A former Baltimore police officer received a five-year suspended sentence this week and was ordered to refrain from unsupervised contact with children after pleading guilty in September to second-degree assault.
Troy Jaquan Gee Sr., 34, had been charged in Baltimore Circuit Court with child sexual abuse for allegedly fondling a 13-year-old relative in March 2008. The girl reported the incident to police, and Gee was suspended without pay from the Police Department upon his arrest.
He has since resigned.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
FBI Officer Charles Homemma Found Guilty of Watching Girls in Dressing Room
After a daylong bench trial Marion County Magistrate Hank Middlemas found FBI Police Officer Charles Homemma, of Buckhannon guilty of invasion of privacy and not guilty of conspiracy.
Middlemas sentenced Hommema to six months in prison, then suspended that sentence and placed Hommema on a year of probation.
Hommema will also have to pay a $250 fine plus arrest fees and court costs.
Hommema and another officer, Gary Sutton Jr., of New Milton, were arrested in April for using a security camera to watch girls in a dressing room, during the Cinderella Project event held at the Middletown Mall on April 4.
Between 9:34 a.m. and 11 a.m. they pointed the FBI security cameras used in the mall at one of five makeshift dressing rooms set up for the event, court documents say, and caught one of the young women topless.
Sutton pleaded guilty to conspiracy on Nov. 3, and was sentenced to six months on probation.
The Marion County Sheriff's Department arrested the men.
The FBI declined to comment on either man's employment status.
"I spoke to our attorneys and was advised that, until we get the official documentation from the court, we are precluded, by Department of Justice guidelines, from making any comment," said Stephen Fischer
However, an FBI Agent testified during the trial that Sutton resigned his position and Hommema has had his clearance pulled.
Middlemas sentenced Hommema to six months in prison, then suspended that sentence and placed Hommema on a year of probation.
Hommema will also have to pay a $250 fine plus arrest fees and court costs.
Hommema and another officer, Gary Sutton Jr., of New Milton, were arrested in April for using a security camera to watch girls in a dressing room, during the Cinderella Project event held at the Middletown Mall on April 4.
Between 9:34 a.m. and 11 a.m. they pointed the FBI security cameras used in the mall at one of five makeshift dressing rooms set up for the event, court documents say, and caught one of the young women topless.
Sutton pleaded guilty to conspiracy on Nov. 3, and was sentenced to six months on probation.
The Marion County Sheriff's Department arrested the men.
The FBI declined to comment on either man's employment status.
"I spoke to our attorneys and was advised that, until we get the official documentation from the court, we are precluded, by Department of Justice guidelines, from making any comment," said Stephen Fischer
However, an FBI Agent testified during the trial that Sutton resigned his position and Hommema has had his clearance pulled.
Officer John Douglas Accused of Beating 16-year-old
A Rhode Island police officer, accused of beating a 16-year-old boy, then encouraging fellow officers to lie about it to the FBI, maintains his innocence.
Woonsocket Officer John H. Douglas pleaded not guilty Thursday in Providence to charges of violating a person's civil rights and obstruction of justice.
The charges stem from an FBI investigation launched in September after the 16-year-old boy appeared in a juvenile court severely injured and said several police officers beat him up. The judge in that case said one of the teenager's eyes was swollen shut.
Woonsocket police say the boy was wanted for escape from a probation program and he suffered minor injuries during a struggle with arresting officers.
Woonsocket Officer John H. Douglas pleaded not guilty Thursday in Providence to charges of violating a person's civil rights and obstruction of justice.
The charges stem from an FBI investigation launched in September after the 16-year-old boy appeared in a juvenile court severely injured and said several police officers beat him up. The judge in that case said one of the teenager's eyes was swollen shut.
Woonsocket police say the boy was wanted for escape from a probation program and he suffered minor injuries during a struggle with arresting officers.
Former Officer Raymond Ramos is Subject of Lawsuit
A fired San Antonio police officer awaiting trial on the allegation he raped a woman while on duty is now the subject of a civil lawsuit.
The suit — which also names the city, the San Antonio Police Department and Chief William McManus — seeks compensation for emotional anguish, medical expenses and pain and suffering resulting from the alleged rape that then-Officer Raymond Ramos is charged with committing Nov. 11, 2007.
Ramos, 30, faces up to 20 years in prison if found guilty. He is currently free on bail and is set to appear in court in January.
Ramos was arrested in December 2007 after an internal investigation was launched when a woman, 30, complained she was raped when the officer stopped her as she was walking along Somerset Road near Pitluck Avenue.
Upon dumping the contents of the woman's purse onto the hood of his patrol car, Ramos found cocaine, heroin and syringes, the woman said. She said he then took her to Golden Park and had her use some of the drugs to calm down before raping her, then let her go, according to court documents.
“The facts of this case are just horrendous,” attorney Neil Calfas said. “It's just an egregious case.”
The lawsuit alleges the city also is liable because the officer should have been better trained and supervised. A Police Department spokesperson deferred comment to the city attorney's office.
Winning such a lawsuit against a city is generally difficult unless the plaintiff can prove the actions were part of a custom or policy, City Attorney Michael Bernard said. That certainly wasn't the case here, he said.
“Obviously, we take immediate action when these types of things are brought forward,” Bernard said. “Any criminal act like that is beyond the scope of an officer.”
The suit was initially filed in state district court, but last week attorneys for the city filed documents in federal court asking that it be transferred there.
The suit — which also names the city, the San Antonio Police Department and Chief William McManus — seeks compensation for emotional anguish, medical expenses and pain and suffering resulting from the alleged rape that then-Officer Raymond Ramos is charged with committing Nov. 11, 2007.
Ramos, 30, faces up to 20 years in prison if found guilty. He is currently free on bail and is set to appear in court in January.
Ramos was arrested in December 2007 after an internal investigation was launched when a woman, 30, complained she was raped when the officer stopped her as she was walking along Somerset Road near Pitluck Avenue.
Upon dumping the contents of the woman's purse onto the hood of his patrol car, Ramos found cocaine, heroin and syringes, the woman said. She said he then took her to Golden Park and had her use some of the drugs to calm down before raping her, then let her go, according to court documents.
“The facts of this case are just horrendous,” attorney Neil Calfas said. “It's just an egregious case.”
The lawsuit alleges the city also is liable because the officer should have been better trained and supervised. A Police Department spokesperson deferred comment to the city attorney's office.
Winning such a lawsuit against a city is generally difficult unless the plaintiff can prove the actions were part of a custom or policy, City Attorney Michael Bernard said. That certainly wasn't the case here, he said.
“Obviously, we take immediate action when these types of things are brought forward,” Bernard said. “Any criminal act like that is beyond the scope of an officer.”
The suit was initially filed in state district court, but last week attorneys for the city filed documents in federal court asking that it be transferred there.
Three Officers Indicted for Malfeasance in Office
Two former and one current Eunice police officers have been indicted for malfeasance in office in connection with charges of police brutality.
A St. Landry Parish Grand Jury this week indicted former Eunice Police Officer Micah Arceneaux on four counts of malfeasance in office.
Arceneaux had resigned from the Eunice force earlier this year after being placed on administrative leave pending the results of a State Police investigation into the police brutality charges.
Also indicted were current officer Jeremy Ivory and former officer and now St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Billy McCauley Jr., who were each charged with one count of malfeasance in office.
Jimmy Darbonne with the Sheriff’s office said McCauley has been placed on unpaid leave.
Eunice Police Chief Gary Fontenot declined to comment on the status of officer Ivory.
Warrants have been issued for the arrest of all three men.
The indictments do not mean the men are guilty. The true bills returned by the grand jury late Tuesday instead mean the jurors found there is sufficient evidence to bring the cases to trial where the question of guilt or innocence will be decided.
If found guilty, the men face up to five years imprisonment on each charge.
A St. Landry Parish Grand Jury this week indicted former Eunice Police Officer Micah Arceneaux on four counts of malfeasance in office.
Arceneaux had resigned from the Eunice force earlier this year after being placed on administrative leave pending the results of a State Police investigation into the police brutality charges.
Also indicted were current officer Jeremy Ivory and former officer and now St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Billy McCauley Jr., who were each charged with one count of malfeasance in office.
Jimmy Darbonne with the Sheriff’s office said McCauley has been placed on unpaid leave.
Eunice Police Chief Gary Fontenot declined to comment on the status of officer Ivory.
Warrants have been issued for the arrest of all three men.
The indictments do not mean the men are guilty. The true bills returned by the grand jury late Tuesday instead mean the jurors found there is sufficient evidence to bring the cases to trial where the question of guilt or innocence will be decided.
If found guilty, the men face up to five years imprisonment on each charge.
Judge Gary Donahoe Charged with Bribery
The Maricopa County judge who sent a detention officer to jail recently could end up in jail himself thanks to a criminal complaint filed Wednesday.
Superior Court Judge Gary Donahoe has been charged with a number of crimes, including bribery and obstructing a criminal investigation.
County Attorney Andrew Thomas insisted the charges against Donohoe are about justice and putting an end to corruption; they have nothing to do with any issues his office has had with the judge.
"We cannot allow the precedent to be set that if you are a powerful politician and have powerful friends in court you can avoid prosecution or investigation for crimes," Thomas said.
Thomas and Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio held a joint news conference Wednesday to explain the charges against the judge.
They allege that Donahoe participated in a scheme to hinder an investigation into possible criminal conduct by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and to block an investigation into the judge himself.
The charges center on Donahoe's role in the new court tower under construction in downtown Phoenix and whether the judge received any benefits from the project.
The judge is also accused of failing to disclose an attorney-client relationship with two lawyers involved in the court tower's construction.
"I've worked corruption around the world and never seen this type of situation," Arpaio said. "It gets worse and worse as time goes on."
The sheriff and the county attorney said the charges against the judge have nothing to do with Donahoe holding a sheriff's detention officer in contempt and putting him in jail for looking through a defense attorney's papers.
They also insisted that the Sheriff's Office's dispute with Donahoe over transportation of prisoners is unrelated.
"The issues with transportation and the deputy incarcerated had nothing to do with it, other than the fact that it is simply interesting that the pattern of outrageous conduct by the judge involves these other matters," Thomas said.
CBS 5 News contacted Donahoe's office to get reaction to the criminal complaint, but the judge had no comment.
A preliminary hearing has been set for Jan. 11.
Superior Court Judge Gary Donahoe has been charged with a number of crimes, including bribery and obstructing a criminal investigation.
County Attorney Andrew Thomas insisted the charges against Donohoe are about justice and putting an end to corruption; they have nothing to do with any issues his office has had with the judge.
"We cannot allow the precedent to be set that if you are a powerful politician and have powerful friends in court you can avoid prosecution or investigation for crimes," Thomas said.
Thomas and Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio held a joint news conference Wednesday to explain the charges against the judge.
They allege that Donahoe participated in a scheme to hinder an investigation into possible criminal conduct by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and to block an investigation into the judge himself.
The charges center on Donahoe's role in the new court tower under construction in downtown Phoenix and whether the judge received any benefits from the project.
The judge is also accused of failing to disclose an attorney-client relationship with two lawyers involved in the court tower's construction.
"I've worked corruption around the world and never seen this type of situation," Arpaio said. "It gets worse and worse as time goes on."
The sheriff and the county attorney said the charges against the judge have nothing to do with Donahoe holding a sheriff's detention officer in contempt and putting him in jail for looking through a defense attorney's papers.
They also insisted that the Sheriff's Office's dispute with Donahoe over transportation of prisoners is unrelated.
"The issues with transportation and the deputy incarcerated had nothing to do with it, other than the fact that it is simply interesting that the pattern of outrageous conduct by the judge involves these other matters," Thomas said.
CBS 5 News contacted Donahoe's office to get reaction to the criminal complaint, but the judge had no comment.
