Prosecutors claimed Friday that Drew Peterson tried to hire someone in 2003 to kill his third wife, Kathleen Savio, for $25,000. Authorities say he is also a suspect in the disappearance of his fourth wife, Stacy Peterson. A brief synopsis of what has happened in the case:
2004
--March 1, 2004: Kathleen Savio found dead in a bathtub. Her death is originally ruled an accidental drowning.
2007
--Oct. 29, 2007: Stacy Peterson reported missing, a day after she fails to show up at a relative's home.
--Nov. 9, 2007: Illinois State Police declare Drew Peterson a suspect in his wife's disappearance; they also say they've formally launched an investigation into the 2004 drowning death of Kathleen Savio, saying it does not appear to be an accident as originally determined.
--Nov. 9, 2007: Judge signs an order to exhume Savio's body.
--Nov. 12, 2007: Drew Peterson resigns from the Bolingbrook Police Department, where he's been an officer for 29 years.
--Nov. 13, 2007: Savio's body is exhumed and an autopsy is conducted.
--Nov. 16, 2007: Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden conducts autopsy on Savio's remains at the request of her family; says it looks like she was murdered.
2008
--Jan. 24, 2008: Will County state's attorney's office acknowledges publicly for the first time that a grand jury has been convened to investigate Stacy Peterson's disappearance and Savio's death.
--Feb. 21, 2008: Will County state's attorney announces that Savio's death officially declared a homicide.
--May 21, 2008: Peterson turns himself in to police on a weapons charge unrelated to the disappearance of his wife. He was released from custody after an adult son posts a 10 percent bond.
--November 2008: Peterson meets with divorce attorney.
--November 20, 2008: Gun charges dropped against Peterson after Will County prosecutors refuse to hand over internal documents leading to their decision to arrest him.
--May 7, 2009: Murder indictment issued for Peterson; Peterson arrested during traffic stop.
--May 22, 2009: Judge refuses to reduce Peterson's $20 million bail after prosecutors claim Peterson tried to pay somebody $25,000 in 2003 to kill Savio.
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Other Information: http://www.suntimes.com/news/peterson/1587229,drew-peterson-savio-murder-offer-money-052209.article
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Trooper Ariel Valentin Arrested for Rape
Palm Springs Police charged a Florida Highway Patrol trooper with raping a woman who'd just been in a minor accident. Following his arrest, Ariel Valentin resigned his position. This is not the first time the trooper has been investigated for inappropriate conduct.
The arrest report says two women "tapped each other" with their cars on Lake Worth Road. As the two women were leaving the scene, Trooper Valentin pulled up. The report says Valentin told one woman to go, but followed the other to her home nearby.
There the arrest report says Valentin told the woman that he needed to search her, and "suggested that they go into her residence." The woman told officers she thought that was "weird," but was worried because her registration had expired. Inside the apartment, the report says Valentin and the woman had sex. The woman said she was "scared of going to jail."
Police say while Trooper Valentin initially denied involvement, he later admitted to having sex with the woman, saying it was consensual. The police report says Valentin acknowledged he believed the victim was emotionally unstable.
Highway Patrol documents we obtained show two years ago after a traffic stop, Valentin asked a woman if he could go to her house and measure her in a bathing suit. He got a written reprimand.
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More Information:
http://www.wpbf.com/news/19553887/detail.html
The arrest report says two women "tapped each other" with their cars on Lake Worth Road. As the two women were leaving the scene, Trooper Valentin pulled up. The report says Valentin told one woman to go, but followed the other to her home nearby.
There the arrest report says Valentin told the woman that he needed to search her, and "suggested that they go into her residence." The woman told officers she thought that was "weird," but was worried because her registration had expired. Inside the apartment, the report says Valentin and the woman had sex. The woman said she was "scared of going to jail."
Police say while Trooper Valentin initially denied involvement, he later admitted to having sex with the woman, saying it was consensual. The police report says Valentin acknowledged he believed the victim was emotionally unstable.
Highway Patrol documents we obtained show two years ago after a traffic stop, Valentin asked a woman if he could go to her house and measure her in a bathing suit. He got a written reprimand.
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More Information:
http://www.wpbf.com/news/19553887/detail.html
Reserve Officer Richard Carr Arrested for Rape
A Columbus reserve police officer was fired Wednesday after he was arrested in Oktibbeha County on statutory rape charges.
Reserve officer Richard Carr, 45, was “relieved of his duties as a police officer” Wednesday after Oktibbeha County officials notified the Columbus Police Department the officer had been arrested on the sex charges.
As of Thursday, police had released no details of the charges, as the investigation was ongoing and was being handled by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.
As of Thursday afternoon, no bond had been set and Carr remained in the Oktibbeha County Jail awaiting his initial court appearance.
Columbus Police Chief Joseph St. John this morning noted the investigation was turned over to MBI as soon as he was notified of the charges.
“As quickly as we could, he was placed under arrest, and he is terminated immediately,” St. John added. “Even though he was reserves, he’s one of us, and any time we have, not even probable cause, but reasonable suspicion, we turn it over to another agency.
“Really right now, the rest of it is really in (MBI’s) hands.”
Reserve officer Richard Carr, 45, was “relieved of his duties as a police officer” Wednesday after Oktibbeha County officials notified the Columbus Police Department the officer had been arrested on the sex charges.
As of Thursday, police had released no details of the charges, as the investigation was ongoing and was being handled by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.
As of Thursday afternoon, no bond had been set and Carr remained in the Oktibbeha County Jail awaiting his initial court appearance.
Columbus Police Chief Joseph St. John this morning noted the investigation was turned over to MBI as soon as he was notified of the charges.
“As quickly as we could, he was placed under arrest, and he is terminated immediately,” St. John added. “Even though he was reserves, he’s one of us, and any time we have, not even probable cause, but reasonable suspicion, we turn it over to another agency.
“Really right now, the rest of it is really in (MBI’s) hands.”
City Settles Third Brutality Lawsuit This Year
WORCESTER
The city has agreed to pay a city man $48,750 to settle his federal civil rights lawsuit alleging that a Worcester police sergeant unjustly punched him in the head and struck him with a baton while he was on his knees being arrested for trespassing on railroad tracks.
The police brutality lawsuit brought by Raymond E. Dennison, who alleged that he was beaten by Sgt. Ronald F. LaPointe in June 2003, had been set to go to trial in U.S. District Court in Worcester on June 1.
