A Chattahoochee police officer arrested Saturday in Georgia on rape and child molestation charges is expected to make his first court appearance Friday, said Maj. Wendell Cofer of the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office.
Cofer said Robert Sizemore was arrested on charges of rape, child molestation and aggravated sexual battery. The victim was a juvenile female.
Cofer said Sizemore is currently undergoing medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital. Upon release, Cofer said he will be taken to the Decatur County Jail, unless the jail administrator decides to place him elsewhere because of his status as a former law-enforcement officer.
Cofer said the girl was assaulted Friday night and that she reported it to police the next day. Sizemore was later found at the Jameson Inn in Bainbridge, Ga., where he threatened suicide. Officers were able to talk him into leaving the hotel room peacefully.
A news release from the city of Chattahoochee says Sizemore worked as an officer from Nov. 27, 2008, until the day of his arrest, when he was fired. He worked as a correctional officer with the Florida Department of Corrections from August 2007 until July 2008, and as an officer with the Blountstown Police Department from October 1982 to November 1992.
A Chattahoochee Police officer arrested Saturday in Georgia on rape and child molestation charges has been fired, according to a release from the City of Chattahoochee.
The release states Robert Sizemore, an officer with the Chattahoochee Police Department since Nov. 27, 2008, was arrested on charges of rape, child molestation and aggravated sexual battery by the Decatur County Sheriff's Department following a reported sexual assault by a family member early Saturday morning.
Sizemore was found at the Jameson Inn, 1403 Tallahassee Highway, Bainbridge, Ga., according to the release, and threatened suicide. Chattahoochee Police Chief Vann Pullen came to the scene for assistance by request of DCSO.
The release states Sizemore previously worked as a correctional officer with the Florida Department of Corrections from August 2007 until July 2008, and as an officer with the Blountstown Florida Police Department from October 1982 to November 1992.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Officer Alphonso Charles Sloan Arrested for Domestic Violence
A Pittsburgh police officer was scheduled to appear in city court today on accusations he assaulted his girlfriend and dumped her on a Strip District curb after dinner at a Penn Avenue eatery.
It's the second time Alphonso Charles Sloan, 38, of Stanton Heights has been arrested in connection with domestic violence charges against his girlfriend, according to a criminal complaint.
Police charged Sloan and Yvonne Williams-Hill, 25, of the Hill District with simple assault. Williams-Hill — who also was previously charged with domestic violence against Sloan, police said — is scheduled to appear in court today, as well.
Williams-Hill told officers she and Sloan were dining at Gene's Last Chance Bar around 10 p.m. July 13. Sloan left the establishment before Williams-Hill finished eating, a criminal complaint states, and only returned after Williams-Hill called him and demanded that he take her home.
Sloan told police he ditched Williams-Hill because she was drunk, court records state.
According to the criminal complaint filed against Sloan:
An argument ensued inside Sloan's vehicle, and he demanded Williams-Hill get out. When she refused, Sloan began striking her "with open hands" and Williams-Hill defended herself "with her raised arms." Sloan then exited the vehicle and yanked Williams-Hill from the front passenger seat by her feet and legs at the corner of Liberty Avenue and 24th Street. He threw one of her shoes in a nearby parking lot.
Police said Williams-Hill suffered minor abrasions on her elbows during the tussle.
Another driver called 911 after finding Williams-Hill lying in the street.
"I was assaulted by my boyfriend," the complaint states Williams-Hill told the woman. "He is a cop."
On July 14, Sloan told police Williams-Hill began verbally and physically assaulting him with her fist and a shoe after he agreed to take her home, a criminal complaint filed against Williams-Hill states. Sloan claims Williams-Hill bit him twice while he attempted to remove her from his car.
Williams-Hill further attacked Sloan outside the car "by ripping his shirt off his back," the complaint states.
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http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/news/20134138/detail.html
It's the second time Alphonso Charles Sloan, 38, of Stanton Heights has been arrested in connection with domestic violence charges against his girlfriend, according to a criminal complaint.
Police charged Sloan and Yvonne Williams-Hill, 25, of the Hill District with simple assault. Williams-Hill — who also was previously charged with domestic violence against Sloan, police said — is scheduled to appear in court today, as well.
Williams-Hill told officers she and Sloan were dining at Gene's Last Chance Bar around 10 p.m. July 13. Sloan left the establishment before Williams-Hill finished eating, a criminal complaint states, and only returned after Williams-Hill called him and demanded that he take her home.
Sloan told police he ditched Williams-Hill because she was drunk, court records state.
According to the criminal complaint filed against Sloan:
An argument ensued inside Sloan's vehicle, and he demanded Williams-Hill get out. When she refused, Sloan began striking her "with open hands" and Williams-Hill defended herself "with her raised arms." Sloan then exited the vehicle and yanked Williams-Hill from the front passenger seat by her feet and legs at the corner of Liberty Avenue and 24th Street. He threw one of her shoes in a nearby parking lot.
Police said Williams-Hill suffered minor abrasions on her elbows during the tussle.
Another driver called 911 after finding Williams-Hill lying in the street.
"I was assaulted by my boyfriend," the complaint states Williams-Hill told the woman. "He is a cop."
On July 14, Sloan told police Williams-Hill began verbally and physically assaulting him with her fist and a shoe after he agreed to take her home, a criminal complaint filed against Williams-Hill states. Sloan claims Williams-Hill bit him twice while he attempted to remove her from his car.
Williams-Hill further attacked Sloan outside the car "by ripping his shirt off his back," the complaint states.
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http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/news/20134138/detail.html
Deputy Joshua Woodard Fired for Pointing Camera at Women Taking Showers
A sheriff's deputy has been fired for allegedly pointing a security camera at women while they showered.
Corrections Officer Joshua Woodard admitted to using jail security cameras to zoom in on two female inmates who were taking showers last Monday, said police.
It turned out Woodard was being watched, too; there was another set of security cameras in dispatch. When he inappropriately zoomed in on the women, he was arrested and later fired by Sumner County Sheriff Bob Barker.
"We're not going to tolerate it. We will terminate and prosecute anybody who commits this type of activity," Barker said.
Woodard, who has worked at the jail for two years, was charged with unlawful photography, which is a misdemeanor. He has not had any other major disciplinary problems.
April Creasy, one of the inmates Woodward allegedy video taped, is serving time for Tenncare fraud after becoming addicted to hydrocodone. Her mother said Creasy has turned her life around in jail and will hopefully be going home to her three sons in October.
"She sees the light now," said Anna Lawhorn, her mother.
Related: Watch This Story
Corrections Officer Joshua Woodard admitted to using jail security cameras to zoom in on two female inmates who were taking showers last Monday, said police.
It turned out Woodard was being watched, too; there was another set of security cameras in dispatch. When he inappropriately zoomed in on the women, he was arrested and later fired by Sumner County Sheriff Bob Barker.
"We're not going to tolerate it. We will terminate and prosecute anybody who commits this type of activity," Barker said.
Woodard, who has worked at the jail for two years, was charged with unlawful photography, which is a misdemeanor. He has not had any other major disciplinary problems.
April Creasy, one of the inmates Woodward allegedy video taped, is serving time for Tenncare fraud after becoming addicted to hydrocodone. Her mother said Creasy has turned her life around in jail and will hopefully be going home to her three sons in October.
"She sees the light now," said Anna Lawhorn, her mother.
Related: Watch This Story
Officer David Call Charged with Aggravated Battery
An Apopka police commander faces aggravated battery charges for allegedly punching a woman and her brother while off-duty at a bar.
Authorities said Tuesday 41-year-old David Call turned himself in. The 17-year police veteran has been suspended with pay in connection with the February incident.
Robert Henns, of Eustis, suffered broken ribs. He told police he was restrained by one man while another punched him.
Apopka police say Call has no record of discipline on file. The department is delaying its internal investigation until the criminal case is resolved.
Authorities said Tuesday 41-year-old David Call turned himself in. The 17-year police veteran has been suspended with pay in connection with the February incident.
Robert Henns, of Eustis, suffered broken ribs. He told police he was restrained by one man while another punched him.
Apopka police say Call has no record of discipline on file. The department is delaying its internal investigation until the criminal case is resolved.
