Pittsburgh Police arrested a Crafton Police officer this morning on charges he struck and killed a 24-year-old man with his vehicle, then fled from the scene, two years ago in the South Side.
Donnie L. Breeden, 38, of Green Tree, turned himself in this morning at police headquarters in the North Side. He was taken to the Allegheny County Jail and was being arraigned this afternoon on charges of involuntary manslaughter and causing an accident involving death or personal injury.
Assistant Police Chief Maurita Bryant said investigators received an anonymous tip three days ago leading them to Breeden.
"We were able to obtain a warrant for — I don't even want to say officer — for Breeden," Bryant said at a news conference this afternoon. "This is like a slap in the face for every police officer who honors the badge. You stop, you render aid and you wait for officers to arrive. ... He chose to keep going and keep it a secret all this time."
Police have examined Breeden's vehicle — a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer — and found areas that have been repaired, Bryant said.
The victim, David Hall of Moon, died after he was struck first by Breeden's vehicle, and then by two others, at about 11:40 p.m. July 20, 2007 in the westbound lane near the Duquesne Incline, police said.
More people could be charged, Bryant said, adding that some of Breeden's "acquaintances" were following him in another vehicle and saw him hit Hall. The group was driving to a bar or club in the South Side, she said.
_________________
Other Information: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_632426.html
Friday, July 03, 2009
Terrance Releford Wins Lawsuit Against Tukwila Police
A homeless felon, who was zapped with two Tasers simultaneously -- twice -- during a 2006 arrest, has settled his federal civil-rights lawsuit against Tukwila police for $12,500, according to his attorney.
The settlement comes after a federal judge ruled that the two officers violated the rights of Terrance Releford and were too quick to use their Tasers after confronting Releford outside a Tukwila convenience store to arrest him on outstanding misdemeanor warrants on June 5, 2006.
According to court documents and police reports, Releford -- who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs upward of 300 pounds -- found himself between two Tukwila officers, both armed with Tasers.
Both officers ordered him to turn around. When he hesitated at the conflicting commands, the officers fired their stun guns simultaneously, knocking him to the ground with a combined 100,000 volts, the documents say.
A third officer was present, but didn’t participate and wasn’t sued.
While on the ground, the officers ordered him to roll onto his stomach and place his arms behind his back, according to the documents. Releford rolled over, but claims he didn’t hear the command to put his hands behind his back, according to his Seattle attorney, Lynne Wilson.
When he hesitated, the officers simultaneously Tasered him a second time, just nine seconds after the first jolt, according to court records.
Releford sued without the help of an attorney and argued his case alone. Last fall, a federal magistrate judge found that officers Josh Vivet and Mike Richardson used excessive force and recommended the case go to trial. U.S. Magistrate Judge Mary Alice Theiler also recommended that a federal judge appoint an attorney to help the 40-year-old Releford prepare his case.
In late February, U.S. District Judge Ricardo Martinez adopted most of Theiler’s recommendations and appointed Wilson to represent Releford, who has been either in a halfway house or prison since the incident.
He’s currently serving a four-year term for escape at McNeil Island Correctional Center and was not available for comment.
Telephone messages left with Tukwila City attorney Shelley Kerslake and the firm that represented the city, Keating Buckland & McCormick, were not returned Thursday.
A police internal investigation had cleared both officers of claims they had used excessive force.
Wilson said the city and Releford participated in negotiations earlier this week that ended with the settlement.
“Mr. Releford is very pleased with this outcome,” she said. “This incident was very painful. He had serious emotional issues afterward.”
Among the factors driving the settlement, she said, was that Releford -- despite his size and a long history of run-ins with the law -- had never been violent toward officers. In fact, she said, records showed that Vivet had arrested Releford six times in the eight months before the incident, all without incident.
The city dropped resisting-arrest charges that were filed by the officers after the incident, she said.
“He didn’t resist,” she said. “They just didn’t give him time to comply.”
She said the officers didn’t adequately consider their other options before resorting to the use of Tasers, she said. Theiler, in her report, pointed out that the officers had Releford outnumbered 3-1.
The settlement comes after a federal judge ruled that the two officers violated the rights of Terrance Releford and were too quick to use their Tasers after confronting Releford outside a Tukwila convenience store to arrest him on outstanding misdemeanor warrants on June 5, 2006.
According to court documents and police reports, Releford -- who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs upward of 300 pounds -- found himself between two Tukwila officers, both armed with Tasers.
Both officers ordered him to turn around. When he hesitated at the conflicting commands, the officers fired their stun guns simultaneously, knocking him to the ground with a combined 100,000 volts, the documents say.
A third officer was present, but didn’t participate and wasn’t sued.
While on the ground, the officers ordered him to roll onto his stomach and place his arms behind his back, according to the documents. Releford rolled over, but claims he didn’t hear the command to put his hands behind his back, according to his Seattle attorney, Lynne Wilson.
When he hesitated, the officers simultaneously Tasered him a second time, just nine seconds after the first jolt, according to court records.
Releford sued without the help of an attorney and argued his case alone. Last fall, a federal magistrate judge found that officers Josh Vivet and Mike Richardson used excessive force and recommended the case go to trial. U.S. Magistrate Judge Mary Alice Theiler also recommended that a federal judge appoint an attorney to help the 40-year-old Releford prepare his case.
In late February, U.S. District Judge Ricardo Martinez adopted most of Theiler’s recommendations and appointed Wilson to represent Releford, who has been either in a halfway house or prison since the incident.
He’s currently serving a four-year term for escape at McNeil Island Correctional Center and was not available for comment.
Telephone messages left with Tukwila City attorney Shelley Kerslake and the firm that represented the city, Keating Buckland & McCormick, were not returned Thursday.
A police internal investigation had cleared both officers of claims they had used excessive force.
Wilson said the city and Releford participated in negotiations earlier this week that ended with the settlement.
“Mr. Releford is very pleased with this outcome,” she said. “This incident was very painful. He had serious emotional issues afterward.”
Among the factors driving the settlement, she said, was that Releford -- despite his size and a long history of run-ins with the law -- had never been violent toward officers. In fact, she said, records showed that Vivet had arrested Releford six times in the eight months before the incident, all without incident.
The city dropped resisting-arrest charges that were filed by the officers after the incident, she said.
“He didn’t resist,” she said. “They just didn’t give him time to comply.”
She said the officers didn’t adequately consider their other options before resorting to the use of Tasers, she said. Theiler, in her report, pointed out that the officers had Releford outnumbered 3-1.
Judge John Thaddeus Doyle Arrested for Drunk Driving
A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge was arrested for suspicion of drunken driving in Baldwin Hills.
Judge John Thaddeus Doyle, 56, was arrested around 11:15 p.m. Thursday by officers from the Los Angeles Police Department's South Traffic Division, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Doyle was pulled over in the 4500 block of Don Felipe Drive, near La Brea Avenue, for a traffic violation, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Doyle was released at 4:36 a.m. today on $30,000 bail.
Doyle is assigned to courthouses in Compton and Glendale.
____________________
http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12751716?nclick_check=1
Judge John Thaddeus Doyle, 56, was arrested around 11:15 p.m. Thursday by officers from the Los Angeles Police Department's South Traffic Division, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Doyle was pulled over in the 4500 block of Don Felipe Drive, near La Brea Avenue, for a traffic violation, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Doyle was released at 4:36 a.m. today on $30,000 bail.
Doyle is assigned to courthouses in Compton and Glendale.
____________________
http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12751716?nclick_check=1
Officer James Rashad Eldridge Arrested for Domestic Violence
A Wilmington police officer is in custody at the Brunswick County jail, said Beth Boling, an assistant to the sheriff.
James Rashad Eldridge, who has worked for the Wilmington Police Department since August 2006, was charged with assault on a female, according to reports.
Boling said Eldridge, of Leland, was arrested Wednesday night.
An arrest warrant charging Eldridge with a misdemeanor says he kicked a woman in the head and grabbed her arms.
A domestic violence form filed in connection with the case says a gun was involved in the incident, but doesn’t say how. The form also identifies the victim as Eldridge’s spouse. The form says there is a prior history of documented domestic violence allegations between Eldridge and the victim. But there was no restraining order in place at the time of the incident, the form says.
Eldridge, 32, has worked as a patrol officer since Jan. 31, 2007, after he completed his training, said WPD spokeswoman Lucy Crockett.
After his arrest, Eldridge was put on leave without pay, pending the outcome of an internal investigation by the police department, Crockett said.
His bond was set at $5,000, and he waived his right to a court-appointed attorney, according to the Brunswick County clerk of court’s office.
Woman Accuses San Antonio Officer of Sexual Assault
City police are investigating a complaint from a woman who says she was sexually assaulted by a uniformed officer who was on duty. San Antonio police say the woman told them the alleged incident happened last Friday night on the East Side.
A spokeswoman for the police department said that the 46-year-old woman who filed the complaint had a couple of different versions of the events. One is that she was sexually assaulted in a wooded area; the other is that she was sexually assaulted in a patrol car.
Police Chief Bill McManus says, "The San Antonio Police Department does not and will not tolerate such conduct, so we'll wait to see how this plays out and take whatever action necessary."
McManus says the investigation has been turned over to the Internal Affairs Department and the department is "moving very swiftly to complete that investigation."
