A former Dallas police officer who pointed a gun at country music singer Steve Holy during an off-duty night of drinking is going to jail for 45 days.
Randy Anderson, 27, was sentenced Wednesday as part of a deferred adjudication probation. He won't have a conviction if he successfully completes his probation for aggravated assault. Anderson and his attorney declined to comment.
Another former officer was charged aggravated assault but his trial date has not been set.
The confrontation occurred in 2007, after Holy invited the officers to his home after a nearby bar closed. An argument ensued and Anderson pulled the gun. Anderson testified at trial that he only pulled his gun after Holy acted aggressively.
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Information from: The Dallas Morning News, http://www.dallasnews.com
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Former Officer Robert Forman Accused of Using Badge to Get Sex
Robert Forman said the incident was mutual and denied being sexually involved with two other accusers.
Forman is charged with three felonies, including sexual battery and oral copulation under the color of authority. If convicted, he could face up to 19 years in prison.
Forman described himself as a good cop while testifying in his own defense, but said he had violated certain Riverside Police Department policies, becoming complacent and lazy. At times, he failed to record interviews and to inform the station of his whereabouts. He paid one of his accusers $10 for information about drug activity in Riverside, pulling the money from his personal bank account.
He said he had oral sex with a woman shortly after investigating her for a crime, and he gave his personal cell phone number to people while on duty, including one of his accusers.
Forman cried on the witness stand, saying the situation had been a learning experience and had cost him his career, damaged the reputation of the department and hurt his family.
"I know how it looks," Forman said. "This is my time to tell what happened, so I'm here today telling you exactly what happened."
The officer of 11 years said he was not proud of his conduct but that he did not use his badge for sexual favors.
He explained that one prostitute was in his patrol car because he was giving her a ride. He denied helping the same woman steal $100 from one of her clients when she got into Forman's patrol car after failing to perform a sex act on the client.
Forman testified that when investigating a possible check fraud case in April 2008, he returned to the home where the operation was allegedly taking place without telling a fellow officer he was training.
"She asked if I'd come back and help her get these people out of here," Forman said. He cleared the home and looked in the bedroom closet to see if anyone was inside.
"She told me that it was a fantasy of hers, that she always wanted to be with a police officer in a sexual nature," Forman said.
Forman said the woman then led him to the bed and sat him down and began to have oral sex with him.
"She walked me outside and said that next time I came back, she wants to have sex with me," Forman testified.
The woman told investigators that Forman demanded sex from her or she would be arrested.
Forman is expected to continue testifying today.
Officer Jason Bandy Arrested for Urinating on Bar Floor
Jason Bandy was charged with second-degree breach of peace, interfering with an officer and disorderly conduct.
New Haven Police's Internal Affairs division is also investigating this incident. Bandy is currently on administrative duty pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
"The New Haven Police Department takes any incident involving possible misconduct by an officer very seriously as we expect officers to serve as role models to the community," Chief James Lewis said.
Bandy allegedly refused to leave the Center Street Lounge on Oct. 30. Police say he urinated in the floor in front of a female bouncer and later showed his badge and said, "Do you know who I am?"
Youtube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT03mSlHfyA
Officer Adam Stoddard Ordered to Jail
A Maricopa County Sheriff's detention officer ordered to report to jail on Tuesday is now in custody, according to officials.
MCSO spokesperson Douglas Matteson said Detention Officer Adam Stoddard self-surrendered at approximately 6 p.m. Tuesday and is now in a MCSO jail.
A judge had ordered Stoddard to apologize to a Phoenix attorney Monday night to avoid jail time, but he refused.
Stoddard was found in contempt of court for walking up to an attorney's desk in a Phoenix courtroom and removing a document from files sitting on the desk.
"My officer will go to jail; we'll appeal it," Arpaio said on Tuesday afternoon. "I'm very angry about this."
Stoddard had until midnight to report to the jail; otherwise, a warrant was expected to be issued for his arrest.
"For political reasons, he was thrown to the wolves," Arpaio added.
On Monday night, Stoddard spoke with the media, clarifying his motivation in the October 19 incident.
I am Maricopa County Detention Officer Adam Stoddard. I work in the Court Security Division of the Sheriff’s Office and have been with the Sheriff’s Office for five years.
Recently, Superior Court Judge Gary Donahoe ordered me to hold a press conference to publicly apologize for doing the job I have been trained to do.
Part of my job in providing security to the court is to inspect documents brought into the courtroom. On October 19th, I saw a document that I had not yet screened, and that raised security concerns. I retrieved that document in plain sight and had court personnel copy it to preserve it as evidence in case it was a security breach.
It was a split second decision and I do not regret my actions.
Judge Donahoe has ordered me to feel something I do not and say something I cannot. I cannot apologize for putting court safety first.
The judge therefore puts me in a position where I must lie or go to jail. And I will not lie.
Courtroom video recorded Stoddard's actions during the sentencing of an inmate in October.
In the video, you can see Stoddard walk up behind the public defender and touch her paperwork.
About 30 seconds later, Stoddard calls another officer over and takes a piece of paper.
You can hear the public defender, Joanne Cuccia, say in confusion, "Would you excuse me for a moment?"
That's when Cuccia starts defending herself saying all of the paperwork she got from her client was through jail mail.
"I want to know what they took and what's going on," Cuccia says.
Several times, you can hear the judge asking what happened.
"But you don't get to do that," Cuccia says.
Stoddard had until Monday to comply with a judge's orders.
Cuccia was at the courthouse Monday night as Stoddard read his statement to the media.
With her attorney, Craig Mehrens at her side, Cuccia expressed her shock that Stoddard didn't apologize for his actions.
"I was surprised," said Cuccia. "We came down here for an apology and we didn't get that, what are going to do?" Cuccia said before she was escorted from the media by Mehrens.
Stoddard was required to report to jail on December 1 unless the conditions set by the judge were met.
Those conditions were:
1) On or before November 30th, 2009, at a time convenient for Ms. Cuccia, a news conference to take place in the plaza on the north side of the central court building where he is to give Ms. Cuccia a sincere verbal and written apology for invading her defense file and for the damage that his conduct may have caused to her professional reputation.
2) If at the news conference, Ms. Cuccia does not state that the apology is sufficient, Stoddard will report to the jail on December 1, 2009 and be detained until further order upon a finding that he has complied with the purge clause.
"She's going to decide if Officer Stoddard is going to go to jail on December 1st? You know what? That's nuts. That's absolutely nuts," said deputy county attorney Tom Liddy.
Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio responded to the ruling on November 18, saying Superior Court judges do not order his staff to hold press conferences.
"I decide who holds press conferences and when they are held regarding this Sheriff’s Office," Arpaio said. "My officer was doing his job and I will not stand by and allow him to be thrown to the wolves by the courts because they feel pressure from the media on this situation."
Earlier this month, Stoddard explained to a judge why he took the document.
The deputy said four key words on the paperwork made him decide to take it and make copies.
He said the words were 'going to,' 'steal' and 'money.'
The deputy also said he decided to take the paperwork because he hadn't had a chance to search it before the trial.
In a written statement, MCSO officials earlier said their officers have the right to search for contraband.
But the video reveals that the only thing taken was paperwork.
MCSO spokesperson Douglas Matteson said Detention Officer Adam Stoddard self-surrendered at approximately 6 p.m. Tuesday and is now in a MCSO jail.
A judge had ordered Stoddard to apologize to a Phoenix attorney Monday night to avoid jail time, but he refused.
Stoddard was found in contempt of court for walking up to an attorney's desk in a Phoenix courtroom and removing a document from files sitting on the desk.
"My officer will go to jail; we'll appeal it," Arpaio said on Tuesday afternoon. "I'm very angry about this."
Stoddard had until midnight to report to the jail; otherwise, a warrant was expected to be issued for his arrest.
"For political reasons, he was thrown to the wolves," Arpaio added.
On Monday night, Stoddard spoke with the media, clarifying his motivation in the October 19 incident.
I am Maricopa County Detention Officer Adam Stoddard. I work in the Court Security Division of the Sheriff’s Office and have been with the Sheriff’s Office for five years.
Recently, Superior Court Judge Gary Donahoe ordered me to hold a press conference to publicly apologize for doing the job I have been trained to do.
Part of my job in providing security to the court is to inspect documents brought into the courtroom. On October 19th, I saw a document that I had not yet screened, and that raised security concerns. I retrieved that document in plain sight and had court personnel copy it to preserve it as evidence in case it was a security breach.
It was a split second decision and I do not regret my actions.
Judge Donahoe has ordered me to feel something I do not and say something I cannot. I cannot apologize for putting court safety first.
