A Sarpy County Sheriff’s deputy was arrested Sunday on suspicion of domestic abuse.
The deputy, Dana Harrah, has been with the sheriff’s office for nine years.
She was booked into Cass County Jail and released Monday morning after posting bail.
Sarpy County Sheriff Jeff Davis said deputies from his office received a call about a possible domestic abuse situation Sunday. Upon arrival, deputies found out a sheriff’s office employee might be involved. Davis said Bellevue police, Papillion police and the Nebraska State Patrol were called to investigate.
Davis said in such situations, an employee is placed on paid administrative leave while the matter is investigated. An internal affairs investigation is underway, Davis said.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Officer James Stackhouse Investigated for Relationship with 12-year-old
A Metro police officer has quit after 17 years following allegations that he had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a child.
Officer James Stackhouse joined the Metro Police Department in September 1992. He was a field training officer with the Hermitage precinct until last Tuesday, but his career as a police officer began to unravel Sunday night.
"In the early morning of Aug. 3, Officer Stackhouse was called in and was presented with the allegations and was questioned or talked to about the allegations," said Metro police spokesman Don Aaron. "They were very serious, and a situation like this warranted his immediate decommissioning and the admonishment that disciplinary action would begin immediately."
Sources told Channel 4 News the child involved is a 12-year-old girl who lives in Wilson County but that the Clay County Sheriff's Office is handling the investigation since the alleged incident happened on Dale Hollow Lake.
Metro police said they informed Stackhouse of the allegations on Monday morning and that he submitted a one-sentence, handwritten resignation Tuesday.
"He did not work in between the third and the fourth," Aaron said. "He was decommissioned or had no police power from the point that he was informed of the allegations."
Stackhouse's personnel file shows a number of commendations and that he won Officer of the Month in 2006, 2008 and 2009.
He has been disciplined twice, according to the documents, including a three-day suspension in 2006 for contacting a known felon that he met on duty to pursue a personal relationship.
No charges have been filed based on the investigation against Stackhouse.
Sources said the facts of the investigation will likely be sent to the grand jury.
Video: Officer Resigns After Alleged Relationship With Child
Officer James Stackhouse joined the Metro Police Department in September 1992. He was a field training officer with the Hermitage precinct until last Tuesday, but his career as a police officer began to unravel Sunday night.
"In the early morning of Aug. 3, Officer Stackhouse was called in and was presented with the allegations and was questioned or talked to about the allegations," said Metro police spokesman Don Aaron. "They were very serious, and a situation like this warranted his immediate decommissioning and the admonishment that disciplinary action would begin immediately."
Sources told Channel 4 News the child involved is a 12-year-old girl who lives in Wilson County but that the Clay County Sheriff's Office is handling the investigation since the alleged incident happened on Dale Hollow Lake.
Metro police said they informed Stackhouse of the allegations on Monday morning and that he submitted a one-sentence, handwritten resignation Tuesday.
"He did not work in between the third and the fourth," Aaron said. "He was decommissioned or had no police power from the point that he was informed of the allegations."
Stackhouse's personnel file shows a number of commendations and that he won Officer of the Month in 2006, 2008 and 2009.
He has been disciplined twice, according to the documents, including a three-day suspension in 2006 for contacting a known felon that he met on duty to pursue a personal relationship.
No charges have been filed based on the investigation against Stackhouse.
Sources said the facts of the investigation will likely be sent to the grand jury.
Video: Officer Resigns After Alleged Relationship With Child
Trial Begins for Sgt Matthew Dougil
The trial of a Gig Harbor police sergeant accused of filing false police reports began Monday in Pierce County Superior Court.
Matthew Dougil is charged with two felony counts of perjury and one misdemeanor count of making a false or misleading statement to a public servant. He has pleaded not guilty and is on unpaid leave from his job until the criminal case against him is resolved.
Prosecutors allege the 11-year veteran of the Gig Harbor force lied in police reports he filed as part of a drug investigation that resulted in two people being convicted. The convictions since have been vacated, and the city paid $45,000 in damages to a third man who was ordered to attend drug court as part of the case.
Investigators contend in court documents that, among other things, Dougil wrote in an official report that police searched a confidential informant who was used to buy drugs from the men when in fact the informant was not searched before the transaction.
The supervisor of the prosecuting attorney’s office drug unit later told colleagues he would not have prosecuted the men had he known Dougil was alleged to have lied on the reports, according to documents filed in the case.
Dougil’s attorney, Brett Purtzer, has said his client is innocent and intends to present a vigorous defense.
Testimony before Superior Court Judge Rosanne Buckner is expected to last about a week.
Matthew Dougil is charged with two felony counts of perjury and one misdemeanor count of making a false or misleading statement to a public servant. He has pleaded not guilty and is on unpaid leave from his job until the criminal case against him is resolved.
Prosecutors allege the 11-year veteran of the Gig Harbor force lied in police reports he filed as part of a drug investigation that resulted in two people being convicted. The convictions since have been vacated, and the city paid $45,000 in damages to a third man who was ordered to attend drug court as part of the case.
Investigators contend in court documents that, among other things, Dougil wrote in an official report that police searched a confidential informant who was used to buy drugs from the men when in fact the informant was not searched before the transaction.
The supervisor of the prosecuting attorney’s office drug unit later told colleagues he would not have prosecuted the men had he known Dougil was alleged to have lied on the reports, according to documents filed in the case.
Dougil’s attorney, Brett Purtzer, has said his client is innocent and intends to present a vigorous defense.
Testimony before Superior Court Judge Rosanne Buckner is expected to last about a week.
Lt. John Sherman Charged with Battery
Authorities say a Martinsburg police lieutenant charged with battery apparently was upset about inappropriate online messages another man allegedly sent to his wife.
John Sherman is accused of striking Larry "Tike" Murphy Thursday night while Murphy was attending his daughter's cheerleading practice at the Martinsburg Church of Christ.
Murphy told police that the 45-year-old Sherman screamed profanities at him and accused him of sending inappropriate messages to Sherman's wife via the social networking sites MySpace and Facebook.
The content of the messages was unknown.
Sherman is on administrative leave with pay.
His attorney, Harley Wagner, urged the public to reserve judgment against the 19-year veteran.
John Sherman is accused of striking Larry "Tike" Murphy Thursday night while Murphy was attending his daughter's cheerleading practice at the Martinsburg Church of Christ.
Murphy told police that the 45-year-old Sherman screamed profanities at him and accused him of sending inappropriate messages to Sherman's wife via the social networking sites MySpace and Facebook.
The content of the messages was unknown.
Sherman is on administrative leave with pay.
His attorney, Harley Wagner, urged the public to reserve judgment against the 19-year veteran.
Deputy Joseph Dejoie Arrested for Pointing Gun at People
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy has been arrested after he allegedly pointed a gun at two people in Pensacola.
Deputy Joseph Dejoie, a 15 year veteran with the Escambia Sheriff’s Office was involved in a incident within the city limits of Pensacola last Monday, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office.
“After an investigation conducted by the Pensacola Police Department, a warrant was issued and served on Deputy Dejoie today, charging him with two counts of aggravated assault,” Ted Roy, spokesperson for the ECSO, said Tuesday afternoon. Bond was set at $500.
“The investigation determined Dejoie could not adequately justify to the satisfaction of the detective and the State Attorney’s Office his actions in pointing the firearm,” said Pensacola Assistant Chief Chip W. Simmons.
The incident began around 3:15 p.m. August 3 in the 800 block of Scenic Highway after Dejoie, who was driving an Infiniti G35, stopped suddenly in the middle of the road, causing the driver of a Jeep Cherokee to slam on its brakes, according to Pensacola Police.
The driver of the other vehicle – Dylan Johnson, 21, of Pensacola – honked his horn at Dejoie. This resulted in an exchange of profanities and insults between occupants of both vehicles, which continued westbound on Cervantes Street, according to police reports. Dejoie is accused of pointing a handgun at Johnson and a 15-year-old male passenger in his vehicle on East Cervantes Street and the Bayou Texar Bridge.
The victims told police they turned north on 19th Avenue to escape, and called 911 to report the incident. Dejoie also called 911 at about the same time.
