A Logan County Sheriff's Deputy is facing a charge of domestic assault.
According to a news release from the West Virginia State Police, Derrick Pearson was arrested Monday.
Investigators say that about a week ago, Pearson was off-duty when he was driving his truck and encountered his wife and her friend.
According to the complaint, Pearson forced the two women to stop. He approached the vehicle and started shouting at his wife and pounding on the door, troopers say.
The passenger in the car got out and that's when Pearson allegedly hit her in the face twice.
The victims told police this confrontation was the result of an earlier domestic confrontation between Pearson and his wife.
Pearson has been released on bond.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Former Trooper Marvin McKinnon Faces Drug Charges
A former state trooper was arrested at his Nahant home on Wednesday afternoon on numerous drug charges.
Marvin McKinnon, 49, 16B Seabreeze Lane, was charged with possession with intent to distribute a Class D substance, possession and cultivation, according to police.
Lt. Thomas Hutton said McKinnon is a former state trooper and the arrest followed a lengthy investigation that got underway after police received a tip that McKinnon was dealing drugs.
"A significant number of marijuana plants and a significant amount of marijuana were recovered at the scene," he said.
Hutton said Nahant Police obtained a search warrant out of Lynn District Court and executed it Wednesday.
"The execution of the search warrant culminated a lengthy investigation into the dealings of Mr. McKinnon," he said. "Subsequently an arrest was made. Officers Armand Conti and Timothy Furlong and myself made the arrest."
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http://www3.whdh.com/news/articles/local/BO113845/
Marvin McKinnon, 49, 16B Seabreeze Lane, was charged with possession with intent to distribute a Class D substance, possession and cultivation, according to police.
Lt. Thomas Hutton said McKinnon is a former state trooper and the arrest followed a lengthy investigation that got underway after police received a tip that McKinnon was dealing drugs.
"A significant number of marijuana plants and a significant amount of marijuana were recovered at the scene," he said.
Hutton said Nahant Police obtained a search warrant out of Lynn District Court and executed it Wednesday.
"The execution of the search warrant culminated a lengthy investigation into the dealings of Mr. McKinnon," he said. "Subsequently an arrest was made. Officers Armand Conti and Timothy Furlong and myself made the arrest."
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http://www3.whdh.com/news/articles/local/BO113845/
School Officer Jonathan Kelly Charged with Stealing Student & Teachers Identities
He was supposed to be keeping students and school employees safe. Instead, detectives say, he was helping himself to their personal information.
School District Police officer Jonathan Kelly appeared in court Wednesday charged with stealing identities of more than 20 people. The alleged victims are mainly former students and employees at schools where Kelly worked, most recently John I. Leonard High in Greenacres, and before that, Olympic Heights High in West Boca Raton.
Earlier this year, detectives with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and Boca Raton Police, arrested Kelly and a former Olympic Heights student, Daniel Elisha, charging them with a series of car burglaries. Detectives say that led them to Officer Kelly's use of school computers
In the new charges, the Sheriff's Office accuses Kelly of taking information off school computers, then opening ebay accounts, and applying for credit cards-- at least 13 times at one online bank. Detectives say Kelly had items and statements sent to his own West Lake Worth address, as well as mailboxes at two other homes in his neighborhood.
Search warrants of Kelly's home and car produced names and personal information of 53 people, according to investigators. 37 have been located. Many alleged victims are students who've graduated and moved on, making the case more involved.
After Wednesday's hearing, Kelly's attorney, David Roth, defended his client. "We're entering a not guilty plea," said Roth, "and this matter will go to a jury trial, as it stands now."
By mid-afternoon Kelly had posted an $11,000 bond and was released from the Palm Beach County Jail. The School District has placed Kelly on paid leave.
School District Police officer Jonathan Kelly appeared in court Wednesday charged with stealing identities of more than 20 people. The alleged victims are mainly former students and employees at schools where Kelly worked, most recently John I. Leonard High in Greenacres, and before that, Olympic Heights High in West Boca Raton.
Earlier this year, detectives with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and Boca Raton Police, arrested Kelly and a former Olympic Heights student, Daniel Elisha, charging them with a series of car burglaries. Detectives say that led them to Officer Kelly's use of school computers
In the new charges, the Sheriff's Office accuses Kelly of taking information off school computers, then opening ebay accounts, and applying for credit cards-- at least 13 times at one online bank. Detectives say Kelly had items and statements sent to his own West Lake Worth address, as well as mailboxes at two other homes in his neighborhood.
Search warrants of Kelly's home and car produced names and personal information of 53 people, according to investigators. 37 have been located. Many alleged victims are students who've graduated and moved on, making the case more involved.
After Wednesday's hearing, Kelly's attorney, David Roth, defended his client. "We're entering a not guilty plea," said Roth, "and this matter will go to a jury trial, as it stands now."
By mid-afternoon Kelly had posted an $11,000 bond and was released from the Palm Beach County Jail. The School District has placed Kelly on paid leave.
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Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Deputy Roger Holbrook Arrested for Attempting to Sell Oxycodone
Roger Lee Holbrook, 56, of Morehead, chief deputy sheriff of Rowan County, was indicted May 7 in Lexington for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, attempting to aid and abet the distribution of oxycodone and possession of a firearm in a drug trafficking crime.
He is being held in the Carter County Detention Center without bond. His initial court appearance is set for today at 11 a.m. in Pikeville, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The indictment alleges Holbrook conspired with others to distribute a quantity of pills containing oxycodone beginning on an unknown date and continuing through on or about April 14, 2008 in Rowan County.
The indictment also alleges that on or about July 24 and Nov. 3, 2008 in Bath County, Holbrook attempted to aid and abet the distribution of a quantity of pills containing oxycodone.
Holbrook also is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime committed on July 24, 2008 in Bath County.
Holbrook was arrested at 10:15 a.m. May 15 at the Midland Frosty Freeze parking lot without incident by ATF agents (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) and members of Kentucky State Police. Holbrook had been at the restaurant with Rowan County Sheriff Jack Carter.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the ATF and KSP. The indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant United States Attorney Ron L. Walker Jr.
If convicted on the conspiracy and attempt charges, Holbrook faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
If convicted on the firearm charge, Holbrook would be subject to a mandatory five-year sentence that is consecutive to any other sentence imposed. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. sentencing guidelines and the federal statute governing sentences.
Holbrook retired from Morehead State in 1996 as coordinator of investigations and special program. He also had been acting director of safety and security. Holbrook has been with the sheriff’s office since 1996.
An indictment is an accusation only and does not represent guilt.
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http://www.themoreheadnews.com/local/local_story_135112353.html
He is being held in the Carter County Detention Center without bond. His initial court appearance is set for today at 11 a.m. in Pikeville, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The indictment alleges Holbrook conspired with others to distribute a quantity of pills containing oxycodone beginning on an unknown date and continuing through on or about April 14, 2008 in Rowan County.
