A former North Carolina police officer has been charged with four sexual offenses, and authorities say some of the events occurred while he was still on the force.
Walter Finley Jr. was arrested Thursday on one count of first-degree rape and three counts of first-degree sexual offenses. The Goldsboro Police Department said the events occurred from 1995 through 2000. Finley worked at the police department from 1993 until he resigned in 1999.
Authorities said all of Finley's victims are acquaintances and there's no sign he committed the acts while on duty. Finley was being held on $1 million bond. Jail officials declined to say whether he had an attorney.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Former Deputy Accused of Forcing Inmate to Rub his Genitals on Another Inmates Sandwich Pleads Guilty
A former deputy accused of forcing an inmate to rub his genitals in a sandwich and then watch another inmate eat it pleaded guilty to two counts Wednesday.
Former deputy Joseph Cantwell, 38, pleaded guilty to two health-code violation counts Wednesday.
He originally was charged with four counts: dereliction of duty, operating without a license, disorderly conduct and health-code violation. The other charges were dropped as a part of the plea deal.
He was given a 90-day sentence, which was suspended, five years of probation and a fine of $500 plus court costs.
Cantwell told the court he was sorry for the shame and embarrassment he caused.
Todd Tripplett, who is in jail on a theft charge, was forced to rub his genitals on another inmate’s sandwich, according to Columbus attorney Byron Potts.
Former deputy Phillip Barnett, 26, also was accused in the incident. Barnett was not charged with a crime.
Both Cantwell and Barnett were dismissed from their duties at the Franklin County Jail in May. They were reassigned to the Franklin County Control Center during the investigation and then both were later fired.
Potts alleged the deputies took cell pictures of the other inmate as he unknowingly ate the alleged sandwich.
Former Officer Mike Rodrigues Accused of Raping Four Women
The ex-wife of a former San Benito County deputy testified Wednesday and said she was raped by her former husband.
The ex-wife of Mike Rodrigues, who is accused of raping four women, was the first person to take the stand during the former sheriff deputy's trial.
Rodrigues has been charged with eight felonies, including three counts of forcible rape, two counts of unlawful sexual penetration and one count of attempted rape, domestic violence and spousal rape.
In his opening statement, Rodrigues' attorney, Art Cantu, said the allegations are false and the alleged victims cried rape only after falling in love with Rodriguez.
Prosecutors, however, said Rodrigues was a predator who preyed on vulnerable women.
The three other alleged victims are expected to take the witness stand. It is unclear whether Rodrigues will take the stand during the trial.
Rodrigues faces life in prison if convicted of all charges.
The ex-wife of Mike Rodrigues, who is accused of raping four women, was the first person to take the stand during the former sheriff deputy's trial.
Rodrigues has been charged with eight felonies, including three counts of forcible rape, two counts of unlawful sexual penetration and one count of attempted rape, domestic violence and spousal rape.
In his opening statement, Rodrigues' attorney, Art Cantu, said the allegations are false and the alleged victims cried rape only after falling in love with Rodriguez.
Prosecutors, however, said Rodrigues was a predator who preyed on vulnerable women.
The three other alleged victims are expected to take the witness stand. It is unclear whether Rodrigues will take the stand during the trial.
Rodrigues faces life in prison if convicted of all charges.
Former Sheriff Bryan Hill & Wife Charged with Domestic Violence
The former sheriff of Lawrence County has been arrested on a domestic violence charge along with his wife.
Bryan Keith Hill and his wife Angela were both charged for Domestic Violence Third Degree.
Deputies were called to the Hill's home in Moulton where the former sheriff and his wife were involved in a verbal altercation.
Deputies say Hill and wife wife continued their altercation despite commands for them to calm down.
Investigators believe alcohol was a factor in the altercation.
Hill was taken to the Franklin County jail while his wife was locked up in Lawrence County.
Both spend 12 hours in custody to observe a cool-down period.
Bond was set at $1,000 for both.
Bryan Keith Hill and his wife Angela were both charged for Domestic Violence Third Degree.
Deputies were called to the Hill's home in Moulton where the former sheriff and his wife were involved in a verbal altercation.
Deputies say Hill and wife wife continued their altercation despite commands for them to calm down.
Investigators believe alcohol was a factor in the altercation.
Hill was taken to the Franklin County jail while his wife was locked up in Lawrence County.
Both spend 12 hours in custody to observe a cool-down period.
Bond was set at $1,000 for both.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Shane Ledbetter Dies After Being Tasered
The man who was hospitalized after a violent struggle with Aurora police officers last week has died.
Shane Ledbetter, 38, ran from police on Thursday as they were arresting another man who was wanted on several arrest warrants including a felony, statewide extradition warrant.
Ledbetter ran through Mission Viejo Park and into a creek bed, where officers caught up with him.
Police said he was combative and resisted arrest so an officer shocked him with a Taser gun to subdue him. After he was shocked, Ledbetter became unresponsive and officers performed CPR while paramedics were called, said Aurora police spokeswoman Shannon Youngquist Lucy.
Ledbetter died early Sunday morning.
Ledbetter was wanted on several felony warrants including an escape warrant issued in Jefferson County in 2004.
The Arapahoe County Coroner's Office will perform an autopsy on Ledbetter early this week, but a final determination on his cause of death may take several weeks due to the amount of time it takes to get toxicology reports back, Lucy said.
As per policy in such an incident, detectives with the major crimes/homicide unit have been actively investigating the incident.
An Aurora patrol officer who was injured during the foot chase and arrest remains on medical leave. Investigators are uncertain when he will be well enough to speak with them, but hope to complete an interview later this week.
Detectives will turn over their report to the Arapahoe County District Attorney's Office when it is completed.
Shane Ledbetter, 38, ran from police on Thursday as they were arresting another man who was wanted on several arrest warrants including a felony, statewide extradition warrant.
Ledbetter ran through Mission Viejo Park and into a creek bed, where officers caught up with him.
Police said he was combative and resisted arrest so an officer shocked him with a Taser gun to subdue him. After he was shocked, Ledbetter became unresponsive and officers performed CPR while paramedics were called, said Aurora police spokeswoman Shannon Youngquist Lucy.
Ledbetter died early Sunday morning.
Ledbetter was wanted on several felony warrants including an escape warrant issued in Jefferson County in 2004.
The Arapahoe County Coroner's Office will perform an autopsy on Ledbetter early this week, but a final determination on his cause of death may take several weeks due to the amount of time it takes to get toxicology reports back, Lucy said.
As per policy in such an incident, detectives with the major crimes/homicide unit have been actively investigating the incident.
An Aurora patrol officer who was injured during the foot chase and arrest remains on medical leave. Investigators are uncertain when he will be well enough to speak with them, but hope to complete an interview later this week.
Detectives will turn over their report to the Arapahoe County District Attorney's Office when it is completed.
Officer Steven Barringer Arrested for Drunk Driving
Two off-duty Hurst officers are on administrative leave after they were pulled over, and one was accused of drunken driving in downtown Fort Worth.
According to a Fort Worth police report, Steven Barringer, 27, was pulled over by an officer after he had swerved between two lanes and then almost hit a stopped car at a red light in the 100 block of E. Seventh Street on Friday. He had been given a sobriety test but refused a breathalyzer test.
Barringer was taken to Mansfield jail on suspicion of drunken driving and released Friday on $500 bail, the Associated Press reported.
Barringer had denied drinking but later admitted that he and a second officer, Jacob Eubank, had been out celebrating Eubank’s promotion to corporal at the Library Bar, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
According to a Fort Worth police report, Steven Barringer, 27, was pulled over by an officer after he had swerved between two lanes and then almost hit a stopped car at a red light in the 100 block of E. Seventh Street on Friday. He had been given a sobriety test but refused a breathalyzer test.
Barringer was taken to Mansfield jail on suspicion of drunken driving and released Friday on $500 bail, the Associated Press reported.