Deputy Dejoie is currently on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the case, according to Roy.
Deputy Joseph Dejoie, a 15 year veteran with the Escambia Sheriff’s Office was involved in a incident within the city limits of Pensacola last Monday, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office.
“After an investigation conducted by the Pensacola Police Department, a warrant was issued and served on Deputy Dejoie today, charging him with two counts of aggravated assault,” Ted Roy, spokesperson for the ECSO, said Tuesday afternoon. Bond was set at $500.
“The investigation determined Dejoie could not adequately justify to the satisfaction of the detective and the State Attorney’s Office his actions in pointing the firearm,” said Pensacola Assistant Chief Chip W. Simmons.
The incident began around 3:15 p.m. August 3 in the 800 block of Scenic Highway after Dejoie, who was driving an Infiniti G35, stopped suddenly in the middle of the road, causing the driver of a Jeep Cherokee to slam on its brakes, according to Pensacola Police.
The driver of the other vehicle – Dylan Johnson, 21, of Pensacola – honked his horn at Dejoie. This resulted in an exchange of profanities and insults between occupants of both vehicles, which continued westbound on Cervantes Street, according to police reports. Dejoie is accused of pointing a handgun at Johnson and a 15-year-old male passenger in his vehicle on East Cervantes Street and the Bayou Texar Bridge.
The victims told police they turned north on 19th Avenue to escape, and called 911 to report the incident. Dejoie also called 911 at about the same time.
Deputy Dejoie is currently on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the case, according to Roy.
Ex-Sheriff Charlie Morris Sentenced to 6 Years
A former head of the Florida Sheriffs’ Association has been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison in a money laundering and corruption case.
Ex-sheriff Charlie Morris apologized to his north Florida county and former employees before he was sentenced Tuesday to 71 months. The sentence was near the maximum allowed. U.S. District Judge Lacey Collier told Morris he had abused his office and betrayed the public’s trust.
FBI agents arrested Morris in February in Las Vegas. He had $30,000 cash in a hotel safe and $5,000 in his pockets at the time.
The government traced the money back to a scheme in which Morris and Adams deposited bonus checks in employees’ accounts and asked the workers to return a portion of the money in cash.
Ex-sheriff Charlie Morris apologized to his north Florida county and former employees before he was sentenced Tuesday to 71 months. The sentence was near the maximum allowed. U.S. District Judge Lacey Collier told Morris he had abused his office and betrayed the public’s trust.
FBI agents arrested Morris in February in Las Vegas. He had $30,000 cash in a hotel safe and $5,000 in his pockets at the time.
The government traced the money back to a scheme in which Morris and Adams deposited bonus checks in employees’ accounts and asked the workers to return a portion of the money in cash.
Byron Shane Burkhart Indicted for Indecency with Child
A 41-year-old former Seguin Police Department officer has been indicted on charges of indecency with a child.
District Attorney Heather Hollub said grand jurors handed up a three-count indictment of Byron Shane Burkhart for the alleged indecency with a child under age 17 by sexual contact.
If proved at trial, the allegation is a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Since Burkhart has no prior criminal offenses, he could also get probation.
“It’s always troubling when those we entrust with protecting us commit criminal offenses,” Hollub said. “My office will prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law.”
The Seguin Police Department brought the allegations against Burkhart forward after being informed by school officials and members of an outside law enforcement agency of an alleged inappropriate relationship between Burkhart and the girl believed to have taken place back in February.
Police officials asked for independent investigations by the Texas Rangers and by Hollub’s investigator, Frank Allenger. Burkhart is one of two Seguin police officers who came under a cloud of sexual suspicion last spring in separate, unrelated incidents. He resigned his position in late May.
The second officer, who quit his job in June after being placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation into an allegation involving an adult woman, has not been charged with a criminal offense.
Kelso informed Burkhart of the allegations in a May 29 letter telling the officer he was contemplating firing him. That letter was released by the city of Seguin in response to a request filed by the Seguin Gazette Enterprise under the Texas Public Information Act.
“I am considering termination of your employment for conduct unbecoming an officer of the Seguin Police Department,” Kelso wrote. “Specifically, it is alleged by two local educators that you have engaged in an improper relationship with a minor child and that you are responsible for inappropriate communications (text messages) with that child.”
Kelso informed Burkhart of his expected behavior as a city employee.
“You are a public servant and as such, you are held to the highest standard of ethical conduct,” Kelso said. “Consistent with that level of public trust, the behavior alleged certainly would not be considered to be in the best interest of the City of Seguin and therefore would subject you to discipline up to and including termination.”
The indicted charges suggest there was more involved in the relationship than texts or e-mails.
Under section 21.11 of the Texas Penal Code, Indecency with a child by sexual contact is defined as, “ ... any touching by a person, including touching through clothing, of the anus, breast or any part of the genitals of a child ... .”
Kelso and city officials declined to discuss the allegations against Burkhart on Monday.
The important thing, Kelso said, is that the community not regard allegations against one officer as a reflection on the behavior of the rest of the 65 members of the SPD. As soon as the allegations were made, they were investigated at the behest of the police department, with its cooperation, Kelso said.
“We’ve been proactive in this situation. Any time an allegation is made against any police officer it will be investigated and action will be taken that is appropriate to the outcome of that investigation. The department should be judged by the way the allegation or incident is handled as opposed to the improprieties of an employee. It is difficult to monitor every moment of each officer both on and off duty, but we expect them to abide by the rules governing their employment.”
Burkhart was an eight-year veteran of the SPD. No pre-trial hearing dates had been set Monday.
The Seguin Police Department has cooperated openly and completely in the investigations, Hollub said.
District Attorney Heather Hollub said grand jurors handed up a three-count indictment of Byron Shane Burkhart for the alleged indecency with a child under age 17 by sexual contact.
If proved at trial, the allegation is a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Since Burkhart has no prior criminal offenses, he could also get probation.
“It’s always troubling when those we entrust with protecting us commit criminal offenses,” Hollub said. “My office will prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law.”
The Seguin Police Department brought the allegations against Burkhart forward after being informed by school officials and members of an outside law enforcement agency of an alleged inappropriate relationship between Burkhart and the girl believed to have taken place back in February.
Police officials asked for independent investigations by the Texas Rangers and by Hollub’s investigator, Frank Allenger. Burkhart is one of two Seguin police officers who came under a cloud of sexual suspicion last spring in separate, unrelated incidents. He resigned his position in late May.
The second officer, who quit his job in June after being placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation into an allegation involving an adult woman, has not been charged with a criminal offense.
Kelso informed Burkhart of the allegations in a May 29 letter telling the officer he was contemplating firing him. That letter was released by the city of Seguin in response to a request filed by the Seguin Gazette Enterprise under the Texas Public Information Act.
“I am considering termination of your employment for conduct unbecoming an officer of the Seguin Police Department,” Kelso wrote. “Specifically, it is alleged by two local educators that you have engaged in an improper relationship with a minor child and that you are responsible for inappropriate communications (text messages) with that child.”
Kelso informed Burkhart of his expected behavior as a city employee.
“You are a public servant and as such, you are held to the highest standard of ethical conduct,” Kelso said. “Consistent with that level of public trust, the behavior alleged certainly would not be considered to be in the best interest of the City of Seguin and therefore would subject you to discipline up to and including termination.”
The indicted charges suggest there was more involved in the relationship than texts or e-mails.
Under section 21.11 of the Texas Penal Code, Indecency with a child by sexual contact is defined as, “ ... any touching by a person, including touching through clothing, of the anus, breast or any part of the genitals of a child ... .”
Kelso and city officials declined to discuss the allegations against Burkhart on Monday.
The important thing, Kelso said, is that the community not regard allegations against one officer as a reflection on the behavior of the rest of the 65 members of the SPD. As soon as the allegations were made, they were investigated at the behest of the police department, with its cooperation, Kelso said.
“We’ve been proactive in this situation. Any time an allegation is made against any police officer it will be investigated and action will be taken that is appropriate to the outcome of that investigation. The department should be judged by the way the allegation or incident is handled as opposed to the improprieties of an employee. It is difficult to monitor every moment of each officer both on and off duty, but we expect them to abide by the rules governing their employment.”
