording from a security camera showed the man was lying down in the back seat, with his feet out the open passenger side door, when she approached him.
The Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office referred the case to the Howard County State's Attorney's Office because county prosecutors might be questioned, said Seth Zucker, a spokesman for the Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office.
Howard County's State's Attorney's Office has been notified and is waiting to receive the case against Hoffman, its spokesman, Wayne Kirwan, said Tuesday.
Starks acknowledged that the department is concerned that Hoffman's testimony in other cases might be impugned as she continues on duty.
"In situations like that, there is always that concern," Starks said.
George Zaliev, 56, of Rockville, was arrested about 7:30 p.m. May 3, 2008, for DUI at the parking lot of Sarkissian Interiors at 8537 Atlas Drive in Gaithersburg. Police said a preliminary breath test showed a blood alcohol content of 0.15, nearly twice the legal limit.
At his Montgomery County District Court trial, Hoffman testified 11 times that she found Zaliev in the front driver's seat. She said she shook him awake and he was not cooperative in doing field sobriety tests.
Zaliev's attorney, Paul E. Mack of Columbia, used a laptop computer to show a video from a security camera at Sarkissian that recorded the arrest.
The footage shows Hoffman arrived and immediately walked up to Zaliev as he was lying in the back seat.
Hoffman, a three-year veteran, has not returned messages or requests for interviews.
After Judge Dennis A. McHugh viewed the tape, he ruled the arrest lacked probable cause. The judge found Zaliev not guilty.
"I've done enough of these that I know, without the video, it would have been my client's word against the officer's and I probably wouldn't have won," Mack said in an interview.
Mack contacted reporters after receiving a transcript of the trial.
By lying in the back seat of the car, Zaliev did nothing illegal and should not have been arrested, Mack said.
Zaliev, an upholsterer, was waiting in his friend's car for his friend to get off work and drive him home, Mack said.
In her testimony at the April 2 trial, Hoffman claimed she approached Zaliev on the left side of the car where he sat behind the wheel asleep. She described shaking his shoulder to wake him.
"He was just sitting in the front seat, kind of sitting there sleeping," Hoffman testified.
After the recording was played in the courtroom, Hoffman was asked whether she was wrong about Zaliev's position in the car.
"Yeah, I must have been," Hoffman testified. "My apologies. It's been over a year. I deal with a lot of these cases every day so my apologies."
But Hoffman then said Zaliev "must've admitted to me that he was driving the vehicle at some point."
If Zaliev had been convicted, he would have faced a maximum sentence of $1,000 fine and a year in jail.
"If it was determined there's perjury in this case, this is the kind of case that would undermine the authority of police and the perception of good officers out there doing their job," said Christopher Heffernan, chairman of the Maryland State Bar Association's litigation committee. "This would damage the police officers who are doing a good job out there to protect us. This is disturbing to everyone who looks up to the police and relies on them to protect us from the bad guys."
Emily White of the Montgomery County State's Attorney's office said the office did not know how many cases might have to be dropped or delayed because prosecution depends on Hoffman's testimony.
Hoffman has eight traffic cases pending and no criminal cases, Starks said. But Hoffman could be called as a witness in cases where she responded to a call from another officer.
Although allegations of perjury are not uncommon, it is very rare that such cases are ever brought to trial, and Heffernan said he could not remember any that involved police officers.
Asked whether Montgomery County Police had faced perjury allegations against an officer recently, Starks said he asked internal affairs to check through 2005 and found no cases.
Former Officer Jerry Bowens Declared Unfit to Stand Trial
NEW YORK
A judge has declared a former New York City police officer accused of fatally shooting his girlfriend unfit to stand trial.
The lawyer for Jerry Bowens says state Supreme Court Judge Matthew D'Emic ruled last week that his client was unfit to stand trial in the March killing of Bowens' girlfriend Catherine D'Onofrio and wounding D'Onofrio's best friend, Melissa Simmons.
Defense attorney Wayne Bodden says the 43-year-old will enter a psychiatric facility.
Bowens has said in a statement that he was trying to kill himself when he accidentally shot his girlfriend in the head. Simmons suffered graze wounds.
Bowens will be treated and re-examined from time to time. It's possible he eventually will be declared fit to face the charges.
D'Onofrio's mother, Jane, expressed disappointment in the ruling.
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Information from: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2009/05/13/2009-05-13_excops_ruled_unfit_to_stand_trial_for_murder.html
A judge has declared a former New York City police officer accused of fatally shooting his girlfriend unfit to stand trial.
The lawyer for Jerry Bowens says state Supreme Court Judge Matthew D'Emic ruled last week that his client was unfit to stand trial in the March killing of Bowens' girlfriend Catherine D'Onofrio and wounding D'Onofrio's best friend, Melissa Simmons.
Defense attorney Wayne Bodden says the 43-year-old will enter a psychiatric facility.
Bowens has said in a statement that he was trying to kill himself when he accidentally shot his girlfriend in the head. Simmons suffered graze wounds.
Bowens will be treated and re-examined from time to time. It's possible he eventually will be declared fit to face the charges.