A preliminary hearing has been set for Jan. 11.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Teen Says Officer Dustin Cox Assaulted Him
A school resource officer in Rutherford County who helps keep at-risk youth on the right track is accused of assaulting one of the troubled teens.
The alleged assault happened at Central Middle School over the weekend at Rutherford County Operation Integrity boot camp, where the 14-year-old boy was one of 15 juveniles taking part.
The teen claims school resource Officer Dustin Cox pushed him Saturday, causing him to fall on the ground and land on his elbows. He also alleges Cox dragged him by his pants down the hallway of the school.
Murfreesboro police were called to Middle Tennessee Medical Center on Sunday by the boy's mother and stepfather. That’s where the assault allegations were made. Pictures were taken of the boy's knees and elbows.
The teen said there were several people present but they were standing with their noses touching lockers and he isn’t sure if anyone saw what happened.
Cox serves at Smyrna High School and remains on duty pending investigation results.
This is the first time since Operation Integrity started five years ago that someone has made an allegation against a deputy. According to Rutherford County officials, more than 200 at-risk young people have completed the program. It is an intervention program targeting teens that have behavioral problems at school and or at home or have shown signs of drug use.
The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office made a request to the district attorney’s office to ask the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to conduct an investigation. It will be up to TBI to help decide if the allegations against the officer are true or not.
Operation Integrity’s boot camp is held one Saturday a month for 12 hours.
There are follow-up sessions the youths also have to complete.
Parents or guardians also must attend a mandatory parent component session.
The alleged assault happened at Central Middle School over the weekend at Rutherford County Operation Integrity boot camp, where the 14-year-old boy was one of 15 juveniles taking part.
The teen claims school resource Officer Dustin Cox pushed him Saturday, causing him to fall on the ground and land on his elbows. He also alleges Cox dragged him by his pants down the hallway of the school.
Murfreesboro police were called to Middle Tennessee Medical Center on Sunday by the boy's mother and stepfather. That’s where the assault allegations were made. Pictures were taken of the boy's knees and elbows.
The teen said there were several people present but they were standing with their noses touching lockers and he isn’t sure if anyone saw what happened.
Cox serves at Smyrna High School and remains on duty pending investigation results.
This is the first time since Operation Integrity started five years ago that someone has made an allegation against a deputy. According to Rutherford County officials, more than 200 at-risk young people have completed the program. It is an intervention program targeting teens that have behavioral problems at school and or at home or have shown signs of drug use.
The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office made a request to the district attorney’s office to ask the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to conduct an investigation. It will be up to TBI to help decide if the allegations against the officer are true or not.
Operation Integrity’s boot camp is held one Saturday a month for 12 hours.
There are follow-up sessions the youths also have to complete.
Parents or guardians also must attend a mandatory parent component session.
Officer Adrian Makuch Charged with Soliciting Minor
A veteran police officer is free on bail after being charged with soliciting sex from minors.
Officer Adrian Makuch, 49, a crime scene investigator, is accused of making contact with a 15-year-old boy in the Northeast last summer and trying to lure him into his vehicle. The boy refused, but allegedly saw the officer several more times and filed a complaint last December.
Police then launched a sting operation, including coordination with other agencies and surveillance of Makuch, which revealed an “alarming and disturbing pattern,” according to Internal Affairs Chief Inspector Anthony DiLacqua.
DiLacqua said that Makuch, a 21-year veteran, also made contact with an undercover officer who he thought was a 17-year-old. He allegedly exchanged text messages and solicited the officer for sex.
Police said they are unsure how Makuch found the 15-year-old, and that he may have had contact with other minors.
“I don’t know of a relationship between Makuch and the 15-year-old, other than Makuch soliciting him,” DiLacqua said.
Makuch had a preliminary hearing yesterday and bail was set at $20,000. He posted 10 percent bail and was released, but has been suspended for 30 days with the intent to dismiss.
Makuch could not be reached for comment.
Officer Kenneth Aragon Drinking Before Accident
A Los Angeles police officer killed in a motorcycle accident last week had been drinking at a bar on the department's training academy campus the night he died and had a blood-alcohol level "well over" the legal limit, a police official said Wednesday.
After the early-morning crash Dec. 3, department officials launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Officer Kenneth Aragon's death in an effort to determine whether he was plied with too much alcohol by academy bartenders or got drunk at another location, said LAPD Cmdr. David Doan, who is overseeing the inquiry.
Department officials are also taking a broader look at the long-running tradition of officers drinking at the academy. They have ordered bar staff to undergo retraining on laws on serving alcohol, and put them on notice that undercover officers would be performing compliance checks in the future, Doan said.
Aragon, a 19-year veteran of the department and father of five, spent several hours drinking and singing karaoke with other officers and guests in a banquet room outfitted with a bar on the upper floor of the academy's main building, Doan said. They had gathered for 'payday Wednesday,' an unofficial but regular event held every other week at the idyllic Elysian Park campus to celebrate their latest paycheck.
The 47-year-old officer left the academy about 12:30 a.mAbout 90 minutes later, about 2:15 a.m., he crashed his motorcycle while driving north on Fletcher Drive, less than three miles from the academy. Investigators, Doan said, have not yet learned where Aragon went during the unaccounted time, and he left open the possibility that the officer had gone to another bar before the crash.
Regardless, police are working to determine how much Aragon drank at the academy. Investigators are reviewing video footage from a security camera in the bar and questioning the two bartenders working that night and officers who were drinking with Aragon, Doan said. It is a misdemeanor crime in California to serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated.
When Aragon crashed, Doan said, he was "certainly under the influence" and "well over the legal limit." He declined to provide the results of blood-alcohol tests performed at the hospital where Aragon was pronounced dead.
The bar -- like most of the academy facilities -- is run by the Los Angeles Revolver and Athletic Club, a tax-exempt organization that is separate from the department and accepts only LAPD employees as members. Except for the payday parties, the bar is typically open only for officer retirement parties and similar catered events.
Calls to members of the club's management were not returned.
Beyond the details of Aragon's death, Doan said investigators are examining whether bartenders at the academy are properly licensed. Department officials are also "looking at whether there is adequate oversight" of the Wednesday-night gatherings.
Payday Wednesdays hold a particularly infamous spot in LAPD lore. Older officers tell sordid stories of wild, booze-fueled gatherings in the 1970s and '80s, at which officers and female guests had sex in the academy's garden. One well-known legend holds that a guardrail in front of a home set on a sharp turn in the road leading out of the academy was installed after several drunk officers failed to navigate the bend. Several officers say academy gatherings are much more staid today.
After the early-morning crash Dec. 3, department officials launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Officer Kenneth Aragon's death in an effort to determine whether he was plied with too much alcohol by academy bartenders or got drunk at another location, said LAPD Cmdr. David Doan, who is overseeing the inquiry.
Department officials are also taking a broader look at the long-running tradition of officers drinking at the academy. They have ordered bar staff to undergo retraining on laws on serving alcohol, and put them on notice that undercover officers would be performing compliance checks in the future, Doan said.
Aragon, a 19-year veteran of the department and father of five, spent several hours drinking and singing karaoke with other officers and guests in a banquet room outfitted with a bar on the upper floor of the academy's main building, Doan said. They had gathered for 'payday Wednesday,' an unofficial but regular event held every other week at the idyllic Elysian Park campus to celebrate their latest paycheck.
The 47-year-old officer left the academy about 12:30 a.mAbout 90 minutes later, about 2:15 a.m., he crashed his motorcycle while driving north on Fletcher Drive, less than three miles from the academy. Investigators, Doan said, have not yet learned where Aragon went during the unaccounted time, and he left open the possibility that the officer had gone to another bar before the crash.
Regardless, police are working to determine how much Aragon drank at the academy. Investigators are reviewing video footage from a security camera in the bar and questioning the two bartenders working that night and officers who were drinking with Aragon, Doan said. It is a misdemeanor crime in California to serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated.
When Aragon crashed, Doan said, he was "certainly under the influence" and "well over the legal limit." He declined to provide the results of blood-alcohol tests performed at the hospital where Aragon was pronounced dead.
The bar -- like most of the academy facilities -- is run by the Los Angeles Revolver and Athletic Club, a tax-exempt organization that is separate from the department and accepts only LAPD employees as members. Except for the payday parties, the bar is typically open only for officer retirement parties and similar catered events.
Calls to members of the club's management were not returned.
Beyond the details of Aragon's death, Doan said investigators are examining whether bartenders at the academy are properly licensed. Department officials are also "looking at whether there is adequate oversight" of the Wednesday-night gatherings.
Payday Wednesdays hold a particularly infamous spot in LAPD lore. Older officers tell sordid stories of wild, booze-fueled gatherings in the 1970s and '80s, at which officers and female guests had sex in the academy's garden. One well-known legend holds that a guardrail in front of a home set on a sharp turn in the road leading out of the academy was installed after several drunk officers failed to navigate the bend. Several officers say academy gatherings are much more staid today.
Sgt. Gene Tomatani Charged with Embezzling From Union
A former Redondo Beach police sergeant has been charged with embezzling more than $72,000 from his police union.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office says 40-year-old Gene Tomatani was charged Tuesday with felony grand theft.
Prosecutors say Tomatani stole from the Redondo Beach Police Officer's Association while serving as treasurer and then president of the group from 2004 to 2008.
Tomatani will be arraigned Jan. 8. If convicted, he faces up to four years in state prison.
Tomatani resigned from the department in October.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office says 40-year-old Gene Tomatani was charged Tuesday with felony grand theft.
Prosecutors say Tomatani stole from the Redondo Beach Police Officer's Association while serving as treasurer and then president of the group from 2004 to 2008.
Tomatani will be arraigned Jan. 8. If convicted, he faces up to four years in state prison.
Tomatani resigned from the department in October.
Pensacola Police Change Pursuit Police
The Pensacola Police Department has changed its pursuit policy as a result of a chase that left a bicyclist dead Oct. 3.
Victor Steen, 17, tried to elude Pensacola police Officer Jerald Ard, who spotted the teen on a bicycle at a construction site at Cervantes and T streets. Ard fired a Taser stun gun from the window of his moving car while chasing Steen.
Steen fell into the path of the cruiser and was hit by the car.
The change announced Tuesday prohibits officers from chasing vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians through apartment complexes and other heavily populated areas — like mall parking lots — parks and school grounds, in police cars.
Officers should attempt to make arrests by setting up perimeters using adjacent roadways, Pensacola Assistant Police Chip Simmons said.
When pursuing bicyclists and pedestrians on roadways, officers should try to keep at a safe distance from the fleeing suspect in an effort to prevent the suspect from being hurt, Simmons said.
"We wouldn't expect an officer to stop pursuing a dangerous felon," Simmons said. "If the guy is shooting a gun, the officer has do whatever he has to do stop him. He can deviate from the policy as long as he has a justifiable reason."
In October, the Police Department announced a revision to its Taser policy as a result of the fatal incident. Simmons sent a memo saying officers are not allowed to fire stun guns out of or into moving vehicles.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement continues to investigating Steen's death.
Ard was placed on administrative leave with pay immediately after the incident. He returned to work Oct. 13 and was assigned administrative work for the patrol division.
"It's unfortunate for everyone that this process takes a long time, but we all want a thorough review," Police Chief John Mathis said.
Victor Steen, 17, tried to elude Pensacola police Officer Jerald Ard, who spotted the teen on a bicycle at a construction site at Cervantes and T streets. Ard fired a Taser stun gun from the window of his moving car while chasing Steen.
Steen fell into the path of the cruiser and was hit by the car.
The change announced Tuesday prohibits officers from chasing vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians through apartment complexes and other heavily populated areas — like mall parking lots — parks and school grounds, in police cars.
Officers should attempt to make arrests by setting up perimeters using adjacent roadways, Pensacola Assistant Police Chip Simmons said.
When pursuing bicyclists and pedestrians on roadways, officers should try to keep at a safe distance from the fleeing suspect in an effort to prevent the suspect from being hurt, Simmons said.