Former Officer Donald Greer Arrested for Threatening
The alleged victim in a criminal case against a former city police officer hired a lawyer to defend her credibility in light of comments from the officer's defense attorney last week.
The Stamford woman last week also reported a suspicious object in her mailbox, leading the bomb squad to come to her home, police said. Demolitions experts used a robot to take a three-inch tinfoil ball from her mailbox. It contained burnt match heads, police spokesman Lt. Sean Cooney said.
The object did not contain any explosive material and could not have hurt anyone, Cooney said. But now police are investigating whether it was random vandalism or related to the case against the former officer.
"We have to explore that possibility," Cooney said.
Mark Sherman, a Stamford criminal defense attorney, will represent the woman, who alleges her ex-boyfriend, former Stamford police officer Donald Greer, threatened her. The woman told police Greer was a "predator" and had admitted to being with dozens of domestic violence victims, calling them "easy prey," court documents show.
She was a domestic violence victim whom Greer met while on duty in 2005. They allegedly struck up a relationship, and he testified during a trial that led to the conviction of the woman's ex-boyfriend for unlawful restraint charges.
Sherman said while the courts offer adequate support for domestic violence victims, sometimes a victim will hire an attorney to defend them when their reputation and credibility are challenged.
"It's unfortunate that a victim of domestic violence has to take hits like this in the media," Sherman said. "She refuses to throw stones back and will simply let the truth come out in the appropriate forums."
Christopher Caldwell, the lawyer representing Greer, said last week his client dated the woman for weeks following the first domestic dispute, but then tried to exit the relationship. He said the woman kept Greer close by promising to end his career.
Sherman said his client was undaunted by the claims and will not back down with the prosecution of the former Stamford police officer.
Greer is a 46-year-old Stratford man who left the Stamford Police Department after 24 years last week amid allegations he threatened his former girlfriend and illegally transferred a pistol.
In March, Greer was arrested on threatening and disorderly conduct charges stemming from allegations from the woman, who said she met Greer when he responded to the domestic dispute in which she was assaulted.
Last week, the Chief State's Attorney's Office, which took over the investigation in March, arrested Greer on a felony weapons charge for illegal transfer of a handgun.
The state began investigating Greer because it had concerns about his testimony during a trial that led to the conviction of the woman's ex-boyfriend.
Concerning the item left in the mailbox, Caldwell said: "I hope they dust for fingerprints and look for DNA to show my guy has nothing to do with anything."
The Stamford woman last week also reported a suspicious object in her mailbox, leading the bomb squad to come to her home, police said. Demolitions experts used a robot to take a three-inch tinfoil ball from her mailbox. It contained burnt match heads, police spokesman Lt. Sean Cooney said.
The object did not contain any explosive material and could not have hurt anyone, Cooney said. But now police are investigating whether it was random vandalism or related to the case against the former officer.
"We have to explore that possibility," Cooney said.
Mark Sherman, a Stamford criminal defense attorney, will represent the woman, who alleges her ex-boyfriend, former Stamford police officer Donald Greer, threatened her. The woman told police Greer was a "predator" and had admitted to being with dozens of domestic violence victims, calling them "easy prey," court documents show.
She was a domestic violence victim whom Greer met while on duty in 2005. They allegedly struck up a relationship, and he testified during a trial that led to the conviction of the woman's ex-boyfriend for unlawful restraint charges.
Sherman said while the courts offer adequate support for domestic violence victims, sometimes a victim will hire an attorney to defend them when their reputation and credibility are challenged.
"It's unfortunate that a victim of domestic violence has to take hits like this in the media," Sherman said. "She refuses to throw stones back and will simply let the truth come out in the appropriate forums."
Christopher Caldwell, the lawyer representing Greer, said last week his client dated the woman for weeks following the first domestic dispute, but then tried to exit the relationship. He said the woman kept Greer close by promising to end his career.
Sherman said his client was undaunted by the claims and will not back down with the prosecution of the former Stamford police officer.
Greer is a 46-year-old Stratford man who left the Stamford Police Department after 24 years last week amid allegations he threatened his former girlfriend and illegally transferred a pistol.
In March, Greer was arrested on threatening and disorderly conduct charges stemming from allegations from the woman, who said she met Greer when he responded to the domestic dispute in which she was assaulted.
Last week, the Chief State's Attorney's Office, which took over the investigation in March, arrested Greer on a felony weapons charge for illegal transfer of a handgun.
The state began investigating Greer because it had concerns about his testimony during a trial that led to the conviction of the woman's ex-boyfriend.
Concerning the item left in the mailbox, Caldwell said: "I hope they dust for fingerprints and look for DNA to show my guy has nothing to do with anything."
Trooper Franklin 'Joe' Ryle Jr Pleads Guilty to Plotting to Kill Trucker
Claiming he wanted to clear his conscience, a former state trooper admitted Monday to arresting a truck driver as part of a scheme to kill him, stage a crash and collect settlement money.
Former Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper Franklin "Joe" Ryle Jr., 42, told a federal judge he didn't follow through with the plan because he couldn't bring himself to kill the trucker.
"There is no way I could harm that guy," Ryle said.
Ryle made the admissions as part of a plea deal with federal prosecutors that came six months after he stopped Wal-Mart trucker Richard Smidt while patrolling near Douglas. The trooper planned to murder Smidt and stage a crash with his patrol vehicle in order to collect a settlement from the corporate giant.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, which was laid out during a hearing in U.S. District Court, Ryle pleaded guilty to depriving the truck driver's civil rights and carrying a pistol during the Jan. 8 crime. The government will dismiss a third charge that alleged Ryle solicited a second trooper to participate in the plot.
Prosecutors will recommend Ryle serve a prison sentence of 19 to 22 years. Ryle's attorneys are free to argue for a lesser sentence.
U.S. District Judge Clarence Brimmer asked Ryle why he was pleading guilty, knowing that it will result in a long prison sentence.
"Because that's everything I did," the 12-year patrol veteran replied.
Speaking in a calm voice, Ryle for the first time publicly recounted the traffic stop that led to his arrest and indictment.
Ryle, who lived in Douglas and patrolled the surrounding area, told the court he was on duty when he stopped the Wal-Mart truck outside of town. He handcuffed Smidt and drove him to his house.
Once there, Ryle told his wife he had found a dead Wal-Mart truck driver and wanted to crash the truck into his patrol car.
"Was the basis of the whole scheme to get a lot of money?" Brimmer asked.
"Yes sir," Ryle answered.
"And you were going to have to kill the truck driver?" the judge replied.
"Yes sir," Ryle answered again.
Ryle said he never took his gun out during the encounter but did touch it at one point. He ultimately drove Smidt back to his truck and let him go.
A week after the traffic stop, Ryle's brother-in-law -- a Casper police officer -- told the highway patrol about the incident. Smidt reported the encounter to patrol officials around the same time.
The patrol put Ryle on leave in mid-January. He was arrested two months later following a state and federal investigation. A federal grand jury indicted him on three charges in May.
Ryle's wife told investigators she suspected he might have been planning to kill her as part of the scheme. He was never charged with plotting to kill her.
She filed for divorce in February.
After the hearing, one of Ryle's attorneys said the former trooper suffered from serious depression and has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. The disorder came as a result of Ryle's experiences in the U.S. Marines and with the highway patrol, as well as in his personal life, Assistant Federal Public Defender David Weiss said.
"Joe was kind of a mess," Weiss told reporters.
Police officers should be offered more help to deal with mental health issues that come from their work, the attorney added.
"These guys are under a lot of stress," Weiss said.
Jim Barrett, another federal defender who also represents Ryle, said his client has been depressed for a long time. However, evaluations performed after Ryle's arrest did not show he suffered from a serious enough psychiatric issue to render him incompetent for trial.
Justice Department attorney Edward Caspar, who is prosecuting the case, declined to comment after the hearing and referred questions to his agency's public affairs office.
Ryle will remain in federal custody until sentencing, which is a few months away. He is being held in Scottsbluff, Neb.
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http://www.thetrucker.com/News/Stories/2009/7/21/FormerWyomingtrooperpleadsguiltyinplottokilltrucker.aspx
Former Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper Franklin "Joe" Ryle Jr., 42, told a federal judge he didn't follow through with the plan because he couldn't bring himself to kill the trucker.