The $48,750 settlement, which will be paid by the city with taxpayer money, comes less than two months after the city paid $30,000 to settle a police brutality lawsuit filed by an Upton man.
So far this year, the city has settled three police brutality lawsuits at a total cost of $107,750, according to city records. Last year, the city paid $320,000 in public money to settle five police brutality lawsuits.
“As we’ve said in the past, it’s a business decision between myself, the law department and the city administration,” Police Chief Gary J. Gemme said of the settlements. “When we settled this case, there’s no admission of wrongdoing by the officers.”
The department’s Bureau of Professional Standards, formerly called Internal Affairs, cleared Sgt. LaPointe of any wrongdoing in its investigation, Chief Gemme said.
“It was difficult, rocky terrain with steel railroad tracks and a lot of brush overgrowth, and this individual was combative, and, as a result, there was force used that was reasonable to effect the arrest, and there were some injuries,” Chief Gemme said.
Mr. Dennison’s lawyer, Hector E. Pineiro, declined to comment on the alleged beating or the settlement other than to say, “My client is satisfied that the case has been resolved.”
In court papers, Mr. Dennison alleged that he was on his knees with his hands behind his back to be arrested when an agitated Sgt. LaPointe punched him in the left ear twice. When Mr. Dennison complained and demanded the officer’s badge number, Sgt. LaPointe allegedly took a swing at the man with his collapsible baton.
Mr. Dennison alleged that he suffered a broken finger trying to ward off a baton strike aimed at his head and shoulder area.
In his version of events, Sgt. LaPointe alleged that Mr. Dennison was uncooperative and had been reaching toward his waistband in an apparent attempt to grab something, possibly a weapon, according to a pretrial memorandum filed with the court by city lawyer Janet J. McGuiggan.
“While lying in a prone position on the ground, Dennison again reached for his waistband. Still fearful for his safety, LaPointe struck Dennison in the muscle of the upper right arm with his service baton in an effort to prevent Dennison from possibly pulling a weapon from his waistband and to handcuff him,” Ms. McGuiggan wrote.
The city did not dispute that Mr. Dennison was treated for a fractured third metacarpal — a broken finger on his right hand — and for a perforated eardrum at UMass Memorial Medical Center after he was released from custody. The city noted that Mr. Dennison was drunk at the time of the incident with a blood alcohol level of .14 percent, according to court records.
“Plaintiff’s medical records reveal that his eardrum healed in approximately one month and the finger fracture healed as well,” Ms. McGuiggan wrote in her motion.
The city has agreed to pay a city man $48,750 to settle his federal civil rights lawsuit alleging that a Worcester police sergeant unjustly punched him in the head and struck him with a baton while he was on his knees being arrested for trespassing on railroad tracks.
The police brutality lawsuit brought by Raymond E. Dennison, who alleged that he was beaten by Sgt. Ronald F. LaPointe in June 2003, had been set to go to trial in U.S. District Court in Worcester on June 1.
The $48,750 settlement, which will be paid by the city with taxpayer money, comes less than two months after the city paid $30,000 to settle a police brutality lawsuit filed by an Upton man.
So far this year, the city has settled three police brutality lawsuits at a total cost of $107,750, according to city records. Last year, the city paid $320,000 in public money to settle five police brutality lawsuits.
“As we’ve said in the past, it’s a business decision between myself, the law department and the city administration,” Police Chief Gary J. Gemme said of the settlements. “When we settled this case, there’s no admission of wrongdoing by the officers.”
The department’s Bureau of Professional Standards, formerly called Internal Affairs, cleared Sgt. LaPointe of any wrongdoing in its investigation, Chief Gemme said.
“It was difficult, rocky terrain with steel railroad tracks and a lot of brush overgrowth, and this individual was combative, and, as a result, there was force used that was reasonable to effect the arrest, and there were some injuries,” Chief Gemme said.
Mr. Dennison’s lawyer, Hector E. Pineiro, declined to comment on the alleged beating or the settlement other than to say, “My client is satisfied that the case has been resolved.”
In court papers, Mr. Dennison alleged that he was on his knees with his hands behind his back to be arrested when an agitated Sgt. LaPointe punched him in the left ear twice. When Mr. Dennison complained and demanded the officer’s badge number, Sgt. LaPointe allegedly took a swing at the man with his collapsible baton.
Mr. Dennison alleged that he suffered a broken finger trying to ward off a baton strike aimed at his head and shoulder area.
In his version of events, Sgt. LaPointe alleged that Mr. Dennison was uncooperative and had been reaching toward his waistband in an apparent attempt to grab something, possibly a weapon, according to a pretrial memorandum filed with the court by city lawyer Janet J. McGuiggan.
“While lying in a prone position on the ground, Dennison again reached for his waistband. Still fearful for his safety, LaPointe struck Dennison in the muscle of the upper right arm with his service baton in an effort to prevent Dennison from possibly pulling a weapon from his waistband and to handcuff him,” Ms. McGuiggan wrote.
The city did not dispute that Mr. Dennison was treated for a fractured third metacarpal — a broken finger on his right hand — and for a perforated eardrum at UMass Memorial Medical Center after he was released from custody. The city noted that Mr. Dennison was drunk at the time of the incident with a blood alcohol level of .14 percent, according to court records.
“Plaintiff’s medical records reveal that his eardrum healed in approximately one month and the finger fracture healed as well,” Ms. McGuiggan wrote in her motion.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Deputy Robert Kijanka Arrested for Smuggling Porn into Juvenile Detention Facility
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.
A Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office deputy was arrested Friday, accused of smuggling pornography into the juvenile section of the county jail.
Robert Kijanka, 39, was charged with one count of smuggling contraband into a detention facility and three counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
According to the arrest report, an 18-year-old inmate at the jail told detectives Kijanka, who is responsible for the juvenile dorm at the main detention center, brought a pornographic DVD into the jail and showed it to inmates in a classroom.
The juveniles described the DVD as "naked men and women having sex," according to the report.
Inmates said Kijanka also showed them a picture on his cell phone of his girlfriend wearing only her bra and short pants.
One of the inmates told detectives watching the DVD made their day "go by smoother," the report stated.
Detectives said Kijanka admitted to showing the DVD to inmates.
"Was it stupid on my part? Yes, it was," Kijanka told detectives, the report stated.
Kijanka was released on $3,000 bond and has been placed on paid leave.
A Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office deputy was arrested Friday, accused of smuggling pornography into the juvenile section of the county jail.