SAPD is not releasing the officer's name because he is not facing any charges at this time and there isn't a warrant for his arrest. The officer is a four-year veteran of the force and he is on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
______________________________
Information: http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/49772662.html
A spokeswoman for the police department said that the 46-year-old woman who filed the complaint had a couple of different versions of the events. One is that she was sexually assaulted in a wooded area; the other is that she was sexually assaulted in a patrol car.
Police Chief Bill McManus says, "The San Antonio Police Department does not and will not tolerate such conduct, so we'll wait to see how this plays out and take whatever action necessary."
McManus says the investigation has been turned over to the Internal Affairs Department and the department is "moving very swiftly to complete that investigation."
SAPD is not releasing the officer's name because he is not facing any charges at this time and there isn't a warrant for his arrest. The officer is a four-year veteran of the force and he is on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
______________________________
Information: http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/49772662.html
11 Boston Officers Suspended for Steroid Abuse
Several Boston police officers have been suspended in connection with a three-year investigation into steroid abuse that involved improper conduct at an after-hours club.
"I am disappointed with the actions of the officers disciplined in this matter. With this chapter finally closed, the department will move forward with improved policies and practices resulting from difficult lessons learned. We remain steadfast in our dedication to preserving the integrity of our department by taking every measure to prevent and when necessary uncover officer misconduct," Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis said.
In all, 11 officers were disciplined, including two detectives. The discipline ranged from a written reprimand to an 80-day suspension.
Investigators identified 24 Factory Street in Hyde Park as an after-hours party location. The facility is no longer an after-hours club. But in 2006, police said it was used by disgraced Boston Police Officer Roberto Polido and other officers for sex and drugs, including steroids.
Polido pleaded guilty to his crimes, and two other Boston police officers were also charged in the corruption probe.
The Boston Police Department commissioner announced an end to the investigation and disciplined more officers for their role in the scandal.
"I am disappointed with the actions of the officers disciplined in this matter. With this chapter finally closed, the department will move forward with improved policies and practices resulting from difficult lessons learned. We remain steadfast in our dedication to preserving the integrity of our department by taking every measure to prevent and when necessary uncover officer misconduct," Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis said.
Davis said the department has learned lessons from the investigation and that changes have been made.
"I'm exploring the possible of including steroid testing in the annual drug testing policy," he said.
___________________________
http://wbztv.com/local/police.steroid.abuse.2.1069391.html
"I am disappointed with the actions of the officers disciplined in this matter. With this chapter finally closed, the department will move forward with improved policies and practices resulting from difficult lessons learned. We remain steadfast in our dedication to preserving the integrity of our department by taking every measure to prevent and when necessary uncover officer misconduct," Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis said.
In all, 11 officers were disciplined, including two detectives. The discipline ranged from a written reprimand to an 80-day suspension.
Investigators identified 24 Factory Street in Hyde Park as an after-hours party location. The facility is no longer an after-hours club. But in 2006, police said it was used by disgraced Boston Police Officer Roberto Polido and other officers for sex and drugs, including steroids.
Polido pleaded guilty to his crimes, and two other Boston police officers were also charged in the corruption probe.
The Boston Police Department commissioner announced an end to the investigation and disciplined more officers for their role in the scandal.
"I am disappointed with the actions of the officers disciplined in this matter. With this chapter finally closed, the department will move forward with improved policies and practices resulting from difficult lessons learned. We remain steadfast in our dedication to preserving the integrity of our department by taking every measure to prevent and when necessary uncover officer misconduct," Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis said.
Davis said the department has learned lessons from the investigation and that changes have been made.
"I'm exploring the possible of including steroid testing in the annual drug testing policy," he said.
___________________________
http://wbztv.com/local/police.steroid.abuse.2.1069391.html
Corrections Officer Michelle Hung Charged with Helping Inmate Escape
A corrections officer has been charged with helping an inmate escape, deputies said.
The Osceola County Sheriff's Office has charged corrections officer Michelle Hung with 13 felonies for her involvement with Angel Santiago's attempted escape from the Osceola County Jail on June 22.
Detectives said Hung and Santiago had developed an elaborate plan for Santiago's escape.
Hung was charged with filing a false police report after detectives showed her evidence, which contradicted her statements about the escape attempt, the sheriff's office said.
In addition, Hung was charged as principal to all of the felonies Santiago was charged with, including kidnapping, armed robbery, aggravated assault, attempted escape, two counts of introducing contraband into a detention facility, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, impersonating an officer and resisting with violence.
Hung is also charged with two counts each of depriving an officer of means of protection and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
The Osceola County Sheriff's Office has charged corrections officer Michelle Hung with 13 felonies for her involvement with Angel Santiago's attempted escape from the Osceola County Jail on June 22.
Detectives said Hung and Santiago had developed an elaborate plan for Santiago's escape.
Hung was charged with filing a false police report after detectives showed her evidence, which contradicted her statements about the escape attempt, the sheriff's office said.
In addition, Hung was charged as principal to all of the felonies Santiago was charged with, including kidnapping, armed robbery, aggravated assault, attempted escape, two counts of introducing contraband into a detention facility, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, impersonating an officer and resisting with violence.
Hung is also charged with two counts each of depriving an officer of means of protection and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
Officer Charged IMAGES:
David Cade Arrested for Having Sexual Encounter with Inmate
A Dallas County jail guard has been arrested for having some sort of sexual encounter with an inmate.
It's unclear exactly what David Cade allegedly did because the Dallas County Sheriff's Department won't say -- even though they have arrested him and charged him.
Raul Reyna, a sheriff's spokesman, said Cade faces two charges of improper sexual activity with a person in custody. He said Cade was arrested yesterday when he came in to be interviewed at the sheriff's criminal investigations division about 1 p.m.
Cade was released early this morning on bond (set at $2,500 for each charge), Reyna said.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Officer Gregory Zach Investigated for Punching Woman
The Stamford Police Department is investigating the conduct of a police officer who assaulted a woman during an arrest last week.
According to Lt. Sean Cooney, Officer Gregory Zach punched Brenda Mazariegos, 40, while arresting her for driving without a license Friday in the parking lot behind The Palms nightclub - a nightclub Mazariegos owns.
A photograph of a Mazariegos, that has been splashed on local newspapers and TV stations, shows the victim with a large bump on her head - a result from her alleged assault by the officer.
Mazariegos has yet to file a formal complaint, but it's not preventing the department from investigating the incident.
Cooney told PIX News that officials are pursuing the investigation due in part by the serious allegations and the fact that the incident occurred at a public event. The release of the photograph has made the incident a high-profile case, prompting a probe in the assault, he added.
According to Cooney, the officer is not denying that he assaulted Mazariegos and in fact says the woman was the one who attacked him first, forcing him to protect himself by punching her back, he said.
A surveillance video from the parking lot where the assault occurred has surfaced, however investigators say the video is too grainy to make anything out.
"We hold our officers to very high standards and know that the public is entitled to expect nothing less," said Cooney.
________________
http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/ci_12736236?source=most_viewed
Former Officer Mike Shamahs Sentenced to 19 Years
A federal judge sentenced a former Chicago police officer to more than 19 years in prison Thursday for raiding a storage locker and stealing what he believed was $30,000 in drug cash.
U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman said he believes there are two Mahmoud "Mike" Shamahs -- one the loving husband of a schoolteacher and father of a 4-year-old boy and the other a South Side tactical officer who thought he could brazenly steal on the job.
Some of the victims were drug dealers who had a few hundred dollars taken from them at a time, the judge noted.
"But the most direct victims are the people you love the most," Gettleman told Shamah before sentencing him to 19 years and 4 months in prison. "I'm sorry you didn't think about that before you did your first robbery."
A federal jury convicted Shamah in December of racketeering and conspiracy in a series of robberies while working in the Morgan Park District with partner Richard Doroniuk. They were snared in an FBI sting in 2006.
Doroniuk testified against his partner at the trial, saying officers routinely carried a little crack cocaine to plant on suspects when searches came up empty and stole cash from drug dealers during raids and traffic stops. He also said they routinely paid informants, falsified reports, lied in court and even kicked back cash to an undisclosed judge for pushing through a bogus warrant.
Gettleman said he thought federal guidelines that called for a minimum sentence of about 24 years in prison were too harsh, especially because Doroniuk was sentenced to less than 11 years earlier this week.
Shamah, dressed in a gray pinstriped suit, pulled a prepared statement from a jacket pocket and pleaded for mercy. He said he took responsibility for his actions, but he also blamed a system that stresses arrests over good policework for eroding how he thought of his duties.
"I lost respect for my job, your honor," Shamah said. "I lost the police officer I wanted to be."
Assistant U.S. Atty. Meghan Morrissey called for a stiffer sentence because Shamah used a weapon and body armor during the robberies.
Prosecutors said Shamah pocketed half of the $30,000 in the FBI sting and about $1,700 more from traffic stops and arrests.
Morrissey said Shamah contributed to the general distrust of the police.
___________________________
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/07/former-cop-gets-to-19-years-in-prison.html
U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman said he believes there are two Mahmoud "Mike" Shamahs -- one the loving husband of a schoolteacher and father of a 4-year-old boy and the other a South Side tactical officer who thought he could brazenly steal on the job.
Some of the victims were drug dealers who had a few hundred dollars taken from them at a time, the judge noted.
"But the most direct victims are the people you love the most," Gettleman told Shamah before sentencing him to 19 years and 4 months in prison. "I'm sorry you didn't think about that before you did your first robbery."