The indictment also alleges that on or about July 24 and Nov. 3, 2008 in Bath County, Holbrook attempted to aid and abet the distribution of a quantity of pills containing oxycodone.
Holbrook also is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime committed on July 24, 2008 in Bath County.
Holbrook was arrested at 10:15 a.m. May 15 at the Midland Frosty Freeze parking lot without incident by ATF agents (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) and members of Kentucky State Police. Holbrook had been at the restaurant with Rowan County Sheriff Jack Carter.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the ATF and KSP. The indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant United States Attorney Ron L. Walker Jr.
If convicted on the conspiracy and attempt charges, Holbrook faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
If convicted on the firearm charge, Holbrook would be subject to a mandatory five-year sentence that is consecutive to any other sentence imposed. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. sentencing guidelines and the federal statute governing sentences.
Holbrook retired from Morehead State in 1996 as coordinator of investigations and special program. He also had been acting director of safety and security. Holbrook has been with the sheriff’s office since 1996.
An indictment is an accusation only and does not represent guilt.
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http://www.themoreheadnews.com/local/local_story_135112353.html
Officer Accused of Coercing Women into Sex Wants Closed Court Hearing
An attorney for a suspended Greece police officer accused of coercing two women into sex wants a closed-court hearing on attempts by prosecutors to introduce at trial other alleged “bad acts” committed by the officer.
Attorney Scott Green, who represents suspended officer Gary Pignato, filed a request Tuesday asking that a filing from the District Attorney’s Office be sealed. The filing from the DA’s Office, known as a Molineux filing, is a record that typically outlines other “bad acts” or crimes prosecutors allege were committed by a defendant.
Green also asked that County Court Judge Alex Renzi close a pre-trial hearing where the judge would determine whether the allegations could be allowed at trial.
In his motion, Green contends that there is a good chance the information could not be permitted at trial. He also argues that, if publicly released, the allegations in the Molineux filing would taint the local jury pool.
Pignato’s case “has received almost daily publicity and scrutiny from a number of media outlets,” Green wrote.
Pignato is accused in two separate incidents of coercing women into sex. In his filing, Green does not specify what other allegations are made by the DA’s Office in the Molineux filing but notes that he “believes that all but one of the alleged incidents … have not been made public.”
Attorney Christopher Thomas, who represents the Democrat and Chronicle, said the records should be public, as should the hearing.
"The press serves as the public's eyes and ears in the court, since most people cannot come to court to see what is happening there," Thomas said. "That's why openness is so important. This strong presumption of access includes the pre-trial phase, as in this case."
Thomas said he doubted the publicity would impinge on the likelihood of finding an impartial jury.
"The experience in Monroe County is that fair and impartial juries have been seated in cases which are far more notorious," Thomas said.
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http://www.whec.com/news/stories/S938333.shtml?cat=572
Attorney Scott Green, who represents suspended officer Gary Pignato, filed a request Tuesday asking that a filing from the District Attorney’s Office be sealed. The filing from the DA’s Office, known as a Molineux filing, is a record that typically outlines other “bad acts” or crimes prosecutors allege were committed by a defendant.
Green also asked that County Court Judge Alex Renzi close a pre-trial hearing where the judge would determine whether the allegations could be allowed at trial.
In his motion, Green contends that there is a good chance the information could not be permitted at trial. He also argues that, if publicly released, the allegations in the Molineux filing would taint the local jury pool.
Pignato’s case “has received almost daily publicity and scrutiny from a number of media outlets,” Green wrote.
Pignato is accused in two separate incidents of coercing women into sex. In his filing, Green does not specify what other allegations are made by the DA’s Office in the Molineux filing but notes that he “believes that all but one of the alleged incidents … have not been made public.”
Attorney Christopher Thomas, who represents the Democrat and Chronicle, said the records should be public, as should the hearing.
"The press serves as the public's eyes and ears in the court, since most people cannot come to court to see what is happening there," Thomas said. "That's why openness is so important. This strong presumption of access includes the pre-trial phase, as in this case."
Thomas said he doubted the publicity would impinge on the likelihood of finding an impartial jury.
"The experience in Monroe County is that fair and impartial juries have been seated in cases which are far more notorious," Thomas said.
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http://www.whec.com/news/stories/S938333.shtml?cat=572
Sheriff Charles Morris Pleads Guilty to Fraud & Money Laundering
A Panhandle sheriff arrested on a Las Vegas gambling trip with $5,000 in his pocket and $30,000 in a hotel safe pleaded guilty to fraud, money laundering and other charges Tuesday.
Charles Morris avoided trial by pleading guilty to six counts of conspiracy, theft, fraud and money laundering.
The popular Okaloosa County Sheriff who headed the Florida Sheriff's Association and served on the state board that disciplined law officers for violations of ethics laws was suspended by Gov. Charlie Crist after his arrest.
Morris faces up to 85 years in federal prison and more than $1.5 million in fines.
"I apologize to you and to the court for being here today," Morris told U.S. District Judge Lacey Collier before pleading guilty to each of the six counts against him. Collier set Morris' sentencing for July 28.
Morris refused to answer questions from reporters following Tuesday's brief hearing.
Crist's spokesman, Sterling Ivey, said Morris would remain suspended until his formal sentencing. The governor appointed an interim sheriff after Morris' arrest.
Morris pleaded guilty to pocketing more than $114,000 since 2007 in an illegal employee bonus scheme. His former office manager, Teresa Adams, is also charged in the scheme.
Prosecutors say the pair deposited bonuses in employees' accounts and asked the employees to return a portion of the money to them in cash. They used some of it to finance several first-class Las Vegas gambling trips for themselves and an inner circle of sheriff's office associates.
Morris and Adams were arrested in Las Vegas in February.
Collier said Tuesday that Morris' plea agreement included a provision for him cooperate with federal prosecutors and State Attorney Bill Eddins' office in their ongoing investigations of others in the department.
Among other things, an investigative audit of the department's finances found Morris bought himself 41 new cars during his 12 years in office. Morris frequently traded vehicles and spent more than $170,000 in public money buying GMC Envoys, Chevrolet Impalas and other cars.
Prosecutor Randall Hensel said the FBI unearthed the corruption in the department after an employee came forward and agreed to wear a wire.
Hensel said the $5,000 Morris had in his pocket when FBI agents arrested him in Las Vegas and the $30,000 in the safe were part of the illegal "kickback money," from the bonuses. Hensel said the money to pay the bonuses came from Department of Justice and Homeland Security grants.
Morris' arrest was one of several traumatic episodes for the Okaloose sheriff's office this year.
In April, two Okaloosa deputies were shot and killed by a National Guard soldier they were trying to arrest at a shooting range for domestic battery.