Burkhart was an eight-year veteran of the SPD. No pre-trial hearing dates had been set Monday.
The Seguin Police Department has cooperated openly and completely in the investigations, Hollub said.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Anthony Votta Arrested for Beating Pregnant Wife
A Marion County corrections officer was arrested Sunday on suspicion of beating his pregnant wife.
Anthony Votta, 31, was arrested at about 3 p.m. at his Marion County home on a charge of felony battery on a pregnant person.
Deputies said Votta admitted he battered his wife, who is four months pregnant, during an argument.
Votta's wife was not injured, and Votta has been placed on unpaid leave while an investigation is conducted into the allegations.
Votta has been with the Marion County Sheriff's Office since 2003.
Anthony Votta, 31, was arrested at about 3 p.m. at his Marion County home on a charge of felony battery on a pregnant person.
Deputies said Votta admitted he battered his wife, who is four months pregnant, during an argument.
Votta's wife was not injured, and Votta has been placed on unpaid leave while an investigation is conducted into the allegations.
Votta has been with the Marion County Sheriff's Office since 2003.
Dominic Boulter Accused of Soliciting Minor
A Canadian citizen employed with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office detention center has been accused of using the Internet to solicit minors for sex.
Dominic Boulter, 51, a six-year veteran of the sheriff's office, has been using the Web since January to seek out and chat with minors ages 13 to 17, investigators said in a Maricopa County court document.
Two girls admitted to chatting with Boulter and sending him naked pictures of themselves, which investigators found on his computer. In all, investigators have identified eight girls in different states across the country who communicated with Boulter.
Boulter, a married resident of Sun City, sent naked photos of himself as well as pornographic pictures and videos to the girls, investigators said.
Boulter told the girls he was 15, but also gave them the ages 27 and 32. He identified himself to the girls as a police officer.
Boulter in an initial interview with investigators admitted to sending harmful images to a minor and encouraging her to masturbate while they were chatting via text messages and using a web camera. He also admitted in the interview that he knew she was a minor.
It's behavior Boulter's Sun City neighbors said was way out of character.
"I'm shocked because we've talked a few times and he's always been very productive of everyone," said neighbor
Boulter did not make additional statements when investigators confronted him with evidence of communication with other girls, investigators said.
Charges against Boulter include four counts of obscene material and transmitting it to a minor; two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of unlawful age representation.
Boulter has been a detention officer with MCSO since May 2003.
He was being held on a $20,000 bond.
Dominic Boulter, 51, a six-year veteran of the sheriff's office, has been using the Web since January to seek out and chat with minors ages 13 to 17, investigators said in a Maricopa County court document.
Two girls admitted to chatting with Boulter and sending him naked pictures of themselves, which investigators found on his computer. In all, investigators have identified eight girls in different states across the country who communicated with Boulter.
Boulter, a married resident of Sun City, sent naked photos of himself as well as pornographic pictures and videos to the girls, investigators said.
Boulter told the girls he was 15, but also gave them the ages 27 and 32. He identified himself to the girls as a police officer.
Boulter in an initial interview with investigators admitted to sending harmful images to a minor and encouraging her to masturbate while they were chatting via text messages and using a web camera. He also admitted in the interview that he knew she was a minor.
It's behavior Boulter's Sun City neighbors said was way out of character.
"I'm shocked because we've talked a few times and he's always been very productive of everyone," said neighbor
Boulter did not make additional statements when investigators confronted him with evidence of communication with other girls, investigators said.
Charges against Boulter include four counts of obscene material and transmitting it to a minor; two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of unlawful age representation.
Boulter has been a detention officer with MCSO since May 2003.
He was being held on a $20,000 bond.
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Officer Donald L Silcott Arrested for Sexual Battery on Minor
A veteran Jacksonville Sheriffs Officer has been arrested on charges of sexual battery and lewd and lascivious battery on a juvenile.
Sheriff John Rutherford's office announced the arrest of 47 year-old Donald L. Silcott. He was arrested at his Orange Park home.
The alleged victim is a female who was known to Silcott, but police are not elaborating on their relationship
Silcott is a 19 year veteran of the JSO, working as an evidence technician.
Silcott is being held in the Duval County Jail.
Any time an allegation or suspicion of criminal activity involving a JSO employee ccurs, the Integrity Unit investigates. They brought in our Sex Crimes Unit, and upon investigation (and working with the State Attorney's Office) determined that charges would be filed and an arrest made," said Sheriff John Rutherford.
Silcott's status with the JSO was not clear.
_________________________
http://www.jacksonville.com/news/metro/crime/2009-08-08/story/jacksonville_officer_charged_with_sexual_battery_on_minor
Sheriff John Rutherford's office announced the arrest of 47 year-old Donald L. Silcott. He was arrested at his Orange Park home.
The alleged victim is a female who was known to Silcott, but police are not elaborating on their relationship
Silcott is a 19 year veteran of the JSO, working as an evidence technician.
Silcott is being held in the Duval County Jail.
Any time an allegation or suspicion of criminal activity involving a JSO employee ccurs, the Integrity Unit investigates. They brought in our Sex Crimes Unit, and upon investigation (and working with the State Attorney's Office) determined that charges would be filed and an arrest made," said Sheriff John Rutherford.
Silcott's status with the JSO was not clear.
_________________________
http://www.jacksonville.com/news/metro/crime/2009-08-08/story/jacksonville_officer_charged_with_sexual_battery_on_minor
Deputy Rich Lohbauer Arrested for Buying Prescription Narcotics
A Marion County Sheriff's deputy has been arrested for allegedly buying prescription narcotics.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement began investigating deputy Rich Lohbauer in May after the sheriff's office received a tip he may be buying pills.
On Friday, FDLE officers allegedly saw Lohbauer approach a woman's car and make an exchange. After being stopped, Lohbauer allegedly admitted buying 16 oxycodone pills for $100.
Chief of Staff Tim Wilder says Lohbauer was a good employee, and the arrest shocked him.
It was the second time in just over a week a Marion County deputy ended up in trouble. Earlier, Darius Harper was arrested for allegedly soliciting a prostitute.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement began investigating deputy Rich Lohbauer in May after the sheriff's office received a tip he may be buying pills.
On Friday, FDLE officers allegedly saw Lohbauer approach a woman's car and make an exchange. After being stopped, Lohbauer allegedly admitted buying 16 oxycodone pills for $100.
Chief of Staff Tim Wilder says Lohbauer was a good employee, and the arrest shocked him.
It was the second time in just over a week a Marion County deputy ended up in trouble. Earlier, Darius Harper was arrested for allegedly soliciting a prostitute.
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Officer Joseph Harrison Arrested for Stealing Drugs from Neighbors
A Clatskanie police officer resigned Tuesday after being arrested on charges he stole drugs from his neighbors.
Joseph Harrison broke into two Clatskanie homes to steal Vicodin and oxycodone, according to probable cause documents. A timeline provided by the Attorney General's office claims the first burglary occurred in mid-April and the second burglary took place on April 28.
While being interviewed this week, Harrison told investigators that he was on duty and in uniform during the second burglary, according to the court documents.
"I am kind of sad that it's an officer in my community that got in trouble," said Joseph Maes, who lives in Clatskanie. "Really, it's a disgrace to this town. (I) know it doesn't make our town look good."
The victims in the case did not want to be identified Wednesday.
The Clatskanie Police Chief said the allegations were a "bombshell." Harrison, who was jailed on charges of burglary, theft and official misconduct, was a 9-year veteran of the Clatskanie Police Department.
"For me, to find out that he was really like this was a let down to me and I'm sure to a lot of the community around here," Maes said.
Joseph Harrison broke into two Clatskanie homes to steal Vicodin and oxycodone, according to probable cause documents. A timeline provided by the Attorney General's office claims the first burglary occurred in mid-April and the second burglary took place on April 28.
While being interviewed this week, Harrison told investigators that he was on duty and in uniform during the second burglary, according to the court documents.
"I am kind of sad that it's an officer in my community that got in trouble," said Joseph Maes, who lives in Clatskanie. "Really, it's a disgrace to this town. (I) know it doesn't make our town look good."