A federal jury convicted Shamah in December of racketeering and conspiracy in a series of robberies while working in the Morgan Park District with partner Richard Doroniuk. They were snared in an FBI sting in 2006.
Doroniuk testified against his partner at the trial, saying officers routinely carried a little crack cocaine to plant on suspects when searches came up empty and stole cash from drug dealers during raids and traffic stops. He also said they routinely paid informants, falsified reports, lied in court and even kicked back cash to an undisclosed judge for pushing through a bogus warrant.
Gettleman said he thought federal guidelines that called for a minimum sentence of about 24 years in prison were too harsh, especially because Doroniuk was sentenced to less than 11 years earlier this week.
Shamah, dressed in a gray pinstriped suit, pulled a prepared statement from a jacket pocket and pleaded for mercy. He said he took responsibility for his actions, but he also blamed a system that stresses arrests over good policework for eroding how he thought of his duties.
"I lost respect for my job, your honor," Shamah said. "I lost the police officer I wanted to be."
Assistant U.S. Atty. Meghan Morrissey called for a stiffer sentence because Shamah used a weapon and body armor during the robberies.
Prosecutors said Shamah pocketed half of the $30,000 in the FBI sting and about $1,700 more from traffic stops and arrests.
Morrissey said Shamah contributed to the general distrust of the police.
___________________________
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/07/former-cop-gets-to-19-years-in-prison.html
Oregon Wrongful Death Settlement Reached Between the City of Sandy and the Family of Man Shot by Police
Last December, in the Portland, Oregon personal injury law firm blog post about a wrongful death case filed against the city of Sandy and a number of individuals over the police shooting death of a Gresham man. This week, an announcement was made that the family of 27-year-old Fouad Kaady has reached a $1 million settlement with the Oregon city and former police officer William J. Bergin.
Kaady was burned, naked, and bleeding when Officer Bergin and Clackamas County sheriff's Deputy David E. Willard approached him on September 8, 2005. Kaady reportedly was behaving erratically and would not cooperate with police. He had also just rear-ended three motor vehicles and damaged the vehicle he was driving. According to witnesses, Kaady, who has a history of mental illness, was making wolf-like sounds.
To apprehend Kaady, police at first used a stun gun and shocked him several times. They then shot him seven times after he jumped on top of a police car.
Kaady’s family says that the reason he was in such a disturbed state was that the can of gas he was transporting caught on fire, which caused him to hit another motor vehicle. He ripped his clothes off to get away from the flames and was in need of help. The 27-year-old's family believes that he sustained head injuries during the crash that caused him to behave strangely.
The plaintiffs have accused police of not knowing how to deal with someone coping with mental illness. Their Oregon wrongful death lawsuit accused police of excessive use of force and civil rights violations.
By settling, the city of Sandy is not admitting liability. The family's Clackamas County wrongful death lawsuit against the County and Willard is still moving forward.
Police BrutalityPolice are never supposed to use excessive force in any situation. Police brutality is a civil rights violation and an abuse of police power that can be a reason for why a victim or his or her family might choose to file a Portland, Oregon personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death claim.
Just last week, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners gave its stamp of approval for a $925,000 Portland, Oregon wrongful death settlement to be paid to the family of James Chasse for his police brutality-related death in 2006.
Police chased down Chasse after they spotted him urinating in public. There are conflicting reports as to how they apprehended him. However, he sustained 16 broken ribs and a punctured lung. Chasse died while being transported in a police car to a hospital. Chasse suffered from schizophrenia.
Multco board approves $925,000 payment for Chasse's family, KATU.com, July 2, 2009
$1 million settlement reached in 2005 shooting near Sandy, OregonLive.com, July 1, 2009
Oregon Wrongful Death Trial Alleging Police Brutality Toward Unarmed Portland Man Can Move Forward, Says Federal Judge, OregonInjuryLawyerBlog.com, December 1, 2008
Related Web Resources:Clackamas County, Oregon
Multnomah County
Truly Reforming Law Enforcement-Ending Police Brutality!
Kaady was burned, naked, and bleeding when Officer Bergin and Clackamas County sheriff's Deputy David E. Willard approached him on September 8, 2005. Kaady reportedly was behaving erratically and would not cooperate with police. He had also just rear-ended three motor vehicles and damaged the vehicle he was driving. According to witnesses, Kaady, who has a history of mental illness, was making wolf-like sounds.
To apprehend Kaady, police at first used a stun gun and shocked him several times. They then shot him seven times after he jumped on top of a police car.
Kaady’s family says that the reason he was in such a disturbed state was that the can of gas he was transporting caught on fire, which caused him to hit another motor vehicle. He ripped his clothes off to get away from the flames and was in need of help. The 27-year-old's family believes that he sustained head injuries during the crash that caused him to behave strangely.
The plaintiffs have accused police of not knowing how to deal with someone coping with mental illness. Their Oregon wrongful death lawsuit accused police of excessive use of force and civil rights violations.
By settling, the city of Sandy is not admitting liability. The family's Clackamas County wrongful death lawsuit against the County and Willard is still moving forward.
Police BrutalityPolice are never supposed to use excessive force in any situation. Police brutality is a civil rights violation and an abuse of police power that can be a reason for why a victim or his or her family might choose to file a Portland, Oregon personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death claim.
Just last week, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners gave its stamp of approval for a $925,000 Portland, Oregon wrongful death settlement to be paid to the family of James Chasse for his police brutality-related death in 2006.
Police chased down Chasse after they spotted him urinating in public. There are conflicting reports as to how they apprehended him. However, he sustained 16 broken ribs and a punctured lung. Chasse died while being transported in a police car to a hospital. Chasse suffered from schizophrenia.
Multco board approves $925,000 payment for Chasse's family, KATU.com, July 2, 2009
$1 million settlement reached in 2005 shooting near Sandy, OregonLive.com, July 1, 2009
Oregon Wrongful Death Trial Alleging Police Brutality Toward Unarmed Portland Man Can Move Forward, Says Federal Judge, OregonInjuryLawyerBlog.com, December 1, 2008
Related Web Resources:Clackamas County, Oregon
Multnomah County
Truly Reforming Law Enforcement-Ending Police Brutality!
Detention Officer Gregory Heiser Arrested for Having Sex with 16-year-old
A 43-year-old detention officer at the Hernando County jail was arrested Tuesday on charges that he had sex with a 16-year-old girl.
The girl told Pasco deputies that in February and May, she had sex with Gregory C. Heiser of Hudson. Two juveniles told authorities they saw Heiser at the girl's bedroom window one night, and the girl later told them that Heiser told her that her pregnancy test came back negative.
According to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, Heiser told the girl's mother that he was in love with the girl, who is not being identified because of the nature of the allegations. He gave the girl a cell phone and a key to his house, which deputies found and placed into evidence, the sheriff's report said.
Hernando jail Warden Russell Washburn said Heiser has been placed on paid leave while the jail conducts its own investigation into the allegations.
"Anytime a person in this industry finds themselves on the opposite side," Washburn said, "it's a blemish on the entire industry."
Heiser faces two charges of unlawful sexual activity with a minor. He is also being held on a warrant for a sexual battery charge involving a 39-year-old victim.
That victim told authorities that Heiser invited her to his home last year and sexually assaulted her, Pasco sheriff's spokesman Kevin Doll said. He declined to provide any further details, saying that case is under investigation.
Heiser has worked as a corrections officer for 13 years, starting in 1996 through 1999 at the Hernando County jail, according to his personnel file.
Since then, Heiser, who is divorced and has a son, has worked various stints for the state Department of Corrections and the Sumter and Pasco jails.
Heiser returned to the Hernando County jail for a second time in April 2008, but soon faced disciplinary action. He twice received written reprimands for sleeping at his post — once on the day he was hired.
In January, he again fell asleep at work, and received a three-day suspension without pay.
In April, he was suspended for three days without pay for violating security procedures involving an incident where corrections officers used excessive force on an inmate.
His annual review in 2008 said he "seriously compromises security when he is not attentive while on duty."
Records indicate Heiser was convicted of DUI charges in 1998 and 2008.
He remains at the Land O'Lakes jail for the latest charges on $70,000 bail.
_________________
http://www2.hernandotoday.com/content/2009/jul/02/pa-jailer-finds-himself-behind-bars/
The girl told Pasco deputies that in February and May, she had sex with Gregory C. Heiser of Hudson. Two juveniles told authorities they saw Heiser at the girl's bedroom window one night, and the girl later told them that Heiser told her that her pregnancy test came back negative.
According to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, Heiser told the girl's mother that he was in love with the girl, who is not being identified because of the nature of the allegations. He gave the girl a cell phone and a key to his house, which deputies found and placed into evidence, the sheriff's report said.
Hernando jail Warden Russell Washburn said Heiser has been placed on paid leave while the jail conducts its own investigation into the allegations.
"Anytime a person in this industry finds themselves on the opposite side," Washburn said, "it's a blemish on the entire industry."
Heiser faces two charges of unlawful sexual activity with a minor. He is also being held on a warrant for a sexual battery charge involving a 39-year-old victim.
That victim told authorities that Heiser invited her to his home last year and sexually assaulted her, Pasco sheriff's spokesman Kevin Doll said. He declined to provide any further details, saying that case is under investigation.
Heiser has worked as a corrections officer for 13 years, starting in 1996 through 1999 at the Hernando County jail, according to his personnel file.