Robert Kijanka, 39, was charged with one count of smuggling contraband into a detention facility and three counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
According to the arrest report, an 18-year-old inmate at the jail told detectives Kijanka, who is responsible for the juvenile dorm at the main detention center, brought a pornographic DVD into the jail and showed it to inmates in a classroom.
The juveniles described the DVD as "naked men and women having sex," according to the report.
Inmates said Kijanka also showed them a picture on his cell phone of his girlfriend wearing only her bra and short pants.
One of the inmates told detectives watching the DVD made their day "go by smoother," the report stated.
Detectives said Kijanka admitted to showing the DVD to inmates.
"Was it stupid on my part? Yes, it was," Kijanka told detectives, the report stated.
Kijanka was released on $3,000 bond and has been placed on paid leave.
Officer Julian Steele Arrested for Sexual Battery
Cincinnati Police Officer Julian Steele was arrested Friday afternoon, charged with coercing oral sex from the mother of a child he is accused of falsely booking into Hamilton County’s juvenile jail.
He was charged with sexual battery, a felony.
Steele, 46, of Springfield Township is accused of forcing the woman “knowingly and by means that would prevent resistance by a person of ordinary resolution.”
The incident is alleged to have happened May 14.
Steele will be arraigned today SAT and his case most likely will go to the grand jury next week, said Kathy Harrell, president of the Fraternal Order of Police. She does not know what plea he will make.
Steele, an officer since 1998, was stripped of his police powers and put on desk duty this week as an investigation by the Hamilton County prosecutor’s office proceeded. He turned in his badge and gun on Tuesday and was reassigned from District 5’s investigative unit to the telephone reporting unit.
Harrell said earlier this week that Steele said he had probable cause to make the juvenile arrest.
Steele’s personnel file contains several commendations from citizens and one reprimand for a 1999 traffic stop. His job evaluations classify his overall performance as “exceeds standards.”
“His beat knowledge was a tremendous asset and his input helped with the arrests of key leaders of the Taliband CQ Gang operating in Northside,” one of his supervisors, Sgt. Matthew Hassert, wrote in his latest evaluation dated Jan. 11.
That roundup of those gang members was the largest of its kind in the history of the Police Department, Hassert noted.
Sexual battery is a felony carrying a maximum prison sentence of five years.
Officer Phillip Brooks Arrested for Selling Impounded Cars
DAYTON, Ohio
A Dayton police officer has been indicted on more than 20 felony counts on allegations he illegally sold impounded cars.
Phillip Brooks, 43, was indicted today, May 21, on charges including grand theft, forgery, and tampering with evidence.
Brooks is accused of using the police database to find the owners of impounded cars, forging fake documents, and selling the cars in his name. Investigators said he has been doing it for at least four years and they found out about the scam when one of the vehicle's legitimate owners tried to reclaim a car.
Brooks could get up to 59 years in prison if convicted.
Brooks was booked into the jail April 9 for contempt of court when he refused to submit a handwriting sample in connection to the case. He was released several hours later when he provided the sample.
Brooks was removed from his patrol position last month when the case emerged. He's scheduled to be arraigned June 4.
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http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/ohio-news/dayton-police-officer-indicted-in-illegal-sales-129776.html
Information from the Dayton Daily News was used in this report.
A Dayton police officer has been indicted on more than 20 felony counts on allegations he illegally sold impounded cars.
Phillip Brooks, 43, was indicted today, May 21, on charges including grand theft, forgery, and tampering with evidence.
Brooks is accused of using the police database to find the owners of impounded cars, forging fake documents, and selling the cars in his name. Investigators said he has been doing it for at least four years and they found out about the scam when one of the vehicle's legitimate owners tried to reclaim a car.
Brooks could get up to 59 years in prison if convicted.
Brooks was booked into the jail April 9 for contempt of court when he refused to submit a handwriting sample in connection to the case. He was released several hours later when he provided the sample.
Brooks was removed from his patrol position last month when the case emerged. He's scheduled to be arraigned June 4.
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http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/ohio-news/dayton-police-officer-indicted-in-illegal-sales-129776.html
Information from the Dayton Daily News was used in this report.
Officer Jason Anderson Takes Stand in Wrongful Death Case
MINNEAPOLIS
Officer Jason Anderson took the stand in his own defense Wednesday in the wrongful death of Fong Lee. Lee’s family claims their son wasn't armed, and that a gun found on him was planted by police in what's known as a "drop gun."
Surveillance video at City View Elementary shows the shooting in brief parting glimpses, with Officer Anderson chasing Lee. According to court documents, Anderson shot Lee eight times.
Anderson said as he came around the corner he had his gun up, pointed at Lee. He says Lee was holding a gun in his right hand, then fell to the ground after the shooting, but raised the gun again.
Trooper Craig Benz was Anderson’s partner that July night three years ago. The two had never met before. Benz testified he also saw Lee with a gun, but didn't see the actual shooting, as he was several steps behind Anderson.
Anderson testified he didn't approach Lee or the gun after the shooting.
"I didn't secure the gun. I didn't want to be accused of putting it there," said Anderson.
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http://www.startribune.com/local/45860627.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUJ
Officer Jason Anderson took the stand in his own defense Wednesday in the wrongful death of Fong Lee. Lee’s family claims their son wasn't armed, and that a gun found on him was planted by police in what's known as a "drop gun."
Surveillance video at City View Elementary shows the shooting in brief parting glimpses, with Officer Anderson chasing Lee. According to court documents, Anderson shot Lee eight times.
Anderson said as he came around the corner he had his gun up, pointed at Lee. He says Lee was holding a gun in his right hand, then fell to the ground after the shooting, but raised the gun again.
Trooper Craig Benz was Anderson’s partner that July night three years ago. The two had never met before. Benz testified he also saw Lee with a gun, but didn't see the actual shooting, as he was several steps behind Anderson.
Anderson testified he didn't approach Lee or the gun after the shooting.
"I didn't secure the gun. I didn't want to be accused of putting it there," said Anderson.
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http://www.startribune.com/local/45860627.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUJ
Chicago Pays out $20 Million in Police Brutality Settlements
Last week former Chicago Police Commander Jon Burge was in the news again, narrowly avoiding testifying in the case of a convicted murderer who says Burge’s underlings tortured him. Burge allegedly performed and oversaw the torture of dozens of individuals in Chicago police custody during the 1980’s and was arrested by U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald last October for obstruction of justice and perjury. What’s all this cost the city of Chicago in settlements?
About $20 million, so far, to four of the more than 100 men who claim they were tortured.