"We wouldn't expect an officer to stop pursuing a dangerous felon," Simmons said. "If the guy is shooting a gun, the officer has do whatever he has to do stop him. He can deviate from the policy as long as he has a justifiable reason."
In October, the Police Department announced a revision to its Taser policy as a result of the fatal incident. Simmons sent a memo saying officers are not allowed to fire stun guns out of or into moving vehicles.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement continues to investigating Steen's death.
Ard was placed on administrative leave with pay immediately after the incident. He returned to work Oct. 13 and was assigned administrative work for the patrol division.
"It's unfortunate for everyone that this process takes a long time, but we all want a thorough review," Police Chief John Mathis said.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Officer Arrested After Allegedly Offering Bribe to Another Officer
A POLICE officer was arrested during a sting operation yesterday after he allegedly offered a bribe to another officer, in an attempt to persuade the officer to forgo criminal charges against four of six people. The suspects were arrested during a raid between Sunday night and Monday morning in La Horquetta on gun charges.
The police constable, who is attached to a station in the Northern Division, reportedly approached the other officer on Monday night and offered to pay him $11,000 to not lay the charge of possession of arms and ammunition against the suspects, a senior officer told the Express.
The officer after being approached contacted Senior Superintendent Joseph Edwards, the head of the division, and told him of what had occurred, police investigators said.
A sting operation was set up, and a meeting was organized between the two officers outside the Arima Magistrate’s Court.
As the two met for the exchange of money outside the court yesterday, officers of the Northern Division Task Force (NDTF) arrested the officer, police said.
He was taken to the Arima Police Station where up to late yesterday evening, he was assisting officers with their investigations.
On Sunday night, the divisional task force officers raided a house in Manuel Congo Village, La Horquetta, and found a shotgun, a pistol and 625 rounds of assorted ammunition. The six people-three men and three women who were reportedly in the house at the time, including a 42-year-old businessman and his 23-year-old girlfriend, were arrested. The officers later went to the home of the businessman, who operates a poultry shop at Second Street, San Juan, where they reportedly found two revolvers, $542,000, and US$19,000.
All six remained in police custody last night.
Charges are expected to be laid soon, police said.
The police constable, who is attached to a station in the Northern Division, reportedly approached the other officer on Monday night and offered to pay him $11,000 to not lay the charge of possession of arms and ammunition against the suspects, a senior officer told the Express.
The officer after being approached contacted Senior Superintendent Joseph Edwards, the head of the division, and told him of what had occurred, police investigators said.
A sting operation was set up, and a meeting was organized between the two officers outside the Arima Magistrate’s Court.
As the two met for the exchange of money outside the court yesterday, officers of the Northern Division Task Force (NDTF) arrested the officer, police said.
He was taken to the Arima Police Station where up to late yesterday evening, he was assisting officers with their investigations.
On Sunday night, the divisional task force officers raided a house in Manuel Congo Village, La Horquetta, and found a shotgun, a pistol and 625 rounds of assorted ammunition. The six people-three men and three women who were reportedly in the house at the time, including a 42-year-old businessman and his 23-year-old girlfriend, were arrested. The officers later went to the home of the businessman, who operates a poultry shop at Second Street, San Juan, where they reportedly found two revolvers, $542,000, and US$19,000.
All six remained in police custody last night.
Charges are expected to be laid soon, police said.
Corrections Sgt. Salvator Nostrame Arrested for Road Rage
A Hudson County Department of Corrections sergeant was arrested today after an apparent road rage incident in which he is accused of assaulting the victim and then threatening him with his gun, reports said.
Sgt. Salvatore Nostrame, 40, of Cambridge Avenue, was charged with aggravated assault in connection to the road rage incident at 1:29 p.m. at Webster Avenue and South Street in the Jersey City Heights, police spokesman Stan H. Eason said.
Nostrame has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal investigation, said Hudson County Corrections Department Director Oscar Aviles.
Nostrame allegedly assaulted the other driver, took out his gun and threatened the victim with it, and then fled the scene, Eason said.
A witness got the license plate number of the fleeing vehicle and police traced it to Nostrame's home, reports said.
Police Emergency Services Unit officers responded to Nostrame's home and he was arrested when he came out about 20 minutes later, Eason said.
Nostrame has been a corrections officer for roughly 15 years and earns about $85,000 annually, officials said.
He is expected to make his first appearance on the charges in Central Judicial Processing court in Jersey City tomorrow.
Sgt. Salvatore Nostrame, 40, of Cambridge Avenue, was charged with aggravated assault in connection to the road rage incident at 1:29 p.m. at Webster Avenue and South Street in the Jersey City Heights, police spokesman Stan H. Eason said.
Nostrame has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal investigation, said Hudson County Corrections Department Director Oscar Aviles.
Nostrame allegedly assaulted the other driver, took out his gun and threatened the victim with it, and then fled the scene, Eason said.
A witness got the license plate number of the fleeing vehicle and police traced it to Nostrame's home, reports said.
Police Emergency Services Unit officers responded to Nostrame's home and he was arrested when he came out about 20 minutes later, Eason said.
Nostrame has been a corrections officer for roughly 15 years and earns about $85,000 annually, officials said.
He is expected to make his first appearance on the charges in Central Judicial Processing court in Jersey City tomorrow.
Former Federal Agent William Ferrell III Pleads Guilty to Theft
A former federal law enforcement agent has pleaded guilty to a theft charge as part of a plea deal.
Forty-1-year-old William Ferrell III, of Gulfport, Miss., entered the plea Monday before Chief U.S. District Judge Ralph E. Tyson.
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Baton Rouge says Ferrell was a manager and part owner of Double F Logistics LLC, a company that transported goods across the country as a common carrier. According to authorities, Ferrell was responsible for overseeing the use of fuel and debit cards available to Double F. He was accused of withdrawing about $98,235 from the company's account to pay for expenses not related to the company.
Ferrell also worked for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security but resigned as a result of the investigation. A sentencing date has not been set.
Forty-1-year-old William Ferrell III, of Gulfport, Miss., entered the plea Monday before Chief U.S. District Judge Ralph E. Tyson.
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Baton Rouge says Ferrell was a manager and part owner of Double F Logistics LLC, a company that transported goods across the country as a common carrier. According to authorities, Ferrell was responsible for overseeing the use of fuel and debit cards available to Double F. He was accused of withdrawing about $98,235 from the company's account to pay for expenses not related to the company.
Ferrell also worked for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security but resigned as a result of the investigation. A sentencing date has not been set.
Toledo Officers Test Positive for Marijuana
The professional fate of four Toledo police officers who have been charged internally for misconduct related to drugs and alcohol will be decided at departmental hearings Monday, Chief Mike Navarre said Monday.
Officers Curtis Jewell and Karon Gallup, both uniformed patrol officers, face charges related to their failure of a random drug test, which indicated marijuana in their systems.
Officers Donald Mitchell and James W. Breier face criminal and departmental charges related to operating patrol vehicles while intoxicated.
The officers have been placed on restricted duty pending the outcome of the hearing, Chief Navarre said.
"I think the public will look very closely at what we do with these cases," the chief said, adding that members of the department should also pay close attention to the cases. He would not comment on possible outcomes, only stating termination is a possibility.
Officer Jewell, 52, a 26-year veteran, and Officer Gallup, 42, who has worked for the department for the past 14 years, were internally charged Friday with illegal use or abuse of marijuana, willful violation, and conduct unbecoming an officer.
The officers were among 48 who were selected randomly Nov. 19 to submit to drug screens.
The testing marks the first time that rank-and-file officers have been subjected to random drug screening. Before the practice was allowed in the latest union contract with the Toledo Police Patrolman's Association in July, patrol officers only could be tested when there was "reasonable suspicion," Chief Navarre said.
He added that random drug testing will continue.
"We'll do it again," he said. "I'm not going to say when or what frequency."
Dan Wagner, president of the Toledo Police Patrolman's Association, said the union agreed to the random drug testing as part of contract negotiations but questioned whether the department had the right to release the names of officers who failed the test. He said the officers signed medical release forms so results could be given to the department, but he believed the results were not public per laws protecting medical records.
"I believe the officers involved are poised to take action civilly against the city for releasing that information," he said, adding that the union may file a grievance.
Because the recent test was the first time the department randomly screened its officers for drugs, there is no precedent on disciplinary measures. Chief Navarre said that before the recent agreement, only command officers and officers assigned to the property room and vice narcotics could be randomly screened.
The chief added that he knew of no command officers who failed the test and of only one member of vice who failed nearly two decades ago.
That officer was terminated but was reinstated, after arbitration, without back pay and with certain conditions, he said. The officer, whom he declined to name, has since retired.
Officers Gallup and Jewell do not face criminal charges because the test was a condition of their employment and so it cannot be used in a criminal case, the chief said.
"We can't mandate someone give us evidence and then use it against them," he said.
Also facing internal charges are two officers who were arrested after it was determined they were drinking while on patrol duty.
Officer Mitchell, 45, is accused of showing up intoxicated for work Oct. 31. He was arrested after being called back from patrolling the streets after command was notified that something appeared to be wrong.
The month before, Officer Breier, 54, was arrested and accused of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol when he responded to a traffic crash and appeared to be intoxicated.
Both men face internal charges of use of intoxicants, willful violation, and conduct unbecoming a police officer. They also face misdemeanor criminal charges in Toledo Municipal Court, where both have pretrials on Thursday.
A third officer, Shawn Parra, 35, was off-duty and in his personal vehicle when he was involved in what reports allege was a drunken-driving crash in which he fled the scene. Officer Parra has been on vacation since the Thanksgiving-morning crash and likely will face departmental charges, the chief said.
Mr. Wagner said there is concern about the unusual number of incidents lately. He said the union is asking counselors with the Employee Assistance Program to speak to officers during training sessions.
"There may be some underlying factor. Is it because of the low manpower that our guys are experiencing stress and instead of going to a counselor, they are turning to other means?" he said.
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Even the cops are doing marijuana! Time to legalize the shit and let it help the country recover from these bad times.
Officers Curtis Jewell and Karon Gallup, both uniformed patrol officers, face charges related to their failure of a random drug test, which indicated marijuana in their systems.
Officers Donald Mitchell and James W. Breier face criminal and departmental charges related to operating patrol vehicles while intoxicated.
The officers have been placed on restricted duty pending the outcome of the hearing, Chief Navarre said.
"I think the public will look very closely at what we do with these cases," the chief said, adding that members of the department should also pay close attention to the cases. He would not comment on possible outcomes, only stating termination is a possibility.
Officer Jewell, 52, a 26-year veteran, and Officer Gallup, 42, who has worked for the department for the past 14 years, were internally charged Friday with illegal use or abuse of marijuana, willful violation, and conduct unbecoming an officer.
The officers were among 48 who were selected randomly Nov. 19 to submit to drug screens.
The testing marks the first time that rank-and-file officers have been subjected to random drug screening. Before the practice was allowed in the latest union contract with the Toledo Police Patrolman's Association in July, patrol officers only could be tested when there was "reasonable suspicion," Chief Navarre said.
He added that random drug testing will continue.
"We'll do it again," he said. "I'm not going to say when or what frequency."
Dan Wagner, president of the Toledo Police Patrolman's Association, said the union agreed to the random drug testing as part of contract negotiations but questioned whether the department had the right to release the names of officers who failed the test. He said the officers signed medical release forms so results could be given to the department, but he believed the results were not public per laws protecting medical records.
"I believe the officers involved are poised to take action civilly against the city for releasing that information," he said, adding that the union may file a grievance.
Because the recent test was the first time the department randomly screened its officers for drugs, there is no precedent on disciplinary measures. Chief Navarre said that before the recent agreement, only command officers and officers assigned to the property room and vice narcotics could be randomly screened.
The chief added that he knew of no command officers who failed the test and of only one member of vice who failed nearly two decades ago.