"There is no way I could harm that guy," Ryle said.
Ryle made the admissions as part of a plea deal with federal prosecutors that came six months after he stopped Wal-Mart trucker Richard Smidt while patrolling near Douglas. The trooper planned to murder Smidt and stage a crash with his patrol vehicle in order to collect a settlement from the corporate giant.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, which was laid out during a hearing in U.S. District Court, Ryle pleaded guilty to depriving the truck driver's civil rights and carrying a pistol during the Jan. 8 crime. The government will dismiss a third charge that alleged Ryle solicited a second trooper to participate in the plot.
Prosecutors will recommend Ryle serve a prison sentence of 19 to 22 years. Ryle's attorneys are free to argue for a lesser sentence.
U.S. District Judge Clarence Brimmer asked Ryle why he was pleading guilty, knowing that it will result in a long prison sentence.
"Because that's everything I did," the 12-year patrol veteran replied.
Speaking in a calm voice, Ryle for the first time publicly recounted the traffic stop that led to his arrest and indictment.
Ryle, who lived in Douglas and patrolled the surrounding area, told the court he was on duty when he stopped the Wal-Mart truck outside of town. He handcuffed Smidt and drove him to his house.
Once there, Ryle told his wife he had found a dead Wal-Mart truck driver and wanted to crash the truck into his patrol car.
"Was the basis of the whole scheme to get a lot of money?" Brimmer asked.
"Yes sir," Ryle answered.
"And you were going to have to kill the truck driver?" the judge replied.
"Yes sir," Ryle answered again.
Ryle said he never took his gun out during the encounter but did touch it at one point. He ultimately drove Smidt back to his truck and let him go.
A week after the traffic stop, Ryle's brother-in-law -- a Casper police officer -- told the highway patrol about the incident. Smidt reported the encounter to patrol officials around the same time.
The patrol put Ryle on leave in mid-January. He was arrested two months later following a state and federal investigation. A federal grand jury indicted him on three charges in May.
Ryle's wife told investigators she suspected he might have been planning to kill her as part of the scheme. He was never charged with plotting to kill her.
She filed for divorce in February.
After the hearing, one of Ryle's attorneys said the former trooper suffered from serious depression and has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. The disorder came as a result of Ryle's experiences in the U.S. Marines and with the highway patrol, as well as in his personal life, Assistant Federal Public Defender David Weiss said.
"Joe was kind of a mess," Weiss told reporters.
Police officers should be offered more help to deal with mental health issues that come from their work, the attorney added.
"These guys are under a lot of stress," Weiss said.
Jim Barrett, another federal defender who also represents Ryle, said his client has been depressed for a long time. However, evaluations performed after Ryle's arrest did not show he suffered from a serious enough psychiatric issue to render him incompetent for trial.
Justice Department attorney Edward Caspar, who is prosecuting the case, declined to comment after the hearing and referred questions to his agency's public affairs office.
Ryle will remain in federal custody until sentencing, which is a few months away. He is being held in Scottsbluff, Neb.
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http://www.thetrucker.com/News/Stories/2009/7/21/FormerWyomingtrooperpleadsguiltyinplottokilltrucker.aspx
Officer Benjamin Miles Cordova Arrested for Fraud
A North Las Vegas police officer has been arrested on charges of fraud after allegedly misusing a department credit card.
North Las Vegas police spent the past week investigating one of their own, 39-year-old Benjamin Miles Cordova. They determined he'd been using a department credit card for personal use.
Police said he used the card for personal gain on three separate occasions and has been booked into the North Las Vegas Detention Center on suspicion of three counts of fraudulent use of a credit card and three counts of receiving property obtained by unlawful use of a credit card.
The investigation began a week ago when investigators learned a card was missing.
“There are two things in law enforcement that can’t be tolerated – dishonesty, and the other is theft,” said NLVPD spokeswoman Chrissie Coon. “Those are things that administration takes very seriously, and I think all officers know they’re all held to the same standard.”
Cordova was a patrol officer who had served 6 1/2 years with the NLVPD.
Police said they have the necessary checks and balances in place to make sure police officers do not get away with this.
Cordoba is on paid administrative leave, as Nevada state law requires.
Previous Stories:
July 21, 2009: North Las Vegas Police Officer Arrested
July 16, 2009: 2 Fired NLV Officers Bound Over For Trial
North Las Vegas police spent the past week investigating one of their own, 39-year-old Benjamin Miles Cordova. They determined he'd been using a department credit card for personal use.
Police said he used the card for personal gain on three separate occasions and has been booked into the North Las Vegas Detention Center on suspicion of three counts of fraudulent use of a credit card and three counts of receiving property obtained by unlawful use of a credit card.
The investigation began a week ago when investigators learned a card was missing.
“There are two things in law enforcement that can’t be tolerated – dishonesty, and the other is theft,” said NLVPD spokeswoman Chrissie Coon. “Those are things that administration takes very seriously, and I think all officers know they’re all held to the same standard.”
Cordova was a patrol officer who had served 6 1/2 years with the NLVPD.
Police said they have the necessary checks and balances in place to make sure police officers do not get away with this.
Cordoba is on paid administrative leave, as Nevada state law requires.
Previous Stories:
July 21, 2009: North Las Vegas Police Officer Arrested
July 16, 2009: 2 Fired NLV Officers Bound Over For Trial
Oklahoma Paramedic Sues Trooper Over Scuffle Caught on Video
A paramedic has sued an Oklahoma highway police officer over a scuffle that occurred while a patient waited inside the paramedic's ambulance, FOX News has learned.
Paramedic Maurice White is seeking punitive and compensatory damages against Trooper Daniel Martin in a case that rose to national prominence this summer after a cell phone video of the conflict appeared on YouTube — showing Martin at one point grabbing White by the neck.
The suit claims that Martin used unreasonable force while seizing White and criticizes the Oklahoma Highway Patrol for failing to take action on the matter over the course of the past two months.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is preparing this week to announce how it will deal with Trooper Martin, who has been on administrative leave since June 1, FOX News has learned.
Click here for a squad video excerpt.
Paramedic Maurice White is seeking punitive and compensatory damages against Trooper Daniel Martin in a case that rose to national prominence this summer after a cell phone video of the conflict appeared on YouTube — showing Martin at one point grabbing White by the neck.
The suit claims that Martin used unreasonable force while seizing White and criticizes the Oklahoma Highway Patrol for failing to take action on the matter over the course of the past two months.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is preparing this week to announce how it will deal with Trooper Martin, who has been on administrative leave since June 1, FOX News has learned.
Click here for a squad video excerpt.
Martin stopped the ambulance May 24 for failing to yield to his squad car.
White says he got out of the ambulance to tell the trooper they were taking a patient to the hospital. The argument quickly escalated into a scuffle and Martin put White in an apparent choke hold.
Martin's attorney says the trooper either didn't hear that there was a patient in the ambulance or it didn't register. He says White failed to comply with the trooper's orders.
Click here for the YouTube video.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Officer Philip Spaman Arrested for Forcible Touching Child
An Ilion police officer Monday became the fifth law enforcement officer this year to face criminal charges in the Mohawk Valley.
Ilion Officer Philip Spaman, 47, of Herkimer, was arraigned in Herkimer County Court on Monday on misdemeanor charges involving the touching of a child.
He faces one count each of forcible touching and endangering the welfare of a child, prosecutors said.
Assistant District Attorney Jeff Carpenter said the two misdemeanor charges against Spaman were handed up in a sealed indictment from a grand jury.
The charges stem from alleged events involving a child under the age of 17 that occurred between September 2007 and October 2008, Carpenter said.
Because of the nature of the case, no information on the victim or his or her relationship to Spaman is being released, prosecutors said.
Ilion police Chief Timothy Parisi said Monday evening that Spaman had been suspended from duty with pay while internal and criminal proceedings against him move forward. Spaman has been a member of the department for almost 8 years.
“The criminal justice system must now take its course,” Parisi said in released statement that directed additional questions to the District Attorney’s Office. “I ask that you respect the judicial process and seek no further comment from the Ilion Police Department.”
Spaman was processed by the Herkimer village police department Monday morning prior to his arraignment, Herkimer police said.
He was represented at the arraignment by attorney George Aney and pleaded not guilty to both charges, Carpenter said. Aney did not return calls Monday.
