A 36-year-old Sacramento man died Friday evening following a struggle with police officers and jail staff in the Roseville City Jail.
At 5:19 p.m. on December 11, Roseville Police officers made a traffic stop on Orlando Avenue at Cirby Way and arrested the driver without incident for possession of methamphetamine. Officers transported him to the Roseville City Jail. Once inside the jail booking area, the man became combative and struggled with officers during the intake process. Several police officers responded and attempted to subdue him. During the struggle, staff found an additional quantity of methamphetamine on the arrestee's person.
During the struggle a sergeant deployed a Taser electronic control device, the darts striking the arrestee in the buttocks area. The man continued to resist for a short time, and then stopped breathing. Staff administered CPR and Roseville Fire Department paramedics responded, but were unable to revive the man. He was transported by ambulance to Sutter Roseville Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The decedent's name is being withheld until his family can be notified. The Roseville Police Department has had no prior contacts with the man, but according to court records, he had a lengthy history of arrests in Sacramento County for crimes including robbery, vehicle theft, resisting arrest, and illegal drugs.
The Placer County Coroner's Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death. The officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave per department protocol. A death investigation and an internal investigation are underway.
All questions regarding this incident should be directed to Lt. Mike Doane, 916-871-3286.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Sword-Wielding Man Dies After Being Tasered
A sword-wielding man died early Friday, hours after Hampton police twice used a TASER on him.
It was the first such reported death since officers there began carrying the devices in 2003, said Paula Scheck, a Hampton Police Department spokeswoman. No deaths have been reported in the three South Hampton Roads cities that widely outfit officers with TASERs.
According to a news release from Hampton police, officers responded to a complaint involving an emergency custody order in the first block of Overlook Court about 11 p.m. Thursday. When the 36-year-old man refused to come to the door, police called one of his relatives, who came to the scene.
When officers entered the home, the man swung a samurai-style sword at them, police said. Officers used the TASER on him once, and a second time when he continued to threaten them .
The man stopped breathing, and officers called medics and performed CPR. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:15 a.m., police said.
Police identified the man as Hatchel Pate Adams III of Hampton. Officers involved were placed on administrative leave while the department conducts an internal investigation, according to the news release.
The Suffolk Police Department began carrying TASERs in June 2007. Norfolk added them in February 2008, followed by Virginia Beach this April.
Suffolk has said TASERs have resulted in fewer abuse complaints. But the conducted energy devices made headlines in Norfolk in October 2008 when a police officer used a TASER three times on a brain-damaged woman.
Amnesty International claims that more than 300 people have died after being struck with TASERs. The group says the devices were responsible in about 50 of those cases.
Drug intoxication accounted for most of the other deaths.
It was the first such reported death since officers there began carrying the devices in 2003, said Paula Scheck, a Hampton Police Department spokeswoman. No deaths have been reported in the three South Hampton Roads cities that widely outfit officers with TASERs.
According to a news release from Hampton police, officers responded to a complaint involving an emergency custody order in the first block of Overlook Court about 11 p.m. Thursday. When the 36-year-old man refused to come to the door, police called one of his relatives, who came to the scene.
When officers entered the home, the man swung a samurai-style sword at them, police said. Officers used the TASER on him once, and a second time when he continued to threaten them .
The man stopped breathing, and officers called medics and performed CPR. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:15 a.m., police said.
Police identified the man as Hatchel Pate Adams III of Hampton. Officers involved were placed on administrative leave while the department conducts an internal investigation, according to the news release.
The Suffolk Police Department began carrying TASERs in June 2007. Norfolk added them in February 2008, followed by Virginia Beach this April.
Suffolk has said TASERs have resulted in fewer abuse complaints. But the conducted energy devices made headlines in Norfolk in October 2008 when a police officer used a TASER three times on a brain-damaged woman.
Amnesty International claims that more than 300 people have died after being struck with TASERs. The group says the devices were responsible in about 50 of those cases.
Drug intoxication accounted for most of the other deaths.
Officer Jesus Cisneros Under Investigation for Accident that Killed Woman
Police are investigating whether an off-duty Fort Worth police officer was driving under the influence of alcohol when his unmarked police vehicle collided with another car early this morning, killing a 27-year-old woman.
Officer Jesus Cisneros was traveling west in the 3800 block of Columbus Trail when his Toyota Highlander collided with a Chrysler PT Cruiser that had been traveling south on Evening Star Drive and attempted to turn east in front of him, according to a press release issued by the Fort Worth Police Department this morning.