The victims in the case did not want to be identified Wednesday.
The Clatskanie Police Chief said the allegations were a "bombshell." Harrison, who was jailed on charges of burglary, theft and official misconduct, was a 9-year veteran of the Clatskanie Police Department.
"For me, to find out that he was really like this was a let down to me and I'm sure to a lot of the community around here," Maes said.
Officer Dewey Pressley Accused of Lying
A Hollywood police officer under investigation after he was recorded discussing how to doctor a woman's arrest report last February is now accused of lying about the existance of a video in a separate arrest.
Officer Dewey Pressley lied during court proceedings about details of an August 2008 arrest involving Steven Berglund after saying the video that recorded the arrest did not exist, said Berglund's attorney Robert Reiff.
According to court depositions, Pressley said last February that he did not record Berglund's DUI arrest because of issues with the department's in-car camera system.
However, Reiff had already received a copy of the video recorded by Pressley's in-car dash camera.
Some details of the arrest laid out by Pressley in his deposition and a transcript of the video, both supplied to The Miami Herald by Reiff, are inconsistent.
``His version of the facts greatly diverged from what appeared on the video that had been recorded,'' Reiff wrote in his motion.
Berglund pleaded no contest July 9 to reduced charges after the state attorney's office learned of Pressley's testimony. Berglund received three years probation, 30 days in a Broward jail and a 10-year suspension of his driver's license, Reiff's motion states.
Now, after learning video existed of Pressley allegedly falsifying a police report during a Feb. 17 crash involving Hollywood officer Joel Francisco and 23-year-old Alexandra Torrens-Vilas, Reiff is looking to fight the charges.
``I'm sure part of it was mistake on his part,'' Reiff said of Pressley's accounts during the deposition.
``But it is also indicative of a culture of embellishment.''
Pressley could not be reached for comment.
Jeff Marano, senior vice president for the Police Benevolent Association, said Reiff and other attorneys are just piling on the recent allegations against Pressley, who he said is a ``thorough investigator.''
``If the state felt it was a material lie and Pressley was clearly intentionally perjuring himself then the state would have moved ahead and dismissed'' the case, said Marano, a retired Hollywood police lieutenant.
The latest allegation comes as defense attorneys continue to pick apart cases involving Pressley and the four other Hollywood police officers accused of doctoring Torrens-Vilas' DUI arrest report.
Two cannabis possession cases against a juvenile have already been dropped and the Public Defender's office is currently reviewing numerous cases pending and closed to see if they could be affected.
``We're pulling old cases,'' said Mindy Solomon, chief assistant public defender.
``We have really made a decision to prioritize this and really work through them.''
Ron Ishoy, a state attorney's office spokesman, said Friday that together, the officers are listed as potential witnesses in 110 felony cases and 250 misdemeanor cases -- though he said the number of affected cases will be less because some of the officers are witnesses on the same case.
Along with Pressley and Francisco, Sgt. Andrew Diaz, Community Service Officer Karim Thomas and Crime Scene Technician Andrea Tomassi are also under investigation.
Officer Dewey Pressley lied during court proceedings about details of an August 2008 arrest involving Steven Berglund after saying the video that recorded the arrest did not exist, said Berglund's attorney Robert Reiff.
According to court depositions, Pressley said last February that he did not record Berglund's DUI arrest because of issues with the department's in-car camera system.
However, Reiff had already received a copy of the video recorded by Pressley's in-car dash camera.
Some details of the arrest laid out by Pressley in his deposition and a transcript of the video, both supplied to The Miami Herald by Reiff, are inconsistent.
``His version of the facts greatly diverged from what appeared on the video that had been recorded,'' Reiff wrote in his motion.
Berglund pleaded no contest July 9 to reduced charges after the state attorney's office learned of Pressley's testimony. Berglund received three years probation, 30 days in a Broward jail and a 10-year suspension of his driver's license, Reiff's motion states.
Now, after learning video existed of Pressley allegedly falsifying a police report during a Feb. 17 crash involving Hollywood officer Joel Francisco and 23-year-old Alexandra Torrens-Vilas, Reiff is looking to fight the charges.
``I'm sure part of it was mistake on his part,'' Reiff said of Pressley's accounts during the deposition.
``But it is also indicative of a culture of embellishment.''
Pressley could not be reached for comment.
Jeff Marano, senior vice president for the Police Benevolent Association, said Reiff and other attorneys are just piling on the recent allegations against Pressley, who he said is a ``thorough investigator.''
``If the state felt it was a material lie and Pressley was clearly intentionally perjuring himself then the state would have moved ahead and dismissed'' the case, said Marano, a retired Hollywood police lieutenant.
The latest allegation comes as defense attorneys continue to pick apart cases involving Pressley and the four other Hollywood police officers accused of doctoring Torrens-Vilas' DUI arrest report.
Two cannabis possession cases against a juvenile have already been dropped and the Public Defender's office is currently reviewing numerous cases pending and closed to see if they could be affected.
``We're pulling old cases,'' said Mindy Solomon, chief assistant public defender.
``We have really made a decision to prioritize this and really work through them.''
Ron Ishoy, a state attorney's office spokesman, said Friday that together, the officers are listed as potential witnesses in 110 felony cases and 250 misdemeanor cases -- though he said the number of affected cases will be less because some of the officers are witnesses on the same case.
Along with Pressley and Francisco, Sgt. Andrew Diaz, Community Service Officer Karim Thomas and Crime Scene Technician Andrea Tomassi are also under investigation.
Deputy Gladys Dauphin Arrested for Attacking Inmate
For the second time in less than a week, a Broward Sheriff's Office deputy has been arrested and charged with criminal misconduct while on-duty.
Detention deputy Gladys Dauphin was charged Wednesday with aggravated battery and official misconduct after an internal investigation found that she attacked an inmate with her portable radio and then tried to cover up the incident.
BSO announced the charges Thursday, one day after Dauphin was arrested by Internal Affairs investigators.
The alleged attack happened about 2:30 a.m. on Feb. 20 inside inmate Darryl Cunningham's cell in the Broward main jail, according to an arrest affidavit filed by Detective Joe Kessling.
`DISFIGUREMENT'
The affidavit states that Dauphin, 37, entered Cunningham's cell to talk to him because he had disrespected her.
She had Cunningham sit on his bed and then struck him several times toward the back of his head with her police radio, he told investigators.
``The injuries resulted in permanent scarring and disfigurement,'' Kessling wrote in the report.
Cunningham, 25, received five staples in the jail infirmary after the incident to close a laceration.
``I got him,'' Dauphin allegedly said to Sgt. Edward Pierce after the incident.
Dauphin then tried to cover up the attack, using another deputy's identity to falsify jail records to show that Cunningham refused treatment after falling, according to the affidavit.
BSO spokeswoman Veda Coleman-Wright said the attack was reported on the day in which it occurred. Dauphin, who was hired in December of 2004, was placed on suspension with pay the day of the incident and throughout the following investigation.
SUSPENDED
Dauphin bonded out of jail Wednesday on $6,100 and has been suspended without pay.
She did not respond to a message left on her voicemail late Thursday afternoon.
Cunningham, who was in jail after being picked up on several warrants filed by Wilton Manors and Fort Lauderdale police, was released to the custody of the U.S. Marshals on March 6.
He is currently being held at the Federal Detention Center in Miami on charges of felony possession of a firearm, U.S. Marshals spokesman Barry Golden said.
Dauphin's arrest comes three days after Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti held a news conference to announce the arrest of Deputy Jonathan Bleiweiss, who is charged with more than a dozen counts of battery, sexual battery, stalking and false imprisonment.
Investigators say Bleiweiss, who in March was honored as employee of the year for the Broward Sheriff's Office's Oakland Park District, preyed on undocumented immigrants, molesting them while on duty.
Bleiweiss' attorney has said there is no reason to believe the accusations against the deputy.
`ARRESTING OUR OWN'
Coleman-Wright said Thursday that the arrested deputies shouldn't be a black eye for the sheriff's office.
