A former Philadelphia police officer pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to dealing drugs and planning to rob a supposed drug stash. Alhinde Weems, 34, faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison - and a maximum of life - when sentenced in May.
Weems, a 51/2-year veteran when he was arrested in March, was a drug dealer before he became an officer and continued his dealings while on the force, according to authorities. He was arrested at an area hotel as he was about to rob a man he believed was a drug dealer, but who was really a federal undercover agent.
"He appeared to be motivated by greed," Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carrillo said yesterday.
Weems, whose last assignment was in West Philadelphia's 18th Police District, admitted to selling crack cocaine, buying and transporting what he believed to be genuine cocaine in 2008-09, and planning, and attempting to commit, a gunpoint home-invasion robbery of a drug dealer.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Officer David Dass Guilty of Online Enticement of Child
An Omaha police officer has been convicted of using the Internet to lure what he believed was a 14-year-old girl into having sex.
A Sarpy County jury found 25-year-old David Kass guilty of online enticement on Wednesday.
Kass was arrested at his Omaha home in July. La Vista police detectives said Kass initiated an online conversation with an undercover investigator posing as a 14-year-old girl. Detectives say the conversation was of a graphic, sexual nature.
Kass had argued that he thought he was talking to an adult during the explicit online chat.
Kass has been with the Omaha Police Department since 2006.
He is scheduled to be sentenced in March. Kass faces a maximum of 5 years in prison.
Information from: KETV-TV, http://www.ketv.com
A Sarpy County jury found 25-year-old David Kass guilty of online enticement on Wednesday.
Kass was arrested at his Omaha home in July. La Vista police detectives said Kass initiated an online conversation with an undercover investigator posing as a 14-year-old girl. Detectives say the conversation was of a graphic, sexual nature.
Kass had argued that he thought he was talking to an adult during the explicit online chat.
Kass has been with the Omaha Police Department since 2006.
He is scheduled to be sentenced in March. Kass faces a maximum of 5 years in prison.
Information from: KETV-TV, http://www.ketv.com
Officer Carlos Alvarez Fired for Not Responding to Call
Last week, Police Chief David Kunkle fired a 13-year-veteran after he failed to respond to a police call and instead went to conduct personal business at a bank.
At the time, we didn't have much detail about the circumstances that led to the firing of police Officer Carlos Alvarez. Today, I obtained a copy of the internal affairs investigation through an open records request.
In my experience covering DPD, this particular case would not typically result in termination. Senior commanders say what set Alvarez apart was his extensive history of discipline for missing work.
At 12:02 p.m. on Aug. 20, Alvarez was dispatched to a shoplifting call in the 2400 block of West Ledbetter Drive. Two minutes later, another officer who was driving by stopped at the location of the incident and put out a call for help.
A police sergeant noticed that Alvarez had not yet arrived at the call. At 12:09 p.m., Alvarez told her that he was on his way to the call. At 12:19 p.m., Alvarez left the bank where he had gone to take care of an overdraft on his bank account.
He arrived at the call at 12:24 p.m. - 22 minutes after first being dispatched.
Alvarez later told investigators that he didn't think it would take long at the bank. He said he did not initially hear the dispatcher give him the call.
He said did not leave the bank immediately after finding out about the call because the bank teller still had his license and bank card in the manager's office. Once he retrieved them, he immediately went to the call. He said he did not hear the other officer request help.
"I made a mistake and it will not happen again," Alvarez wrote in his statement to internal investigators.
A supervisor who initially counseled him over the incident spoke highly of Alvarez in his written statement.
"Officer Alvarez is an excellent officer, handles a high number of calls and often interprets for other officers," Sgt. Marc Hearn wrote. "He is an asset to the watch."
In 1998 and 2000, Alvarez received minor discipline for missing court. In 2002, he received a five-day suspension for missing work and giving misleading statements. In 2002 and 2003, he received minor discipline for missing court. In 2005, he got a 10-day suspension for missing work.