The judge therefore puts me in a position where I must lie or go to jail. And I will not lie.
Courtroom video recorded Stoddard's actions during the sentencing of an inmate in October.
In the video, you can see Stoddard walk up behind the public defender and touch her paperwork.
About 30 seconds later, Stoddard calls another officer over and takes a piece of paper.
You can hear the public defender, Joanne Cuccia, say in confusion, "Would you excuse me for a moment?"
That's when Cuccia starts defending herself saying all of the paperwork she got from her client was through jail mail.
"I want to know what they took and what's going on," Cuccia says.
Several times, you can hear the judge asking what happened.
"But you don't get to do that," Cuccia says.
Stoddard had until Monday to comply with a judge's orders.
Cuccia was at the courthouse Monday night as Stoddard read his statement to the media.
With her attorney, Craig Mehrens at her side, Cuccia expressed her shock that Stoddard didn't apologize for his actions.
"I was surprised," said Cuccia. "We came down here for an apology and we didn't get that, what are going to do?" Cuccia said before she was escorted from the media by Mehrens.
Stoddard was required to report to jail on December 1 unless the conditions set by the judge were met.
Those conditions were:
1) On or before November 30th, 2009, at a time convenient for Ms. Cuccia, a news conference to take place in the plaza on the north side of the central court building where he is to give Ms. Cuccia a sincere verbal and written apology for invading her defense file and for the damage that his conduct may have caused to her professional reputation.
2) If at the news conference, Ms. Cuccia does not state that the apology is sufficient, Stoddard will report to the jail on December 1, 2009 and be detained until further order upon a finding that he has complied with the purge clause.
"She's going to decide if Officer Stoddard is going to go to jail on December 1st? You know what? That's nuts. That's absolutely nuts," said deputy county attorney Tom Liddy.
Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio responded to the ruling on November 18, saying Superior Court judges do not order his staff to hold press conferences.
"I decide who holds press conferences and when they are held regarding this Sheriff’s Office," Arpaio said. "My officer was doing his job and I will not stand by and allow him to be thrown to the wolves by the courts because they feel pressure from the media on this situation."
Earlier this month, Stoddard explained to a judge why he took the document.
The deputy said four key words on the paperwork made him decide to take it and make copies.
He said the words were 'going to,' 'steal' and 'money.'
The deputy also said he decided to take the paperwork because he hadn't had a chance to search it before the trial.
In a written statement, MCSO officials earlier said their officers have the right to search for contraband.
But the video reveals that the only thing taken was paperwork.
Rookie Deputy Arturo Ramirez Arrested for Domestic Violence
A rookie Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputy is on paid administrative leave after he was arrested Sunday on a misdemeanor battery charge, authorities confirmed today.
Arturo Ramirez, 21, was booked after deputies responded around 5:30 a.m. Sunday to Ramirez's Lake Park home for a report of domestic violence between him, his wife, and his wife's friend, sheriff's spokeswoman Teri Barbera said today.
Ramirez left jail 1-1/2 hours later on supervised release, records show.
The deputy was hired in January, Barbera said.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Officer David Seaton Indicted for Manslaughter
A former San Antonio police officer involved in a high-speed wreck last year that killed a colleague has been indicted on manslaughter and aggravated assault charges.
David Seaton, 44, could face up to life in prison if convicted of either of the felony offenses — a stark contrast to the maximum 10-year sentence he faced last month before rescinding a plea agreement with prosecutors.
Seaton rescinded his no contest plea Nov. 12, the day he was scheduled to be sentenced on the manslaughter charge in connection with Officer Robert Davis' death.
State District Judge Sid Harle granted Seaton's last-minute request to back out of the plea agreement, saying he would allow it because the former officer's case had not yet been reviewed by a grand jury.
On Monday, a grand jury returned the indictments against Seaton, who remained free on bail Tuesday afternoon. The aggravated assault charge stems from serious injuries motorist Darrell Lampkin suffered in the Nov. 28, 2008, crash. Seaton is expected to again surrender to authorities now that he has been indicted.
Both felonies are generally punishable by up to 20 years in prison, but because Seaton was an officer when the crash occurred, the maximum possible punishment range was enhanced to 99 years or life in prison.
Tuesday marked one year since Davis' death. The rookie officer suffered massive head injuries and was taken off life support three days after being struck on Potranco Road at Hunt Lane, where he had been working an unrelated accident.
Investigators believed Seaton was driving more than 100 mph without his overhead lights on when he was responding to a low-priority shoplifting call, according to the San Antonio Police Department. The Police Department recommended to the district attorney's office last December that he be charged with manslaughter.
The indictment and its enhanced sentence range should not come as a surprise to Seaton, said Adriana Biggs, chief of the district attorney's white-collar crimes division.
“We thought these were the appropriate charges to put before the grand jury,” she said. “Now it's up to the trial jury.”
Defense attorney Jay Norton on Tuesday said he still holds out hope his client can reach another plea agreement with prosecutors given the uncertainty of a jury trial.
Prosecutors previously said a plea agreement is still feasible, but the terms wouldn't get better than what Seaton has been offered. Norton declined to comment on what changes Seaton might seek, or why the original agreement became untenable.
Ultimately, he said, his client is ready to place his fate in the hands of jurors if necessary.
“It's not like he walked away from it unscathed,” Norton said of the wreck, pointing out that Seaton is still undergoing physical therapy for his injuries. “It's a tragic situation all around.”
David Seaton, 44, could face up to life in prison if convicted of either of the felony offenses — a stark contrast to the maximum 10-year sentence he faced last month before rescinding a plea agreement with prosecutors.
Seaton rescinded his no contest plea Nov. 12, the day he was scheduled to be sentenced on the manslaughter charge in connection with Officer Robert Davis' death.
State District Judge Sid Harle granted Seaton's last-minute request to back out of the plea agreement, saying he would allow it because the former officer's case had not yet been reviewed by a grand jury.
On Monday, a grand jury returned the indictments against Seaton, who remained free on bail Tuesday afternoon. The aggravated assault charge stems from serious injuries motorist Darrell Lampkin suffered in the Nov. 28, 2008, crash. Seaton is expected to again surrender to authorities now that he has been indicted.
Both felonies are generally punishable by up to 20 years in prison, but because Seaton was an officer when the crash occurred, the maximum possible punishment range was enhanced to 99 years or life in prison.
Tuesday marked one year since Davis' death. The rookie officer suffered massive head injuries and was taken off life support three days after being struck on Potranco Road at Hunt Lane, where he had been working an unrelated accident.
Investigators believed Seaton was driving more than 100 mph without his overhead lights on when he was responding to a low-priority shoplifting call, according to the San Antonio Police Department. The Police Department recommended to the district attorney's office last December that he be charged with manslaughter.
The indictment and its enhanced sentence range should not come as a surprise to Seaton, said Adriana Biggs, chief of the district attorney's white-collar crimes division.
“We thought these were the appropriate charges to put before the grand jury,” she said. “Now it's up to the trial jury.”
Defense attorney Jay Norton on Tuesday said he still holds out hope his client can reach another plea agreement with prosecutors given the uncertainty of a jury trial.
Prosecutors previously said a plea agreement is still feasible, but the terms wouldn't get better than what Seaton has been offered. Norton declined to comment on what changes Seaton might seek, or why the original agreement became untenable.
Ultimately, he said, his client is ready to place his fate in the hands of jurors if necessary.
“It's not like he walked away from it unscathed,” Norton said of the wreck, pointing out that Seaton is still undergoing physical therapy for his injuries. “It's a tragic situation all around.”
Former Officer Brad Boyd Arrested for Doctor Shopping
A former Williamsburg Police Department officer is behind bars following an arrest Monday evening.
Kentucky State Police officers arrested former officer Brad A. Boyd. The 45-year-old had a warrant for his arrest in connection to an investigation performed by another police agency. A source explained that Boyd was being investigated for doctor shopping.
The only official record available as of press deadline Monday night indicates that Boyd was arrested by Trooper Mike Witt, who was serving an arrest warrant for another agency. The source, however, said that Boyd will likely be charged with obtaining a controlled substance by fraud or deceit. The source could not speculate as to how many counts of the offense Boyd will face. Also according to the source, the investigation was performed by the Kentucky Inspector General’s Office.
Chief Wayne Bird of the Williamsburg Police Department confirmed that Boyd resigned as an officer sometime in May, but he could not provide an exact date for Boyd’s resignation. Bird could not comment on the circumstances surrounding Boyd’s resignation, but he indicated that more details may be available within the next few days.
Kentucky State Police officers arrested former officer Brad A. Boyd. The 45-year-old had a warrant for his arrest in connection to an investigation performed by another police agency. A source explained that Boyd was being investigated for doctor shopping.