Chicago Alderman approved settlements totaling $19.8 million in January of 2008 to four men who claimed they were tortured by Burge or his officers: Aaron Paterson received $5 million for being convicted of murder by a confession allegedly obtained by torture, Stanley Howard received $800,000 in restitution and another $1 million for attorney fees, Leroy Orange was paid $5.5 million for his 19 years in prison, and Madison Hobley received $1 million up front then another $6.5 million after being acquitted of his arson charge.
With this gesture, Mayor Daley and the City Council hoped to close a “tragic chapter” in Chicago’s history. And they did, as far as the Mayor is concerned. The $19.8 million settlement came with some strings attached: the plaintiffs would not name Mayor Richard Daley as a defendant in a civil rights, obstruction of justice, and racketeering conspiracy case; they wouldn’t pursue Daley’s deposition; they wouldn’t criticize Daley in any public statements made in connection with the settlement; and the above terms would remain secret and would not be put in the written agreement.
But this money has only been paid out to 5 of the dozens of alleged torture victims. The statute of limitations has expired on the most gruesome of Burge’s alleged crimes, making it increasingly unlikely that the remaining accusers will have their day in court.
Because Burge was never convicted, or even formally charged, in a criminal torture case, these alleged victims face what the Chicago Defender describes as an uphill legal battle in seeking their share of compensation from a civil suit. Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office took on 25 cases of alleged torture in 2003. Since then, over 11 have been resolved. Most alleged torture cases have resulted in pardons.
About $20 million, so far, to four of the more than 100 men who claim they were tortured.
Chicago Alderman approved settlements totaling $19.8 million in January of 2008 to four men who claimed they were tortured by Burge or his officers: Aaron Paterson received $5 million for being convicted of murder by a confession allegedly obtained by torture, Stanley Howard received $800,000 in restitution and another $1 million for attorney fees, Leroy Orange was paid $5.5 million for his 19 years in prison, and Madison Hobley received $1 million up front then another $6.5 million after being acquitted of his arson charge.
With this gesture, Mayor Daley and the City Council hoped to close a “tragic chapter” in Chicago’s history. And they did, as far as the Mayor is concerned. The $19.8 million settlement came with some strings attached: the plaintiffs would not name Mayor Richard Daley as a defendant in a civil rights, obstruction of justice, and racketeering conspiracy case; they wouldn’t pursue Daley’s deposition; they wouldn’t criticize Daley in any public statements made in connection with the settlement; and the above terms would remain secret and would not be put in the written agreement.
But this money has only been paid out to 5 of the dozens of alleged torture victims. The statute of limitations has expired on the most gruesome of Burge’s alleged crimes, making it increasingly unlikely that the remaining accusers will have their day in court.
Because Burge was never convicted, or even formally charged, in a criminal torture case, these alleged victims face what the Chicago Defender describes as an uphill legal battle in seeking their share of compensation from a civil suit. Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office took on 25 cases of alleged torture in 2003. Since then, over 11 have been resolved. Most alleged torture cases have resulted in pardons.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
East Chicago Officer Accused of Biting and Scratching Woman
Highland police are investigating the allegations and have confirmed they involve an East Chicago officer, Highland police Cmdr. George Georgeff said.
Highland police would not release the incident report and would not confirm the name of the officer because no charges have been filed and because it still is under investigation, Georgeff said.
Georgeff said a woman filed a report at the Highland police station Wednesday morning. She indicated some things were taken from her, and she had bite marks and minor scratches resulting from an incident Wednesday morning at Corker's Tavern & Grill, 9500 Indianapolis Blvd.
The woman gave police the name of the man whom she said caused the injuries and told Highland police he was an officer in East Chicago. Highland police advised the East Chicago Police Department of the incident, and its administration is aware, Georgeff said.
East Chicago police are investigating the case and checking with Highland authorities to see if the allegations are accurate, city spokesman Damian Rico said.
No action has been taken against the officer so far, as East Chicago police verify the accuracy of the accusations, Rico said.
Once that is complete, East Chicago will determine what happens from there with the officer, Rico said.
Highland police would not release the incident report and would not confirm the name of the officer because no charges have been filed and because it still is under investigation, Georgeff said.
Georgeff said a woman filed a report at the Highland police station Wednesday morning. She indicated some things were taken from her, and she had bite marks and minor scratches resulting from an incident Wednesday morning at Corker's Tavern & Grill, 9500 Indianapolis Blvd.
The woman gave police the name of the man whom she said caused the injuries and told Highland police he was an officer in East Chicago. Highland police advised the East Chicago Police Department of the incident, and its administration is aware, Georgeff said.
East Chicago police are investigating the case and checking with Highland authorities to see if the allegations are accurate, city spokesman Damian Rico said.
No action has been taken against the officer so far, as East Chicago police verify the accuracy of the accusations, Rico said.
Once that is complete, East Chicago will determine what happens from there with the officer, Rico said.
Officer Johnathon Rogers Arrested for Larceny
A Marion police officer has been fired because of criminal charges he faces, Marion Police Chief Willie L. Smith said.
Johnathon M. Rogers, 27, of Gresham was arrested May 11 by Marion County sheriff’s deputies on larceny, counterfeiting and forgery charges.
Rogers is accused of stealing a Social Security card and birth certificate from a woman’s purse, according to a Marion County Sheriff’s Office incident report.
The report said Rogers admitted to claiming the victim’s daughter on his federal income tax. Rogers isn’t related to the victim and provided deputies with a copy of his 2008 tax returns.
Rogers was a police officer when he was arrested, but Smith said Rogers cannot serve on the force with those charges against him and was dismissed. Smith said he thought Rogers had been with the police department for about two years.
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http://www.carolinalive.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=303195
Johnathon M. Rogers, 27, of Gresham was arrested May 11 by Marion County sheriff’s deputies on larceny, counterfeiting and forgery charges.
Rogers is accused of stealing a Social Security card and birth certificate from a woman’s purse, according to a Marion County Sheriff’s Office incident report.
The report said Rogers admitted to claiming the victim’s daughter on his federal income tax. Rogers isn’t related to the victim and provided deputies with a copy of his 2008 tax returns.
Rogers was a police officer when he was arrested, but Smith said Rogers cannot serve on the force with those charges against him and was dismissed. Smith said he thought Rogers had been with the police department for about two years.
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http://www.carolinalive.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=303195
Former Officer Calvin Schaffer Remains Free on Fraud Charges
A former Goddard police officer will remain free as he continues to face a federal fraud charge.