Barringer had denied drinking but later admitted that he and a second officer, Jacob Eubank, had been out celebrating Eubank’s promotion to corporal at the Library Bar, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Officer David Eaddy Charged with Burglary
A Williamsburg County police officer accused of breaking into his ex-girlfriend's home has bonded out of jail.
Deputies say he was in uniform when he committed the crime.
Sunday, The Florence County Sheriff's Office charged 28-year-old David Eaddy with burglary.
He is an officer with the Hemingway Police Department.
Deputies say he broke into his former girlfriend's home in Lake City on Sunday afternoon.
The Hemingway police chief says Eaddy has been with the department for two months, and has now been put on administrative leave without pay.
Deputies say he was in uniform when he committed the crime.
Sunday, The Florence County Sheriff's Office charged 28-year-old David Eaddy with burglary.
He is an officer with the Hemingway Police Department.
Deputies say he broke into his former girlfriend's home in Lake City on Sunday afternoon.
The Hemingway police chief says Eaddy has been with the department for two months, and has now been put on administrative leave without pay.
Probation Officer Joe Williams Arrested for Domestic Battery
North Port Police have arrested a man for domestic battery and preventing the victim from calling 911.
Officers arrested 45-year-old Joe Williams at his home Sunday night. A report says he is a probation officer for the state of Florida.
According to his wife, Williams was intoxicated and threw one of their children into the pool to teach him how to swim. When Williams' wife threw his beer away, he became violent according to the report -- threatening to kill her.
He took the phone, keeping her from calling 911. She was able to get their 2 children to a nearby business safely and call authorities.
Williams is charged with domestic battery and prevent access to emergency services. He has since bonded out of the Sarasota County Jail.
Officers arrested 45-year-old Joe Williams at his home Sunday night. A report says he is a probation officer for the state of Florida.
According to his wife, Williams was intoxicated and threw one of their children into the pool to teach him how to swim. When Williams' wife threw his beer away, he became violent according to the report -- threatening to kill her.
He took the phone, keeping her from calling 911. She was able to get their 2 children to a nearby business safely and call authorities.
Williams is charged with domestic battery and prevent access to emergency services. He has since bonded out of the Sarasota County Jail.
Probation Officer Robert Justin Jones Arrested for Inappropriately Touching Teen
A Midland County Probation Officer has been arrested and charged with Official Oppression.
26-year-old Robert Justin Jones was arrested Tuesday morning at work following an investigation that began last week.
Midland Police say Jones inappropriately touched an 18-year-old female while at the house of a man he is supervising. Jones was not at the home on official business.
Police say Jones is being charged with oppression because one of his probationers lived at the home, the victim is on probation and only allowed Jones to touch her because he is a Probation Officer.
26-year-old Robert Justin Jones was arrested Tuesday morning at work following an investigation that began last week.
Midland Police say Jones inappropriately touched an 18-year-old female while at the house of a man he is supervising. Jones was not at the home on official business.
Police say Jones is being charged with oppression because one of his probationers lived at the home, the victim is on probation and only allowed Jones to touch her because he is a Probation Officer.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Officer Founia Mauga Arrested for Assaulting his Wife
El Paso police said an off-duty officer has been arrested following a domestic dispute.
Police said they were dispatched to a family disturbance on the 12200 block of Via Granada just before 11:30 p.m. Saturday.
According to police, when they arrived on the scene the door of the house was open. They went inside and allegedly found Founia Mauga, 49, holding two large knives in his hands and he threatened the officers.
One of the officers tased Mauga. Police said they were able to take the knives from him and put him in custody.
Police said Mauga allegedly assaulted his wife, Lorena Gonzalez Ayala, 45, and his stepdaughter, Laura Calderon, 17.
Mauga was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility on four counts of aggravated assault on a public servant and two counts of assault family violence, police said.
Mauga has been temporarily relieved of his duties pending an investigation with the police department’s internal affairs.
Police said they were dispatched to a family disturbance on the 12200 block of Via Granada just before 11:30 p.m. Saturday.
According to police, when they arrived on the scene the door of the house was open. They went inside and allegedly found Founia Mauga, 49, holding two large knives in his hands and he threatened the officers.
One of the officers tased Mauga. Police said they were able to take the knives from him and put him in custody.
Police said Mauga allegedly assaulted his wife, Lorena Gonzalez Ayala, 45, and his stepdaughter, Laura Calderon, 17.
Mauga was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility on four counts of aggravated assault on a public servant and two counts of assault family violence, police said.
Mauga has been temporarily relieved of his duties pending an investigation with the police department’s internal affairs.
Officer Matthew Howell Charged with DUI
A Clinton police officer was arrested early Sunday for driving under the influence, a state Department of Safety spokesman said this morning.
Matthew Howell, 35, of Clinton, was charged with DUI implied consent because he refused to have a blood alcohol test done, safety spokesman Mike Browning said. He failed a field sobriety test, he said.
Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper William Garrett of Knoxville was traveling east on Kingston Pike near Lovell Road about 2 a.m. when he noticed a vehicle pull out of a parking lot and onto the road "in a really fast manner," Browning said.
"That’s when (Garrett) noticed there might be something wrong and eventually got him to stop," Browning said, after he turned on his lights and sirens.
Howell pulled into a parking lot where Garrett spoke with him and then arrested him, Browning said.
Howell "admitted to being a police officer," he said.
An officer who picked up at the Clinton Police Department this morning confirmed Howell is an officer with the department.
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Update: http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=99758&provider=gnews
Matthew Howell, 35, of Clinton, was charged with DUI implied consent because he refused to have a blood alcohol test done, safety spokesman Mike Browning said. He failed a field sobriety test, he said.
Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper William Garrett of Knoxville was traveling east on Kingston Pike near Lovell Road about 2 a.m. when he noticed a vehicle pull out of a parking lot and onto the road "in a really fast manner," Browning said.
"That’s when (Garrett) noticed there might be something wrong and eventually got him to stop," Browning said, after he turned on his lights and sirens.
Howell pulled into a parking lot where Garrett spoke with him and then arrested him, Browning said.
Howell "admitted to being a police officer," he said.
An officer who picked up at the Clinton Police Department this morning confirmed Howell is an officer with the department.
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Update: http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=99758&provider=gnews
Trooper Edward Stenovitch Arrested for Punching Sgt
A Rhode Island state trooper has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a Providence police sergeant at a fundraiser honoring a deceased policeman.
Edward Stenovitch was arrested Monday after allegedly punching Sgt. Bernard Gannon in the head early Saturday morning at a bar at the Providence police union hall. He was released on his own recognizance.
Providence Police Deputy Chief Paul Kennedy said the attack was “unprovoked.“
Gannon was treated for a broken nose.
State Police Maj. Elwood M. Johnson Jr. said Stenovitch has been placed on administrative leave pending the results of an internal investigation.
Hundreds of officers were gathered at the union hall to raise money for the wife of Providence police officer Peter Rocchio, who died in June in an off-duty car crash.
Edward Stenovitch was arrested Monday after allegedly punching Sgt. Bernard Gannon in the head early Saturday morning at a bar at the Providence police union hall. He was released on his own recognizance.
Providence Police Deputy Chief Paul Kennedy said the attack was “unprovoked.“
Gannon was treated for a broken nose.
State Police Maj. Elwood M. Johnson Jr. said Stenovitch has been placed on administrative leave pending the results of an internal investigation.
Hundreds of officers were gathered at the union hall to raise money for the wife of Providence police officer Peter Rocchio, who died in June in an off-duty car crash.
Deputy Lisa Gargano Arrested for DUI
An off-duty Sacramento County Sheriff's deputy has been booked for investigation of driving under the influence after police say she plowed into a Starbucks coffee shop and injured an elderly woman and an employee.
Sacramento police Sgt. Norm Leong says 37-year-old deputy Lisa Gargano drove through a parking lot Sunday, hitting curbs and another car before crashing into the building.