In 2006, he was given a 20-day suspension for missing work and making misleading statements. In 2007, he was given a documented counseling for not going to court.
Alvarez's sergeant and lieutenant both recommended a 10-day suspension over the August 2009 incident. Deputy Chief Rick Watson, commander of southwest patrol, and Assistant Chief Floyd Simpson, who oversees all the patrol stations, both recommended termination.
Kunkle made the final decision.
At the time, we didn't have much detail about the circumstances that led to the firing of police Officer Carlos Alvarez. Today, I obtained a copy of the internal affairs investigation through an open records request.
In my experience covering DPD, this particular case would not typically result in termination. Senior commanders say what set Alvarez apart was his extensive history of discipline for missing work.
At 12:02 p.m. on Aug. 20, Alvarez was dispatched to a shoplifting call in the 2400 block of West Ledbetter Drive. Two minutes later, another officer who was driving by stopped at the location of the incident and put out a call for help.
A police sergeant noticed that Alvarez had not yet arrived at the call. At 12:09 p.m., Alvarez told her that he was on his way to the call. At 12:19 p.m., Alvarez left the bank where he had gone to take care of an overdraft on his bank account.
He arrived at the call at 12:24 p.m. - 22 minutes after first being dispatched.
Alvarez later told investigators that he didn't think it would take long at the bank. He said he did not initially hear the dispatcher give him the call.
He said did not leave the bank immediately after finding out about the call because the bank teller still had his license and bank card in the manager's office. Once he retrieved them, he immediately went to the call. He said he did not hear the other officer request help.
"I made a mistake and it will not happen again," Alvarez wrote in his statement to internal investigators.
A supervisor who initially counseled him over the incident spoke highly of Alvarez in his written statement.
"Officer Alvarez is an excellent officer, handles a high number of calls and often interprets for other officers," Sgt. Marc Hearn wrote. "He is an asset to the watch."
In 1998 and 2000, Alvarez received minor discipline for missing court. In 2002, he received a five-day suspension for missing work and giving misleading statements. In 2002 and 2003, he received minor discipline for missing court. In 2005, he got a 10-day suspension for missing work.
In 2006, he was given a 20-day suspension for missing work and making misleading statements. In 2007, he was given a documented counseling for not going to court.
Alvarez's sergeant and lieutenant both recommended a 10-day suspension over the August 2009 incident. Deputy Chief Rick Watson, commander of southwest patrol, and Assistant Chief Floyd Simpson, who oversees all the patrol stations, both recommended termination.
Kunkle made the final decision.
Officer Edward Krawetz in Court for Kicking Woman
A suspended Lincoln police officer accused of kicking a woman in the face while she was handcuffed, pleaded not guilty Wednesday morning in Providence County Superior Court.
Officer Edward Krawetz, 40, of 429 River Rd., Lincoln, was arraigned on a felony charge of assault with a dangerous weapon — his foot.
Judge Kristin Rodgers released him pending a pretrial hearing April 6.
A spokesman for the attorney general’s office, Michael J. Healey, said last month that Donna Levesque, 45, a Massachusetts resident, was sitting on a curb with her hands cuffed behind her back at the Twin River slot parlor when Krawetz allegedly kicked her on May 31.
Krawetz and Officer Russell Enos were working in uniform and off-duty on a security detail at Twin River when Levesque began acting in a disorderly manner and was escorted outside by the two officers, according to Healey. The officers took Levesque into custody on a disorderly conduct charge in a bar at the slot parlor, he said.
Healey said Levesque has no memory of the incident and did not seek treatment for any injury. He said she later pleaded no contest to the disorderly conduct charge.
Rodgers ordered Krawetz not to have any contact with Levesque. He remains suspended from the force without pay.
Enos was not accused of any wrongdoing.
State police became involved on July 21 after the Lincoln police chief asked them to investigate the alleged assault, state police Capt. David Neill said Wednesday. Lincoln Police Lt. Chris Tuffy worked with state police detectives, Neill said.