The only official record available as of press deadline Monday night indicates that Boyd was arrested by Trooper Mike Witt, who was serving an arrest warrant for another agency. The source, however, said that Boyd will likely be charged with obtaining a controlled substance by fraud or deceit. The source could not speculate as to how many counts of the offense Boyd will face. Also according to the source, the investigation was performed by the Kentucky Inspector General’s Office.
Chief Wayne Bird of the Williamsburg Police Department confirmed that Boyd resigned as an officer sometime in May, but he could not provide an exact date for Boyd’s resignation. Bird could not comment on the circumstances surrounding Boyd’s resignation, but he indicated that more details may be available within the next few days.
Officer Latrenta Grayson Charged with Aggravated Assault
A Paterson police officer Tuesday was charged in an indictment with official misconduct and aggravated assault in connection with her shooting a man who got into a fight with her boyfriend in her home.
Police Officer Latrenta Grayson, 32, of Paterson, had obtained a restraining order on Feb. 6, 2009, barring 30-year-old Albert Mullings of Teaneck from her residence, according to officials. Mullings allegedly entered Grayson’s home at 238 Wall Ave. through a rear bathroom window at about 2:10 a.m. on Aug. 24, 2009. Once inside, he threatened to kill and then assaulted Grayson’s boyfriend, Anthony Spruil, authorities allege. A subsequent confrontation near Wall and 15th avenues led to Grayson firing two shots at Mullings, hitting him once in his right arm, according to officials.
Prosecutors say Grayson falsely reported the circumstances leading up to the shooting when giving her initial account to Paterson patrol officers, in her official report filed several days later and in a follow-up interview conducted by detectives from the Passaic County’s Prosecutor’s Office. Authorities say they found that Grayson was not justified at firing the two shots at Mullings in trying to protect herself or Spruill under state Attorney General’s Office guidelines on appropriate use of force by a police officer.
Mullings is also charged in the indictment with contempt of court in connection with violation of the restraining order, burglary and terroristic threats.
Officials did not offer further details of the case Tuesday. Grayson and Mullings, or their representatives, could not immediately be reached for comment nor could it be immediately confirmed what Grayson’s status is on the force.
Police Officer Latrenta Grayson, 32, of Paterson, had obtained a restraining order on Feb. 6, 2009, barring 30-year-old Albert Mullings of Teaneck from her residence, according to officials. Mullings allegedly entered Grayson’s home at 238 Wall Ave. through a rear bathroom window at about 2:10 a.m. on Aug. 24, 2009. Once inside, he threatened to kill and then assaulted Grayson’s boyfriend, Anthony Spruil, authorities allege. A subsequent confrontation near Wall and 15th avenues led to Grayson firing two shots at Mullings, hitting him once in his right arm, according to officials.
Prosecutors say Grayson falsely reported the circumstances leading up to the shooting when giving her initial account to Paterson patrol officers, in her official report filed several days later and in a follow-up interview conducted by detectives from the Passaic County’s Prosecutor’s Office. Authorities say they found that Grayson was not justified at firing the two shots at Mullings in trying to protect herself or Spruill under state Attorney General’s Office guidelines on appropriate use of force by a police officer.
Mullings is also charged in the indictment with contempt of court in connection with violation of the restraining order, burglary and terroristic threats.
Officials did not offer further details of the case Tuesday. Grayson and Mullings, or their representatives, could not immediately be reached for comment nor could it be immediately confirmed what Grayson’s status is on the force.
Officer Brian Ditmore Shoots Brother-in-law Then Turns Gun on Himself
An off-duty policeman shot his brother-in-law Thanksgiving Day and then turned the gun on himself, authorities say.
Members of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol's tactical team late Thursday found Mangum police officer Brian Ditmore dead inside his home in the 900 block of W Tyler, said Jessica Brown, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman.
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Brown said it appears Ditmore, 37, shot himself in the chest after wounding his brother-in-law, Mangum Fire Chief Fred Willis, 41. The investigation is ongoing, she said.
About 2:30 p.m. someone in the home reported a domestic dispute between Ditmore and his wife. Police responded, along with Willis who lives nearby, Brown said.
"When police arrived Mr. Willis was stumbling out of the house, injured from a gunshot wound to the stomach," Brown said.
"A few minutes later there was a single gunshot from inside the house."
Brown said officers tried for several hours to communicate with Ditmore. They later sent an OHP robot into home and determined it was safe to enter, she said.
Willis was listed in fair condition Friday after getting surgery at Jackson County Memorial Hospital in Altus.
Members of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol's tactical team late Thursday found Mangum police officer Brian Ditmore dead inside his home in the 900 block of W Tyler, said Jessica Brown, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman.
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Brown said it appears Ditmore, 37, shot himself in the chest after wounding his brother-in-law, Mangum Fire Chief Fred Willis, 41. The investigation is ongoing, she said.
About 2:30 p.m. someone in the home reported a domestic dispute between Ditmore and his wife. Police responded, along with Willis who lives nearby, Brown said.
"When police arrived Mr. Willis was stumbling out of the house, injured from a gunshot wound to the stomach," Brown said.
"A few minutes later there was a single gunshot from inside the house."
Brown said officers tried for several hours to communicate with Ditmore. They later sent an OHP robot into home and determined it was safe to enter, she said.
Willis was listed in fair condition Friday after getting surgery at Jackson County Memorial Hospital in Altus.
Officer Shawn Parra Arrested for Drunk Driving
Another Toledo police officer has been arrested for drunken driving, marking the third such offence in the past two months.
Officer Shawn Parra, 35, was cited by Toledo Police on Thanksgiving Day for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Authorities say Parra was involved in a hit and run crash early Thursday morning. Police reports indicate the off-duty officer was driving a Jeep Cherokee south on Tremainsville Rd. when he struck a utility pole before fleeing the scene.
Parra has been charged with OVI, failure to control a vehicle and failure to stop after an accident.
Officer Shawn Parra, 35, was cited by Toledo Police on Thanksgiving Day for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Authorities say Parra was involved in a hit and run crash early Thursday morning. Police reports indicate the off-duty officer was driving a Jeep Cherokee south on Tremainsville Rd. when he struck a utility pole before fleeing the scene.
Parra has been charged with OVI, failure to control a vehicle and failure to stop after an accident.
Officer Kyle Zumbrunn Sentenced to Prison for Selling Drugs
A former Weston, Mo. police officer was sentenced to prison for selling drugs in Atchison.
Kyle Zumbrunn will serve the 15 months in state prison for distribution of a controlled substance and eight months concurrently for illegal use of a telephone.
Zumbrunn was arrested Sept. 22 after he sold 80 pills containing a controlled substance to a Kansas Bureau of Investigation undercover agent in Atchison. The 26-year-old Zumbrunn pleaded guilty.
Atchison County Attorney Gerald Kuckelman agreed with defense attorney's request for probation. But District Judge Martin Asher said he could not disregard the fact that Zumbrunn was a police officer when he committed the crime and said he deserved prison time.
Kyle Zumbrunn will serve the 15 months in state prison for distribution of a controlled substance and eight months concurrently for illegal use of a telephone.
Zumbrunn was arrested Sept. 22 after he sold 80 pills containing a controlled substance to a Kansas Bureau of Investigation undercover agent in Atchison. The 26-year-old Zumbrunn pleaded guilty.
Atchison County Attorney Gerald Kuckelman agreed with defense attorney's request for probation. But District Judge Martin Asher said he could not disregard the fact that Zumbrunn was a police officer when he committed the crime and said he deserved prison time.
Officer Bryan Spiotti Acused of Hitting Suspect Gets Deal for Lesser Charge
The Wolcott police officer accused of hitting a suspected drunk driver has worked out a deal for a lesser charge.
Officer Bryan Spiotti said he stands behind how he handled the events inside of the Wolcott Police holding cell the night he arrested Glenn Pelletier in January for drunk driving.
Spiotti was arrested after prosecutors watched a surveillance tape of the assault, but Monday in court, Spiotti pleaded to a lesser disorderly conduct charge.
The state's attorney said that what happened in the holding cell was criminal, but after talking to Pelletier, the decision was made to work out a plea agreement because he was not looking to press charges.
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http://www.wfsb.com/news/21766036/detail.html
Officer Bryan Spiotti said he stands behind how he handled the events inside of the Wolcott Police holding cell the night he arrested Glenn Pelletier in January for drunk driving.
Spiotti was arrested after prosecutors watched a surveillance tape of the assault, but Monday in court, Spiotti pleaded to a lesser disorderly conduct charge.