Leong says a woman in her 80s was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries and an employee had moderate injuries.
Police allege Gargano was under the influence of prescription drugs, but would not offer further details.
Sheriff John McGinness says Gargano has been placed on administrative leave but did not offer further comment, calling it a "personal matter."
Sacramento police Sgt. Norm Leong says 37-year-old deputy Lisa Gargano drove through a parking lot Sunday, hitting curbs and another car before crashing into the building.
Leong says a woman in her 80s was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries and an employee had moderate injuries.
Police allege Gargano was under the influence of prescription drugs, but would not offer further details.
Sheriff John McGinness says Gargano has been placed on administrative leave but did not offer further comment, calling it a "personal matter."
Officer James Stoudenmire Arrested for DUI
Gwinnett County Police Department officials confirm a Gwinnett County police officer was charged with DUI while returning from Wild Bill's dance club.
James Stoudenmire, 27, was arrested after a traffic accident on Pleasant Hill Road early Saturday morning.
Police said a preliminary investigation indicated that a car was stopped at a traffic light when a 2006 grey Ford Mustang struck it from behind. Gwinnett County police officers responded to the scene and identified the driver of the Mustang as an off-duty Gwinnett County police officer.
Officers said they noticed a strong odor of alcohol from the driver of the Mustang -- identified as Stoudenmire.
Police said Stoudenmire told them he was on his way home after being at Wild Bill's dance club.
Gwinnett officers had Stoudenmire do a field sobriety test and police said he was "swaying back and forth" and asked to stop.
He was arrested and charged with DUI and following too closely.
Stoudenmire was transported to the Gwinnett County Jail and was held in a holding cell. According to the police report, when Stoudenmire was brought out so he could be processed out he stumbled and fell against the wall across from the holding cell.
David Schiralli with the Gwinnett County Police Department said Stoudenmire was relieved of his sworn duties and placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.
He has bonded out on $1,557.00 bail. Stoudenmire is a 4-year veteran of the police department.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Officer Anthony Battisti Arrested for Hiring Handyman to Kill His Ex-Wife
Anthony Battisti had asked his handyman to do odd jobs in the past.
But in January of this year, the New York City police officer came up with an especially odd one - killing his ex-wife, prosecutors said.
Friday morning, Battisti, 42, of Franklin Square, was arrested and charged with first-degree attempted murder for allegedly hiring handyman Timothy Gersbeck, 37, of Levittown, to kill his ex-wife, Patricia, for $5,000.
If convicted of that and other charges, Battisti could face life in prison.
Gersbeck was charged in January with going to Patricia Battisti's Franklin Square home and stabbing her three times in the back of her neck with a screwdriver. Patricia Battisti, 44, survived the attack.
Gersbeck's case has since been sealed and prosecutors will not comment on it. Battisti's lawyer, Stephen Scaring of Garden City, said it's likely Gersbeck's case is sealed because he is cooperating with prosecutors.
At Battisti's arraignment in Mineola on Friday, prosecutor Michael Canty asked Nassau County Judge David Sullivan to hold Battisti without bail.
He also asked that Battisti be held in Suffolk County jail, rather than Nassau. He did not say why, but Scaring said it was to keep him separated from Gersbeck, who is being held in Nassau.
Sullivan ordered that Battisti be held in Suffolk until his next appearance Wednesday. He deferred a decision on bail until then.
"The people have a very strong case," prosecutor Michael Canty said in court.
According to New York City police, Battisti was suspended in January and remains suspended. In standard NYPD practice, an internal investigation will be conducted after the criminal proceedings are complete, they said.
Patricia Battisti, who was in serious condition after the attack, has since recovered.
District Attorney Kathleen Rice, in a statement, said, "I'm sickened by this officer's betrayal of the badge. We cannot let one single act by one officer overshadow the brave work by men and women who wear the uniform and put themselves in harm's way every day to protect our families and our neighborhoods."
Patricia Battisti was at the center of another court case recently, when she sued North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System for, she alleged, infecting her with syphilis during an operation in 2005.
When a second test showed that Battisti was not infected with the disease, the hospital countersued. That case has been resolved, Patricia Battisti's lawyer said, declining to provide specifics.
Former Officer Thomas Carey Accused of Demanding Sexual Favors
A former police office has been accused of using his position to do the unthinkable.
We've learned that Thomas Carey, a former Grand Haven police officer, is accused of demanding sexual favors before investigating citizen complaints.
Carey pleaded no contest Thursday to charges including gross indecency. Carey recently resigned from the force.
Newschannel 3 poured over court documents on Friday to find out exactly what Carey is accused of doing.
The accusations against Carey have shocked many. Court documents say that as a condition in furthering investigations for two women, Carey "did engage both women at different times in sexual activity, more specifically where the women would perform oral sex upon Mr. Carey."
"I was really surprised," said Sue Syverson, a former neighbor of Carey's. "I thought he had a good reputation in Grand Haven as far as he was always active in the torch run and Special Olympics and fund raising for a lot of different things."
Syverson was Carey's neighbor in the 1990s, at the time, Syverson says Carey lived with another Grand Haven police officer.
"They pretty much stuck to themselves, you'd see the police car come and go once in a while, but that was about it," said Syverson.
Carey's roommate at the time was Grand Haven police officer Scott Flahive, who was tragically shot in 1994. Newschannel 3 spoke to Carey not long after that shooting.
Flahive's death marked one of the darkest days in Grand Haven history, a day Dorothy Walker remembers well. Officer Flahive was her neighbor as well, and she recalls the sympathy she felt for Carey then, and can't believe what he's involved in now.
"Today was the first time I saw his name, it was in the paper," said Walker. "I'm sure there are a lot of kids here that looked up to Tom Carey, and you can't help but wonder how they feel now."
Carey will find out how the judge feels about his actions when he receives his sentence on November 2nd.
We've learned that Thomas Carey, a former Grand Haven police officer, is accused of demanding sexual favors before investigating citizen complaints.
Carey pleaded no contest Thursday to charges including gross indecency. Carey recently resigned from the force.
Newschannel 3 poured over court documents on Friday to find out exactly what Carey is accused of doing.
The accusations against Carey have shocked many. Court documents say that as a condition in furthering investigations for two women, Carey "did engage both women at different times in sexual activity, more specifically where the women would perform oral sex upon Mr. Carey."
"I was really surprised," said Sue Syverson, a former neighbor of Carey's. "I thought he had a good reputation in Grand Haven as far as he was always active in the torch run and Special Olympics and fund raising for a lot of different things."
Syverson was Carey's neighbor in the 1990s, at the time, Syverson says Carey lived with another Grand Haven police officer.
"They pretty much stuck to themselves, you'd see the police car come and go once in a while, but that was about it," said Syverson.
Carey's roommate at the time was Grand Haven police officer Scott Flahive, who was tragically shot in 1994. Newschannel 3 spoke to Carey not long after that shooting.
Flahive's death marked one of the darkest days in Grand Haven history, a day Dorothy Walker remembers well. Officer Flahive was her neighbor as well, and she recalls the sympathy she felt for Carey then, and can't believe what he's involved in now.
"Today was the first time I saw his name, it was in the paper," said Walker. "I'm sure there are a lot of kids here that looked up to Tom Carey, and you can't help but wonder how they feel now."
Carey will find out how the judge feels about his actions when he receives his sentence on November 2nd.
Officer Steven Jay Barriger Arrested for Drunk Driving
An off-duty Hurst police officer out celebrating a fellow officer’s promotion was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving early Friday in downtown Fort Worth as part of a holiday weekend crackdown.
Steven Jay Barriger, 27, was pulled over shortly after 1:30 a.m. by a Fort Worth DWI officer who had observed him driving erratically, according to a police report.
The officer reported seeing Barriger swerve in his Ford Mustang and almost rear-end a vehicle at a red light. After pulling the Mustang over in the 400 block of East Seventh Street, the officer smelled alcohol, according to the report.