That officer was terminated but was reinstated, after arbitration, without back pay and with certain conditions, he said. The officer, whom he declined to name, has since retired.
Officers Gallup and Jewell do not face criminal charges because the test was a condition of their employment and so it cannot be used in a criminal case, the chief said.
"We can't mandate someone give us evidence and then use it against them," he said.
Also facing internal charges are two officers who were arrested after it was determined they were drinking while on patrol duty.
Officer Mitchell, 45, is accused of showing up intoxicated for work Oct. 31. He was arrested after being called back from patrolling the streets after command was notified that something appeared to be wrong.
The month before, Officer Breier, 54, was arrested and accused of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol when he responded to a traffic crash and appeared to be intoxicated.
Both men face internal charges of use of intoxicants, willful violation, and conduct unbecoming a police officer. They also face misdemeanor criminal charges in Toledo Municipal Court, where both have pretrials on Thursday.
A third officer, Shawn Parra, 35, was off-duty and in his personal vehicle when he was involved in what reports allege was a drunken-driving crash in which he fled the scene. Officer Parra has been on vacation since the Thanksgiving-morning crash and likely will face departmental charges, the chief said.
Mr. Wagner said there is concern about the unusual number of incidents lately. He said the union is asking counselors with the Employee Assistance Program to speak to officers during training sessions.
"There may be some underlying factor. Is it because of the low manpower that our guys are experiencing stress and instead of going to a counselor, they are turning to other means?" he said.
---------------------------------
Even the cops are doing marijuana! Time to legalize the shit and let it help the country recover from these bad times.
New Trial Likely for Former Officer Brian Quilici
Prosecutors likely will pursue a second trial for the former Richmond police officer accused of kicking a handcuffed man in the face.
McHenry County officials are reviewing their options after the Illinois Supreme Court declined to hear arguments surrounding Brian Quilici’s first trial. That means that the appellate court decision to overturn Quilici’s felony convictions stands.
“We’re going to review it and make a determination and most likely go to trial,” McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi said.
A McHenry County jury convicted Quilici of mob action, official misconduct and obstructing justice in the February 2005 beating of Ryan Hallett outside a Fox Lake bar. Quilici has said he was defending himself and a woman Hallett took hostage in the parking lot.
Quilici already has served a two-year prison sentence, so he will not receive any new punishment if convicted at a second trial. But Bianchi said he wanted a felony conviction to go on Quilici’s record so he won’t be eligible to serve as a police officer again.
Quilici’s attorney, Vincent Solano, did not return a call for comment Monday.
The appellate court tossed Quilici’s conviction largely because McHenry County Judge Sharon Prather told jurors that Quilici, as an off-duty police officer, did not have any arrest authority beyond making a citizen’s arrest. But, the appellate court found, Quilici did have full arrest powers because the incident happened in the same county as Quilici’s jurisdiction.
In a separate case, felony convictions against two other one-time police officers involved in Hallett’s beating were overturned. Ronald Pilati and Jerome Volstad later accepted plea bargains for misdemeanor attempted unlawful restraint. The misdemeanor convictions will not prevent them from serving again as police officers.
McHenry County officials are reviewing their options after the Illinois Supreme Court declined to hear arguments surrounding Brian Quilici’s first trial. That means that the appellate court decision to overturn Quilici’s felony convictions stands.
“We’re going to review it and make a determination and most likely go to trial,” McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi said.
A McHenry County jury convicted Quilici of mob action, official misconduct and obstructing justice in the February 2005 beating of Ryan Hallett outside a Fox Lake bar. Quilici has said he was defending himself and a woman Hallett took hostage in the parking lot.
Quilici already has served a two-year prison sentence, so he will not receive any new punishment if convicted at a second trial. But Bianchi said he wanted a felony conviction to go on Quilici’s record so he won’t be eligible to serve as a police officer again.
Quilici’s attorney, Vincent Solano, did not return a call for comment Monday.
The appellate court tossed Quilici’s conviction largely because McHenry County Judge Sharon Prather told jurors that Quilici, as an off-duty police officer, did not have any arrest authority beyond making a citizen’s arrest. But, the appellate court found, Quilici did have full arrest powers because the incident happened in the same county as Quilici’s jurisdiction.
In a separate case, felony convictions against two other one-time police officers involved in Hallett’s beating were overturned. Ronald Pilati and Jerome Volstad later accepted plea bargains for misdemeanor attempted unlawful restraint. The misdemeanor convictions will not prevent them from serving again as police officers.
Detective Leonard Ash Accused of Stealing Money from Evidence Locker
A Scranton police officer is under arrest, accused of stealing money from an evidence locker.
The officer has been identified as Detective Leonard Ash. According to the police department's website, he works in the criminal investigation division.
State police Ashtook the money, $8,000, in 2003 and replaced it with blank sheets of paper. The theft was discovered about two months ago.
Ash has been suspended without pay by the Scranton Police Department.
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http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-cop-busted-for-allegedly-stealing-8k-from-evidence-room-safe-deposit-box-1.471171
The officer has been identified as Detective Leonard Ash. According to the police department's website, he works in the criminal investigation division.
State police Ashtook the money, $8,000, in 2003 and replaced it with blank sheets of paper. The theft was discovered about two months ago.
Ash has been suspended without pay by the Scranton Police Department.
------------------------
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-cop-busted-for-allegedly-stealing-8k-from-evidence-room-safe-deposit-box-1.471171
Former Officer William Wike Sentenced for Fondling 15-year-old
A judge sentenced a former Huntington police officer to a year in prison for molesting a teenager.
40-year-old William Wike was sentenced Monday after he pleaded guilty to sexual battery and admitting he fondled a 15-year-old girl.
Huntington officials fired the nine-year department veteran last month. After he confessed to the fondling.
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40-year-old William Wike was sentenced Monday after he pleaded guilty to sexual battery and admitting he fondled a 15-year-old girl.
Huntington officials fired the nine-year department veteran last month. After he confessed to the fondling.
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http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/search?q=William+Wike
Officer Jason Anderson Charged with Manslaughter
Now that the voluminous Connecticut State Police report is in on the horrific deaths of two Milford teens struck by a speeding police officer, the Milford Board of Police Commissioners should move quickly to get Officer Jason Anderson off the payroll.
Whether the board decides to fire the officer, who was captured on video flying at 94 mph in the moments leading up to the fatal crash, it should change the officer's suspension to a non-paid one.
Anderson's been charged with two counts of manslaughter in the deaths of 19-year-old David Servin and Ashlie Krakowski, whose car he rammed shortly after 2 a.m. last June while he and another officer were speeding down the Boston Post Road on their way back from a mutual aid call in West Haven.
Until release of the State Police report -- and there's no question that a thorough, deliberate investigation was called for and done -- the city of Milford has said it could not conduct its own investigation.
Therefore, the board suspended Anderson with pay after he was charged in the deaths.
The facts in the case, as most dramatically displayed in a video shot by the dashboard camera of another officer who was on the scene, show that Anderson was driving in a way so reckless as to warrant dismissal.
For anyone to be driving at over 90 mph on the Post Road, regardless of the time of day, is simply outrageous. And when it's a sworn officer of the law, it's really beyond the pale.
Anderson will have his day in court to answer the criminal charges, but his behavior warrants the most severe sanction the city can issue.
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Other Information: http://www.connpost.com/ci_13953900
Whether the board decides to fire the officer, who was captured on video flying at 94 mph in the moments leading up to the fatal crash, it should change the officer's suspension to a non-paid one.
Anderson's been charged with two counts of manslaughter in the deaths of 19-year-old David Servin and Ashlie Krakowski, whose car he rammed shortly after 2 a.m. last June while he and another officer were speeding down the Boston Post Road on their way back from a mutual aid call in West Haven.
Until release of the State Police report -- and there's no question that a thorough, deliberate investigation was called for and done -- the city of Milford has said it could not conduct its own investigation.
Therefore, the board suspended Anderson with pay after he was charged in the deaths.
The facts in the case, as most dramatically displayed in a video shot by the dashboard camera of another officer who was on the scene, show that Anderson was driving in a way so reckless as to warrant dismissal.
For anyone to be driving at over 90 mph on the Post Road, regardless of the time of day, is simply outrageous. And when it's a sworn officer of the law, it's really beyond the pale.
Anderson will have his day in court to answer the criminal charges, but his behavior warrants the most severe sanction the city can issue.
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Other Information: http://www.connpost.com/ci_13953900
Former Officer Shanita McKnight Appealing 20 Year Sentence
A former Lake City police sergeant found guilty of drug trafficking and extortion will appeal her 20-year federal sentence, according to federal court documents.
Shanita McKnight stood trial in federal court in Florence in October 2008 and was sentenced May 27.
About a month later, she filed documents pertaining to appealing her case to the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Columbia attorney Joseph Henry, who represented Knight during her trial and sentencing, said in his client would be filing an affidavit of indigency and is requesting that counsel be appointed for her.
Transcripts of many of the objections made by Henry during the trial have been filed for use in federal appellate court.
Thomas M. Dawson and Lyle L. Yurko have been appointed as appellate defense attorneys in the case, according to court documents.
McKnight was convicted Oct. 21 of drug trafficking and extortion charges after a five-day federal trial. Per federal guidelines, she had to remain incarcerated until her sentencing.
McKnight was charged Aug. 9, 2005, with acceptance of money to conceal an offense involving a felony, misconduct in office, misprision of a felony and obstruction of justice.
The criminal affidavit accompanying the warrants alleged McKnight, during her eight years with the Lake City Police Department, tipped off drug dealers to police activities to help them elude arrest.
In addition, the affidavit indicated that McKnight was present during many drug transactions but never did anything about them and also that she was given money by drug dealers in exchange for information about law enforcement activity in the area.
McKnight and her aunt, Albergail McFadden, both of Lake City, were indicted June 26, 2007 on drug trafficking charges. McKnight also was charged with extortion for using her position as a police officer to “wrongfully obtain monies from other individuals.”
McFadden was sentenced Nov. 13 to 20 years in prison and 10 years supervised release by Wooten. U.S. District Court Judge Terry L. McFadden could have been ordered to pay a large fine, but he said he would not impose a fine in the case because she didn’t have the ability to pay.
McKnight was co-owner of 104 Samuel St., Lake City where a nightclub called Mamie Lou’s was located. Testimony established that Mamie Lou’s was operated by McFadden and was a well-known drug haven in Lake City where crack cocaine was sold and smoked, and prostitutes were available.
During her sentencing hearing McKnight told Wooten she isn’t a bad person.
“ ... I’m a good person,” a sobbing McKnight said. “I don’t care what these people say in this courtroom ... I was a good officer my family needs me and I need my family. I’ve lost everything I’ve worked hard for. I’m not the person they have made me out to be!”
TIMELINE OF LAKE CITY LARGE-SCALE CORRUPTION INVESTIGATION
Feb. 15, 2005 ... Lake City Police Lt. William Webb is arrested on federal drug charges of conspiracy with intent to distribute powder and/or crack cocaine as the result of an ongoing federal investigation into corruption and drug activity in the Lake City area.
June 29, 2005 ... Lake City police officer Maurice Ponteau and Sgt. Shanita McKnight and former Lake City police officer Merwyn Curt Brown have their state police certifications suspended by the S.C. Department of Public Safety Criminal Justice Academy after the academy reports that the officers failed polygraph tests they were given in connection with the same federal investigation.
July 4, 2005 ... Despite having his police certification pulled and being placed on administrative leave, Ponteau issues a traffic ticket to a local motorist. On the accompanying traffic collision report, Ponteau signs off as the investigating officer.
July 6, 2005 ... Then-Lake City Police Chief Kenneth McCaster is fired by Lake City Administrator George Simmons after just six months on the job. Simmons said he fired McCaster after the two had a disagreement about the way to handle the situation involving Ponteau and McKnight. “He (McCaster) wanted to terminate their employment on June 29th, and I wouldn’t let him,” Simmons said. “Because of that difference (in opinion), that’s why I’m here and he’s not.”