The state's attorney said that what happened in the holding cell was criminal, but after talking to Pelletier, the decision was made to work out a plea agreement because he was not looking to press charges.
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http://www.wfsb.com/news/21766036/detail.html
Former Officer Kyle Zumbrunn Going to Prison
A former Weston, Mo., police officer will go to prison for selling drugs in Atchison.
With his attorney, J. David Farris, beside him, Kyle Zumbrunn appeared in court Monday for sentencing before District Judge Martin Asher. Mr. Farris had two rows of witnesses sitting in the courtroom ready to testify on behalf of his client.
On Sept. 22, Mr. Zumbrunn sold 80 pills containing a controlled substance to a Kansas Bureau of Investigation undercover agent at the Wal-Mart parking lot in Atchison. Mr. Zumbrunn pleaded guilty.
Sgt. Kerry Stone, a detective with the Atchison Police Department, testified that Mr. Zumbrunn, 26, is serving his punishment every day and said he believed that probation was appropriate.
Mr. Farris told the judge that others would testify to the same thing.
The KBI agent involved in the case told Gerald Kuckelman, Atchison County attorney, that the drug deal was a fluke and Mr. Zumbrunn didn’t even know the drugs’ street value.
Mr. Kuckelman said Mr. Zumbrunn was no risk to the community and agreed with the defense’s probation recommendation.
The defendant spoke briefly before sentencing, saying he didn’t really know why he tried to sell the pills but took responsibility for his actions.
Mr. Asher had other thoughts. The judge told the packed courtroom that this was the most difficult sentencing decision he’d had to make. The defendant lost his job, his career and put shame on himself, Mr. Asher said.
“And your actions show a complete disregard for community safety,” he said.
The crime wasn’t an impulse, but something you thought about, Mr. Asher said.
“The court struggles with the fact that you were a law enforcement officer and can’t overlook that,” he said. “The appearance of justice has to apply equally ... It can’t be a two-tiered system.”
Mr. Zumbrunn will serve 15 months in state prison on the charge of distribution of a controlled substance and eight months concurrently on a second charge of illegal use of a telephone.
The pronouncement of sentence ended quiet in the courtroom as women started weeping. Atchison County Sheriff John Calhoon took custody of Mr. Zumbrunn and removed him.
Mr. Zumbrunn’s arrest led to Greg Hoffman, Weston’s mayor, asking the Platte County Sheriff’s Department to investigate police procedures for handling evidence. Three detectives are handling that investigation and the Weston Police Department’s evidence locker was seized. No date has been announced for completion of the investigation.
With his attorney, J. David Farris, beside him, Kyle Zumbrunn appeared in court Monday for sentencing before District Judge Martin Asher. Mr. Farris had two rows of witnesses sitting in the courtroom ready to testify on behalf of his client.
On Sept. 22, Mr. Zumbrunn sold 80 pills containing a controlled substance to a Kansas Bureau of Investigation undercover agent at the Wal-Mart parking lot in Atchison. Mr. Zumbrunn pleaded guilty.
Sgt. Kerry Stone, a detective with the Atchison Police Department, testified that Mr. Zumbrunn, 26, is serving his punishment every day and said he believed that probation was appropriate.
Mr. Farris told the judge that others would testify to the same thing.
The KBI agent involved in the case told Gerald Kuckelman, Atchison County attorney, that the drug deal was a fluke and Mr. Zumbrunn didn’t even know the drugs’ street value.
Mr. Kuckelman said Mr. Zumbrunn was no risk to the community and agreed with the defense’s probation recommendation.
The defendant spoke briefly before sentencing, saying he didn’t really know why he tried to sell the pills but took responsibility for his actions.
Mr. Asher had other thoughts. The judge told the packed courtroom that this was the most difficult sentencing decision he’d had to make. The defendant lost his job, his career and put shame on himself, Mr. Asher said.
“And your actions show a complete disregard for community safety,” he said.
The crime wasn’t an impulse, but something you thought about, Mr. Asher said.
“The court struggles with the fact that you were a law enforcement officer and can’t overlook that,” he said. “The appearance of justice has to apply equally ... It can’t be a two-tiered system.”
Mr. Zumbrunn will serve 15 months in state prison on the charge of distribution of a controlled substance and eight months concurrently on a second charge of illegal use of a telephone.
The pronouncement of sentence ended quiet in the courtroom as women started weeping. Atchison County Sheriff John Calhoon took custody of Mr. Zumbrunn and removed him.
Mr. Zumbrunn’s arrest led to Greg Hoffman, Weston’s mayor, asking the Platte County Sheriff’s Department to investigate police procedures for handling evidence. Three detectives are handling that investigation and the Weston Police Department’s evidence locker was seized. No date has been announced for completion of the investigation.
Officer Joseph Pena Arrested for Domestic Violence
A La Vergne police officer is under investigation for his role in an alleged domestic incident following an arrest early Sunday morning.
Joseph Pena, 37, was arrested by Smyrna police around 5:30 a.m. after fighting with his girlfriend at a Henricks Hill Drive home.
A transcript of the call shows an unidentified female at the home called police to report Pena and her aunt, Janet Morris, 36, were fighting. Morris asked the female to call, but Pena said not to because he was afraid of losing his job. Pena has worked as a patrol officer in La Vergne since Nov. 23, 2008.
“He’s been put on administrative leave pending our internal investigation. We’ve asked him to come by the police department, but he has yet to do so,” La Vergne Police Chief Ted Boyd said late Monday afternoon.
The dispatch report from Smyrna police states Pena threw Morris into a wall at the home and sat on her. In addition to the caller, Pena’s three children visiting from Ohio, were at the home as well. One of the children managed to get a cell phone and dial 911.
At one point, Pena took the phone from the caller and said nobody had been assaulted, but that he and Martin had been drinking. He also told dispatchers that he and his girlfriend had no history of assault and that Martin was upset by the argument.
Dispatchers were able to hear Martin calling for the children to come witness part of the struggle as Pena was holding her down, the report said.
The mother of Pena’s children was notified and drove down from Ohio to pick them up.
Pena was charged with domestic assault and resisting arrest and given a $3,000 bond. He was taken to the Rutherford County Jail on a 12-hour hold and was released sometime after 4 p.m. Sunday.
Boyd said he and other members of his department were conducting their own investigation to determine what caused the situation.
“There’s always two sides to a story. It’s a bad situation for anybody, but especially an officer, because it limits your ability to earn a living,” he said.
Joseph Pena, 37, was arrested by Smyrna police around 5:30 a.m. after fighting with his girlfriend at a Henricks Hill Drive home.
A transcript of the call shows an unidentified female at the home called police to report Pena and her aunt, Janet Morris, 36, were fighting. Morris asked the female to call, but Pena said not to because he was afraid of losing his job. Pena has worked as a patrol officer in La Vergne since Nov. 23, 2008.
“He’s been put on administrative leave pending our internal investigation. We’ve asked him to come by the police department, but he has yet to do so,” La Vergne Police Chief Ted Boyd said late Monday afternoon.
The dispatch report from Smyrna police states Pena threw Morris into a wall at the home and sat on her. In addition to the caller, Pena’s three children visiting from Ohio, were at the home as well. One of the children managed to get a cell phone and dial 911.
At one point, Pena took the phone from the caller and said nobody had been assaulted, but that he and Martin had been drinking. He also told dispatchers that he and his girlfriend had no history of assault and that Martin was upset by the argument.
Dispatchers were able to hear Martin calling for the children to come witness part of the struggle as Pena was holding her down, the report said.
The mother of Pena’s children was notified and drove down from Ohio to pick them up.
Pena was charged with domestic assault and resisting arrest and given a $3,000 bond. He was taken to the Rutherford County Jail on a 12-hour hold and was released sometime after 4 p.m. Sunday.
Boyd said he and other members of his department were conducting their own investigation to determine what caused the situation.
“There’s always two sides to a story. It’s a bad situation for anybody, but especially an officer, because it limits your ability to earn a living,” he said.
Officer Jonathan Pratt Arrested for Drug Possession
A reserve Athens police officer arrested over the weekend for drug possession is no longer with the force. The Athens Police Department removed Jonathan Pratt on Sunday. A Limestone County sheriff's deputy arrested Pratt on Saturday after a traffic stop.
The deputy stopped a car Pratt was riding in, and arrested him and the driver for possession of a controlled substance.
Athens reserve officers volunteer with the police department. They are not sworn officers. They work special events, wear a reserve officer badge, carry a gun, and sometimes drive a car. Most of the time, they ride with a police officer.
Athens Police Chief Wayne Harper says it's a shame what has happened.