The Cruiser’s driver, identified by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's office as Sonia Baker of Fort Worth, was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:44 a.m.
Cisneros was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital in serious condition where it was determined alcohol may have been involved on the part of the off-duty officer, the release states.
The release adds, however, blood test results have not yet been returned.
“If the results reveal any alcohol in Cisneros’ system he will be immediately placed on restricted duty pending the outcome of an administrative investigation,” the release states.
The release states if the test show Cisneros had a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher, he will face driving while intoxicated and possibly intoxication manslaughter charges. Cisneros, 37, has been with the department since September 2001.
“This is a tragic incident and a very, very serious matter,” Lt. Paul Henderson, the department’s chief of staff states in the release. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families.”
Officer Jesus Cisneros was traveling west in the 3800 block of Columbus Trail when his Toyota Highlander collided with a Chrysler PT Cruiser that had been traveling south on Evening Star Drive and attempted to turn east in front of him, according to a press release issued by the Fort Worth Police Department this morning.
The Cruiser’s driver, identified by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's office as Sonia Baker of Fort Worth, was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:44 a.m.
Cisneros was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital in serious condition where it was determined alcohol may have been involved on the part of the off-duty officer, the release states.
The release adds, however, blood test results have not yet been returned.
“If the results reveal any alcohol in Cisneros’ system he will be immediately placed on restricted duty pending the outcome of an administrative investigation,” the release states.
The release states if the test show Cisneros had a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher, he will face driving while intoxicated and possibly intoxication manslaughter charges. Cisneros, 37, has been with the department since September 2001.
“This is a tragic incident and a very, very serious matter,” Lt. Paul Henderson, the department’s chief of staff states in the release. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families.”
Officer Jason Anderson Fired After Being Charged with Manslaughter
Police commissioners in Milford Monday night fired a town police officer charged with manslaughter in a crash that killed two teenagers in June.
Commissioners agreed with Police Chief Keith Mello's recommendation to fire Officer Jason Anderson, of Milford.
The accident in Orange killed two 19-year-olds, David Servin and Ashlie Krakowski, both of Orange.
Police say Anderson was driving 94 miles an hour while returning from a mutual aid call in West Haven and didn't have his emergency lights or siren on when the teens' car turned in front of him on Route 1. Anderson and his lawyer have declined to comment on the allegations.
Commissioners on Monday also suspended Officer Richard Pisani for 30 days without pay. Pisani was driving alongside Anderson that night.
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Video:
http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-milford-officer-fired-1214,0,6695291.story
Commissioners agreed with Police Chief Keith Mello's recommendation to fire Officer Jason Anderson, of Milford.
The accident in Orange killed two 19-year-olds, David Servin and Ashlie Krakowski, both of Orange.
Police say Anderson was driving 94 miles an hour while returning from a mutual aid call in West Haven and didn't have his emergency lights or siren on when the teens' car turned in front of him on Route 1. Anderson and his lawyer have declined to comment on the allegations.
Commissioners on Monday also suspended Officer Richard Pisani for 30 days without pay. Pisani was driving alongside Anderson that night.
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Video:
http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-milford-officer-fired-1214,0,6695291.story
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Columbus Officer Accused of Giving Student Back Confiscated Drug
A Columbus police officer who was working at East High School has been accused of confiscating an illegal drug from a student and then giving it back to that student.
The officer, who was not identified, faces an internal police investigation, Sgt. Richard Weiner said yesterday. He said he was unable to share more information about the case, including the type of drug involved, while the investigation is under way.
"It was some kind of narcotic," Weiner said.
The officer, who was not identified, faces an internal police investigation, Sgt. Richard Weiner said yesterday. He said he was unable to share more information about the case, including the type of drug involved, while the investigation is under way.
"It was some kind of narcotic," Weiner said.
Hearing Set for Former Officer Rodney Frick Accused of Raping Minor
Rodney Frick, a former Pocola auxiliary police officer accused of raping a minor, will have a preliminary hearing of his case at 9 a.m. Jan. 14, according to court records.
Frick, 51, of Pocola had an initial appearance in District Court on Thursday. Frick is accused of second-degree rape and soliciting sexual conduct or communication with a minor by use of technology.
Preliminary hearings are held to allow the judge to determine if there is sufficient evidence of the alleged offense/s to bind defendants over for trial.
