A former Lawrence police officer, once honored as a hero, is being charged with 14 federal counts of felony wire fraud, accused of selling stolen video games on eBay while employed by the police force.
Robert Ryan Sayler, 32, is suspected of devising and executing a scheme in which he purchased video games from Target, removed the video game discs from their original packaging, returned the empty boxes to Target for a complete refund and then sold the discs online, according to an indictment handed up by a Kansas City, Kan., grand jury Wednesday.
The indictment accuses the former police officer of collecting about $526 through the sale of 14 stolen Playstation 3 and Xbox video games on the online auction site eBay, between Aug. 9, 2008, and Sept. 17, 2008. The sale prices ranged from $30 to $46.
Multiple copies of the games Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09, Soul Caliber IV and Battlefield Bad Company were sold as a part of the scheme, the indictment said.
Sayler worked more than eight years for the Lawrence Police Department, from Oct. 9, 2000, until Dec. 23, 2008. He was being paid a salary of $58,333 per year when his employment was terminated, the city said.
Servers located in the states of Washington, California, Texas and Arizona are used to process eBay transactions, the indictment said. The indictment said Sayler mailed the video games to purchasers.
Capt. Tarik Khatib, who oversees the Lawrence Police Department information technology division, said the department had no comment about the indictment.
Sayler was one of five police officers who received the Lawrence Police Medal of Valor, the department’s highest award, for his rescue efforts during the deadly Boardwalk Apartment Fire in October 2005.
A court date for Sayler has not been set.
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Informatin & Video: http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2009/jun/19/former-lawrence-police-officer-accused-selling-sto/
Friday, June 19, 2009
Former Officer Charles Harpster & Wife Arrested for Robbing Bank
A former Henrico County police officer who pleaded guilty in 2006 to stealing marijuana from the evidence room has been arrested and charged with holding up a bank in Bend, Ore., a television station there is reporting on its Web site.
Charles Harpster, 54, who was on the Henrico force for 30 years, was arrested with his wife, Tammi Truschke, Tuesday night after the robbery of the Bend Bank of Cascades, KTVZ reported.
Police arrested the couple at a tavern in nearby La Pine, where they had allegedly used the stolen money to win $700 at video poker while ordering beer and cheesesteaks, the station reported. Bail for the two was set at $500,000, KTVZ reported.
In Henrico in 2006, Harpster and his wife pleaded guilty to distributing less than an ounce of marijuana. Both received 12-month suspended sentences and were fined $100. They were originally charged with felony drug distribution, but the charge was reduced to a misdemeanor.
Harpster also agreed to surrender his law enforcement credential and not to serve as a police officer for at least 10 years, the prosecutor said. Harpster and his wife had spent about two weeks in jail before being released on bond.
Henrico Police Chief Henry W. Stanley Jr. said in 2006 that the drugs were stolen from the Henrico evidence room at about the same time that Harpster, a narcotics investigator, was making final his retirement plans.
Charles Harpster, 54, who was on the Henrico force for 30 years, was arrested with his wife, Tammi Truschke, Tuesday night after the robbery of the Bend Bank of Cascades, KTVZ reported.
Police arrested the couple at a tavern in nearby La Pine, where they had allegedly used the stolen money to win $700 at video poker while ordering beer and cheesesteaks, the station reported. Bail for the two was set at $500,000, KTVZ reported.
In Henrico in 2006, Harpster and his wife pleaded guilty to distributing less than an ounce of marijuana. Both received 12-month suspended sentences and were fined $100. They were originally charged with felony drug distribution, but the charge was reduced to a misdemeanor.
Harpster also agreed to surrender his law enforcement credential and not to serve as a police officer for at least 10 years, the prosecutor said. Harpster and his wife had spent about two weeks in jail before being released on bond.
Henrico Police Chief Henry W. Stanley Jr. said in 2006 that the drugs were stolen from the Henrico evidence room at about the same time that Harpster, a narcotics investigator, was making final his retirement plans.
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Information & Photo: http://kohd.com/page/131439
Officer Michael Barnett Arrest for Fraud
A Graham police officer was arrested June 12.
Officer Michael Kent Barnett, 48, a former Young County paramedic and reserve officer with the Young County Sheriff’s Office, was charged with four counts of fraud.
Police Chief Tony Widner said on June 5 he was notified of a possible criminal offense by an officer.
"I immediately contacted the DA’s office and turned the investigation over to DA investigator Jim Reeves," he said.
The allegation involved the forging of prescriptions. During the course of the investigation, Barnett cooperated fully with the department and the district attorney’s office, said Widner.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained from Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Jim Ross, Barnett used a forged prescription to receive Lorcet, a prescription painkiller containing hydrocodone from Jordan’s Pharmacy on May 26.
The affidavit says the prescriptions were signed by Dr. Pete Barrera. When shown the prescriptions, Barrera denied writing them or authorizing anyone to write them for him.
District Attorney Brenda Gray said when public officials are accused of wrongdoing, it is normal and appropriate to ask an outside agency to investigate.
"There are some times an agency, even to avoid the appearance of impropriety, they will ask the DA to investigate," Gray said. "In this case, Chief Widner contacted our office immediately. We determined because of the nature of the allegations, we needed to start an investigation immediately."
Gray and Reeves said often the Texas Rangers are asked to investigate crimes involving law enforcement officials. Reeves said the only drawback with using the Rangers is the protocol to get an investigation started can take several days.
"We didn’t want to wait to get the Rangers," Gray said.
On June 12, Barnett was terminated from employment with the Graham Police Department, arrested and booked into the Young County Jail. Barnett was charged with four counts of fraud and had bonds set at $25,000 on each charge. As of Thursday, he had bonded out of jail.
Widner said the situation is disappointing at best.
"It’s sad when this happens to anybody, even more when the public trust is placed in a police officer, and that is why this department has a zero tolerance policy," he said. "Whenever we are notified of and have reason to believe that a criminal offense has been committed by an officer, it is our policy to turn that investigation over to an outside agency. We don’t show favoritism ... It’s cost him his career and he’s looking at criminal charges."
Reeves complimented Widner on the way he handled the case, saying he knows from firsthand experience how difficult it can be when allegations are made against employees.
"Chief Widner displayed exemplary leadership and integrity because he contacted our office as soon as he was aware of the complaint," Reeves said. "He immediately initiated an investigation through me."
While it is always disappointing, Reeves said sometimes even law enforcement officials make mistakes. As the longtime Stephens County sheriff, Reeves said he has learned to let outside agencies decide whether a crime was committed.
"Anytime you have employees, you’re going to have problems," Reeves said. "You always ask an outside agency to investigate to avoid the appearance of impropriety or favoritism."
Officer Michael Kent Barnett, 48, a former Young County paramedic and reserve officer with the Young County Sheriff’s Office, was charged with four counts of fraud.
Police Chief Tony Widner said on June 5 he was notified of a possible criminal offense by an officer.
"I immediately contacted the DA’s office and turned the investigation over to DA investigator Jim Reeves," he said.
The allegation involved the forging of prescriptions. During the course of the investigation, Barnett cooperated fully with the department and the district attorney’s office, said Widner.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained from Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Jim Ross, Barnett used a forged prescription to receive Lorcet, a prescription painkiller containing hydrocodone from Jordan’s Pharmacy on May 26.
The affidavit says the prescriptions were signed by Dr. Pete Barrera. When shown the prescriptions, Barrera denied writing them or authorizing anyone to write them for him.
District Attorney Brenda Gray said when public officials are accused of wrongdoing, it is normal and appropriate to ask an outside agency to investigate.
"There are some times an agency, even to avoid the appearance of impropriety, they will ask the DA to investigate," Gray said. "In this case, Chief Widner contacted our office immediately. We determined because of the nature of the allegations, we needed to start an investigation immediately."
Gray and Reeves said often the Texas Rangers are asked to investigate crimes involving law enforcement officials. Reeves said the only drawback with using the Rangers is the protocol to get an investigation started can take several days.
"We didn’t want to wait to get the Rangers," Gray said.
On June 12, Barnett was terminated from employment with the Graham Police Department, arrested and booked into the Young County Jail. Barnett was charged with four counts of fraud and had bonds set at $25,000 on each charge. As of Thursday, he had bonded out of jail.
Widner said the situation is disappointing at best.
"It’s sad when this happens to anybody, even more when the public trust is placed in a police officer, and that is why this department has a zero tolerance policy," he said. "Whenever we are notified of and have reason to believe that a criminal offense has been committed by an officer, it is our policy to turn that investigation over to an outside agency. We don’t show favoritism ... It’s cost him his career and he’s looking at criminal charges."
Reeves complimented Widner on the way he handled the case, saying he knows from firsthand experience how difficult it can be when allegations are made against employees.
"Chief Widner displayed exemplary leadership and integrity because he contacted our office as soon as he was aware of the complaint," Reeves said. "He immediately initiated an investigation through me."
While it is always disappointing, Reeves said sometimes even law enforcement officials make mistakes. As the longtime Stephens County sheriff, Reeves said he has learned to let outside agencies decide whether a crime was committed.
"Anytime you have employees, you’re going to have problems," Reeves said. "You always ask an outside agency to investigate to avoid the appearance of impropriety or favoritism."