Since then, Heiser, who is divorced and has a son, has worked various stints for the state Department of Corrections and the Sumter and Pasco jails.
Heiser returned to the Hernando County jail for a second time in April 2008, but soon faced disciplinary action. He twice received written reprimands for sleeping at his post — once on the day he was hired.
In January, he again fell asleep at work, and received a three-day suspension without pay.
In April, he was suspended for three days without pay for violating security procedures involving an incident where corrections officers used excessive force on an inmate.
His annual review in 2008 said he "seriously compromises security when he is not attentive while on duty."
Records indicate Heiser was convicted of DUI charges in 1998 and 2008.
He remains at the Land O'Lakes jail for the latest charges on $70,000 bail.
_________________
http://www2.hernandotoday.com/content/2009/jul/02/pa-jailer-finds-himself-behind-bars/
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Probation Officer Joseph Nicholas Gama Charged with Child Molestation
That's what Shasta County Superior Court Judge Bradley Boeckman told jurors Tuesday before attorneys launched into their opening statements in the trial of a federal probation officer accused of molesting three children.
Joseph Nicholas Gama, 46, of Redding is charged with five counts of felony child molestation and three enhancements.
Deputy District Attorney Ben Hanna said that Gama is accused of molesting three young girls in two separate instances in the late 1990s or early 2000s and a third in the mid-2000s.
But, Hanna told jurors, they were not Gama's only victims. A fourth alleged victim was identified, but charges were not filed in that late 1980s case because the statute of limitations had expired. Hanna said that girl was about 13 when Gama befriended her, only to betray that trust.
"His crimes happened in secret, but now they are in the open," Hanna said after he described the alleged molestations in detail.
But Gama's defense attorney, Eric Berg of Redding, said his client is being unfairly railroaded, pure and simple.
One of the girls, he told jurors, said that she does not remember having been molested by Gama. The claims of a second girl were investigated in 2006 and dropped because of insufficient evidence, and the third girl suffers from a mental health condition that prevents her from giving or receiving affection, Berg said.
The fourth girl's story also is highly questionable because she has a history of making sexual molestation accusations, Berg said.
Berg said his client is above reproach, has long been a respected community member and was president of a youth soccer league. Gama is free in lieu of $350,000 bail.
Joseph Nicholas Gama, 46, of Redding is charged with five counts of felony child molestation and three enhancements.
Deputy District Attorney Ben Hanna said that Gama is accused of molesting three young girls in two separate instances in the late 1990s or early 2000s and a third in the mid-2000s.
But, Hanna told jurors, they were not Gama's only victims. A fourth alleged victim was identified, but charges were not filed in that late 1980s case because the statute of limitations had expired. Hanna said that girl was about 13 when Gama befriended her, only to betray that trust.
"His crimes happened in secret, but now they are in the open," Hanna said after he described the alleged molestations in detail.
But Gama's defense attorney, Eric Berg of Redding, said his client is being unfairly railroaded, pure and simple.
One of the girls, he told jurors, said that she does not remember having been molested by Gama. The claims of a second girl were investigated in 2006 and dropped because of insufficient evidence, and the third girl suffers from a mental health condition that prevents her from giving or receiving affection, Berg said.
The fourth girl's story also is highly questionable because she has a history of making sexual molestation accusations, Berg said.
Berg said his client is above reproach, has long been a respected community member and was president of a youth soccer league. Gama is free in lieu of $350,000 bail.
Officer Jeffrey Robinson Admitts to Slashing Homeless Man's Bike Tires
A police officer for Tarpon Springs has resigned after admitting to slashing a homeless man's bicycle tires.
The police officer said today it was retaliation.
Surveillance video from back in February shows officer Jeffrey Robinson taking the bike out of a storage unit.
His superiors said today that he took a knife, cut the tires on the bicycle, and put it back into storage.
The bike belonged to a homeless man named John Bilawsky, who Robinson arrested eight days earlier.
"According to officer Robinson, while he was transporting Mr. Bilawsky, Mr Bilawsky made several racial slurs against the officer and the officer stated he was damaging the bicycle in retaliation for those racial slurs," said Lt. Barb Templeton, with the Tarpon Springs Police Department.
The Tarpon Springs police say they were investigating Robinson, but he resigned before the investigation was complete.
This was the first time the officer ever faced disciplinary action.
_______________________
http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local/story/Tarpon-police-officer-accused-of-slashing-mans/E2owj29IkUaEPFmbecNYRg.cspx
The police officer said today it was retaliation.
Surveillance video from back in February shows officer Jeffrey Robinson taking the bike out of a storage unit.
His superiors said today that he took a knife, cut the tires on the bicycle, and put it back into storage.
The bike belonged to a homeless man named John Bilawsky, who Robinson arrested eight days earlier.
"According to officer Robinson, while he was transporting Mr. Bilawsky, Mr Bilawsky made several racial slurs against the officer and the officer stated he was damaging the bicycle in retaliation for those racial slurs," said Lt. Barb Templeton, with the Tarpon Springs Police Department.
The Tarpon Springs police say they were investigating Robinson, but he resigned before the investigation was complete.
This was the first time the officer ever faced disciplinary action.
_______________________
http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local/story/Tarpon-police-officer-accused-of-slashing-mans/E2owj29IkUaEPFmbecNYRg.cspx
Officer Craig Swistowicz Charged with Violating Civil Rights
A Chicago police officer has been indicted for allegedly using "unreasonable force" on a suspect, causing him injury, court documents said.
Officer Craig Swistowicz, 38, was charged with "depriving another individual of his civil rights in violation" of federal law. The indictment said the officer struck the alleged victim.
A statement from the Milwaukee U.S. attorney's office -- the Chicago office withdrew from the case to avoid a conflict of interest -- gave few details of the case. However, Swistowicz, a 12-year veteran, was a member of the federal-local High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force.
The alleged victim was identified in the indictment only as "J.P." and was said to have suffered an unspecified injury. Court documents did not identify the race of either the officer or the alleged victim.
The federal statement said since the arrested man allegedly suffered an injury from a blow by Swistowicz, if convicted the officer faces a fine of not more than $250,000, imprisonment for not more than 10 years, or both.
Officer Craig Swistowicz, 38, was charged with "depriving another individual of his civil rights in violation" of federal law. The indictment said the officer struck the alleged victim.
A statement from the Milwaukee U.S. attorney's office -- the Chicago office withdrew from the case to avoid a conflict of interest -- gave few details of the case. However, Swistowicz, a 12-year veteran, was a member of the federal-local High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force.
The alleged victim was identified in the indictment only as "J.P." and was said to have suffered an unspecified injury. Court documents did not identify the race of either the officer or the alleged victim.
The federal statement said since the arrested man allegedly suffered an injury from a blow by Swistowicz, if convicted the officer faces a fine of not more than $250,000, imprisonment for not more than 10 years, or both.
Former Sheriff Richard McElhaney Arrested for DUI
Former Grainger County Sheriff Richard McElhaney was arrested on a DUI charge Monday by the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
McElhaney, 55, is also charged with violating the implied consent law.
He was pulled over at 4:00 p.m. for weaving on Highway 11W west of Rutledge in the Joppa community as he drove a 1993 Chevrolet pick-up truck.
The Highway Patrol says McElhaney refused a breathalyzer test.
He was released from the Grainger County Jail on bond.
_______________________
http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=91913&catid=2
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Officer Ronald Debello Accused of Puncturing Tires
Shreveport Police Chief Henry Whitehorn has fired an officer accused of puncturing a tire on a vehicle parked May 2 in the 9000 block of Youree Drive in Shreveport.
Ronald Debello, 34, was dismissed late last week, police Cpl. Bill Goodin said.
Debello, a three-year member of the Police Department, had been on paid administrative leave since May 28, when he was issued a summons to appear in court on a charge of simple criminal property damage — a misdemeanor — and put on paid administrative leave, according to a police news release today.
A citizen reported seeing a uniformed officer get out of a marked patrol unit and puncture a vehicle tire.
______________________
http://www.wxvt.com/Global/story.asp?S=10616442&nav=menu1344_2
Ronald Debello, 34, was dismissed late last week, police Cpl. Bill Goodin said.
Debello, a three-year member of the Police Department, had been on paid administrative leave since May 28, when he was issued a summons to appear in court on a charge of simple criminal property damage — a misdemeanor — and put on paid administrative leave, according to a police news release today.
A citizen reported seeing a uniformed officer get out of a marked patrol unit and puncture a vehicle tire.
______________________
http://www.wxvt.com/Global/story.asp?S=10616442&nav=menu1344_2
Mother Watches Son Tasered to Death
It was a mother’s worst nightmare; her son tasered to death before her eyes. And the culprits, says a lawsuit, were the police.
The case came to a head last week, when a northeast Missouri city agreed to an indefinite moratorium on the use of stun guns and will pay $2.4 million to the man’s family.
Taser International, which makes the weapon, says Tasers are "incapable of causing death." The Department of Justice said Taser shock contributed to 36 deaths during arrests in 2003. Amnesty International documented 50 cases.
In August 2008, Athena Bachtel, watched as her son was tasered after arguing with Moberly police during a traffic stop. Stanley Harlan, 23, was stunned three times for a total of 31 seconds. He collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. For 14 minutes he received no medical attention. By the time paramedics arrived, it was too late.
Authorities have said Harlan was suspected of drunken driving. A statement from his family's lawyers said he was accused of speeding.
