A Lancaster truancy officer is under arrest after a brawl on campus between him and a student at an alternative school.
The officer has had problems in the past and was even fired from the Dallas Police Department and his current job before.
Harold Cornish, 48, was processed at the Dallas County Jail Friday night. The officer, who also worked at DPD for 18 years, is on paid leave from the Lancaster Independent School District.
Zenas Dixon, 16, walked out of the hospital with an ice pack on his face, covering a cut to his eye. He also had a bruised neck and swelling to his lips from the alleged beating he took from the truancy officer.
"He had me in a choke," Dixon said. "He was holding the back of my head and the other arm was under my neck ... I couldn't even talk."
Dixon said Cornish punched him in the face and slammed his head against the ground following a dispute in the cafeteria at J.D Hall Learning Center. Dixon claimed he was attacked because he ate someone else's food.
"He was strangling me like he wanted to kill me," he said. "... He was like, 'You're going to sleep.' He was like, 'Call your daddy he, can get it too."
"He's lucky I didn't come when my son called me," said Spencer Dixon, Zenas' father. "We would both be in big trouble. I can't believe he did that to my son."
According to Dallas Morning News archives, Cornish has been fired four times from police jobs starting in 1988. Dallas police fired him for alleged sexual comments to a female jail employee. He won his appeal and got his job back and was then fired again in 1989 for insubordination. He won another appeal and was let go again by the DPD in 1998 for a physical altercation.
In 2003, Lancaster ISD hired and fired him. Finally, in 2005, the school district had to hire him again after Cornish won a legal settlement against the the district.
"They should have checked his background more thoroughly to find out why was this person fired three times from the same department," said Sonia Dixon, Zenas' mother. "There's something wrong there."
According to the newspaper archives, Cornish was cleared of all criminal charges stemming from his multiple allegations when he was with the DPD.
The student was at the school on a 30-day suspension.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Deputy Timothy Shaw Arrested for DUI Crash
A Collier County deputy was arrested Wednesday morning after Florida Highway Patrol officials say he crashed his SUV while driving drunk.
According to FHP reports, a trooper responded to a single-vehicle accident near Davis and Falling Waters boulevards shortly after midnight Wednesday.
In the report, the trooper said he was met by Collier County Sheriff's Deputy Timothy Shaw. Shaw identified the driver of the red Nissan SUV as Jose A. Lopez, 41, a deputy with the Sheriff's Office. Shaw told the trooper that Lopez was possibly under the influence.
After finishing at the scene of the accident, the trooper continued the investigation at NCH Downtown Naples Hospital, where Lopez was transported for treatment, reports said.
During an interview, the trooper noticed that Lopez's breath had a strong alcohol smell, his face was flush and his eyes were bloodshot, glassy and watery, according to the report.
He later refused to take a blood test and asked for a lawyer.
Lopez was arrested, charged with DUI and DUI property damage.
Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Karie Partington said Lopez has been assigned to administrative duty pending the outcome of his case.
When reached by phone, Lopez declined to comment.
According to FHP reports, a trooper responded to a single-vehicle accident near Davis and Falling Waters boulevards shortly after midnight Wednesday.
In the report, the trooper said he was met by Collier County Sheriff's Deputy Timothy Shaw. Shaw identified the driver of the red Nissan SUV as Jose A. Lopez, 41, a deputy with the Sheriff's Office. Shaw told the trooper that Lopez was possibly under the influence.
After finishing at the scene of the accident, the trooper continued the investigation at NCH Downtown Naples Hospital, where Lopez was transported for treatment, reports said.
During an interview, the trooper noticed that Lopez's breath had a strong alcohol smell, his face was flush and his eyes were bloodshot, glassy and watery, according to the report.
He later refused to take a blood test and asked for a lawyer.
Lopez was arrested, charged with DUI and DUI property damage.
Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Karie Partington said Lopez has been assigned to administrative duty pending the outcome of his case.