Judge Woody Ray Densen Accused of Keying Car
A Harris County grand jury on Thursday indicted a state district judge on a criminal mischief charge after his neighbor gave prosecutors a videotape that he says proves the judge keyed his car.
Woody Ray Densen, 69, could face 180 days to two years in a state jail and a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted. He could also be disciplined by the state Commission on Judicial Conduct.
Adam Kliebert, a 40-year-old home builder, set up a surveillance camera in his Rice Village-area driveway that recorded a man he identified as Densen walking behind his 2006 Range Rover and appearing to pause and tamper with it on May 23. Kliebert has said he was frustrated that someone kept damaging his SUV, leaving him with repair bills for $3,000.
Passed lie-detector test
Densen, who has long served as a visiting judge in Harris County and other counties surrounding Houston, did not return a call seeking comment Thursday. But his attorney, Robert Pelton, insisted the judge is innocent and said they were disappointed by the indictment.
Pelton does not deny Densen is the man seen on the video, but said he did nothing wrong. The judge also passed a polygraph exam during which he denied damaging Kliebert’s car, Pelton said.
“There is no actual proof that he did anything to this man’s car because he didn’t do anything to the man’s car,” Pelton said. “This is a case of a neighborhood dispute. We had an investigator showing the damages could not have been the amount” claimed by Kliebert.
Kliebert had a different reaction to the decision. “I’m happy that the grand jury indicted him,” he said.
Kliebert set up the motion-activated cameras inside his Rice Village area townhouse to film all activities on his driveway because he kept finding scratches and damages to his Range Rover and his ex-girlfriend’s Mercedes-Benz.
Kliebert turned the video over to Houston police.
Although the actions by the man on the video are partially obscured on the surveillance footage, his arm can be seen making contact with the car, sometimes gliding or moving in a jerking motion along the rear door.
Sidewalk blocked by SUV
In a secretly videotaped conversation, Densen told Kliebert he didn’t know who damaged the vehicle, but suggested the vandalism might have occurred because the SUV was partially blocking the sidewalk.
Densen presided over criminal cases as judge of the 248th State District Court in Harris County from 1983 until he was defeated in a bid for re-election in 1994.
After that, he served as a visiting judge for many years, but stopped accepting courtroom assignments in 2007 when the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association filed a complaint against him with the state Commission on Judicial Conduct. The state commission dismissed that complaint without taking any action.
Now that he has been indicted, Densen will likely be suspended from serving as a visiting judge in any courtroom.
Densen was making arrangements to surrender on a non-arrest bond late Thursday or today, Pelton said.
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Information: http://esqblog.me/2009/06/18/judge-arrested-after-keying-neighbor%E2%80%99s-car-on-security-video/
Woody Ray Densen, 69, could face 180 days to two years in a state jail and a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted. He could also be disciplined by the state Commission on Judicial Conduct.
Adam Kliebert, a 40-year-old home builder, set up a surveillance camera in his Rice Village-area driveway that recorded a man he identified as Densen walking behind his 2006 Range Rover and appearing to pause and tamper with it on May 23. Kliebert has said he was frustrated that someone kept damaging his SUV, leaving him with repair bills for $3,000.
Passed lie-detector test
Densen, who has long served as a visiting judge in Harris County and other counties surrounding Houston, did not return a call seeking comment Thursday. But his attorney, Robert Pelton, insisted the judge is innocent and said they were disappointed by the indictment.
Pelton does not deny Densen is the man seen on the video, but said he did nothing wrong. The judge also passed a polygraph exam during which he denied damaging Kliebert’s car, Pelton said.
“There is no actual proof that he did anything to this man’s car because he didn’t do anything to the man’s car,” Pelton said. “This is a case of a neighborhood dispute. We had an investigator showing the damages could not have been the amount” claimed by Kliebert.
Kliebert had a different reaction to the decision. “I’m happy that the grand jury indicted him,” he said.
Kliebert set up the motion-activated cameras inside his Rice Village area townhouse to film all activities on his driveway because he kept finding scratches and damages to his Range Rover and his ex-girlfriend’s Mercedes-Benz.
Kliebert turned the video over to Houston police.
Although the actions by the man on the video are partially obscured on the surveillance footage, his arm can be seen making contact with the car, sometimes gliding or moving in a jerking motion along the rear door.
Sidewalk blocked by SUV
In a secretly videotaped conversation, Densen told Kliebert he didn’t know who damaged the vehicle, but suggested the vandalism might have occurred because the SUV was partially blocking the sidewalk.
Densen presided over criminal cases as judge of the 248th State District Court in Harris County from 1983 until he was defeated in a bid for re-election in 1994.
After that, he served as a visiting judge for many years, but stopped accepting courtroom assignments in 2007 when the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association filed a complaint against him with the state Commission on Judicial Conduct. The state commission dismissed that complaint without taking any action.
Now that he has been indicted, Densen will likely be suspended from serving as a visiting judge in any courtroom.
Densen was making arrangements to surrender on a non-arrest bond late Thursday or today, Pelton said.
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Information: http://esqblog.me/2009/06/18/judge-arrested-after-keying-neighbor%E2%80%99s-car-on-security-video/
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Devner Officer Suspended After Brandishing Gun At McDonalds
A Denver police officer has been suspended after allegedly brandishing his gun at a McDonald's restaurant in Aurora after his order took too long to fill.
Aurora police confirmed the CBS4 investigation saying the incident occurred May 21 at the McDonald's at 18181 East Hampden Avenue.
A spokesperson for the Aurora Police Department said they plan to present the case -- now classified as a felony menacing incident -- to the Arapahoe County District Attorney's Office Thursday for possible filing of criminal charges.
Sources familiar with the case, and the fast food worker's account of what happened, say two off-duty Denver police officers placed an order from their car in the early morning hours of May 21. But once at the drive through window, the employee said the men became agitated and angry at how long their food was taking. The men thought they were being ignored, according to contacts familiar with the worker's account. The male clerk then said one of the officer's flashed his police badge and pointed a pistol through the drive through window in a threatening manner, before driving off without paying.
Both officers are assigned to Denver International Airport although only one has been placed on administrative leave with pay, pending the outcome of the case.
Aurora police confirmed the CBS4 investigation saying the incident occurred May 21 at the McDonald's at 18181 East Hampden Avenue.
A spokesperson for the Aurora Police Department said they plan to present the case -- now classified as a felony menacing incident -- to the Arapahoe County District Attorney's Office Thursday for possible filing of criminal charges.
Sources familiar with the case, and the fast food worker's account of what happened, say two off-duty Denver police officers placed an order from their car in the early morning hours of May 21. But once at the drive through window, the employee said the men became agitated and angry at how long their food was taking. The men thought they were being ignored, according to contacts familiar with the worker's account. The male clerk then said one of the officer's flashed his police badge and pointed a pistol through the drive through window in a threatening manner, before driving off without paying.
Both officers are assigned to Denver International Airport although only one has been placed on administrative leave with pay, pending the outcome of the case.
Judge Jacquelin Gibson Charged with Battery on 92-year-old Mother
A part-time Fulton County Juvenile Court judge rejected a plea offer Friday on charges of battering her 92-year-old mother while trying to remove her from a sibling’s home.
In a hearing Friday morning, an assistant solicitor offered Jacquelin Gibson a deal that would grant her “first-offender status,” meaning the battery charge would be wiped from her record after she completed terms of the sentence, which would require that Gibson undergo anger management counseling. Gibson declined to accept the deal.
A hearing on the battery charge, which is a misdemeanor, has now been rescheduled for July 17.
According to a police report, Eula Gibson was injured when Jacqueline Gibson and her brother Gary Gibson — at the time their mother’s legal guardian — went to their sister’s home to fetch their mother. Eula Gibson had been living with a daughter, Blair King, and her son-in-law, Alex King, for a few weeks at that time, said the Kings’ attorney, Elizabeth Vila Rogan.
This is just one of several incidents arising from a dispute among six of the seven surviving children of Eula Gibson over property the elderly woman owned in Social Circle.
Eula Gibson had signed over two properties — one valued at $16,000 and the other at $20,000, according to records — to one son and a grandson. She still owned the property where her house sits, a property worth about $75,000, according to records.
Some of her children were upset with her decision to sign over the property, according to Rogan.
That animosity eventually evolved into a dispute over who should care for the family matriarch.
In May, Jacqueline and Gary Gibson when to the older Kings’ house to get their mother, taking with them paperwork proving Gary Gibson’s guardianship. An Atlanta police officer accompanied the Gibsons.
The mother refused to leave with them and a struggle broke out among her adult children. Eula Gibson was inadvertently injured when Jacqueline Gibson attempted to remove her mother from the fracas, said Jacqueline Gibson attorney, Raymond V. Giudice.
The officer then arrested Jacqueline and Gary Gibson and Blair and Alex King for disorderly conduct.
Jacqueline and Gary Gibson sought arrest warrants against the Kings but their applications were dismissed on Thursday. A hearing is planned for July 15 in Municipal Court on disorderly conduct charges brought against the four.
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http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/06/18/Judge-accused-of-battering-mother-92/UPI-17461245364316/
In a hearing Friday morning, an assistant solicitor offered Jacquelin Gibson a deal that would grant her “first-offender status,” meaning the battery charge would be wiped from her record after she completed terms of the sentence, which would require that Gibson undergo anger management counseling. Gibson declined to accept the deal.