The former officer, Calvin Schaffer, 44, entered a not-guilty plea Wednesday in his first court appearance since being charged last month.
Unless Schaffer violates terms of his release, he will remain free. His bond has been set at $10,000.
Authorities have alleged that Schaffer offered to help dismiss a DUI charge against a woman he arrested if she would have sex with him.
Authorities also alleged that while Schaffer was an officer, he used a Goddard police computer to send photos of himself -- nude and seminude -- in e-mails to the woman.
Schaffer is charged with defrauding the Goddard Police Department and the people of Goddard.
________________________________
http://www.fox4kc.com/news/sns-ap-ks--kansascop-fraud,0,5100436.story
http://www.kansas.com/topstories/story/820877.html
The former officer, Calvin Schaffer, 44, entered a not-guilty plea Wednesday in his first court appearance since being charged last month.
Unless Schaffer violates terms of his release, he will remain free. His bond has been set at $10,000.
Authorities have alleged that Schaffer offered to help dismiss a DUI charge against a woman he arrested if she would have sex with him.
Authorities also alleged that while Schaffer was an officer, he used a Goddard police computer to send photos of himself -- nude and seminude -- in e-mails to the woman.
Schaffer is charged with defrauding the Goddard Police Department and the people of Goddard.
________________________________
http://www.fox4kc.com/news/sns-ap-ks--kansascop-fraud,0,5100436.story
http://www.kansas.com/topstories/story/820877.html
Officer Vanessa Mason Accused of Tipping Off Drug Dealers
A Rochester police officer accused of tipping off drug dealers about narcotics investigations and taking money to help pick up and deliver drugs made her first court appearance Thursday.
Vanessa Nicole Mason, 31, is charged with three felony and two gross misdemeanor counts. The complaint was filed in mid-April. Mason has been on administrative leave since April 7.
Olmsted District Judge Joseph Chase ordered that Mason be released on her own recognizance. Chase ordered Mason not to initiate contact with the people in the complaint and to terminate the conversation if one of them phones her.
Her next hearing is July 7. Some evidence must still be analyzed by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
After the complaint was filed, her attorney, Fred Bruno of Minneapolis, called the case "a piece of garbage that's based on the uncorroborated word of criminals looking for favors." He said Mason denies the allegations.
Mason has been a patrol officer in Rochester for 41/2 years.
The case is being prosecuted by Rice County Attorney Paul Beaumaster to avoid any conflict of interest.
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http://kaaltv.com/article/stories/S943409.shtml?cat=10226
Vanessa Nicole Mason, 31, is charged with three felony and two gross misdemeanor counts. The complaint was filed in mid-April. Mason has been on administrative leave since April 7.
Olmsted District Judge Joseph Chase ordered that Mason be released on her own recognizance. Chase ordered Mason not to initiate contact with the people in the complaint and to terminate the conversation if one of them phones her.
Her next hearing is July 7. Some evidence must still be analyzed by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
After the complaint was filed, her attorney, Fred Bruno of Minneapolis, called the case "a piece of garbage that's based on the uncorroborated word of criminals looking for favors." He said Mason denies the allegations.
Mason has been a patrol officer in Rochester for 41/2 years.
The case is being prosecuted by Rice County Attorney Paul Beaumaster to avoid any conflict of interest.
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http://kaaltv.com/article/stories/S943409.shtml?cat=10226
Five Birmingham Officers Fired After Videotape Shows Them Beating Suspect
An attorney for five Birmingham police officers who were fired after being shown on videotape beating an inert suspect said Thursday they thought the man was conscious and armed.
Attorney Gayle Gear said the officers who approached Anthony Warren had not seen him thrown from his van when it overturned at the end of a police chase, and they assumed he was a threat.
Gear said the officers were following their training to force Warren to submit and they have appealed their dismissal to the Jefferson County Personnel Board.
As Gear defended their actions, an attorney for Warren said a lawsuit is expected to be filed this week against the officers and the police department. An internal investigation was ordered by Police Chief A.C. Roper to determine if others in the department knew about the beating, recorded by a patrol car camera, but did not report it.
The video surfaced by surprise in March more than a year after the Jan. 23, 2008 chase. Warren, 38, was nearing trial for attempted murder, a charge stemming from the chase, and a copy of the video given to prosecutors didn't include the beating. But when the chief prosecutor sought the original tape for technical reasons, the beating was discovered.
Warren's attorney, Wendy Crew, said the suit would seek monetary damages and ask the court to order the city to change the way it trains police officers.
Gear said the officers responded at the end of a hair-raising chase in which Warren appeared to try to hit several vehicles and a Hoover police officer.
"He was trying to hit everybody. You can't just run from police like that," Gear said.
She said the officers who first arrived didn't know if Warren was armed and assumed he had a weapon under his body. She said the officers were not trying to injure Warren, but hit him in pressure spots, such as behind the neck, that would force him to submit.
She said David Doran was the first officer to approach Warren and shouted "show me your hands." She said Doran then struck Warren with a baton to get him to comply. She said one officer hit Warren on a part of the leg to disable him.
Birmingham police have not released the names of the police officers. But Gear identified them as Doran, Heath Boackle, Thomas Cleveland, Barrett Dewitt, and Kenneth Prevo. The officers were fired by the police chief on accusations they used unnecessary and excessive force and failed to submit required reports.
Governor Bob Riley said Thursday the officers appeared to over-react to the situation.
"You have to give police officers some latitude, to go through what they go through every day, and the adrenaline's pumping and everything is moving very quickly, but you should never tolerate that type of reaction from any segment of law enforcement," Riley said.
A spokesman for Birmingham police, Sgt. Johnny Williams, said Roper decided to fire the officers based on the department's policies and procedures and "the actions he observed" on the video.
Crew questioned why police were chasing Warren in the first place. She said he never was charged with any drug offense, which was the alleged reason police first approached him.
"We are seeking systematic changes in the Birmingham Police Department," Crew said. She said business has been conducted in the department in a way that creates "a culture of tolerance for this type of behavior."
She said it concerns her that the incident involved at least five police officers and that it took 14 months before the videotape surfaced and details of the incident were revealed to the public.
"This was not just one rogue police officer," Crew said. "It took many more than the five officers involved in this to keep it from coming to life for 14 months."
Williams said the officers were disciplined as soon as top police officials became aware of the videotape.
"Chief Roper addressed it right off," Williams said.
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8060950.stm
Attorney Gayle Gear said the officers who approached Anthony Warren had not seen him thrown from his van when it overturned at the end of a police chase, and they assumed he was a threat.