D'Onofrio's mother, Jane, expressed disappointment in the ruling.
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Information from: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2009/05/13/2009-05-13_excops_ruled_unfit_to_stand_trial_for_murder.html
Officer Shawn Jenkins Faces Federal Robbery Charges
A veteran New York City police officer has been arrested on charges that he plotted to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars believed to be hidden in an apartment where a drug dealer once lived.
The officer, Shawn Jenkins, faces federal robbery charges.
Prosecutors said that Officer Jenkins was recorded by an informant talking about a scheme to subdue the current tenant of an Upper Manhattan apartment and retrieve $900,000 that was rumored to have been hidden under the floor.
Police officers and federal agents were waiting to arrest the officer on Tuesday night when, they said, he arrived there.
The tenant told the authorities that burglars have repeatedly been attracted to the home since a cocaine dealer who previously lived there was arrested.
Last year, someone ripped up the floorboards while the tenant was on vacation.
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http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2009/05/13/2009-05-13_cops_dirty_cop_busted_plotting_to_rob_drug_dealer_of_1_million_cash.html
The officer, Shawn Jenkins, faces federal robbery charges.
Prosecutors said that Officer Jenkins was recorded by an informant talking about a scheme to subdue the current tenant of an Upper Manhattan apartment and retrieve $900,000 that was rumored to have been hidden under the floor.
Police officers and federal agents were waiting to arrest the officer on Tuesday night when, they said, he arrived there.
The tenant told the authorities that burglars have repeatedly been attracted to the home since a cocaine dealer who previously lived there was arrested.
Last year, someone ripped up the floorboards while the tenant was on vacation.
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http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2009/05/13/2009-05-13_cops_dirty_cop_busted_plotting_to_rob_drug_dealer_of_1_million_cash.html
Jury Selection Begins for Officer Michael Recio
Jury selection begins Monday in the case of a Jackson police officer who was accused of civil rights violations along with late Mayor Frank Melton.
Michael Recio, the mayor's former bodyguard, and Melton were accused in the 2006 sledgehammer attack on a duplex Melton considered a crack house.
Melton died May 7, just days before the trial was to begin.
U.S. District Judge Daniel Jordan said during a hearing Thursday that he needed to know if the case against Recio wouldn't go forward because 700 potential jurors have been contacted.
Prosecutor Mark Blumberg said plea negotiations came to a "grinding halt" and the government plans to move forward.
Prosecutors moved to dismiss the charges against Melton on Wednesday.
Michael Recio, the mayor's former bodyguard, and Melton were accused in the 2006 sledgehammer attack on a duplex Melton considered a crack house.
Melton died May 7, just days before the trial was to begin.
U.S. District Judge Daniel Jordan said during a hearing Thursday that he needed to know if the case against Recio wouldn't go forward because 700 potential jurors have been contacted.
Prosecutor Mark Blumberg said plea negotiations came to a "grinding halt" and the government plans to move forward.
Prosecutors moved to dismiss the charges against Melton on Wednesday.
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Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Lt Gerald Copeland Arrested for Abducting Prostitute and Raping Her
Gerald Copeland, a retired Lieutenant with the Fulton County Police Department was back in trouble with the law Thursday. Police said Copeland's crimes involve a prostitute.
In a widening investigation, another prostitute is claiming Copeland abducted her, robbed her and raped her.
Union City police have charged Copeland in connection with the discovery of a half-clothed Atlanta prostitute found wandering in a subdivision off Highway 92.
A passerby found the victim wandering down a deserted road. The woman was described as half beaten, robbed and raped.
The 48-year old former cop was arrested in Fayette County last month, charged in similar crimes with two other alleged prostitutes.
Police said other victims had also been taken to vacant subdivisions, where Copeland is accused of raping, assaulting and robbing them.
Investigators searched Copeland's home in North Fulton County. Copeland remained in the Fayette County Jail without bond Thursday.
Police said the Fayette County crimes happened in April, the Union City assault happened in March.
Police said they suspect there are many more victims out there who are too afraid to come forward.
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http://www.ajc.com/services/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2009/05/14/ex_fulton_cop_charged.html
In a widening investigation, another prostitute is claiming Copeland abducted her, robbed her and raped her.
Union City police have charged Copeland in connection with the discovery of a half-clothed Atlanta prostitute found wandering in a subdivision off Highway 92.
A passerby found the victim wandering down a deserted road. The woman was described as half beaten, robbed and raped.
The 48-year old former cop was arrested in Fayette County last month, charged in similar crimes with two other alleged prostitutes.
Police said other victims had also been taken to vacant subdivisions, where Copeland is accused of raping, assaulting and robbing them.
Investigators searched Copeland's home in North Fulton County. Copeland remained in the Fayette County Jail without bond Thursday.
Police said the Fayette County crimes happened in April, the Union City assault happened in March.
Police said they suspect there are many more victims out there who are too afraid to come forward.
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http://www.ajc.com/services/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2009/05/14/ex_fulton_cop_charged.html
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