``We're certainly disappointed by these two arrests but it also shows the public that we're dedicated to holding people responsible for actions even if it means arresting our own,'' she said.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Former Officer Jerome Finnigan Accused of Murder
Attorneys for an Oak Lawn man on trial for allegedly killing a drug customer he believed had robbed him blamed a former Chicago police officer for the death, saying the cop was extorting thousands of dollars in protection money from the defendant.
The surprise twist came during opening remarks Wednesday at the trial of Daniel Nevarez, charged with killing Eric Kaminski, whose body was found buried in a West Side home years after his death.
Nevarez's attorney, Stuart Goldberg, contended that Officer Jerome Finnigan killed Kaminski after suspecting he had stolen $40,000 in cash and about 4 1/2 pounds of marijuana from Nevarez. Goldberg alleged Finnigan intervened after Nevarez was unable to pay him protection money because of the theft.
Prosecutors say Nevarez killed Kaminski, 25, a painter who had worked on Nevarez's home to pay off a drug debt. Authorities allege that Nevarez believed Kaminski stole the money and drugs, so he lured him to his father's home in February 2004, killed him and then buried the body under concrete in the basement. The remains were discovered in late 2007 after a tip to police.
But Goldberg and co-counsel Sam Adam Jr. told jurors the evidence would show their client was being extorted by Finnigan, once a member of the department's disgraced Special Operations Section. Finnigan is currently facing trial on state and federal charges for allegedly robbing drug dealers and then trying to have a fellow officer killed because he believed he was cooperating in the federal probe.
When told of the defense's allegations, Finnigan attorney Dean Polales said he had never heard them before and began laughing. Asked for his reaction, he said: "Would it be good enough to say that when apprised of the allegations, Mr. Finnigan's attorney laughed long and hard?"
According to Goldberg, Finnigan had another officer take fingerprints from Nevarez's home after the theft of cash and marijuana. When a print was linked to Kaminski, Finnigan told Nevarez to persuade the victim to come to the West Side home owned by Nevarez's father with the promise of work, Goldberg said.
Nevarez's girlfriend -- who had been living with him since she was 12 in 2001 -- arranged the meeting, Goldberg said, but when Kaminski came to the home, he found Finnigan with Nevarez and the girl. After a brief argument, Finnigan shot the victim -- to the horror of Nevarez, Goldberg said.
"He said, 'What the [expletive] did you just do? You killed someone in my father's house,' " Goldberg quoted Nevarez as saying. "Officer Finnigan dug the bullets out, as an experienced person would do, and said, 'Dig him a grave, [expletive], or you're going to be the next one.' "
Goldberg alleged that in 2002, Finnigan pulled over Nevarez and threatened to arrest him unless he got a cut of his burgeoning marijuana business. Finnigan told Nevarez that he had "been playing golf on my golf course without paying the greens fees" and agreed to protect him from arrest for $3,500 a month, Goldberg said.
Following Kaminski's death, the scheme continued until Finnigan told Nevarez he needed to be arrested because the department was scrutinizing the officer, Goldberg said. Nevarez balked, but a short time later, Finnigan and other SOS officers came to Nevarez's home and busted him for possessing more than 2 pounds of cocaine even though Nevarez dealt only in marijuana, Goldberg alleged.
The surprise twist came during opening remarks Wednesday at the trial of Daniel Nevarez, charged with killing Eric Kaminski, whose body was found buried in a West Side home years after his death.
Nevarez's attorney, Stuart Goldberg, contended that Officer Jerome Finnigan killed Kaminski after suspecting he had stolen $40,000 in cash and about 4 1/2 pounds of marijuana from Nevarez. Goldberg alleged Finnigan intervened after Nevarez was unable to pay him protection money because of the theft.
Prosecutors say Nevarez killed Kaminski, 25, a painter who had worked on Nevarez's home to pay off a drug debt. Authorities allege that Nevarez believed Kaminski stole the money and drugs, so he lured him to his father's home in February 2004, killed him and then buried the body under concrete in the basement. The remains were discovered in late 2007 after a tip to police.
But Goldberg and co-counsel Sam Adam Jr. told jurors the evidence would show their client was being extorted by Finnigan, once a member of the department's disgraced Special Operations Section. Finnigan is currently facing trial on state and federal charges for allegedly robbing drug dealers and then trying to have a fellow officer killed because he believed he was cooperating in the federal probe.
When told of the defense's allegations, Finnigan attorney Dean Polales said he had never heard them before and began laughing. Asked for his reaction, he said: "Would it be good enough to say that when apprised of the allegations, Mr. Finnigan's attorney laughed long and hard?"
According to Goldberg, Finnigan had another officer take fingerprints from Nevarez's home after the theft of cash and marijuana. When a print was linked to Kaminski, Finnigan told Nevarez to persuade the victim to come to the West Side home owned by Nevarez's father with the promise of work, Goldberg said.
Nevarez's girlfriend -- who had been living with him since she was 12 in 2001 -- arranged the meeting, Goldberg said, but when Kaminski came to the home, he found Finnigan with Nevarez and the girl. After a brief argument, Finnigan shot the victim -- to the horror of Nevarez, Goldberg said.
"He said, 'What the [expletive] did you just do? You killed someone in my father's house,' " Goldberg quoted Nevarez as saying. "Officer Finnigan dug the bullets out, as an experienced person would do, and said, 'Dig him a grave, [expletive], or you're going to be the next one.' "
Goldberg alleged that in 2002, Finnigan pulled over Nevarez and threatened to arrest him unless he got a cut of his burgeoning marijuana business. Finnigan told Nevarez that he had "been playing golf on my golf course without paying the greens fees" and agreed to protect him from arrest for $3,500 a month, Goldberg said.
Following Kaminski's death, the scheme continued until Finnigan told Nevarez he needed to be arrested because the department was scrutinizing the officer, Goldberg said. Nevarez balked, but a short time later, Finnigan and other SOS officers came to Nevarez's home and busted him for possessing more than 2 pounds of cocaine even though Nevarez dealt only in marijuana, Goldberg alleged.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Officer William Moseley Resigns After DUI Arrest
A Roanoke County police officer has resigned after a driving under the influence arrest.
William Moseley, 26, of Roanoke, has been charged with misdemeanor driving under the influence. Court records show a conviction would be his first DUI offense.
A Roanoke County police spokesperson said Moseley has resigned his position as a patrol officer. He had been on the force for the past four years.
Court records show Moseley blew a 0.14 on a breathalyzer test early on the morning of July 26th, the same date as his arrest.
His arrested officer, a Roanoke City police officer, wrote he watched Moseley cross the center line at least twice early on the morning of July 26th.
The officer wrote he watched Moseley’s truck drift into the wrong lane first on Williamson Road.
The officer went on to write he saw Moseley cross the center line on Liberty Road NE, where he wrote Moseley nearly veered into the path of an oncoming car and almost crashed into a railroad bridge before “braking hard” to avoid it.
The officer wrote he could smell alcohol on Moseley’s breath, saw that he had “glassy eyes,“ and that Moseley flunked for field sobriety tests.
He’s due back in court on October 20th.
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http://www.roanoke.com/news/breaking/wb/214406
William Moseley, 26, of Roanoke, has been charged with misdemeanor driving under the influence. Court records show a conviction would be his first DUI offense.
A Roanoke County police spokesperson said Moseley has resigned his position as a patrol officer. He had been on the force for the past four years.
Court records show Moseley blew a 0.14 on a breathalyzer test early on the morning of July 26th, the same date as his arrest.
His arrested officer, a Roanoke City police officer, wrote he watched Moseley cross the center line at least twice early on the morning of July 26th.
The officer wrote he watched Moseley’s truck drift into the wrong lane first on Williamson Road.
The officer went on to write he saw Moseley cross the center line on Liberty Road NE, where he wrote Moseley nearly veered into the path of an oncoming car and almost crashed into a railroad bridge before “braking hard” to avoid it.
The officer wrote he could smell alcohol on Moseley’s breath, saw that he had “glassy eyes,“ and that Moseley flunked for field sobriety tests.
He’s due back in court on October 20th.
______________________
http://www.roanoke.com/news/breaking/wb/214406
Officer Lawrence Ross Frame Arrested for Engaging in Sex Act with Minor
Federal prosecutors say a New Castle police officer videotaped himself engaging in sex acts with a 16-year-old girl in 2008.
