A Grand Junction police officer accused of burglary and sexually assaulting a woman while he was off duty, has been released from jail after posting bail.
Glenn Coyne was being held on $250,000 bond after his arrest Thursday on suspicion of first-degree assault and first-degree burglary. The 35-year-old officer has been fired after two years on the force.
Authorities say Coyne is accused of assaulting a woman who called him for follow-up help after Coyne and other officers went to her house on an unspecified family matter. Authorities say the alleged assault happened after Coyne's shift at 1 a.m. Tuesday.
Coyne's home phone is unlisted, and it wasn't clear whether he had an attorney.
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Information from: The Daily Sentinel, http://www.gjsentinel.com/
Monday, October 05, 2009
Lt Manny Escoto Charged with Contempt of Court
A Uintah County police lieutenant has personally apologized to the judge who filed a contempt-of-court complaint against him.
Naples Police Lt. Manny Escoto has been accused by 8th District Judge A. Lynn Payne of disregarding instructions given to him after the judge signed a search warrant in late July. On Wednesday, Escoto told Payne he misunderstood the judge's decision to limit the scope of the search warrant in question. He offered to resign immediately from the police force as a demonstration of his remorse.
Payne, who said he'd never held an officer in contempt in his 22 years on the bench, rejected Escoto's offer, saying that wasn't what he wanted. He made Escoto promise not to resign.
In a Sept. 15 complaint, Payne said Escoto appeared in his chambers seeking a warrant to access information on a cell phone. Authorities were investigating allegations that an unnamed juvenile had engaged in sexual activity with a 12-year-old girl. They believed the phone contained text messages, images and videos related to the juvenile's alleged sexual activity with other possible victims, according to the search-warrant application.
"Although the proposed warrant only requested the search of the cell phone, it was apparent to the court that Lt. Escoto also sought authority to search the records of Alltel Inc.," Payne wrote in his complaint, noting the cell-phone company was not a party in the case.
"The court informed Lt. Escoto that the court would not authorize a search of the records of Alltel Inc.," Payne continued, "and that an investigative subpoena would have to be issued to obtain the records."
Payne said he called the prosecutor involved in the investigation, Mike Drechsel, and spoke with him while Escoto was still in the judge's chambers. Payne said he reiterated the need for a subpoena to access phone-company records, and Drechsel agreed to prepare the required paperwork.
The judge noted that the conversation with Drechsel took place on speakerphone, allowing Escoto to hear what was said by both parties.
"The court signed the warrant, and when handing the warrant to Lt. Escoto, the court asked Lt. Escoto if he understood that the warrant only authorized the search of the cell phone and did not authorize him to search the records of Alltel Inc.," Payne wrote. "Lt. Escoto indicated that he understood."
The judge said Drechsel later informed him that Escoto had served the search warrant on Alltel, which Payne said was done "without the authority of the court" and "in violation of the court's specific directive not to do so."
Naples Police Chief Mark Watkins said he has conducted an informal investigation into the judge's allegations against Escoto, his second in command.
The chief said Escoto maintains that he believed Payne had authorized him to serve the warrant on Alltel "that one time" for the purpose of securing text-message records, which are only accessible for 10 days. Watkins said the lieutenant believed that the judge's order that a subpoena be secured for phone-company records would apply to future investigations.
"He follows the rules," Watkins said. "That's what leads me to believe there was a misunderstanding."
Payne has set an Oct. 28 date for a hearing on the matter.
Naples Police Lt. Manny Escoto has been accused by 8th District Judge A. Lynn Payne of disregarding instructions given to him after the judge signed a search warrant in late July. On Wednesday, Escoto told Payne he misunderstood the judge's decision to limit the scope of the search warrant in question. He offered to resign immediately from the police force as a demonstration of his remorse.
Payne, who said he'd never held an officer in contempt in his 22 years on the bench, rejected Escoto's offer, saying that wasn't what he wanted. He made Escoto promise not to resign.
In a Sept. 15 complaint, Payne said Escoto appeared in his chambers seeking a warrant to access information on a cell phone. Authorities were investigating allegations that an unnamed juvenile had engaged in sexual activity with a 12-year-old girl. They believed the phone contained text messages, images and videos related to the juvenile's alleged sexual activity with other possible victims, according to the search-warrant application.
"Although the proposed warrant only requested the search of the cell phone, it was apparent to the court that Lt. Escoto also sought authority to search the records of Alltel Inc.," Payne wrote in his complaint, noting the cell-phone company was not a party in the case.
"The court informed Lt. Escoto that the court would not authorize a search of the records of Alltel Inc.," Payne continued, "and that an investigative subpoena would have to be issued to obtain the records."
Payne said he called the prosecutor involved in the investigation, Mike Drechsel, and spoke with him while Escoto was still in the judge's chambers. Payne said he reiterated the need for a subpoena to access phone-company records, and Drechsel agreed to prepare the required paperwork.
The judge noted that the conversation with Drechsel took place on speakerphone, allowing Escoto to hear what was said by both parties.
"The court signed the warrant, and when handing the warrant to Lt. Escoto, the court asked Lt. Escoto if he understood that the warrant only authorized the search of the cell phone and did not authorize him to search the records of Alltel Inc.," Payne wrote. "Lt. Escoto indicated that he understood."
The judge said Drechsel later informed him that Escoto had served the search warrant on Alltel, which Payne said was done "without the authority of the court" and "in violation of the court's specific directive not to do so."
Naples Police Chief Mark Watkins said he has conducted an informal investigation into the judge's allegations against Escoto, his second in command.
The chief said Escoto maintains that he believed Payne had authorized him to serve the warrant on Alltel "that one time" for the purpose of securing text-message records, which are only accessible for 10 days. Watkins said the lieutenant believed that the judge's order that a subpoena be secured for phone-company records would apply to future investigations.
"He follows the rules," Watkins said. "That's what leads me to believe there was a misunderstanding."
Payne has set an Oct. 28 date for a hearing on the matter.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Lt Michael Leary Arrested for Real Estate Fraud
A Sacramento County sheriff's lieutenant who served on the Elk Grove city council has been arrested on charges of real estate fraud.
Sacramento County District Attorney's spokeswoman Shelly Orio says 49-year-old Michael Leary was arrested Friday on grand theft and forgery charges.
Leary is charged with stealing a $610,000 home he co-owned with his girlfriend by altering a grant deed in January 2006, and two counts of passing the document as being legitimate. Investigators say he later evicted his girlfriend.
A sheriff's spokesman says the 27-year veteran has been placed on paid leave.
Leary lost an election to retain his Elk Grove council seat last year.
He's posted $15,000 bail and is due in court for an Oct. 9 court hearing. There was no phone or attorney listing for him.
Sacramento County District Attorney's spokeswoman Shelly Orio says 49-year-old Michael Leary was arrested Friday on grand theft and forgery charges.
Leary is charged with stealing a $610,000 home he co-owned with his girlfriend by altering a grant deed in January 2006, and two counts of passing the document as being legitimate. Investigators say he later evicted his girlfriend.
A sheriff's spokesman says the 27-year veteran has been placed on paid leave.
Leary lost an election to retain his Elk Grove council seat last year.
He's posted $15,000 bail and is due in court for an Oct. 9 court hearing. There was no phone or attorney listing for him.
Drew Peterson's Trial Will Not be Moved
A judge on Friday refused to move Drew Peterson's murder trial and said a law that prosecutors want to use to allow his ex-wife he's accused of killing to "testify from the grave" is constitutional.
Will County Judge Stephen White's rulings were setbacks for Peterson, a former Bolingbrook police officer who garnered national attention after the October 2007 disappearance of his fourth wife, Stacy Peterson. White also will decide which statements prosecutors can use at Peterson's trial.
Peterson, 55, has pleaded innocent to first-degree murder in the 2004 death of his third wife, Kathleen Savio. He also is a suspect in Stacy Peterson's disappearance. He has denied wrongdoing.
Peterson's attorneys had asked to move the trial, saying the often extensive and often inflammatory publicity surrounding Peterson made it impossible to receive a fair trial in Will County. They also said that that during Peterson's three decades as a police officer he might have arrested or ticketed potential jurors and their family members.
Prosecutors argued that Peterson and his attorneys have themselves to blame for much of the publicity, pointing to the numerous interviews they have given on local and national media.
Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow also has said that his office would agree to a change of venue if it became clear during jury selection that a fair trial was impossible.
Peterson's attorney, Joel Brodsky, said the ruling on the change of venue was not a surprise. He said there still is a chance the judge could agree to moving the trial out of the county if it becomes clear during jury selection that prospective jurors are so biased against Peterson that he could not receive a fair trial.
White ruled that the state's so-called "hearsay" law is constitutional. Peterson's attorneys argued that it denies suspects' right to confront their accusers. But prosecutors said the Illinois law is in line with well-established federal law and, in fact, several other states have similar laws that have survived more than two dozen legal challenges.
Glasgow would not discuss which statements he intends to try to admit as evidence at the trial, but it is clear his office wants to let Savio herself tell jurors why Peterson wanted her dead.
"In essence, what you're basically allowing the victim of a violent crime to do is testify from the grave," he said shortly after Peterson was arrested in May.
Possible evidence in the case might include letters written by Savio, who was seeking orders of protection, in which she said Peterson would kill her to shut her up and her sister's testimony at a coroner's jury that Savio told her family it would be no accident if she died.