July 8, 2005 ... McCaster issues a public letter to the citizens of Lake City in which he explains he was fired after he reported the polygraph results for the three officers who were interviewed in connection with the Webb case. In the letter, McCaster makes many allegations about the workings of the city’s administration, calling Lake City “a thug-run city” and “a society of illegal administrative practices, sexual relations at work, political favors, nepotism, voter fraud, election fraud, intimidation, bad judicial (court practices), ticket fixing mixed with political pressure and favoritism and defiance and arrogance concerning other law enforcement agencies.”
July 22, 2005 ... The Morning News and WBTW News13 learn that Lake City Police Officer Elesto Bradford’s law enforcement certification has been suspended by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy since February. Police department officials say the suspension is the result of a paperwork glitch and is in no way connected to an ongoing investigation into corruption and illegal drug activity in the Lake City area. Bradford is suspended from duty without pay until the problem can be addressed. His certification is soon reinstated.
Aug. 8, 2005 ... McKnight is taken into custody by State Law Enforcement Division agents.
Aug. 9, 2005 ... McKnight is officially charged with acceptance of money to conceal an offense involving a felony, misconduct in office, misprision of a felony and obstruction of justice. The criminal affidavit accompanying the warrants alleges that McKnight, during her eight years with the Lake City Police Department, tipped off drug dealers to police activities to help them elude arrest. In addition, the affidavit indicates that McKnight was present during many drug transactions but never did anything about them and also that she was given money by drug dealers in exchange for information about law enforcement activity in the area. The charges against McKnight are still pending. The case has been turned over to the S.C. Attorney General’s office for prosecution, but no court date has been set.
Oct. 3, 2005 ... Webb pleads guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine. His plea is part of an agreement with the U.S. government that requires him to cooperate fully with the federal investigation into allegations of corruption and illegal drug activities in the Lake City area.
Jan. 2, 2006 ... Phillip Grimsley, a Lake City native and regional supervisor of SLED’s vice unit, takes the job of Lake City police chief.
Jan. 11, 2006 ... Grimsley announces that he has resigned as Lake City police chief after less than a week on the job and returns to work as a SLED lieutenant.
Jan. 12, 2006 ... During a Lake City City Council meeting, Mayor LaRue Alford asks Lake City Police Capt. Billy Brown to serve as the town’s interim police chief. Brown agrees. He eventually is hired as the city’s permanent police chief.
Feb. 14, 2006 ... Brenda Reddix-Smalls, attorney for Lake City, tenders her resignation during a Lake City City Council meeting.
During that same meeting, Councilmen Lovith Anderson Jr., Jean Lee, Sondra Crosby-Fleming and Franklin McAllister vote to void Simmons’ contract. Alford, mayor pro tem Russ Martin and Gloria Tisdale vote against the action. Alford says a majority vote plus the mayor’s vote are required to void Simmons’ contract. It marks the third time since Simmons was hired as administrator in 1996 that members of the council have tried to remove him from the post. In December 1997, then-mayor pro tem Ralph Singletary fired Simmons, but Simmons was reinstated just days later by the council. Simmons’ contract was voided by a majority vote of council in July 2002, but Alford reinstated Simmons after a grievance hearing.
Feb. 16, 2006 ... U.S. District Judge Terry Wooten sentences Webb to 13 years and four months in prison in connection with illegal drug activity. The sentence is to be followed by five years’ supervised release, and Webb also must submit to drug testing and treatment directed by a probation officer.
April 19, 2006 ... Alford is arrested on charges of misconduct in office and obstruction of justice. He faces allegations that he had counterfeit money and allowed another person who had spent counterfeit money to hide in his Lake City business. The arrest is the result of a 14-month investigation by the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, the State Law Enforcement Division, the FBI and the U.S. Secret Service.
April 29, 2006 ... Alford turns himself in on a federal charge of dealing in counterfeit money. A federal magistrate judge grants a $50,000 personal recognizance bond for Alford’s release.
Gov. Mark Sanford suspends Alford as mayor of Lake City; mayor pro tem Martin begins serving as mayor.
May 9, 2006 ... Lake City City Council members vote, 4-2, on May 9 to terminate Simmons’ employment and give him six months’ compensation as required by his contract.
July 26, 2006 ... A federal magistrate judge grants more time for Alford and his lawyer to review evidence before Alford stands trial on the federal charge. Alford’s attorney, Lionel Lofton of Charleston, says the defense has not received all the evidence from all law enforcement agencies involved in the case.
July 27, 2006 ... Simmons is arrested by Florence County sheriff’s deputies on 19 counts of embezzlement of public funds and one count of misconduct in office. The charges stem from information gathered during an investigation by the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, SLED and the FBI. “The aforementioned investigation revealed that Simmons, while acting in his capacity as city administrator for Lake City, collected rental funds from tenants who resided in residential housing units owned by Lake City and subsequently converted these rental funds to his own use,” between January 2001 and June 2005, according to a press release issued by the sheriff’s office.
Aug. 7, 2006 … Simmons is booked at the Florence County Sheriff’s Office a second time. This time, he’s charged with 11 counts of embezzlement of public funds of $1,000 or less.
Simmons turns himself in and he was released hours after his arrest on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond, Florence County Sheriff’s Capt. Todd Tucker said.
Nov. 2, 2006 ... Simmons and former Lake City finance director Juanita Cunningham Bradley-Wragg are arrested. They face one count each of mail fraud, conspiracy to commit mail fraud and program fraud, which relates to any federal funding taken for personal use, Florence County Sheriff Kenney Boone said.
Simmons and Bradley were released after a U.S. magistrate set their unsecured bonds at $25,000 each. They must appear in federal court again Nov. 14 for a probable-cause hearing.
Nov. 7, 2006 ... Anderson is elected mayor of Lake City. Alford’s name is not on the ballot.
March 1, 2007 ... Assistant U.S. Attorney Debbie Barbier of the Columbia office added 21 charges to an original indictment against Simmons and Bradley-Wragg during an arraignment at the McMillan Federal Building in Florence. Barbier added one count of conspiracy, 10 counts of mail fraud and 10 counts of money laundering to their federal indictment. Neither Bradley-Wragg nor Simmons enter a plea.
March 5, 2007 ... Alford pleads guilty to possession of counterfeit currency in federal court. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000, plus a $100 special assessment.
May 30, 2007 ... Simmons and Bradley-Wragg finalize plea agreements at the McMillan Federal Building in Florence, avoiding a jury trial.
Simmons pleaded guilty to counts 1, 3 and 22 of the 40-count indictment. Count 1 and count 3 of the indictment charges that Simmons violated mail fraud statutes. Count 1 also charges him with conspiracy, stating that he knowingly and willfully conspired with another to take money from an organization receiving federal funds. Count 22 charges that he committed money laundering.
Simmons faces a $250,000 fine, five years in prison, and three years of supervised release for the conspiracy count. Possible penalties for money laundering include a maximum fine of $250,000 or not more than twice the criminally derived property, 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release. He would also be required to pay a special assessment of $100.
Bradley-Wragg pleaded guilty to counts 2 and 17 of the indictment. Count 2 charges that on or about May 30, 2001, to Nov. 22, 2002, she converted at least $5,000 of federal money given to the City of Lake City to someone else, ultimately costing city residents more than $40,000.
Count 17 states that on or about Oct. 3, 2002, she conducted a financial transaction that involved stolen funds.
Bradley-Wragg faces a maximum fine of $250,000, 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for count 2 and a maximum fine of not more than $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction for count 17. She also faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a three years of supervised release, plus a special assessment of $100 for count 17.
June 1, 2007 ... Alford is sentenced to five months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for possession of counterfeit currency. He remains free on bond and will report to prison in 60 days, U.S. District Judge Terry L. Wooten said.
June 4, 2007 ... Simmons and Bradley-Wragg are scheduled to review the terms of their plea agreements in federal court.
June 26, 2007 ... McKnight and her aunt, Albergail McFadden, 52, both of Lake City, are indicted on drug trafficking charges. McKnight also is charged with extortion for using her position as a police officer to “wrongfully obtain monies from other individuals,” according to a press release from then-U.S. Attorney Reginald I. Lloyd.
McKnight and McFadden face a maximum penalty of 10 years to life in prison and fines ranging from $4 million to $8 million.McKnight faces a maximum penalty of a $250,000 fine and/or 20 years in prison for the extortion charge.
Dec. 13, 2007 ... Bradley-Wragg is sentenced to sentenced to four months in prison, four months’ house arrest and three years’ supervised release on federal charges that she took public funds from the sale of Lake City-owned property for her personal use while she held office. She faced between eight and 14 months in prison, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Debbie Barbier of Columbia, who prosecuted the case.
March 19, 2008 ... U.S. District Court Judge Terry Wooten sentences Simmons to 51 months in prison, to run concurrently, followed by three years’ supervised release for each of the three counts to which Simmons pleaded guilty. Simmons also must pay $30,078.19 in restitution and a $300 special assessment, due immediately.
Oct. 7, 2008 ... Wes Unseld McFadden, Mazie McFadden and Carl “Buckwheat” McFadden Jr. are arrested and each charged with one count of using physical force, the threat of physical force, intimidation, retaliation, harassment and corruptly persuading a person with the intent to prevent testimony of that person in an official proceeding. Albergail McFadden is the mother of Wes McFadden and Mazie McFadden; all four McFaddens are related to Shanita McKnight.
Oct. 9, 2008 ... U.S. District Court Judge Thomas E. Rogers set a $20,000 surety bond for Carl McFadden and a $10,000 surety bond for Mazie McFadden. Wes Unseld McFadden was present during the proceeding but didn’t have a bond hearing. Rogers ordered the suspects be on home detention and wearing electronic monitoring devices. Carl and Mazie McFadden were also instructed not to speak with any victims or potential witnesses involved in their own cases or in that of McKnight.
Oct. 15, 2008 ... Shanita McKnight’s federal trial begins in Florence before U.S. District Court Judge Terry Wooten. Albergail McFadden, who already has pleaded guilty, was expected to testify against her niece but does not.
Oct. 21, 2008 ... Shanita McKnight is convicted of drug trafficking and extortion charges after a five-day federal trial. The jury of six men and six women deliberates for about three and a half hours before handing down the verdict. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years to life in prison and fines ranging from $4 million to $8 million. She also faces a maximum penalty of a $250,000 fine and/or 20 years in prison for the extortion charge. Per federal guidelines, she must remain incarcerated until her sentencing.
Nov. 13, 2008 ... Albergail McFadden is sentenced to 20 years and 10 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Terry L. Wooten. McFadden could have been ordered to pay a large fine, but Wooten said he would not impose a fine in the case because she didn’t have the ability to pay. She is, however, required to pay a special assessment fee of $100.
May 27 ... U.S. District Court Judge Terry L. Wooten sentences Shanita McKnight to 20 years in federal prison for each count, to run concurrently. McKnight also must serve five years of probation for the drug trafficking charge and three years of probation for extortion. Wooten ordered the probation sentences to run concurrently, as well.
Shanita McKnight stood trial in federal court in Florence in October 2008 and was sentenced May 27.
About a month later, she filed documents pertaining to appealing her case to the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Columbia attorney Joseph Henry, who represented Knight during her trial and sentencing, said in his client would be filing an affidavit of indigency and is requesting that counsel be appointed for her.
Transcripts of many of the objections made by Henry during the trial have been filed for use in federal appellate court.
Thomas M. Dawson and Lyle L. Yurko have been appointed as appellate defense attorneys in the case, according to court documents.
McKnight was convicted Oct. 21 of drug trafficking and extortion charges after a five-day federal trial. Per federal guidelines, she had to remain incarcerated until her sentencing.