A hearing on the battery charge, which is a misdemeanor, has now been rescheduled for July 17.
According to a police report, Eula Gibson was injured when Jacqueline Gibson and her brother Gary Gibson — at the time their mother’s legal guardian — went to their sister’s home to fetch their mother. Eula Gibson had been living with a daughter, Blair King, and her son-in-law, Alex King, for a few weeks at that time, said the Kings’ attorney, Elizabeth Vila Rogan.
This is just one of several incidents arising from a dispute among six of the seven surviving children of Eula Gibson over property the elderly woman owned in Social Circle.
Eula Gibson had signed over two properties — one valued at $16,000 and the other at $20,000, according to records — to one son and a grandson. She still owned the property where her house sits, a property worth about $75,000, according to records.
Some of her children were upset with her decision to sign over the property, according to Rogan.
That animosity eventually evolved into a dispute over who should care for the family matriarch.
In May, Jacqueline and Gary Gibson when to the older Kings’ house to get their mother, taking with them paperwork proving Gary Gibson’s guardianship. An Atlanta police officer accompanied the Gibsons.
The mother refused to leave with them and a struggle broke out among her adult children. Eula Gibson was inadvertently injured when Jacqueline Gibson attempted to remove her mother from the fracas, said Jacqueline Gibson attorney, Raymond V. Giudice.
The officer then arrested Jacqueline and Gary Gibson and Blair and Alex King for disorderly conduct.
Jacqueline and Gary Gibson sought arrest warrants against the Kings but their applications were dismissed on Thursday. A hearing is planned for July 15 in Municipal Court on disorderly conduct charges brought against the four.
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http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/06/18/Judge-accused-of-battering-mother-92/UPI-17461245364316/
Deputy Jason Silleman Arrested for Sending Threatening Text Messages
An Orleans County Sheriff Deputy has been arrested for allegedly sending a threatening text message. Deputies said 35-year-old Jason Silleman allegedly sent a text message to a warrant suspect on April 21.
Silleman was involved in a vehicle pursuit with the suspect on April 15 where the suspect got away. Silleman was able to identify the man and sent him a text message April 21 trying to locate him in order to arrest him.
The suspect felt the message was threatening and he filed a complaint with the State Police. Silleman was issued an appearance ticket and is being charged with aggravated harassment. Silleman is a 15-year veteran law enforcement officer.
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http://www.rnews.com/content/top_stories/475092/sheriff-s-deputy-charged-with-harassment/?RegionCookie=2004
Silleman was involved in a vehicle pursuit with the suspect on April 15 where the suspect got away. Silleman was able to identify the man and sent him a text message April 21 trying to locate him in order to arrest him.
The suspect felt the message was threatening and he filed a complaint with the State Police. Silleman was issued an appearance ticket and is being charged with aggravated harassment. Silleman is a 15-year veteran law enforcement officer.
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http://www.rnews.com/content/top_stories/475092/sheriff-s-deputy-charged-with-harassment/?RegionCookie=2004
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Officer Louis Morris Arrested for Lewd Acts with Minor
"It was very disturbing and disgusting. This person also violated their oath of office and that's something we don't take lightly. This man crossed the line," said Chief Norman McNickle, Stillwater Police Dept.
Chief McNickle says a citizen called in a tip that Louis Morris, who is a school resource officer at Stillwater Junior High was having an inappropriate relationship with a 15 -year -old girl. So he started an internal investigation.
"After they started their investigation they realized the allegations were more serious and gave rise to a criminal investigation," said Rob Hudson, Payne County District Attorney.
OSBI was then given the case and Tuesday Morris was arrested on three counts of lewd acts with a minor and two counts of rape by instrumentation. According to court documents, the 15-year-old girl used to be involved with Morris' son. She claims she and Louis Morris were going to get married and the relationship was consensual. But Oklahoma law states otherwise.
"There is no such thing as consent under 16. Another aspect of this case is that teachers, law enforcement or people employed by the school, it has a special statute that relates to the activity or relations they can have with students," said Hudson.
Morris' police powers were revoked before his arrest and Tuesday he was suspended without pay. He has the right to have a hearing about his status. The D.A. says investigating Morris has been difficult and he find this case troubling.
"It's troubling when we think our school are safe then we have someone from law enforcement that has these allegations against him," said Hudson.
Chief McNickle says a citizen called in a tip that Louis Morris, who is a school resource officer at Stillwater Junior High was having an inappropriate relationship with a 15 -year -old girl. So he started an internal investigation.
"After they started their investigation they realized the allegations were more serious and gave rise to a criminal investigation," said Rob Hudson, Payne County District Attorney.
OSBI was then given the case and Tuesday Morris was arrested on three counts of lewd acts with a minor and two counts of rape by instrumentation. According to court documents, the 15-year-old girl used to be involved with Morris' son. She claims she and Louis Morris were going to get married and the relationship was consensual. But Oklahoma law states otherwise.
"There is no such thing as consent under 16. Another aspect of this case is that teachers, law enforcement or people employed by the school, it has a special statute that relates to the activity or relations they can have with students," said Hudson.
Morris' police powers were revoked before his arrest and Tuesday he was suspended without pay. He has the right to have a hearing about his status. The D.A. says investigating Morris has been difficult and he find this case troubling.
"It's troubling when we think our school are safe then we have someone from law enforcement that has these allegations against him," said Hudson.
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Information: http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=298&articleid=20090617_298_0_STILLW533841
Former Trooper Albert Silveri III on Trial for Soliciting Minor
A former Pennsylvania state trooper on trial for allegedly soliciting underage sex on the Internet from an undercover cop said yesterday that he never intended to go ahead with a planned meeting.
A Delaware County prosecutor disagreed and said work kept the trooper from the appointment.
Albert Silveri III, 40, of Aston, opted to forgo a jury trial and have his case heard before Common Pleas Court Judge Frank T. Hazel. Silveri was arrested in July on charges of criminal solicitation and criminal use of a communication facility.
In April, Silveri first made contact in an Internet chat room with a Delaware County detective who was posing as a woman with two daughters, ages 8 and 10. Silveri used the screen name "Strongwilled07." Sex was discussed in all of the chats. In late July, Silveri made an appointment to meet with the woman and her daughters.
Yesterday while on the stand, he told Michael Galantino, deputy district attorney, that the fantasy was in the conversation. He said that he had corresponded in chat rooms hundreds of times and that the sexually explicit language came easily to him. But, Silveri said, he never intended to carry through with the meeting and didn't.
Galantino questioned whether Silveri, an accident-reconstruction specialist in the Belmont barracks in Philadelphia, missed the appointment he had set up with the fictitious mother and her daughters because he was busy at work.
Steven M. Pacillio, Silveri's attorney, said that although the conversations in the chat room were "reprehensible and not socially acceptable," they were not illegal.
Hazel said he would issue a verdict June 26.
A Delaware County prosecutor disagreed and said work kept the trooper from the appointment.
Albert Silveri III, 40, of Aston, opted to forgo a jury trial and have his case heard before Common Pleas Court Judge Frank T. Hazel. Silveri was arrested in July on charges of criminal solicitation and criminal use of a communication facility.
In April, Silveri first made contact in an Internet chat room with a Delaware County detective who was posing as a woman with two daughters, ages 8 and 10. Silveri used the screen name "Strongwilled07." Sex was discussed in all of the chats. In late July, Silveri made an appointment to meet with the woman and her daughters.
Yesterday while on the stand, he told Michael Galantino, deputy district attorney, that the fantasy was in the conversation. He said that he had corresponded in chat rooms hundreds of times and that the sexually explicit language came easily to him. But, Silveri said, he never intended to carry through with the meeting and didn't.
Galantino questioned whether Silveri, an accident-reconstruction specialist in the Belmont barracks in Philadelphia, missed the appointment he had set up with the fictitious mother and her daughters because he was busy at work.
Steven M. Pacillio, Silveri's attorney, said that although the conversations in the chat room were "reprehensible and not socially acceptable," they were not illegal.
Hazel said he would issue a verdict June 26.
Former Officer Joseph Kelley Arrested for Stealing Wallet
A former Mashpee police officer was arrested yesterday and accused of stealing a clerk’s wallet at Kmart in Hyannis, reports the Cape Cod Times.
Joseph Kelley, 33, was also arrested last month on drug-trafficking charges.
Also arrested yesterday was Kelley’s girlfriend, Kristen Hendrick, 25, on charges related to both the Kmart allegations and drug trafficking.
Barnstable police said that Hendrick bought a Wii gaming system at Kmart on June 12 using a gift card. Soon after, Kelley allegedly returned the Wii for cash and security cameras allegedly caught him grabbing a clerk’s wallet that was near the register.
Kelley was arrested May 19 after police allegedly found 200 oxycodone tablets and some other drugs at his Cotuit home.
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Read full story here.
Joseph Kelley, 33, was also arrested last month on drug-trafficking charges.
Also arrested yesterday was Kelley’s girlfriend, Kristen Hendrick, 25, on charges related to both the Kmart allegations and drug trafficking.
Barnstable police said that Hendrick bought a Wii gaming system at Kmart on June 12 using a gift card. Soon after, Kelley allegedly returned the Wii for cash and security cameras allegedly caught him grabbing a clerk’s wallet that was near the register.
Kelley was arrested May 19 after police allegedly found 200 oxycodone tablets and some other drugs at his Cotuit home.