Brodsky said he has not decided whether to appeal the judge's decision on the hearsay law to the Illinois Supreme Court.
Will County Judge Stephen White's rulings were setbacks for Peterson, a former Bolingbrook police officer who garnered national attention after the October 2007 disappearance of his fourth wife, Stacy Peterson. White also will decide which statements prosecutors can use at Peterson's trial.
Peterson, 55, has pleaded innocent to first-degree murder in the 2004 death of his third wife, Kathleen Savio. He also is a suspect in Stacy Peterson's disappearance. He has denied wrongdoing.
Peterson's attorneys had asked to move the trial, saying the often extensive and often inflammatory publicity surrounding Peterson made it impossible to receive a fair trial in Will County. They also said that that during Peterson's three decades as a police officer he might have arrested or ticketed potential jurors and their family members.
Prosecutors argued that Peterson and his attorneys have themselves to blame for much of the publicity, pointing to the numerous interviews they have given on local and national media.
Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow also has said that his office would agree to a change of venue if it became clear during jury selection that a fair trial was impossible.
Peterson's attorney, Joel Brodsky, said the ruling on the change of venue was not a surprise. He said there still is a chance the judge could agree to moving the trial out of the county if it becomes clear during jury selection that prospective jurors are so biased against Peterson that he could not receive a fair trial.
White ruled that the state's so-called "hearsay" law is constitutional. Peterson's attorneys argued that it denies suspects' right to confront their accusers. But prosecutors said the Illinois law is in line with well-established federal law and, in fact, several other states have similar laws that have survived more than two dozen legal challenges.
Glasgow would not discuss which statements he intends to try to admit as evidence at the trial, but it is clear his office wants to let Savio herself tell jurors why Peterson wanted her dead.
"In essence, what you're basically allowing the victim of a violent crime to do is testify from the grave," he said shortly after Peterson was arrested in May.
Possible evidence in the case might include letters written by Savio, who was seeking orders of protection, in which she said Peterson would kill her to shut her up and her sister's testimony at a coroner's jury that Savio told her family it would be no accident if she died.
Brodsky said he has not decided whether to appeal the judge's decision on the hearsay law to the Illinois Supreme Court.
Police Brutality Could Cost Milwaukee $3 Million
In what could be the biggest police brutality settlement in Milwaukee history, City Attorney Grant Langley is recommending the city pay $3 million to a man who was paralyzed after his 2003 arrest.
The officer accused in the beating was later fired for covering up an incident in which he and other officers went sledding on duty.
If the Common Council agrees, the city would have to borrow the money to settle the federal civil rights lawsuit filed by Curtis Harris. Two council committees will consider the deal this week.
In December 2003, Officer Kevin Clark and his partner, Officer Joseph Schankey, arrested Harris at his sister's home after he was accused of threatening her and her children. Harris previously had been convicted of obstructing police. The officers also reported Harris was drunk, an allegation he denied.
While Harris was being booked at the 3rd District police station, Clark threw him to the floor. Clark claimed Harris was about to take a swing at him. Harris said that wasn't possible because Clark was behind him.
In his lawsuit, Harris alleged that Clark slammed Harris' head into a wall and drove his knee into Harris' back. As a result, Harris said he became a quadriplegic for life. He filed suit against Clark, Schankey and the city.
Less than two months after arresting Harris, Clark became entangled in a separate incident that eventually cost him his job.
In late January 2004, he and other officers working on the 3rd District late shift decided to go sledding at Calvary Cemetery on W. Blue Mound Road. Clark crashed his sled and broke several ribs.
A sergeant in the group then ordered the officers to devise a coverup, in which they claimed Clark was injured while pursuing a burglary suspect. The sergeant even recommended Clark for a commendation, which was never awarded.
Clark collected $11,485 in worker's compensation before the scam was exposed. He pleaded guilty to insurance fraud, was fined $500 and fired by then-Police Chief Nannette Hegerty. The sergeant was convicted of misconduct in public office and resigned, and another officer involved in the coverup was convicted of obstructing justice and fired.
Langley said Clark's disciplinary record would have led to questions about his credibility if he had to testify before a jury.
With future medical expenses for Harris projected at more than $4 million, Langley said he was concerned jurors might award Harris more than the $3 million proposed in the settlement.
Langley said this would be the largest settlement of an excessive-force suit that he can recall in the 38 years he has worked for the city attorney's office, including 25 years in his current post.
The Harris settlement would be almost twice the $1.6 million that the city paid last year in a settlement with the family of Justin Fields, who was shot and killed while fleeing police in 2003. The family of Daniel Bell, who was killed by police in a 1958 incident that was covered up for 20 years, won $1.6 million in a jury trial.
Among other cases, the Harris settlement would be nearly as much as the $3.2 million total that the city paid in two separate 2007 reverse-discrimination settlements with 28 current and former police lieutenants who accused former Police Chief Arthur Jones of refusing to promote them to captain because they are white men.
But a much higher-profile police brutality case is still working its way through the courts. Frank Jude Jr. is seeking $30 million in a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city and eight former officers linked to his beating at a 2004 Bay View party.
Six of those officers have been convicted of criminal civil rights violations, including five who were fired and one who resigned. A seventh officer was acquitted and reinstated, and the eighth was never charged.
The officer accused in the beating was later fired for covering up an incident in which he and other officers went sledding on duty.
If the Common Council agrees, the city would have to borrow the money to settle the federal civil rights lawsuit filed by Curtis Harris. Two council committees will consider the deal this week.
In December 2003, Officer Kevin Clark and his partner, Officer Joseph Schankey, arrested Harris at his sister's home after he was accused of threatening her and her children. Harris previously had been convicted of obstructing police. The officers also reported Harris was drunk, an allegation he denied.
While Harris was being booked at the 3rd District police station, Clark threw him to the floor. Clark claimed Harris was about to take a swing at him. Harris said that wasn't possible because Clark was behind him.
In his lawsuit, Harris alleged that Clark slammed Harris' head into a wall and drove his knee into Harris' back. As a result, Harris said he became a quadriplegic for life. He filed suit against Clark, Schankey and the city.
Less than two months after arresting Harris, Clark became entangled in a separate incident that eventually cost him his job.
In late January 2004, he and other officers working on the 3rd District late shift decided to go sledding at Calvary Cemetery on W. Blue Mound Road. Clark crashed his sled and broke several ribs.
A sergeant in the group then ordered the officers to devise a coverup, in which they claimed Clark was injured while pursuing a burglary suspect. The sergeant even recommended Clark for a commendation, which was never awarded.
Clark collected $11,485 in worker's compensation before the scam was exposed. He pleaded guilty to insurance fraud, was fined $500 and fired by then-Police Chief Nannette Hegerty. The sergeant was convicted of misconduct in public office and resigned, and another officer involved in the coverup was convicted of obstructing justice and fired.
Langley said Clark's disciplinary record would have led to questions about his credibility if he had to testify before a jury.
With future medical expenses for Harris projected at more than $4 million, Langley said he was concerned jurors might award Harris more than the $3 million proposed in the settlement.
Langley said this would be the largest settlement of an excessive-force suit that he can recall in the 38 years he has worked for the city attorney's office, including 25 years in his current post.
The Harris settlement would be almost twice the $1.6 million that the city paid last year in a settlement with the family of Justin Fields, who was shot and killed while fleeing police in 2003. The family of Daniel Bell, who was killed by police in a 1958 incident that was covered up for 20 years, won $1.6 million in a jury trial.
Among other cases, the Harris settlement would be nearly as much as the $3.2 million total that the city paid in two separate 2007 reverse-discrimination settlements with 28 current and former police lieutenants who accused former Police Chief Arthur Jones of refusing to promote them to captain because they are white men.
But a much higher-profile police brutality case is still working its way through the courts. Frank Jude Jr. is seeking $30 million in a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city and eight former officers linked to his beating at a 2004 Bay View party.
Six of those officers have been convicted of criminal civil rights violations, including five who were fired and one who resigned. A seventh officer was acquitted and reinstated, and the eighth was never charged.
Deputy Manuel Silva Arrested for Extortion
A Broward County Sheriff’s deputy was arrested on extortion, burglary and drug charges, marking the third time this year a Broward deputy has been charged with a crime.
Manuel Silva, 34, was arrested Friday under allegations that he possessed oxycodone and other drugs without a prescription.
Sheriff officials have not released any more information, including whether he committed crimes while on duty.
He remains in jail, according to the Broward County Jail website.
Broward County Sheriff Manuel Silva was arrested on drug, burglary and extortion charges on Friday, marking the third Broward deputy to be criminally charged this year In August, Broward Sheriff’s deputy Jonathan Bleiweiss was arrested for allegedly using his authority to coerce sex from male illegal immigrants. He faces 58 charges.
In April, Broward Sheriff’s deputy Charles Grady resigned after he was sentenced to two years probation for inappropriately touching women during traffic stops.
Deputy Jeffrey Swartz Charged with Domestic Violence
A deputy with the Hernando County Sheriff's Office is accused of assaulting his wife.
Jeffrey P. Swartz, 34, was charged Saturday with domestic battery and placed on administrative leave, according to a sheriff's office report.
Swartz has been employed with the agency since April 2001 and is currently assigned as a District 2 detective.
Swartz had a "get together" at his residence in which alcoholic beverages were consumed, the report said.
An argument between Swartz and his wife took place, which turned into a physical altercation, the report stated.
Swartz pushed his wife onto the floor of their bedroom. Swartz then placed his arms around her neck, but she was able to break free, the report stated.