Forty-five-year-old Lawrence Ross Frame was charged Wednesday with possession of child pornography and five counts of production of child pornography.
He faces 15 to 30 years in prison on each production count and up to 10 years on the possession charge.
The girl's mother approached New Castle police Tuesday morning. Police say federal and other authorities were notified and Frame, a detective, was quickly arrested.
Frame resigned from the police department on Wednesday after nearly 20 years on the force. A message seeking information on whether Frame had a lawyer was left with the U.S. attorney's office in Indianapolis.
Forty-five-year-old Lawrence Ross Frame was charged Wednesday with possession of child pornography and five counts of production of child pornography.
He faces 15 to 30 years in prison on each production count and up to 10 years on the possession charge.
The girl's mother approached New Castle police Tuesday morning. Police say federal and other authorities were notified and Frame, a detective, was quickly arrested.
Frame resigned from the police department on Wednesday after nearly 20 years on the force. A message seeking information on whether Frame had a lawyer was left with the U.S. attorney's office in Indianapolis.
Officer Jeremy Courville Arrested for Stealing Laptop
A Lafayette police officer was arrested this afternoon for allegedly stealing police department property.
Jeremy Courville, 32, of Lafayette, was charged with unauthorized use of a movable and felony theft. He was booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center.
Courville was placed on administrative leave in early July after the Lafayette Police Department received a theft complaint, according to a press release. Detectives secured two warrants for his arrest as a result of a criminal investigation.
The property allegedly stolen by Courville was a laptop computer. The property taken and used without authorization was a GPS system. Both pieces of property have been recovered.
Courville is a seven-year veteran assigned to the patrol division. He remains on paid administrative leave as an administrative investigation continues.
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http://www.katc.com/Global/story.asp?S=10862417
Jeremy Courville, 32, of Lafayette, was charged with unauthorized use of a movable and felony theft. He was booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center.
Courville was placed on administrative leave in early July after the Lafayette Police Department received a theft complaint, according to a press release. Detectives secured two warrants for his arrest as a result of a criminal investigation.
The property allegedly stolen by Courville was a laptop computer. The property taken and used without authorization was a GPS system. Both pieces of property have been recovered.
Courville is a seven-year veteran assigned to the patrol division. He remains on paid administrative leave as an administrative investigation continues.
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http://www.katc.com/Global/story.asp?S=10862417
Officer Billy Hurst Accused of Viewing Porn in Police Car
A Clinton police officer accused of viewing pornography on his squad car computer is asking that evidence collected from the computer be barred from an upcoming disciplinary hearing because police officials are guilty of eavesdropping.
Patrolman Billy Hurst, 40, of Clinton will face the Clinton Police and Fire Commission on Aug. 13 on charges that he acted improperly by spending more than 23 hours watching pornography during working hours from Nov. 13, 2008, to Jan. 24. The charges filed in January initially sought a 30-day suspension for Hurst but were amended a month later by Clinton Police Chief Mike Reidy to ask that the officer be fired if found guilty by the three-member commission.
Hurst's attorney, Shane Voyles, with the Policemen's Benevolent labor committee, filed a civil complaint in May in DeWitt County court accusing Reidy of eavesdropping by monitoring Hurst's computer activities. Hurst did not consent to the city's installation of software put in place after viruses were detected on city computers, said Voyles.
Voyles is asking a judge to bar the computer information from Hurst's hearing. The defense attorney said Thursday that the police and fire board has declined to postpone the hearing until a ruling on the issue.
Agreed to follow agency's rules?
The commission and Reidy argued in response to the lawsuit that Hurst agreed when he was hired to follow agency rules, including a provision that "officers will not use the Mobile Data Terminals in any manner that would tend to discredit the Clinton Police Department."
Hurst was aware that any message sent to the computer was retrievable, said the response.
The officer also takes exception in his complaint to the release of information about the current disciplinary action and previous allegations lodged by the department against him. The specifics of the charges were released to the media under requests filed under the state Freedom of Information Act.
Voyles conceded Thursday that that portion of his complaint may be moot in light of a recent Illinois 4th District Appellate Court ruling that prohibits police agencies from withholding the results of internal investigations.
"I think the ruling is wrong but that's what the law is," said Voyles.
Hurst remains on duty, but he was moved to the night patrol shift after charges were filed. He also was removed from his post as juvenile officer. He has been with the department about 15 years.
Patrolman Billy Hurst, 40, of Clinton will face the Clinton Police and Fire Commission on Aug. 13 on charges that he acted improperly by spending more than 23 hours watching pornography during working hours from Nov. 13, 2008, to Jan. 24. The charges filed in January initially sought a 30-day suspension for Hurst but were amended a month later by Clinton Police Chief Mike Reidy to ask that the officer be fired if found guilty by the three-member commission.
Hurst's attorney, Shane Voyles, with the Policemen's Benevolent labor committee, filed a civil complaint in May in DeWitt County court accusing Reidy of eavesdropping by monitoring Hurst's computer activities. Hurst did not consent to the city's installation of software put in place after viruses were detected on city computers, said Voyles.
Voyles is asking a judge to bar the computer information from Hurst's hearing. The defense attorney said Thursday that the police and fire board has declined to postpone the hearing until a ruling on the issue.
Agreed to follow agency's rules?
The commission and Reidy argued in response to the lawsuit that Hurst agreed when he was hired to follow agency rules, including a provision that "officers will not use the Mobile Data Terminals in any manner that would tend to discredit the Clinton Police Department."
Hurst was aware that any message sent to the computer was retrievable, said the response.
The officer also takes exception in his complaint to the release of information about the current disciplinary action and previous allegations lodged by the department against him. The specifics of the charges were released to the media under requests filed under the state Freedom of Information Act.
Voyles conceded Thursday that that portion of his complaint may be moot in light of a recent Illinois 4th District Appellate Court ruling that prohibits police agencies from withholding the results of internal investigations.
"I think the ruling is wrong but that's what the law is," said Voyles.
Hurst remains on duty, but he was moved to the night patrol shift after charges were filed. He also was removed from his post as juvenile officer. He has been with the department about 15 years.
Former Deputy George Bryan III Arrested for Domestic Violence
A former deputy sheriff is out of jail after his arrest Wednesday for assaulting his wife.
George Bryan III resigned as a Lenoir County deputy the same day his wife reported that two weeks earlier he hit her. Jamie Bryan told deputies she fractured her jaw.
After a criminal investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation, Bryan was charged with assault inflicting serious injury.
Bryan, who started with the sheriff's office in 2004, was placed in jail overnight and posted a $500 bond Thursday morning.
The sheriff's office says within 30 minutes of the first complaint they began an internal investigation. "It's a sad day anytime one of our own is charged with a criminal offense. With that being said the public expects us to do our job regardless of the adverse situation," said Major Christopher Hill.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Officer Todd Lengsfeld Arrested for Child Molestation
As a result of an investigation requested on July 28 by Newnan Police Chief Douglas Meadows, a Newnan PD officer was arrested yesterday by the GBI on child molestation charges.
The arrest of Todd Lengsfeld, 34, an 11 year veteran with Newnan PD, was based on his alleged sexual relationship with 15-year-old female. The investigation was conducted by agents in the GBI’s Columbus Regional Office
The arrest of Todd Lengsfeld, 34, an 11 year veteran with Newnan PD, was based on his alleged sexual relationship with 15-year-old female. The investigation was conducted by agents in the GBI’s Columbus Regional Office
Judge Says Oakland Police Used Excessive Force
A federal judge says Oakland police used excessive force during the arrest of a home care worker and has ordered the city and three officers to pay the man nearly $200,000.
U.S. Magistrate Maria-Elena James ruled Monday that Officer Michael Cordoza's use of a choke hold and bent wrist lock on Uganda Knapps on Aug. 10, 2004, was unnecessary.
James also said Officer Francisco Rojas and Sgt. Jim Kelly did nothing to stop Cordoza and were involved in a subsequent fabricated police report.
Cardoza maintained he used force after seeing Knapps hit a resident of the mental health facility where he worked.