When reached by phone, Lopez declined to comment.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Detective Janet Hawkins Charged with Resisting Arrest
Veteran Daytona Beach police detective Janet Laverne Hawkins was formally charged with resisting arrest with violence — a felony — after allegedly scuffling with Holly Hill officers during a traffic stop.
A law-enforcement official from Daytona Beach was formally charged with a felony after being arrested in September, a newspaper is reporting.
Daytona Beach Police detective Janet Laverne Hawkins was formally charged with resisting arrest with violence — a felony — after allegedly scuffling with Holly Hill officers during a traffic stop, according to the Daytona Beach News-Journal.She will likely lose her job, the newspaper said.
Officer Ronald Cuen Charged with Drunk Driving
A veteran Calexico police officer faces a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence of alcohol after pulling into the police station in the company of his wife and 11-year-son with a blood-alcohol level of .23, Calexico Police Chief Jim Neujahr said Wednesday.
Officer Ronald Cuen, a 17-year member of the Calexico Police Department who already had been placed on paid administrative leave four weeks ago, was cited and released Dec. 1 for the DUI offense as his wife was available to drive him home safely, Neujahr said.
Cuen’s blood-alcohol level was nearly three times over the legal limit, which is .08, California Highway Patrol Officer Pablo Torrez said.
Imperial County Assistant District Attorney Joe Beard said that as a courtesy he’ll inform Neujahr that charges will be filed against Cuen.
Cuen had a prior DUI-related arrest 14 years ago in Imperial County but that he did not know what measures, if any, were taken to deal with Cuen, Neujahr said. Calexico Police Department is the only law enforcement agency for which Cuen has worked.
Questions about the arrest were referred to Neujahr who said Cuen pulled into the parking lot of the Calexico police station to use the restroom. Neujahr said he did not know why Cuen’s wife did not drive the vehicle they traveled in.
It was not known where Cuen was coming from when he arrived at the police station, but he was not involved in any DUI-related traffic accidents at the time of the latest arrest, Neujahr said.
Citing personnel issues, Neujahr declined to say why Cuen had been placed on administrative leave but said he’ll remain on it pending the outcome of his current case.
Asked why Cuen was not booked into county jail, Neujahr said all police departments generally release people suspected of misdemeanor DUI driving if there is someone available to drive them home safely. Torrez confirmed the policy is standard practice.
A report of the Dec. 1 incident has been sent to the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office for review and Cuen is expected to appear in court for this matter, Neujahr said.
Cuen’s arrest is the latest in a series of situations, or incidents, involving members of the Calexico Police Department.
In October, a five-year Calexico police officer and his wife were arrested on suspicion of allegedly beating up the officer’s former girlfriend. The officer, Juan Garcia, has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of his case.
Also in October, an officer and a sergeant angrily claimed during a City Council meeting that Neujahr and other high-ranking Calexico police officers were “out of control” and failed to do their part in reducing crime.
Calexico police Sgt. Shaun Sundahl, who was on temporary disability for a knee injury he received while on duty, was one of the two officers who spoke out. He was fired last month, a dismissal for which Neujahr and city officials declined to discuss the specifics.
While he said it was not up to him to comment on another police department, Imperial Police Chief Miguel Colon, who chairs the Imperial Valley Police Chiefs Association, said law enforcement’s reputation suffers anytime an officer runs afoul of the law.
“Any time a peace officer gets arrested it reflects negatively on the profession to some extent,” Colon said.
Cuen will not receive any preferential treatment and matters involving anyone suspected of breaking the law will be handled fairly, Neujahr said.
“We have the highest ethical standards,” Neujahr said. “There’s no officer who is above the law, and we’re going to enforce the law equally.”
Officer Ronald Cuen, a 17-year member of the Calexico Police Department who already had been placed on paid administrative leave four weeks ago, was cited and released Dec. 1 for the DUI offense as his wife was available to drive him home safely, Neujahr said.