District Attorney Jeffrey Smith has said that Frick, who also owns Hot Rod’s BBQ in Pocola, turned himself in on a complaint he had sex on multiple occasions with a teenager over an up to two-year period.
Smith has said Frick met the teen through his restaurant and is not suspected of illegal activity with any other minors.
Frick was arrested Nov. 10 and released on a $10,000 bond.
He is represented by Poteau defense attorney Gary Buckles.
On Thursday, Pocola Police Chief Dale Fout said Frick was an unpaid auxiliary officer who worked infrequently for the Pocola Police Department.
Fout said as soon as the information came in regarding the pending charges against Frick, Frick was no longer considered an employee.
Frick, 51, of Pocola had an initial appearance in District Court on Thursday. Frick is accused of second-degree rape and soliciting sexual conduct or communication with a minor by use of technology.
Preliminary hearings are held to allow the judge to determine if there is sufficient evidence of the alleged offense/s to bind defendants over for trial.
District Attorney Jeffrey Smith has said that Frick, who also owns Hot Rod’s BBQ in Pocola, turned himself in on a complaint he had sex on multiple occasions with a teenager over an up to two-year period.
Smith has said Frick met the teen through his restaurant and is not suspected of illegal activity with any other minors.
Frick was arrested Nov. 10 and released on a $10,000 bond.
He is represented by Poteau defense attorney Gary Buckles.
On Thursday, Pocola Police Chief Dale Fout said Frick was an unpaid auxiliary officer who worked infrequently for the Pocola Police Department.
Fout said as soon as the information came in regarding the pending charges against Frick, Frick was no longer considered an employee.
Former Officer Christopher Dunbar Charged with Stabbing Man
A former Winchester (Va.) Police Department officer has been charged with stabbing a man at his home, according to Berkeley County Magistrate Court records.
Christopher Andrew Dunbar, 25, of 590 Platt Mountain Lane near Inwood, W.Va., was arraigned Friday by Magistrate Sandra L. Miller on one count of malicious wounding.
When Berkeley County Sheriff’s deputies went to Dunbar’s home at 2:23 a.m. Friday, they found Dunbar, a man with cuts to his right hand and neck, and a female applying pressure to the wounds to stop the bleeding, according to a complaint by Deputy Caleb Pearson.
Dunbar told police he understood his rights because he “used to be a cop in Winchester,” and he apologized for having to call the police to his residence for “small stuff like this,” according to Pearson’s complaint.
In a City of Winchester news bulletin in January 2009, Dunbar was listed as one of seven police officers to graduate in November 2008 from Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy’s law enforcement basic academy. Upon graduation, Dunbar was recognized for placing second in physical fitness, according to the bulletin
A City of Winchester official confirmed Friday that Dunbar no longer was employed with the police department.
Christopher Andrew Dunbar, 25, of 590 Platt Mountain Lane near Inwood, W.Va., was arraigned Friday by Magistrate Sandra L. Miller on one count of malicious wounding.
When Berkeley County Sheriff’s deputies went to Dunbar’s home at 2:23 a.m. Friday, they found Dunbar, a man with cuts to his right hand and neck, and a female applying pressure to the wounds to stop the bleeding, according to a complaint by Deputy Caleb Pearson.
Dunbar told police he understood his rights because he “used to be a cop in Winchester,” and he apologized for having to call the police to his residence for “small stuff like this,” according to Pearson’s complaint.
In a City of Winchester news bulletin in January 2009, Dunbar was listed as one of seven police officers to graduate in November 2008 from Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy’s law enforcement basic academy. Upon graduation, Dunbar was recognized for placing second in physical fitness, according to the bulletin
A City of Winchester official confirmed Friday that Dunbar no longer was employed with the police department.
Former Officer Thomas Rush Jr Charged with Resisting Arrest
A traffic stop Thursday afternoon in Bonita Springs resulted in the arrest of three family members – one of whom is a former law enforcement officer from New Jersey.
Thomas Rush Jr., 65, a former New Jersey law enforcement officer; his wife, Donna Rush, 48; and son, Raymond Rush, 18, whose addresses were not released but live in South Lee County, were each charged with resisting a law enforcement officer without violence. They posted $1,000 bond and were released early Friday from Lee County Jail.
According to arrest reports:
Michael Rush, 20, was stopped by Lee deputies for an undisclosed reason and began using his cell phone to call family members.