Limestone County stopped the car Jonathan Pratt was a passenger in Saturday night. The deputy stopped the driver for speeding. Reports say the deputy then found prescription pills in the car.
"It's not a good thing, and it's embarrassing," said Harper. "Mr. Pratt's been with us for about a year. We did an in-depth background on him when we put him on our reserve unit and he checked out well."
Harper says Pratt had seemed like a good fit for the department.
"It's a bad situation," Harper said. "I wish it hadn't of happened."
Chief Harper says they had to take care of the situation.
"As soon as we found out we found out yesterday [Sunday], he was immediately relieved," said Harper. "He's no longer with the reserve program."
Harper says this shouldn't give the reserve program a black eye.
"They're a valuable asset. This in no way is representative of our reserve unit or our police department and i just wish it hadn't of happened," said Harper.
Athens Mayor Dan Williams says the city may evaluate drug testing the reserve officers.
"We do background checks on the people that come to work for us," said Williams. "The reserve officers are restricted in what they can do and they have to be with people who are certified policemen."
The report from the Limestone County Sheriff's Department says Pratt said he has a prescription for the pills found on him. There were other pills found in the car that were unaccounted for.
Chief Harper says Pratt came by the office Monday morning and apologized for embarrassing the police department.
The deputy stopped a car Pratt was riding in, and arrested him and the driver for possession of a controlled substance.
Athens reserve officers volunteer with the police department. They are not sworn officers. They work special events, wear a reserve officer badge, carry a gun, and sometimes drive a car. Most of the time, they ride with a police officer.
Athens Police Chief Wayne Harper says it's a shame what has happened.
Limestone County stopped the car Jonathan Pratt was a passenger in Saturday night. The deputy stopped the driver for speeding. Reports say the deputy then found prescription pills in the car.
"It's not a good thing, and it's embarrassing," said Harper. "Mr. Pratt's been with us for about a year. We did an in-depth background on him when we put him on our reserve unit and he checked out well."
Harper says Pratt had seemed like a good fit for the department.
"It's a bad situation," Harper said. "I wish it hadn't of happened."
Chief Harper says they had to take care of the situation.
"As soon as we found out we found out yesterday [Sunday], he was immediately relieved," said Harper. "He's no longer with the reserve program."
Harper says this shouldn't give the reserve program a black eye.
"They're a valuable asset. This in no way is representative of our reserve unit or our police department and i just wish it hadn't of happened," said Harper.
Athens Mayor Dan Williams says the city may evaluate drug testing the reserve officers.
"We do background checks on the people that come to work for us," said Williams. "The reserve officers are restricted in what they can do and they have to be with people who are certified policemen."
The report from the Limestone County Sheriff's Department says Pratt said he has a prescription for the pills found on him. There were other pills found in the car that were unaccounted for.
Chief Harper says Pratt came by the office Monday morning and apologized for embarrassing the police department.
Five Toledo Officers Face Criminal Charges
All of five of the officers face a variety of criminal or administrative punishments.
Five Toledo police officers are being accused of either driving drunk or using drugs, just in the last six weeks. The numbers have some concerned.
It's the job of Deb Chany and the Sylvania Community Action Team to try to keep Lucas County teens away from drugs and alcohol. So when she heard a Toledo police officer was charged with drunk driving she was concerned.
Deb Chany, executive director of the Sylvania Community Action Team says, "It saddened me at first because these are our role models. These are the people we trust to help our community be safe and healthy."
Shawn Parra, 34, is accused of driving drunk, crashing his vehicle then leaving the scene. The incident happened just before 3:00 Thursday morning.
"It really sends a mixed message. We are kind of fighting a battle, saying oh my goodness here are people trying to help our community be safe and make good choices and they aren't themselves."
Two weeks ago, during a random drug test, two other Toledo police officers tested positive for an illegal substance. In late October, Officer Donald Mitchell was arrested after showing signs of drunkenness while on the job. It was the second that month. James Breier was charged with driving drunk after showing signs of intoxication at an accident scene. Chany says teens will take notice, not only of the actions, but also the punishment.
"What are the consequences going to be of that I think people are going to sit back and look at that," says Chany.
All of five of the officers face a variety of criminal or administrative punishments.
Five Toledo police officers are being accused of either driving drunk or using drugs, just in the last six weeks. The numbers have some concerned.
It's the job of Deb Chany and the Sylvania Community Action Team to try to keep Lucas County teens away from drugs and alcohol. So when she heard a Toledo police officer was charged with drunk driving she was concerned.
Deb Chany, executive director of the Sylvania Community Action Team says, "It saddened me at first because these are our role models. These are the people we trust to help our community be safe and healthy."
Shawn Parra, 34, is accused of driving drunk, crashing his vehicle then leaving the scene. The incident happened just before 3:00 Thursday morning.
"It really sends a mixed message. We are kind of fighting a battle, saying oh my goodness here are people trying to help our community be safe and make good choices and they aren't themselves."
Two weeks ago, during a random drug test, two other Toledo police officers tested positive for an illegal substance. In late October, Officer Donald Mitchell was arrested after showing signs of drunkenness while on the job. It was the second that month. James Breier was charged with driving drunk after showing signs of intoxication at an accident scene. Chany says teens will take notice, not only of the actions, but also the punishment.
"What are the consequences going to be of that I think people are going to sit back and look at that," says Chany.
All of five of the officers face a variety of criminal or administrative punishments.
Officer Nigel Hodges Waives Rights to Hearing for Assaulting Bartender
A Robinson Township police officer accused of assaulting a female bartender at closing time waived his right to a preliminary hearing Monday morning before North Fayette Township District Judge Anthony Saveikis.
Nigel Hodges, 51, a North Fayette resident, will be tried in Allegheny County Court on charges of indecent assault, indecent exposure, harassment and false imprisonment, according to court documents.
A charge of official suppression was dropped.
The incident occurred after 11 p.m. on Oct. 6 at Tavern With the Lights. According to court records, Hodges visited the bar, left, and then returned when the bartender was alone.
Hodges is accused of grabbing the 20-year-old bartender, whose name is not being released, and kissing her until she broke away. He then performed a sex act in front of her for several minutes, and asked her suggestive questions, according to a police report. He refused her repeated requests to stop. He also grabbed her hand and began sucking her fingers, according to court records.
The woman reported the incident two days later, saying she was initially afraid because Hodges is a police officer.
Nigel Hodges, 51, a North Fayette resident, will be tried in Allegheny County Court on charges of indecent assault, indecent exposure, harassment and false imprisonment, according to court documents.
A charge of official suppression was dropped.
The incident occurred after 11 p.m. on Oct. 6 at Tavern With the Lights. According to court records, Hodges visited the bar, left, and then returned when the bartender was alone.
Hodges is accused of grabbing the 20-year-old bartender, whose name is not being released, and kissing her until she broke away. He then performed a sex act in front of her for several minutes, and asked her suggestive questions, according to a police report. He refused her repeated requests to stop. He also grabbed her hand and began sucking her fingers, according to court records.
The woman reported the incident two days later, saying she was initially afraid because Hodges is a police officer.
Councilwoman Says She Witnessed Police Using Excessive Force
A Darlington City Councilwoman says she witnessed a Darlington Police officer use excessive force while arresting a 64-year-old man.
According to Gloria Hines, the officer arrested Bizmark Richardson around noon on Saturday on South Main Street for "drunkenness."
Hines says Richardson must have said something the officer did not like; the officer allegedly responded by hitting Richardson's head into the back of the patrol car.
Hines said she heard the thump from about 200 feet away.
The officer, who Hines said was a white man, used excessive force on Richardson, who is black, according to Hines.
The councilwoman said she had not yet filed a complaint.
According to Gloria Hines, the officer arrested Bizmark Richardson around noon on Saturday on South Main Street for "drunkenness."
Hines says Richardson must have said something the officer did not like; the officer allegedly responded by hitting Richardson's head into the back of the patrol car.
Hines said she heard the thump from about 200 feet away.
The officer, who Hines said was a white man, used excessive force on Richardson, who is black, according to Hines.
The councilwoman said she had not yet filed a complaint.
Officer Adam Stoddard Refuses to Make Public Apology
Officer Adam Stoddard was ordered to make a public apology or be thrown in jail by Nov. 30. But late late Monday he defended his actions, saying, "The judge therefore puts me in a position where I must lie or go to jail. And I will not lie."
MCSO detention officer Adam Stoddard was caught on tape snatching a privileged document from the desk of a defense attorney last month.
Stoddard was held in contempt of court for taking the note from Joanne Cuccia's desk. It happened during the aggravated assault sentencing hearing for Antonio Lozano.