A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 5.
Earlier this year, two members of the state police and two other local police officers were charged with crimes. None of those cases has been resolved:
*State police Investigator Matthew Sullivan, who is suspended without pay, was indicted in April on 10 misdemeanor charges and traffic violations stemming from a Feb. 6 traffic stop in Trenton. The charges include driving while intoxicated, speeding, unlawfully fleeing a police officer, reckless endangerment, reckless driving, passing a red light, failure to keep right and failure to comply with a police officer.
*Trooper David Volz, who is assigned to the Herkimer state police barracks, was charged April 23 with misdemeanor petit larceny in connection with the alleged mulch theft in Rome. He was suspended without pay.
*Then-Dolgeville Officer Greg Malta Jr. was charged with misdemeanor fourth-degree criminal mischief, after police said he drove his patrol car around the school's baseball field. Malta was fired from the force.
*Herkimer Village Police Investigator Robert Risi, an 18-year veteran, stole $9,600 from an evidence locker, prosecutors. Risi faces a felony charge of third-degree larceny. He has been suspended without pay.
Trial Begins for Former Deputy Milton Pruitt Accused of Having Child Porn
The Federal Court trial of a former Forsyth County sheriff’s deputy accused of receiving and possessing child pornography began Monday in U.S. District Court in Gainesville.
Prosecutor Brent Gray in his opening argument told the jury the reason they are in court is because former Deputy Sergeant Milton Scott Pruitt said he was 'just curious'; the problem is, he was just curious two years ago about child pornography.
Gray said Pruitt is accused of opening and viewing images of unclothed children from criminal investigative files he should not have opened using a sheriff’s laptop computer in his patrol car.
Investigators later found hundreds of child porn images on his home computer.
Gray invited the jury of eight women and six men to study the evidence, use their common sense and find Pruitt guilty.
Defense attorney Ann Fitz urged the jury to find Pruitt innocent, saying this is not the case of a pedophile with a fetish.
Fitz said there is no evidence that Pruitt purchased, solicited or produced child porn and that only 20 of the 328 images were clearly identified as child pornography. Fitz added that there is no evidence Pruitt made repeat visits to the porno sites and that he did not 'knowingly' receive the images.
The prosecution's first witness as the trial opened was Forsyth County's Information Technology Director John David Rusk.
Rusk testified he found child pornography images linked to Pruitt while investigating unusual activity on the county's computer system.
Prosecutor Brent Gray in his opening argument told the jury the reason they are in court is because former Deputy Sergeant Milton Scott Pruitt said he was 'just curious'; the problem is, he was just curious two years ago about child pornography.
Gray said Pruitt is accused of opening and viewing images of unclothed children from criminal investigative files he should not have opened using a sheriff’s laptop computer in his patrol car.
Investigators later found hundreds of child porn images on his home computer.
Gray invited the jury of eight women and six men to study the evidence, use their common sense and find Pruitt guilty.
Defense attorney Ann Fitz urged the jury to find Pruitt innocent, saying this is not the case of a pedophile with a fetish.
Fitz said there is no evidence that Pruitt purchased, solicited or produced child porn and that only 20 of the 328 images were clearly identified as child pornography. Fitz added that there is no evidence Pruitt made repeat visits to the porno sites and that he did not 'knowingly' receive the images.
The prosecution's first witness as the trial opened was Forsyth County's Information Technology Director John David Rusk.
Rusk testified he found child pornography images linked to Pruitt while investigating unusual activity on the county's computer system.
Officer Derrick Saunders Points Weapon on McDonalds Employee
A Denver police officer faces felony menacing and weapons charges based on an allegation he pointed a pistol to speed up his order at an Aurora McDonald's in May.
An employee at the McDonald's at 18181 E. Hampden Ave. told investigators two Denver police officers were waiting for their order at the drive-through window in the early-morning hours when Derrick Curtis Saunders, 29, grew impatient and pulled a weapon.
In addition to the menacing and weapons charges, Saunders is also charged with prohibited use of a weapon, reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct, the Aurora Police Department said Monday.
Denver police spokesman Sonny Jackson said Saunders has been suspended with pay during the investigation, but would be put on unpaid leave once the department is formally notified of the charges.
Jackson said neither he nor Police Chief Gerald Whitman would comment on the case.
"It would be inappropriate for us to make any comment about another department's case, especially an ongoing, active investigation," Jackson said.
Saunders was most recently assigned to Denver International Airport. His booking photograph was not available from Aurora police Monday.
An employee at the McDonald's at 18181 E. Hampden Ave. told investigators two Denver police officers were waiting for their order at the drive-through window in the early-morning hours when Derrick Curtis Saunders, 29, grew impatient and pulled a weapon.
In addition to the menacing and weapons charges, Saunders is also charged with prohibited use of a weapon, reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct, the Aurora Police Department said Monday.
Denver police spokesman Sonny Jackson said Saunders has been suspended with pay during the investigation, but would be put on unpaid leave once the department is formally notified of the charges.
Jackson said neither he nor Police Chief Gerald Whitman would comment on the case.
"It would be inappropriate for us to make any comment about another department's case, especially an ongoing, active investigation," Jackson said.
Saunders was most recently assigned to Denver International Airport. His booking photograph was not available from Aurora police Monday.
Family Sues After Police Taser 12-year-old
A federal right lawsuit has been filed against a southern Illinois sheriff's deputy who used a stun gun on three children at an emergency shelter.
The children's guardian is suing the Jefferson County deputies, the county and Sheriff Roger Mulch, reports Associated Press.
According to the lawsuit, the deputies responded to a call from a shelter near Mount Vernon last summer to handle a situation that was labeled out of control, in which, two 12-year olds and an 11-year-old were involved and later stunned with a taser gun. After the children were shocked, they were allegedly forced into a closet along with another child. Other children who tried to intervene prompted the call.
No criminal charges have been filed, and Mulch confirmed the investigations are underway and believes the deputies acted appropriately.
The children's guardian is suing the Jefferson County deputies, the county and Sheriff Roger Mulch, reports Associated Press.
According to the lawsuit, the deputies responded to a call from a shelter near Mount Vernon last summer to handle a situation that was labeled out of control, in which, two 12-year olds and an 11-year-old were involved and later stunned with a taser gun. After the children were shocked, they were allegedly forced into a closet along with another child. Other children who tried to intervene prompted the call.
No criminal charges have been filed, and Mulch confirmed the investigations are underway and believes the deputies acted appropriately.
FBI Investigate Several DC Officers for Gambling Connected to Homicides
Federal investigators are looking into allegations that several D.C.-area law enforcement officers were involved in a Maryland gambling ring that may also be connected to homicides, the Washington Post reported Sunday.
The probe has targeted five Prince George’s County police officers, a District police official and a former D.C. Housing Authority officer, the report said. The officers allegedly helped protect illegal gambling sites that rotated around Southern Maryland. Sometimes the officers reportedly wore uniforms while providing security for high-stakes craps games with pots as high as $100,000.
Prince George’s County Police Chief Roberto Hylton said he turned over the entire probe to the FBI after he took over the department earlier this year. Three of the suspected officers have retired or are on leave. The probe has been under way since 2007.
The probe has targeted five Prince George’s County police officers, a District police official and a former D.C. Housing Authority officer, the report said. The officers allegedly helped protect illegal gambling sites that rotated around Southern Maryland. Sometimes the officers reportedly wore uniforms while providing security for high-stakes craps games with pots as high as $100,000.
Prince George’s County Police Chief Roberto Hylton said he turned over the entire probe to the FBI after he took over the department earlier this year. Three of the suspected officers have retired or are on leave. The probe has been under way since 2007.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Sgt. Brenda Stevenson Arrested for Using Excessive Force & Lying to FBI
A 45-year-old Highland Park Police Sergeant Brenda Stevenson finds herself on the wrong side of the law, indicted on federal charges for using excessive force and lying to FBI investigators.
The court documents against her indicate she struck and assaulted a victim identified as only V. B. and violated her constitutional rights.
According to the indictment, the woman suffered injuries in a November 2007 incident when Sgt. Stevenson punched her in the face.
The city of Highland Park's Web site still lists Sgt. Stevenson as one of the officers in charge on afternoons. We asked at the police department and mayor's office whether she's still on the job and our questions are not being answered.