McKnight was charged Aug. 9, 2005, with acceptance of money to conceal an offense involving a felony, misconduct in office, misprision of a felony and obstruction of justice.
The criminal affidavit accompanying the warrants alleged McKnight, during her eight years with the Lake City Police Department, tipped off drug dealers to police activities to help them elude arrest.
In addition, the affidavit indicated that McKnight was present during many drug transactions but never did anything about them and also that she was given money by drug dealers in exchange for information about law enforcement activity in the area.
McKnight and her aunt, Albergail McFadden, both of Lake City, were indicted June 26, 2007 on drug trafficking charges. McKnight also was charged with extortion for using her position as a police officer to “wrongfully obtain monies from other individuals.”
McFadden was sentenced Nov. 13 to 20 years in prison and 10 years supervised release by Wooten. U.S. District Court Judge Terry L. McFadden could have been ordered to pay a large fine, but he said he would not impose a fine in the case because she didn’t have the ability to pay.
McKnight was co-owner of 104 Samuel St., Lake City where a nightclub called Mamie Lou’s was located. Testimony established that Mamie Lou’s was operated by McFadden and was a well-known drug haven in Lake City where crack cocaine was sold and smoked, and prostitutes were available.
During her sentencing hearing McKnight told Wooten she isn’t a bad person.
“ ... I’m a good person,” a sobbing McKnight said. “I don’t care what these people say in this courtroom ... I was a good officer my family needs me and I need my family. I’ve lost everything I’ve worked hard for. I’m not the person they have made me out to be!”
TIMELINE OF LAKE CITY LARGE-SCALE CORRUPTION INVESTIGATION
Feb. 15, 2005 ... Lake City Police Lt. William Webb is arrested on federal drug charges of conspiracy with intent to distribute powder and/or crack cocaine as the result of an ongoing federal investigation into corruption and drug activity in the Lake City area.
June 29, 2005 ... Lake City police officer Maurice Ponteau and Sgt. Shanita McKnight and former Lake City police officer Merwyn Curt Brown have their state police certifications suspended by the S.C. Department of Public Safety Criminal Justice Academy after the academy reports that the officers failed polygraph tests they were given in connection with the same federal investigation.
July 4, 2005 ... Despite having his police certification pulled and being placed on administrative leave, Ponteau issues a traffic ticket to a local motorist. On the accompanying traffic collision report, Ponteau signs off as the investigating officer.
July 6, 2005 ... Then-Lake City Police Chief Kenneth McCaster is fired by Lake City Administrator George Simmons after just six months on the job. Simmons said he fired McCaster after the two had a disagreement about the way to handle the situation involving Ponteau and McKnight. “He (McCaster) wanted to terminate their employment on June 29th, and I wouldn’t let him,” Simmons said. “Because of that difference (in opinion), that’s why I’m here and he’s not.”
July 8, 2005 ... McCaster issues a public letter to the citizens of Lake City in which he explains he was fired after he reported the polygraph results for the three officers who were interviewed in connection with the Webb case. In the letter, McCaster makes many allegations about the workings of the city’s administration, calling Lake City “a thug-run city” and “a society of illegal administrative practices, sexual relations at work, political favors, nepotism, voter fraud, election fraud, intimidation, bad judicial (court practices), ticket fixing mixed with political pressure and favoritism and defiance and arrogance concerning other law enforcement agencies.”
July 22, 2005 ... The Morning News and WBTW News13 learn that Lake City Police Officer Elesto Bradford’s law enforcement certification has been suspended by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy since February. Police department officials say the suspension is the result of a paperwork glitch and is in no way connected to an ongoing investigation into corruption and illegal drug activity in the Lake City area. Bradford is suspended from duty without pay until the problem can be addressed. His certification is soon reinstated.
Aug. 8, 2005 ... McKnight is taken into custody by State Law Enforcement Division agents.
Aug. 9, 2005 ... McKnight is officially charged with acceptance of money to conceal an offense involving a felony, misconduct in office, misprision of a felony and obstruction of justice. The criminal affidavit accompanying the warrants alleges that McKnight, during her eight years with the Lake City Police Department, tipped off drug dealers to police activities to help them elude arrest. In addition, the affidavit indicates that McKnight was present during many drug transactions but never did anything about them and also that she was given money by drug dealers in exchange for information about law enforcement activity in the area. The charges against McKnight are still pending. The case has been turned over to the S.C. Attorney General’s office for prosecution, but no court date has been set.
Oct. 3, 2005 ... Webb pleads guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine. His plea is part of an agreement with the U.S. government that requires him to cooperate fully with the federal investigation into allegations of corruption and illegal drug activities in the Lake City area.
Jan. 2, 2006 ... Phillip Grimsley, a Lake City native and regional supervisor of SLED’s vice unit, takes the job of Lake City police chief.
Jan. 11, 2006 ... Grimsley announces that he has resigned as Lake City police chief after less than a week on the job and returns to work as a SLED lieutenant.
Jan. 12, 2006 ... During a Lake City City Council meeting, Mayor LaRue Alford asks Lake City Police Capt. Billy Brown to serve as the town’s interim police chief. Brown agrees. He eventually is hired as the city’s permanent police chief.
Feb. 14, 2006 ... Brenda Reddix-Smalls, attorney for Lake City, tenders her resignation during a Lake City City Council meeting.
During that same meeting, Councilmen Lovith Anderson Jr., Jean Lee, Sondra Crosby-Fleming and Franklin McAllister vote to void Simmons’ contract. Alford, mayor pro tem Russ Martin and Gloria Tisdale vote against the action. Alford says a majority vote plus the mayor’s vote are required to void Simmons’ contract. It marks the third time since Simmons was hired as administrator in 1996 that members of the council have tried to remove him from the post. In December 1997, then-mayor pro tem Ralph Singletary fired Simmons, but Simmons was reinstated just days later by the council. Simmons’ contract was voided by a majority vote of council in July 2002, but Alford reinstated Simmons after a grievance hearing.
Feb. 16, 2006 ... U.S. District Judge Terry Wooten sentences Webb to 13 years and four months in prison in connection with illegal drug activity. The sentence is to be followed by five years’ supervised release, and Webb also must submit to drug testing and treatment directed by a probation officer.
April 19, 2006 ... Alford is arrested on charges of misconduct in office and obstruction of justice. He faces allegations that he had counterfeit money and allowed another person who had spent counterfeit money to hide in his Lake City business. The arrest is the result of a 14-month investigation by the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, the State Law Enforcement Division, the FBI and the U.S. Secret Service.
April 29, 2006 ... Alford turns himself in on a federal charge of dealing in counterfeit money. A federal magistrate judge grants a $50,000 personal recognizance bond for Alford’s release.
Gov. Mark Sanford suspends Alford as mayor of Lake City; mayor pro tem Martin begins serving as mayor.
May 9, 2006 ... Lake City City Council members vote, 4-2, on May 9 to terminate Simmons’ employment and give him six months’ compensation as required by his contract.
July 26, 2006 ... A federal magistrate judge grants more time for Alford and his lawyer to review evidence before Alford stands trial on the federal charge. Alford’s attorney, Lionel Lofton of Charleston, says the defense has not received all the evidence from all law enforcement agencies involved in the case.
July 27, 2006 ... Simmons is arrested by Florence County sheriff’s deputies on 19 counts of embezzlement of public funds and one count of misconduct in office. The charges stem from information gathered during an investigation by the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, SLED and the FBI. “The aforementioned investigation revealed that Simmons, while acting in his capacity as city administrator for Lake City, collected rental funds from tenants who resided in residential housing units owned by Lake City and subsequently converted these rental funds to his own use,” between January 2001 and June 2005, according to a press release issued by the sheriff’s office.
Aug. 7, 2006 … Simmons is booked at the Florence County Sheriff’s Office a second time. This time, he’s charged with 11 counts of embezzlement of public funds of $1,000 or less.
Simmons turns himself in and he was released hours after his arrest on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond, Florence County Sheriff’s Capt. Todd Tucker said.
Nov. 2, 2006 ... Simmons and former Lake City finance director Juanita Cunningham Bradley-Wragg are arrested. They face one count each of mail fraud, conspiracy to commit mail fraud and program fraud, which relates to any federal funding taken for personal use, Florence County Sheriff Kenney Boone said.
Simmons and Bradley were released after a U.S. magistrate set their unsecured bonds at $25,000 each. They must appear in federal court again Nov. 14 for a probable-cause hearing.
Nov. 7, 2006 ... Anderson is elected mayor of Lake City. Alford’s name is not on the ballot.
March 1, 2007 ... Assistant U.S. Attorney Debbie Barbier of the Columbia office added 21 charges to an original indictment against Simmons and Bradley-Wragg during an arraignment at the McMillan Federal Building in Florence. Barbier added one count of conspiracy, 10 counts of mail fraud and 10 counts of money laundering to their federal indictment. Neither Bradley-Wragg nor Simmons enter a plea.
March 5, 2007 ... Alford pleads guilty to possession of counterfeit currency in federal court. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000, plus a $100 special assessment.
May 30, 2007 ... Simmons and Bradley-Wragg finalize plea agreements at the McMillan Federal Building in Florence, avoiding a jury trial.
Simmons pleaded guilty to counts 1, 3 and 22 of the 40-count indictment. Count 1 and count 3 of the indictment charges that Simmons violated mail fraud statutes. Count 1 also charges him with conspiracy, stating that he knowingly and willfully conspired with another to take money from an organization receiving federal funds. Count 22 charges that he committed money laundering.
Simmons faces a $250,000 fine, five years in prison, and three years of supervised release for the conspiracy count. Possible penalties for money laundering include a maximum fine of $250,000 or not more than twice the criminally derived property, 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release. He would also be required to pay a special assessment of $100.
Bradley-Wragg pleaded guilty to counts 2 and 17 of the indictment. Count 2 charges that on or about May 30, 2001, to Nov. 22, 2002, she converted at least $5,000 of federal money given to the City of Lake City to someone else, ultimately costing city residents more than $40,000.
Count 17 states that on or about Oct. 3, 2002, she conducted a financial transaction that involved stolen funds.
Bradley-Wragg faces a maximum fine of $250,000, 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for count 2 and a maximum fine of not more than $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction for count 17. She also faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a three years of supervised release, plus a special assessment of $100 for count 17.
June 1, 2007 ... Alford is sentenced to five months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for possession of counterfeit currency. He remains free on bond and will report to prison in 60 days, U.S. District Judge Terry L. Wooten said.
June 4, 2007 ... Simmons and Bradley-Wragg are scheduled to review the terms of their plea agreements in federal court.
June 26, 2007 ... McKnight and her aunt, Albergail McFadden, 52, both of Lake City, are indicted on drug trafficking charges. McKnight also is charged with extortion for using her position as a police officer to “wrongfully obtain monies from other individuals,” according to a press release from then-U.S. Attorney Reginald I. Lloyd.
McKnight and McFadden face a maximum penalty of 10 years to life in prison and fines ranging from $4 million to $8 million.McKnight faces a maximum penalty of a $250,000 fine and/or 20 years in prison for the extortion charge.
Dec. 13, 2007 ... Bradley-Wragg is sentenced to sentenced to four months in prison, four months’ house arrest and three years’ supervised release on federal charges that she took public funds from the sale of Lake City-owned property for her personal use while she held office. She faced between eight and 14 months in prison, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Debbie Barbier of Columbia, who prosecuted the case.
March 19, 2008 ... U.S. District Court Judge Terry Wooten sentences Simmons to 51 months in prison, to run concurrently, followed by three years’ supervised release for each of the three counts to which Simmons pleaded guilty. Simmons also must pay $30,078.19 in restitution and a $300 special assessment, due immediately.