"He is to give Ms. Cuccia a sincere verbal and written apology for invading her defense file and for the damage that his conduct may have caused to her professional reputation," said Judge Gary Donahoe. Judge Donahoe said that his deadline for the apology is Nov. 30.
Sheriff Joe Arpaio says that Stoddard was just doing his duty and is in opposition of the judge's order.
Full Statement by Officer Stoddard
"I am Maricopa County Detention Officer Adam Stoddard. I work in the Court Security Division of the Sheriff’s Office and have been with the Sheriff’s Office for five years.
"Recently, Superior Court Judge Gary Donahoe ordered me to hold a press conference to publicly apologize for doing the job I have been trained to do.
"Part of my job in providing security to the court is to inspect documents brought into the courtroom. On October 19th, I saw a document that I had not yet screened, and that raised security concerns. I retrieved that document in plain sight and had court personnel copy it to preserve it as evidence in case it was a security breach.
"It was a split second decision and I do not regret my actions.
"Judge Donahoe has ordered me to feel something I do not and say something I cannot. I cannot apologize for putting court safety first.
"The judge therefore puts me in a position where I must lie or go to jail. And I will not lie."
MCSO detention officer Adam Stoddard was caught on tape snatching a privileged document from the desk of a defense attorney last month.
Stoddard was held in contempt of court for taking the note from Joanne Cuccia's desk. It happened during the aggravated assault sentencing hearing for Antonio Lozano.
"He is to give Ms. Cuccia a sincere verbal and written apology for invading her defense file and for the damage that his conduct may have caused to her professional reputation," said Judge Gary Donahoe. Judge Donahoe said that his deadline for the apology is Nov. 30.
Sheriff Joe Arpaio says that Stoddard was just doing his duty and is in opposition of the judge's order.
Full Statement by Officer Stoddard
"I am Maricopa County Detention Officer Adam Stoddard. I work in the Court Security Division of the Sheriff’s Office and have been with the Sheriff’s Office for five years.
"Recently, Superior Court Judge Gary Donahoe ordered me to hold a press conference to publicly apologize for doing the job I have been trained to do.
"Part of my job in providing security to the court is to inspect documents brought into the courtroom. On October 19th, I saw a document that I had not yet screened, and that raised security concerns. I retrieved that document in plain sight and had court personnel copy it to preserve it as evidence in case it was a security breach.
"It was a split second decision and I do not regret my actions.
"Judge Donahoe has ordered me to feel something I do not and say something I cannot. I cannot apologize for putting court safety first.
"The judge therefore puts me in a position where I must lie or go to jail. And I will not lie."
Correctional Officer Everette Brown Arrested for Hitting Inmate with Belt
A Concordia Parish Correctional Facility officer was arrested and charged with aggravated battery and malfeasance in office following a weekend incident in which he allegedly struck an inmate on the buttocks with his belt.
In a news release Monday, Concordia Parish Sheriff Randy Maxwell said Officer Everette Brown, 44, of Vidalia was arrested and immediately terminated following an investigation of the alleged incident, which happened Saturday.
The inmate, who was in lockdown for disciplinary reasons, reportedly called Brown a derogatory name, to which Brown allegedly responded by opening the cell door, taking off his belt and striking the inmate, the release said.
The release said the inmate was later checked by CPCF medical personnel and found to have only minor bruises.
“It’s not the extent of the injury as much as it’s the fact that an officer responded like this,” Maxwell said. “It just won’t be tolerated. There absolutely will not be any mistreatment of inmates.”
Such a response is against both prison policy and common sense, Maxwell said.
Brown was employed at CPCF for approximately six months, but Maxwell said it would not have mattered if the officer had been employed for six hours or six years, because his alleged response was intolerable.”
“If you cannot handle someone calling you names, then you just don’t belong in this business, and you certainly cannot work for the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office and Correctional Facility,” Maxwell said. “It’s just plain wrong, and you don’t need to work here.”
“That’s why we’ve never had the reputation of this sort of thing, because we will not stand for it.”
Two investigators are assigned to the incident, and the release said the investigation is ongoing.
In a news release Monday, Concordia Parish Sheriff Randy Maxwell said Officer Everette Brown, 44, of Vidalia was arrested and immediately terminated following an investigation of the alleged incident, which happened Saturday.
The inmate, who was in lockdown for disciplinary reasons, reportedly called Brown a derogatory name, to which Brown allegedly responded by opening the cell door, taking off his belt and striking the inmate, the release said.
The release said the inmate was later checked by CPCF medical personnel and found to have only minor bruises.
“It’s not the extent of the injury as much as it’s the fact that an officer responded like this,” Maxwell said. “It just won’t be tolerated. There absolutely will not be any mistreatment of inmates.”
Such a response is against both prison policy and common sense, Maxwell said.
Brown was employed at CPCF for approximately six months, but Maxwell said it would not have mattered if the officer had been employed for six hours or six years, because his alleged response was intolerable.”
“If you cannot handle someone calling you names, then you just don’t belong in this business, and you certainly cannot work for the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office and Correctional Facility,” Maxwell said. “It’s just plain wrong, and you don’t need to work here.”
“That’s why we’ve never had the reputation of this sort of thing, because we will not stand for it.”
Two investigators are assigned to the incident, and the release said the investigation is ongoing.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Lt Ulysses Austin Arrested for DUI
An Albany Police officer is arrested driving DUI early Sunday morning.
Lt. Ulysses Austin, a 25 Year veteran of APD and Patrol officer supervisor, was arrested for DUI around 1:00 Sunday morning on Blaylock Street in Albany at a Georgia State Patrol task force road block.
Nearly a dozen Troopers were conducting the road block targeting DUI drivers.
Albany Police Chief John Proctor said he will assign Lt. Austin to a different duty while an internal affairs investigation into his arrest is completed.
Lt. Ulysses Austin, a 25 Year veteran of APD and Patrol officer supervisor, was arrested for DUI around 1:00 Sunday morning on Blaylock Street in Albany at a Georgia State Patrol task force road block.
Nearly a dozen Troopers were conducting the road block targeting DUI drivers.
Albany Police Chief John Proctor said he will assign Lt. Austin to a different duty while an internal affairs investigation into his arrest is completed.
Officer Christian Cathey Arrested for Drunk Driving
Police say an off-duty Memphis police officer was arrested for DUI after he drove into the gate of a driveway.
According to a police affidavit, 24-year-old Christian Cathey was driving a Jeep Wrangler when he hit the gate of a driveway in the 8400 block of U.S. Highway 70, early Friday morning, November 27, 2009. The police document states when officers arrived at the scene, Cathey was asleep in the driver’s seat of his running Jeep, parked in the backyard of the home.
Officers say in the police document, when they awoke Cathey, he had bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech and smelled of alcohol. Cathey told officers that he drank four cups of beer earlier Thursday evening. Police say Cathey performed poorly on a field sobriety test and refused to take a blood alcohol test.
Cathey has been charged with Driving Under the Influence and Public Intoxication.
According to a Memphis police spokesperson, “Officer Cathey has been routinely relieved of duty until further investigation.”
Officer Donald Frick Accused of Robbing Private Dancer at Gunpoint
A Reynoldsburg police officer accused of robbing a private dancer at gunpoint was arraigned on felony charges Monday.
Donald Wilson Frick, 26, was arraigned Monday. He was not incarcerated and wasn’t given a bond. He left the courtroom after the arraignment.
Frick was indicted on three felony counts Tuesday, Nov. 17, including one count of aggravated robbery (felony of the first degree), one count of robbery (felony of the second degree) and one count of robbery (felony of the third degree).
All three counts have a firearm specification.
Robin Bruce, 21, said she went to Frick’s home in late October after she was hired to perform some type of private dance.
The dancer said Frick paid her $150 but after he learned the exchange would be just a dance and nothing more intimate, prosecutors said he became violent.
Bruce said she called people who were outside waiting for her in their car and they removed her from the location.
Officials said there are multiple robbery charges because there are different ways to commit a robbery and each method involves a separate count.
Frick is on administrative leave from the Reynoldsburg police department.
He has been a street officer since 2006 and has had two accidents since being on the force. Other than the accidents, his record is clean.
Officer Arrested for Rape
A police officer was arrested for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl since March this year, Mpumalanga police said on Monday.
The officer was arrested in Moloto at the weekend, Superintendent Abie Khoabane said.
"When the first rape occurred, the girl reported the matter to her grandmother whom she lived with in Moloto. The grandmother did not believe her and the rapes continued."
The police officer and the girl were neighbors.
"After some months the girl's performance at school as well as the way she behaved changed... Her teacher then took her for counseling, that is when she spoke of what happened to her. She was then taken for medical examinations."
Police were called in and the officer was arrested.