"This officer just needs to go. She's in the wrong profession and she needs to be charged and she needs to be sentenced," said Ron Scott of the Detroit Coalition Against Police Brutality. He applauds the victim for going forward with the case.
In addition to the assault charges, Stevenson is accused of making false statements to the FBI, telling investigators the victim struggled, kicked and fought with officers. The FBI says that never happened.
Stevenson faces up to 15 years in prison and a half a million dollar fine if convicted.
Officer Robert Sizemore Threatens Suicide After Reported Sexual Assault
A Chattahoochee Florida Police Officer was arrested after a reported sexual assault and later threatening suicide on Saturday.
Robert Sizemore, 50, was arrested late Saturday afternoon after Decatur County Sheriff's deployed their Strategic Response Team to the Jameson Inn on Tallahassee Highway.
Sheriff's Major Wendell Cofer stated that Robert Sizemore was in a hotel room and had threatened suicide. Being a Chattahoochee Policeman, his weapon's training created a tenuous situation for Sheriff's Deputies and the Sheriff's SRT were called in.
Major Cofer stated they were able to make contact with Sizemore by telephone and talk him out peaceably.
The situation began in the early hours Saturday morning when a sexual assault was reported. A family member reported to her mother that she had been assaulted by Robert Sizemore. Sizemore was reported to have checked into the Jameson Inn at approximately 3 am Saturday morning.
The Chattahoochee Police Chief also responded to the scene after a request by Sheriff's Deputies in case he was needed to talk with his officer.
The specific charges against Sizemore were being developed as of early Saturday evening.
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More Information: http://www.panhandleparade.com/index.php/mbb/article/chattahoochee_police_officer_arrested_in_georgia/mbb7717807/
Robert Sizemore, 50, was arrested late Saturday afternoon after Decatur County Sheriff's deployed their Strategic Response Team to the Jameson Inn on Tallahassee Highway.
Sheriff's Major Wendell Cofer stated that Robert Sizemore was in a hotel room and had threatened suicide. Being a Chattahoochee Policeman, his weapon's training created a tenuous situation for Sheriff's Deputies and the Sheriff's SRT were called in.
Major Cofer stated they were able to make contact with Sizemore by telephone and talk him out peaceably.The situation began in the early hours Saturday morning when a sexual assault was reported. A family member reported to her mother that she had been assaulted by Robert Sizemore. Sizemore was reported to have checked into the Jameson Inn at approximately 3 am Saturday morning.
The Chattahoochee Police Chief also responded to the scene after a request by Sheriff's Deputies in case he was needed to talk with his officer.
The specific charges against Sizemore were being developed as of early Saturday evening.
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More Information: http://www.panhandleparade.com/index.php/mbb/article/chattahoochee_police_officer_arrested_in_georgia/mbb7717807/
Lawsuit Filed Against Duputies Who Tasered Boy Multiple Times
A state agency is actually suing the deputies, who work in Jefferson County. The Post-Dispatch quotes the lawsuit:
The suit says that without any physical provocation, Bowers used a Taser on one boy multiple times, including at least once on his neck. Bowers pushed another boy down on his bunk and threatened to sodomize him before shocking him multiple times and causing him to urinate and defecate, the suit says.
Lawler then handcuffed another boy before Bowers shocked him multiple times with the Taser. A 17-year-old girl who was pleading with the deputies to stop was then handcuffed by Lawler, choked and threatened by Bowers and then tossed into a closet, the suit says.
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http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/laworder/story/D8F2946CFAEB63A6862575F70007D1E5?OpenDocument
The suit says that without any physical provocation, Bowers used a Taser on one boy multiple times, including at least once on his neck. Bowers pushed another boy down on his bunk and threatened to sodomize him before shocking him multiple times and causing him to urinate and defecate, the suit says.
Lawler then handcuffed another boy before Bowers shocked him multiple times with the Taser. A 17-year-old girl who was pleading with the deputies to stop was then handcuffed by Lawler, choked and threatened by Bowers and then tossed into a closet, the suit says.
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http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/laworder/story/D8F2946CFAEB63A6862575F70007D1E5?OpenDocument
Saturday, July 18, 2009
New Details On Officer Donnie Breeden Accused of Hit and Run
New details are emerging in the case of a Crafton police officer accused of hitting and killing a pedestrian near Station Square and then fleeing the scene.
Donnie Breeden, 38, is charged with the July 2007 death of David Hall on West Carson Street, in Pittsburgh.
Hall, 24, was struck in the 1500 block of West Carson Street after stopping to talk to a bus driver, according to Pittsburgh police.
"Clearly, when there's allegations that a police officer is involved, he's violated the crimes code, that's cause for sadness in the law enforcement community. It's a tragic situation," said assistant district attorney Mark Tranquilli.
"He's very upset, obviously, extremely upset. His world is turned upside down. But I'll think he'll get through it," said Breeden's attorney, William Difenderfer."
According to the criminal complaint, a witness told police that on the night of the hit-and-run, Breeden was with a group of friends at a restaurant when they decided to go to the South Side.
The witness told police that Breeden drove separately from the rest of the group.
Investigators said the witness told them that one of the people in the group got a call from Breeden saying he had hit a person with his vehicle on West Carson Street.
The witness went on to say that when the rest of the group arrived at the accident scene, they saw a Port Authority bus and several other vehicles, including Breeden's, stopped in the road near the victim.
In the criminal complaint, the witness told police that Breeden told his friends that he couldn't stay at the accident scene because "I'm a cop. I can't go to jail. If I go to jail, I will kill myself. I'm getting out of here. No one knows I did this, so I am getting out of here." The witness said Breeden left the scene.
A few days after the incident, the witness told police he went to Breeden's house to fix the damage to the SUV involved in the crash. The witness also said Breeden is still driving the same vehicle.
Breeden had been with the Crafton police force since 1994. He was released from the Allegheny County Jail on bail and faces two charges of involuntary manslaughter and accidents involving death.
At a hearing on Friday, Breeden's case was waived to trial. His next court date is Aug. 17.
Slideshow - Photos From The Case
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Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2009/07/officer-donnie-breeden-arrested-for-hit.html
Other Information:
July 9, 2009: Paid Suspension For Cop Charged In Hit-And-Run Death
July 5, 2009: Crafton Police Officer Charged In Fatal Hit-And-Run
Donnie Breeden, 38, is charged with the July 2007 death of David Hall on West Carson Street, in Pittsburgh.
Hall, 24, was struck in the 1500 block of West Carson Street after stopping to talk to a bus driver, according to Pittsburgh police.
"Clearly, when there's allegations that a police officer is involved, he's violated the crimes code, that's cause for sadness in the law enforcement community. It's a tragic situation," said assistant district attorney Mark Tranquilli.
"He's very upset, obviously, extremely upset. His world is turned upside down. But I'll think he'll get through it," said Breeden's attorney, William Difenderfer."
According to the criminal complaint, a witness told police that on the night of the hit-and-run, Breeden was with a group of friends at a restaurant when they decided to go to the South Side.
The witness told police that Breeden drove separately from the rest of the group.
Investigators said the witness told them that one of the people in the group got a call from Breeden saying he had hit a person with his vehicle on West Carson Street.
The witness went on to say that when the rest of the group arrived at the accident scene, they saw a Port Authority bus and several other vehicles, including Breeden's, stopped in the road near the victim.
In the criminal complaint, the witness told police that Breeden told his friends that he couldn't stay at the accident scene because "I'm a cop. I can't go to jail. If I go to jail, I will kill myself. I'm getting out of here. No one knows I did this, so I am getting out of here." The witness said Breeden left the scene.
A few days after the incident, the witness told police he went to Breeden's house to fix the damage to the SUV involved in the crash. The witness also said Breeden is still driving the same vehicle.
Breeden had been with the Crafton police force since 1994. He was released from the Allegheny County Jail on bail and faces two charges of involuntary manslaughter and accidents involving death.
At a hearing on Friday, Breeden's case was waived to trial. His next court date is Aug. 17.