The evidence against Krawetz includes a videotape obtained from Twin River security, Neill said. He said the state police will not release the videotape because it is evidence in the ongoing case.
“The videotape corroborates the fact that the officer did strike the female with his foot,” Neill said. “The video corroborates the alleged assault.”
It was not known who brought the alleged assault to the attention of the Lincoln police.
Neill said he could not comment on when or why the Lincoln police began investigating the incident, but he believes that investigation began shortly after the incident.
Lincoln Police Chief Brian Sullivan said that the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights prevents him from talking about the case. He said the department is referring all questions to Providence lawyer Vincent Ragosta Jr. who is representing the Lincoln police. Ragosta also cited the Bill of Rights and would not comment on the case.
Six years ago, the town settled out of court on a claim filed by a teenager that Krawetz had struck him and damaged his teeth during an arrest. The teenager was later cleared of charges of assault and resisting arrest. The amount of the settlement was not disclosed.
Officer Edward Krawetz, 40, of 429 River Rd., Lincoln, was arraigned on a felony charge of assault with a dangerous weapon — his foot.
Judge Kristin Rodgers released him pending a pretrial hearing April 6.
A spokesman for the attorney general’s office, Michael J. Healey, said last month that Donna Levesque, 45, a Massachusetts resident, was sitting on a curb with her hands cuffed behind her back at the Twin River slot parlor when Krawetz allegedly kicked her on May 31.
Krawetz and Officer Russell Enos were working in uniform and off-duty on a security detail at Twin River when Levesque began acting in a disorderly manner and was escorted outside by the two officers, according to Healey. The officers took Levesque into custody on a disorderly conduct charge in a bar at the slot parlor, he said.
Healey said Levesque has no memory of the incident and did not seek treatment for any injury. He said she later pleaded no contest to the disorderly conduct charge.
Rodgers ordered Krawetz not to have any contact with Levesque. He remains suspended from the force without pay.
Enos was not accused of any wrongdoing.
State police became involved on July 21 after the Lincoln police chief asked them to investigate the alleged assault, state police Capt. David Neill said Wednesday. Lincoln Police Lt. Chris Tuffy worked with state police detectives, Neill said.
The evidence against Krawetz includes a videotape obtained from Twin River security, Neill said. He said the state police will not release the videotape because it is evidence in the ongoing case.
“The videotape corroborates the fact that the officer did strike the female with his foot,” Neill said. “The video corroborates the alleged assault.”
It was not known who brought the alleged assault to the attention of the Lincoln police.
Neill said he could not comment on when or why the Lincoln police began investigating the incident, but he believes that investigation began shortly after the incident.
Lincoln Police Chief Brian Sullivan said that the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights prevents him from talking about the case. He said the department is referring all questions to Providence lawyer Vincent Ragosta Jr. who is representing the Lincoln police. Ragosta also cited the Bill of Rights and would not comment on the case.
Six years ago, the town settled out of court on a claim filed by a teenager that Krawetz had struck him and damaged his teeth during an arrest. The teenager was later cleared of charges of assault and resisting arrest. The amount of the settlement was not disclosed.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Deputy Amanda Tyndall Accused of Giving 20-year-old Alcohol
The court case of a Pitt County deputy accused of giving a 20-year-old a drink has been continued until March 12.
The State Bureau of Investigated charged Deputy Amanda Raper Tyndall, 30, of N.C. 43 South on Sept. 23 after the Pitt County district attorney requested an investigation into the reported June 5 incident.
A complaint was filed against Tyndall on June 6 after an Alcohol Law Enforcement officer cited Elizabeth Daniel Dominique, 20, for underage drinking.
Dominique and a friend said that Tyndall gave the young woman the drink but walked away when the agent approached the table and wrote the citation.
Pitt County Sheriff Mac Manning has defended Tyndall, who joined the department in October 2005. Tyndall was Manning’s only full-time Drug Awareness and Resistance Education officer, and he suspended classes during the fall because of the investigation and public discussion about the matter.
Tyndall remains employed by the sheriff’s office.