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The officer was arrested in Moloto at the weekend, Superintendent Abie Khoabane said.
"When the first rape occurred, the girl reported the matter to her grandmother whom she lived with in Moloto. The grandmother did not believe her and the rapes continued."
The police officer and the girl were neighbors.
"After some months the girl's performance at school as well as the way she behaved changed... Her teacher then took her for counseling, that is when she spoke of what happened to her. She was then taken for medical examinations."
Police were called in and the officer was arrested.
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Officer Robert Todd Arrested for Drunk Driving
Police arrested a man they said was drunk behind the wheel in Englewood and the suspect turned out to be one of their own.
Robert Adam Todd, 25, a Butler Township police officer, was arrested Wednesday night after police said he crashed into another car while driving intoxicated.
Sgt. Mike Lang said, "Officers responded to an accident at Main Street at the Englewood Dam."
Police said Todd rear-ended another driver sitting at the red light. However, when officers showed up to process the scene of the crash, they recognized the driver at fault. "One of the officers responding knew he was a police officer," said Lang.
They also suspected that the driver was drunk.
Police reports indicate that Todd failed all three sobriety tests that he was given, although he denied having anything to drink. He said he didn't see the other driver's brake lights. Officers said he refused a breathalyzer test.
Sgt. Lang said, "Enough clues were present to place him under arrest."
The Butler Township Police Chief, Danny Hobbs, said he has never had to deal with one of his own officers facing criminal charges.
"I found out early Thursday morning, " said Hobbs. "He's a good officer. I had no prior problems with him."
Chief Hobbs said the two and a half year veteran called him to apologize and knows that he made a mistake. "We are held to a higher standard, but we are human. We make mistakes. These these things happen," said Hobbs.
Officer Todd is now on unpaid administrative leave.
The chief did not want to speculate on the future of Todd's job, and said he will wait for the court's decision and then conduct his own standard of conduct investigation.
Robert Adam Todd, 25, a Butler Township police officer, was arrested Wednesday night after police said he crashed into another car while driving intoxicated.
Sgt. Mike Lang said, "Officers responded to an accident at Main Street at the Englewood Dam."
Police said Todd rear-ended another driver sitting at the red light. However, when officers showed up to process the scene of the crash, they recognized the driver at fault. "One of the officers responding knew he was a police officer," said Lang.
They also suspected that the driver was drunk.
Police reports indicate that Todd failed all three sobriety tests that he was given, although he denied having anything to drink. He said he didn't see the other driver's brake lights. Officers said he refused a breathalyzer test.
Sgt. Lang said, "Enough clues were present to place him under arrest."
The Butler Township Police Chief, Danny Hobbs, said he has never had to deal with one of his own officers facing criminal charges.
"I found out early Thursday morning, " said Hobbs. "He's a good officer. I had no prior problems with him."
Chief Hobbs said the two and a half year veteran called him to apologize and knows that he made a mistake. "We are held to a higher standard, but we are human. We make mistakes. These these things happen," said Hobbs.
Officer Todd is now on unpaid administrative leave.
The chief did not want to speculate on the future of Todd's job, and said he will wait for the court's decision and then conduct his own standard of conduct investigation.
Officer Dustin Bradshaw Fired for Tasering 10-year-old Girl
The mayor of a small Arkansas town says the police officer who used a stun gun on an unruly 10-year-old girl has been fired for violating department policy — not for using the Taser but for failing to use the camera attached to it.
Ozark Mayor Vernon McDaniel says Officer Dustin Bradshaw's termination was effective Friday. The mayor says he received notice of Bradshaw's firing on Monday morning.
According to a police report, Bradshaw used the Taser on the girl on Nov. 11 after receiving a call about a domestic disturbance. The report says the girl's mother gave Bradshaw permission to use the stun gun if needed.
A phone number for Bradshaw couldn't immediately be found Monday. The mayor says Bradshaw will still receive unpaid vacation and holiday time.
Ozark Mayor Vernon McDaniel says Officer Dustin Bradshaw's termination was effective Friday. The mayor says he received notice of Bradshaw's firing on Monday morning.
According to a police report, Bradshaw used the Taser on the girl on Nov. 11 after receiving a call about a domestic disturbance. The report says the girl's mother gave Bradshaw permission to use the stun gun if needed.
A phone number for Bradshaw couldn't immediately be found Monday. The mayor says Bradshaw will still receive unpaid vacation and holiday time.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Former Officer Charles Mottern Arrested for Burglary at Church
Authorities say a former Los Angeles police officer has been arrested for investigation in the alleged burglary of an Orange County church.
Jim Amormino, a spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff's Department, said Thursday that 45-year old Charles Mottern of Irvine was arrested Tuesday for investigation of burglary, possession of stolen property, and resisting arrest.
Amormino says Mottern was separated from his job as a Saddleback Church security official last year after church officials reported a series of thefts.
Amormino says church officials interrupted an attempted burglary last week but could not identify the suspect.
Amormino says Mottern worked for the Los Angeles police department until 1996.
Mottern's home phone number was unlisted.
Jim Amormino, a spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff's Department, said Thursday that 45-year old Charles Mottern of Irvine was arrested Tuesday for investigation of burglary, possession of stolen property, and resisting arrest.
Amormino says Mottern was separated from his job as a Saddleback Church security official last year after church officials reported a series of thefts.
Amormino says church officials interrupted an attempted burglary last week but could not identify the suspect.
Amormino says Mottern worked for the Los Angeles police department until 1996.
Mottern's home phone number was unlisted.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Deputy Steven Stenulson Accused of Sexually Assaulting Teen
Steven L. Stenulson, 38, of 1934 Liberty Lane, Janesville, was asked to resign in the midst of allegations he sexually assaulted an 18-year-girl Nov. 1 in Milton, Sheriff Bob Spoden said. The party included underage drinking.
Stenulson resigned Wednesday, Nov. 18, and the sheriff’s office’s internal investigation ended, Spoden said. He could have been disciplined or fired as a result of the internal investigation.
Stenulson was arrested Monday, Nov. 2, after the teen told police she awoke from a nap at a Halloween party and found an off-duty deputy assaulting her, according to the criminal complaint. The two know each other.
Stenulson was charged with second-degree sexual assault, a felony that involves sexual contact with someone not capable of giving consent or who is under the influence of alcohol.
According to the criminal complaint:
Stenulson and the woman were at a party at 518 College St., Milton. The woman became intoxicated and sick and went to an upstairs bedroom to sleep.
She said she awoke to find Stenulson lying in her bed and touching her inappropriately under her clothes. She said she denied his request to have sex.
The woman said they heard people coming up the stairs, and Stenulson quickly moved onto the room’s other bed.
When the two people entered the room, the woman started crying. Stenulson immediately left.
The woman told people what happened. Someone then called police.
Stenulson denied assaulting the woman. He said he had been playing beer pong at the party and went to the bedroom to rest.
He initially said he was on the bed next to the woman but later said he knelt on her bed to check on her.
The woman was taken to Mercy Hospital in Janesville, where a nurse found lacerations and an abrasion on the woman’s genitals.
Blood tests indicated Stenulson and the woman had been drinking, Milton police said at the time.
Karen Ryan of 518 College St., Milton, was ticketed for allowing underage drinking at the party, Milton police said.
Stenulson was placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation, Spoden said. He will receive his accrued vacation and sick pay.
If convicted of second-degree sexual assault, Stenulson faces up to 40 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
He is scheduled to appear in court Nov. 30 for an adjourned initial appearance.
Officer Frank Tepper Has History of Complaints
Seven years ago, an Internal Affairs investigator warned Philadelphia Police Officer Frank Tepper, now accused by neighbors of fatally shooting an unarmed 21-year-old man Saturday night in a fit of temper, against taking the law into his own hands while off duty.
Tepper had gone in search of a teenager who bullied the officer's 8-year-old son at a playground near the family's Port Richmond home, according to the report. Tepper ended up in a scuffle with local youths, spraying Mace at them, taking a punch to the face, and drawing his gun before on-duty police arrived.
Tepper's actions, the report said, "could have resulted in numerous injuries with the very real possibility of deadly force being used by him during this confrontation. Police Officer Tepper would have fared better with the assistance of on-duty police officers as opposed to the situation which led him to face a hostile crowd of youths alone."
Saturday night, Tepper again chose to confront a volatile situation instead of waiting for backup.
When a brawl erupted on Elkhart Street in front of Tepper's house during a family party, he went outside to break it up, police said. Tepper told police he was attacked and fired his gun in self-defense.
The shot killed William Panas Jr., who lived nearby and who eyewitnesses said also had been trying to stop the fighting.