Cuen’s blood-alcohol level was nearly three times over the legal limit, which is .08, California Highway Patrol Officer Pablo Torrez said.
Imperial County Assistant District Attorney Joe Beard said that as a courtesy he’ll inform Neujahr that charges will be filed against Cuen.
Cuen had a prior DUI-related arrest 14 years ago in Imperial County but that he did not know what measures, if any, were taken to deal with Cuen, Neujahr said. Calexico Police Department is the only law enforcement agency for which Cuen has worked.
Questions about the arrest were referred to Neujahr who said Cuen pulled into the parking lot of the Calexico police station to use the restroom. Neujahr said he did not know why Cuen’s wife did not drive the vehicle they traveled in.
It was not known where Cuen was coming from when he arrived at the police station, but he was not involved in any DUI-related traffic accidents at the time of the latest arrest, Neujahr said.
Citing personnel issues, Neujahr declined to say why Cuen had been placed on administrative leave but said he’ll remain on it pending the outcome of his current case.
Asked why Cuen was not booked into county jail, Neujahr said all police departments generally release people suspected of misdemeanor DUI driving if there is someone available to drive them home safely. Torrez confirmed the policy is standard practice.
A report of the Dec. 1 incident has been sent to the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office for review and Cuen is expected to appear in court for this matter, Neujahr said.
Cuen’s arrest is the latest in a series of situations, or incidents, involving members of the Calexico Police Department.
In October, a five-year Calexico police officer and his wife were arrested on suspicion of allegedly beating up the officer’s former girlfriend. The officer, Juan Garcia, has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of his case.
Also in October, an officer and a sergeant angrily claimed during a City Council meeting that Neujahr and other high-ranking Calexico police officers were “out of control” and failed to do their part in reducing crime.
Calexico police Sgt. Shaun Sundahl, who was on temporary disability for a knee injury he received while on duty, was one of the two officers who spoke out. He was fired last month, a dismissal for which Neujahr and city officials declined to discuss the specifics.
While he said it was not up to him to comment on another police department, Imperial Police Chief Miguel Colon, who chairs the Imperial Valley Police Chiefs Association, said law enforcement’s reputation suffers anytime an officer runs afoul of the law.
“Any time a peace officer gets arrested it reflects negatively on the profession to some extent,” Colon said.
Cuen will not receive any preferential treatment and matters involving anyone suspected of breaking the law will be handled fairly, Neujahr said.
“We have the highest ethical standards,” Neujahr said. “There’s no officer who is above the law, and we’re going to enforce the law equally.”
Three Connecticut Officers Arrested
Three police officers in three Connecticut towns were arrested Wednesday and Thursday.
Police said officers from Naugatuck, Middletown and Hartford were all arrested and were not connected.
Hartford police Officer Rhashim Campbell was arrested on Thursday after an internal investigation into an assault in the city lockup.
Police said Campbell was arrested on Thursday.
Campbell was charged with assault and fabricating physical evidence.
Police said Campbell was released on a promise to appear.
In addition to the criminal charges, Campbell also faces administrative charges, according to police.
Campbell is suspended without pay from the Hartford Police Department.
Hartford Police Chief Daryl K. Roberts said, "We take the care of persons in our custody very seriously. The inappropriate acts of these officers are not representative of the dedicated and professional officers of the Hartford Police Department. The Hartford Police Department will continue to serve our community with the highest professional standards, always focusing on service, relationships and safety."
A New York man who said Hartford police assaulted him while he was in the city lockup stood before a judge on Thursday.
Michael Stewart appeared in court on his breach of peace arrest that occurred the morning after Halloween.
Peter Oldum, Stewart's attorney did all the talking.
The Long Island man was charged in connection with an arrest in the early morning the day after Halloween. Hartford police reports said Stewart had to be pepper sprayed twice.
It's what happened after Stewart's arrest, in the city lockup, that has generated the most attention.
Officers Kent Lee and Rhashim Campbell were suspended with pay after a confrontation between them and Stewart was caught on the city lockup's surveillance cameras.