The report states that Barriger initially denied that he had been drinking but later acknowledged that he and his passenger, fellow officer Jacob Eubanks, had been at The Library Bar celebrating Eubanks’ upcoming promotion to corporal.
Barriger was given a field sobriety test but refused to take a breath test, prompting the Fort Worth officer to obtain a search warrant for a mandatory blood draw, police said.
Barriger was later booked into the Mansfield Jail on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. He was released Friday afternoon after posting $500 bail.
Eubanks was released at the scene to Hurst police officials.
Hurst Assistant Police Chief Steve Niekamp said both officers have been placed on administrative leave while the department investigates. Barriger has been with the department since May 2008 and Eubanks since August 2001, Niekamp said.
The Fort Worth Police Department is among several law enforcement agencies participating in a statewide Texas Transportation Department campaign in which additional officers are on the streets looking for drunken drivers. The campaign began Aug. 21 and runs through Monday.
In addition, Fort Worth police are conducting a "Stop the Madness" detail this weekend, when drinking and driving is believed to be most prevalent.
The detail encompasses additional manpower aimed at finding drunken drivers and a no-refusal program in which search warrants for blood draws are obtained when suspected drunken drivers refuse a breath test.
Officer George Langan Arrested for Corruption
Washington County District Attorney Steven Toprani said that a Monongahela police officer arrested yesterday on drug and corruption charges represents a culture of corruption he has been wrestling with since he took office 20 months ago.
Monongahela patrolman George M. Langan thwarted the efforts of a Washington County drug task force by tipping off drug dealers and also operated as a drug dealer, Mr. Topriani said. He also threatened some people who authorities say purchased drugs from him.
He described the patrolman as "rogue" officer who was "an important figure in Monongahela's cocaine trade."
Mr. Langan's arrest brings to five the number of local police officers charged with corruption and related crimes under Mr. Toprani's brief regime.
"I view the allegations and arrest with a profound sense of sadness," said Mr. Toprani, who lives in neighboring Carroll. "My commitment to stamp out corruption remains firm."
Mr. Toprani's comments came during a news conference in front of the county courthouse yesterday, just hours after Officer Langan, 45, was arrested and lodged in the county jail on $500,000 bond.
Officer Langan, a 16-year veteran of the Monongahela police, was called into the police department about two hours into his shift yesterday morning and told to remove his gun and belt for a random drug test.
He was taken into custody and charged with 11 counts of violating the drug act, and 23 counts of public corruption, including official oppression, evidence tampering and criminal conspiracy.
His arrest stemmed from an indictment handed down Thursday from a new countywide grand jury empaneled earlier this year by Mr. Toprani.
The indictment capped a four-month investigation into corruption and drug dealing in the Mon Valley, and there could be more arrests, Mr. Toprani said.
He said Officer Langan was targeted by the grand jury after members of the drug task force became suspicious of possible police corruption in the Monongahela area.
The task force, made up of several dozen police officers from throughout the county, acts in secret to investigate and eliminate the local drug trade.
Detective Ronald J. Levi of the drug task force said doubts were raised recently when his team coordinated several undercover purchases of the narcotic painkiller oxycontin from a group of drug dealers in the Mon Valley.
Local police were notified shortly before a final buy and coordinating raid were planned, Detective Levi said, but it became obvious that the dealers had been tipped off and the plan went awry.
"We suspected something was up," he said.
The group didn't have far to look, as Mr. Langan -- called "G-Money" by friends -- had been under investigation for at least the last 10 years by the state attorney general's office, the state police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mr. Toprani said.
The details of those investigations are unclear for now, but Monongahela police Chief Brian Tempest said during his 20-odd years as a local patrolman, he suspected Mr. Langan of wrongdoing and forwarded his concerns to then-chief Dennis Mendicino.
"I feel this has been going on for 10 years," said Chief Tempest, who was appointed chief in January 2008, when new Mayor Robert Kepics was elected. Ex-chief Mendicino, who still works on the force of 18 officers, was demoted to sergeant.
Chief Tempest said there were rumors for years that members of the police force were corrupt, and said he's glad to finally be able to address them.
"It's a sad day for law enforcement," he said. "I feel sad. He was my friend."
Although details will remain sketchy until the grand jury indictment is unsealed during a preliminary hearing scheduled for Wednesday, the criminal complaint filed yesterday alleges Mr. Langan was in possession of cocaine on or about June 15 and June 17, when an undercover operation was launched.
During the same time period, he is accused of delivering cocaine to Sgt. Mendicino's ex-wife, Lori Mendicino, and to Mike Tatar, Nick Simon and Wendy Biagini -- who he has since been accused of threatening.
In April, police said Mr. Langan tipped off Mr. Tatar, Millie Schiffer and Kurt Neff to pending arrests and search warrants.
Mr. Langan's actions rose to the level of racketeering, the complaint alleges, and put the lives of other law enforcement officials in "grave danger."
Mr. Toprani said the investigation wouldn't have been possible without the grand jury, "a very effective tool," which hears confidential testimony and has the power to compel cooperation.
He said it's possible that more charges will be forthcoming, and that Mr. Langan wasn't acting alone.
"This is certainly a difficult day for law enforcement, but it's a necessary one," he said.
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http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/valleyindependent/news/s_641579.html
Friday, September 04, 2009
Deputy Cpl Shane Clevenger Charged with Domestic Violence
A Beaufort County sheriff's deputy was fired Friday following an internal affairs investigation into allegations he beat his girlfriend, making him the second officer dismissed for misconduct in the past two weeks.
Cpl. Shane Clevenger was relieved of his duties after being on paid suspension for about a week during the probe. He faces a charge of criminal domestic violence.
The incident occurred Aug. 26 in the parking lot of Walmart in Beaufort. Clevenger, 42, turned himself in at the Beaufort Police Department two days later, when police obtained a warrant for his arrest, said Beaufort Police Chief Matt Clancy.
He was booked at the Beaufort County Detention Center and released hours later on his own recognizance.
Clancy doesn't think the victim required medical treatment.
Clevenger, a patrol deputy working the northern part of the county, served three stints at the Sheriff's Office -- from September 1999 to December 2000; from March 2003 to September 2007; and from April 2009 until Friday.
He was one of two sheriff's deputies under investigation for criminal domestic violence.
On Tuesday, Cpl. Tony Serrato resigned amid an internal affairs inquiry and a criminal investigation.
According to a sheriff's report, police were called to a Jib Sail Court home in Yacht Cove on Hilton Head Island on Aug. 27.The victim, a girlfriend with whom Serrato had previously lived, told dispatchers and responding officers that Serrato had assaulted her and pinned her against a refrigerator.
When a detective interviewed her, the woman recanted many of her previous statements and described the incident as an argument fueled by alcohol, the report stated. She declined to press charges.
Serrato began work with the Sheriff's Office as a reserve deputy in 1992. He was hired full-time in 2001 and worked as a patrol deputy in the southern part of the county.
A third deputy is being investigated by the State Law Enforcement Division for allegedly having "improper contact" with a Bluffton woman he had arrested and was taking to jail Aug. 15.
Lance Cpl. David Singleterry was fired last week after an internal affairs investigation concluded he engaged in "conduct unbecoming of an officer," said Sheriff P.J. Tanner.
SLED is expected to report its findings to 14th Circuit Solicitor Duffie Stone, who will then decide whether criminal charges are warranted in that case.
A SLED investigation can take months to complete.
Cpl. Shane Clevenger was relieved of his duties after being on paid suspension for about a week during the probe. He faces a charge of criminal domestic violence.
The incident occurred Aug. 26 in the parking lot of Walmart in Beaufort. Clevenger, 42, turned himself in at the Beaufort Police Department two days later, when police obtained a warrant for his arrest, said Beaufort Police Chief Matt Clancy.
He was booked at the Beaufort County Detention Center and released hours later on his own recognizance.
Clancy doesn't think the victim required medical treatment.