Bachtel sought the moratorium as a way to prevent other deaths, said the family's lead attorney, Stephen M. Ryals.
“The pursuit of justice for her son and specifically reforms of the behavior of Moberly police was paramount,” Ryals said. “The monetary settlement was really unimportant to her.”
Bachtel, along with Stanley Harlan's father and his 1-year-old son will share in the settlement.
The readout on the officers' Taser indicated Harlan was stunned three times, Ryals said. Harlan lost consciousness and died a short time later.
Calls to attorneys for the city Monday night were not immediately returned. But the city said in a news release that no fault was admitted in the settlement and its insurance company will pay the entire settlement.
“It is never the goal or desire of any police officer to cause or contribute to the death of any person,” the release said. “Mr. Harlan's death was certainly unanticipated and unintentional.”
The release from the city noted that the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the FBI investigated the death and found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing. No criminal charges were filed.
But Ryals said his clients haven't given up on the possibility of a criminal prosecution.
He said he also is considering a lawsuit against the maker of the stun gun, Taser International Inc. of Scottsdale, Ariz.
The stun gun moratorium in Moberly will continue until two town hall meetings have been held, and the police department has issued a revised Taser policy. The city also has agreed to assign at least one automatic external defibrillator to an on-duty patrol unit and require additional training on topics including recognizing and responding to medical distress.
The case came to a head last week, when a northeast Missouri city agreed to an indefinite moratorium on the use of stun guns and will pay $2.4 million to the man’s family.
Taser International, which makes the weapon, says Tasers are "incapable of causing death." The Department of Justice said Taser shock contributed to 36 deaths during arrests in 2003. Amnesty International documented 50 cases.
In August 2008, Athena Bachtel, watched as her son was tasered after arguing with Moberly police during a traffic stop. Stanley Harlan, 23, was stunned three times for a total of 31 seconds. He collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. For 14 minutes he received no medical attention. By the time paramedics arrived, it was too late.
Authorities have said Harlan was suspected of drunken driving. A statement from his family's lawyers said he was accused of speeding.
Bachtel sought the moratorium as a way to prevent other deaths, said the family's lead attorney, Stephen M. Ryals.
“The pursuit of justice for her son and specifically reforms of the behavior of Moberly police was paramount,” Ryals said. “The monetary settlement was really unimportant to her.”
Bachtel, along with Stanley Harlan's father and his 1-year-old son will share in the settlement.
The readout on the officers' Taser indicated Harlan was stunned three times, Ryals said. Harlan lost consciousness and died a short time later.
Calls to attorneys for the city Monday night were not immediately returned. But the city said in a news release that no fault was admitted in the settlement and its insurance company will pay the entire settlement.
“It is never the goal or desire of any police officer to cause or contribute to the death of any person,” the release said. “Mr. Harlan's death was certainly unanticipated and unintentional.”
The release from the city noted that the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the FBI investigated the death and found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing. No criminal charges were filed.
But Ryals said his clients haven't given up on the possibility of a criminal prosecution.
He said he also is considering a lawsuit against the maker of the stun gun, Taser International Inc. of Scottsdale, Ariz.
The stun gun moratorium in Moberly will continue until two town hall meetings have been held, and the police department has issued a revised Taser policy. The city also has agreed to assign at least one automatic external defibrillator to an on-duty patrol unit and require additional training on topics including recognizing and responding to medical distress.
Officer Phillip Devers Arrested for Dousing Girlfriend with Gasoline
A Bartlett police officer was arrested Friday for assaulting his girlfriend by allegedly dousing her with gasoline and threatening to light her and the house on fire.
44-year old Master Patrolman, Phillip Devers, is now charged with domestic aggravated assault. Devers was arrested at his Bartlett home after allegedly forcing his way into his girlfriends Tipton county home, spitting in her girlfriends face and threatening to set her on fire.
Tipton County Deputy Chief Donna Turner says, "He did forcefully drag her from the residence to the porch area, poured gasoline on her and the house and threatened to burn her and the residence".
But the Bartlett police officers girlfriend was able to get to a phone and call for help. Deputies say Devers was not there when they arrived.
Turner says, "We did confirm he lived in Shelby County, he was located and arrested".
The Bartlett police chief says Devers is on paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of an investigation. Devers has been in the police department since 1994. The chief says he's been on a combination of departmental and medical leave since last year, but wouldn't expand further.
Devers recently testified about finding the bodies of Lillian and Clarence James during the Henry Lee Jones capital murder trial.
He also testified during the 2004 John Britt trial, the former head of security for Memphis City Schools, convicted for trying to hire a hit man to kill his estranged wife. At the time, Devers testified his wife was having an affair with Britt but that he was not involved in the investigation.
The Bartlett Police Chief says Dever's duty weapon has been taken away.
Devers is out of jail after posting a $1,500 bond on Saturday.
His girlfriend has filed an order of protection.
Tipton County could find no other record of domestic violence between Devers and his girlfriend.
44-year old Master Patrolman, Phillip Devers, is now charged with domestic aggravated assault. Devers was arrested at his Bartlett home after allegedly forcing his way into his girlfriends Tipton county home, spitting in her girlfriends face and threatening to set her on fire.
Tipton County Deputy Chief Donna Turner says, "He did forcefully drag her from the residence to the porch area, poured gasoline on her and the house and threatened to burn her and the residence".
But the Bartlett police officers girlfriend was able to get to a phone and call for help. Deputies say Devers was not there when they arrived.
Turner says, "We did confirm he lived in Shelby County, he was located and arrested".
The Bartlett police chief says Devers is on paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of an investigation. Devers has been in the police department since 1994. The chief says he's been on a combination of departmental and medical leave since last year, but wouldn't expand further.
Devers recently testified about finding the bodies of Lillian and Clarence James during the Henry Lee Jones capital murder trial.
He also testified during the 2004 John Britt trial, the former head of security for Memphis City Schools, convicted for trying to hire a hit man to kill his estranged wife. At the time, Devers testified his wife was having an affair with Britt but that he was not involved in the investigation.
The Bartlett Police Chief says Dever's duty weapon has been taken away.
Devers is out of jail after posting a $1,500 bond on Saturday.
His girlfriend has filed an order of protection.
Tipton County could find no other record of domestic violence between Devers and his girlfriend.
_________________
Monday, June 29, 2009
Deputy Paul Schene Offered Plea Bargain for Beating 15-year-old
A King County sheriff's deputy accused of beating a 15-year-old girl in a holding cell was offered a plea bargain that potentially would have spared him a longer prison term if he agreed to resign, according to documents obtained by seattlepi.com.
The proposal fell through when the U.S. Justice Department, which could seek to indict Deputy Paul Schene on federal civil rights violations, would not agree to it. If indicted on federal charges, Schene could face up to 3 ½ years in prison, compared to a maximum of one year in jail on Washington state charges.
Initially, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Seattle had reached consensus with King County prosecutors on a deal that would have allowed Schene, 31, to plead guilty in state court. He would have served a jail term of 6 to 9 months and avoided federal charges, as long as he "immediately resign from the King County Sheriff's Office," according to a draft letter between Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Harris and the King County prosecutors.
"Anything short of this resolution will result in our office pursuing a federal felony indictment. Feel free to use this letter in your negotiations with Deputy Schene's counsel, and assure them that we will be prepared to present this case to the Grand Jury before the end of March," the letter said.
Harris never signed the March 3 letter, which would have made it official, and it was rescinded when his superiors in the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C., decided not to endorse it. Federal authorities still are watching the case and likely won't decide whether to federally charge Schene until his King County trial is over, Harris said last week when asked about the letter.
"At this point, we're probably going to wait and see what happens with the county's case. But we haven't foreclosed prosecution. No decision one way or the other has been made," he said.
"But our interest is the same as the county's, and that is that he is punished and that he's no longer able to work as a police officer," he said.
King County prosecutors drafted a letter to Schene's attorney on March 27. With no guarantee that he could avoid federal prosecution, Schene turned down the plea offer. His trial is set for Sept. 9 in King County Superior Court, where he is charged with fourth-degree assault, a gross misdemeanor.
Schene's attorney, Peter Offenbecher, declined to comment when asked about the plea negotiations. Schene has been on paid administrative leave since December.
Schene's conduct came to light because he alleged in a report that the teenager had resisted arrest and assaulted him inside a holding cell at a SeaTac police precinct on Nov. 29, 2008. Detectives sought video evidence from the cell's security camera and instead, found footage of Schene as he punched, kicked and tossed the girl to the floor after she had kicked her shoe at him. In his report, Schene, a training officer and 8-year veteran, said the girl's shoe struck his shin, causing "injury and pain."
Schene and a second deputy, Travis Brunner, had arrested the girl, Malika Calhoun, and her 15-year-old friend, on suspicion of auto theft. Brunner assisted Schene in handcuffing Calhoun inside the holding cell, although prosecutors did not file charges against Brunner. Later, police learned the girls were driving a car that they'd taken without permission from another friend's mother. Schene wrote that he "placed" the girl in handcuffs.
The Sheriff's Office, meanwhile, is conducting an internal investigation, which is expected to be finished before Schene's trial, Sheriff's Sgt. John Urquhart said. Schene could be fired regardless of what happens with his criminal case.
"Any plea bargain or any deal made between Schene and the feds, or the Prosecutor's Office, has nothing to do us," Urquhart said.