Oct. 7, 2008 ... Wes Unseld McFadden, Mazie McFadden and Carl “Buckwheat” McFadden Jr. are arrested and each charged with one count of using physical force, the threat of physical force, intimidation, retaliation, harassment and corruptly persuading a person with the intent to prevent testimony of that person in an official proceeding. Albergail McFadden is the mother of Wes McFadden and Mazie McFadden; all four McFaddens are related to Shanita McKnight.
Oct. 9, 2008 ... U.S. District Court Judge Thomas E. Rogers set a $20,000 surety bond for Carl McFadden and a $10,000 surety bond for Mazie McFadden. Wes Unseld McFadden was present during the proceeding but didn’t have a bond hearing. Rogers ordered the suspects be on home detention and wearing electronic monitoring devices. Carl and Mazie McFadden were also instructed not to speak with any victims or potential witnesses involved in their own cases or in that of McKnight.
Oct. 15, 2008 ... Shanita McKnight’s federal trial begins in Florence before U.S. District Court Judge Terry Wooten. Albergail McFadden, who already has pleaded guilty, was expected to testify against her niece but does not.
Oct. 21, 2008 ... Shanita McKnight is convicted of drug trafficking and extortion charges after a five-day federal trial. The jury of six men and six women deliberates for about three and a half hours before handing down the verdict. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years to life in prison and fines ranging from $4 million to $8 million. She also faces a maximum penalty of a $250,000 fine and/or 20 years in prison for the extortion charge. Per federal guidelines, she must remain incarcerated until her sentencing.
Nov. 13, 2008 ... Albergail McFadden is sentenced to 20 years and 10 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Terry L. Wooten. McFadden could have been ordered to pay a large fine, but Wooten said he would not impose a fine in the case because she didn’t have the ability to pay. She is, however, required to pay a special assessment fee of $100.
May 27 ... U.S. District Court Judge Terry L. Wooten sentences Shanita McKnight to 20 years in federal prison for each count, to run concurrently. McKnight also must serve five years of probation for the drug trafficking charge and three years of probation for extortion. Wooten ordered the probation sentences to run concurrently, as well.
Former Officer James Clayton Pleads Guilty to Sexual Misconduct
A former North Las Vegas police officer accused of seeking dates and sexual favors from women he stopped for traffic violations has reached a plea deal in the case.
James Vernon Clayton pleaded guilty Tuesday in Clark County District Court to three counts of misconduct by a public officer and two counts of oppression under color of office. All are gross misdemeanors.
Prosecutors have said the 40-year-old sought dates and sexual favors from women he stopped while on duty as a patrol officer. The charges stemmed from Clayton's alleged interactions with five adult women.
He was arrested last year after a five-month investigation. He was fired in January.
Sentencing is set for May 18.
———
Information from: Las Vegas Sun, http://www.lasvegassun.com
James Vernon Clayton pleaded guilty Tuesday in Clark County District Court to three counts of misconduct by a public officer and two counts of oppression under color of office. All are gross misdemeanors.
Prosecutors have said the 40-year-old sought dates and sexual favors from women he stopped while on duty as a patrol officer. The charges stemmed from Clayton's alleged interactions with five adult women.
He was arrested last year after a five-month investigation. He was fired in January.
Sentencing is set for May 18.
———
Information from: Las Vegas Sun, http://www.lasvegassun.com
Monday, December 07, 2009
Dentention Officer Keith Gabbidon Charged with Sexual Assault
A DeKalb County detention officer has been fired and arrested for what officials are calling "illegal and inappropriate actions" while on duty in the county jail.
Keith Gabbidon is charged with three counts of violation of oath and sexual assault against a person in custody, as well as charges of public indecency and exposure.
Gabbidon was fired from the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office on Friday. The 40-year-old was with the sheriff's office for nearly 2 years prior to his firing.
Gabbidon has been released on $7500 bond.
The case is under investigation.
Keith Gabbidon is charged with three counts of violation of oath and sexual assault against a person in custody, as well as charges of public indecency and exposure.
Gabbidon was fired from the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office on Friday. The 40-year-old was with the sheriff's office for nearly 2 years prior to his firing.
Gabbidon has been released on $7500 bond.
The case is under investigation.
Former Officer Maurice Morris Accused of Sexual Misconduct
Former Riviera Beach K 9 cop Maurice Morris is accused of sexual misconduct and bribery.
The former officer was arrested last year by West Palm Beach Police.
Morris, according to investigators, was working off duty at a rally for then presidential candidate Barack Obama at Palm Beach Community College.
Investigators say that Morris had given a woman a number of tickets.
The former officer then offered to take away the tickets in exchange for sex.
Morris has denied the allegations made against him.
Jury selection is now underway in Palm Beach County Circuit Court.
The former officer was arrested last year by West Palm Beach Police.
Morris, according to investigators, was working off duty at a rally for then presidential candidate Barack Obama at Palm Beach Community College.
Investigators say that Morris had given a woman a number of tickets.
The former officer then offered to take away the tickets in exchange for sex.
Morris has denied the allegations made against him.
Jury selection is now underway in Palm Beach County Circuit Court.
Officer Bobby Tameris Terminated for Having Sex with Teen
A Volusia County Beach Patrol officer accused of having sex with an underage girl will not be allowed to resign.
Instead, effective on Monday, 44-year-old Bobby Tameris is terminated from county employment and will only be eligible for 20 percent of any outstanding leave time.
Officials said they chose to fire Tameris rather than accept his resignation.
He still faces criminal charges.
Instead, effective on Monday, 44-year-old Bobby Tameris is terminated from county employment and will only be eligible for 20 percent of any outstanding leave time.
Officials said they chose to fire Tameris rather than accept his resignation.
He still faces criminal charges.
Officer Darrell Collins Resigns
A Carolina Beach police officer resigned Monday amid a dispute with town councilman Dan Wilcox that started over a woman.
Additionally, former officer Darrell Collins asked a New Hanover County assistant district attorney to dismiss charges he filed on his own time against Wilcox, accusing him of stalking, assault and communicating threats whenever he saw Collins with Wilcox's ex-girlfriend, according to court documents.
Collins, who had been placed on administrative paid leave last week, would not say why he resigned or why he dropped charges against the 56-year-old Wilcox, who is also mayor pro tem. Collins was put on leave after the police chief began looking into whether Collins violated unspecified town or police policies. And Wilcox had said in a statement after Collins charged him on Thanksgiving that the “retaliation is a result of me having reported him for misuse of town resources.”
On Monday, Wilcox said he didn't have a comment because he was trying to verify whether the charges had been dropped.
Carolina Beach Town Manager Tim Owens confirmed Collins' resignation Monday.
“We wish him well on his future endeavors,” Owens said, adding he thought the dismissal of the charges against Wilcox was “the best thing for everyone in this instance. It's the best thing for everyone to move on.”
He said Collins would receive the same benefits as any other employee who resigned from the town, meaning that he would receive whatever benefits were still owed to him.
Police Chief William Younginer declined to say anything about Collins or his performance as an officer.
Collins, a 53-year-old who said he had an unblemished record in law enforcement, said he's been in law enforcement for 32 years – five of them in Carolina Beach – and that he was ready to move on and he wanted the scandal to go away.
“I have no ties here,” he said. “None.”
Collins declined to talk about Wilcox's ex-girlfriend and he made no comments about Wilcox.
“Some things in life you can't win,” he said without offering any details.
Collins, a father of two grown children and grandfather to an 8-year-old grandson, said he was a simple person who did not get involved in politics.
Born and raised in South Carolina, he said he retired from law enforcement there and then moved to Carolina Beach because he'd always wanted to live on the coast. Now, Collins said he plans to leave the state.
He shook his head when asked by a reporter if he planned to take the woman with him.
“No comment,” he said, his hands folded in front of him.
Collins, who described himself as easygoing and non-confrontational, said the incident involving Wilcox was the most shocking thing that's happened to him.
During an hourlong interview, Collins gave a glimpse into the possible forces behind his decision to resign when he said: “The politics here ... It's not going to change no matter what I do or don't do, so I decided to move on.”
Additionally, former officer Darrell Collins asked a New Hanover County assistant district attorney to dismiss charges he filed on his own time against Wilcox, accusing him of stalking, assault and communicating threats whenever he saw Collins with Wilcox's ex-girlfriend, according to court documents.
Collins, who had been placed on administrative paid leave last week, would not say why he resigned or why he dropped charges against the 56-year-old Wilcox, who is also mayor pro tem. Collins was put on leave after the police chief began looking into whether Collins violated unspecified town or police policies. And Wilcox had said in a statement after Collins charged him on Thanksgiving that the “retaliation is a result of me having reported him for misuse of town resources.”
On Monday, Wilcox said he didn't have a comment because he was trying to verify whether the charges had been dropped.
Carolina Beach Town Manager Tim Owens confirmed Collins' resignation Monday.
“We wish him well on his future endeavors,” Owens said, adding he thought the dismissal of the charges against Wilcox was “the best thing for everyone in this instance. It's the best thing for everyone to move on.”
He said Collins would receive the same benefits as any other employee who resigned from the town, meaning that he would receive whatever benefits were still owed to him.
Police Chief William Younginer declined to say anything about Collins or his performance as an officer.
Collins, a 53-year-old who said he had an unblemished record in law enforcement, said he's been in law enforcement for 32 years – five of them in Carolina Beach – and that he was ready to move on and he wanted the scandal to go away.
“I have no ties here,” he said. “None.”
Collins declined to talk about Wilcox's ex-girlfriend and he made no comments about Wilcox.
“Some things in life you can't win,” he said without offering any details.
Collins, a father of two grown children and grandfather to an 8-year-old grandson, said he was a simple person who did not get involved in politics.
Born and raised in South Carolina, he said he retired from law enforcement there and then moved to Carolina Beach because he'd always wanted to live on the coast. Now, Collins said he plans to leave the state.
He shook his head when asked by a reporter if he planned to take the woman with him.
“No comment,” he said, his hands folded in front of him.
Collins, who described himself as easygoing and non-confrontational, said the incident involving Wilcox was the most shocking thing that's happened to him.
During an hourlong interview, Collins gave a glimpse into the possible forces behind his decision to resign when he said: “The politics here ... It's not going to change no matter what I do or don't do, so I decided to move on.”
Former Sheriff Mark Frisbie Arrested for Drunk Driving
Former Putnam County Sheriff Mark T. Frisbie was arrested late Friday.
Frisbie, 38, was booked into the Putnam County Jail and charged with misdemeanors operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and public intoxication, Sgt. Rich Myers of the Putnamville Post of the Indiana State Police said.
Frisbie was pulled over by Indiana State Police Trooper Michael Wood on U.S. 231 at Tennessee Street in Greencastle.
"He was driving erratically," Myers said. "He went off to the right on the road, then he went left of center. When he turned onto 231 from Veteran's Highway, the turn was abrupt."
Myers declined to reveal what Frisbie's exact blood alcohol content was at the time of the arrest.
"We don't release the results of testing," he said. "What I can say is that (Frisbie) was over the legal limit, which is .08 percent."
Frisbie was arrested without incident, Myers said.
Sgt. Tyler Turner of the Putnam County Sheriff's Department said Frisbie posted a $3,000 surety bond and was released from jail at about 5 p.m. Saturday.
"The reports had all been forwarded to the prosecutor," Turner said.
Frisbie is currently on federal probation. He was convicted in November 2008 of federal program theft, and entered the United States Penitentiary satellite camp in Atlanta, Ga. on Feb. 2. He was released from the camp on March 31, and served four months on home detention before beginning his two-year term of probation.
Frisbie could have been sentenced to 10 years and prison and been assessed a $250,000 fine for the federal charge. He pled guilty to that count in August 2008, a week after he resigned as Putnam County Sheriff.
Putnam County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Justin Long said he was unsure how the new charges would affect Frisbie's federal probation.
"That will be up to his federal probation officer," Long said. "In the grand scheme of things, these are pretty minor charges. They may not do anything."