Clevenger, a patrol deputy working the northern part of the county, served three stints at the Sheriff's Office -- from September 1999 to December 2000; from March 2003 to September 2007; and from April 2009 until Friday.
He was one of two sheriff's deputies under investigation for criminal domestic violence.
On Tuesday, Cpl. Tony Serrato resigned amid an internal affairs inquiry and a criminal investigation.
According to a sheriff's report, police were called to a Jib Sail Court home in Yacht Cove on Hilton Head Island on Aug. 27.The victim, a girlfriend with whom Serrato had previously lived, told dispatchers and responding officers that Serrato had assaulted her and pinned her against a refrigerator.
When a detective interviewed her, the woman recanted many of her previous statements and described the incident as an argument fueled by alcohol, the report stated. She declined to press charges.
Serrato began work with the Sheriff's Office as a reserve deputy in 1992. He was hired full-time in 2001 and worked as a patrol deputy in the southern part of the county.
A third deputy is being investigated by the State Law Enforcement Division for allegedly having "improper contact" with a Bluffton woman he had arrested and was taking to jail Aug. 15.
Lance Cpl. David Singleterry was fired last week after an internal affairs investigation concluded he engaged in "conduct unbecoming of an officer," said Sheriff P.J. Tanner.
SLED is expected to report its findings to 14th Circuit Solicitor Duffie Stone, who will then decide whether criminal charges are warranted in that case.
A SLED investigation can take months to complete.
Minneapolis Police Accused of Police Brutality
New video released Thursday shows a man surrendering only to be beaten by Minneapolis Police—the second video of alleged police brutality in a month.
The last video of alleged police misconduct released two weeks ago led Minneapolis Police Chief Tim Dolan to order all of his 800 officers to watch a video in which six officers punched and kicked Derryl Jenkins, 42, during a traffic stop.
In this new video—which is now at the center of a lawsuit and internal affairs investigation—a veteran Minneapolis officer is seen kicking a man suspected of breaking into cars in a downtown parking ramp.
It starts when a car driven by Brian McCarthy rams a squad car trying to block his escape. McCarthy flees but his passenger, Nicolas Kastner, gets out and lays down—apparently giving up after being shot by police.
Officer Sherry Appledorn, a 16-year department veteran, thought her rookie partner was dead, according to people who know her. The video shows Appledorn standing over Kastner. She then begins to stomp on him approximately four times before kicking him about nine times.
Officer Joe Will, with 14 years on the force, sits on Kastner and six seconds later, Appledorn kicks him again.
"That wild movement of [Kastner's] legs is the result of getting shocked with 50,000 volts," said Kastern's attorney Fred Goetz.
Appledorn is seen in the video tasering him twice.
"The tasing, like the kicks, were nothing but torture. Nothing but gratuitous acts of violence," Goetz said.
He says they've filed a federal lawsuit alleging police brutality, excessive force, and a cover-up - especially by Appledorn.
"What happened is just an unjustified, unprovoked, unreasonable police beating," Goetz said.
"The passenger failed to get on the ground. I grabbed him and threw him on the ground face first. [He] started crawling under the squad in an attempt to get away. The suspect refused to place his arms behind his back," Appledorn said in a video statement three days later.
"She deliberately and blatantly lied to justify her unreasonable use of force," said Goetz.
Chief Dolan says his department referred this case to the St. Paul City Attorney for possible prosecution.
Both Officers Appledorn and Wills were not charged. Both McCarthy and Kaster have prior criminal theft and damage to property convictions. McCarthy had a warrant out for his arrest for violating his probation at the time of the incident.
Dolan says he takes any allegations of misconduct "extremely seriously" and says as chief, he has raised the bar for expectations around officer conduct and accountability.
The department says the officers cannot comment.
------------------------------
http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/Minneapolis_Police_Chief_Dolan_Interview_Sept_4_2009
The last video of alleged police misconduct released two weeks ago led Minneapolis Police Chief Tim Dolan to order all of his 800 officers to watch a video in which six officers punched and kicked Derryl Jenkins, 42, during a traffic stop.
In this new video—which is now at the center of a lawsuit and internal affairs investigation—a veteran Minneapolis officer is seen kicking a man suspected of breaking into cars in a downtown parking ramp.
It starts when a car driven by Brian McCarthy rams a squad car trying to block his escape. McCarthy flees but his passenger, Nicolas Kastner, gets out and lays down—apparently giving up after being shot by police.
Officer Sherry Appledorn, a 16-year department veteran, thought her rookie partner was dead, according to people who know her. The video shows Appledorn standing over Kastner. She then begins to stomp on him approximately four times before kicking him about nine times.
Officer Joe Will, with 14 years on the force, sits on Kastner and six seconds later, Appledorn kicks him again.
"That wild movement of [Kastner's] legs is the result of getting shocked with 50,000 volts," said Kastern's attorney Fred Goetz.
Appledorn is seen in the video tasering him twice.
"The tasing, like the kicks, were nothing but torture. Nothing but gratuitous acts of violence," Goetz said.
He says they've filed a federal lawsuit alleging police brutality, excessive force, and a cover-up - especially by Appledorn.
"What happened is just an unjustified, unprovoked, unreasonable police beating," Goetz said.
"The passenger failed to get on the ground. I grabbed him and threw him on the ground face first. [He] started crawling under the squad in an attempt to get away. The suspect refused to place his arms behind his back," Appledorn said in a video statement three days later.
"She deliberately and blatantly lied to justify her unreasonable use of force," said Goetz.
Chief Dolan says his department referred this case to the St. Paul City Attorney for possible prosecution.
Both Officers Appledorn and Wills were not charged. Both McCarthy and Kaster have prior criminal theft and damage to property convictions. McCarthy had a warrant out for his arrest for violating his probation at the time of the incident.
Dolan says he takes any allegations of misconduct "extremely seriously" and says as chief, he has raised the bar for expectations around officer conduct and accountability.
The department says the officers cannot comment.
------------------------------
http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/Minneapolis_Police_Chief_Dolan_Interview_Sept_4_2009
Officer Chad Bradley Charged with Rape
Chattanooga police have arrested and charged one of their own for allegedly having sex with a Meigs County girl.
Officer Chad E. Bradley, 35, has been charged with aggravated statutory rape, statutory rape by an authority figure and tampering with evidence, said Lt. Kim Noorbergen, police spokeswoman.
The investigation was initiated on Wednesday. Since then, investigators have determined that Officer Bradley had consensual sexual encounters with an underaged girl from Meigs County, she said.
Chattanooga police and Meigs County sheriff’s investigators located the victim today and interviewed her. The victim is a 17-year-old white female, police said.
She confirmed several consensual sexual encounters with the officer, police said. Two of those were while he was on duty, Lt. Noorbergen reported. The relationship began in July and the pair reportedly had engaged in sex four days ago in Meigs County, police said.
He is being charged locally for an encounter that allegedly occurred on Pan Gap Road in August, Lt. Noorbergen said.
-------------------------------
Officer Chad E. Bradley, 35, has been charged with aggravated statutory rape, statutory rape by an authority figure and tampering with evidence, said Lt. Kim Noorbergen, police spokeswoman.
The investigation was initiated on Wednesday. Since then, investigators have determined that Officer Bradley had consensual sexual encounters with an underaged girl from Meigs County, she said.
Chattanooga police and Meigs County sheriff’s investigators located the victim today and interviewed her. The victim is a 17-year-old white female, police said.
She confirmed several consensual sexual encounters with the officer, police said. Two of those were while he was on duty, Lt. Noorbergen reported. The relationship began in July and the pair reportedly had engaged in sex four days ago in Meigs County, police said.
He is being charged locally for an encounter that allegedly occurred on Pan Gap Road in August, Lt. Noorbergen said.
-------------------------------
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Officer Michael Sylvester Arrested for Theft & Possession
The court documents just filed in the arrest of a Baltimore police officer accused of stealing money from a drug dealer (who turned out to be an undercover detective) provide a detailed account of the case.