While the case against Schene is bolstered by video evidence, prosecutors at the state and federal level have not been successful in recent King County trials involving police misconduct, particularly with officers from the Sheriff's Office. In two cases during the last year, deputies accused of assault were acquitted of criminal charges.
In December, a federal jury acquitted Deputy Brian Bonnar of civil rights violations and lying to a grand jury, despite statements from four officers who testified for the prosecution. Bonnar, who worked in the same Burien precinct as Schene, was accused of twice dropping his knee on a handcuffed woman's head after a chase. The U.S. attorney's office handled the prosecution.
Bonnar was suspended for 20 days from the Sheriff's Office.
In March, another deputy, Don Griffee, was acquitted of misdemeanor assault in King County District Court after he was accused of punching a handcuffed suspect who turned out to be innocent. Again, jurors weren't persuaded beyond a reasonable doubt, despite incriminating testimony from other officers. The state Attorney General's Office handled the case on behalf of King County.
Griffee remains on restrictive duty. Sheriff's officials have completed an internal investigation, but the case has not yet made its way through the chain of command for disciplinary action.
If he's convicted, or the sheriff fires him regardless of the criminal case, Schene's law enforcement certification would be reviewed for revocation by the state Criminal Justice Training Commission. State law says an officer's certification can be revoked for "disqualifying misconduct," such as convictions for any crimes committed under color of authority or involving dishonesty, drug possession, or any crime that would invalidate an officer's ability to carry a gun, such as domestic violence.
Felony convictions generally mean an automatic revocation. A misdemeanor charge, however, depending on the allegation, allows the officer some wiggle room in challenging any disciplinary action against him.
Prosecutors want to avoid any risk that Schene could keep his badge, especially given the outcome in recent police misconduct trials.
"This went beyond excessive use of force and into a criminal charge. As a result, we're seeking a criminal conviction at trial and all the likely consequences that would result from that, which would include the potential loss of his commission as a police officer," said Ian Goodhew, deputy chief of staff to county Prosecutor Dan Satterberg.
Prosecutors, however, didn't think they could prove felony charges in Schene's case because the girl suffered no injuries, Goodhew said. She reported breathing troubles afterward, but showed no visible injuries during an examination by paramedics.
_______________________
Video: http://www.seattlepi.com/local/407640_deputy29.html
The proposal fell through when the U.S. Justice Department, which could seek to indict Deputy Paul Schene on federal civil rights violations, would not agree to it. If indicted on federal charges, Schene could face up to 3 ½ years in prison, compared to a maximum of one year in jail on Washington state charges.
Initially, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Seattle had reached consensus with King County prosecutors on a deal that would have allowed Schene, 31, to plead guilty in state court. He would have served a jail term of 6 to 9 months and avoided federal charges, as long as he "immediately resign from the King County Sheriff's Office," according to a draft letter between Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Harris and the King County prosecutors.
"Anything short of this resolution will result in our office pursuing a federal felony indictment. Feel free to use this letter in your negotiations with Deputy Schene's counsel, and assure them that we will be prepared to present this case to the Grand Jury before the end of March," the letter said.
Harris never signed the March 3 letter, which would have made it official, and it was rescinded when his superiors in the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C., decided not to endorse it. Federal authorities still are watching the case and likely won't decide whether to federally charge Schene until his King County trial is over, Harris said last week when asked about the letter.
"At this point, we're probably going to wait and see what happens with the county's case. But we haven't foreclosed prosecution. No decision one way or the other has been made," he said.
"But our interest is the same as the county's, and that is that he is punished and that he's no longer able to work as a police officer," he said.
King County prosecutors drafted a letter to Schene's attorney on March 27. With no guarantee that he could avoid federal prosecution, Schene turned down the plea offer. His trial is set for Sept. 9 in King County Superior Court, where he is charged with fourth-degree assault, a gross misdemeanor.
Schene's attorney, Peter Offenbecher, declined to comment when asked about the plea negotiations. Schene has been on paid administrative leave since December.
Schene's conduct came to light because he alleged in a report that the teenager had resisted arrest and assaulted him inside a holding cell at a SeaTac police precinct on Nov. 29, 2008. Detectives sought video evidence from the cell's security camera and instead, found footage of Schene as he punched, kicked and tossed the girl to the floor after she had kicked her shoe at him. In his report, Schene, a training officer and 8-year veteran, said the girl's shoe struck his shin, causing "injury and pain."
Schene and a second deputy, Travis Brunner, had arrested the girl, Malika Calhoun, and her 15-year-old friend, on suspicion of auto theft. Brunner assisted Schene in handcuffing Calhoun inside the holding cell, although prosecutors did not file charges against Brunner. Later, police learned the girls were driving a car that they'd taken without permission from another friend's mother. Schene wrote that he "placed" the girl in handcuffs.
The Sheriff's Office, meanwhile, is conducting an internal investigation, which is expected to be finished before Schene's trial, Sheriff's Sgt. John Urquhart said. Schene could be fired regardless of what happens with his criminal case.
"Any plea bargain or any deal made between Schene and the feds, or the Prosecutor's Office, has nothing to do us," Urquhart said.
While the case against Schene is bolstered by video evidence, prosecutors at the state and federal level have not been successful in recent King County trials involving police misconduct, particularly with officers from the Sheriff's Office. In two cases during the last year, deputies accused of assault were acquitted of criminal charges.
In December, a federal jury acquitted Deputy Brian Bonnar of civil rights violations and lying to a grand jury, despite statements from four officers who testified for the prosecution. Bonnar, who worked in the same Burien precinct as Schene, was accused of twice dropping his knee on a handcuffed woman's head after a chase. The U.S. attorney's office handled the prosecution.
Bonnar was suspended for 20 days from the Sheriff's Office.
In March, another deputy, Don Griffee, was acquitted of misdemeanor assault in King County District Court after he was accused of punching a handcuffed suspect who turned out to be innocent. Again, jurors weren't persuaded beyond a reasonable doubt, despite incriminating testimony from other officers. The state Attorney General's Office handled the case on behalf of King County.
Griffee remains on restrictive duty. Sheriff's officials have completed an internal investigation, but the case has not yet made its way through the chain of command for disciplinary action.
If he's convicted, or the sheriff fires him regardless of the criminal case, Schene's law enforcement certification would be reviewed for revocation by the state Criminal Justice Training Commission. State law says an officer's certification can be revoked for "disqualifying misconduct," such as convictions for any crimes committed under color of authority or involving dishonesty, drug possession, or any crime that would invalidate an officer's ability to carry a gun, such as domestic violence.
Felony convictions generally mean an automatic revocation. A misdemeanor charge, however, depending on the allegation, allows the officer some wiggle room in challenging any disciplinary action against him.
Prosecutors want to avoid any risk that Schene could keep his badge, especially given the outcome in recent police misconduct trials.
"This went beyond excessive use of force and into a criminal charge. As a result, we're seeking a criminal conviction at trial and all the likely consequences that would result from that, which would include the potential loss of his commission as a police officer," said Ian Goodhew, deputy chief of staff to county Prosecutor Dan Satterberg.
Prosecutors, however, didn't think they could prove felony charges in Schene's case because the girl suffered no injuries, Goodhew said. She reported breathing troubles afterward, but showed no visible injuries during an examination by paramedics.
_______________________
Video: http://www.seattlepi.com/local/407640_deputy29.html
Deputy Bryan Gabel Arrested for Drunk Driving
A Cincinnati police officer is accused of driving while drunk over the weekend.
The Boone County Sheriff's Department said a deputy found a car stopped on KY 18 just before 1 a.m. Saturday.
The deputy wrote in his report that when he approached the driver, Bryan Gabel, he could smell alcohol on his breath. Gabel told the deputy he ran out of gas.
In the report, the deputy stated that he gave Gabel six field sobriety tests and Gabel failed them all.
Gabel is charged with one count of driving while intoxicated.
Gabel was demoted and suspended in 2007 after an incident in which two officers spents weeks sitting in a substation playing video games instead of walking their beats. Gabel was one of five supervisors disciplined by Police Chief Tom Streicher for knowing about the situation and not putting a stop to it.
The Boone County Sheriff's Department said a deputy found a car stopped on KY 18 just before 1 a.m. Saturday.
The deputy wrote in his report that when he approached the driver, Bryan Gabel, he could smell alcohol on his breath. Gabel told the deputy he ran out of gas.
In the report, the deputy stated that he gave Gabel six field sobriety tests and Gabel failed them all.
Gabel is charged with one count of driving while intoxicated.
Gabel was demoted and suspended in 2007 after an incident in which two officers spents weeks sitting in a substation playing video games instead of walking their beats. Gabel was one of five supervisors disciplined by Police Chief Tom Streicher for knowing about the situation and not putting a stop to it.
____________________
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Video of LA Police Officer Kicking Compliant Suspect in Head and High-Fiving Other Cops
Not totally unlike the five Birmingham pigs who beat an unconscious man, or the Fresno pigs that beat a homeless man, or any number of other police brutality cases caught on video, a cop in Los Angeles kicked the head of a high-speed chase suspect while the suspect was on the ground face-down with his arms and legs spread out. Another cops runs in and hits the suspect with his flashlight. Another gets to the scene and sets his cop dog at the suspect's feet for a second. Quite proud of their unnecessary brutality, the cops then high-five each other.