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Read full story here.
Detention Officer Leon Wood Accused of Sexually Assaulting to Inmates
Two female inmates at the Sebastian County Detention Center alerted workers that they had been sexually assaulted by 64-year-old Leon Wood, officials said.
Wood was a detention deputy and had access to all parts of the jail. The inmates said the assaults happened while they were both locked in a cell together. The alleged acts were committed both Sunday and Monday.
"The deputy had made contact with the victims throughout the night and committed the acts through out the night," said Bill Hollenbeck with the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office.
Both inmates were treated at a local hospital before being returned to the Detention Center.
After an investigation by the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office, deputies found surveillance video confirming the assault.
"We have footage of certain evidence that collaborates with what the victims have stated," Hollenbeck said.
Deputies said the detention centers policy was violated, as only female workers are suppose to make contact with female inmates. The sheriff's department is now investigating internal procedures at the detention center.
Wood has been charged with two counts of sexual assault in the third degree.
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http://www.swtimes.com/articles/2009/06/17/news/news061709_02.txt
Wood was a detention deputy and had access to all parts of the jail. The inmates said the assaults happened while they were both locked in a cell together. The alleged acts were committed both Sunday and Monday.
"The deputy had made contact with the victims throughout the night and committed the acts through out the night," said Bill Hollenbeck with the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office.
Both inmates were treated at a local hospital before being returned to the Detention Center.
After an investigation by the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office, deputies found surveillance video confirming the assault.
"We have footage of certain evidence that collaborates with what the victims have stated," Hollenbeck said.
Deputies said the detention centers policy was violated, as only female workers are suppose to make contact with female inmates. The sheriff's department is now investigating internal procedures at the detention center.
Wood has been charged with two counts of sexual assault in the third degree.
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http://www.swtimes.com/articles/2009/06/17/news/news061709_02.txt
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Former Deputy Mark Petrina Accused of Sexually Abusing several Young Girls
Five victims have accused Mark Petrina, a former Kern County Sheriff's deputy, of sexually abusing them at his house in Bakersfield. The police have also identified three other victims who say they were also sexually abused, but they wouldn't go on the record.
According to court documents, the eight victims said they were molested over a period of several months, and sometimes years, while they were young, and just beginning puberty. Two of those victims are now adult women, who say Petrina sexually abused them when they were young, more than 30 years ago.
The investigating detective called several of the alleged victims, and each girl told roughly the same story, that Petrina would molest them in his bed, by touching and fondling their private parts. One girl reported she remembered Petrina giving her toys after the molestations were over.
Petrina was recently extradited to Kern County from Aberdeen, Wash. The Bakersfield Police Department said Petrina moved there earlier this year after he became aware of the molestation investigation.
Petrina is now retired, but as a sheriff's deputy court documents show, Petrina was primarily assigned to jail operations. He has been placed on suicide watch while being held in jail.
Petrina has pleaded not guilty to five felony charges of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 and one felony count of continuous sexual abuse of a child. Those charges stem from the alleged abuse of only three of the listed victims. Petrina is due back in court for his pre-preliminary hearing on June 18. His bail is set at $270,000.
According to court documents, the eight victims said they were molested over a period of several months, and sometimes years, while they were young, and just beginning puberty. Two of those victims are now adult women, who say Petrina sexually abused them when they were young, more than 30 years ago.
The investigating detective called several of the alleged victims, and each girl told roughly the same story, that Petrina would molest them in his bed, by touching and fondling their private parts. One girl reported she remembered Petrina giving her toys after the molestations were over.
Petrina was recently extradited to Kern County from Aberdeen, Wash. The Bakersfield Police Department said Petrina moved there earlier this year after he became aware of the molestation investigation.
Petrina is now retired, but as a sheriff's deputy court documents show, Petrina was primarily assigned to jail operations. He has been placed on suicide watch while being held in jail.
Petrina has pleaded not guilty to five felony charges of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 and one felony count of continuous sexual abuse of a child. Those charges stem from the alleged abuse of only three of the listed victims. Petrina is due back in court for his pre-preliminary hearing on June 18. His bail is set at $270,000.
Officer Dedrick Riley Charged with Punching Handcuffed Suspect
A Richmond police officer with a short but troubled history with the department was charged today with punching a handcuffed drug suspect in the face during an arrest in March.
Officer Dedrick Riley was charged with assault under the color of law and filing a false police report, both felonies, and misdemeanor battery, Deputy District Attorney Barry Grove said.
The drug suspect, a Richmond man in his late 30s, was never charged in connection with the arrest and did not suffer any lasting injuries from the assault, officials said.
Police sources said the man claimed Riley punched him several times and slammed him against a car. Afterward, source say, he failed to properly report his use of force, and the department forwarded the case to the district attorney after finding some conflicting evidence.
Riley, 39, started with the Police Department in 2004. He has been on administrative leave since the department's Internal Affairs unit began investigating in March, Grove said.
Today's charges are a result of the District Attorney's Office's own investigation, in which the man and numerous officers were interviewed, Grove said.
Riley is scheduled to turn himself in in the company of his lawyer, Harry Stern, at his arraignment Tuesday. The charges against Riley carry a penalty of more than six years in prison.
"Officer Riley is a veteran of the Richmond Police Department with a strong work ethic," Stern said. "It is my belief that the city of Richmond, and the chief in particular, have presented these groundless charges to the District Attorney's Office in an attempt to retaliate against him for suing them and prevailing against them in a previous matter."
The Police Department fired Riley after a similar complaint in 2006, but court records show he regained his job with back pay through binding arbitration, after the Richmond Police Officers Association filed a grievance on his behalf.
In that case, Riley, who worked the graveyard shift both before and after his termination, responded to an emergency call at Serrano's Bakery on 23rd Street about 7 a.m. March 26, 2006, according to a lawsuit filed in Contra Costa Superior Court.
The business owner's daughter called police when she found a homeless man sleeping at a counter inside the bakery when she opened shop. The victim and the suspect were arguing loudly on the sidewalk when Riley arrived with rookie probationary Officer Robert Garcia in tow.
The officers separated them. Riley moved the homeless man, Degangjara "Dave" Evans, away from the storefront when he suddenly turned.
Witnesses told internal affairs investigators that Riley struck Evans several times with his flashlight, bringing him to the ground. But according to court documents, he failed to report his use of force to his supervisor, and later told investigators that Evans resisted, but he did not intentionally hit Evans.
The department's Professional Standards Unit concluded that Riley used an acceptable level force but lied about it, a firing offense in policing. Richmond fired Riley in September 2006 and also let Garcia go.
An arbitrator found insufficient cause to fire Riley, and he regained his position in May 2007. He then sued the department in August of that year, claiming the firing amounted to racial discrimination and retaliation.
A judge dismissed the case in April 2008, and records show he dropped his appeal in state court in April this year.
Coincidentally, Riley also rode with another probationary officer the night involving today's criminal charges. The department took no action against that recruit.
Riley is also a named defendant in a Contra Costa County lawsuit against the city of Richmond and the Police Department in December. In that case, a woman said that in January 2008, Riley falsely arrested her and drove erratically when she was handcuffed in the back of his squad car. She said his driving caused her head to slam into a window, causing a bump, and Riley denied her when she requested medical treatment.
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Other Information: http://www.ktvu.com/news/19780949/detail.html
Officer Dedrick Riley was charged with assault under the color of law and filing a false police report, both felonies, and misdemeanor battery, Deputy District Attorney Barry Grove said.
The drug suspect, a Richmond man in his late 30s, was never charged in connection with the arrest and did not suffer any lasting injuries from the assault, officials said.
Police sources said the man claimed Riley punched him several times and slammed him against a car. Afterward, source say, he failed to properly report his use of force, and the department forwarded the case to the district attorney after finding some conflicting evidence.
Riley, 39, started with the Police Department in 2004. He has been on administrative leave since the department's Internal Affairs unit began investigating in March, Grove said.
Today's charges are a result of the District Attorney's Office's own investigation, in which the man and numerous officers were interviewed, Grove said.
Riley is scheduled to turn himself in in the company of his lawyer, Harry Stern, at his arraignment Tuesday. The charges against Riley carry a penalty of more than six years in prison.
"Officer Riley is a veteran of the Richmond Police Department with a strong work ethic," Stern said. "It is my belief that the city of Richmond, and the chief in particular, have presented these groundless charges to the District Attorney's Office in an attempt to retaliate against him for suing them and prevailing against them in a previous matter."
The Police Department fired Riley after a similar complaint in 2006, but court records show he regained his job with back pay through binding arbitration, after the Richmond Police Officers Association filed a grievance on his behalf.
In that case, Riley, who worked the graveyard shift both before and after his termination, responded to an emergency call at Serrano's Bakery on 23rd Street about 7 a.m. March 26, 2006, according to a lawsuit filed in Contra Costa Superior Court.
The business owner's daughter called police when she found a homeless man sleeping at a counter inside the bakery when she opened shop. The victim and the suspect were arguing loudly on the sidewalk when Riley arrived with rookie probationary Officer Robert Garcia in tow.
The officers separated them. Riley moved the homeless man, Degangjara "Dave" Evans, away from the storefront when he suddenly turned.
Witnesses told internal affairs investigators that Riley struck Evans several times with his flashlight, bringing him to the ground. But according to court documents, he failed to report his use of force to his supervisor, and later told investigators that Evans resisted, but he did not intentionally hit Evans.