Authorities say the officer was targeted because of complaints and moved from a drug task force working Pennsylvania Avenue to the Northwest Police District. There, he was put in charge of training a rookie cop (done, police tell me, to avoid tipping the officer that he was under suspicion). The rookie is not in any trouble.
Members of the department's Internal affairs Integrity Unit set up the sting for Thursday night in the 3900 block of Carlisle Ave., in an area normally devoid of drug dealers. At 9:45 p.m., an undercover officer parked a green Cadillac at Carlisle and Mt. Holley Street while another officer called 911 and described a suspicious green vehicle driving around the block, supposedly looking to buy drugs.
At 9:48 p.m., a dispatcher sent Officer Michael Sylvester (in picture) to the call and told him a person was sitting in the Cadillac for 15 minutes and "acting strange." At 9:50 p.m., court documents say Sylvester pulled up beside the vehicle and shouted, "What are you doing here?" The undercover officer answered, "I'm waiting for my home boy to come meet me."
The court documents say Sylvester ordered the driver to turn off his ignition, turn over his license, get out of the car and sit on the curb. The man gave Sylvester permission to search the car and he emptied his pockets onto the front seat of the car. The charging papers say Sylvester conducted the search alone. After the search, court documents say Sylvester told the driver he was free to go and drove off.
Police say that the uncover officer had $259 in marked bills in his pants pocket and an additional $135 in marked bills in the arm rest of the Cadillac. After Sylvester and the training officer left, the undercover says in court documents that $50 was missing from the money that was in his pocket and $20 was missing from the money that had been in the car.
Undercover police officers followed Sylvester through the remainder of his shift, which ended at 11 p.m. They stopped Sylvester in the parking lot of the Northwestern District after he had changed into civilian clothes and was about to get into his personal vehicle. A lieutenant escorted the officer to an office while detectives searched his locker and reported, according to the charging documents, finding three blue zip lock bags containing suspected cocaine in the breast pocket of his uniform.
Police say Sylvester, 29, is being charged with theft and drug possession.
-----------------------------
http://www.abc2news.com/news/local/story/Officer-Arrested-for-Theft-and-Drug-Charges/lRUMPY1yvUGSDMKYCHb2Cw.cspx
Authorities say the officer was targeted because of complaints and moved from a drug task force working Pennsylvania Avenue to the Northwest Police District. There, he was put in charge of training a rookie cop (done, police tell me, to avoid tipping the officer that he was under suspicion). The rookie is not in any trouble.
Members of the department's Internal affairs Integrity Unit set up the sting for Thursday night in the 3900 block of Carlisle Ave., in an area normally devoid of drug dealers. At 9:45 p.m., an undercover officer parked a green Cadillac at Carlisle and Mt. Holley Street while another officer called 911 and described a suspicious green vehicle driving around the block, supposedly looking to buy drugs.
At 9:48 p.m., a dispatcher sent Officer Michael Sylvester (in picture) to the call and told him a person was sitting in the Cadillac for 15 minutes and "acting strange." At 9:50 p.m., court documents say Sylvester pulled up beside the vehicle and shouted, "What are you doing here?" The undercover officer answered, "I'm waiting for my home boy to come meet me."
The court documents say Sylvester ordered the driver to turn off his ignition, turn over his license, get out of the car and sit on the curb. The man gave Sylvester permission to search the car and he emptied his pockets onto the front seat of the car. The charging papers say Sylvester conducted the search alone. After the search, court documents say Sylvester told the driver he was free to go and drove off.
Police say that the uncover officer had $259 in marked bills in his pants pocket and an additional $135 in marked bills in the arm rest of the Cadillac. After Sylvester and the training officer left, the undercover says in court documents that $50 was missing from the money that was in his pocket and $20 was missing from the money that had been in the car.
Undercover police officers followed Sylvester through the remainder of his shift, which ended at 11 p.m. They stopped Sylvester in the parking lot of the Northwestern District after he had changed into civilian clothes and was about to get into his personal vehicle. A lieutenant escorted the officer to an office while detectives searched his locker and reported, according to the charging documents, finding three blue zip lock bags containing suspected cocaine in the breast pocket of his uniform.
Police say Sylvester, 29, is being charged with theft and drug possession.
-----------------------------
http://www.abc2news.com/news/local/story/Officer-Arrested-for-Theft-and-Drug-Charges/lRUMPY1yvUGSDMKYCHb2Cw.cspx
Officer Juan Delgado Arrested for Hitting His 9-year-old Son
A San Antonio police officer has found himself on the other side of the law.
Wednesday 31-year-old Juan Delgado was indicted, accused of striking his 9-year-old son. Delgado and his attorney appeared in court Thursday morning to face the misdemeanor assault charge.
SAPD said Delgado has been placed on administrative duty.
If convicted, he could face up to a year in jail.
-------------------------
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/56786132.html
Wednesday 31-year-old Juan Delgado was indicted, accused of striking his 9-year-old son. Delgado and his attorney appeared in court Thursday morning to face the misdemeanor assault charge.
SAPD said Delgado has been placed on administrative duty.
If convicted, he could face up to a year in jail.
-------------------------
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/56786132.html
Former Officer Calvin Schaffer Pleads Guilty to Sending Nude Photos
A former southern Kansas police officer accused of sending nude pictures of himself to a woman he arrested pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal wire fraud for defrauding the city of his honest services.
Calvin Schaffer, formerly with the Goddard Police Department, faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced Nov. 16, though he is likely to get far less under federal sentencing guidelines. The government has recommended a sentence at the low end of the guidelines, with additional reductions for his acceptance of responsibility.
Prosecutors say Schaffer, 44, offered to seek the dismissal of drunken driving charges against a Wichita woman he arrested on Feb. 27 in exchange for a sexual relationship.
In his plea agreement, Schaffer admitted using a police department computer while on duty to send e-mails and naked photos of himself to the woman. Under the deal, he would not be allowed to withdraw his guilty plea even if the judge rejects the prosecution’s sentencing recommendations.
Schaffer and defense attorney Roger Falk declined to speak to reporters as they left the courtroom following the brief hearing.
Schaffer worked as a Goddard police officer from Nov. 19, 2007, until March 26, the day after the FBI interviewed him about his relationship with Angelique Mason.
According to an FBI affidavit, Mason went to the FBI in March to file a complaint. She gave the FBI secret recordings that she and two private investigators had made of a telephone call and a meeting between her and the officer.
Mason told the FBI she initially “played along” with the officer’s sexual innuendo while en route to jail after her arrest in hopes of getting help with her criminal case, court records show.
According to the affidavit, Schaffer told FBI agents during an interview that Mason had e-mailed him nude photos of herself before he ever sent her photos of himself. He showed the photos of her to the agents, who then seized his BlackBerry.
After hearing the audio recording of one of his conversations with the woman recorded at the hair salon where she worked, Schaffer admitted that he hoped to have a sexual relationship with her, the affidavit said. He reportedly said he wanted to give Mason the impression that he could help her with her drunken driving case.
Although he acknowledged telling Mason he intentionally made mistakes while investigating her case, Schaffer told the FBI that his mistakes were actually unintentional. The mistakes included failing to report that she had prior arrests for drunken driving, the affidavit said.
It alleges that Schaffer had asked Goddard city prosecutors twice to dismiss the case against Mason, telling them mistakes he made during his investigation would embarrass him should the case be brought to trial.
In support of the federal wire fraud charge, U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch told the court that the e-mails and photos Schaffer sent while on duty affected interstate commerce because they traveled through servers in California and Virginia.
--------------------------------
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2009/09/cop-cops-plea-for-e-mailing-nude-pics-to-woman-he-arrested.ars
Calvin Schaffer, formerly with the Goddard Police Department, faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced Nov. 16, though he is likely to get far less under federal sentencing guidelines. The government has recommended a sentence at the low end of the guidelines, with additional reductions for his acceptance of responsibility.