The deputy continued being aggressive and grabbed his wife's arms, which prevented her from moving them, the report stated. After breaking Swartz' grasp, she was able to call the sheriff's office for help, the report stated.
The wife sustained red marks on the front of her neck and right arm, which is consistent with her allegations, the report stated.
Swartz had red marks on his right arm. Neither Swartz nor the victim required medical attention, the report stated.
A witness who was at the residence during part of the battery said Swartz threw the victim to the bedroom floor, the report stated. Swartz was transported to the Hernando County Jail without incident.
Sgt. Donna Black, spokeswoman for the sheriff's office, declined to comment further about the case.
Jeffrey P. Swartz, 34, was charged Saturday with domestic battery and placed on administrative leave, according to a sheriff's office report.
Swartz has been employed with the agency since April 2001 and is currently assigned as a District 2 detective.
Swartz had a "get together" at his residence in which alcoholic beverages were consumed, the report said.
An argument between Swartz and his wife took place, which turned into a physical altercation, the report stated.
Swartz pushed his wife onto the floor of their bedroom. Swartz then placed his arms around her neck, but she was able to break free, the report stated.
The deputy continued being aggressive and grabbed his wife's arms, which prevented her from moving them, the report stated. After breaking Swartz' grasp, she was able to call the sheriff's office for help, the report stated.
The wife sustained red marks on the front of her neck and right arm, which is consistent with her allegations, the report stated.
Swartz had red marks on his right arm. Neither Swartz nor the victim required medical attention, the report stated.
A witness who was at the residence during part of the battery said Swartz threw the victim to the bedroom floor, the report stated. Swartz was transported to the Hernando County Jail without incident.
Sgt. Donna Black, spokeswoman for the sheriff's office, declined to comment further about the case.
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Detective Oscar Sandino Charged with Making Lewd Remarks to Prisoner
A veteran detective was arrested Friday on charges of making lewd remarks to a female prisoner, police sources said.
The suspect, Detective Oscar Sandino, 36, was sued in June by a Queens woman who accused him of sodomizing her in a police station bathroom. There were no criminal charges, the sources said.
The latest incident involved a court officer arrested for obstructing governmental administration, who accused Sandino of making a sexual remark to her while she was being moved from a holding cell on Sept. 16.
Sandino was charged with harassment and official misconduct, sources said.
In the federal lawsuit, still pending, a 29-year-old woman said Sandino - following a 2008 drug raid at her apartment - groped and sodomized her while she was in custody.
The suspect, Detective Oscar Sandino, 36, was sued in June by a Queens woman who accused him of sodomizing her in a police station bathroom. There were no criminal charges, the sources said.
The latest incident involved a court officer arrested for obstructing governmental administration, who accused Sandino of making a sexual remark to her while she was being moved from a holding cell on Sept. 16.
Sandino was charged with harassment and official misconduct, sources said.
In the federal lawsuit, still pending, a 29-year-old woman said Sandino - following a 2008 drug raid at her apartment - groped and sodomized her while she was in custody.
Officer Andrew Kelly Charged with Vehicular Manslaughter
The New York Police Department has suspended a third officer following an alleged drunken driving accident that killed a pastor's daughter on a Brooklyn street.
An off-duty officer, Andrew Kelly, has pleaded not guilty to vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated.
The officer was suspended after surveillance video showed he gave Kelly gum and bottles of water at the scene. Another officer was suspended last week for fleeing the scene of the accident.
Vionique Valnord (vee-oh-NEEK' val-NORD') was killed early Sunday as she tried to hail a cab after a wedding reception.
Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly has called the case is 'disturbing.' The department's internal probe continues.
An off-duty officer, Andrew Kelly, has pleaded not guilty to vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated.
The officer was suspended after surveillance video showed he gave Kelly gum and bottles of water at the scene. Another officer was suspended last week for fleeing the scene of the accident.
Vionique Valnord (vee-oh-NEEK' val-NORD') was killed early Sunday as she tried to hail a cab after a wedding reception.
Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly has called the case is 'disturbing.' The department's internal probe continues.
Friday, October 02, 2009
Sgt. Jason McGinness Indicted for Stealing at Traffic Stop
A Clay County grand jury has indicted a former Claycomo police sergeant, alleging he stole more than $500 from a Spanish-speaking worker during a vehicle stop last July.
The jury indicted Jason McGinness on Sept. 22, police said Thursday. A language barrier delayed the investigation, according to Police Chief Matt Coonce.
The victim lives in Laredo, Texas, and travels throughout the country constructing grain elevators. Police also interviewed people who were traveling with him at the time.
McGinness was fired after an initial investigation found he had violated the workers’ civil rights, Coonce said.
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http://www.kctv5.com/news/21179991/detail.html
The jury indicted Jason McGinness on Sept. 22, police said Thursday. A language barrier delayed the investigation, according to Police Chief Matt Coonce.
The victim lives in Laredo, Texas, and travels throughout the country constructing grain elevators. Police also interviewed people who were traveling with him at the time.
McGinness was fired after an initial investigation found he had violated the workers’ civil rights, Coonce said.
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http://www.kctv5.com/news/21179991/detail.html
Officer Andrew Kelly No Hero
A cop who mowed down a preacher's daughter was no hero at the scene, family members and sources familiar with the probe of the drunk driving crash told the Daily News Friday.
"That story is a bunch of bull," a source said referring to Officer Andrew Kelly's claim that he gave the victim CPR moments after the Sunday morning accident.
"He barely touched the girl. His hands were almost on her stomach, not her chest."
Investigators believe someone who was at the same Brooklyn wedding that victim Vionique Valnord had just attended was desperately pumping her chest and giving her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
"His mouth never even touched her mouth," the source said, adding that a second person who also attended the wedding was helping with the mouth-to-mouth.
Kelly's hero pose outraged Valnord's family.
"I think it's an insult," Valnord's father, the Rev. Varius Valnord told the News.
"He's trying to take the blame from himself. He's the one to blame. I forgive him, but the lord will do the right thing."
The 7-year-veteran cop was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI for slamming his Jeep Cherokee into Valnord as she hailed a cab in Old Mill Basin.
Three passengers, including a fellow officer, fled. It took seven hours to get Kelly's blood for an alcohol test. NYPD Internal Affairs investigators are probing for a possible cover-up by cops at the scene.
One officer has been suspended for giving Kelly two bottles of water and gum after the crash, News reported earlier Friday.
Kelly's lawyer, Arthur Aidala, handed a prosecutor a condolence card for Valnord's family in court Friday, and again insisted the officer wasn't drunk.
Aidala earlier this week said that Kelly "brought her back to life" and that she was breathing when he "handed" Valnord over to the paramedics. "She never regained consciousness," a source told The News.
Kelly had worked a regular shift at the 68th Precinct earlier in the day before going to a bar, then to a friend's house to watch the Notre Dame football game, and then to a second bar where he allegedly had six-to-eight drinks.
His blood alcohol level later found no booze in his system. Witnesses told investigators Kelly was unsteady, had glassy eyes and smelled of alcohol, although he was given gum and water and was chain-smoking cigarettes at the scene.
"This would be another example of police attempting to help cover-up for a fellow officer who may have committed a serious crime," said lawyer Sanford Rubenstein, who the family has hired.
"No matter what spin is being attempted, the facts speak for themselves. He was not sober at the time of this tragedy."
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"That story is a bunch of bull," a source said referring to Officer Andrew Kelly's claim that he gave the victim CPR moments after the Sunday morning accident.
"He barely touched the girl. His hands were almost on her stomach, not her chest."
Investigators believe someone who was at the same Brooklyn wedding that victim Vionique Valnord had just attended was desperately pumping her chest and giving her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
"His mouth never even touched her mouth," the source said, adding that a second person who also attended the wedding was helping with the mouth-to-mouth.
Kelly's hero pose outraged Valnord's family.
"I think it's an insult," Valnord's father, the Rev. Varius Valnord told the News.
"He's trying to take the blame from himself. He's the one to blame. I forgive him, but the lord will do the right thing."
The 7-year-veteran cop was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI for slamming his Jeep Cherokee into Valnord as she hailed a cab in Old Mill Basin.
Three passengers, including a fellow officer, fled. It took seven hours to get Kelly's blood for an alcohol test. NYPD Internal Affairs investigators are probing for a possible cover-up by cops at the scene.
One officer has been suspended for giving Kelly two bottles of water and gum after the crash, News reported earlier Friday.
Kelly's lawyer, Arthur Aidala, handed a prosecutor a condolence card for Valnord's family in court Friday, and again insisted the officer wasn't drunk.
Aidala earlier this week said that Kelly "brought her back to life" and that she was breathing when he "handed" Valnord over to the paramedics. "She never regained consciousness," a source told The News.
Kelly had worked a regular shift at the 68th Precinct earlier in the day before going to a bar, then to a friend's house to watch the Notre Dame football game, and then to a second bar where he allegedly had six-to-eight drinks.
His blood alcohol level later found no booze in his system. Witnesses told investigators Kelly was unsteady, had glassy eyes and smelled of alcohol, although he was given gum and water and was chain-smoking cigarettes at the scene.
"This would be another example of police attempting to help cover-up for a fellow officer who may have committed a serious crime," said lawyer Sanford Rubenstein, who the family has hired.
"No matter what spin is being attempted, the facts speak for themselves. He was not sober at the time of this tragedy."