Raymond Rush, driving a Ford Freestar minivan, arrived and asked why his brother was stopped. The deputies told him to leave, and he did, but he returned with their mother, Donna Rush, who was Tasered twice by deputies.
Thomas Rush, the boys’ father, arrived in a Mustang, parked his vehicle in a nearby parking lot and went toward deputies, even though he was told to stay away.
Thomas Rush told deputies: “He is not (expletive) going anywhere and he did not have to leave.” He armed himself with a black walking cane and refused to leave. He was arrested after a struggle.
Raymond Rush then returned with his mother, who began yelling expletives at the deputies, including: “get off my (expletive) husband.” She was told to leave, refused and a deputy deployed his Taser, but only one prong stuck.
She ran to one of the vehicles and jumped in, wrapping her arm around the steering wheel and locked her leg against the door. She was Tasered a second time, again unsuccessfully. After a struggle she was taken from the vehicle and arrested, as was her youngest son.
It was unclear whether Michael Rush received a traffic citation, but he was not arrested.
The parents were taken to Gulf Coast Hospital after complaining of injuries. They were treated and later released to be booked into jail.
A deputy received a cut under his eye during one of the struggles.
Thomas Rush Jr., 65, a former New Jersey law enforcement officer; his wife, Donna Rush, 48; and son, Raymond Rush, 18, whose addresses were not released but live in South Lee County, were each charged with resisting a law enforcement officer without violence. They posted $1,000 bond and were released early Friday from Lee County Jail.
According to arrest reports:
Michael Rush, 20, was stopped by Lee deputies for an undisclosed reason and began using his cell phone to call family members.
Raymond Rush, driving a Ford Freestar minivan, arrived and asked why his brother was stopped. The deputies told him to leave, and he did, but he returned with their mother, Donna Rush, who was Tasered twice by deputies.
Thomas Rush, the boys’ father, arrived in a Mustang, parked his vehicle in a nearby parking lot and went toward deputies, even though he was told to stay away.
Thomas Rush told deputies: “He is not (expletive) going anywhere and he did not have to leave.” He armed himself with a black walking cane and refused to leave. He was arrested after a struggle.
Raymond Rush then returned with his mother, who began yelling expletives at the deputies, including: “get off my (expletive) husband.” She was told to leave, refused and a deputy deployed his Taser, but only one prong stuck.
She ran to one of the vehicles and jumped in, wrapping her arm around the steering wheel and locked her leg against the door. She was Tasered a second time, again unsuccessfully. After a struggle she was taken from the vehicle and arrested, as was her youngest son.
It was unclear whether Michael Rush received a traffic citation, but he was not arrested.
The parents were taken to Gulf Coast Hospital after complaining of injuries. They were treated and later released to be booked into jail.
A deputy received a cut under his eye during one of the struggles.
Former Officer Robert Forman Convicted of Forcing Woman to Perform Sex Act
A former Riverside police officer was convicted today of forcing a woman to perform a sex act on him so she could avoid being arrested.
A seven-man, five-woman jury, however, acquitted 39-year-old Robert A. Forman of sexually assaulting another woman and deadlocked on whether he had assaulted a third. The panel announced its findings after two and a half days of deliberations.
Forman, who was also convicted of a misdemeanor petty theft charge, faces up to eight years in prison when he is sentenced Jan. 11 by Riverside County Superior Court Judge John Molloy.
The defendant asked Molloy to permit him to remain out of custody, on $50,000 bail, until the sentencing hearing, but the judge was not inclined.
“The last thing on the planet that I want to do is take Mr. Forman into custody,” Molloy told the defendant’s attorney, Mark Johnson. “But these are very serious charges. Mr. Forman was in a position of trust.
“If it was anyone besides a police officer, I wouldn’t be taking him into custody today. I wouldn’t.”
Forman broke down in tears and asked again if he could remain free until sentencing.
“Sir, the jury has spoken,” Molloy replied.
Forman was handcuffed and allowed a few minutes to speak privately with his family before being led away.
“Our office wants people to know that we will speak for anyone, no matter who they are,” said Deputy District Attorney Elan Zekster outside the courtroom, following the verdicts.
Johnson said he was “disappointed” by the jury’s findings, but did not believe his client would face the maximum sentence.
“There are a lot of factors in mitigation,” the attorney said, adding that because Forman has no prior criminal history, he could be eligible for probation.
The ex-cop was charged with two counts of forced oral copulation and one count each of felony sexual battery and petty theft for three alleged assaults between February and April 2008.