An Oakland police spokesman referred comment to the city attorney's office, which says it plans to discuss the decision with the city council.
U.S. Magistrate Maria-Elena James ruled Monday that Officer Michael Cordoza's use of a choke hold and bent wrist lock on Uganda Knapps on Aug. 10, 2004, was unnecessary.
James also said Officer Francisco Rojas and Sgt. Jim Kelly did nothing to stop Cordoza and were involved in a subsequent fabricated police report.
Cardoza maintained he used force after seeing Knapps hit a resident of the mental health facility where he worked.
An Oakland police spokesman referred comment to the city attorney's office, which says it plans to discuss the decision with the city council.
Two Officers Accused of Speeding on Interstate
An off-duty Gahanna officer accused of going 149 mph on an interstate highway pleaded guilty Wednesday.
Authorities said Christopher Thomas, 33, was clocked going 149 mph on Interstate 70, east of Columbus, where the speed limit is 65 mph.
Thomas has been on injured leave from the Gahanna police department since last December after he slipped and fell on ice. Thomas continues to receive pay and benefits, including vacation time.
Thomas was riding with two other people.
Authorities said off-duty state trooper Jason Highsmith, 35, was clocked going 147 mph on I-70.
An OSP radar plane clocked the motorcyclists allegedly going those speeds Sunday, June 28, and troopers made the traffic stop.
A third motorcyclist also was part of the group but was not clocked on radar and was not ticketed.
Four days after the stop, troopers issued Highsmith a ticket, and eight days later Thomas was issued a citation.
Thomas pleaded guilty to his citation Wednesday before Licking County Municipal Court Judge David Branstool.
Branstool sentenced Thomas to a $150 fine and six-month license suspension.
Highsmith entered a plea of not guilty before Branstool Wednesday, July 8.
Branstool said the lack of charges didn’t matter and that he could use his discretion to suspend Highsmith’s license for as much as three years for driving in reckless circumstances.
Branstool said Highsmith’s case would be set for trial.
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God I bet that felt fucking great! The rush of 149mph wind pressing against a persons body, would leave you feeling almost breathless.
As long as they did it in a place where there wasn't much traffic, I see no problem with what they did. They were trained officers just trying to unwind a bit.
Authorities said Christopher Thomas, 33, was clocked going 149 mph on Interstate 70, east of Columbus, where the speed limit is 65 mph.
Thomas has been on injured leave from the Gahanna police department since last December after he slipped and fell on ice. Thomas continues to receive pay and benefits, including vacation time.
Thomas was riding with two other people.
Authorities said off-duty state trooper Jason Highsmith, 35, was clocked going 147 mph on I-70.
An OSP radar plane clocked the motorcyclists allegedly going those speeds Sunday, June 28, and troopers made the traffic stop.
A third motorcyclist also was part of the group but was not clocked on radar and was not ticketed.
Four days after the stop, troopers issued Highsmith a ticket, and eight days later Thomas was issued a citation.
Thomas pleaded guilty to his citation Wednesday before Licking County Municipal Court Judge David Branstool.
Branstool sentenced Thomas to a $150 fine and six-month license suspension.
Highsmith entered a plea of not guilty before Branstool Wednesday, July 8.
Branstool said the lack of charges didn’t matter and that he could use his discretion to suspend Highsmith’s license for as much as three years for driving in reckless circumstances.
Branstool said Highsmith’s case would be set for trial.
___________________________
God I bet that felt fucking great! The rush of 149mph wind pressing against a persons body, would leave you feeling almost breathless.
As long as they did it in a place where there wasn't much traffic, I see no problem with what they did. They were trained officers just trying to unwind a bit.
Officer Michael Gonsalves Investigated for Sending Photo of a Penis
A Falmouth police officer is being investigated for sending an obscene text message.
Officer Michael Gonsalves, 40, allegedly text-messaged a photo of a penis to a woman.
According to the Cape Cod Times, he admitted to sending the photo, but said that it was a joke he forwarded to the woman.
He also said that it was not a photo of his private parts, the paper reported.
The 18-year veteran is now on paid administrative leave, and faces a disciplinary hearing later this month.
The hearing will also address other disciplinary issues involving Gonsalves. In 2005, he was disciplined after an altercation with another officer. He has also filed a racial discrimination complaint against the department.
The allegation against Gonsalves comes just months after Falmouth police made national headlines for charging six teenage boys with distributing child pornography for texting nude photos to their classmates. The practice is known as sexting.
___________________________
Let's compare penises!I demand side by side photos!
Officer Michael Gonsalves, 40, allegedly text-messaged a photo of a penis to a woman.
According to the Cape Cod Times, he admitted to sending the photo, but said that it was a joke he forwarded to the woman.
He also said that it was not a photo of his private parts, the paper reported.
The 18-year veteran is now on paid administrative leave, and faces a disciplinary hearing later this month.
The hearing will also address other disciplinary issues involving Gonsalves. In 2005, he was disciplined after an altercation with another officer. He has also filed a racial discrimination complaint against the department.
The allegation against Gonsalves comes just months after Falmouth police made national headlines for charging six teenage boys with distributing child pornography for texting nude photos to their classmates. The practice is known as sexting.
___________________________
Let's compare penises!I demand side by side photos!
Former Deputy Gary Handley Arrested for Sexual Battery
Claremore, OK
A former employee of the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office has been arrested and charged with the crime of sexual battery.
Gary C. Handley, 42, of Broken Arrow, was booked into the Rogers County Jail Wednesda on one count of Sexual Battery. Handley turned himself in, accompanied by his attorney. Immediately upon being booked into the jail, Handley’s attorney secured his release on the $10,000.00 bond.
“This is disheartening,” said Sheriff Walton.
Walton said he was disappointed over the alleged incidents and said, “…this kind of behavior is completely unacceptable from any agent of law enforcement and it absolutely will not stand inside the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office. “
Handley was a deputy sheriff assigned to the courthouse security detail during the alleged offense which surfaced in May.
The charges stem from allegations of inappropriate touching of a female courthouse employee. The allegations arose when the victim contacted the Sheriff’s Office to report the activity. Investigators with the Sheriff’s Office investigated the claim. The Sheriff’s Office investigation of the claim was forwarded to the Rogers County District Attorney’s Office for final determination of criminal charges.
On August 3, 2009, a criminal arrest warrant was issued through Mayes County for the arrest of Handley by Judge Erin O’Quinn under the case number of CF-2009-442.
Handley’s next court date is September 23, 2009 at 9:00 AM.
Officer Jeffrey John Sung Charged with Sexual Battery
A veteran San Francisco motorcycle officer has been charged with groping a longtime friend while in uniform, authorities said today.
Jeffrey John Sung, 42, was charged with one count of sexual battery and one count of false imprisonment without violence, both misdemeanors, for March 21 incident in which he allegedly grabbed a woman at her Broadmoor home, said Steve Wagstaffe, San Mateo County's chief deputy district attorney.
The alleged victim had recently separated from her spouse, and both she and Sung were drinking, Wagstaffe said.
Sung is accused of grabbing the woman, pulling her to him and then talking to her about having sex, the prosecutor said. She tried to leave, but he wouldn't let her go, Wagstaffe said.
The woman was able to break free and call a family member. Sung left on his police motorcycle, Wagstaffe said.
Sung was charged with misdemeanors because the alleged contact occurred through their clothing, Wagstaffe said. The officer is due to appear in San Mateo County Superior Court on Wednesday.
"People have an expectation that officers will conduct themselves without even any gray at all when it comes to obeying the law," Wagstaffe said. "When they violate that, they violate not just the law but the trust the public puts into them."
Sung's attorney, Frank Passaglia, said today that his client has had a stellar 18-year record with the department and that the incident did not amount to criminal conduct.
"That's all they are so far - allegations," Passaglia said. "We're certainly going to take the position that this is a misunderstanding of sorts."
Sung has known the alleged victim for 22 years, he said.
Sung has been reassigned to a desk job, Passaglia said.
Jeffrey John Sung, 42, was charged with one count of sexual battery and one count of false imprisonment without violence, both misdemeanors, for March 21 incident in which he allegedly grabbed a woman at her Broadmoor home, said Steve Wagstaffe, San Mateo County's chief deputy district attorney.