The department's Professional Standards Unit concluded that Riley used an acceptable level force but lied about it, a firing offense in policing. Richmond fired Riley in September 2006 and also let Garcia go.
An arbitrator found insufficient cause to fire Riley, and he regained his position in May 2007. He then sued the department in August of that year, claiming the firing amounted to racial discrimination and retaliation.
A judge dismissed the case in April 2008, and records show he dropped his appeal in state court in April this year.
Coincidentally, Riley also rode with another probationary officer the night involving today's criminal charges. The department took no action against that recruit.
Riley is also a named defendant in a Contra Costa County lawsuit against the city of Richmond and the Police Department in December. In that case, a woman said that in January 2008, Riley falsely arrested her and drove erratically when she was handcuffed in the back of his squad car. She said his driving caused her head to slam into a window, causing a bump, and Riley denied her when she requested medical treatment.
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Other Information: http://www.ktvu.com/news/19780949/detail.html
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Judge Tom Bartheld Sentences Man to only 1 year in Jail for Raping 4-year-old
A District Judge Tom Bartheld may be forced to step down from his position as an officer of the court, after he sentences a man who admitted to raping and sodomizing a four year old girl over several months to only one year in jail.
The one year sentence (which includes time served, which will bump it down to three months), was a show of gross negligence in the case. While Oklahoma attorney general Drew Edmondson is still gathering facts to the chagrin of many, two state legislators Mike Ritze and Mike Reynolds have filed a bill that, if passed by the House of Representatives, would ask a state court to remove the judge from office, and have his sentence turned for a harsher punishment. By the way, not sure why the district attorney who agreed to the plea bargain is also not under fire.
64-year-old David Earls admitted to raping the four year old girl over the course of four months, including sodomy. It is also suspected that he may have raped and abused her five year old brother. He was arrested after the children told their grandmother, the Pryor Daily Times reports. Bartheld dismissed the charge against the five year old brother, during Earls’ May 13 sentencing, “based upon the recommendation of the district attorney,” according to court records. Though Earls gave a full confession, and there was overwhelming evidence to the charges, District Judge Tom Bartheld and District Attorney Jim Bob Miller felt that a year served of a 2o month sentence was enough, and sent him on his way.
“What I know about the case at this point in time is that I was very disturbed by reports of the sentence in that case,” Attorney General Drew Edmondson who is making a run at govenor was quoted as saying by the Pryor Daily Times. Edmondson said said he will receive a report from the lawyers in his office “in due course,” before deciding if he will take action. Truthfully as an outsider looking in it appears like the two state reps. have raised the heat on Edmonson who is now trying to save face without ruining his political ambitions. Let’s hope politics doesn’t get in the way of punishing vile criminals and judges and district attorney’s that for whatever reason have failed to protect our children.
The one year sentence (which includes time served, which will bump it down to three months), was a show of gross negligence in the case. While Oklahoma attorney general Drew Edmondson is still gathering facts to the chagrin of many, two state legislators Mike Ritze and Mike Reynolds have filed a bill that, if passed by the House of Representatives, would ask a state court to remove the judge from office, and have his sentence turned for a harsher punishment. By the way, not sure why the district attorney who agreed to the plea bargain is also not under fire.
64-year-old David Earls admitted to raping the four year old girl over the course of four months, including sodomy. It is also suspected that he may have raped and abused her five year old brother. He was arrested after the children told their grandmother, the Pryor Daily Times reports. Bartheld dismissed the charge against the five year old brother, during Earls’ May 13 sentencing, “based upon the recommendation of the district attorney,” according to court records. Though Earls gave a full confession, and there was overwhelming evidence to the charges, District Judge Tom Bartheld and District Attorney Jim Bob Miller felt that a year served of a 2o month sentence was enough, and sent him on his way.
“What I know about the case at this point in time is that I was very disturbed by reports of the sentence in that case,” Attorney General Drew Edmondson who is making a run at govenor was quoted as saying by the Pryor Daily Times. Edmondson said said he will receive a report from the lawyers in his office “in due course,” before deciding if he will take action. Truthfully as an outsider looking in it appears like the two state reps. have raised the heat on Edmonson who is now trying to save face without ruining his political ambitions. Let’s hope politics doesn’t get in the way of punishing vile criminals and judges and district attorney’s that for whatever reason have failed to protect our children.
Officer Brian Lynk Accused of Punching Man in Face outside Nightclub
A Beaver County police officer turned himself in to face aggravated assault charges.
Brian Lynk, 30, of Aliquippa, is an officer in Midland.
He is accused of punching Matthew Molish 21, of Industry, in the face outside the Kamikaze Nightclub near Chester, W.Va., on June 7.
Lynk was off-duty and attending a bachelor party at the time of the incident.
"The mayor placed him on suspension," said Midland Police Solicitor Myron Sainovich. "At the next regualar council meeting, that's when council has to take action to decide whether or not they're going to continue that suspension."
Lynk turned himself in and is free on bond pending his court date.
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http://www.statejournal.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=60944
Brian Lynk, 30, of Aliquippa, is an officer in Midland.
He is accused of punching Matthew Molish 21, of Industry, in the face outside the Kamikaze Nightclub near Chester, W.Va., on June 7.
Lynk was off-duty and attending a bachelor party at the time of the incident.
"The mayor placed him on suspension," said Midland Police Solicitor Myron Sainovich. "At the next regualar council meeting, that's when council has to take action to decide whether or not they're going to continue that suspension."
Lynk turned himself in and is free on bond pending his court date.
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http://www.statejournal.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=60944
Brothers Vindicated .... Officers Arrested
When undercover detectives busted Jose and Maximo Colon last year for selling cocaine at a seedy club in Queens, there was a glaring problem: The brothers hadn't done anything wrong.
But proclaiming innocence wasn't going to be good enough. The Dominican immigrants needed proof.
"I sat in the jail and thought ... how could I prove this? What could I do?" Jose, 24, recalled in Spanish during a recent interview.
As he glanced around a holding cell, the answer came to him: Security cameras. Since then, a vindicating video from the club's cameras has spared the brothers a possible prison term, resulted in two officers' arrest and become the basis for a multimillion-dollar lawsuit.
The officers, who are due back in court June 26, have pleaded not guilty, and New York Police Department officials have downplayed their case.
But the drug corruption case isn't alone.
On May 13, another NYPD officer was arrested for plotting to invade a Manhattan apartment where he hoped to steal $900,000 in drug money. In another pending case, prosecutors in Brooklyn say officers were caught in a 2007 sting using seized drugs to reward a snitch for information. And in the Bronx, prosecutors have charged a detective with lying about a drug bust captured on a surveillance tape that contradicts her story.
Elsewhere, Philadelphia prosecutors dismissed more than a dozen drug and gun charges against a man last month when a narcotics officer was accused of making up information on search warrants.
The revelations in New York have triggered internal affairs inquiries, transfers of commanders and reviews of dozens of other arrests involving the accused officers. Many drug defendants' cases have been tossed out. Others have won favorable plea deals.
The misconduct "strikes at the very heart of our system of justice and erodes public confidence in our courts," said Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson.
Despite the fallout, authorities describe the corruption allegations as aberrations in a city where officers daily make hundreds of drugs arrests that routinely hold up in court. They also note none of the cases involved accusations of organized crews of officers using their badges to steal or extort drugs or money for personal gain — the story line of full-blown corruption scandals from bygone eras.
Peter Moskos, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, agrees the majority of narcotics officers probably are clean. But he also believes the city's unending war on drugs will always invite corruption by some who don't think twice about framing suspects they're convinced are guilty anyway.
"Drugs are a dirty game," Moskos said. "Once you realize it's a game, then you start playing with the rules to win the game."
Just ask the Colon brothers.
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More of the story: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hmJ1Jq2YZ3d4GR0r1Ll7pTBuyonQD98PSUIG1
But proclaiming innocence wasn't going to be good enough. The Dominican immigrants needed proof.
"I sat in the jail and thought ... how could I prove this? What could I do?" Jose, 24, recalled in Spanish during a recent interview.
As he glanced around a holding cell, the answer came to him: Security cameras. Since then, a vindicating video from the club's cameras has spared the brothers a possible prison term, resulted in two officers' arrest and become the basis for a multimillion-dollar lawsuit.
The officers, who are due back in court June 26, have pleaded not guilty, and New York Police Department officials have downplayed their case.
But the drug corruption case isn't alone.
On May 13, another NYPD officer was arrested for plotting to invade a Manhattan apartment where he hoped to steal $900,000 in drug money. In another pending case, prosecutors in Brooklyn say officers were caught in a 2007 sting using seized drugs to reward a snitch for information. And in the Bronx, prosecutors have charged a detective with lying about a drug bust captured on a surveillance tape that contradicts her story.
Elsewhere, Philadelphia prosecutors dismissed more than a dozen drug and gun charges against a man last month when a narcotics officer was accused of making up information on search warrants.
The revelations in New York have triggered internal affairs inquiries, transfers of commanders and reviews of dozens of other arrests involving the accused officers. Many drug defendants' cases have been tossed out. Others have won favorable plea deals.
The misconduct "strikes at the very heart of our system of justice and erodes public confidence in our courts," said Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson.