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http://www.wkrg.com/crime/article/former_sheriff_pleads_guilty/66075/
Charles Morris avoided trial by pleading guilty to six counts of conspiracy, theft, fraud and money laundering.
The popular Okaloosa County Sheriff who headed the Florida Sheriff's Association and served on the state board that disciplined law officers for violations of ethics laws was suspended by Gov. Charlie Crist after his arrest.
Morris faces up to 85 years in federal prison and more than $1.5 million in fines.
"I apologize to you and to the court for being here today," Morris told U.S. District Judge Lacey Collier before pleading guilty to each of the six counts against him. Collier set Morris' sentencing for July 28.
Morris refused to answer questions from reporters following Tuesday's brief hearing.
Crist's spokesman, Sterling Ivey, said Morris would remain suspended until his formal sentencing. The governor appointed an interim sheriff after Morris' arrest.
Morris pleaded guilty to pocketing more than $114,000 since 2007 in an illegal employee bonus scheme. His former office manager, Teresa Adams, is also charged in the scheme.
Prosecutors say the pair deposited bonuses in employees' accounts and asked the employees to return a portion of the money to them in cash. They used some of it to finance several first-class Las Vegas gambling trips for themselves and an inner circle of sheriff's office associates.
Morris and Adams were arrested in Las Vegas in February.
Collier said Tuesday that Morris' plea agreement included a provision for him cooperate with federal prosecutors and State Attorney Bill Eddins' office in their ongoing investigations of others in the department.
Among other things, an investigative audit of the department's finances found Morris bought himself 41 new cars during his 12 years in office. Morris frequently traded vehicles and spent more than $170,000 in public money buying GMC Envoys, Chevrolet Impalas and other cars.
Prosecutor Randall Hensel said the FBI unearthed the corruption in the department after an employee came forward and agreed to wear a wire.
Hensel said the $5,000 Morris had in his pocket when FBI agents arrested him in Las Vegas and the $30,000 in the safe were part of the illegal "kickback money," from the bonuses. Hensel said the money to pay the bonuses came from Department of Justice and Homeland Security grants.
Morris' arrest was one of several traumatic episodes for the Okaloose sheriff's office this year.
In April, two Okaloosa deputies were shot and killed by a National Guard soldier they were trying to arrest at a shooting range for domestic battery.
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http://www.wkrg.com/crime/article/former_sheriff_pleads_guilty/66075/
Former Deputy Mark Patrina Arrested for Molesting Children
A former Kern County Sheriff's Deputy faces numerous charges of child molestation.
According to court records, Mark Thomas Patrina, 76, faces six felony counts related to molesting children under the age of 14.
In January, the Bakersfield Police Department said they started a sexual abuse investigation. In April, they submitted the case to the district attorney, and a judge issued a warrant for Patrina's arrest.
The BPD said Patrina was aware of the investigation and that sometime during it, he moved to Aberdeen, Wash.
Patrina was arrested in Aberdeen and extradited back to Kern County.
The BPD said there were multiple victims over many years.
Patrina is due back in court May 26.
According to court records, Mark Thomas Patrina, 76, faces six felony counts related to molesting children under the age of 14.
In January, the Bakersfield Police Department said they started a sexual abuse investigation. In April, they submitted the case to the district attorney, and a judge issued a warrant for Patrina's arrest.
The BPD said Patrina was aware of the investigation and that sometime during it, he moved to Aberdeen, Wash.
Patrina was arrested in Aberdeen and extradited back to Kern County.
The BPD said there were multiple victims over many years.
Patrina is due back in court May 26.
Detective Neal Ronald Jr Arrested for DUI
A Tucson police officer has been arrested on a charge of driving under the influence.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department said Tuesday that 38-year-old Detective Neal Ronald Jr. was pulled over Saturday because of an unspecified moving violation.
Tucson police spokesman Sgt. Mark Robinson says Ronald remains on active duty pending the outcome of the criminal case.
Ronald has been with Tucson police nearly 10 years.
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http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/hourlyupdate/293599.php
The Pima County Sheriff's Department said Tuesday that 38-year-old Detective Neal Ronald Jr. was pulled over Saturday because of an unspecified moving violation.
Tucson police spokesman Sgt. Mark Robinson says Ronald remains on active duty pending the outcome of the criminal case.
Ronald has been with Tucson police nearly 10 years.
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http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/hourlyupdate/293599.php
DC Mother Says Her Son Was Shot Because He Was Playing With Toy Gun
An outraged D.C. mother says her son was shot by D.C. police officers because, in part, he was playing with a toy gun.
The incident occurred on the 1400 block of Shepherd Street Northwest at around 6 p.m. May 4.
The 12-year-old boy and his dog Boss walk the streets of their neighborhood, but not without fear according to the child's mother, LaShawn English.
"I still can't believe that this happened to my son," she said.
English says the family's dog got out without his leash so her son chased after him down an alley, carrying a plastic Airsoft toy gun that shoots small pellets.
The toys are plastic, but from some online photos, they look quite real. The family suspects someone called the police when they saw what appeared to be someone armed in the alley.
Neighbor Lorena Marshall says she saw the child comply when the officer with his own gun drawn, ordered the child to drop the gun.
"I can hear him say, 'Get down, get down, get down,'" said Marshall. "And then when he cuffed him and I came over here I said, Can't you see it? It's a toy.'"
Police say the dog then charged the officer who shot and wounded the animal. Marshall, however, disputes that account. "No, the dog did not charge. The dog came over in a crouching position," she said.
English says a bullet fragment ricocheted and struck her son in the head. "I was floored. I was stunned. I was shocked," she said.
English says her son was treated and released from the hospital, but police say no injuries were reported to the officer.
The incident occurred on the 1400 block of Shepherd Street Northwest at around 6 p.m. May 4.
The 12-year-old boy and his dog Boss walk the streets of their neighborhood, but not without fear according to the child's mother, LaShawn English.
"I still can't believe that this happened to my son," she said.
English says the family's dog got out without his leash so her son chased after him down an alley, carrying a plastic Airsoft toy gun that shoots small pellets.
The toys are plastic, but from some online photos, they look quite real. The family suspects someone called the police when they saw what appeared to be someone armed in the alley.
Neighbor Lorena Marshall says she saw the child comply when the officer with his own gun drawn, ordered the child to drop the gun.
"I can hear him say, 'Get down, get down, get down,'" said Marshall. "And then when he cuffed him and I came over here I said, Can't you see it? It's a toy.'"
Police say the dog then charged the officer who shot and wounded the animal. Marshall, however, disputes that account. "No, the dog did not charge. The dog came over in a crouching position," she said.
English says a bullet fragment ricocheted and struck her son in the head. "I was floored. I was stunned. I was shocked," she said.