Gear said the officers were following their training to force Warren to submit and they have appealed their dismissal to the Jefferson County Personnel Board.
As Gear defended their actions, an attorney for Warren said a lawsuit is expected to be filed this week against the officers and the police department. An internal investigation was ordered by Police Chief A.C. Roper to determine if others in the department knew about the beating, recorded by a patrol car camera, but did not report it.
The video surfaced by surprise in March more than a year after the Jan. 23, 2008 chase. Warren, 38, was nearing trial for attempted murder, a charge stemming from the chase, and a copy of the video given to prosecutors didn't include the beating. But when the chief prosecutor sought the original tape for technical reasons, the beating was discovered.
Warren's attorney, Wendy Crew, said the suit would seek monetary damages and ask the court to order the city to change the way it trains police officers.
Gear said the officers responded at the end of a hair-raising chase in which Warren appeared to try to hit several vehicles and a Hoover police officer.
"He was trying to hit everybody. You can't just run from police like that," Gear said.
She said the officers who first arrived didn't know if Warren was armed and assumed he had a weapon under his body. She said the officers were not trying to injure Warren, but hit him in pressure spots, such as behind the neck, that would force him to submit.
She said David Doran was the first officer to approach Warren and shouted "show me your hands." She said Doran then struck Warren with a baton to get him to comply. She said one officer hit Warren on a part of the leg to disable him.
Birmingham police have not released the names of the police officers. But Gear identified them as Doran, Heath Boackle, Thomas Cleveland, Barrett Dewitt, and Kenneth Prevo. The officers were fired by the police chief on accusations they used unnecessary and excessive force and failed to submit required reports.
Governor Bob Riley said Thursday the officers appeared to over-react to the situation.
"You have to give police officers some latitude, to go through what they go through every day, and the adrenaline's pumping and everything is moving very quickly, but you should never tolerate that type of reaction from any segment of law enforcement," Riley said.
A spokesman for Birmingham police, Sgt. Johnny Williams, said Roper decided to fire the officers based on the department's policies and procedures and "the actions he observed" on the video.
Crew questioned why police were chasing Warren in the first place. She said he never was charged with any drug offense, which was the alleged reason police first approached him.
"We are seeking systematic changes in the Birmingham Police Department," Crew said. She said business has been conducted in the department in a way that creates "a culture of tolerance for this type of behavior."
She said it concerns her that the incident involved at least five police officers and that it took 14 months before the videotape surfaced and details of the incident were revealed to the public.
"This was not just one rogue police officer," Crew said. "It took many more than the five officers involved in this to keep it from coming to life for 14 months."
Williams said the officers were disciplined as soon as top police officials became aware of the videotape.
"Chief Roper addressed it right off," Williams said.
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8060950.stm
Deputy Eric Kennedy Arrested for Stealing Football Cards
A Polk County Sheriff's deputy could lose his job after being accused of stealing from a Casey's convenience store.
Polk County Sheriff Bill McCarthy said Wednesday that Eric Kennedy, 36, was on duty and in uniform when he walked into this Casey's near Highway 65 in Bondurant.
The store manger saw him put several packs of football trading cards in his pockets and leave without paying for them.
"It's beyond me," McCarthy said. "I absolutely do not understand that."
The Manager called the Sheriff's Department and they installed a hidden camera. When the footage seemed to show Kennedy taking more cards, Kennedy was arrested and charged him with fifth-degree theft.
Investigators said they found boxes of trading cards in his squad car. They said they think he was selling the cards online to buyers all over the country.
The stolen cards were worth about $140, investigators said.
"I've been around long enough to know that people and people and they succumb to weakness," McCarthy said. "It's disappointing and it does reflect on the department, unfortunately."
McCarthy said most of his 150 deputies are good workers. He said he has put Kennedy on suspension and may base his fate on the outcome of his legal case.
"We have to move forward and not have him part of the sheriff's office," said McCarthy.
Polk County Sheriff Bill McCarthy said Wednesday that Eric Kennedy, 36, was on duty and in uniform when he walked into this Casey's near Highway 65 in Bondurant.
The store manger saw him put several packs of football trading cards in his pockets and leave without paying for them.
"It's beyond me," McCarthy said. "I absolutely do not understand that."
The Manager called the Sheriff's Department and they installed a hidden camera. When the footage seemed to show Kennedy taking more cards, Kennedy was arrested and charged him with fifth-degree theft.
Investigators said they found boxes of trading cards in his squad car. They said they think he was selling the cards online to buyers all over the country.
The stolen cards were worth about $140, investigators said.
"I've been around long enough to know that people and people and they succumb to weakness," McCarthy said. "It's disappointing and it does reflect on the department, unfortunately."
McCarthy said most of his 150 deputies are good workers. He said he has put Kennedy on suspension and may base his fate on the outcome of his legal case.
"We have to move forward and not have him part of the sheriff's office," said McCarthy.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Officer J.T. Root Arrested for Domestic Violence
An officer with the Cartersville Police Department was arrested today on a domestic violence charge.
According to police reports:
J.T. Root of Cartersville was arrested and charged with battery under the Family Violence Act.
An internal investigation has been initiated and Root has been placed on administrative suspension.
The incident will be forwarded to Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training for investigation by their staff.
According to police reports:
J.T. Root of Cartersville was arrested and charged with battery under the Family Violence Act.
An internal investigation has been initiated and Root has been placed on administrative suspension.
The incident will be forwarded to Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training for investigation by their staff.
Officer James Manor Dies After Driving 109 MPH Without Lights & Sirens
Las Vegas police officer James Manor was not using his lights and sirens while responding to a domestic violence call May 7, the night he was killed in a traffic collision.
At a 3 p.m. news conference today, Clark County Sheriff Doug Gillespie also said Manor was traveling more than 100 mph at the time of the collision.
Gillespie said charges against the other driver in the crash are being re-examined in light of the new information.
Manor was also not wearing a seat belt, Gillespie said.
Also, it was revealed that the blood alcohol level for Calvin Darling, initially charged with drunken driving in Manor's death, was .035 percent. A second blood test an hour later showed his level was .021 percent.
Darling's lawyer said last week his client saw no emergency lights and heard no sirens before turning in front of the oncoming patrol car.
Darling saw three oncoming vehicles before the crash, but they were a “sufficient distance away, which led him to believe that he could safely cross Flamingo,” the statement from Sean P. Sullivan said.