Despite the fallout, authorities describe the corruption allegations as aberrations in a city where officers daily make hundreds of drugs arrests that routinely hold up in court. They also note none of the cases involved accusations of organized crews of officers using their badges to steal or extort drugs or money for personal gain — the story line of full-blown corruption scandals from bygone eras.
Peter Moskos, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, agrees the majority of narcotics officers probably are clean. But he also believes the city's unending war on drugs will always invite corruption by some who don't think twice about framing suspects they're convinced are guilty anyway.
"Drugs are a dirty game," Moskos said. "Once you realize it's a game, then you start playing with the rules to win the game."
Just ask the Colon brothers.
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More of the story: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hmJ1Jq2YZ3d4GR0r1Ll7pTBuyonQD98PSUIG1
Deputy Jeffrey Scott Hoover Charged with Sexual Battery on Child
A Sumter County sheriff's deputy is being held without bond this morning facing child sex charges.
Deputy Jeffrey Scott Hoover is charged with sexual battery on a child under the age of 12.
The child told authorities that Hoover committed sex acts on her between June of last year and June of this year.
He has been employed by the Sumter County Sheriff's Office since 2005. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is conducting the investigation at this time.
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http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/state_news/061209_Deputy_arrested_for_sexual_battery_of_minor
Deputy Jeffrey Scott Hoover is charged with sexual battery on a child under the age of 12.
The child told authorities that Hoover committed sex acts on her between June of last year and June of this year.
He has been employed by the Sumter County Sheriff's Office since 2005. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is conducting the investigation at this time.
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http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/state_news/061209_Deputy_arrested_for_sexual_battery_of_minor
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Dwight Madison Tasered at Jail Hits Head and Dies
A man taken into the Harford County Detention Center Friday night died after police say they were forced to tase him when he began fighting with officers.
On Thursday night Harford County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 48-year-old Dwight Madison for trespassing. At around 1:30 the next morning, deputies tried to fingerprint Madison when they say he became uncooperative. Madison was then placed in a holding cell. A few hours later, shortly after 9 a.m., police say they tried again to fingerprint Madison.
Police say Madison fought with deputies and even tried to choke one of them. After a lengthy struggle one of the officers deployed a TASER, striking Madison in the upper leg. Madison fell to the floor and hit his head.
An ambulance was called to the jail and Madison was taken to Upper Chesapeake Medical Center for treatment. He died Saturday.
One of the officers was also treated for minor injuries.
The incident remains under investigation.
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http://www.daggerpress.com/2009/06/14/prisoner-dies-at-detention-center-after-being-tasered/
On Thursday night Harford County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 48-year-old Dwight Madison for trespassing. At around 1:30 the next morning, deputies tried to fingerprint Madison when they say he became uncooperative. Madison was then placed in a holding cell. A few hours later, shortly after 9 a.m., police say they tried again to fingerprint Madison.
Police say Madison fought with deputies and even tried to choke one of them. After a lengthy struggle one of the officers deployed a TASER, striking Madison in the upper leg. Madison fell to the floor and hit his head.
An ambulance was called to the jail and Madison was taken to Upper Chesapeake Medical Center for treatment. He died Saturday.
One of the officers was also treated for minor injuries.
The incident remains under investigation.
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http://www.daggerpress.com/2009/06/14/prisoner-dies-at-detention-center-after-being-tasered/
Officer Michael Ficken Charged with Misconduct
A Prior Lake police officer was charged today with misconduct by an officer and three misdemeanor crimes after he allegedly ran the license plate of a car that was parked at the home of his former girlfriend, then caused a disturbance after finding her and a man in her bedroom.
Michael A. Ficken, 34, of Prior Lake, was charged in Scott County District Court with one count each of misconduct by a public officer, which is a gross misdemeanor, as well as misdemeanor disorderly conduct, damage to property and fifth-degree assault.
Court papers say that on June 10, while he was on duty, Ficken went to the home owned by a woman in Prior Lake, where he once lived. He had been given until June 15 to move out his belongings. Ficken had a key and always had contacted the woman who owns the residence before going there, according to court papers. This time, however, he did not call before arriving.
When he saw a car he did not recognize in the driveway, he ran the plate, then entered the house to try to contact the woman. He allegedly broke down a bedroom door as the woman tried to hold it shut, then yelled at her and a man who also was in the room. Ficken was in uniform and was wearing his gun and Taser at the time. He did not draw the weapons, though he placed his hand on his gun, court papers say.
Because of a potential conflict of interest, the case is being prosecuted by the Dakota County attorney's office. Ficken was released from jail on his own recognizance today after appearing in Scott County District Court.
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http://kstp.com/news/stories/S976524.shtml?cat=1
Michael A. Ficken, 34, of Prior Lake, was charged in Scott County District Court with one count each of misconduct by a public officer, which is a gross misdemeanor, as well as misdemeanor disorderly conduct, damage to property and fifth-degree assault.
Court papers say that on June 10, while he was on duty, Ficken went to the home owned by a woman in Prior Lake, where he once lived. He had been given until June 15 to move out his belongings. Ficken had a key and always had contacted the woman who owns the residence before going there, according to court papers. This time, however, he did not call before arriving.
When he saw a car he did not recognize in the driveway, he ran the plate, then entered the house to try to contact the woman. He allegedly broke down a bedroom door as the woman tried to hold it shut, then yelled at her and a man who also was in the room. Ficken was in uniform and was wearing his gun and Taser at the time. He did not draw the weapons, though he placed his hand on his gun, court papers say.
Because of a potential conflict of interest, the case is being prosecuted by the Dakota County attorney's office. Ficken was released from jail on his own recognizance today after appearing in Scott County District Court.
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http://kstp.com/news/stories/S976524.shtml?cat=1
Former Deputy Rodney Thompson Accused of Stalking
A former Campbell County and Bedford County sheriff’s deputy accused of stalking was denied bond in Lynchburg Circuit Court Friday morning after appealing his conviction in general district court.
Late last month, Rodney Thompson, 35, of Forest, was sentenced to four months in jail for stalking a woman with whom he had an off-again-on-again relationship for seven years.
He would have been released from jail June 6 with time served since early April and credit for good behavior, his attorney, Joseph Sanzone said during Friday’s bond hearing.
After Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Jennifer Bennett told Judge Leyburn Mosby that Thompson had threatened the woman’s life, however, Mosby said Thompson should remain jailed until he can be scheduled for a jury trial in early July.
“The court can’t take chances with people’s lives,” Mosby said.
An additional charge of stalking filed earlier in Campbell County, covering much of the same February-through-April time period as the Lynchburg charge, was dropped by prosecutors there Friday pending the resolution of the Lynchburg case.
Officer Jose Diaz Arrested for Assaulting Daughter
A Springfield police officer is under arrest for allegedly assaulting his daughter.
Police arrived at 45 year old Jose Diaz's Roosevelt Ave. home late Friday afternoon for a routine assault and battery call.
When it ended, Diaz was taken away and booked at the station where he would normally report to work for the midnight shift.
Diaz is accused of assault and battery. Police say he inflicted minor scratches on his 19 year old daughter.
Police say, this is the first time Diaz has been in trouble with the law.
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http://wbztv.com/wireapnewsfma/Police.Officer.accused.2.1045831.html
Police arrived at 45 year old Jose Diaz's Roosevelt Ave. home late Friday afternoon for a routine assault and battery call.
When it ended, Diaz was taken away and booked at the station where he would normally report to work for the midnight shift.
Diaz is accused of assault and battery. Police say he inflicted minor scratches on his 19 year old daughter.
Police say, this is the first time Diaz has been in trouble with the law.
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http://wbztv.com/wireapnewsfma/Police.Officer.accused.2.1045831.html
Officer Joseph Edward Wild Charged with Harassment
A Portland Police officer charged with making harassing phone calls appeared in court Monday.
Portland Police Officer Joseph Edward Wild, 28, is accused of using his bureau-issued cell phone to make harassing phone calls to women.
According to a probable cause statement, Wild faces 41 counts of official misconduct and 19 counts of telephone harassment. Wild was arrested Friday.
At Wild's court appearance Monday, protesters who didn’t even know Officer Wild showed up to stand up for those who may have been victimized.
“I wouldn’t want to be in her (the victim’s) position. Whoever he was bothering and bugging, it’s not okay,“ said Marie Suttle.
The case is so sensitive that Portland police only told reporters that a woman has come forward to say Officer Wild was harassing her over the phone. But new documents released accuse Officer Wild of using his police cell phone to harass at least two women -- including an underage girl.
“Chief Sizer and the Portland Police Bureau will release as much information as possible in an effort to be fully transparent when the Bureau is able to do so,” spokeswoman Mary Wheat said.
No other officers were aware of the conduct, police said.
“Everyone I talked to at North Precinct remembers the man in the police car next to him going on calls for service and find it difficult that these allegations can be true, “Said Scott Westerman, spokesman with the Portland Police Association.
Portland Police Officer Joseph Edward Wild, 28, is accused of using his bureau-issued cell phone to make harassing phone calls to women.
According to a probable cause statement, Wild faces 41 counts of official misconduct and 19 counts of telephone harassment. Wild was arrested Friday.
At Wild's court appearance Monday, protesters who didn’t even know Officer Wild showed up to stand up for those who may have been victimized.