Slideshow - Photos From The Case
______________________
Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2009/07/officer-donnie-breeden-arrested-for-hit.html
Other Information:
July 9, 2009: Paid Suspension For Cop Charged In Hit-And-Run Death
July 5, 2009: Crafton Police Officer Charged In Fatal Hit-And-Run
Former Officer David Dietz Will Plead Insantity to Kidnapping
A former South Carolina police officer who authorities say kidnapped and held his estranged wife and infant son hostage in Georgia says he intends to enter an insanity plea.
An attorney for David Dietz said in court documents filed this week he intends to introduce evidence that his client was suffering from a mental disease or defect at the time of his alleged crimes.
Dietz has pleaded not guilty to several federal charges in South Carolina, including kidnapping and carjacking. The results of his mental evaluation have been sealed.
Dietz and a teenager accused of helping him surrendered on Jan. 5 after a 13-hour standoff at a motel in Madison, Ga. The two had been holed up with Dietz’s estranged wife and their infant son.
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http://www.foxcarolina.com/news/20086365/detail.html
An attorney for David Dietz said in court documents filed this week he intends to introduce evidence that his client was suffering from a mental disease or defect at the time of his alleged crimes.
Dietz has pleaded not guilty to several federal charges in South Carolina, including kidnapping and carjacking. The results of his mental evaluation have been sealed.
Dietz and a teenager accused of helping him surrendered on Jan. 5 after a 13-hour standoff at a motel in Madison, Ga. The two had been holed up with Dietz’s estranged wife and their infant son.
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http://www.foxcarolina.com/news/20086365/detail.html
Former Officer Robert Flanagan Wants His Sentence Reduced
The attorney for a former Baltimore police officer who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for taking nearly $380,000 from a Howard County bank in December 2007 asked a three-judge panel in Circuit Court on Thursday to have his jail term cut in half.
Debra Saltz said that her client, Robert Flanagan of Dallastown, Pa., was "extremely desperate" and still suffering from the effects of the illness that forced him to leave a nine-year law enforcement career when he took the money from a Bank of America branch.
Calling the sentence imposed by Judge Richard S. Bernhardt excessive to the point of cruel and unusual punishment, Saltz said at one point during the hearing, "In my mind, he would have been better getting drunk, driving down the road and killing someone. He would only get 18 months."
Judge Lenore R. Gelfman immediately disagreed, saying that someone guilty of vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol could receive up to 15 years.
Flanagan, then 38, had worked for a year as a guard for Dunbar Armored Security after leaving the Baltimore police force because of post traumatic stress disorder. Assistant State's attorney Lynn Marshall said that Flanagan was dismissed from Dunbar because of discrepancies in the money he collected and what he turned in.
Dressed in his old uniform but lacking proper credentials, Flanagan persuaded an employee at the Bank of America branch on Baltimore National Pike to turn over $379,000 in cash. Flanagan and his wife, Robin, were arrested later that day. About $200,000 has never been recovered.
The employee who gave Flanagan the money as well as the branch manager were later fired, which Judge Bernhardt later cited as one of the reasons for the 10-year sentence. Since it was a first offense, Flanagan could have received as little as six months of probation.
Charges against Robin Flanagan were later dropped when she cooperated with police.
"We don't know what happened to that money, and we'll never know," Saltz said.
But Marshall contends that Flanagan still knows where the money can be found.
"He stashed that money somewhere," Marshall said. "He will do jail time so he can have a nice nest egg when he gets out."
Flanagan, who is being jailed in Cumberland and is receiving treatment for PTSD, according to his lawyer, declined to speak on his own behalf.
At the time of his arrest, Flanagan was out on bond after being arrested in Baltimore County on a similar charge. Flanagan pleaded guilty to taking $70,000 from a Target store in Towson while dressed as an armored guard, and was given five years in jail to run concurrent with his sentence in Howard County.
Saltz said that he should have been given the same length term in Howard County, but Marshall argued that the Baltimore County judge who sentenced Flanagan was aware of his 10-year sentence in Howard County.
Gelfman, along with Judge Louis A. Becker and Judge Diane O. Leasure, will make their decision later.
Debra Saltz said that her client, Robert Flanagan of Dallastown, Pa., was "extremely desperate" and still suffering from the effects of the illness that forced him to leave a nine-year law enforcement career when he took the money from a Bank of America branch.
Calling the sentence imposed by Judge Richard S. Bernhardt excessive to the point of cruel and unusual punishment, Saltz said at one point during the hearing, "In my mind, he would have been better getting drunk, driving down the road and killing someone. He would only get 18 months."
Judge Lenore R. Gelfman immediately disagreed, saying that someone guilty of vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol could receive up to 15 years.
Flanagan, then 38, had worked for a year as a guard for Dunbar Armored Security after leaving the Baltimore police force because of post traumatic stress disorder. Assistant State's attorney Lynn Marshall said that Flanagan was dismissed from Dunbar because of discrepancies in the money he collected and what he turned in.
Dressed in his old uniform but lacking proper credentials, Flanagan persuaded an employee at the Bank of America branch on Baltimore National Pike to turn over $379,000 in cash. Flanagan and his wife, Robin, were arrested later that day. About $200,000 has never been recovered.
The employee who gave Flanagan the money as well as the branch manager were later fired, which Judge Bernhardt later cited as one of the reasons for the 10-year sentence. Since it was a first offense, Flanagan could have received as little as six months of probation.
Charges against Robin Flanagan were later dropped when she cooperated with police.
"We don't know what happened to that money, and we'll never know," Saltz said.
But Marshall contends that Flanagan still knows where the money can be found.
"He stashed that money somewhere," Marshall said. "He will do jail time so he can have a nice nest egg when he gets out."
Flanagan, who is being jailed in Cumberland and is receiving treatment for PTSD, according to his lawyer, declined to speak on his own behalf.
At the time of his arrest, Flanagan was out on bond after being arrested in Baltimore County on a similar charge. Flanagan pleaded guilty to taking $70,000 from a Target store in Towson while dressed as an armored guard, and was given five years in jail to run concurrent with his sentence in Howard County.
Saltz said that he should have been given the same length term in Howard County, but Marshall argued that the Baltimore County judge who sentenced Flanagan was aware of his 10-year sentence in Howard County.
Gelfman, along with Judge Louis A. Becker and Judge Diane O. Leasure, will make their decision later.
Former Officer Marvin Thompson Arrested for Child Porn
A former Hillsborough Sheriff's corporal was arrested by U.S. Marshals Thursday on two counts of attempting to access child pornography with a computer and one count of possession of child pornography.
Sheriff's spokesman J.D. Callaway confirmed Friday that Marvin Thompson, 58, worked at the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office from 1982 to 2003.
Thompson was indicted in U.S. District Court on Wednesday, and booked into the Pinellas County Jail on Thursday.
The indictment says that in October 2008 Thompson knowingly tried to see a minor involved in "sexually explicit conduct" on his computer in Thonotosassa, and in November he had some shipped to him. Officials confiscated his Dell computer and external hard drive.
Sheriff's spokesman J.D. Callaway confirmed Friday that Marvin Thompson, 58, worked at the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office from 1982 to 2003.
Thompson was indicted in U.S. District Court on Wednesday, and booked into the Pinellas County Jail on Thursday.
The indictment says that in October 2008 Thompson knowingly tried to see a minor involved in "sexually explicit conduct" on his computer in Thonotosassa, and in November he had some shipped to him. Officials confiscated his Dell computer and external hard drive.
Taser Death of Jarrel Gray Will Go to Court
A federal judge ruled today that the wrongful death case against Frederick County, its sheriff's office and one of its deputies for the use of a Taser is going to trial.
On Nov. 18, 2007, Jarrel Gray died, hours after being tasered twice by Cpl. Rudy Torres.
The family of the 20-year-old Frederick man is seeking $145 million in damages.
"The family is elated that they will have their day in court," said Ted Williams, one of the lawyers representing Gray's parents.
A pretrial conference is set for September, at which time U.S. District Court Judge William Quarles will set court dates.
Williams anticipates the trial to get under way in early 2010.
On Nov. 18, 2007, Jarrel Gray died, hours after being tasered twice by Cpl. Rudy Torres.
The family of the 20-year-old Frederick man is seeking $145 million in damages.
"The family is elated that they will have their day in court," said Ted Williams, one of the lawyers representing Gray's parents.