In court on Thursday, Oldum asked the judge to make sure that the recording is preserved.
Judge Glen Woods granted the request.
Lee has since retired since the incident took place.
In Middletown, police Officer Angelo Passanisi surrendered to Capt. William McKenna at the Middletown Police Department.
Police said Passanisi was charged with insurance fraud, fabricating evidence and falsely reporting an incident.
Officials said the arrest followed a lengthy investigation conducted by McKenna.
In September, Passanisi filed a police report with the Middletown Police Department in which he reported that his parked car had been struck by another vehicle that then fled the scene.
In October, after receiving information that Passanisi crashed the vehicle himself and staged an accident scene to make it appear that the accident was a hit-and-run, he was placed on administrative leave.
After his arrest, Passanisi was processed and released on a $2,500 non-surety bond and was scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 23.
In Naugatuck, Officer David Reilly was arrested by Wallingford police and is facing felony charges involving larceny and computer crimes.
Police said they received a complaint from a resident in April.
Police would not elaborate on the actual crime but Wallingford police said Reilly was charged with larceny, computer crimes and coercion.
Police said officers from Naugatuck, Middletown and Hartford were all arrested and were not connected.
Hartford police Officer Rhashim Campbell was arrested on Thursday after an internal investigation into an assault in the city lockup.
Police said Campbell was arrested on Thursday.
Campbell was charged with assault and fabricating physical evidence.
Police said Campbell was released on a promise to appear.
In addition to the criminal charges, Campbell also faces administrative charges, according to police.
Campbell is suspended without pay from the Hartford Police Department.
Hartford Police Chief Daryl K. Roberts said, "We take the care of persons in our custody very seriously. The inappropriate acts of these officers are not representative of the dedicated and professional officers of the Hartford Police Department. The Hartford Police Department will continue to serve our community with the highest professional standards, always focusing on service, relationships and safety."
A New York man who said Hartford police assaulted him while he was in the city lockup stood before a judge on Thursday.
Michael Stewart appeared in court on his breach of peace arrest that occurred the morning after Halloween.
Peter Oldum, Stewart's attorney did all the talking.
The Long Island man was charged in connection with an arrest in the early morning the day after Halloween. Hartford police reports said Stewart had to be pepper sprayed twice.
It's what happened after Stewart's arrest, in the city lockup, that has generated the most attention.
Officers Kent Lee and Rhashim Campbell were suspended with pay after a confrontation between them and Stewart was caught on the city lockup's surveillance cameras.
In court on Thursday, Oldum asked the judge to make sure that the recording is preserved.
Judge Glen Woods granted the request.
Lee has since retired since the incident took place.
In Middletown, police Officer Angelo Passanisi surrendered to Capt. William McKenna at the Middletown Police Department.
Police said Passanisi was charged with insurance fraud, fabricating evidence and falsely reporting an incident.
Officials said the arrest followed a lengthy investigation conducted by McKenna.
In September, Passanisi filed a police report with the Middletown Police Department in which he reported that his parked car had been struck by another vehicle that then fled the scene.
In October, after receiving information that Passanisi crashed the vehicle himself and staged an accident scene to make it appear that the accident was a hit-and-run, he was placed on administrative leave.
After his arrest, Passanisi was processed and released on a $2,500 non-surety bond and was scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 23.
In Naugatuck, Officer David Reilly was arrested by Wallingford police and is facing felony charges involving larceny and computer crimes.
Police said they received a complaint from a resident in April.
Police would not elaborate on the actual crime but Wallingford police said Reilly was charged with larceny, computer crimes and coercion.
Officer John Douglas Accused of Brutally Beating Teen
A Rhode Island police officer was arrested Thursday, accused of brutally beating a teenage boy and then encouraging fellow officers to lie about it to the FBI.
Woonsocket police Officer John H. Douglas pleaded not guilty in federal court to charges of violating a person’s civil rights and obstruction of justice. He was released on $10,000 unsecured bond.