Witnesses said Tepper appeared intoxicated during the fight, which included members of his family and others from the neighborhood. No one but Tepper was armed, and police have reported no arrests in the fight.
Police Lt. Frank Vanore said he could not say whether Tepper called 911 before getting involved or whether he was drunk. Tepper has not returned calls seeking comment.
Panas, who lived with his parents and had planned to open a neighborhood barbershop, will be buried Saturday, said his father, William Sr.
Many members of the community have come forward to the Panas family, expressing their support and sharing stories about the younger Panas.
"I'm hurting," the elder Panas said yesterday. "We all are. But to know my son was respected and loved is a good feeling."
Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey has also called, Panas said, and told the family that Tepper could face charges if the investigation reveals the shooting was not justified.
"For Mr. Ramsey to call me personally was very reassuring," Panas said. "I don't want sympathy for me and my wife. I just want justice."
Since the younger Panas' death, residents of his Port Richmond neighborhood have spoken out about their experiences with Tepper. Some have reported seeing Tepper brandish a gun or fire shots into the air. Others recalled seeing him shoot an opossum in the street. Still others have reported a long history of feuding with or threatening the area's teenagers and young adults.
Debra Spencer said she had been afraid of Tepper since 2002, when he used Mace on her son during the fight over the harassment of Tepper's young son.
"My son didn't know who he was when Frank came at him," Spencer said, who later sought out Tepper to question him about the scuffle. "I asked Frank if he had identified himself as a cop, told the kids he was police. He said, 'I don't have to.' "
The Police Department's guidelines for off-duty officers dictate that officers call 911 before taking any police action, Vanore said, and all such actions are automatically reported to Internal Affairs. Ultimately, Ramsey reviews each case.
Every time an officer fires a gun, either on or off duty, the gun is confiscated. A supervisor then arrives to take the officer to Internal Affairs, which investigates the incident.
Tepper, who joined the department in 1993, works in the Civil Affairs Unit, whose assignments include demonstrations and labor disputes. He has been placed on desk duty during the investigation, standard procedure for officers involved in shootings.
Tepper previously worked as a patrolman in the 15th District, which includes parts of North Philadelphia.
Tepper has been the target of seven complaints from citizens alleging that Tepper assaulted them, swore at them, or otherwise behaved inappropriately. Police sources said it was not unusual for a 16-year veteran of any police force to amass complaints, particularly when the officer worked as a patrolman.
Though Tepper was cleared of most charges, including the complaints of abuse, he was admonished for his behavior several times, according to the reports from Internal Affairs.
In 1995, Tepper, while off duty, got involved in a car chase after two men allegedly catcalled his fiancée and another woman. Tepper had been in a bar earlier wearing most of his uniform, according to the Internal Affairs report, in a violation of department policy.
Tepper told police that the men's car hit him when he tried to tell them to leave and that he had followed them to make an arrest when they drove away. The investigator assigned to the case observed that "Officer Tepper's version of events seems to be lacking the whole truth."
In 2001, an Internal Affairs report found that Tepper and another officer tried to force a man they arrested to apologize to them for resisting arrest.
In the 2002 incident, in which Tepper confronted a group of teenagers, the Internal Affairs report found that he violated the department's guidelines for off-duty officers.
Tepper had gone in search of a teenager who bullied the officer's 8-year-old son at a playground near the family's Port Richmond home, according to the report. Tepper ended up in a scuffle with local youths, spraying Mace at them, taking a punch to the face, and drawing his gun before on-duty police arrived.
Tepper's actions, the report said, "could have resulted in numerous injuries with the very real possibility of deadly force being used by him during this confrontation. Police Officer Tepper would have fared better with the assistance of on-duty police officers as opposed to the situation which led him to face a hostile crowd of youths alone."
Saturday night, Tepper again chose to confront a volatile situation instead of waiting for backup.
When a brawl erupted on Elkhart Street in front of Tepper's house during a family party, he went outside to break it up, police said. Tepper told police he was attacked and fired his gun in self-defense.
The shot killed William Panas Jr., who lived nearby and who eyewitnesses said also had been trying to stop the fighting.
Witnesses said Tepper appeared intoxicated during the fight, which included members of his family and others from the neighborhood. No one but Tepper was armed, and police have reported no arrests in the fight.
Police Lt. Frank Vanore said he could not say whether Tepper called 911 before getting involved or whether he was drunk. Tepper has not returned calls seeking comment.
Panas, who lived with his parents and had planned to open a neighborhood barbershop, will be buried Saturday, said his father, William Sr.
Many members of the community have come forward to the Panas family, expressing their support and sharing stories about the younger Panas.
"I'm hurting," the elder Panas said yesterday. "We all are. But to know my son was respected and loved is a good feeling."
Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey has also called, Panas said, and told the family that Tepper could face charges if the investigation reveals the shooting was not justified.
"For Mr. Ramsey to call me personally was very reassuring," Panas said. "I don't want sympathy for me and my wife. I just want justice."
Since the younger Panas' death, residents of his Port Richmond neighborhood have spoken out about their experiences with Tepper. Some have reported seeing Tepper brandish a gun or fire shots into the air. Others recalled seeing him shoot an opossum in the street. Still others have reported a long history of feuding with or threatening the area's teenagers and young adults.
Debra Spencer said she had been afraid of Tepper since 2002, when he used Mace on her son during the fight over the harassment of Tepper's young son.
"My son didn't know who he was when Frank came at him," Spencer said, who later sought out Tepper to question him about the scuffle. "I asked Frank if he had identified himself as a cop, told the kids he was police. He said, 'I don't have to.' "
The Police Department's guidelines for off-duty officers dictate that officers call 911 before taking any police action, Vanore said, and all such actions are automatically reported to Internal Affairs. Ultimately, Ramsey reviews each case.
Every time an officer fires a gun, either on or off duty, the gun is confiscated. A supervisor then arrives to take the officer to Internal Affairs, which investigates the incident.
Tepper, who joined the department in 1993, works in the Civil Affairs Unit, whose assignments include demonstrations and labor disputes. He has been placed on desk duty during the investigation, standard procedure for officers involved in shootings.
Tepper previously worked as a patrolman in the 15th District, which includes parts of North Philadelphia.
Tepper has been the target of seven complaints from citizens alleging that Tepper assaulted them, swore at them, or otherwise behaved inappropriately. Police sources said it was not unusual for a 16-year veteran of any police force to amass complaints, particularly when the officer worked as a patrolman.
Though Tepper was cleared of most charges, including the complaints of abuse, he was admonished for his behavior several times, according to the reports from Internal Affairs.
In 1995, Tepper, while off duty, got involved in a car chase after two men allegedly catcalled his fiancée and another woman. Tepper had been in a bar earlier wearing most of his uniform, according to the Internal Affairs report, in a violation of department policy.
Tepper told police that the men's car hit him when he tried to tell them to leave and that he had followed them to make an arrest when they drove away. The investigator assigned to the case observed that "Officer Tepper's version of events seems to be lacking the whole truth."
In 2001, an Internal Affairs report found that Tepper and another officer tried to force a man they arrested to apologize to them for resisting arrest.
In the 2002 incident, in which Tepper confronted a group of teenagers, the Internal Affairs report found that he violated the department's guidelines for off-duty officers.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Former Officer Lawrence Epps Committs Suicide
A former Jackson police officer accused of robbing at least five businesses in 24 hours died Tuesday at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith said.
Lawrence Epps in 2008, after his arrest in connection with the robbery of a Jackson credit union.
Jackson police said Lawrence Epps had been in the hospital since he was arrested last Thursday. Police said Epps took a large dose of pills in an attempt to commit suicide.
Epps died of respiratory failure as a result of a pharmaceutical overdose, the Hinds County coroner said.
At the time of the most recent robberies, Epps was out of jail on a $150,000 bond in connection with the April 2008 robbery of the Mississippi Public Employees Credit Union.
More than 10 years ago, Epps was a burglary detective with the Jackson Police Department. He was fired when he tested positive for cocaine, officials said.
Lawrence Epps in 2008, after his arrest in connection with the robbery of a Jackson credit union.
Jackson police said Lawrence Epps had been in the hospital since he was arrested last Thursday. Police said Epps took a large dose of pills in an attempt to commit suicide.
Epps died of respiratory failure as a result of a pharmaceutical overdose, the Hinds County coroner said.
At the time of the most recent robberies, Epps was out of jail on a $150,000 bond in connection with the April 2008 robbery of the Mississippi Public Employees Credit Union.
More than 10 years ago, Epps was a burglary detective with the Jackson Police Department. He was fired when he tested positive for cocaine, officials said.
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