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Other Information: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/03/nyregion/03dwi.html
Officer Dustin Whitehead Arrested for Misconduct
Illinois State Police arrested a city officer for "actions relating to the officer's official conduct as a police officer," according to a news release sent out by the Marion Police Department.
According to Marion Mayor Bob Butler, the officer is a patrolman who has been on the force five or six years. The officer has been placed on administrative leave by the Marion Police Department pending the results of the investigation.
The officer has been identified as Dustin Whitehead by media reports. Whitehead, a native of Marion, was formerly employed at the Williamson County Jail.
According to Illinois State Police, investigators handed the case over the Williamson County State's Attorney's Office for charges to be filed. Our attempts to reach Williamson County State's Attorney Chuck Garnati were unsuccessful.
Heartland News also contacted the Williamson County Jail to see if the officer in question is not in their custody. Jailers say the officer is not and has not been in their jail.
Illinois State Police continue the investigation into the incident.
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http://www.mariondaily.com/newsnow/x1699610242/Arrested-Marion-officer-identified
According to Marion Mayor Bob Butler, the officer is a patrolman who has been on the force five or six years. The officer has been placed on administrative leave by the Marion Police Department pending the results of the investigation.
The officer has been identified as Dustin Whitehead by media reports. Whitehead, a native of Marion, was formerly employed at the Williamson County Jail.
According to Illinois State Police, investigators handed the case over the Williamson County State's Attorney's Office for charges to be filed. Our attempts to reach Williamson County State's Attorney Chuck Garnati were unsuccessful.
Heartland News also contacted the Williamson County Jail to see if the officer in question is not in their custody. Jailers say the officer is not and has not been in their jail.
Illinois State Police continue the investigation into the incident.
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http://www.mariondaily.com/newsnow/x1699610242/Arrested-Marion-officer-identified
Tulsa Officer Shoots Dog with 10-Year-old Boy Standing Near Him
A Tulsa police officer shot and killed a dog with a 10-year-old boy standing about three feet away from the animal on Tuesday night, the parent and dog owner told the Tulsa World on Wednesday.
The officer arrived to the home in the 2900 block of East 74th Street on a dog barking complaint around 10 p.m., said Julia Wilson, 32.
Wilson said the officer knocked on the door, which was answered by her son, and the boxer ran onto the porch barking.
As the dog ran through the door, the officer pulled out his weapon and shot the dog twice, with the boy standing directly behind the dog, she said.
“I went on the porch and told the officer that he killed my dog and the officer responded, 'I don’t care,’ ” she said. “My son looked at the officer and asked if his gun was real.”
Meanwhile, the dog ran back into the house and fell dead in a pool of blood in the living room, she said.
Officer Jason Willingham said he could not find the police report Wednesday afternoon and had no information on the incident, including the officer’s name. The department’s Internal Affairs division is also reportedly investigating the shooting.
“What if the dog would have moved and the bullet would have struck my son?” Wilson said.
Wilson said the boxer had on a shock collar, which wouldn’t allow the pet to walk off the property.
The officer was dispatched to the home about a second dog, an American bulldog, which had been sifting through a neighbor’s trash, but was wandering around the front yard when the officer arrived, Wilson said.
“This is going to scar my son for a long time,” she said.
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Other information:
http://www.fox23.com/news/local/story/Police-Respond-to-Shooting-Boys-Dog/n-th5nbARk6wY64ZnMye4Q.cspx
The officer arrived to the home in the 2900 block of East 74th Street on a dog barking complaint around 10 p.m., said Julia Wilson, 32.
Wilson said the officer knocked on the door, which was answered by her son, and the boxer ran onto the porch barking.
As the dog ran through the door, the officer pulled out his weapon and shot the dog twice, with the boy standing directly behind the dog, she said.
“I went on the porch and told the officer that he killed my dog and the officer responded, 'I don’t care,’ ” she said. “My son looked at the officer and asked if his gun was real.”
Meanwhile, the dog ran back into the house and fell dead in a pool of blood in the living room, she said.
Officer Jason Willingham said he could not find the police report Wednesday afternoon and had no information on the incident, including the officer’s name. The department’s Internal Affairs division is also reportedly investigating the shooting.
“What if the dog would have moved and the bullet would have struck my son?” Wilson said.
Wilson said the boxer had on a shock collar, which wouldn’t allow the pet to walk off the property.
The officer was dispatched to the home about a second dog, an American bulldog, which had been sifting through a neighbor’s trash, but was wandering around the front yard when the officer arrived, Wilson said.
“This is going to scar my son for a long time,” she said.
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Other information:
http://www.fox23.com/news/local/story/Police-Respond-to-Shooting-Boys-Dog/n-th5nbARk6wY64ZnMye4Q.cspx
Corrections Officer Christopher Shreve Arrested for Shooting Cat
On a spring morning this year, Eoanna Hoefer's 8-year-old cat Tinkerbelle slipped out of the house for a few minutes while Hoefer carried a load of laundry to a back room; when the orange feline returned, she was dragging her hind legs, a bloody wound visible on her spine.
At first, Hoefer thought an insect had bitten her pet. But when the normally cheerful Tinkerbelle wouldn't eat or go to the bathroom, Hoefer took the animal to the veterinarian. An X-ray showed the cat had a pellet lodged in her spine, probably from a BB gun, a police report shows. The doctor also told Hoefer that Tinkerbelle would likely be paralyzed and never be able to urinate or defecate normally, the report states.
On Sept. 19, Daytona Beach police arrested Hoefer's neighbor, 46-year-old Christopher Shreve. Police charged him with animal cruelty -- a felony -- after he was accused of shooting the cat with a BB gun, the report shows.
A corrections officer with Tomoka Correctional Institution, Shreve has been placed on administrative leave with pay by the state's Department of Corrections, spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger said.
He did not return calls for comment, instead opting to speak through his attorney, Michael Politis. Earlier this week, Politis said Shreve is "pretty adamant that he never hurt that cat."
"My client does not have a BB gun that I know of," Politis said.
But the incident report taken in March and written by Daytona Beach Officer Liz Devlin says differently.
Devlin met with Shreve at his residence on Dach Avenue.
According to the report, Shreve told Devlin he may have made a comment about shooting stray cats at one time, but he never followed through with the threat. Shreve told Devlin that he had lived in the same house for 30 years and had no idea Hoefer had any cats. But then he told Devlin that Hoefer "lets her cats out all the time and they're always roaming the streets."
In addition, Daytona Beach code enforcement officer Tom Clig told Devlin that on April 14 Shreve admitted to him that he shot Tinkerbelle "to scare it off." Devlin also wrote that according to Clig, Shreve conceded he was sick of all the stray cats around his house and that he had "taken up shooting them with his BB gun," the report states.
Politis said his client's statements to Clig and Devlin were misunderstood. He said Shreve, who is to be arraigned today, will enter a plea of not guilty.
For Hoefer, who rescued Tinkerbelle when she was just a kitten, the entire ordeal has been an emotional battle since the beloved pet was injured in early March and forced to spend two weeks at the animal hospital.
The good news is Tinkerbelle is walking again -- albeit slowly -- and she is able to relieve herself, although with pain, Hoefer said.
The friendly feline's slow recovery came through several months of patient therapy by Hoefer, who suffers with a seizure disorder after she was struck by a car in 1988 and walks with an arm brace because of degenerative arthritis.
"Love for Tinkerbelle is what gave me the energy to be able to do the therapy," Hoefer answered quickly at her home this week. "I refused to let this cat live its remaining years dragging herself around on her rear end."
Hoefer, who once worked in orthopedics, massaged and exercised Tinkerbelle's hind legs with her hands daily; she ran a wire brush down her pet's legs to stimulate the nerves. As Tinkerbelle progressed, Hoefer placed a stool near the sofa and taught the feline how to step up and get on the couch again.
Regardless, some of the cat's simplest functions are gone.
"She can no longer scratch herself with her hind legs, so I try to do it for her," Hoefer said smiling at Tinkerbelle and Bandit, another rescue cat. "Sometimes she makes it to the litter box and sometimes she doesn't. Sometimes she cries when she goes to the bathroom because she's in pain."
Hoefer said the worst thing about the incident is that Shreve never came to her house to apologize for hurting Tinkerbelle.
"He came over here and yelled at me," she said.
At first, Hoefer thought an insect had bitten her pet. But when the normally cheerful Tinkerbelle wouldn't eat or go to the bathroom, Hoefer took the animal to the veterinarian. An X-ray showed the cat had a pellet lodged in her spine, probably from a BB gun, a police report shows. The doctor also told Hoefer that Tinkerbelle would likely be paralyzed and never be able to urinate or defecate normally, the report states.
On Sept. 19, Daytona Beach police arrested Hoefer's neighbor, 46-year-old Christopher Shreve. Police charged him with animal cruelty -- a felony -- after he was accused of shooting the cat with a BB gun, the report shows.
A corrections officer with Tomoka Correctional Institution, Shreve has been placed on administrative leave with pay by the state's Department of Corrections, spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger said.
He did not return calls for comment, instead opting to speak through his attorney, Michael Politis. Earlier this week, Politis said Shreve is "pretty adamant that he never hurt that cat."
"My client does not have a BB gun that I know of," Politis said.
But the incident report taken in March and written by Daytona Beach Officer Liz Devlin says differently.
Devlin met with Shreve at his residence on Dach Avenue.