English says her son was treated and released from the hospital, but police say no injuries were reported to the officer.
Sheriff Raymond Martin Arrested for Drug Trafficking
Sheriff Raymond M. Martin has been the law for nearly 20 years in a struggling southern Illinois county. But federal prosecutors say he's been breaking it lately by peddling pounds of pot, some seized by his own department, often in uniform and from his patrol vehicle.
Authorities on Monday led away a handcuffed Martin, 46, from his small Shawneetown office after his arrest on federal drug trafficking charges accusing him of supplying a dealer he threatened to kill when that man said he wanted out. The Gallatin County sheriff also allegedly pledged to use his authority to shut down rival drug traffickers.
"It's almost beyond belief," said Doug Maier, the sheriff in neighboring White County. Maier called Martin "a pretty low-key guy."
He continued, "Obviously, there was a different side that I've never observed."
Martin was jailed pending a Wednesday detention hearing on three counts of marijuana distribution and two counts of carrying a firearm, his service weapon, while trafficking drugs. He could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
A woman who answered his home telephone refused to comment, and Martin's court-appointed public defender did not immediately return messages.
Martin's job status was unclear Tuesday. Calls to Gallatin County Chairman Randy Drone rang unanswered, while calls to the sheriff's department rolled over to a neighboring dispatch center, which regularly answers calls when no deputies are in Martin's office. No one would say the exact size of Martin's department, other than to say it's small.
Martin's popularity in the county surrounding Shawneetown — boasting little more than a courthouse, a couple of convenience stores and Rudy's barbecue restaurant — swept the Democrat to re-election four times since he took office in 1990.
A criminal complaint accuses him of distributing more than two pounds of marijuana between April 27 and May 11. But an affidavit by Glenn Rountree, an investigator with the Drug Enforcement Administration, suggests Martin's dealings were many times that total.
In a blow-by-blow account painting a picture of a good cop gone bad, Rountree wrote that Martin hatched a marijuana-dealing scheme in November with the drug dealer who later got cold feet.
At that time, Martin handed the dealer, unidentified in court papers, two pounds of pot and asked if the man could "get rid of that" for the sheriff, who promised he'd use his power to protect him if he ever got caught selling. If the dealer didn't comply, Rountree wrote, Martin said he could "make up" a crime against him.
From then until early last month, Martin brought 1- or 2-pound amounts of marijuana on average once every couple of weeks to a rural, secluded meeting spot, Rountree wrote. But the sheriff twice brought 10 pounds and brought 20 pounds another time, according to the affidavit.
The meetings between the two were arranged by cell phone, with the dealer using vague code words Martin supplied to confuse possible eavesdroppers, including investigators, Rountree wrote.
The dealer grew unsettled over time and wanted out, but Martin would have none of that, Rountree wrote. At least twice, the sheriff pulled his service revolver and insisted emphatically to the dealer that making him "disappear" would be "that easy," according to the affidavit.
Rountree suggested the twitchy dealer went to investigators April 9. Over the next several weeks, authorities taped the dealer's conversations with Martin and tracked the sheriff's county-issued Ford Expedition.
At least once, Rountree alleged, the sheriff gave the informant marijuana seeds, saying he could pare his debt to the sheriff by growing pot plants for him.
And the sheriff dispensed advice, cautioning the man that it'd be "silly" for the dealer to get drunk or use pills and "mess it up" because "we got a good thing going."
"(You) won't even have to work and stuff," Rountree said Martin once told the snitch.
Such profit could be particularly attractive in Gallatin County, where the population has slowly eroded in recent decades as many of the region's coal mines closed. Its 9 percent unemployment rate is typical in the region. The median household income, according to 2000 Census Bureau figures, is $26,118.
Martin's county salary was not immediately available, but he received his $6,500 annual stipend from the state this month.
The area received statewide attention in 2005, when a story by the (Arlington Heights) Daily Herald noted that the tiny county with little violent crime was getting more homeland security funding per person — more than $300,000 — than any other in Illinois.
The article noted Martin spent "most days battling a thriving methamphetamine trade."
Allegations that Martin himself was dabbling in drugs left locals rattled, in many cases leaving them publicly reticent Tuesday. Still, many there remained in Martin's camp.
"I thought the world of that boy," said Roberta Tarrence, a 78-year-old widow with a quilting business near the county courthouse. "I've known him all of his life, and I know he was a good sheriff."
________________
Authorities on Monday led away a handcuffed Martin, 46, from his small Shawneetown office after his arrest on federal drug trafficking charges accusing him of supplying a dealer he threatened to kill when that man said he wanted out. The Gallatin County sheriff also allegedly pledged to use his authority to shut down rival drug traffickers.
"It's almost beyond belief," said Doug Maier, the sheriff in neighboring White County. Maier called Martin "a pretty low-key guy."
He continued, "Obviously, there was a different side that I've never observed."
Martin was jailed pending a Wednesday detention hearing on three counts of marijuana distribution and two counts of carrying a firearm, his service weapon, while trafficking drugs. He could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
A woman who answered his home telephone refused to comment, and Martin's court-appointed public defender did not immediately return messages.
Martin's job status was unclear Tuesday. Calls to Gallatin County Chairman Randy Drone rang unanswered, while calls to the sheriff's department rolled over to a neighboring dispatch center, which regularly answers calls when no deputies are in Martin's office. No one would say the exact size of Martin's department, other than to say it's small.
Martin's popularity in the county surrounding Shawneetown — boasting little more than a courthouse, a couple of convenience stores and Rudy's barbecue restaurant — swept the Democrat to re-election four times since he took office in 1990.
A criminal complaint accuses him of distributing more than two pounds of marijuana between April 27 and May 11. But an affidavit by Glenn Rountree, an investigator with the Drug Enforcement Administration, suggests Martin's dealings were many times that total.
In a blow-by-blow account painting a picture of a good cop gone bad, Rountree wrote that Martin hatched a marijuana-dealing scheme in November with the drug dealer who later got cold feet.
At that time, Martin handed the dealer, unidentified in court papers, two pounds of pot and asked if the man could "get rid of that" for the sheriff, who promised he'd use his power to protect him if he ever got caught selling. If the dealer didn't comply, Rountree wrote, Martin said he could "make up" a crime against him.
From then until early last month, Martin brought 1- or 2-pound amounts of marijuana on average once every couple of weeks to a rural, secluded meeting spot, Rountree wrote. But the sheriff twice brought 10 pounds and brought 20 pounds another time, according to the affidavit.
The meetings between the two were arranged by cell phone, with the dealer using vague code words Martin supplied to confuse possible eavesdroppers, including investigators, Rountree wrote.
The dealer grew unsettled over time and wanted out, but Martin would have none of that, Rountree wrote. At least twice, the sheriff pulled his service revolver and insisted emphatically to the dealer that making him "disappear" would be "that easy," according to the affidavit.