A pretrial conference is set for September, at which time U.S. District Court Judge William Quarles will set court dates.
Williams anticipates the trial to get under way in early 2010.
Officer Christopher Sullivan Arrested for Domestic Violence
An off-duty Hartford police officer was arrested early Friday by Vernon police on domestic violence charges.
Christopher Sullivan, 34, of Old Town Road, was arraigned Friday in Superior Court in Rockville on charges of first-degree burglary, third-degree assault, second-degree threatening, breach of peace and unlawful restraint.
Vernon police said they were called at 2:33 a.m. to an apartment on South Street on a report of a domestic violence assault. The woman they met told them that she and Sullivan had been in an argument that escalated into an assault. She told officers that Sullivan held her down and threatened her.
The woman told police that she asked Sullivan to leave several times. He finally did, and she locked the door behind him, she told police. Sullivan then broke the door open and assaulted her again, police said.
Police found Sullivan at his apartment and took him into custody. His bail was set at $250,000.
Hartford Assistant Police Chief Neil Dryfe said Friday afternoon that Sullivan, according to department policy, has been suspended from his duties without pay. Sullivan has been a Hartford police officer for seven years.
Christopher Sullivan, 34, of Old Town Road, was arraigned Friday in Superior Court in Rockville on charges of first-degree burglary, third-degree assault, second-degree threatening, breach of peace and unlawful restraint.
Vernon police said they were called at 2:33 a.m. to an apartment on South Street on a report of a domestic violence assault. The woman they met told them that she and Sullivan had been in an argument that escalated into an assault. She told officers that Sullivan held her down and threatened her.
The woman told police that she asked Sullivan to leave several times. He finally did, and she locked the door behind him, she told police. Sullivan then broke the door open and assaulted her again, police said.
Police found Sullivan at his apartment and took him into custody. His bail was set at $250,000.
Hartford Assistant Police Chief Neil Dryfe said Friday afternoon that Sullivan, according to department policy, has been suspended from his duties without pay. Sullivan has been a Hartford police officer for seven years.
Former Officer Feliciano Sanchez Pleads Guilty to Sexual Assault
A former California police officer accused of sexually assaulting a motorist during a traffic stop pleaded guilty in federal court, federal prosecutors said Friday.
Federal prosecutors charged Feliciano Sanchez with deprivation of rights under color of law.
Feliciano Sanchez, 34, admitted in court Thursday that while on duty on May 16, 2007, he pulled over a female driver in a traffic stop and forced her to perform oral sex on him, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney Thomas O'Brien, who heads the office for the Central District.
Sanchez, then of Los Angeles County's Bell Police Department, stopped the woman for speeding or weaving down the road, said central California U.S. attorney spokesman Thom Mrozek, citing court documents.
After learning the woman, identified as R.H. in court documents, did not have a driver's license with her, Sanchez told her he suspected her of drinking and her car would be towed, Mrozek said.
Sanchez offered to drive R.H. to her job, but instead drove her to the parking lot of an auto repair outlet in Bell, Mrozek said.
Sanchez placed his hand on his gun and forced her to perform sex on him in his patrol car, Mrozek said. Afterward, Sanchez drove R.H. to her work place, Mrozek said.
"Officer Sanchez brutalized a person he had sworn to serve," O'Brien said in the release. "As a result of his criminal conduct, Mr. Sanchez now faces a substantial amount of time in federal prison. His conduct eroded public confidence in law enforcement and cast a pall over his former colleagues who obey the law, proudly working to preserve public safety."
Federal prosecutors charged Sanchez with a civil rights violation, according to the release.
The crime carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison upon sentencing. Sanchez has been held without bond since his arrest in May 2007, Mrozek said. Sanchez's sentencing is scheduled for November 18.
Sanchez resigned as an officer after his indictment, Bell Police Department Capt. Anthony Miranda said. Miranda said Sanchez's case was a first for the department.
Federal prosecutors charged Feliciano Sanchez with deprivation of rights under color of law.
Feliciano Sanchez, 34, admitted in court Thursday that while on duty on May 16, 2007, he pulled over a female driver in a traffic stop and forced her to perform oral sex on him, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney Thomas O'Brien, who heads the office for the Central District.
Sanchez, then of Los Angeles County's Bell Police Department, stopped the woman for speeding or weaving down the road, said central California U.S. attorney spokesman Thom Mrozek, citing court documents.
After learning the woman, identified as R.H. in court documents, did not have a driver's license with her, Sanchez told her he suspected her of drinking and her car would be towed, Mrozek said.
Sanchez offered to drive R.H. to her job, but instead drove her to the parking lot of an auto repair outlet in Bell, Mrozek said.
Sanchez placed his hand on his gun and forced her to perform sex on him in his patrol car, Mrozek said. Afterward, Sanchez drove R.H. to her work place, Mrozek said.
"Officer Sanchez brutalized a person he had sworn to serve," O'Brien said in the release. "As a result of his criminal conduct, Mr. Sanchez now faces a substantial amount of time in federal prison. His conduct eroded public confidence in law enforcement and cast a pall over his former colleagues who obey the law, proudly working to preserve public safety."
Federal prosecutors charged Sanchez with a civil rights violation, according to the release.
The crime carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison upon sentencing. Sanchez has been held without bond since his arrest in May 2007, Mrozek said. Sanchez's sentencing is scheduled for November 18.
Sanchez resigned as an officer after his indictment, Bell Police Department Capt. Anthony Miranda said. Miranda said Sanchez's case was a first for the department.
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Friday, July 17, 2009
Officer Bernard Hall Jr Arrested for Corruption
A second Benton Harbor police officer was arrested on Friday on similar corruption charges that sent a narcotics officer to prison earlier this year.
The U.S. Attorney’s office for the Western District of Michigan said narcotics supervisor Bernard Hall Jr., 33, of Benton Harbor, faces a three count indictment.
Hall supervised officer Andrew Thomas Collins, who was convicted of planting drug evidence and falsifying search warrants on Jan. 26.
He is serving a 37-month prison sentence.
Hall supervised Collins and other officers in the Benton Harbor Police Department’s narcotics unit, the FBI said.
Hall is accused of working with Collins in falsifying search warrants and planting drug evidence on suspected drug dealers and executing search warrants without proper probable cause.
He also is accused of unlawfully seizing personal property during drug raids and keeping money and property for his own use, Brian Delaney, criminal chief with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, said.
Count two of Hall’s indictment alleges that he made false statements during the federal grand jury investigating Collins.
"In particular the indictment alleges that Hall lied when he testified under oath that ‘I’ve never seen him (Collins) take money from anybody" and "I’ve never witnessed him (Collins) do anything illegal," Delaney said.
The third count alleges that Hall made false statements to the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office when he claimed he had overseen a drug deal by a confidential informant on Feb. 20, 2007 at 849 LaVette St., Delaney said.
"In truth and in fact" there was no drug purchase made at that time at that location, Delaney said.
Hall resigned from the police department and is scheduled for a hearing Friday in federal court in Grand Rapids.
Benton Harbor Police Chief Al Mingo and officials from the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the charges during a press conference Friday morning.
More than 100 drug cases and convictions that the two officers handled are being reviewed by the Berrien County Prosecutor’s Office and by federal prosecutors for possible dismissal.
Officer Joshua Gutierrez Arrested for Fighting Outside Bar
A school district police officer was arrested after a bachelor party got out of control at a South Side bar.
The officer, 29-year-old Joshua Gutierrez, was arrested at The Steer bar off of Southeast Military Drive. San Antonio Police arrested Gutierrez, who is Northside Independent School District police officer, after he allegedly got into a scuffle with a San Antonio police officer outside the bar as the bachelor party was ending.
According to police, Gutierrez and two of his brothers were asked to leave when the bar closed. The three men then allegedly started yelling at the bouncer as they moved into the parking lot.
San Antonio Police say when their officers arrived, they tried to arrest one of Gutierrez's brothers. According to the officers, Gutierrez then pulled one of the SAPD officers by the shoulder.
"At this point, he's been relieved of duty with pay, pending the outcome of the investigation," explained Captain Brad Mills of the Northside Independent School District Police Department.
Gutierrez has been with NISD as a police officer for nearly five years. Before that, he was a jailer for Bexar County.