According to the report, Shreve told Devlin he may have made a comment about shooting stray cats at one time, but he never followed through with the threat. Shreve told Devlin that he had lived in the same house for 30 years and had no idea Hoefer had any cats. But then he told Devlin that Hoefer "lets her cats out all the time and they're always roaming the streets."
In addition, Daytona Beach code enforcement officer Tom Clig told Devlin that on April 14 Shreve admitted to him that he shot Tinkerbelle "to scare it off." Devlin also wrote that according to Clig, Shreve conceded he was sick of all the stray cats around his house and that he had "taken up shooting them with his BB gun," the report states.
Politis said his client's statements to Clig and Devlin were misunderstood. He said Shreve, who is to be arraigned today, will enter a plea of not guilty.
For Hoefer, who rescued Tinkerbelle when she was just a kitten, the entire ordeal has been an emotional battle since the beloved pet was injured in early March and forced to spend two weeks at the animal hospital.
The good news is Tinkerbelle is walking again -- albeit slowly -- and she is able to relieve herself, although with pain, Hoefer said.
The friendly feline's slow recovery came through several months of patient therapy by Hoefer, who suffers with a seizure disorder after she was struck by a car in 1988 and walks with an arm brace because of degenerative arthritis.
"Love for Tinkerbelle is what gave me the energy to be able to do the therapy," Hoefer answered quickly at her home this week. "I refused to let this cat live its remaining years dragging herself around on her rear end."
Hoefer, who once worked in orthopedics, massaged and exercised Tinkerbelle's hind legs with her hands daily; she ran a wire brush down her pet's legs to stimulate the nerves. As Tinkerbelle progressed, Hoefer placed a stool near the sofa and taught the feline how to step up and get on the couch again.
Regardless, some of the cat's simplest functions are gone.
"She can no longer scratch herself with her hind legs, so I try to do it for her," Hoefer said smiling at Tinkerbelle and Bandit, another rescue cat. "Sometimes she makes it to the litter box and sometimes she doesn't. Sometimes she cries when she goes to the bathroom because she's in pain."
Hoefer said the worst thing about the incident is that Shreve never came to her house to apologize for hurting Tinkerbelle.
"He came over here and yelled at me," she said.
Officer Ray Roberts Suspended for Making Illegal Arrest
A Murfreesboro police officer is facing suspension after he allegedly performed an illegal arrest.
According to the Murfreesboro Police Department, Officer Ray Roberts illegally arrested Anthony Defeo last November. The charge was driving without a license, but it is believed Roberts did not actually see Defeo breaking any laws.
Initially, the department recommended Roberts be fired for allegedly lying during the internal investigation. However, after an appeal, that firing was changed to a 10-day suspension and one year of probation with the department.
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http://www.wztv.com/newsroom/top_stories/wztv_vid_1551.shtml
According to the Murfreesboro Police Department, Officer Ray Roberts illegally arrested Anthony Defeo last November. The charge was driving without a license, but it is believed Roberts did not actually see Defeo breaking any laws.
Initially, the department recommended Roberts be fired for allegedly lying during the internal investigation. However, after an appeal, that firing was changed to a 10-day suspension and one year of probation with the department.
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http://www.wztv.com/newsroom/top_stories/wztv_vid_1551.shtml
Officer Francis Brevetti Arrested on Drug Charges
On Sunday, September 20, Watertown police executed an arrest warrant for Francis Brevetti, 29, of 11 Rustic Acres Drive, Wolcott on drug possession charges. Mr. Brevetti is a member of the Waterbury Police Department.
Mr. Brevetti was allegedly discovered to be in possession of marijuana and less than three grams of cocaine when he was involved in a motor vehicle accident in Watertown in the early morning on Sunday, September 20.
Mr. Brevetti has been charged with possession of narcotics, possession with intent to sell cocaine, possession with intent to sell cocaine within 1,500 feet of a school, possession of marijuana, possession with intent to sell marijuana, possession with intent to sell marijuana within 1,500 of a school and possession of paraphernalia. He was released on $100,000 bond.
Watertown Police spokesman Lt. Mark Raimo reported that Mr. Brevetti "was not arrested at the accident scene," as Mr. Brevetti was taken to a hospital.
"We completed an investigation and arrested Mr. Brevetti on warrant," said Lt. Raimo.
Lt. Raimo declined any comment regarding what the investigation had revealed, but Mr. Brevetti's lawyer has stated that he seized the drugs while on duty, but forgot to turn them over at the police station.
According to police, the drugs were found in Mr. Brevetti's Ford F-150 after he was involved in a head-on accident with a tree at about 2 a.m. Mr. Brevetti was taken from the scene by ambulance for treatment of injuries to his face and head, after he had exited the vehicle and was found stumbling in the roadway, police said.
However, as officers were having the vehicle towed, they discovered a large amount of drugs in the rear of the vehicle.
Officers seized several small plastic baggies stuffed with marijuana, a small baggie containing a small quantity of cocaine, and a digital scale used for weighing small items.
The arrest warrant stated that there were more than 51 grams of marijuana in the baggies. Police seized the drugs and launched a criminal investigation. In a press release issued by the Watertown Police Department, Police Chief John Gavallas stated, "the arrest of a police officer on charges such as these saddens the entire law enforcement community."
Mr. Brevetti was due to appear in court on September 29.
Mr. Brevetti was allegedly discovered to be in possession of marijuana and less than three grams of cocaine when he was involved in a motor vehicle accident in Watertown in the early morning on Sunday, September 20.
Mr. Brevetti has been charged with possession of narcotics, possession with intent to sell cocaine, possession with intent to sell cocaine within 1,500 feet of a school, possession of marijuana, possession with intent to sell marijuana, possession with intent to sell marijuana within 1,500 of a school and possession of paraphernalia. He was released on $100,000 bond.
Watertown Police spokesman Lt. Mark Raimo reported that Mr. Brevetti "was not arrested at the accident scene," as Mr. Brevetti was taken to a hospital.
"We completed an investigation and arrested Mr. Brevetti on warrant," said Lt. Raimo.
Lt. Raimo declined any comment regarding what the investigation had revealed, but Mr. Brevetti's lawyer has stated that he seized the drugs while on duty, but forgot to turn them over at the police station.
According to police, the drugs were found in Mr. Brevetti's Ford F-150 after he was involved in a head-on accident with a tree at about 2 a.m. Mr. Brevetti was taken from the scene by ambulance for treatment of injuries to his face and head, after he had exited the vehicle and was found stumbling in the roadway, police said.
However, as officers were having the vehicle towed, they discovered a large amount of drugs in the rear of the vehicle.
Officers seized several small plastic baggies stuffed with marijuana, a small baggie containing a small quantity of cocaine, and a digital scale used for weighing small items.
The arrest warrant stated that there were more than 51 grams of marijuana in the baggies. Police seized the drugs and launched a criminal investigation. In a press release issued by the Watertown Police Department, Police Chief John Gavallas stated, "the arrest of a police officer on charges such as these saddens the entire law enforcement community."
Mr. Brevetti was due to appear in court on September 29.
3rd Arrest for Officer Jason Rozacky
A San Antonio police officer has resigned after his third arrest.
Jason Rozacky, 36, has been under investigation since his ex-girlfriend's apartment was broken into and she was assaulted. The 14-year officer resigned Tuesday and remained in the Bexar County Jail on Thursday.
Mike Helle, president of the San Antonio Police Officers Association, emphasized Rozacky is innocent until proven guilty.
Rozacky was charged with burglary and intent to commit assault Aug. 26 after the break-in and assault. He was arrested about a month later on a charge of tampering with a witness. His latest arrest was for allegedly making repeated phone calls to the ex-girlfriend.
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If he's doing this to the people he loves....How is he treating the public he has to deal with on a daily basis?
Jason Rozacky, 36, has been under investigation since his ex-girlfriend's apartment was broken into and she was assaulted. The 14-year officer resigned Tuesday and remained in the Bexar County Jail on Thursday.
Mike Helle, president of the San Antonio Police Officers Association, emphasized Rozacky is innocent until proven guilty.
Rozacky was charged with burglary and intent to commit assault Aug. 26 after the break-in and assault. He was arrested about a month later on a charge of tampering with a witness. His latest arrest was for allegedly making repeated phone calls to the ex-girlfriend.
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If he's doing this to the people he loves....How is he treating the public he has to deal with on a daily basis?
Deputy Victor Goad Jr Charged with Extoring Money at Traffic Stop
Richmond County sheriff's crime suppression team member Victor Goad, Jr. has been fired after being charged with extorting money from a man in a traffic stop.
Sheriff Ronnie Strength announced that Thursday afternoon as he outlined the case against the former deputy. Goad remained in the county jail without bond.
The sheriff said the incident happened last Saturday at 4:30 am during a traffic stop on Battle Row in the Harrisburg area. Strength said Goad stopped a car with four people in it and found a stolen weapon.
The sheriff said Goad handcuffed the suspect and put him in his patrol car. Then Strength says Goad told the supect "I'll make this go away for $200." The sheriff said the suspect had $130 on him, and made a call to a friend, who brought him another $70.
The complaint was filed by the father of a teenage girl who was in the car. The names of the people in the car are not being released and no charges against them are expected.
Deputy Goad had been with the sheriff's office for six years, and on the crime suppression team for three years. That unit is often sent to trouble spots in the city-county. Members work as a team, often saturating areas with several members of the unit to look for criminal activity.
Goad faces charges of extortion and violating his oath of office.