Rountree suggested the twitchy dealer went to investigators April 9. Over the next several weeks, authorities taped the dealer's conversations with Martin and tracked the sheriff's county-issued Ford Expedition.
At least once, Rountree alleged, the sheriff gave the informant marijuana seeds, saying he could pare his debt to the sheriff by growing pot plants for him.
And the sheriff dispensed advice, cautioning the man that it'd be "silly" for the dealer to get drunk or use pills and "mess it up" because "we got a good thing going."
"(You) won't even have to work and stuff," Rountree said Martin once told the snitch.
Such profit could be particularly attractive in Gallatin County, where the population has slowly eroded in recent decades as many of the region's coal mines closed. Its 9 percent unemployment rate is typical in the region. The median household income, according to 2000 Census Bureau figures, is $26,118.
Martin's county salary was not immediately available, but he received his $6,500 annual stipend from the state this month.
The area received statewide attention in 2005, when a story by the (Arlington Heights) Daily Herald noted that the tiny county with little violent crime was getting more homeland security funding per person — more than $300,000 — than any other in Illinois.
The article noted Martin spent "most days battling a thriving methamphetamine trade."
Allegations that Martin himself was dabbling in drugs left locals rattled, in many cases leaving them publicly reticent Tuesday. Still, many there remained in Martin's camp.
"I thought the world of that boy," said Roberta Tarrence, a 78-year-old widow with a quilting business near the county courthouse. "I've known him all of his life, and I know he was a good sheriff."
________________
More Information: http://www.wsiltv.com/p/news_details.php?newsID=7496&type=top
Judge Brian Kedik Pleads Guilty to DWI
The would-be town judge faces probable jail time.
Brian Kedik, who was elected to Edinburgh Town Judge last year but never took office, pleaded guilty Monday to felony driving while intoxicated, Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy III said.
State Park Police arrested Kedik, 33, on Nov. 11 on the Avenue of the Pines in the Saratoga Spa State Park. He had been driving a 2001 Cadillac 43 mph in a 25 mph zone, and was charged with speeding, driving with a suspended license and DWI for operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.17 percent, Murphy said.
Kedik faced a felony because he was charged with a prior misdemeanor last year in Fulton County, Murphy said. Sentencing is set for July 16.
A judge is expected to impose a sentence of five days in the Saratoga County jail, five years of probationary supervision, fines and surcharges totaling $1,295, Murphy said.
Kedik was convicted of larceny last month in Schenectady County for stealing $12,000 from his former mother-in-law.
He was elected to Edinburgh Town Judge in November, but declined the position and was never sworn in after the Nov. 11 arrest. The post was left vacant.
Brian Kedik, who was elected to Edinburgh Town Judge last year but never took office, pleaded guilty Monday to felony driving while intoxicated, Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy III said.
State Park Police arrested Kedik, 33, on Nov. 11 on the Avenue of the Pines in the Saratoga Spa State Park. He had been driving a 2001 Cadillac 43 mph in a 25 mph zone, and was charged with speeding, driving with a suspended license and DWI for operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.17 percent, Murphy said.
Kedik faced a felony because he was charged with a prior misdemeanor last year in Fulton County, Murphy said. Sentencing is set for July 16.
A judge is expected to impose a sentence of five days in the Saratoga County jail, five years of probationary supervision, fines and surcharges totaling $1,295, Murphy said.
Kedik was convicted of larceny last month in Schenectady County for stealing $12,000 from his former mother-in-law.
He was elected to Edinburgh Town Judge in November, but declined the position and was never sworn in after the Nov. 11 arrest. The post was left vacant.
Texas Man Dies After Being Tasered
An unidentified man died Sunday night after police officers used a Taser to subdue him during a struggle. According to reports, the now deceased individual was “tazed” by La Marque police after refusing to cooperate and resisting the officers’ attempts to take him into custody.
La marquee police responded to a call about a man rolling around in a ditch in 2600 block of Main. On arrival police found the apparently intoxicated man made an attempt to take him into custody. Officers struggled with the man in an attempt to make the arrest. During the struggle one officer used a Taser on the man.
An ambulance was called by the officers to evaluate what was at the time called a non-life-threatening injury the man sustained during the struggle.
While in route to Southeast Memorial Hospital the man’s heart stopped. The ambulance was then re-routed to Mainland Center Hospital in Texas City where the man was pronounced dead.
The series of events leading up to the man’s death are being investigated by Galveston County officials and the district attorney’s office. It is not yet clear if the use of the Taser played an integral role in the man’s death.
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Picture and More Information: http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=6818024
La marquee police responded to a call about a man rolling around in a ditch in 2600 block of Main. On arrival police found the apparently intoxicated man made an attempt to take him into custody. Officers struggled with the man in an attempt to make the arrest. During the struggle one officer used a Taser on the man.
An ambulance was called by the officers to evaluate what was at the time called a non-life-threatening injury the man sustained during the struggle.
While in route to Southeast Memorial Hospital the man’s heart stopped. The ambulance was then re-routed to Mainland Center Hospital in Texas City where the man was pronounced dead.
The series of events leading up to the man’s death are being investigated by Galveston County officials and the district attorney’s office. It is not yet clear if the use of the Taser played an integral role in the man’s death.
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Picture and More Information: http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=6818024
Monday, May 18, 2009
Officer David Chong Pleaded Guilty to Pulling Handgun on Man During Argument
A Los Angeles police officer pleaded guilty Monday to pulling a .45-caliber handgun on a man during an off-duty argument on the Redondo Beach pier, prosecutors said.
David Woon Chong, 39, faces up to six years in state prison at his sentencing Aug. 14 in Los Angeles Superior Court, said Jane Robison, a spokeswoman for the District Attorney's Office.
The charge stemmed from a dispute March 15, 2008, between Chong and two diners at Old Tony's restaurant on the Redondo Beach pier.
Prosecutors said the 10-year department veteran pulled a knife and threatened one of the men. Chong left, but returned, kicked food out of the victim's hand and pointed the Glock semiautomatic handgun at his head.
A Redondo Beach police officer arrested Chong as he drove out of the parking garage.
His blood-alcohol level was 0.11, three ticks above California's legal limit for driving.
Chong entered a rehabilitation program, but was arrested May 1, 2008, for allegedly threatening a man during a treatment session.
Prosecutors with the district attorney's Justice System Integrity Division charged him with felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and making a criminal threat.
He also was charged with misdemeanor counts of exhibiting a deadly weapon, making a criminal threat, driving under the influence and having a 0.08 percent or higher blood-alcohol level.
In exchange for his guilty plea and admitting the gun allegation, two felony counts of making criminal threats and three misdemeanors will be dismissed.
Chong was placed on paid leave after the incident. His status Monday was not immediately available.