“I wouldn’t want to be in her (the victim’s) position. Whoever he was bothering and bugging, it’s not okay,“ said Marie Suttle.
The case is so sensitive that Portland police only told reporters that a woman has come forward to say Officer Wild was harassing her over the phone. But new documents released accuse Officer Wild of using his police cell phone to harass at least two women -- including an underage girl.
“Chief Sizer and the Portland Police Bureau will release as much information as possible in an effort to be fully transparent when the Bureau is able to do so,” spokeswoman Mary Wheat said.
No other officers were aware of the conduct, police said.
“Everyone I talked to at North Precinct remembers the man in the police car next to him going on calls for service and find it difficult that these allegations can be true, “Said Scott Westerman, spokesman with the Portland Police Association.
Wild was scheduled to be back in court Thursday morning, and more charges were possible in the case.
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Update: http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_080409_news_portland_officer_calls_resigns.aaf4e432.html
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/06/portland_police_officer_charge.html
Officer Christopher Bond Arrested for trying to Buy Meth
State Police say Town of Pulaski police officer Christopher Bond was arrested Thursday, while trying to buy meth in Wythe County.
Bond faces three charges:
One count of attempting to possess meth (A Class 5 felony)
One count of attempting to possess loritab (Class one misdemeanor)
One count of knowingly or intentionally possessing marijuana (Class one misdemeanor)
In a news release Pulaski Police Chief G.W. Roche says Bond has been suspended from duty and an internal affairs investigation has been started.
Chief Roche said Bond has been with the department for two years, and was a police officer before joining the department.
Roche added, "I am very disappointed that this incident has occurred but I am grateful to the Virginia State Police and the Wythe Co. Sheriff’s Office for their consideration in notifying me of the investigation and their professionalism in processing this case."
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http://www.roanoke.com/news/nrv/wb/208314
Bond faces three charges:
One count of attempting to possess meth (A Class 5 felony)
One count of attempting to possess loritab (Class one misdemeanor)
One count of knowingly or intentionally possessing marijuana (Class one misdemeanor)
In a news release Pulaski Police Chief G.W. Roche says Bond has been suspended from duty and an internal affairs investigation has been started.
Chief Roche said Bond has been with the department for two years, and was a police officer before joining the department.
Roche added, "I am very disappointed that this incident has occurred but I am grateful to the Virginia State Police and the Wythe Co. Sheriff’s Office for their consideration in notifying me of the investigation and their professionalism in processing this case."
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http://www.roanoke.com/news/nrv/wb/208314
Friday, June 12, 2009
Officer Kenneth Kapton Accused of Firing Gun into Air While Drunk
A Swissvale police officer resigned after being accused of firing a gun into the air behind his Penn Hills residence while intoxicated.
Kenneth Kapton, 57, handed in his letter of resignation to Swissvale Council on Wednesday night.
Kapton is charged with two counts of prohibited acts related to marijuana police seized from his home, disorderly conduct and violating a municipal ordinance prohibiting firearms and air guns, according to a criminal complaint.
Following the May 7 incident, Kapton underwent a psychological evaluation and was placed on administrative leave, officials said.
Kapton is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on July 6.
Kenneth Kapton, 57, handed in his letter of resignation to Swissvale Council on Wednesday night.
Kapton is charged with two counts of prohibited acts related to marijuana police seized from his home, disorderly conduct and violating a municipal ordinance prohibiting firearms and air guns, according to a criminal complaint.
Following the May 7 incident, Kapton underwent a psychological evaluation and was placed on administrative leave, officials said.
Kapton is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on July 6.
Officer Joseph Rios III Suspended After Caught on Tape Beating Man
A northern New Jersey police officer suspended after being caught on a videotape beating an unarmed man said Wednesday he did nothing wrong.
"I did what was proper," Passaic Officer Joseph Rios III said at a news conference at the office of his attorney, Anthony Iacullo. "I did what I was trained to do under the circumstances that existed at that time. I stand by my actions."
In the video, parts of which have been shown on television and on the Internet, Rios is seen throwing 49-year-old Ronnie Holloway against the hood of his police car and then to the ground, and appears to punch him and hit him with his baton. Holloway appears to be offering little resistance.
According to Iacullo, the video doesn't show what happened earlier. He declined to be specific other than to say that Holloway's words, actions and demeanor justified Rios' actions. The video, taken from a nearby surveillance camera, has no sound.
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Video: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=7773867&page=1
For More Information: http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/state/new_jersey/20090610_ap_njofficerinrecordedbeatingdenieswrongdoing.html
"I did what was proper," Passaic Officer Joseph Rios III said at a news conference at the office of his attorney, Anthony Iacullo. "I did what I was trained to do under the circumstances that existed at that time. I stand by my actions."
In the video, parts of which have been shown on television and on the Internet, Rios is seen throwing 49-year-old Ronnie Holloway against the hood of his police car and then to the ground, and appears to punch him and hit him with his baton. Holloway appears to be offering little resistance.
According to Iacullo, the video doesn't show what happened earlier. He declined to be specific other than to say that Holloway's words, actions and demeanor justified Rios' actions. The video, taken from a nearby surveillance camera, has no sound.
____________
Video: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=7773867&page=1
For More Information: http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/state/new_jersey/20090610_ap_njofficerinrecordedbeatingdenieswrongdoing.html
Officer William Cozzi Sentence to 40 Months for Beating Handcuffed Man
A Chicago cop who was caught on tape beating a man handcuffed to a wheelchair received a 40 month sentence today.
William Cozzi, a Chicago cop, became angry with Randy Miles who was shackled to a wheelchair in a hospital, after Miles was verbally rude. Cozzi's beating of Miles was captured on tape, as well as witnessed by numerous bystanders. Cozzi was prosecuted in state court, where he received no jail time. He was due to return to the Chicago police force after a 2 year suspension, however Cozzi was also indicted on Federal charges related to the beating. Cozzi plead guilty, and was sentenced today to 40 months in prison. He is scheduled to report to Federal prison on August 6th, 2009.
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Information: http://www.enewspf.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8153:chicago-police-officer-sentenced-to-40-months-in-prison-for-violating-federal-civil-rights-of-a-man-confined-in-a-wheelchair&catid=88888909&Itemid=88888905
William Cozzi, a Chicago cop, became angry with Randy Miles who was shackled to a wheelchair in a hospital, after Miles was verbally rude. Cozzi's beating of Miles was captured on tape, as well as witnessed by numerous bystanders. Cozzi was prosecuted in state court, where he received no jail time. He was due to return to the Chicago police force after a 2 year suspension, however Cozzi was also indicted on Federal charges related to the beating. Cozzi plead guilty, and was sentenced today to 40 months in prison. He is scheduled to report to Federal prison on August 6th, 2009.
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Information: http://www.enewspf.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8153:chicago-police-officer-sentenced-to-40-months-in-prison-for-violating-federal-civil-rights-of-a-man-confined-in-a-wheelchair&catid=88888909&Itemid=88888905
Former Officer Jason Carey Hughes Arrested for Illegal Use of Database
A former law enforcement officer was arrested on Thursday for the illegal use of state computer databases.
Former Headland Police officer Jason Carey Hughes is accused of tapping into law enforcement tactical system software to obtain criminal records. Those records weren't used for official police business.
He was arrested by officers with the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center and taken to the Henry County Jail.
"The LETS system is an invaluable tool for law enforcement, and the information it contains is privileged, confidential and is protected by law," said Maury Mitchell, ACJIC Director. "We take the use of LETS for reasons other than legitimate law enforcement or criminal justice purposes seriously, and will aggressively investigate and seek prosecution whenever it is misused."
Charges:
One count of unauthorized use of a computer to obtain criminal records of individuals through the Law Enforcement Tactical System (LETS), which is the property of the ACJIC. This is a violation of Code of Alabama Section 13A-8-102(a), a class A misdemeanor, and is punishable by up to 12 months imprisonment and a fine of up to $6,000; and
One count of unauthorized disclosure of computerized criminal records obtained through the Law Enforcement Tactical System, which is the property of the ACJIC. This is a violation of Code of Alabama Section 13A-8-102(c), a class A misdemeanor, and is punishable by up to 12 monthsimprisonment and a fine of up to $6,000.
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http://www.wtvynews4.com/home/headlines/47920907.html
Former Headland Police officer Jason Carey Hughes is accused of tapping into law enforcement tactical system software to obtain criminal records. Those records weren't used for official police business.
He was arrested by officers with the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center and taken to the Henry County Jail.
"The LETS system is an invaluable tool for law enforcement, and the information it contains is privileged, confidential and is protected by law," said Maury Mitchell, ACJIC Director. "We take the use of LETS for reasons other than legitimate law enforcement or criminal justice purposes seriously, and will aggressively investigate and seek prosecution whenever it is misused."
Charges:
One count of unauthorized use of a computer to obtain criminal records of individuals through the Law Enforcement Tactical System (LETS), which is the property of the ACJIC. This is a violation of Code of Alabama Section 13A-8-102(a), a class A misdemeanor, and is punishable by up to 12 months imprisonment and a fine of up to $6,000; and
One count of unauthorized disclosure of computerized criminal records obtained through the Law Enforcement Tactical System, which is the property of the ACJIC. This is a violation of Code of Alabama Section 13A-8-102(c), a class A misdemeanor, and is punishable by up to 12 monthsimprisonment and a fine of up to $6,000.