The 11-year law enforcement veteran, who was fired from the police force shortly after his arrest in October 2008, testified in his own defense, denying all the allegations against him.
He testified last week that he had consensual sex with a woman while he was in uniform but not on duty. However, the woman, identified as Kathryn, testified she performed oral sex on Forman because she felt that was the only way to avoid arrest.
Kathryn said the April 18, 2008, encounter occurred a few hours after Forman and other officers searched her residence in response to a domestic disturbance complaint. According to trial testimony, the officers discovered drug paraphernalia, including bags of methamphetamine and used syringes, as well as evidence of check fraud.
Kathryn testified that she feared being booked for violating her probation, but Forman assured her she would not be taken into custody “as long as you cooperate.” She alleged that the defendant returned to her apartment after his shift and demanded sex.
The jury found him guilty of the offense.
A sometime-prostitute and drug user identified as Tessa testified that in February 2008 Forman gave her a ride to a bus station near Chicago and University avenues and, at the end of the encounter, told her he liked her, then thrust his hand down her pants and kissed her. The woman said she quickly got out of the car.
Forman testified that Tessa had wanted to report a rape but repeatedly drifted “off track” during their 30-minute conversation, failing to provide details about her alleged assailant. He said he gave her a ride to the bus station as a courtesy.
The jury hung 8-4 in favor of guilt, prompting Molloy to declare a mistrial. Zekster would not say whether the D.A.’s office intended to retry Forman on the sexual battery count. He was found guilty of petty theft for taking the victim’s money.
Nadia, a prostitute and admitted cocaine addict, testified that in March 2008, Forman drove her to a secluded location and ordered her to “give me some head.” She said she complied, believing she had no alternative.
According to Forman, his interaction with Nadia was limited to gathering information on drug suppliers, which the jury believed.
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Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2008/10/officer-robert-forman-arrested-for.html
A seven-man, five-woman jury, however, acquitted 39-year-old Robert A. Forman of sexually assaulting another woman and deadlocked on whether he had assaulted a third. The panel announced its findings after two and a half days of deliberations.
Forman, who was also convicted of a misdemeanor petty theft charge, faces up to eight years in prison when he is sentenced Jan. 11 by Riverside County Superior Court Judge John Molloy.
The defendant asked Molloy to permit him to remain out of custody, on $50,000 bail, until the sentencing hearing, but the judge was not inclined.
“The last thing on the planet that I want to do is take Mr. Forman into custody,” Molloy told the defendant’s attorney, Mark Johnson. “But these are very serious charges. Mr. Forman was in a position of trust.
“If it was anyone besides a police officer, I wouldn’t be taking him into custody today. I wouldn’t.”
Forman broke down in tears and asked again if he could remain free until sentencing.
“Sir, the jury has spoken,” Molloy replied.
Forman was handcuffed and allowed a few minutes to speak privately with his family before being led away.
“Our office wants people to know that we will speak for anyone, no matter who they are,” said Deputy District Attorney Elan Zekster outside the courtroom, following the verdicts.
Johnson said he was “disappointed” by the jury’s findings, but did not believe his client would face the maximum sentence.
“There are a lot of factors in mitigation,” the attorney said, adding that because Forman has no prior criminal history, he could be eligible for probation.
The ex-cop was charged with two counts of forced oral copulation and one count each of felony sexual battery and petty theft for three alleged assaults between February and April 2008.
The 11-year law enforcement veteran, who was fired from the police force shortly after his arrest in October 2008, testified in his own defense, denying all the allegations against him.
He testified last week that he had consensual sex with a woman while he was in uniform but not on duty. However, the woman, identified as Kathryn, testified she performed oral sex on Forman because she felt that was the only way to avoid arrest.
Kathryn said the April 18, 2008, encounter occurred a few hours after Forman and other officers searched her residence in response to a domestic disturbance complaint. According to trial testimony, the officers discovered drug paraphernalia, including bags of methamphetamine and used syringes, as well as evidence of check fraud.
Kathryn testified that she feared being booked for violating her probation, but Forman assured her she would not be taken into custody “as long as you cooperate.” She alleged that the defendant returned to her apartment after his shift and demanded sex.
The jury found him guilty of the offense.
A sometime-prostitute and drug user identified as Tessa testified that in February 2008 Forman gave her a ride to a bus station near Chicago and University avenues and, at the end of the encounter, told her he liked her, then thrust his hand down her pants and kissed her. The woman said she quickly got out of the car.