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http://www.wrdw.com/crimeteam12/headlines/63173567.html
Sheriff Ronnie Strength announced that Thursday afternoon as he outlined the case against the former deputy. Goad remained in the county jail without bond.
The sheriff said the incident happened last Saturday at 4:30 am during a traffic stop on Battle Row in the Harrisburg area. Strength said Goad stopped a car with four people in it and found a stolen weapon.
The sheriff said Goad handcuffed the suspect and put him in his patrol car. Then Strength says Goad told the supect "I'll make this go away for $200." The sheriff said the suspect had $130 on him, and made a call to a friend, who brought him another $70.
The complaint was filed by the father of a teenage girl who was in the car. The names of the people in the car are not being released and no charges against them are expected.
Deputy Goad had been with the sheriff's office for six years, and on the crime suppression team for three years. That unit is often sent to trouble spots in the city-county. Members work as a team, often saturating areas with several members of the unit to look for criminal activity.
Goad faces charges of extortion and violating his oath of office.
_________________
http://www.wrdw.com/crimeteam12/headlines/63173567.html
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Officer Patrick Phillips Accused of Providing Alcohol to Minors
A Gaffney police officer has been suspended without pay after he was accused of providing alcohol to a minor.
Gaffney Police Chief Rick Turner said that the State Law Enforcement Division has been asked to investigate the allegations against Officer Patrick Phillips made earlier this week.
The report was filed with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office but the incident allegedly took place in Gaffney, so it was turned over the Gaffney Police Department.
Turner turned the investigation over to SLED after an internal investigation.
Gaffney Police Chief Rick Turner said that the State Law Enforcement Division has been asked to investigate the allegations against Officer Patrick Phillips made earlier this week.
The report was filed with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office but the incident allegedly took place in Gaffney, so it was turned over the Gaffney Police Department.
Turner turned the investigation over to SLED after an internal investigation.
Boston Officer Accuses Another Officer of Rape
A Boston police officer who has accused another officer of raping her, then stalking her, testified today that her alleged attacker squeezed her throat and threatened her life during the assault.
The officer, whose name is being withheld by the Globe because the newspaper does not identify those who say they were sexual assaulted, testified in excruciating detail about the alleged rape before a Dorchester District Court judge as she sought to extend a restraining order against him.
In a soft voice, the petite woman told Judge David Weingarten that she fears the patrolman, a sniper in the department's SWAT team, because he had threatened to shoot her husband and "he has no qualms about killing people."
The accused officer stood only 10 feet away, dressed in a gray pin-stripe suit, his arms folded in front of him. The Globe is withholding his name because he not been officially charged with a crime. He did not testify today.
In the courtroom were at least half a dozen officers from the special operations division, an elite unit that includes the department's SWAT team and motorcycle squad.
During the tense, 90-minute hearing, the female officer repeatedly was asked to speak up as she tried to describe what happened on Aug. 25, when she said she joined her alleged attacker and another officer for a trip to Farmington, Conn. for a shooting competition.
After a night of heavy drinking, the three officers went back to their hotel, where they shared a room.
It was there that the female officer said she was raped.
"He grabbed my throat and squeezed really hard," she said. "I remember thinking I couldn't breathe."
He raped her twice that night, she said, as the other officer lay passed out on the floor.
The next day, she said, he demanded sex again and out of fear for her and her husband's life, she said she acquiesced. She said she was intimidated into having sex with him three more times during the next month.
Last week, after she fainted during a training, she learned she was pregnant, she testified.
On Thursday, she said she was called in by the department's internal affairs division about the incident.
"They came to her," her lawyer, John Swomley said, after the hearing. "She did not go to them."
The officer said a sergeant-detective in the domestic violence division told her not to file a restraining order. A cruiser has been assigned to guard her apartment, Swomley said, but he said he suspects members of the department's internal affairs division have been reporting her whereabouts to the accused officer.
After the hearing, Swomley recanted his statement, saying he misspoke. He said that the sergeant-detective in the domestic violence unit was giving information about his client's actions to the accused officer's lawyer, Thomas Drechsler.
Drechsler said his client has no power over superior officers.
"Sergeant detectives don't usually do what patrol officers tell them to do," he said.
After the hearing, Drechsler, standing next to his client, addressed reporters as the accused officer looked on calmly.
"He has, will and continues to deny the allegations," Drechsler said.
The restraining order was extended to next Monday, when the hearing will be continued.
The officer, whose name is being withheld by the Globe because the newspaper does not identify those who say they were sexual assaulted, testified in excruciating detail about the alleged rape before a Dorchester District Court judge as she sought to extend a restraining order against him.
In a soft voice, the petite woman told Judge David Weingarten that she fears the patrolman, a sniper in the department's SWAT team, because he had threatened to shoot her husband and "he has no qualms about killing people."
The accused officer stood only 10 feet away, dressed in a gray pin-stripe suit, his arms folded in front of him. The Globe is withholding his name because he not been officially charged with a crime. He did not testify today.
In the courtroom were at least half a dozen officers from the special operations division, an elite unit that includes the department's SWAT team and motorcycle squad.
During the tense, 90-minute hearing, the female officer repeatedly was asked to speak up as she tried to describe what happened on Aug. 25, when she said she joined her alleged attacker and another officer for a trip to Farmington, Conn. for a shooting competition.
After a night of heavy drinking, the three officers went back to their hotel, where they shared a room.
It was there that the female officer said she was raped.
"He grabbed my throat and squeezed really hard," she said. "I remember thinking I couldn't breathe."
He raped her twice that night, she said, as the other officer lay passed out on the floor.
The next day, she said, he demanded sex again and out of fear for her and her husband's life, she said she acquiesced. She said she was intimidated into having sex with him three more times during the next month.
Last week, after she fainted during a training, she learned she was pregnant, she testified.
On Thursday, she said she was called in by the department's internal affairs division about the incident.
"They came to her," her lawyer, John Swomley said, after the hearing. "She did not go to them."
The officer said a sergeant-detective in the domestic violence division told her not to file a restraining order. A cruiser has been assigned to guard her apartment, Swomley said, but he said he suspects members of the department's internal affairs division have been reporting her whereabouts to the accused officer.
After the hearing, Swomley recanted his statement, saying he misspoke. He said that the sergeant-detective in the domestic violence unit was giving information about his client's actions to the accused officer's lawyer, Thomas Drechsler.
Drechsler said his client has no power over superior officers.
"Sergeant detectives don't usually do what patrol officers tell them to do," he said.
After the hearing, Drechsler, standing next to his client, addressed reporters as the accused officer looked on calmly.
"He has, will and continues to deny the allegations," Drechsler said.
The restraining order was extended to next Monday, when the hearing will be continued.
Officer Shaun Barrett Arrested for Harassment & Trespassing
A Scappoose police officer with three years on the force was arrested Friday night in Polk County on misdemeanor physical harassment and criminal trespass charges.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Shaun Barrett, 45, at approximately 11:25 p.m. at the Spirit Mountain Casino, according to Scappoose Police Department Chief Doug Greisen.
Barrett had been booked and lodged in the Polk County Jail, and has since posted bail.
Greisen, who learned of the arrest on Saturday while attending a conference with the FBI in Sun River, said Barrett has been placed on paid administrative leave as his department examines details of the case.
Greisen said he will review today the Polk County Sheriff’s Office police report of the incident leading to the arrest, and said an internal affairs investigation would be launched if there is sufficient reason to believe Barrett violated departmental policies.
“We’re taking it very seriously,” Greisen said.
The Polk County sheriff and district attorney offices are pursuing criminal charges against Barrett, and representatives from both agencies said it is policy to not release police reports on pending cases.
Barrett is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges in Polk County Circuit Court on Oct. 15.
He was not immediately available for comment on this story.
Barrett came to the Scappoose Police Department after working for the Vernonia Police Department, also in Columbia County. He had additionally worked as a law enforcement officer in Columbia City, and held the position of animal control officer for Columbia County.
Greisen said this is the first time he’s ever had a problem with Barrett, and added that he was disappointed when he heard Barrett had been arrested.
“We haven’t had any other issues with him. This is the first,” he said.
Greisen said this is also the first time in his 10 years as chief he has had to place an officer on paid administrative leave.
Barrett was the subject of public criticism while working as the county’s animal control officer for his role in the shooting death of a black bear in the early 2000s that was pursued up a tree within the Scappoose city limits.
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Other Information:
http://www.kptv.com/news/21177657/detail.html
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Shaun Barrett, 45, at approximately 11:25 p.m. at the Spirit Mountain Casino, according to Scappoose Police Department Chief Doug Greisen.
Barrett had been booked and lodged in the Polk County Jail, and has since posted bail.
Greisen, who learned of the arrest on Saturday while attending a conference with the FBI in Sun River, said Barrett has been placed on paid administrative leave as his department examines details of the case.
Greisen said he will review today the Polk County Sheriff’s Office police report of the incident leading to the arrest, and said an internal affairs investigation would be launched if there is sufficient reason to believe Barrett violated departmental policies.
“We’re taking it very seriously,” Greisen said.
The Polk County sheriff and district attorney offices are pursuing criminal charges against Barrett, and representatives from both agencies said it is policy to not release police reports on pending cases.
Barrett is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges in Polk County Circuit Court on Oct. 15.
He was not immediately available for comment on this story.
Barrett came to the Scappoose Police Department after working for the Vernonia Police Department, also in Columbia County. He had additionally worked as a law enforcement officer in Columbia City, and held the position of animal control officer for Columbia County.