Prosecutors say Schaffer, 44, offered to seek the dismissal of drunken driving charges against a Wichita woman he arrested on Feb. 27 in exchange for a sexual relationship.
In his plea agreement, Schaffer admitted using a police department computer while on duty to send e-mails and naked photos of himself to the woman. Under the deal, he would not be allowed to withdraw his guilty plea even if the judge rejects the prosecution’s sentencing recommendations.
Schaffer and defense attorney Roger Falk declined to speak to reporters as they left the courtroom following the brief hearing.
Schaffer worked as a Goddard police officer from Nov. 19, 2007, until March 26, the day after the FBI interviewed him about his relationship with Angelique Mason.
According to an FBI affidavit, Mason went to the FBI in March to file a complaint. She gave the FBI secret recordings that she and two private investigators had made of a telephone call and a meeting between her and the officer.
Mason told the FBI she initially “played along” with the officer’s sexual innuendo while en route to jail after her arrest in hopes of getting help with her criminal case, court records show.
According to the affidavit, Schaffer told FBI agents during an interview that Mason had e-mailed him nude photos of herself before he ever sent her photos of himself. He showed the photos of her to the agents, who then seized his BlackBerry.
After hearing the audio recording of one of his conversations with the woman recorded at the hair salon where she worked, Schaffer admitted that he hoped to have a sexual relationship with her, the affidavit said. He reportedly said he wanted to give Mason the impression that he could help her with her drunken driving case.
Although he acknowledged telling Mason he intentionally made mistakes while investigating her case, Schaffer told the FBI that his mistakes were actually unintentional. The mistakes included failing to report that she had prior arrests for drunken driving, the affidavit said.
It alleges that Schaffer had asked Goddard city prosecutors twice to dismiss the case against Mason, telling them mistakes he made during his investigation would embarrass him should the case be brought to trial.
In support of the federal wire fraud charge, U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch told the court that the e-mails and photos Schaffer sent while on duty affected interstate commerce because they traveled through servers in California and Virginia.
--------------------------------
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2009/09/cop-cops-plea-for-e-mailing-nude-pics-to-woman-he-arrested.ars
Officer James Owens Suspended After Giving Teen Girls Alcohol
Jonesville Police Officer James Owens has been suspended after a teenage girl accused him of giving her and her friends alcohol at a party at the home of council member Steve Thompson.
According to an incident report, the 17-year old girl claims after she got drunk at the party on Saturday, she was raped by two teenage boys at the same home. She reported the incident on Monday when she went to a hospital to be examined. Union County investigators responded and took the report, then informed Jonesville Police Chief Jimmy Wilkins of the alcohol accusation.
Wilkins says he showed the girl a photo lineup and she identified Owens as the man who gave her alcohol. Owens was off-duty on Saturday night. He says he called Owens to his office and asked him if he was at the party.
“He said he was there and said there was alcohol there,“ said Wilkins. “I then informed him that he was suspended without pay and I called SLED (State Law Enforcement Division) to investigate as to whether or not he did provide alcohol to minors.“
Owens has not returned calls seeking comment.
Councilman Steve Thompson says Owens did bring “about six beers” to his house, but says to his knowledge, Owens did not give anyone alcohol.
“Why would he do that? He’s a police officer,“ said Thompson.
He said Owens was there for about an hour but he admits he was not always in Owens’ presence. He believes Owens is innocent and thinks the accusations are politically motivated.
Thompson says there were teenage girls at his home because he was hosting a going-away cookout for his son who has joined the National Guard. He says he was not aware of the sexual assault accusations but is “looking into the matter”. He said SLED agents have not questioned him yet but Wilkins says he thinks they will.
Owens was fire chief at the Arkwright Volunteer Fire Department in Spartanburg County, but Captain Jerry Yarbrough says he took a leave of absence about six weeks ago “for personal reasons” and is no longer the acting chief.
As for the sexual assault allegations against the two teenage boys, no charges have been filed at this time. Union County Sheriff’s Office is investigating.
____________________
http://www.wyff4.com/news/20685789/detail.html
According to an incident report, the 17-year old girl claims after she got drunk at the party on Saturday, she was raped by two teenage boys at the same home. She reported the incident on Monday when she went to a hospital to be examined. Union County investigators responded and took the report, then informed Jonesville Police Chief Jimmy Wilkins of the alcohol accusation.
Wilkins says he showed the girl a photo lineup and she identified Owens as the man who gave her alcohol. Owens was off-duty on Saturday night. He says he called Owens to his office and asked him if he was at the party.
“He said he was there and said there was alcohol there,“ said Wilkins. “I then informed him that he was suspended without pay and I called SLED (State Law Enforcement Division) to investigate as to whether or not he did provide alcohol to minors.“
Owens has not returned calls seeking comment.
Councilman Steve Thompson says Owens did bring “about six beers” to his house, but says to his knowledge, Owens did not give anyone alcohol.
“Why would he do that? He’s a police officer,“ said Thompson.
He said Owens was there for about an hour but he admits he was not always in Owens’ presence. He believes Owens is innocent and thinks the accusations are politically motivated.
Thompson says there were teenage girls at his home because he was hosting a going-away cookout for his son who has joined the National Guard. He says he was not aware of the sexual assault accusations but is “looking into the matter”. He said SLED agents have not questioned him yet but Wilkins says he thinks they will.
Owens was fire chief at the Arkwright Volunteer Fire Department in Spartanburg County, but Captain Jerry Yarbrough says he took a leave of absence about six weeks ago “for personal reasons” and is no longer the acting chief.
As for the sexual assault allegations against the two teenage boys, no charges have been filed at this time. Union County Sheriff’s Office is investigating.
____________________
http://www.wyff4.com/news/20685789/detail.html
Officer James Roberts III Charged with Numerous Felonies
James Roberts III is to be charged with numerous felonies in the physical abuse of his wife and girlfriend, the Orange County district attorney's office says.
A Huntington Beach police officer was arrested on suspicion of physically abusing his wife and girlfriend, the Orange County district attorney's office said Wednesday.
According to the district attorney's office, James Roberts III, 33, will be charged with eight counts of false imprisonment by violence or deceit, three counts of criminal threats, two counts of domestic battery with corporal injury, two counts of aggravated assault, one count of dissuading a witness by force or threat and one count of vandalism causing $400 or more in damage, all felony charges. Roberts is expected to be arraigned Friday.
A Huntington Beach police officer was arrested on suspicion of physically abusing his wife and girlfriend, the Orange County district attorney's office said Wednesday.
According to the district attorney's office, James Roberts III, 33, will be charged with eight counts of false imprisonment by violence or deceit, three counts of criminal threats, two counts of domestic battery with corporal injury, two counts of aggravated assault, one count of dissuading a witness by force or threat and one count of vandalism causing $400 or more in damage, all felony charges. Roberts is expected to be arraigned Friday.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Michael Jacobs Dies After Being Tasered
The family of a Texas man who died after being repeatedly tasered by Fort Worth police are demanding an investigation into his death.
The Tarrant county medical examiner ruled on Thursday that the death of 24-year-old Michael Jacobs was a homicide.
Police responded to Jacob's home on April 18 after a call from his family.
Jacobs, suffering from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, had become erratic after going off his medication.
Family members say that he yelled at the police as they attempted to calm him down, but had raised his hands as a sign of surrender before an officer shocked him repeatedly with a taser.
The case will now be handed over to a grand jury.
The Tarrant county medical examiner ruled on Thursday that the death of 24-year-old Michael Jacobs was a homicide.
Police responded to Jacob's home on April 18 after a call from his family.
Jacobs, suffering from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, had become erratic after going off his medication.
Family members say that he yelled at the police as they attempted to calm him down, but had raised his hands as a sign of surrender before an officer shocked him repeatedly with a taser.
The case will now be handed over to a grand jury.