Forman testified that Tessa had wanted to report a rape but repeatedly drifted “off track” during their 30-minute conversation, failing to provide details about her alleged assailant. He said he gave her a ride to the bus station as a courtesy.
The jury hung 8-4 in favor of guilt, prompting Molloy to declare a mistrial. Zekster would not say whether the D.A.’s office intended to retry Forman on the sexual battery count. He was found guilty of petty theft for taking the victim’s money.
Nadia, a prostitute and admitted cocaine addict, testified that in March 2008, Forman drove her to a secluded location and ordered her to “give me some head.” She said she complied, believing she had no alternative.
According to Forman, his interaction with Nadia was limited to gathering information on drug suppliers, which the jury believed.
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Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2008/10/officer-robert-forman-arrested-for.html
Investigation Under Way Against Officer Jesus Cisneros
An investigation is under way after a woman was killed Friday in a collision involving an off-duty Fort Worth police officer in the 3800 block of Columbus Trail, police said.
At about 2:30 a.m. Officer Jesus Cisneros, 37, was driving westbound in an unmarked police vehicle when he collided with Sonia Baker's southbound Chrysler PT Cruiser as she attempted an eastbound turn in front of his vehicle, police said.
The 27-year-old woman died in the crash and Cisneros was transported to John Peter Smith Hospital in serious condition, police said.
Baker, a wife and mother of two boys ages 4 and 5, was on her way to pick up breakfast before heading into work, her family said.
Investigators said alcohol may have been involved on the part of the off-duty officer, but test results have not been returned.
Cisneros has been an officer with the Fort Worth Police Department since September 2001.
"This is a tragic incident and a very, very serious matter. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families," Lt. Paul Henderson said in a statement released Friday.
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http://www.star-telegram.com/local/story/1825458.html
At about 2:30 a.m. Officer Jesus Cisneros, 37, was driving westbound in an unmarked police vehicle when he collided with Sonia Baker's southbound Chrysler PT Cruiser as she attempted an eastbound turn in front of his vehicle, police said.
The 27-year-old woman died in the crash and Cisneros was transported to John Peter Smith Hospital in serious condition, police said.
Baker, a wife and mother of two boys ages 4 and 5, was on her way to pick up breakfast before heading into work, her family said.
Investigators said alcohol may have been involved on the part of the off-duty officer, but test results have not been returned.
Cisneros has been an officer with the Fort Worth Police Department since September 2001.
"This is a tragic incident and a very, very serious matter. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families," Lt. Paul Henderson said in a statement released Friday.
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http://www.star-telegram.com/local/story/1825458.html
Friday, December 11, 2009
Former Detention Officer Denita Shaw Arraigned for Hitting Inmate with Milk Crate
A former Fulton County Sheriff’s detention officer from Smyrna, Ga., was arraigned Friday on civil rights violation charges for allegedly hitting a Fulton County Jail inmate with a milk crate.
Denita Renae Shaw, 41, also was released on non-monetary bond conditions set by the court. She faces up to 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
“This detention officer was fired and our office is cooperating fully in this prosecution,” Fulton County Sheriff Ted Jackson said in a statement. “We are continuing to work with the FBI to investigate any and all violations within the jail, and anyone with information about any other abuses should contact our office or the FBI.”
On Jan. 26, Shaw, working as a detention officer at the jail, allegedly used excessive force when she struck a handcuffed inmate with a milk crate at the Fulton County Jail. The indictment alleges the assault violated the inmate’s constitutional right not to be deprived of liberty without due process of law.
Shaw was indicted by a federal grand jury on the charge on Dec. 8, 2009.
Denita Renae Shaw, 41, also was released on non-monetary bond conditions set by the court. She faces up to 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
“This detention officer was fired and our office is cooperating fully in this prosecution,” Fulton County Sheriff Ted Jackson said in a statement. “We are continuing to work with the FBI to investigate any and all violations within the jail, and anyone with information about any other abuses should contact our office or the FBI.”
On Jan. 26, Shaw, working as a detention officer at the jail, allegedly used excessive force when she struck a handcuffed inmate with a milk crate at the Fulton County Jail. The indictment alleges the assault violated the inmate’s constitutional right not to be deprived of liberty without due process of law.
Shaw was indicted by a federal grand jury on the charge on Dec. 8, 2009.