He did not speak during his brief arraignment. But his lawyer defended him afterward, saying he was “a model policeman.“
In September, the FBI launched an investigation after the 16-year-old boy appeared in state juvenile court severely injured and said several police officers beat him up.
Chief Family Court Judge Jeremiah S. Jeremiah said at the time that the boy had a boot mark on his back and that one of his eyes was swollen shut. The boy’s lawyer, Robert Laren, said the boy suffered a broken eye socket, was shot by a stun gun and had been badly beaten in the police station.
“It shouldn’t have happened. I’m upset that it happened,“ Jeremiah told The Associated Press on Thursday.
The indictment, handed down Wednesday, said Douglas punched and struck a 16-year-old juvenile Sept. 15. It did not go into other detail, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office would not say if other officers would be indicted. The two counts together carry a maximum 30-year sentence.
The boy has not been identified because he is a juvenile.
Cliff Montiero, the Providence NAACP president who had called for the FBI investigation, said he was pleased with the charges and hoped other officers who may have been involved would be held accountable.
“If one person was charged, it’s better than what we’ve gotten historically” in other cases of alleged police abuse, Montiero said. “I’m happy that we have one, this is unusual - that a police officer is being charged by doing something that’s disrespectful to the uniform that he wears.“
Douglas, 34, of Blackstone, Mass., has been with the Woonsocket police department for five years and spent four years in the Marine Corps before being honorably discharged, his lawyer Peter DiBiase said.
“Excellent family man, excellent husband. I think that speaks for his version of facts,“ DiBiase told NBC 10.
Douglas remains on unpaid administrative leave, where he was placed after the allegations were made, said Woonsocket police spokesman Detective Lt. Eugene Jalette.
Jalette previously said the boy was acting suspiciously when the police stopped him. An officer recognized the boy as having escaped from a probation program. When officers tried to arrest him, the teenager threw one of them to the ground, splitting the officer’s lip, Jalette said in September.
He said there was a foot chase and a struggle, then the boy was taken to a hospital for injuries that officers described as minor. Afterward, the boy was taken to the police station and then turned over to the custody of the state agency that runs the probation program.
Montiero and Laren said the boy told them he was beaten by several officers during the arrest and then twice more at the police station.
The boy is black and Douglas is white. Montiero, a former Providence police officer, said he did not know if race played a role in the alleged beating, but said blacks historically have not been treated well by police in the state.
Woonsocket police Officer John H. Douglas pleaded not guilty in federal court to charges of violating a person’s civil rights and obstruction of justice. He was released on $10,000 unsecured bond.
He did not speak during his brief arraignment. But his lawyer defended him afterward, saying he was “a model policeman.“
In September, the FBI launched an investigation after the 16-year-old boy appeared in state juvenile court severely injured and said several police officers beat him up.
Chief Family Court Judge Jeremiah S. Jeremiah said at the time that the boy had a boot mark on his back and that one of his eyes was swollen shut. The boy’s lawyer, Robert Laren, said the boy suffered a broken eye socket, was shot by a stun gun and had been badly beaten in the police station.
“It shouldn’t have happened. I’m upset that it happened,“ Jeremiah told The Associated Press on Thursday.
The indictment, handed down Wednesday, said Douglas punched and struck a 16-year-old juvenile Sept. 15. It did not go into other detail, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office would not say if other officers would be indicted. The two counts together carry a maximum 30-year sentence.
The boy has not been identified because he is a juvenile.
Cliff Montiero, the Providence NAACP president who had called for the FBI investigation, said he was pleased with the charges and hoped other officers who may have been involved would be held accountable.
“If one person was charged, it’s better than what we’ve gotten historically” in other cases of alleged police abuse, Montiero said. “I’m happy that we have one, this is unusual - that a police officer is being charged by doing something that’s disrespectful to the uniform that he wears.“
Douglas, 34, of Blackstone, Mass., has been with the Woonsocket police department for five years and spent four years in the Marine Corps before being honorably discharged, his lawyer Peter DiBiase said.