Former Officer Robert Miller Arrested for Impersonating Officer
Former South Charleston Police Officer Robert Miller is in trouble for pretending to still be on the job -- a scheme authorities said he repeatedly has used to make money.
Charleston Police said Miller has an extensive history of pulling the same scam -- often telling people that he's a police officer in a bind. His stories usually involve a forgotten wallet, a tow truck and that he's an off-duty police officer.
Miller served as an officer in South Charleston for a couple of years in the early 90s and is the son of former South Charleston Police Chief J.C. Miller. The man who used to put people behind bars, however, is in jail again, having been arrested for similar schemes in the past.
In 2000, Miller was arrested for using schemes to feed a drug addiction. During his most recent scheme, Miller has only been charged with a misdemeanor, so police fear he'll get out of jail and then be right back at it.
Police said any officer who's legitimate would never ask for money. They also recommend to see a badge if there is a question about an officer being valid or not. If you have additional concerns, call 911.
Charleston Police said Miller has an extensive history of pulling the same scam -- often telling people that he's a police officer in a bind. His stories usually involve a forgotten wallet, a tow truck and that he's an off-duty police officer.
Miller served as an officer in South Charleston for a couple of years in the early 90s and is the son of former South Charleston Police Chief J.C. Miller. The man who used to put people behind bars, however, is in jail again, having been arrested for similar schemes in the past.
In 2000, Miller was arrested for using schemes to feed a drug addiction. During his most recent scheme, Miller has only been charged with a misdemeanor, so police fear he'll get out of jail and then be right back at it.
Police said any officer who's legitimate would never ask for money. They also recommend to see a badge if there is a question about an officer being valid or not. If you have additional concerns, call 911.
Former Officer Christian Torres Pleads Guilty to Bank Robbery
A former New York City police officer pleaded guilty on Tuesday to robbing a Sovereign Bank branch in the East Village twice in 2007, with the help of his companion, who was a teller there.
The former officer, Christian A. Torres, 23, of Queens, was arrested in April 2008 after robbing another Sovereign Bank branch, near Reading, Pa. The revelation that Mr. Torres, who joined the Police Department in 2007, had a second career as a serial bank robber stunned his friends and colleagues. In May, Mr. Torres was sentenced in Philadelphia to 10 years in prison for the Pennsylvania robbery.
On Tuesday, Mr. Torres pleaded guilty to armed bank robbery, bank larceny and conspiracy to defraud a bank. He admitted robbing the Sovereign branch at 57 Avenue A, at East Fourth Street, on June 8 and Nov. 16, 2007.
In the first robbery, the authorities said, Mr. Torres entered the bank and handed his companion, Christina Dasrath, a teller at the branch who was on duty, a note ordering her to “empty both drawers” or else he would “start shooting.” She handed him $16,305 from her teller drawer.
Five months later, Mr. Torres returned to rob the same bank branch, the authorities said. As employees were opening the branch, he approached them and ordered them to open the door. When one of them refused, he threatened to kill that employee and pulled back the side of his jacket to reveal the black handle of a gun tucked into his waistband. Once inside the bank, Mr. Torres ordered the employees to look away from him, to leave their cellphones on a table and to open the vault. He also tied up the legs of another employee.
He took latex gloves out of a duffel bag, put on a ski mask and told an employee to put money in the bag. Then he ordered the employees into the vault, took their keys and told them to stay inside for 10 minutes, threatening that he might return. He took off with about $102,000.
Mr. Torres faces up to 30 years in prison for bank fraud conspiracy, 25 years in prison for bank robbery and 10 years in prison for bank larceny. Judge Laura Taylor Swain of Federal District Court in Manhattan will impose sentence on Nov. 6.
Ms. Dasrath pleaded guilty to bank fraud, bank larceny and false statements on Sept. 5. Judge Swain sentenced her to 30 months in prison on Jan. 9.
Paul S. Missan, a lawyer in Reading, Pa., who represented Mr. Torres in the robbery cases, said in a phone interview that Mr. Torres cooperated with the authorities and regretted his crimes.
The former officer, Christian A. Torres, 23, of Queens, was arrested in April 2008 after robbing another Sovereign Bank branch, near Reading, Pa. The revelation that Mr. Torres, who joined the Police Department in 2007, had a second career as a serial bank robber stunned his friends and colleagues. In May, Mr. Torres was sentenced in Philadelphia to 10 years in prison for the Pennsylvania robbery.
On Tuesday, Mr. Torres pleaded guilty to armed bank robbery, bank larceny and conspiracy to defraud a bank. He admitted robbing the Sovereign branch at 57 Avenue A, at East Fourth Street, on June 8 and Nov. 16, 2007.
In the first robbery, the authorities said, Mr. Torres entered the bank and handed his companion, Christina Dasrath, a teller at the branch who was on duty, a note ordering her to “empty both drawers” or else he would “start shooting.” She handed him $16,305 from her teller drawer.
Five months later, Mr. Torres returned to rob the same bank branch, the authorities said. As employees were opening the branch, he approached them and ordered them to open the door. When one of them refused, he threatened to kill that employee and pulled back the side of his jacket to reveal the black handle of a gun tucked into his waistband. Once inside the bank, Mr. Torres ordered the employees to look away from him, to leave their cellphones on a table and to open the vault. He also tied up the legs of another employee.
He took latex gloves out of a duffel bag, put on a ski mask and told an employee to put money in the bag. Then he ordered the employees into the vault, took their keys and told them to stay inside for 10 minutes, threatening that he might return. He took off with about $102,000.
Mr. Torres faces up to 30 years in prison for bank fraud conspiracy, 25 years in prison for bank robbery and 10 years in prison for bank larceny. Judge Laura Taylor Swain of Federal District Court in Manhattan will impose sentence on Nov. 6.
Ms. Dasrath pleaded guilty to bank fraud, bank larceny and false statements on Sept. 5. Judge Swain sentenced her to 30 months in prison on Jan. 9.
Paul S. Missan, a lawyer in Reading, Pa., who represented Mr. Torres in the robbery cases, said in a phone interview that Mr. Torres cooperated with the authorities and regretted his crimes.
Mr. Missan said:
The judge had him personally tell the facts of the case, and he expressed remorse. He explained that he did it because he needed money to get through the Police Academy. He knows that’s no excuse. He regrets it. From the very first day, he began cooperating with the authorities. He went so far as to meet with the national head of security at Sovereign Bank to help them improve security in the future. This is very rare. He feels a horrible sense of disgrace. He takes full responsibility.
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The judge had him personally tell the facts of the case, and he expressed remorse. He explained that he did it because he needed money to get through the Police Academy. He knows that’s no excuse. He regrets it. From the very first day, he began cooperating with the authorities. He went so far as to meet with the national head of security at Sovereign Bank to help them improve security in the future. This is very rare. He feels a horrible sense of disgrace. He takes full responsibility.
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Monday, August 31, 2009
Former Officer David LaRose Sentenced for Possession of Child Porn
A former Prince George's County police officer was sentenced Monday to more than four years in prison for possession of child pornography, federal authorities said.
David J. LaRose, 35, of Lusby had acknowledged that he purchased child pornography from Web sites in 2006 and 2007, authorities said. LaRose, who was convicted in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, last worked as a patrol officer assigned to the Oxon Hill station.
LaRose, who had joined the Prince George's police in 1996, was suspended with pay in March 2008 pending the investigation.
U.S. District Judge Alexander Williams Jr. ordered LaRose to serve 51 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. He also will be required to register as a sex offender.
David J. LaRose, 35, of Lusby had acknowledged that he purchased child pornography from Web sites in 2006 and 2007, authorities said. LaRose, who was convicted in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, last worked as a patrol officer assigned to the Oxon Hill station.
LaRose, who had joined the Prince George's police in 1996, was suspended with pay in March 2008 pending the investigation.
U.S. District Judge Alexander Williams Jr. ordered LaRose to serve 51 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. He also will be required to register as a sex offender.
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