Greisen said this is the first time he’s ever had a problem with Barrett, and added that he was disappointed when he heard Barrett had been arrested.
“We haven’t had any other issues with him. This is the first,” he said.
Greisen said this is also the first time in his 10 years as chief he has had to place an officer on paid administrative leave.
Barrett was the subject of public criticism while working as the county’s animal control officer for his role in the shooting death of a black bear in the early 2000s that was pursued up a tree within the Scappoose city limits.
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Other Information:
http://www.kptv.com/news/21177657/detail.html
Officer Robert Colombo Charged with Stealing Drugs from Evidence Room
A former Lyndhurst police office was indicted Thursday on charges of drug possession, tampering with evidence, and theft in office.
The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office said Robert Colombo, 40, stole drugs from an evidence room and replaced them with rock salt.
The evidence was confiscated from a vehicle involved in a crash on May, 19. Lyndhurst officers responded to the scene, found heroin and arrested two people.
They officers returned to the station to book the suspects. At the station, Colombo took the evidence to log it into the evidence room but instead replaced the evidence, investigators said.
Colombo was found the following day at his Summit County home with heroin. BCI conducted the investigation.
The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office said Robert Colombo, 40, stole drugs from an evidence room and replaced them with rock salt.
The evidence was confiscated from a vehicle involved in a crash on May, 19. Lyndhurst officers responded to the scene, found heroin and arrested two people.
They officers returned to the station to book the suspects. At the station, Colombo took the evidence to log it into the evidence room but instead replaced the evidence, investigators said.
Colombo was found the following day at his Summit County home with heroin. BCI conducted the investigation.
Travis County Offers $40,000 to Tasered Woman
Travis County has offered a $40,000 settlement to a 72-year-old Texas woman on whom a deputy constable used a Taser after a traffic stop in an incident recorded by a patrol car camera.
Video of the incident has been shown around the world.
Kathryn Winkfein dared the constable to use the Taser and ultimately he did during the traffic stop in May during which the woman became confrontational.
She wants $135,000 for pain and suffering, medical expenses and humiliation, but Travis County commissioners Tuesday approved $40,000 as their "firm" counteroffer.
The incident is being reviewed by the district attorney's office, and a resisting-arrest charge is pending, said Precinct 3 Constable Richard McCain.
An internal investigation found no violations by the deputy constable, McCain said.
Winkfein's lawyer Tom Tourtellotte said he would discuss the counteroffer with his client.
Video of the incident has been shown around the world.
Kathryn Winkfein dared the constable to use the Taser and ultimately he did during the traffic stop in May during which the woman became confrontational.
She wants $135,000 for pain and suffering, medical expenses and humiliation, but Travis County commissioners Tuesday approved $40,000 as their "firm" counteroffer.
The incident is being reviewed by the district attorney's office, and a resisting-arrest charge is pending, said Precinct 3 Constable Richard McCain.
An internal investigation found no violations by the deputy constable, McCain said.
Winkfein's lawyer Tom Tourtellotte said he would discuss the counteroffer with his client.
Lt Stephen Ray Gardner Arrested for Illegally Obtaining Prescription Drugs,
Stephen Ray Gardner, until Monday a lieutenant in the Youngsville Police Department, faces six counts of prohibited acts and false representation after his arrest on Monday by officers with the Louisiana State Police investigative unit.
"I had become aware that someone in our department may have been involved with illegal prescription drugs," said Youngsville Chief of Police Earl Menard. "At that time, I contacted the State Police investigative unit."
Gardner resigned his post as lieutenant at the time of his arrest.
He was arrested in the 300 block of West Main Street in Lafayette on a warrant for obtaining controlled dangerous substances by fraudulant means and was booked at 9 p.m. on Monday at the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center.
"The investigation is still pending, so we are not releasing more information at this time," said Sgt. David Anderson of the State Police. "But we did make an arrest on Monday."
The investigation is ongoing.
"I had become aware that someone in our department may have been involved with illegal prescription drugs," said Youngsville Chief of Police Earl Menard. "At that time, I contacted the State Police investigative unit."
Gardner resigned his post as lieutenant at the time of his arrest.
He was arrested in the 300 block of West Main Street in Lafayette on a warrant for obtaining controlled dangerous substances by fraudulant means and was booked at 9 p.m. on Monday at the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center.
"The investigation is still pending, so we are not releasing more information at this time," said Sgt. David Anderson of the State Police. "But we did make an arrest on Monday."
The investigation is ongoing.
Capital Police Officer Thomas McMahon Arrested for Passing out Drunk in Woman's Bed
Police arrest a U.S. Capitol Police Officer after a woman came home to find him passed out drunk in her bed.
The woman lives in northern Virginia in the City of Arlington.
Police say 34-year-old Thomas McMahon was still sleeping when officers arrived at the home early Sunday morning. They arrested him and charged him with unlawful entry.
Police don't know why McMahon picked the woman's apartment to sleep in because he lives in Reston which is about 15 miles away.
He's on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The woman lives in northern Virginia in the City of Arlington.
Police say 34-year-old Thomas McMahon was still sleeping when officers arrived at the home early Sunday morning. They arrested him and charged him with unlawful entry.
Police don't know why McMahon picked the woman's apartment to sleep in because he lives in Reston which is about 15 miles away.
He's on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
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Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Marion Officer Arrested for Misconduct
A Marion police officer has been arrested relating to the officer's officials conduct as a police officer.
The name of the officer has not been released, but that officer has been place on administrative leave.
The issue was initially referred by the city of Marion to the Illinois State Police.
The Marion Police Department is not commenting on the matter.
----------------------------
http://www.mariondaily.com/newsnow/x1699607981/MPD-officer-arrested-Wednesday
The name of the officer has not been released, but that officer has been place on administrative leave.
The issue was initially referred by the city of Marion to the Illinois State Police.
The Marion Police Department is not commenting on the matter.
----------------------------
http://www.mariondaily.com/newsnow/x1699607981/MPD-officer-arrested-Wednesday
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Officer Jennifer Penney Arrested for Drunk Driving
The city's police chief said he is "shocked and saddened" by news that an Alton officer is facing a driving under the influence charge after her arrest last week in Foster Township.
"I've confined her to desk duty until she has her first court appearance," Chief David Hayes of the Alton Police Department said about Officer Jennifer Penney, 36, of Alton. "She is accountable for the choices she has made, and I don't expect treatment any different" from any other person.
"Otherwise, she is a good police officer who has a spotless service record," Hayes said.
Hayes also noted that Penney is "presumed innocent until proven guilty. She will be afforded all of the rights and privileges under a court of law."
Madison County Circuit Court records show Penney's court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 4.
Hayes said he ordered the detective division to conduct an independent, internal affairs investigation of the case.
Capt. Brad Wells of the Madison County Sheriff's Department said someone called authorities at 8:30 a.m. Friday to report a "suspicious vehicle occupied by a woman who appeared to be unconscious" in the 1200 block of West Woodfield Drive in the Woodfield subdivision.
The area is just west of Seminary Road and south of Seiler Road.
Wells said a dispatcher sent paramedics from the Fosterburg Fire Protection District to the location, where they found Penney inside a parked, 2005 Chevrolet pickup truck.
"When they arrived, it did not appear to be a medical problem," he said. "She appeared to be under the influence, and the police investigation started. Witnesses who had contact with her said the parked vehicle was running prior to us arriving. It was not running when we arrived."
Wells said the deputy "established enough probable cause" to charge Penney with driving under the influence. He declined to elaborate or say whether the deputy conducted field sobriety tests or whether Penney underwent a test to determine her blood-alcohol content.
The truck Penney was occupying is not owned by the city of Alton, Hayes said.
Penney worked as a jailer for the Police Department from January 2002 until the Alton Civil Service Commission hired her Nov. 18, 2006, as a probationary police officer.
Penney and her then-husband, David, were only the second married couple to both work as police officers at the Alton department. They since have divorced.
Jennifer Penney previously served in the U.S. Army Reserves' 318th Psychological Operations (PSYOP) in Jefferson Barracks in South St. Louis County, Mo.
"I've confined her to desk duty until she has her first court appearance," Chief David Hayes of the Alton Police Department said about Officer Jennifer Penney, 36, of Alton. "She is accountable for the choices she has made, and I don't expect treatment any different" from any other person.
"Otherwise, she is a good police officer who has a spotless service record," Hayes said.
Hayes also noted that Penney is "presumed innocent until proven guilty. She will be afforded all of the rights and privileges under a court of law."
Madison County Circuit Court records show Penney's court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 4.
Hayes said he ordered the detective division to conduct an independent, internal affairs investigation of the case.
Capt. Brad Wells of the Madison County Sheriff's Department said someone called authorities at 8:30 a.m. Friday to report a "suspicious vehicle occupied by a woman who appeared to be unconscious" in the 1200 block of West Woodfield Drive in the Woodfield subdivision.
The area is just west of Seminary Road and south of Seiler Road.
Wells said a dispatcher sent paramedics from the Fosterburg Fire Protection District to the location, where they found Penney inside a parked, 2005 Chevrolet pickup truck.
"When they arrived, it did not appear to be a medical problem," he said. "She appeared to be under the influence, and the police investigation started. Witnesses who had contact with her said the parked vehicle was running prior to us arriving. It was not running when we arrived."