Frisbie will be in Putnam County Circuit Court at 9 a.m. Wednesday for an initial hearing on the new charges.
Sgt. Darren Martin Charged with Domestic Abuse
An Oklahoma City police sergeant has been charged with three counts of domestic abuse after complaints that he struck his wife and teenage daughter.
Darren Martin was arrested early last month. His daughter said he became violent after she told him that she was failing a class.
The 16-year-old girl said that Martin hit her in the face and gave her a bloody nose. The officer who made the arrest said she also had a black eye and bruising on her arms.
"If there is probable cause to believe (there is domestic abuse), especially the way the law is now, there's going to be an arrest made," said Oklahoma City police Capt. Steve McCool.
Police said that Martin was also accused of shoving his wife into a wall two days after the previous incident.
Martin has been placed on paid leave.
Darren Martin was arrested early last month. His daughter said he became violent after she told him that she was failing a class.
The 16-year-old girl said that Martin hit her in the face and gave her a bloody nose. The officer who made the arrest said she also had a black eye and bruising on her arms.
"If there is probable cause to believe (there is domestic abuse), especially the way the law is now, there's going to be an arrest made," said Oklahoma City police Capt. Steve McCool.
Police said that Martin was also accused of shoving his wife into a wall two days after the previous incident.
Martin has been placed on paid leave.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Officer Troy Meade Plans to Claim Self Defense
Court documents filed on behalf of Everett police officer Troy Meade are the first public indication that the officer plans to claim self defense in a fatal June shooting outside an Everett restaurant.
Prosecutors in October charged Meade, 41, with first-degree manslaughter. They allege that Meade committed a crime June 10 when he shot Niles Meservey while the Stanwood man was sitting in his car outside the Chuckwagon Inn.
Meade, an 11-year veteran, has declined to speak to investigators. He pleaded not guilty to the charge last month.
His attorney, David Allen, has filed a notice in Snohomish County Superior Court that Meade will be requesting that he be reimbursed for attorney’s fees, loss of wages and other expenses once he is acquitted or the charge against him is dropped.
“Defendant Meade submits that his actions were necessary and reasonable and that he was in imminent danger at the time that he acted in self-defense to protect himself from an assault,” Allen wrote.
The trial is scheduled for April 9. Meade remains on paid administrative leave from the 200-officer department.
Investigators believe Meade opened fire after an intoxicated Meservey, 51, refused to obey the officer’s orders to get out of the car. Meade twice used an electric stun gun in an effort to subdue Meservey.
Meservey refused to get out of his car and drove his Chevrolet Corvette into a chain-link fence.
Meade fired his handgun eight times through the car’s back window.
Meservey was struck by seven bullets. He died in the parking lot of the restaurant.
A special team of homicide investigators re-created the shooting and interviewed dozens of people, including another Everett police officer who witnessed the shooting.
That officer told investigators that Meservey wasn’t obeying orders but didn’t pose an immediate lethal threat to Meade or anyone else. He said that immediately after the shooting, Meade said he believed their lives were in danger.
Prosecutors in October charged Meade, 41, with first-degree manslaughter. They allege that Meade committed a crime June 10 when he shot Niles Meservey while the Stanwood man was sitting in his car outside the Chuckwagon Inn.
Meade, an 11-year veteran, has declined to speak to investigators. He pleaded not guilty to the charge last month.
His attorney, David Allen, has filed a notice in Snohomish County Superior Court that Meade will be requesting that he be reimbursed for attorney’s fees, loss of wages and other expenses once he is acquitted or the charge against him is dropped.
“Defendant Meade submits that his actions were necessary and reasonable and that he was in imminent danger at the time that he acted in self-defense to protect himself from an assault,” Allen wrote.
The trial is scheduled for April 9. Meade remains on paid administrative leave from the 200-officer department.
Investigators believe Meade opened fire after an intoxicated Meservey, 51, refused to obey the officer’s orders to get out of the car. Meade twice used an electric stun gun in an effort to subdue Meservey.
Meservey refused to get out of his car and drove his Chevrolet Corvette into a chain-link fence.
Meade fired his handgun eight times through the car’s back window.
Meservey was struck by seven bullets. He died in the parking lot of the restaurant.
A special team of homicide investigators re-created the shooting and interviewed dozens of people, including another Everett police officer who witnessed the shooting.
That officer told investigators that Meservey wasn’t obeying orders but didn’t pose an immediate lethal threat to Meade or anyone else. He said that immediately after the shooting, Meade said he believed their lives were in danger.
Officer Scott Morton's 'Horseplaying' Causes Accident
Clute Police Department Officer Scott Morton was driving at least 20 mph over the posted limit and getting right behind another Clute officer when he lost control of his car, skidded across three lanes and hit a guardrail, according to police.
A Department of Public Safety report released Friday states Morton, 41, was driving at least 70 mph in the center lane on Highway 288, also known as Highway 332. Morton was approaching Officer Tony Standley, who also was driving a patrol car in the center lane, at 2:47 a.m. Nov. 18.
Before the accident, Morton had been speeding up and getting close to Standley’s bumper before Standley would accelerate to get away, Clute Police Capt. Robin Carlton said.
Both officers were headed to Whataburger, where they were set to meet other officers for a meal. Carlton said the pair were “horseplaying” when the wreck occurred.
As Morton quickly approached again, Standley went to the left lane to get out of the way, Carlton said. Morton also went to the left lane and attempted to pass in the median, the report stated.
“He was closing that gap too quickly,” said DPS Trooper David Wyman, who investigated the wreck and submitted his report to Clute police.
Morton then overcorrected, went into a skid, hit the shoulder and flipped at least twice in the ditch, Wyman said. He was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown from the car 40 to 50 feet.
Morton was flown to Memorial Hermann Hospital from the scene with broken ankles, a broken pelvis, collapsed lung and slight bleeding in his brain. He is at home healing from the accident, and The Facts could not reach him for comment.
Morton still is using a wheelchair, but soon will start physical therapy so he can walk, Carlton said.
He will receive no traffic citation, Carlton said. The Department of Public Safety simply puts together the report, and it is Clute’s responsibility to take action, DPS Sgt. David Janak said.
“We will handle it in-house,” Clute Police Chief Mark Wicker said. “We won’t do anything until he’s well and back to 100 percent.”
Punishment options include a letter of reprimand or a few days off without pay, Carlton said.
Video footage and audio of calls to the Clute dispatcher indicate Standley immediately stopped and called for an ambulance. The Facts obtained the video through an open records request.
Standley also was speeding during the accident, Carlton said. Standley will receive no punishment, though it appears the wreck would not have occurred if he hadn’t switched lanes, Wicker said.
The Clute Police Department is investigating Standley’s role in the accident, Wicker said. However, it appears he wasn’t feeling well and simply was ready for his shift to end, he said.
Wicker said he hopes speeding is not common for officers because speeding and getting close to someone’s bumper are inappropriate, he said.
The patrol car Morton was driving, a 2007 Ford Crown Victoria, was totaled, but it already was set to be replaced within the next few weeks, Wicker said. It would have been passed down to a school resource officer, he said.
The department has no plans to buy a new car to replace the vehicle, he said.
Morton worked for the Clute department for three years, then moved to the Richwood Police Department for a year before returning to Clute in June, Carlton said.
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YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3NMG831TcU
A Department of Public Safety report released Friday states Morton, 41, was driving at least 70 mph in the center lane on Highway 288, also known as Highway 332. Morton was approaching Officer Tony Standley, who also was driving a patrol car in the center lane, at 2:47 a.m. Nov. 18.
Before the accident, Morton had been speeding up and getting close to Standley’s bumper before Standley would accelerate to get away, Clute Police Capt. Robin Carlton said.
Both officers were headed to Whataburger, where they were set to meet other officers for a meal. Carlton said the pair were “horseplaying” when the wreck occurred.
As Morton quickly approached again, Standley went to the left lane to get out of the way, Carlton said. Morton also went to the left lane and attempted to pass in the median, the report stated.
“He was closing that gap too quickly,” said DPS Trooper David Wyman, who investigated the wreck and submitted his report to Clute police.
Morton then overcorrected, went into a skid, hit the shoulder and flipped at least twice in the ditch, Wyman said. He was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown from the car 40 to 50 feet.
Morton was flown to Memorial Hermann Hospital from the scene with broken ankles, a broken pelvis, collapsed lung and slight bleeding in his brain. He is at home healing from the accident, and The Facts could not reach him for comment.
Morton still is using a wheelchair, but soon will start physical therapy so he can walk, Carlton said.
He will receive no traffic citation, Carlton said. The Department of Public Safety simply puts together the report, and it is Clute’s responsibility to take action, DPS Sgt. David Janak said.
“We will handle it in-house,” Clute Police Chief Mark Wicker said. “We won’t do anything until he’s well and back to 100 percent.”
Punishment options include a letter of reprimand or a few days off without pay, Carlton said.
Video footage and audio of calls to the Clute dispatcher indicate Standley immediately stopped and called for an ambulance. The Facts obtained the video through an open records request.
Standley also was speeding during the accident, Carlton said. Standley will receive no punishment, though it appears the wreck would not have occurred if he hadn’t switched lanes, Wicker said.
The Clute Police Department is investigating Standley’s role in the accident, Wicker said. However, it appears he wasn’t feeling well and simply was ready for his shift to end, he said.
Wicker said he hopes speeding is not common for officers because speeding and getting close to someone’s bumper are inappropriate, he said.
The patrol car Morton was driving, a 2007 Ford Crown Victoria, was totaled, but it already was set to be replaced within the next few weeks, Wicker said. It would have been passed down to a school resource officer, he said.
The department has no plans to buy a new car to replace the vehicle, he said.
Morton worked for the Clute department for three years, then moved to the Richwood Police Department for a year before returning to Clute in June, Carlton said.
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YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3NMG831TcU
Officer John Fulmer Accused to Stealing Gas
A Springfield police officer has been fired after being accused of charging the town for gasoline used in his personal vehicle.
Following an investigation by the State Law Enforcement Division, officer John "Johnny" S. Fulmer of Barnwell has been served with a warrant alleging official misconduct.
Town Councilman Eddie Lee said, "He has been terminated and that's due to the charges being placed against him." Council met on the issue Thursday night.
Lee said the charge, "Really surprised us. He'd been working for the town four or five years."
Fulmer is accused of pumping fuel into his personal vehicle at Kent's Korner #3 service station while serving in his official capacity as an employee of Springfield.
Between July and November 2009, he allegedly signed fuel tickets for $191 for his personal use and charged it to the town of Springfield.
The warrant is based on video recordings of Fulmer's transactions at the service station and on the defendant's time sheets, SLED said.
Lee said the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office and part-time officer Jim Evans will be filling in as much as possible.
"I have contacted the sheriff's office today and they said they'd do what they can as far as having someone around," Lee said.
The town also hopes for help from the S.C. Highway Patrol.
"They've been working this end of the county lately," Lee said.
Following an investigation by the State Law Enforcement Division, officer John "Johnny" S. Fulmer of Barnwell has been served with a warrant alleging official misconduct.
Town Councilman Eddie Lee said, "He has been terminated and that's due to the charges being placed against him." Council met on the issue Thursday night.
Lee said the charge, "Really surprised us. He'd been working for the town four or five years."
Fulmer is accused of pumping fuel into his personal vehicle at Kent's Korner #3 service station while serving in his official capacity as an employee of Springfield.
Between July and November 2009, he allegedly signed fuel tickets for $191 for his personal use and charged it to the town of Springfield.
The warrant is based on video recordings of Fulmer's transactions at the service station and on the defendant's time sheets, SLED said.
Lee said the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office and part-time officer Jim Evans will be filling in as much as possible.
"I have contacted the sheriff's office today and they said they'd do what they can as far as having someone around," Lee said.
The town also hopes for help from the S.C. Highway Patrol.
"They've been working this end of the county lately," Lee said.
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