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http://www.wtvynews4.com/home/headlines/47920907.html
Officer William Greenwood Charged with Sexually Assaulting Underaged Family Member
A Chicago Police officer was ordered held on $350,000 bond Tuesday after being charged with the criminal sexual assault of a teenage girl.
Officer William Greenwood, 43, is a nine-year veteran of the police force, according to police News Affairs. He has been relieved of his police powers.
He was arrested Wednesday and charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault for the attack on an underage family member, according to police.
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Video & Picture: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6860257&rss=rss-espnChicago-wls-article-6860257
Officer William Greenwood, 43, is a nine-year veteran of the police force, according to police News Affairs. He has been relieved of his police powers.
He was arrested Wednesday and charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault for the attack on an underage family member, according to police.
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Video & Picture: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6860257&rss=rss-espnChicago-wls-article-6860257
Cpl Eddie Smith Jr Charged with Trying to Rob Bank
A 16-year veteran of the Prince George's County Police Department has been charged with allegedly trying to rob a bank early Wednesday morning, acting as a lookout — dressed in his police uniform — while another man tried to saw into the bank's vault.
Cpl. Eddie Smith Jr., 41, of the 9700 block of Rider Court in Fort Washington has been suspended without pay after being arrested by officers from his own police district.
Shortly after 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department responded to an alarm at the SunTrust Bank at 4625 Old Branch Ave. in Temple Hills. Responders called in police from District 4, the district where Smith served as a patrol officer, according to Maj. Andy Ellis, the police department's chief spokesman.
Smith was off-duty at the time but was in uniform and carrying his department-issued handgun, although the weapon was never used in the incident or brandished, Ellis said.
Investigators believe Smith likely remained outside the bank during the attempted robbery, while Earl Blake Sr., 52, of the 1900 block of Brooks Drive in Capitol Heights was allegedly inside the bank, unsuccessfully trying to break into the vault.
Smith was found with a pry bar, electrical cords and saw blade and was charged with burglary, malicious destruction of property for the damage to the vault and with using a handgun in the commission of a felony. He was also charged with possessing and permitting the use of burglars' tools with intent to use in the commission of a burglary.
Blake was found with a crowbar and cut-off saw, which he claims Smith provided him, and charged with burglary and malicious destruction of property. He was also charged with possessing burglars' tools with intent to use in the commission of a burglary.
Both men had fled from the bank before police arrived. Blake was picked up by police on a nearby road, and Smith was located hours later after investigators identified him as a suspect.
Ellis said under department policy, an internal investigation will commence after the state's criminal investigation.
He was unable to confirm Thursday afternoon how the two men allegedly broke into the bank or how Blake and Smith knew each other but said Blake is not affiliated with the police department.
He said investigators have no evidence at this point that any other officers were involved or had any knowledge of the crime. Ellis said about 175 officers work in police District 4.
Police officials denounced the incident as disappointing and disconcerting.
"One bad cop can tarnish the badge that we all wear," Ellis said. "This is something that's upsetting to all hard-working police officers."
Ellis said officers new to the force undergo background checks, polygraphs and psychological tests, but the department does not require the process be repeated during an officer's tenure.
In a statement Thursday, Police Chief Roberto L. Hylton said he was "disheartened" and will not tolerate wrongdoing by any member of the department.
"Bad cops have no place in our profession; they tarnish the good work that is being done by the rest of our employees," Hylton said. "We will be very thorough in investigating this case along with any others to which this investigation may lead."
Vince Canales, president of the county's Fraternal Order of Police, said Thursday the alleged robbery attempt is "very disappointing" but that it is an isolated incident and not reflective of the department, adding that hiring practices for officers are stringent.
"I would hope that the citizens of the county wouldn't paint the entire agency in this light," he said.
Canales cautioned that the investigation is ongoing. He said if Smith is found guilty, "clearly he will have to pay the price for those actions like any member of the community."
Smith is being held on $250,000 bond at the Department of Corrections in Upper Marlboro, and Blake is being held on $100,000 bond.
Preliminary hearings for Smith and Blake are scheduled for 8:45 a.m. July 9 in Prince George's County District Court. Attorneys had not been listed Thursday afternoon in the court for either defendant.
Calls Thursday to a phone number listed for Smith's address went unanswered. No phone number was listed for Blake.
Cpl. Eddie Smith Jr., 41, of the 9700 block of Rider Court in Fort Washington has been suspended without pay after being arrested by officers from his own police district.
Shortly after 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department responded to an alarm at the SunTrust Bank at 4625 Old Branch Ave. in Temple Hills. Responders called in police from District 4, the district where Smith served as a patrol officer, according to Maj. Andy Ellis, the police department's chief spokesman.
Smith was off-duty at the time but was in uniform and carrying his department-issued handgun, although the weapon was never used in the incident or brandished, Ellis said.
Investigators believe Smith likely remained outside the bank during the attempted robbery, while Earl Blake Sr., 52, of the 1900 block of Brooks Drive in Capitol Heights was allegedly inside the bank, unsuccessfully trying to break into the vault.
Smith was found with a pry bar, electrical cords and saw blade and was charged with burglary, malicious destruction of property for the damage to the vault and with using a handgun in the commission of a felony. He was also charged with possessing and permitting the use of burglars' tools with intent to use in the commission of a burglary.
Blake was found with a crowbar and cut-off saw, which he claims Smith provided him, and charged with burglary and malicious destruction of property. He was also charged with possessing burglars' tools with intent to use in the commission of a burglary.
Both men had fled from the bank before police arrived. Blake was picked up by police on a nearby road, and Smith was located hours later after investigators identified him as a suspect.
Ellis said under department policy, an internal investigation will commence after the state's criminal investigation.
He was unable to confirm Thursday afternoon how the two men allegedly broke into the bank or how Blake and Smith knew each other but said Blake is not affiliated with the police department.
He said investigators have no evidence at this point that any other officers were involved or had any knowledge of the crime. Ellis said about 175 officers work in police District 4.
Police officials denounced the incident as disappointing and disconcerting.
"One bad cop can tarnish the badge that we all wear," Ellis said. "This is something that's upsetting to all hard-working police officers."
Ellis said officers new to the force undergo background checks, polygraphs and psychological tests, but the department does not require the process be repeated during an officer's tenure.
In a statement Thursday, Police Chief Roberto L. Hylton said he was "disheartened" and will not tolerate wrongdoing by any member of the department.
"Bad cops have no place in our profession; they tarnish the good work that is being done by the rest of our employees," Hylton said. "We will be very thorough in investigating this case along with any others to which this investigation may lead."
Vince Canales, president of the county's Fraternal Order of Police, said Thursday the alleged robbery attempt is "very disappointing" but that it is an isolated incident and not reflective of the department, adding that hiring practices for officers are stringent.
"I would hope that the citizens of the county wouldn't paint the entire agency in this light," he said.
Canales cautioned that the investigation is ongoing. He said if Smith is found guilty, "clearly he will have to pay the price for those actions like any member of the community."
Smith is being held on $250,000 bond at the Department of Corrections in Upper Marlboro, and Blake is being held on $100,000 bond.
Preliminary hearings for Smith and Blake are scheduled for 8:45 a.m. July 9 in Prince George's County District Court. Attorneys had not been listed Thursday afternoon in the court for either defendant.
Calls Thursday to a phone number listed for Smith's address went unanswered. No phone number was listed for Blake.
Former Officer Jason Carey Hughes Arrested for Unauthorized Use of Database
The Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center (ACJIC) has announced the arrest 38 year old Jason Carey Hughes, a former officer of the Headland, Alabama Police Department, for allegedly misusing confidential law enforcement information.
Hughes, 38, was arrested Thursday morning by agents of ACJIC, the state agency responsible for gathering and providing critical information to Alabama law enforcement and criminal justice agencies.
Hughes was taken to the Henry County jail.
The Alabama Attorney General’s office presented evidence to a Henry County grand jury which resulted in the two-count indictment* against Hughes.
Specifically, the indictment charges Hughes with:
1. One count of unauthorized use of a computer to obtain criminal records of individuals through the Law Enforcement Tactical System (LETS), which is the property of the ACJIC. This is a violation of Code of Alabama Section 13A-8-102(a).
2. One count of unauthorized disclosure of computerized criminal records obtained through the Law Enforcement Tactical System. This is a violation of Code of Alabama Section 13A-8-102(c).
Both charges are Class A misdemeanors, each punishable by up to 12 months imprisonment and a fine of up to $6,000.
Hughes, 38, was arrested Thursday morning by agents of ACJIC, the state agency responsible for gathering and providing critical information to Alabama law enforcement and criminal justice agencies.
Hughes was taken to the Henry County jail.
The Alabama Attorney General’s office presented evidence to a Henry County grand jury which resulted in the two-count indictment* against Hughes.
Specifically, the indictment charges Hughes with:
1. One count of unauthorized use of a computer to obtain criminal records of individuals through the Law Enforcement Tactical System (LETS), which is the property of the ACJIC. This is a violation of Code of Alabama Section 13A-8-102(a).
2. One count of unauthorized disclosure of computerized criminal records obtained through the Law Enforcement Tactical System. This is a violation of Code of Alabama Section 13A-8-102(c).
Both charges are Class A misdemeanors, each punishable by up to 12 months imprisonment and a fine of up to $6,000.
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