Of course, the police chief instinctually covers for the pigs under his command and refuses to fault them despite the video evidence. "Don't believe your lying eyes," seems to be the cop refrain these days in such cases. El Monte Police Chief Tom Armstrong said, "I do not know what was in the mind of that officer, as to why he did that. I saw the individual turn his head toward the officer [because we all know turning your head when you are face down is cause for a justifiable kicking]." As for the officer with a flashlight seen striking the suspect in the video, Armstrong said, "...it appears (the suspect) had his arm underneath his body. You cannot see what was in his hand. [Again with the blame-the-suspect game, and as if flashlight hitting is the proper response to a mystery object in someone's hand.]" That officer has not been reassigned during the investigations. "This is going to be looked into, and it should be. ...I'm not here to make a decision or tell you what that officer did was overtly wrong until I know all the facts [because we all know not to believe our lying eyes]."
___________________
Video: http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/06/27/18604291.php
Of course, the police chief instinctually covers for the pigs under his command and refuses to fault them despite the video evidence. "Don't believe your lying eyes," seems to be the cop refrain these days in such cases. El Monte Police Chief Tom Armstrong said, "I do not know what was in the mind of that officer, as to why he did that. I saw the individual turn his head toward the officer [because we all know turning your head when you are face down is cause for a justifiable kicking]." As for the officer with a flashlight seen striking the suspect in the video, Armstrong said, "...it appears (the suspect) had his arm underneath his body. You cannot see what was in his hand. [Again with the blame-the-suspect game, and as if flashlight hitting is the proper response to a mystery object in someone's hand.]" That officer has not been reassigned during the investigations. "This is going to be looked into, and it should be. ...I'm not here to make a decision or tell you what that officer did was overtly wrong until I know all the facts [because we all know not to believe our lying eyes]."
___________________
Video: http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/06/27/18604291.php
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Former Chief Oly Ivy Indicted for Tasering Wife
The police chief, who was the lone officer in this small Central Texas town and had been removed by city officials for allegedly Tasering his wife in April, now faces a felony indictment for the incident.
A Leon County Grand Jury indicted Oly Ivy, 30, on Thursday for Aggravated Assault/Family Violence which is a second degree felony.
In April, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office arrested Chief Ivy for domestic violence.
Deputies said Ivy allegedly Tasered his wife multiple times using his city-issued weapon.
When the mayor and City Council found out about it, they met in emergency session and voted unanimously to fire the chief — essentially the city's entire paid police force.
A Leon County Grand Jury indicted Oly Ivy, 30, on Thursday for Aggravated Assault/Family Violence which is a second degree felony.
In April, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office arrested Chief Ivy for domestic violence.
Deputies said Ivy allegedly Tasered his wife multiple times using his city-issued weapon.
When the mayor and City Council found out about it, they met in emergency session and voted unanimously to fire the chief — essentially the city's entire paid police force.
___________________
Officer Joe Holman Arrested for Sexual Explotion of Stepdaughter
Aspen police officer Joe Holman, 38, resigned his position and turned himself in to authorities Wednesday to face allegations that he attempted to sexually exploit his teenage stepdaughter.
Holman, a six-year veteran of the police department and a city of Aspen employee since 1994, is charged with two counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a child, a class 4 felony; tampering with evidence, a class 6 felony; child abuse, a class 2 misdemeanor; and attempted criminal invasion of privacy, a class 3 misdemeanor.
He allegedly placed a camera the size of a Ping-Pong ball in his stepdaughter’s shower. The incident was investigated by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which elected to pursue charges. The bureau also investigated Holman after a similar accusation involving his stepdaughter surfaced last year, according to court records.
Holman was put on paid administrative leave May 29 while the CBI conducted a criminal investigation. The Aspen Police Department probed the matter internally but officials said they are not releasing their findings.
“The internal investigation has been concluded but due to the fact it’s a personnel matter, we’re not able to comment further,” Aspen police spokeswoman Stephanie Desarro said Thursday.
Holman could not be reached for comment. He turned himself in to a Pitkin County sheriff’s deputy Wednesday and was taken to jail. He was released from the Pitkin County Jail the same day on $11,000 bond.
An affidavit signed by CBI agent Brooks Bennett reports that Holman’s stepdaughter went to take a shower in her bathroom the night of April 29 when she noticed “something out of place” in the front of a mesh bag used for Holman’s younger son’s toys. Inside the mesh bag, hanging just above the top of the bathtub, she found a tiny camera contained in a waterproof case pointed toward her, the affidavit states.
Holman initially denied having knowledge of the camera. When confronted by his family, “Joe asked, ‘Do you think I did it as a pervert move?’ ... [His family members] replied, ‘I don’t know.’ Joe stated ‘if this is such a big issue, give it to me’ and he placed the camera on the floor and stomped on the camera destroying it,” the affidavit says.
The next morning, Holman admitted to putting the camera in the shower, explaining he did it because he was upset with his stepdaughter.
“Holman maintains he placed the camera only to make [her] mad. [She] had recently been disciplined, but was not following the rules set in place during the discipline,” the CBI affidavit says. “Holman figured since [his stepdaughter] was ‘pissing him off’ he would do something that would do the same to her. In 2008, [she] had accused Holman of watching her inappropriately. Holman told me those allegations gave him the idea of placing the camera in the shower. Since [she] thought he was watching her last year, he decided to place the camera to make her think he was watching her now, therefore making her mad.”
Holman claimed he placed the camera in the shower the same day it was found. The affidavit said Holman now realizes he made a mistake.
The stepdaughter told police she doesn’t believe Holman used the photos for anything sexual; she believes he wanted to make her angry.
The affidavit says that Holman “was apparently using his work laptop computer to view the digital images recorded by the camera.”
In 2008, Holman’s stepdaughter claimed she “saw things” that made her feel like her stepfather was creeping around, watching her. He walked in on her, apparently mistaking her bedroom for the laundry room, and she once saw a mirror slide underneath her bedroom door, the affidavit said.
Holman has been married to the alleged victim’s biological mother for about eight years. He and the woman have a young child together.
His first court appearance is scheduled for July 20 at 10:30 a.m. An attorney has not entered an appearance on his behalf but the affidavit identified Richard Daly, who could not be reached, as his lawyer.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Officer Leon Young Resigns After DUI Arrest
A Fort Myers Police Officer who was arrested in January allegedly for driving under the influence resigned in lieu of termination this month.
Leon Young, who faces trial Aug. 4 on a misdemeanor charge of DUI, resigned from the police force rather than being terminated, according to a department internal affairs report.
Young, 40, was stopped at a DUI checkpoint set up on College Parkway on Jan. 24 by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. He was with the department since 2006 and had previously worked for the Lee and Hendry sheriff’s offices.
According to the documents, investigators made three sustained findings about Young — that he broke the law, that he didn’t conduct himself in a way that reflects favorably on the department and that he attempted to use his position as an officer to gain leniency with deputies.
The report states Young was arrested around 2:30 a.m. Jan. 24 in a Publix parking lot. He was “uncooperative, confrontational and became agitated” and also used racial slurs as he was being arrested.
Leon Young, who faces trial Aug. 4 on a misdemeanor charge of DUI, resigned from the police force rather than being terminated, according to a department internal affairs report.
Young, 40, was stopped at a DUI checkpoint set up on College Parkway on Jan. 24 by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. He was with the department since 2006 and had previously worked for the Lee and Hendry sheriff’s offices.
According to the documents, investigators made three sustained findings about Young — that he broke the law, that he didn’t conduct himself in a way that reflects favorably on the department and that he attempted to use his position as an officer to gain leniency with deputies.
The report states Young was arrested around 2:30 a.m. Jan. 24 in a Publix parking lot. He was “uncooperative, confrontational and became agitated” and also used racial slurs as he was being arrested.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Retired Troopers Karol & Michael Siedel Arrested for Embezzlement
Two retired state troopers are facing first-degree larceny charges after allegedly embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from an electrical contracting company in which one of the men was a partner.
Karol Siedel, 63, and Michael T. Siedel, 39, both of 41 Kingswood Drive., turned themselves in to Southington police this morning and are to be arraigned this afternoon in Superior Court in Bristol. Both men face two counts of first-degree larceny and a single count of conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny.
The father and son were charged after an investigation that began in August 2007, when a business partner of Michael Siedel in J&M Electric LLC told police money had been improperly transferred to K&J Construction Group, a firm owned by Karol and Michael Siedel. The money was allegedly used to build a house in Wolcott and to purchase a home in Marco Island, Fla., police said.
Karol Siedel retired from the state police in February 1994 after nearly 21 years on the job. He then worked as a sheriff and then a judicial marshal at the New Britain courthouse. He left that position in March 2005.
Michael Siedel was a trooper about 10 years and served for a time on former Gov. John G. Rowland's 12-person security detail when he retired in about 2004. Siedel remained on the job long enough to vest his state benefits, then left to work as an electrician with his father, sources said.
Bail for Karol Siedel was set at $25,000, and bail for Michael Siedel was set at $50,000.
______
http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/crime/news_wtnh_southington_father_son_embezzlement_troopers_200906251505
Karol Siedel, 63, and Michael T. Siedel, 39, both of 41 Kingswood Drive., turned themselves in to Southington police this morning and are to be arraigned this afternoon in Superior Court in Bristol. Both men face two counts of first-degree larceny and a single count of conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny.