Sgt Michael Carter Charged with Drunk Driving
An Edison police sergeant has been suspended with pay after he crashed his pick-up truck into a utility pole in Carteret and was charged with drunken-driving, authorities said.
Michael Carter, an 10-year veteran of the Edison force, was driving east on Roosevelt Avenue near Pauline Street at 1:58 a.m.Thursday when his 2002 Ford truck hit a pole, Carteret police Chief John Pieczyski said.
Carter was taken to police headquarters and charged with driving while intoxicated after refusing to take a breath test, Pieczyski said.
Edison police were notified and Carter was released to Edison police Capt. Patrick Kelly, who is Carter's uncle, authorities said.
Carter was suspended with pay Thursday, pending the outcome of the charges and the outcome of an internal investigation ordered by Edison police Chief Thomas Bryan, said Deputy Chief Mark Anderko.
Carter receives a base salary of $101,284, according to township record
Michael Carter, an 10-year veteran of the Edison force, was driving east on Roosevelt Avenue near Pauline Street at 1:58 a.m.Thursday when his 2002 Ford truck hit a pole, Carteret police Chief John Pieczyski said.
Carter was taken to police headquarters and charged with driving while intoxicated after refusing to take a breath test, Pieczyski said.
Edison police were notified and Carter was released to Edison police Capt. Patrick Kelly, who is Carter's uncle, authorities said.
Carter was suspended with pay Thursday, pending the outcome of the charges and the outcome of an internal investigation ordered by Edison police Chief Thomas Bryan, said Deputy Chief Mark Anderko.
Carter receives a base salary of $101,284, according to township record
ICE Officer Richard Cramer Pleads Guilty to Helping Mexican Drug Traffickers
A retired high-ranking U.S. immigration officer pleaded guilty Thursday in a Miami federal court to conspiracy to obstruct justice for helping members of a Mexican drug-trafficking organization evade arrest.
Prosecutors said Richard Cramer, who at one time was in charge of the Nogales office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, supplied smugglers with confidential law-enforcement background checks.
Cramer, 56, of Sahuarita, had originally faced three counts of cocaine smuggling, which were dropped in exchange for his guilty plea.
Felony obstruction carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence, but under the plea deal prosecutors will recommend Cramer, who is in custody in Florida, serve two years when he is sentenced on Feb. 18.
In court Thursday, prosecutors outlined their case against Cramer: In 2006, he was stationed as an attaché in Guadalajara, Mexico.
A Mexican money launderer hiding in Miami needed assurance that he was not being sought by authorities before returning to Mexico.
Drug traffickers reached out to Cramer, who arranged for law-enforcement background checks. Those showed the money launderer was not wanted.
Federal agents later moved in on the traffickers and found they had paper copies of the background checks. Those led agents back to Cramer, who was arrested in September.
The case began with an investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency in Florida.
In the original criminal complaint, DEA agents accused Cramer of working with drug traffickers and investing up to $25,000 of his own money in a shipment of 300 kilograms of cocaine from Panama to Spain that was seized by agents.
Cramer's friends and relatives have remained stalwart in their defense of him, insisting he would never have intentionally broken the law.
Prosecutors said Richard Cramer, who at one time was in charge of the Nogales office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, supplied smugglers with confidential law-enforcement background checks.
Cramer, 56, of Sahuarita, had originally faced three counts of cocaine smuggling, which were dropped in exchange for his guilty plea.
Felony obstruction carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence, but under the plea deal prosecutors will recommend Cramer, who is in custody in Florida, serve two years when he is sentenced on Feb. 18.
In court Thursday, prosecutors outlined their case against Cramer: In 2006, he was stationed as an attaché in Guadalajara, Mexico.
A Mexican money launderer hiding in Miami needed assurance that he was not being sought by authorities before returning to Mexico.
Drug traffickers reached out to Cramer, who arranged for law-enforcement background checks. Those showed the money launderer was not wanted.
Federal agents later moved in on the traffickers and found they had paper copies of the background checks. Those led agents back to Cramer, who was arrested in September.
The case began with an investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency in Florida.
In the original criminal complaint, DEA agents accused Cramer of working with drug traffickers and investing up to $25,000 of his own money in a shipment of 300 kilograms of cocaine from Panama to Spain that was seized by agents.
Cramer's friends and relatives have remained stalwart in their defense of him, insisting he would never have intentionally broken the law.
Truancy Officer Harold Cornish Arrested for Beating Up Student
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.
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.
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.
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