Judge Stephen Marcus ordered Chong to undergo a 90-day evaluation before sentencing.
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http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/05/cop-shooting.html
David Woon Chong, 39, faces up to six years in state prison at his sentencing Aug. 14 in Los Angeles Superior Court, said Jane Robison, a spokeswoman for the District Attorney's Office.
The charge stemmed from a dispute March 15, 2008, between Chong and two diners at Old Tony's restaurant on the Redondo Beach pier.
Prosecutors said the 10-year department veteran pulled a knife and threatened one of the men. Chong left, but returned, kicked food out of the victim's hand and pointed the Glock semiautomatic handgun at his head.
A Redondo Beach police officer arrested Chong as he drove out of the parking garage.
His blood-alcohol level was 0.11, three ticks above California's legal limit for driving.
Chong entered a rehabilitation program, but was arrested May 1, 2008, for allegedly threatening a man during a treatment session.
Prosecutors with the district attorney's Justice System Integrity Division charged him with felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and making a criminal threat.
He also was charged with misdemeanor counts of exhibiting a deadly weapon, making a criminal threat, driving under the influence and having a 0.08 percent or higher blood-alcohol level.
In exchange for his guilty plea and admitting the gun allegation, two felony counts of making criminal threats and three misdemeanors will be dismissed.
Chong was placed on paid leave after the incident. His status Monday was not immediately available.
Judge Stephen Marcus ordered Chong to undergo a 90-day evaluation before sentencing.
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http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/05/cop-shooting.html
Inglewood Police Killed Man At Birthday Party
Inglewood police shot and killed a man who allegedly brandished a weapon early Sunday while officers were attempting to break up a birthday party, authorities said.
The shooting was the latest deadly incident involving Inglewood's Police Department, which is under investigation by two outside agencies, including the U.S. Department of Justice, over its use of deadly force.
Police said officers responded to reports of a fight shortly after 12:45 a.m. in the 800 block of South Osage Avenue. Officers opened fire on Marcus Smith, 31, of Compton after he pointed a semiautomatic handgun at them, Lt. Mike McBride said.
"He had it in his hand. He drew it and pointed it in the direction of the officers," McBride said. "So I would say that's threatening the officers."
One officer was shot in the right leg in the incident. He was taken to a hospital, treated and released, McBride said. Police suspect the officer was shot by Smith, but they need to conduct more tests on his gun to be sure, he said.
A woman who identified herself as Smith's fiancee said she did not see him brandish a weapon. Kalonna LaCount said she and Smith were leaving the party together after police called on guests to disperse.
LaCount said she and Smith were walking down a stairway when Smith slipped. LaCount said she then saw Smith's body jerk as police fired their weapons.
"He had his hands in the air," she said. "The more he stumbled, the more they shot."
LaCount said she was not certain whether Smith was armed or even owned a gun. LaCount, wearing a green dress stained with Smith's blood, sat on the steps of the apartment building Sunday and wept as she recounted the moments before his death. LaCount said she and Smith had been together for 18 years and have three daughters, all under the age of 12.
Turning to her brother, Taqwa LaCount, she said: "He's dead. Can you believe it? What am I going to do?"
The Inglewood Police Department is under investigation by the Justice Department and the Los Angeles County Office of Independent Review over incidents in which officers have been accused of using excessive force.
The Justice Department's investigation is being handled by the federal agency's civil rights division in Washington. The county's independent review office, which monitors the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, has promised to look at the Inglewood department's training, supervision, policies and protocol.
The Police Department was the subject of community protests last year from residents angry over four incidents between May and September in which officers shot and killed unarmed suspects. A Times investigation last year also found that five of 11 people shot and killed by Inglewood police since 2003 were unarmed.
On Sunday, police and witnesses described the scene at the two-story apartment building as chaotic, with dozens of people attending the party as officers arrived.
Morris Griffin, 50, who lives in a ground-floor apartment directly below the scene of the shooting, said he heard an argument, went upstairs and saw two men wrestling. He said he separated them, but they continued arguing, so he ran back to his apartment and called police.
Griffin said he heard officers shout "Police! Gun!" before at least seven to eight shots were fired. Smith was struck on the outdoor stairs leading to the second floor, Griffin said. "The officers appeared to be intimidated by the size of the individuals," he said.
Inglewood resident Charisma Bailey, 28, who lives in the apartment where the Mardi Gras-themed party was held, said party-goers were wearing masks and beads.
Bailey said she was standing next to the window of her apartment, looking down the stairs when officers approached the building holding flashlights and guns.
"The next thing you know, they're shooting, and he's falling down the steps," she said of Smith.
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http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12394482
The shooting was the latest deadly incident involving Inglewood's Police Department, which is under investigation by two outside agencies, including the U.S. Department of Justice, over its use of deadly force.
Police said officers responded to reports of a fight shortly after 12:45 a.m. in the 800 block of South Osage Avenue. Officers opened fire on Marcus Smith, 31, of Compton after he pointed a semiautomatic handgun at them, Lt. Mike McBride said.
"He had it in his hand. He drew it and pointed it in the direction of the officers," McBride said. "So I would say that's threatening the officers."
One officer was shot in the right leg in the incident. He was taken to a hospital, treated and released, McBride said. Police suspect the officer was shot by Smith, but they need to conduct more tests on his gun to be sure, he said.
A woman who identified herself as Smith's fiancee said she did not see him brandish a weapon. Kalonna LaCount said she and Smith were leaving the party together after police called on guests to disperse.
LaCount said she and Smith were walking down a stairway when Smith slipped. LaCount said she then saw Smith's body jerk as police fired their weapons.
"He had his hands in the air," she said. "The more he stumbled, the more they shot."
LaCount said she was not certain whether Smith was armed or even owned a gun. LaCount, wearing a green dress stained with Smith's blood, sat on the steps of the apartment building Sunday and wept as she recounted the moments before his death. LaCount said she and Smith had been together for 18 years and have three daughters, all under the age of 12.
Turning to her brother, Taqwa LaCount, she said: "He's dead. Can you believe it? What am I going to do?"
The Inglewood Police Department is under investigation by the Justice Department and the Los Angeles County Office of Independent Review over incidents in which officers have been accused of using excessive force.
The Justice Department's investigation is being handled by the federal agency's civil rights division in Washington. The county's independent review office, which monitors the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, has promised to look at the Inglewood department's training, supervision, policies and protocol.
The Police Department was the subject of community protests last year from residents angry over four incidents between May and September in which officers shot and killed unarmed suspects. A Times investigation last year also found that five of 11 people shot and killed by Inglewood police since 2003 were unarmed.
On Sunday, police and witnesses described the scene at the two-story apartment building as chaotic, with dozens of people attending the party as officers arrived.