The father and son were charged after an investigation that began in August 2007, when a business partner of Michael Siedel in J&M Electric LLC told police money had been improperly transferred to K&J Construction Group, a firm owned by Karol and Michael Siedel. The money was allegedly used to build a house in Wolcott and to purchase a home in Marco Island, Fla., police said.
Karol Siedel retired from the state police in February 1994 after nearly 21 years on the job. He then worked as a sheriff and then a judicial marshal at the New Britain courthouse. He left that position in March 2005.
Michael Siedel was a trooper about 10 years and served for a time on former Gov. John G. Rowland's 12-person security detail when he retired in about 2004. Siedel remained on the job long enough to vest his state benefits, then left to work as an electrician with his father, sources said.
Bail for Karol Siedel was set at $25,000, and bail for Michael Siedel was set at $50,000.
______
http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/crime/news_wtnh_southington_father_son_embezzlement_troopers_200906251505
Officer Trent Stanley Resigns After DUI Arrest
Trent Stanley has voluntarily resigned from the Topeka Police Department, effective June 26, 2009.
This comes after Stanley, 23, was arrested Thursday morning for a suspected DUI. He was booked in Shawnee County Jail at 6:20 AM on June 18th. He was brought in under three different charges, driving under the influence, no seat belt, and duty to keep right.
Trent Stanley was off duty when he was arrested.
He is the son of Captain Jerry Stanley at the Topeka Police Department.
This comes after Stanley, 23, was arrested Thursday morning for a suspected DUI. He was booked in Shawnee County Jail at 6:20 AM on June 18th. He was brought in under three different charges, driving under the influence, no seat belt, and duty to keep right.
Trent Stanley was off duty when he was arrested.
He is the son of Captain Jerry Stanley at the Topeka Police Department.
Officer Rory Rogers Finally Terminated After Assaulting Girlfriend
A 27-year-old police officer accused last year of assaulting a former girlfriend at a bar has essentially been terminated from the department, officials said.
Rory Rogers, who at the time of the Dec. 27 incident had been a member of the force for five years, was charged with assault after the ex-girlfriend and several witnesses told police that Rogers, while off-duty, went to a Stone Oak bar and pushed the 21-year-old woman, authorities said.
The woman cut herself on glass when she fell, authorities said at the time, and as she got up, Rogers was accused of pushing her down again before leaving the bar.
Sandy Gutierrez, a spokeswoman for the San Antonio Police Department, said Rogers was placed on indefinite suspension June 19, a disciplinary action tantamount to firing. The decision was based on the criminal charge of assault bodily injury, she said.
Rogers, who did not a return a message left at a phone number listed for him, has 10 days to appeal the decision.
If he appeals, the outcome could be based on the final findings in the criminal case, said San Antonio Police Officers Association President Mike Helle.
“The opportunity will be there for an arbitrator to rule whether (the indefinite suspension) was appropriate or not,” Helle said. “He's got a criminal case that is still out there that he has to take care of first. If that case gets dismissed or if it goes to trial and he's acquitted, it helps his [internal] case.”
First Assistant District Attorney Cliff Herberg said the criminal case against Rogers, which also includes a deadly conduct charge, remains under investigation by the district attorney's office.
Rogers surrendered to police one day after the woman filed the complaint. Although he admitted nothing, police arrested him because of a tighter domestic violence policy adopted in January 2007 requiring officers to secure arrest warrants immediately for most family violence suspects.
__________________
Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2008/12/officer-rory-rogers-arrested-for.html
Rory Rogers, who at the time of the Dec. 27 incident had been a member of the force for five years, was charged with assault after the ex-girlfriend and several witnesses told police that Rogers, while off-duty, went to a Stone Oak bar and pushed the 21-year-old woman, authorities said.
The woman cut herself on glass when she fell, authorities said at the time, and as she got up, Rogers was accused of pushing her down again before leaving the bar.
Sandy Gutierrez, a spokeswoman for the San Antonio Police Department, said Rogers was placed on indefinite suspension June 19, a disciplinary action tantamount to firing. The decision was based on the criminal charge of assault bodily injury, she said.
Rogers, who did not a return a message left at a phone number listed for him, has 10 days to appeal the decision.
If he appeals, the outcome could be based on the final findings in the criminal case, said San Antonio Police Officers Association President Mike Helle.
“The opportunity will be there for an arbitrator to rule whether (the indefinite suspension) was appropriate or not,” Helle said. “He's got a criminal case that is still out there that he has to take care of first. If that case gets dismissed or if it goes to trial and he's acquitted, it helps his [internal] case.”
First Assistant District Attorney Cliff Herberg said the criminal case against Rogers, which also includes a deadly conduct charge, remains under investigation by the district attorney's office.
Rogers surrendered to police one day after the woman filed the complaint. Although he admitted nothing, police arrested him because of a tighter domestic violence policy adopted in January 2007 requiring officers to secure arrest warrants immediately for most family violence suspects.
__________________
Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2008/12/officer-rory-rogers-arrested-for.html
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Officer Isaac Rinehart Arrested for Domestic Violence
A St. Paul police officer is on desk duty after accusations he beat his wife. Officer Isaac Rinehart was arrested Monday night after turning himself in at the Maplewood Police Department.
Around 10 p.m., his wife walked into the Maplewood Police Department. Maplewood Chief Dave Thomalla saw her and noticed something was wrong.
"She had facial injuries. She had some bleeding from the nose and some swelling in her face," he said. "Obviously, she'd been assaulted."
She told him she'd been hurt by her husband at the home where he was staying. She said they'd been in a fight and she'd walked a mile to the police station. Maplewood officers took her to the hospital.
While she was being checked out, Thomalla called St. Paul Police Chief John Harrington to tell him what happened. Harrington called Rinehart's commander, who then called Rinehart. Within the hour, Rinehart had turned himself in.
Thomalla said while all domestic cases are different, his officers did not handle this one differently because Rinehart is a police officer. He said officers have to be careful when dealing with other officers because they are often armed.
"Unfortunately, domestic assaults and domestic violence happen frequently in our society. The suspects involved are in every occupation you can imagine. In this particular case it was a police officer," Thomalla said. "We're going to deal with this case the same way we would with every other one."
Thomalla said Rinehart didn't give police a statement and requested his lawyer. In his 15 years with St. Paul Police, Rinehart's personnel file shows he's been commended 16 times. He's also been reprimanded four times. One was a 4-day suspension in 1996 for conduct unbecoming of a police officer. Privacy rules prevent police from releasing any more details on that suspension.
Rinehart is also under investigation after his police canine bit a child earlier this year.
"This is a difficult situation. Certainly if these allegations prove true, this is very serious," said St. Paul Police Sgt. Paul Schnell.
Right now, Rinehart has been taken out of his canine unit and placed on administrative duty. Once the criminal case is closed, St. Paul Police will begin their own investigation.
"As a department, we want to take this stuff seriously. At the same time, if it's one of our officers or any member of the public, there is a due process route that is provided to all people that are accused," Schnell said.
Around 10 p.m., his wife walked into the Maplewood Police Department. Maplewood Chief Dave Thomalla saw her and noticed something was wrong.
"She had facial injuries. She had some bleeding from the nose and some swelling in her face," he said. "Obviously, she'd been assaulted."
She told him she'd been hurt by her husband at the home where he was staying. She said they'd been in a fight and she'd walked a mile to the police station. Maplewood officers took her to the hospital.
While she was being checked out, Thomalla called St. Paul Police Chief John Harrington to tell him what happened. Harrington called Rinehart's commander, who then called Rinehart. Within the hour, Rinehart had turned himself in.
Thomalla said while all domestic cases are different, his officers did not handle this one differently because Rinehart is a police officer. He said officers have to be careful when dealing with other officers because they are often armed.
"Unfortunately, domestic assaults and domestic violence happen frequently in our society. The suspects involved are in every occupation you can imagine. In this particular case it was a police officer," Thomalla said. "We're going to deal with this case the same way we would with every other one."
Thomalla said Rinehart didn't give police a statement and requested his lawyer. In his 15 years with St. Paul Police, Rinehart's personnel file shows he's been commended 16 times. He's also been reprimanded four times. One was a 4-day suspension in 1996 for conduct unbecoming of a police officer. Privacy rules prevent police from releasing any more details on that suspension.
Rinehart is also under investigation after his police canine bit a child earlier this year.
"This is a difficult situation. Certainly if these allegations prove true, this is very serious," said St. Paul Police Sgt. Paul Schnell.
Right now, Rinehart has been taken out of his canine unit and placed on administrative duty. Once the criminal case is closed, St. Paul Police will begin their own investigation.
"As a department, we want to take this stuff seriously. At the same time, if it's one of our officers or any member of the public, there is a due process route that is provided to all people that are accused," Schnell said.
____________
Deputy Robert Lane Arrested for Domestic Violence
A Pima County Sheriff's deputy has been arrested and charged with domestic violence.
Officers were called to Robert Lane's home Monday night after receiving a call from his live-in girlfriend.
Lane reportedly had visible scratches on his face and arms.
He claims he fought his girlfriend off.
She claims he was choking her and she was defending herself.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department has launched an internal investigation.
For that reason, Lane has been reassigned.
Officers were called to Robert Lane's home Monday night after receiving a call from his live-in girlfriend.
Lane reportedly had visible scratches on his face and arms.
He claims he fought his girlfriend off.
She claims he was choking her and she was defending herself.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department has launched an internal investigation.
For that reason, Lane has been reassigned.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)