Wells said the deputy "established enough probable cause" to charge Penney with driving under the influence. He declined to elaborate or say whether the deputy conducted field sobriety tests or whether Penney underwent a test to determine her blood-alcohol content.
The truck Penney was occupying is not owned by the city of Alton, Hayes said.
Penney worked as a jailer for the Police Department from January 2002 until the Alton Civil Service Commission hired her Nov. 18, 2006, as a probationary police officer.
Penney and her then-husband, David, were only the second married couple to both work as police officers at the Alton department. They since have divorced.
Jennifer Penney previously served in the U.S. Army Reserves' 318th Psychological Operations (PSYOP) in Jefferson Barracks in South St. Louis County, Mo.
Officer Edwing Morales Charged with Firearms Trafficking
A Metro police officer and four others have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of international firearms trafficking.
Federal investigators said Metro Officer Edwing Ronal Morales and the others were charged in a conspiracy to purchase guns to send to two separate drug cartels in Guatemala.
The indictment charges that Julio Cesar Rojas-Lopez recruited Donald Efren Franco, Denis Franco, Luis Armando Monterroso Pineda and Morales to purchase guns from gun dealers in Davidson County.
The men allegedly falsified documents claiming they were purchasing the guns for themselves when the guns were in fact being delivered to the cartels in Guatemala.
Investigators said the defendants purchased 23 firearms and attempted to purchase five more guns, ammunition and falsely stated who the purchasers and recipients would be.
Some of the weapons purchased did end up in Guatemala, said investigators.
"They put them in towed cars, secreted them inside towed vehicles and towed the vehicles across the border. They also put them in secret compartments in the cars," said agent James Cavanaugh of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Authorities said all five men indicted have citizenship in another country but are in the United States legally.
Morales had been assigned to routine patrol in the North precinct. While Morales was an officer, according to Serpas it doesn't appear he used his position in any way to purchase the guns.
"I think (Morales) was stupid to be involved in this criminal enterprise and think he could get away with it," Serpas said.
Morales was fired Sept. 15 from the Metro Nashville Police Department. He had been a police officer trainee since April 1, 2007.
"This community and this police department has no tolerance for anyone involved in this type of behavior," said Serpas.
Authorities would not say how they were tipped off but said they started piecing things together after two of the men were pulled over after leaving a gun shop in Franklin.
As for the former police officer involved, Serpas said sometimes you cannot keep those who uphold the law from breaking it.
"I think in every walk of life, people get through the cracks, people slip through, and somehow secret what their true motivations and true behavior is," said Serpas.
All five of the people involved have turned themselves in to authorities. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. district attorney.
Morales passed a background check and had a clean record before becoming a Metro officer.
Federal investigators said Metro Officer Edwing Ronal Morales and the others were charged in a conspiracy to purchase guns to send to two separate drug cartels in Guatemala.
The indictment charges that Julio Cesar Rojas-Lopez recruited Donald Efren Franco, Denis Franco, Luis Armando Monterroso Pineda and Morales to purchase guns from gun dealers in Davidson County.
The men allegedly falsified documents claiming they were purchasing the guns for themselves when the guns were in fact being delivered to the cartels in Guatemala.
Investigators said the defendants purchased 23 firearms and attempted to purchase five more guns, ammunition and falsely stated who the purchasers and recipients would be.
Some of the weapons purchased did end up in Guatemala, said investigators.
"They put them in towed cars, secreted them inside towed vehicles and towed the vehicles across the border. They also put them in secret compartments in the cars," said agent James Cavanaugh of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Authorities said all five men indicted have citizenship in another country but are in the United States legally.
Morales had been assigned to routine patrol in the North precinct. While Morales was an officer, according to Serpas it doesn't appear he used his position in any way to purchase the guns.
"I think (Morales) was stupid to be involved in this criminal enterprise and think he could get away with it," Serpas said.
Morales was fired Sept. 15 from the Metro Nashville Police Department. He had been a police officer trainee since April 1, 2007.
"This community and this police department has no tolerance for anyone involved in this type of behavior," said Serpas.
Authorities would not say how they were tipped off but said they started piecing things together after two of the men were pulled over after leaving a gun shop in Franklin.
As for the former police officer involved, Serpas said sometimes you cannot keep those who uphold the law from breaking it.
"I think in every walk of life, people get through the cracks, people slip through, and somehow secret what their true motivations and true behavior is," said Serpas.
All five of the people involved have turned themselves in to authorities. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. district attorney.
Morales passed a background check and had a clean record before becoming a Metro officer.
Trial Begins for Chief Deputy Barry Taylor
A chief deputy accused of interfering with a police investigation is on trial.
The trial of Chief Deputy Barry Taylor of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office was moved from Lincoln to Cleveland County. A jury picked Monday got special instructions since an officer is the one accused of a crime.
The case is also complicated by the fact that officers are being called to testify against Taylor.
The sergeant at the center of the case was called to testify Monday about the night that he says Taylor stepped in during a driving while impaired investigation. The prosecution says that officer pulled over someone who happened to the boss of the chief deputy’s fiancee or girlfriend.
Prosecutors say the chief deputy interfered in the case and kept the sergeant from executing a breathalyzer test.
The defense argues that Taylor executed his own test with a sensor that is not admissible in court. The prosecution said no one ever saw the reading from that test, while Taylor said it was .07 -- just one-tenth of a point under the legal limit.
If Taylor is convicted, he will lose his position at the sheriff’s office.
The jury is comprised of six men and six women, and it includes a former Gaston County Police Department officer. Although the venue was changed, four of the jurors said they had heard, read or seen TV reports on the charges of felonious obstruction of justice against Taylor.
The trial of Chief Deputy Barry Taylor of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office was moved from Lincoln to Cleveland County. A jury picked Monday got special instructions since an officer is the one accused of a crime.
The case is also complicated by the fact that officers are being called to testify against Taylor.
The sergeant at the center of the case was called to testify Monday about the night that he says Taylor stepped in during a driving while impaired investigation. The prosecution says that officer pulled over someone who happened to the boss of the chief deputy’s fiancee or girlfriend.
Prosecutors say the chief deputy interfered in the case and kept the sergeant from executing a breathalyzer test.
The defense argues that Taylor executed his own test with a sensor that is not admissible in court. The prosecution said no one ever saw the reading from that test, while Taylor said it was .07 -- just one-tenth of a point under the legal limit.
If Taylor is convicted, he will lose his position at the sheriff’s office.
The jury is comprised of six men and six women, and it includes a former Gaston County Police Department officer. Although the venue was changed, four of the jurors said they had heard, read or seen TV reports on the charges of felonious obstruction of justice against Taylor.
Officer Stevie Perry Accused Stealing Reward Money
A Detroit Police Officer accused of stealing more than $26,000 in reward money from a police tip line stood silently in 16th District Court in Livonia this morning as a judge ordered his case to circuit court.
Officer Stevie Perry, 39, of Detroit, a 14-year law enforcement veteran, said before the 9:30 a.m. hearing he did not want to talk about the case. He faces five felony charges, the most serious of which -- uttering and publishing -- includes a possible 14-year prison sentence for a conviction.
"Any and all issues will be tried in court," his lawyer, Paul Bernier of Royal Oak, a retired Wayne County assistant prosecutor, said after the three-minute hearing in front of Judge Sean P. Kavanagh. Bernier waived the preliminary examination and Perry was again released on a personal bond pending a hearing in two weeks in Third Circuit Court in Detroit.
According to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, Perry deposited reward checks from an auto-theft tip line into his personal bank account between June 2007 and November 2008.
Perry is charged with uttering and publishing; using a computer to commit a crime; identity theft; committing a crime under false pretenses, and misconduct in office. Assigned to investigate auto thefts for the past five years, Perry has been suspended without pay since March.
After the charges were announced against Perry in July, the Detroit Police Officers Association went to court in an attempt to fight the release of Perry’s booking photo to the Free Press. The union claimed the photo was part of Perry’s personnel file and that a collective-bargaining agreement prevented the city from releasing it.
The Michigan Court of Appeals, however, disagreed and ordered the city to release the image.
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http://www.detnews.com/article/20090929/METRO01/909290391/1409/METRO
Officer Stevie Perry, 39, of Detroit, a 14-year law enforcement veteran, said before the 9:30 a.m. hearing he did not want to talk about the case. He faces five felony charges, the most serious of which -- uttering and publishing -- includes a possible 14-year prison sentence for a conviction.
"Any and all issues will be tried in court," his lawyer, Paul Bernier of Royal Oak, a retired Wayne County assistant prosecutor, said after the three-minute hearing in front of Judge Sean P. Kavanagh. Bernier waived the preliminary examination and Perry was again released on a personal bond pending a hearing in two weeks in Third Circuit Court in Detroit.
According to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, Perry deposited reward checks from an auto-theft tip line into his personal bank account between June 2007 and November 2008.
Perry is charged with uttering and publishing; using a computer to commit a crime; identity theft; committing a crime under false pretenses, and misconduct in office. Assigned to investigate auto thefts for the past five years, Perry has been suspended without pay since March.
After the charges were announced against Perry in July, the Detroit Police Officers Association went to court in an attempt to fight the release of Perry’s booking photo to the Free Press. The union claimed the photo was part of Perry’s personnel file and that a collective-bargaining agreement prevented the city from releasing it.
The Michigan Court of Appeals, however, disagreed and ordered the city to release the image.
--------------------------
http://www.detnews.com/article/20090929/METRO01/909290391/1409/METRO
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