When Tyndall was charged Manning gave reporters copies of statements made by Dominique, one of her friends and Alcohol Law Enforcement agent Rusty King.
King said he saw Dominique drink from a wine glass while a woman later identified as Tyndall had her back turned.
Manning said Tyndall knew Dominique because the young woman previously dated the deputy’s stepson.
“They were familiar with each other, but they were not together in the same party that night,” Manning said.
The State Bureau of Investigated charged Deputy Amanda Raper Tyndall, 30, of N.C. 43 South on Sept. 23 after the Pitt County district attorney requested an investigation into the reported June 5 incident.
A complaint was filed against Tyndall on June 6 after an Alcohol Law Enforcement officer cited Elizabeth Daniel Dominique, 20, for underage drinking.
Dominique and a friend said that Tyndall gave the young woman the drink but walked away when the agent approached the table and wrote the citation.
Pitt County Sheriff Mac Manning has defended Tyndall, who joined the department in October 2005. Tyndall was Manning’s only full-time Drug Awareness and Resistance Education officer, and he suspended classes during the fall because of the investigation and public discussion about the matter.
Tyndall remains employed by the sheriff’s office.
When Tyndall was charged Manning gave reporters copies of statements made by Dominique, one of her friends and Alcohol Law Enforcement agent Rusty King.
King said he saw Dominique drink from a wine glass while a woman later identified as Tyndall had her back turned.
Manning said Tyndall knew Dominique because the young woman previously dated the deputy’s stepson.
“They were familiar with each other, but they were not together in the same party that night,” Manning said.
Deputy Edwin Salinda Charged with Child Sexual Assault
A sheriff's deputy is behind bars Tuesday after he was charged with six counts of sexual assault on a child. According to court documents, the alleged incidents happened from 1992 to 1996.
A woman says that Edwin Salinda sexually assaulted her on at least 30 separate occasions when she was between the ages of six and eight.
Salinda was first arrested on November 9, 2009 but was released. At the time, he was put on leave without pay. He has subsequently been suspended.
Salinda has been with the sheriff's department for approximately 18 years. His bail has been set at $100,000.
A woman says that Edwin Salinda sexually assaulted her on at least 30 separate occasions when she was between the ages of six and eight.
Salinda was first arrested on November 9, 2009 but was released. At the time, he was put on leave without pay. He has subsequently been suspended.
Salinda has been with the sheriff's department for approximately 18 years. His bail has been set at $100,000.
School Security Officer Dean Banner Arrested for Hosting Teen Drinking Party
Police said a man who worked as a substitute security officer for the Highlands School District was arrested after he allegedly hosted a drinking party for teens.
According to district spokeswoman Misty Chybrzynski, Dean Banner worked on an on-call basis for the school system.
Chybrzynski said school administrators learned of Banner's Dec. 27 arrest the following day and permanently removed him from the substitute list.
Banner worked for the school district for 5 years and was not known to have had any previous problems, Chybrzynski said.
According to the criminal complaint, Harrison police were called to Banner's Natrona home to investigate a complaint of underage drinking.
When officers arrived, they found evidence that Banner was serving alcohol to minors, police said.
He is facing charges of giving alcohol to minors and disorderly conduct.
According to district spokeswoman Misty Chybrzynski, Dean Banner worked on an on-call basis for the school system.
Chybrzynski said school administrators learned of Banner's Dec. 27 arrest the following day and permanently removed him from the substitute list.
Banner worked for the school district for 5 years and was not known to have had any previous problems, Chybrzynski said.
According to the criminal complaint, Harrison police were called to Banner's Natrona home to investigate a complaint of underage drinking.
When officers arrived, they found evidence that Banner was serving alcohol to minors, police said.
He is facing charges of giving alcohol to minors and disorderly conduct.
Deputy Daniel Ward Arrested for Sexual Battery on Child
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has arrested a former Campbell County deputy after he was indicted by a grand jury on multiple charges of the sexual battery of a minor.