Morris Griffin, 50, who lives in a ground-floor apartment directly below the scene of the shooting, said he heard an argument, went upstairs and saw two men wrestling. He said he separated them, but they continued arguing, so he ran back to his apartment and called police.
Griffin said he heard officers shout "Police! Gun!" before at least seven to eight shots were fired. Smith was struck on the outdoor stairs leading to the second floor, Griffin said. "The officers appeared to be intimidated by the size of the individuals," he said.
Inglewood resident Charisma Bailey, 28, who lives in the apartment where the Mardi Gras-themed party was held, said party-goers were wearing masks and beads.
Bailey said she was standing next to the window of her apartment, looking down the stairs when officers approached the building holding flashlights and guns.
"The next thing you know, they're shooting, and he's falling down the steps," she said of Smith.
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http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12394482
Trial Begins Monday for Officer Keith Peoples
The trial is expected to begin on Monday in the case of the fifth Charleston Police officer to face charges of double dipping.
Keith Peoples is charged with obtaining by fraudulent schemes and computer fraud.
He's accused of working security at the Charleston Town Center Mall while he was on the clock for the Charleston Police Department.
It allegedly happened several times between January 2000 and August 2004.
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More Information: http://www.dailymail.com/News/200905180711
Keith Peoples is charged with obtaining by fraudulent schemes and computer fraud.
He's accused of working security at the Charleston Town Center Mall while he was on the clock for the Charleston Police Department.
It allegedly happened several times between January 2000 and August 2004.
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More Information: http://www.dailymail.com/News/200905180711
Police Brutality Caught on Film by Neighbor
TOLEDO, OHIO
The family of a Toledo teenager say their 14-year-old son and brother was the victim of an alleged act of police brutality.
What makes the case even more dramatic is that a neighbor captured the episode on video. The incident happened on Friday at the Brand Whitlock housing projects in South Toledo.
The video shows two officers trying to subdue 14-year-old Trevor Casey at the Brand Whitlock housing projects in South Toledo. The video shows one officer covering Casey's mouth with his hand and when the officer removes his hand Casey's face can be seen covered with blood.
The teen's older brother, David Casey, believes the polices handling of the situation was excessive. "In my opinion one officer could've subdued him even if he was resisting or doing anything remotely close to that, he's only 120 pounds, the officers as you can see 250 pounds plus with muscle," Mr. Casey said.
The teen's older sister , Sharise Woodard,says she has not been the same since seeing the video and directs her anger at the officers in question. "I want them to experience what we've experienced in our family, I want them to feel all the pain they put my brother through," Ms. Woodard said.
The Casey family says that Trevor has a 10a.m. hearing scheduled for Monday morning in Juvenile Court.
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http://www.toledoonthemove.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=302229
The family of a Toledo teenager say their 14-year-old son and brother was the victim of an alleged act of police brutality.
What makes the case even more dramatic is that a neighbor captured the episode on video. The incident happened on Friday at the Brand Whitlock housing projects in South Toledo.
The video shows two officers trying to subdue 14-year-old Trevor Casey at the Brand Whitlock housing projects in South Toledo. The video shows one officer covering Casey's mouth with his hand and when the officer removes his hand Casey's face can be seen covered with blood.
The teen's older brother, David Casey, believes the polices handling of the situation was excessive. "In my opinion one officer could've subdued him even if he was resisting or doing anything remotely close to that, he's only 120 pounds, the officers as you can see 250 pounds plus with muscle," Mr. Casey said.
The teen's older sister , Sharise Woodard,says she has not been the same since seeing the video and directs her anger at the officers in question. "I want them to experience what we've experienced in our family, I want them to feel all the pain they put my brother through," Ms. Woodard said.
The Casey family says that Trevor has a 10a.m. hearing scheduled for Monday morning in Juvenile Court.
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http://www.toledoonthemove.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=302229
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Camera Wasn't Rolling when Officers Killed One Man & Wounded Another
It is not clear why the video and audio recording equipment in Senior Austin Police Officer Leonardo Quintana's patrol car was not activated when he attempted to arrest suspects in a parked car. It's also unclear why another camera in a backup unit also was not rolling.
An investigation will determine whether the cameras weren't working or simply weren't activated. What is clear is that officers are required to have their cameras rolling for all traffic and pedestrian stops, sobriety tests and pursuits.
Quintana's camera wasn't rolling, however, when the officer encountered Nathaniel Sanders II, 18, and two other young men in a parked car in an East Austin apartment complex. The occupants of the automobile were thought to be connected to an incident involving gunshots.
The encounter ended with Sanders dead and Sir Lawrence Smith wounded. It is a case that underscores the value of video cameras and recording equipment. Cameras can be a police officer's best friend. If the officer is following procedure and policy, the camera is there to record that. Likewise, the camera captures behavior of officers who abuse their badges. Because the cameras are incapable of bias, they are invaluable in boosting public trust in the police department.
At the moment, Chief Art Acevedo says the shooting appears lawful. Police say Quintana shot and killed Sanders, one of three black men in the parked Mercedes Benz, after Sanders went for a gun. A gun was found inside the automobile. As the chief pointed out, an officer is trained to meet lethal force with lethal force. He also noted that the investigation is not complete.
In the coming weeks, Acevedo must answer why the video and audio recorders were not engaged in Quintana's patrol car and in the vehicle of a backup officer. Those devices automatically record whenever a patrol car's emergency lights or sirens are activated. And if they were broken, that is not an excuse because officers are required to test their recorders prior to going out on shifts. With few exceptions, police policy prohibits officers from taking patrol cars with faulty, broken or malfunctioning equipment.
Acevedo must get tough on officers who fail to follow camera procedures. This city has seen too many incidents in which the simple act of turning on a camera could have prevented turmoil, distrust and division.
Tensions between police and the minority community were further inflamed when it was discovered that an officer failed to capture the 2005 shooting death of Daniel Rocha on his video camera, which was not activated. But police video in the 2006 case involving Michael Clark, who died after being stunned several times with a Taser, helped dispel claims of police brutality against a black suspect.
Acevedo wants to upgrade to digital recorders that would automatically turn on and run all the time. The police union supports that initiative, but the city does not have the $8 million to buy digital cameras. As it stands, the minimum penalty for failure to activate video recorders is a written reprimand, with the maximum being a three-day suspension. Acevedo said that most officers follow the rules. But he acknowledged there are some who don't. And those few are creating problems for the many.
That is why penalties should be enhanced. It's a matter of credibility and good policing.
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http://www.njlawman.com/the-column/003-mvr.htm
An investigation will determine whether the cameras weren't working or simply weren't activated. What is clear is that officers are required to have their cameras rolling for all traffic and pedestrian stops, sobriety tests and pursuits.
Quintana's camera wasn't rolling, however, when the officer encountered Nathaniel Sanders II, 18, and two other young men in a parked car in an East Austin apartment complex. The occupants of the automobile were thought to be connected to an incident involving gunshots.