Darling, an engineer at Bellagio, turned his pickup truck left in front of a patrol car driven by Manor, 28, who died shortly after the violent collision at the intersection of Flamingo Road and Ravenwood Drive, near Tenaya Way just a few blocks from Darling’s house.
At a news conference the day of the crash, Gillespie was emphatic that two patrol cars had lights and sirens on as they headed to the domestic violence call.
Under the Metropolitan Police Department’s policy, officers can drive with lights and sirens, called Code 3, in four situations, including responding to a felony in progress, an officer who needs help in a volatile situation and a call where a citizen’s life could be in danger.
If a patrol car is not responding Code 3, the officer is required to use due care and observe traffic laws, he said at the time.
Before making his left turn, Darling checked the oncoming traffic and saw no lights, his lawyer’s statement said.
After the crash he told investigators he had “three or four beers,” police said. He smelled of alcohol and failed a field sobriety test that measures eye movements, leading to charges of drunken driving causing death and failing to yield to an emergency vehicle. He was released from jail a day later when a test revealed his blood-alcohol content was under the legal limit of 0.08 percent.
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http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/may/20/police-officer-killed-crash-drove-109-mph-no-light/
At a 3 p.m. news conference today, Clark County Sheriff Doug Gillespie also said Manor was traveling more than 100 mph at the time of the collision.
Gillespie said charges against the other driver in the crash are being re-examined in light of the new information.
Manor was also not wearing a seat belt, Gillespie said.
Also, it was revealed that the blood alcohol level for Calvin Darling, initially charged with drunken driving in Manor's death, was .035 percent. A second blood test an hour later showed his level was .021 percent.
Darling's lawyer said last week his client saw no emergency lights and heard no sirens before turning in front of the oncoming patrol car.
Darling saw three oncoming vehicles before the crash, but they were a “sufficient distance away, which led him to believe that he could safely cross Flamingo,” the statement from Sean P. Sullivan said.
Darling, an engineer at Bellagio, turned his pickup truck left in front of a patrol car driven by Manor, 28, who died shortly after the violent collision at the intersection of Flamingo Road and Ravenwood Drive, near Tenaya Way just a few blocks from Darling’s house.
At a news conference the day of the crash, Gillespie was emphatic that two patrol cars had lights and sirens on as they headed to the domestic violence call.
Under the Metropolitan Police Department’s policy, officers can drive with lights and sirens, called Code 3, in four situations, including responding to a felony in progress, an officer who needs help in a volatile situation and a call where a citizen’s life could be in danger.
If a patrol car is not responding Code 3, the officer is required to use due care and observe traffic laws, he said at the time.
Before making his left turn, Darling checked the oncoming traffic and saw no lights, his lawyer’s statement said.
After the crash he told investigators he had “three or four beers,” police said. He smelled of alcohol and failed a field sobriety test that measures eye movements, leading to charges of drunken driving causing death and failing to yield to an emergency vehicle. He was released from jail a day later when a test revealed his blood-alcohol content was under the legal limit of 0.08 percent.
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http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/may/20/police-officer-killed-crash-drove-109-mph-no-light/
Former Officer Timothy Radogna Charged with Possession of Methamphetamines
Prosecutors charged a former Glendora police officer today with possession of methamphetamines for the purpose of sale.
Timothy Radogna, 33, was arrested this morning in connection with an incident last September in which he allegedly stole hundreds of dollars from the Police Department and was found to have narcotics in his possession.
Prosecutors did not specify how much they allege Radogna stole but said it was more than the $400 required to qualify as felony grand theft.
If convicted of all charges, Radogna would face a maximum term of nine years and eight months in state prison.
Timothy Radogna, 33, was arrested this morning in connection with an incident last September in which he allegedly stole hundreds of dollars from the Police Department and was found to have narcotics in his possession.
Prosecutors did not specify how much they allege Radogna stole but said it was more than the $400 required to qualify as felony grand theft.
If convicted of all charges, Radogna would face a maximum term of nine years and eight months in state prison.
Officer Scott Geving Faces New Charges Of Harassing Woman
A Stillwater police officer who was last summer charged with attempted inappropriate sexual conduct now faces new charges of harassing a woman he pulled over.
According to the Washington County Attorney, an adult woman reported that Officer Scott Geving, 50, had harassed her and made unwelcomed sexual advances on her in 2006.
According to the charges, the woman was pulled over on suspicion of drunken driving. When she failed a preliminary breath test, Geving allegedly gave her a ride home instead of arresting her.
He then began getting "a little flirty," according to the woman. Before long, she reported seeing him sitting in his squad car outside her house repeatedly. He also called her and reminded her that he'd done her the favor of dropping her off at home.
Ultimately, according to the woman, he arrived at her house in uniform, kissed and fondled her. When she told him to leave, he said he'd come back later.
The next night, she and a friend saw him standing outside her window.
She claimed being very frightened by his repeated appearances, which trailed off after she told him her boyfriend would be moving in and that he should stop coming around.
The woman said that she brought the case to the attention of authorities after reading about another alleged harassment case reported last summer.
Last August, a woman reported Geving made unwanted sexual advances towards her while in uniform when she was working at a Stillwater motel. According to charges filed by the Dakota County Attorney, she accompanied him through the hallways and, at one point, started rubbing her back and offered to "relieve that stress."
He returned later in street clothes and started whispering things to her at the front desk and asked what the price of a room was. The woman told him that he needed to go home, at which time he left the motel.
Geving has been charged with a pattern of harassing conduct, a felony, as well as gross misdemeanor counts of harassment, stalking and fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct.
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http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_12399120
According to the Washington County Attorney, an adult woman reported that Officer Scott Geving, 50, had harassed her and made unwelcomed sexual advances on her in 2006.
According to the charges, the woman was pulled over on suspicion of drunken driving. When she failed a preliminary breath test, Geving allegedly gave her a ride home instead of arresting her.
He then began getting "a little flirty," according to the woman. Before long, she reported seeing him sitting in his squad car outside her house repeatedly. He also called her and reminded her that he'd done her the favor of dropping her off at home.
Ultimately, according to the woman, he arrived at her house in uniform, kissed and fondled her. When she told him to leave, he said he'd come back later.
The next night, she and a friend saw him standing outside her window.
She claimed being very frightened by his repeated appearances, which trailed off after she told him her boyfriend would be moving in and that he should stop coming around.
The woman said that she brought the case to the attention of authorities after reading about another alleged harassment case reported last summer.