"He's been a good officer during that period," Captain Mills told News 4 WOAI. "We haven't had any discipline problems during that period."
Gutierrez was jailed for interfering with the duties of a police officer. He was released on a $800 bond.
Officer Mike Trio Arrested for Sexual Battery
A Clifton Forge Police Officer is off the job, charged in a sexual abuse case.
Mike Gary Trio was indicted by the Alleghany County grand jury Wednesday.
Trio is charged with sexual battery and another sexually related offense.
Court documents show the woman Trio is accused of abusing is 18 years old. Trio is 51 years old.
Police Chief Barry Balser tells WSLS Trio has been on the force for about a year and a half. Balser says when the initial complaint was made in February, the case was immediately turned over to State Police and the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
Trio has been moved to a position in the town’s public works department, while the case is resolved.
Trio was released from jail on $10,000 bond.
Mike Gary Trio was indicted by the Alleghany County grand jury Wednesday.
Trio is charged with sexual battery and another sexually related offense.
Court documents show the woman Trio is accused of abusing is 18 years old. Trio is 51 years old.
Police Chief Barry Balser tells WSLS Trio has been on the force for about a year and a half. Balser says when the initial complaint was made in February, the case was immediately turned over to State Police and the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
Trio has been moved to a position in the town’s public works department, while the case is resolved.
Trio was released from jail on $10,000 bond.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Officer Cleveland Reynolds Arrested for Rape and Sodomy
A West Precinct officer has been charged with rape and sodomy, Birmingham police announced this evening.
A 23-year-old woman told police that Officer Cleveland Reynolds, who has been with the department for a year, sexually assaulted her while he was on duty.
Reynolds, who works the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift, is being held at the Jefferson County Jail on bonds totaling $120,000.
Police said the assault happened on July 9 in the western part of the city. Police spokesman Sgt. Johnny Williams declined to provide additional information about the incident.
Williams said he did not know if Reynolds has an attorney.
Reynolds is on paid administrative leave.
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http://www.nbc13.com/vtm/news/local/article/birmingham_police_officer_arrested_for_rape_and_sodomy/83586/
A 23-year-old woman told police that Officer Cleveland Reynolds, who has been with the department for a year, sexually assaulted her while he was on duty.
Reynolds, who works the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift, is being held at the Jefferson County Jail on bonds totaling $120,000.
Police said the assault happened on July 9 in the western part of the city. Police spokesman Sgt. Johnny Williams declined to provide additional information about the incident.
Williams said he did not know if Reynolds has an attorney.
Reynolds is on paid administrative leave.
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http://www.nbc13.com/vtm/news/local/article/birmingham_police_officer_arrested_for_rape_and_sodomy/83586/
Howard Goldstein Arrested on Child Sex Charges
A 10-year-veteran advanced medical technician at the Nassau County Police Department tried to seduce an investigator posing as a 13-year-old girl through chats over the Internet, Nassau police said, adding that he sent explicit pictures and sexually graphic language during the exchanges.
Howard Goldstein, 38, is charged with eight counts of first-degree attempted disseminating indecent material to a minor and 11 counts of attempted endangering the welfare of a child.
He was being held on $82,500 cash bail or bond after he was arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead Thursday.
He pleaded not guilty. He was represented by the Legal Aid Society and is due back in court Monday.
Investigators said Goldstein thought he was communicating with a 13-year-old girl, but was actually corresponding with an officer.
The exchanges began in July last year with a New York State Police investigator in Albany. Nassau police arrested Goldstein Wednesday night.
"They were posing as a 13-year-old female and they got hits on this person," said Nassau police spokesman Det. Lt. Kevin Smith. "This particular unit scans the Internet for child predators. . . . That individual made sexually explicit comments via the Internet."
Goldstein, police said, eventually tried to arrange for the girl to take a Greyhound bus to Penn Station and then a Long Island Rail Road train to Rockville Centre.
He never followed through on the plan to meet the girl Tuesday, police said, but officers arrested him the next day.
"Subsequently that individual was locked up" after his ambulance bureau shift was finished and while he was on his way home from work, Smith said.
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http://www.newsday.com/news/local/nassau/ny-licop1712978469jul16,0,6766362.story
Howard Goldstein, 38, is charged with eight counts of first-degree attempted disseminating indecent material to a minor and 11 counts of attempted endangering the welfare of a child.
He was being held on $82,500 cash bail or bond after he was arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead Thursday.
He pleaded not guilty. He was represented by the Legal Aid Society and is due back in court Monday.
Investigators said Goldstein thought he was communicating with a 13-year-old girl, but was actually corresponding with an officer.
The exchanges began in July last year with a New York State Police investigator in Albany. Nassau police arrested Goldstein Wednesday night.
"They were posing as a 13-year-old female and they got hits on this person," said Nassau police spokesman Det. Lt. Kevin Smith. "This particular unit scans the Internet for child predators. . . . That individual made sexually explicit comments via the Internet."
Goldstein, police said, eventually tried to arrange for the girl to take a Greyhound bus to Penn Station and then a Long Island Rail Road train to Rockville Centre.
He never followed through on the plan to meet the girl Tuesday, police said, but officers arrested him the next day.
"Subsequently that individual was locked up" after his ambulance bureau shift was finished and while he was on his way home from work, Smith said.
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http://www.newsday.com/news/local/nassau/ny-licop1712978469jul16,0,6766362.story
Deputy Christopher Pierce Arrested for Online Sexual Conversations
A former Onondaga County Sheriff's Deputy has been arrested in Ulster County. Police there say Christopher Pierce had numerous sexual online conversations over the last few months with someone he thought was a 14-year-old girl. That person was actually an undercover sheriff's deputy.
Pierce is now charged with one count of attempted disseminating indecent materials to a minor. The Onondaga County Sheriff's Department helping in the investigation by seizing three computers and other computer related evidence from Pierce's home in Clay.
The Onondaga County Sheriff's Department tells Action News Pierce resigned from his job on Wednesday, before he was arrested. Pierce worked in the Jail Division.
Pierce is now charged with one count of attempted disseminating indecent materials to a minor. The Onondaga County Sheriff's Department helping in the investigation by seizing three computers and other computer related evidence from Pierce's home in Clay.
The Onondaga County Sheriff's Department tells Action News Pierce resigned from his job on Wednesday, before he was arrested. Pierce worked in the Jail Division.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Probation Officer Armando Mora Arrested for Cocaine Trafficking
A federal probation officer is expected to a face a judge after being arrested in a cocaine trafficking and bribery case.
U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested Armando Mora on Wednesday.
Authorities said the 36-year-old Edinburg man worked as a federal probation officer in Rio Grande City.
Federal prosecutors told Action 4 News that Mora is accused of taking thousands of dollars in bribes to conduct background checks on truck drivers for a local drug trafficking organization.
Investigators believe that Mora told drug traffickers not to hire two drivers because they were undercover agents.
A third truck driver was not hired because he was an FBI informant who was on probation and supervised by Mora.
Investigators believe Mora worked for the drug trafficking organization between February and June 2009 allowing them to move 738 pounds of cocaine.
The 36-year-old man remains in custody where he is expected to appear before U.S. Magistrate Court Judge Peter Ormsby on Thursday morning.
If convicted, Mora could 10 years up to life in prison and millions of dollars in fines for the drug trafficking charge.
The bribery charge is punishable up to 15 years in prison and thousands in fines.
U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested Armando Mora on Wednesday.
Authorities said the 36-year-old Edinburg man worked as a federal probation officer in Rio Grande City.
Federal prosecutors told Action 4 News that Mora is accused of taking thousands of dollars in bribes to conduct background checks on truck drivers for a local drug trafficking organization.
Investigators believe that Mora told drug traffickers not to hire two drivers because they were undercover agents.
A third truck driver was not hired because he was an FBI informant who was on probation and supervised by Mora.
Investigators believe Mora worked for the drug trafficking organization between February and June 2009 allowing them to move 738 pounds of cocaine.
The 36-year-old man remains in custody where he is expected to appear before U.S. Magistrate Court Judge Peter Ormsby on Thursday morning.
If convicted, Mora could 10 years up to life in prison and millions of dollars in fines for the drug trafficking charge.
The bribery charge is punishable up to 15 years in prison and thousands in fines.
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