The encounter ended with Sanders dead and Sir Lawrence Smith wounded. It is a case that underscores the value of video cameras and recording equipment. Cameras can be a police officer's best friend. If the officer is following procedure and policy, the camera is there to record that. Likewise, the camera captures behavior of officers who abuse their badges. Because the cameras are incapable of bias, they are invaluable in boosting public trust in the police department.
At the moment, Chief Art Acevedo says the shooting appears lawful. Police say Quintana shot and killed Sanders, one of three black men in the parked Mercedes Benz, after Sanders went for a gun. A gun was found inside the automobile. As the chief pointed out, an officer is trained to meet lethal force with lethal force. He also noted that the investigation is not complete.
In the coming weeks, Acevedo must answer why the video and audio recorders were not engaged in Quintana's patrol car and in the vehicle of a backup officer. Those devices automatically record whenever a patrol car's emergency lights or sirens are activated. And if they were broken, that is not an excuse because officers are required to test their recorders prior to going out on shifts. With few exceptions, police policy prohibits officers from taking patrol cars with faulty, broken or malfunctioning equipment.
Acevedo must get tough on officers who fail to follow camera procedures. This city has seen too many incidents in which the simple act of turning on a camera could have prevented turmoil, distrust and division.
Tensions between police and the minority community were further inflamed when it was discovered that an officer failed to capture the 2005 shooting death of Daniel Rocha on his video camera, which was not activated. But police video in the 2006 case involving Michael Clark, who died after being stunned several times with a Taser, helped dispel claims of police brutality against a black suspect.
Acevedo wants to upgrade to digital recorders that would automatically turn on and run all the time. The police union supports that initiative, but the city does not have the $8 million to buy digital cameras. As it stands, the minimum penalty for failure to activate video recorders is a written reprimand, with the maximum being a three-day suspension. Acevedo said that most officers follow the rules. But he acknowledged there are some who don't. And those few are creating problems for the many.
That is why penalties should be enhanced. It's a matter of credibility and good policing.
____________________
http://www.njlawman.com/the-column/003-mvr.htm
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Retired Deputy Mark Petrina Arrested for Lewd Acts with Child
A retired Kern County Sheriff's deputy was arrested Thursday night in Seattle on five counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a child.
Mark Thomas Petrina also faces a count of continuous sexual abuse of a child, according to Kern County Superior Court records.
The charges were filed last month against Petrina, who was born in 1933, according to court records. Each count is listed as a felony. Two counts were for victims who were either ages 14 or 15, and three counts were for victims under the age of 14, court records show.
Petrina's alleged victims were relatives, according to a law enforcement source who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Petrina is scheduled for arraignment on Monday.
Mark Thomas Petrina also faces a count of continuous sexual abuse of a child, according to Kern County Superior Court records.
The charges were filed last month against Petrina, who was born in 1933, according to court records. Each count is listed as a felony. Two counts were for victims who were either ages 14 or 15, and three counts were for victims under the age of 14, court records show.
Petrina's alleged victims were relatives, according to a law enforcement source who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Petrina is scheduled for arraignment on Monday.
Deputy Christopher Carder Charged with Domestic Violence
A Boone County Sheriff's deputy is free on bond after his arrest early Saturday.
Other deputies took Christopher Carder into custody around 6 a.m. and charged him with Assault (domestic violence) after a domestic altercation with his wife just hours earlier.
The 36 year old Burlington man has been with the Sheriff's Department for 4 1/2 years. He is suspended without pay until the charges are resolved.
A department spokesman says Carder has been an "exemplary deputy," even being named 2008 Deputy of the Year award for "outstanding contributions."
Carder posted a $2,000 bond and was released from the Boone County Detention Center.
He is scheduled to appear in court Thursday to face the assault charge.
Other deputies took Christopher Carder into custody around 6 a.m. and charged him with Assault (domestic violence) after a domestic altercation with his wife just hours earlier.
The 36 year old Burlington man has been with the Sheriff's Department for 4 1/2 years. He is suspended without pay until the charges are resolved.
A department spokesman says Carder has been an "exemplary deputy," even being named 2008 Deputy of the Year award for "outstanding contributions."
Carder posted a $2,000 bond and was released from the Boone County Detention Center.
He is scheduled to appear in court Thursday to face the assault charge.
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Officer Danny Perez Arrested for Domestic Violence
A highly decorated Denver Police Officer is under arrest on serious domestic violence accusations. Officer Danny Perez, from the Gang Unit, was arrested for investigation of second and third degree assault and obstruction of a telephone.
He was booked into the Jefferson County Jail and out on bond. Perez has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the investigation. The case is being handled by Arvada Police.
Sources tell Fox 31 this is not the first time Perez has been arrested for domestic violence. We've learned there was a previous arrest in 2001, but it was dropped to a lower charge that did not include domestic violence.
If convicted of any domestic violence charge, Perez would not be able to carry a firearm and would probably lose his job.
He was booked into the Jefferson County Jail and out on bond. Perez has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the investigation. The case is being handled by Arvada Police.
Sources tell Fox 31 this is not the first time Perez has been arrested for domestic violence. We've learned there was a previous arrest in 2001, but it was dropped to a lower charge that did not include domestic violence.
If convicted of any domestic violence charge, Perez would not be able to carry a firearm and would probably lose his job.
Former Officer Anthony Siwinski Arrested for Terrorist Threats
A former Philadelphia police officer who worked as a school aid has been arrested in connection with ammunition discovered at Bensalem High School.
Anthony Siwinski was charged with terrorist threats, recklessly endangering another person and related charges, and sent to Bucks County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail, Bensalem police said.
On May 8, Siwinski had asked a student to take a piece of trash out of a water fountain, police said. The "trash" was several bullets wrapped in a threatening note.
The note said an assistant at the schools "was to die," while another note found later at the school stated the author hated the assistant and a bomb was going off "within the hour," police said.
Following an investigation, police identified Siwinski as the alleged author of the notes.
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Information:
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/20090516_Former_officer_accused_of_terroristic_threats.html
Anthony Siwinski was charged with terrorist threats, recklessly endangering another person and related charges, and sent to Bucks County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail, Bensalem police said.
On May 8, Siwinski had asked a student to take a piece of trash out of a water fountain, police said. The "trash" was several bullets wrapped in a threatening note.
The note said an assistant at the schools "was to die," while another note found later at the school stated the author hated the assistant and a bomb was going off "within the hour," police said.
Following an investigation, police identified Siwinski as the alleged author of the notes.
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Information:
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/20090516_Former_officer_accused_of_terroristic_threats.html
Friday, May 15, 2009
Deputy Scott Payne Arrested for Stealing Fuel
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.
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.
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.
____________________________
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.
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