Last August, a woman reported Geving made unwanted sexual advances towards her while in uniform when she was working at a Stillwater motel. According to charges filed by the Dakota County Attorney, she accompanied him through the hallways and, at one point, started rubbing her back and offered to "relieve that stress."
He returned later in street clothes and started whispering things to her at the front desk and asked what the price of a room was. The woman told him that he needed to go home, at which time he left the motel.
Geving has been charged with a pattern of harassing conduct, a felony, as well as gross misdemeanor counts of harassment, stalking and fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct.
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http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_12399120
Sgt Eric Downey Arrested for Domestic Violence & DUI
Police say a veteran officer, with 20 years of service, was arrested early today, accused of domestic battery and driving under the influence.
Police arrested Sgt. Eric Downey, an afternoon shift patrol supervisor, at his home in the 1300 block of Fairview Street after his wife filed a battery complaint with police about 11:55 p.m. Tuesday.
According to Capt. Phil Trent, South Bend Police spokesman, an officer went to Downey’s home to take the complaint, which stemmed from an earlier incident. The exact details of the complaint are not known, but allege that Downey battered his wife, Trent said.
As officers interviewed his wife, Downey reportedly arrived at home, driving his own vehicle. Officers talked with Downey, who appeared to be intoxicated. A test at the St. Joseph County jail would reveal a 0.09 blood-alcohol level, according to Trent.
Police booked Downey into the jail, accused of domestic battery and driving under the influence. According to jail records, he is scheduled to appear in court for a bond hearing at 1:30 p.m. today.
Police arrested Sgt. Eric Downey, an afternoon shift patrol supervisor, at his home in the 1300 block of Fairview Street after his wife filed a battery complaint with police about 11:55 p.m. Tuesday.
According to Capt. Phil Trent, South Bend Police spokesman, an officer went to Downey’s home to take the complaint, which stemmed from an earlier incident. The exact details of the complaint are not known, but allege that Downey battered his wife, Trent said.
As officers interviewed his wife, Downey reportedly arrived at home, driving his own vehicle. Officers talked with Downey, who appeared to be intoxicated. A test at the St. Joseph County jail would reveal a 0.09 blood-alcohol level, according to Trent.
Police booked Downey into the jail, accused of domestic battery and driving under the influence. According to jail records, he is scheduled to appear in court for a bond hearing at 1:30 p.m. today.
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Five Officers Fired for Alleged Beating
Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper and Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford said that five officers who participated in an alleged beating in January 2008 have been fired from the Birmingham Police Department.
The incident in question comes from the alleged beating of 38-year-old Anthony Shannon Warren.
The beating occurred after Warren led Birmingham Police on a high speed chase that started in Birmingham and ended in Hoover.
During the chase, Hoover Police Officer Mike Lucas was struck by Warren's vehicle while attempting to place spike strips on the roadway.
At the end of the chase, the van overturned on the I-459 on-ramp, ejecting Warren, who lay motionless as officers ran toward him. The video shows them beating him with fists, feet and a billy club.
Officials in the Birmingham Police Department released a statement saying that "police brutality and misconduct will not be tolerated".
Police Chief A.C. Roper said the officers, who were not identified, were seasoned veterans but acted in a "shameful" manner.
Roper said the department had "terminated 50 years of combined service due to 10 seconds of injustice." The officers can appeal the decision.
He said disciplinary action may be taken against supervisors. The Alabama Bureau of Investigation will review possible criminal charges.
Authorities believe numerous Birmingham officers and as many as a half-dozen supervisors saw the video over the past year, but none reported it.
"In addition to these terminations, we're also reviewing our supervisor's actions, reporting mechanisms and policies," Roper said.
Warren, who had been held under $1 million bond after the chase, pleaded guilty in March 2009 to first-degree assault and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Because of his plea, no trial was held.
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http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hf2W6z_dNifY1dTDfKRu29ZgyeigD98A7KUG0
The incident in question comes from the alleged beating of 38-year-old Anthony Shannon Warren.
The beating occurred after Warren led Birmingham Police on a high speed chase that started in Birmingham and ended in Hoover.
During the chase, Hoover Police Officer Mike Lucas was struck by Warren's vehicle while attempting to place spike strips on the roadway.
At the end of the chase, the van overturned on the I-459 on-ramp, ejecting Warren, who lay motionless as officers ran toward him. The video shows them beating him with fists, feet and a billy club.
Officials in the Birmingham Police Department released a statement saying that "police brutality and misconduct will not be tolerated".
Police Chief A.C. Roper said the officers, who were not identified, were seasoned veterans but acted in a "shameful" manner.
Roper said the department had "terminated 50 years of combined service due to 10 seconds of injustice." The officers can appeal the decision.
He said disciplinary action may be taken against supervisors. The Alabama Bureau of Investigation will review possible criminal charges.
Authorities believe numerous Birmingham officers and as many as a half-dozen supervisors saw the video over the past year, but none reported it.
"In addition to these terminations, we're also reviewing our supervisor's actions, reporting mechanisms and policies," Roper said.
Warren, who had been held under $1 million bond after the chase, pleaded guilty in March 2009 to first-degree assault and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Because of his plea, no trial was held.
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http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hf2W6z_dNifY1dTDfKRu29ZgyeigD98A7KUG0
Former Officer Sean Patrick Indicted for Soliciting a Minor
A Charleston police officer accused of soliciting sex from a minor on the internet was indicted on the charges in Virginia.
Sean Patrick was indicted for soliciting a minor between 15 years old and 18 years old.
The indictment was filed on Monday and Patrick answered the indictment during a hearing Tuesday.
Patrick was arrested in Charleston back in February for allegedly having sexually explicit chats, sending nude pictures and making plans to meet a girl from Virginia. The girl turned out to be an undercover agent.
Patrick is expected back in court on June 8.
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Previous Information: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2009/02/officer-sean-patrick-arrested-for.html
Sean Patrick was indicted for soliciting a minor between 15 years old and 18 years old.
The indictment was filed on Monday and Patrick answered the indictment during a hearing Tuesday.
Patrick was arrested in Charleston back in February for allegedly having sexually explicit chats, sending nude pictures and making plans to meet a girl from Virginia. The girl turned out to be an undercover agent.
Patrick is expected back in court on June 8.
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Previous Information: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2009/02/officer-sean-patrick-arrested-for.html
Deputy Derrick Pearson Arrested for Domestic Assault
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.
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.
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.
_____________________________
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.
_________________________
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.
_______________________________
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.
_______________________
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/hourlyupdate/293599.php
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