“Excellent family man, excellent husband. I think that speaks for his version of facts,“ DiBiase told NBC 10.
Douglas remains on unpaid administrative leave, where he was placed after the allegations were made, said Woonsocket police spokesman Detective Lt. Eugene Jalette.
Jalette previously said the boy was acting suspiciously when the police stopped him. An officer recognized the boy as having escaped from a probation program. When officers tried to arrest him, the teenager threw one of them to the ground, splitting the officer’s lip, Jalette said in September.
He said there was a foot chase and a struggle, then the boy was taken to a hospital for injuries that officers described as minor. Afterward, the boy was taken to the police station and then turned over to the custody of the state agency that runs the probation program.
Montiero and Laren said the boy told them he was beaten by several officers during the arrest and then twice more at the police station.
The boy is black and Douglas is white. Montiero, a former Providence police officer, said he did not know if race played a role in the alleged beating, but said blacks historically have not been treated well by police in the state.
Deputy Eric Mayo Charged with Patronizing a Prostitute
A Monroe County reserve deputy who also worked for the Indiana University Police Department is now suspended after Bloomington Police say he patronized a prostitute.
A court document states that 30-year-old Eric Mayo must appear in court January 6 for the charge of patronizing a prostitute. The case was filed in court last week even though the document states Mayo was served the summons last month.
Bloomington Police would only say that they were investigating a report of a 19-year-old woman who claimed that a man, who said he was a photographer, offered her five dollars and a pack of cigarettes in exchange for sexual favors.
Police worked with the woman to set up a meeting with the photographer at a Big Lots store parking lot in Bloomington. Bloomington Police said that's when Eric Mayo showed up. Police said Mayo again asked for "the same deal" -- money and cigarettes for a sexual favor. That's when police served Mayo the summons to appear in court for the preliminary charge of patronizing a prostitute.
Mayo lives less than a block away from the Big Lots. He did not answer his door Tuesday but he did tell Lieutenant Craig Munroe at the IU Police Department about his court summons.
Mayo has worked for IU Police as a dispatcher and police officer for five years.
Lt. Munroe said, "(Mayo) called me up Friday and advised me of the charges had been filed against him. And so I was notified by Mr. Mayo."
Mayo is suspended with pay. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department also suspended Mayo. Both agencies said his employment status depends on the outcome of the case.
A court document states that 30-year-old Eric Mayo must appear in court January 6 for the charge of patronizing a prostitute. The case was filed in court last week even though the document states Mayo was served the summons last month.
Bloomington Police would only say that they were investigating a report of a 19-year-old woman who claimed that a man, who said he was a photographer, offered her five dollars and a pack of cigarettes in exchange for sexual favors.
Police worked with the woman to set up a meeting with the photographer at a Big Lots store parking lot in Bloomington. Bloomington Police said that's when Eric Mayo showed up. Police said Mayo again asked for "the same deal" -- money and cigarettes for a sexual favor. That's when police served Mayo the summons to appear in court for the preliminary charge of patronizing a prostitute.
Mayo lives less than a block away from the Big Lots. He did not answer his door Tuesday but he did tell Lieutenant Craig Munroe at the IU Police Department about his court summons.
Mayo has worked for IU Police as a dispatcher and police officer for five years.
Lt. Munroe said, "(Mayo) called me up Friday and advised me of the charges had been filed against him. And so I was notified by Mr. Mayo."
Mayo is suspended with pay. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department also suspended Mayo. Both agencies said his employment status depends on the outcome of the case.
Former Officer Troy Gee Sr Receives Suspended Sentence for Child Sexual Abuse
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.
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.
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.
---------------------------------
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.
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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.
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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Previous Post:
http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/search?q=William+Wike
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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Previous Post:
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.
--------------------
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.
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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.
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