The alleged victim had recently separated from her spouse, and both she and Sung were drinking, Wagstaffe said.
Sung is accused of grabbing the woman, pulling her to him and then talking to her about having sex, the prosecutor said. She tried to leave, but he wouldn't let her go, Wagstaffe said.
The woman was able to break free and call a family member. Sung left on his police motorcycle, Wagstaffe said.
Sung was charged with misdemeanors because the alleged contact occurred through their clothing, Wagstaffe said. The officer is due to appear in San Mateo County Superior Court on Wednesday.
"People have an expectation that officers will conduct themselves without even any gray at all when it comes to obeying the law," Wagstaffe said. "When they violate that, they violate not just the law but the trust the public puts into them."
Sung's attorney, Frank Passaglia, said today that his client has had a stellar 18-year record with the department and that the incident did not amount to criminal conduct.
"That's all they are so far - allegations," Passaglia said. "We're certainly going to take the position that this is a misunderstanding of sorts."
Sung has known the alleged victim for 22 years, he said.
Sung has been reassigned to a desk job, Passaglia said.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Jonathan Bleiweiss Arrested for Sexual Assault
In a series of events that Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti called ``an abuse of power'' and ``a tarnish to the badge,'' law enforcement agents arrested one of their own Monday and accused him of sexually assaulting victims -- while in his uniform, in marked vehicles and on the job.
Jonathan Bleiweiss, 29, of Fort Lauderdale, who in March was honored as employee of the year for the Broward Sheriff's Office's Oakland Park District, was booked at 11 a.m. on 14 charges, including sexual battery, false imprisonment and stalking in connection with abusing one of the victims, a 30-year-old male. Bleiweiss was held without bail Monday.
Investigators said Monday they were preparing to file charges involving seven more male victims, and said there might be even more. The alleged victims range in age from 17 to 30, but all have something in common: They are undocumented immigrants, mostly from El Salvador and Mexico, who speak little English.
``I can't think of a worse betrayal of public trust,'' Lamberti told reporters Monday evening, adding: ``The fact is, he preyed on one of our most vulnerable communities.''
The investigation began in April, when an attorney contacted the Fort Lauderdale Police Department to say two of his clients claimed to have been assaulted by Bleiweiss. BSO's sex crimes unit took over the investigation.
Lamberti said they gave Bleiweiss ``the benefit of the doubt'' until they fully substantiated the allegations in July, which is when he was placed on restricted administrative duty. He is now suspended without pay.
Detectives said Bleiweiss used his authority to manipulate recent immigrants who feared the police. About 6 a.m. April 23, investigators said, Bleiweiss approached a 30-year-old man who was waiting for a ride to work outside the man's apartment complex.
The man told BSO that he was then frisked and fondled, with Bleiweiss sticking his hand inside his underwear. He said Bleiweiss demanded his cellphone number, then continuously called and sent him text messages.
According to the arrest warrant, Bleiweiss is accused of performing oral sex on the man on at least four occasions between that day and June 7. He ordered the man to comply or risk deportation, said BSO Detective Graciela Benito.
She said that when BSO investigators interviewed residents at the apartment complex, they discovered a similar pattern: On multiple occasions, she said, Bleiweiss stopped a victim, demanded an ID, then sexually abused them when he determined they were undocumented.
Bleiweiss, a graduate of Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, came to BSO in 2002 after serving almost two years with the St. Petersburg Police Department.
The only consistent criticism in his BSO personnel records concerned his penmanship. However, in March he was suspended for one day after improperly reporting an illness, according to an internal affairs report.
His base pay in 2008 was $61,098 a year.
In his 2008 nomination letter for the Oakland Park District's employee of the year, Sgt. Kelvin Phillips championed Bleiweiss as a deputy who projects ``a constant and present reminder of the Broward Sheriff's Office determination to serve the community.''
In March, Bleiweiss was featured in a glowing article in The South Florida Blade as a pioneering openly gay police officer.
Lamberti emphasized that immigrants should not be afraid to report crime, regardless of their status. He encouraged anyone else Bleiweiss may have abused to call Benito at 954-321-4249.
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http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/story/1171644.html
Barry Carpenter Charged with Breaking Into Sarah Jessica Parker's House
A police chief facing charges over a burglary at the home of the surrogate mother to Sarah Jessica Parker's twins has been put on leave.
The chief suspect in the surrogate mother's house burglary is no longer the chief of police in Martins Ferry. At least not for a while.
Barry Carpenter was notified in a letter from the mayor. He is indefinitely suspended.
The Ohio Valley was waiting for this decision, that was in the hands of one man, Martins Ferry Mayor Phil Wallace.
"The decision I made, it was a tough one," said Mayor Wallace. "I stayed up real late last night to make it. And I notified the chief about 2:45 today."
He suspended the 32-year-old police chief indefinitely, without pay. The mayor declined to discuss what led him to that decision.
As for Martins Ferry, he says the scandal dubbed "surro-gate" has put the city in the national spotlight, and not in a good way.
"I know what effect it's had on me," said Mayor Wallace. "On the city, I'm sure there are those out there who like that glory. I'm not a glory-seeker and I don't think this city is a glory-seeking city. We really wish it would have happened somewhere else but unfortunately it happened here and we've got to deal with it."
Overall, he says it's been a painful chapter in the city's history.
"It hurts everybody," the mayor said. "I mean, Chief Carpenter is a really nice guy. For something like this to pop up is hard to deal with."
Lt. Phil Hartman, the department's highest-ranking officer, is at the helm of the police department at this time.
Mayor Wallace says he plans to appoint an interim chief within a week.
Veteran Ohio Officer Steals Drugs and Overdoses
A 15-year-veteran police officer is suspected of stealing drugs from the police station and overdosing.
The patrolman overdosed in late-May at his home in Summit County and was rushed to the hospital, Chief Rick Porrello said. The officer resigned from his job but is exhausting his sick hours until sometime next month, the chief said.
The Summit County Sheriff's Office notified Porrello when deputies found the officer at his home. He declined to name the drug taken by the officer because of the ongoing investigation, but said it was small amount, the chief said.
The officer recovered.
Porrello said he was shocked when he learned the drugs may have been taken from the police headquarters. He described the cop as a good officer who will face consequences for his bad decision.
"He will be held accountable criminally," Porrello said. "He will no longer be a police officer in Lyndhurst or anywhere for that matter."
Porrello asked the state Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation to investigate the case. The inquiry is nearly over and will be given to prosecutors, he said.
"He was a great cop," Porello added. "Nobody had any idea that he would make a choice like that."
The patrolman overdosed in late-May at his home in Summit County and was rushed to the hospital, Chief Rick Porrello said. The officer resigned from his job but is exhausting his sick hours until sometime next month, the chief said.
The Summit County Sheriff's Office notified Porrello when deputies found the officer at his home. He declined to name the drug taken by the officer because of the ongoing investigation, but said it was small amount, the chief said.
The officer recovered.
Porrello said he was shocked when he learned the drugs may have been taken from the police headquarters. He described the cop as a good officer who will face consequences for his bad decision.
"He will be held accountable criminally," Porrello said. "He will no longer be a police officer in Lyndhurst or anywhere for that matter."
Porrello asked the state Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation to investigate the case. The inquiry is nearly over and will be given to prosecutors, he said.
"He was a great cop," Porello added. "Nobody had any idea that he would make a choice like that."
Officer Dustin Lee Harris Arrested for Stealing Money During Traffic Stop
A Macon police officer is accused of stealing money from a driver's vehicle during a traffic stop.According to a police news release, they arrested 28-year-old Dustin Lee Harris of Gray and charged him with theft by taking and violating his oath of office.
Macon police Sgt. Melanie Hofmann said money was missing from a traffic violator's vehicle after a traffic stop last weekend. She said she didn't know how much money was missing, but that the officer was charged after the driver complained about the missing money.
She said Harris is a patrol officer in East Macon's 1st Precinct.
The release says he's worked for the police department since March 30 and that he's on administrative leave pending termination.
Harris was released from the Bibb County jail on $6,250 bond Monday night, according to jail records.
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