Daniel Ward, 36 and of Jacksboro, was indicted on 16 counts overall. The indictment includes 10 counts of aggravated sexual battery of a minor under the age of 13, two counts of attempted aggravated sexual battery of a minor under the age of 13, two counts sexual battery by an authority figure, and two counts of sexual battery.
A Campbell County grand jury handed down the indictment on Monday.
The TBI began investigating the allegations against Ward in December, after a request by the district attorney.
Ward is accused of sexually molesting one victim numerous times between October 2003 and March 2009.
He's been booked into the Campbell County jail on $25,000 bond.
While employed with the sheriff's office, he worked as a corrections officer and a patrol deputy.
Daniel Ward, 36 and of Jacksboro, was indicted on 16 counts overall. The indictment includes 10 counts of aggravated sexual battery of a minor under the age of 13, two counts of attempted aggravated sexual battery of a minor under the age of 13, two counts sexual battery by an authority figure, and two counts of sexual battery.
A Campbell County grand jury handed down the indictment on Monday.
The TBI began investigating the allegations against Ward in December, after a request by the district attorney.
Ward is accused of sexually molesting one victim numerous times between October 2003 and March 2009.
He's been booked into the Campbell County jail on $25,000 bond.
While employed with the sheriff's office, he worked as a corrections officer and a patrol deputy.
Officer Davita Glenn Arrested for DUI
A Polk County Sheriff's deputy was arrested and charged with driving under the influence. Deputy Davita Glenn was arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol on Monday night.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, her blood alcohol level measured a .201. The Polk County Sheriff's office confirmed Glenn was involved in a crash but there were no injuries reported.
Deputy Glenn is 37 years old. She was released from jail on a $500 bond, and shortly after she issued a letter of retirement to the sheriff's office. This is the second Polk County deputy arrested for DUI in a week.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, her blood alcohol level measured a .201. The Polk County Sheriff's office confirmed Glenn was involved in a crash but there were no injuries reported.
Deputy Glenn is 37 years old. She was released from jail on a $500 bond, and shortly after she issued a letter of retirement to the sheriff's office. This is the second Polk County deputy arrested for DUI in a week.
Deputy Jeff Edwin Baker Charged with Raping Teen
A Hamilton County school resource officer is accused of raping a teenaged girl.
In November, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office was notified by the East Ridge Police Department about allegations of improper contact between Deputy Jeff Edwin Baker and a juvenile female. That investigation resulted in the arrest of Deputy Jeff Edwin Baker who will be charged with two counts of Aggravated Statutory Rape.
Investigators say one incident allegedly happened at East Ridge Middle School where Deputy Baker was assigned as the School Resource Officer. The second incident reportedly occurred at an apartment complex.
Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond said, "Anytime a situation like this happens, it saddens all of us. We are committed, however, to provide a safe environment for all the citizens of Hamilton County. This incident in no way reflects on the integrity and dedication of any of the other law enforcement officers who serve and protect us daily."
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In November, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office was notified by the East Ridge Police Department about allegations of improper contact between Deputy Jeff Edwin Baker and a juvenile female. That investigation resulted in the arrest of Deputy Jeff Edwin Baker who will be charged with two counts of Aggravated Statutory Rape.
Investigators say one incident allegedly happened at East Ridge Middle School where Deputy Baker was assigned as the School Resource Officer. The second incident reportedly occurred at an apartment complex.
Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond said, "Anytime a situation like this happens, it saddens all of us. We are committed, however, to provide a safe environment for all the citizens of Hamilton County. This incident in no way reflects on the integrity and dedication of any of the other law enforcement officers who serve and protect us daily."
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Officer Michael Dawson Arrested for Public Intoxication
Oklahoma City police say an off-duty officer is on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation into his arrest on New Year's Day.
Authorities say Logan County sheriff's deputies found Michael Dawson crawling out of a wooded ditch along a rural road while intoxicated and clothed only in a T-shirt, shorts and a single shoe.
Oklahoma City police Capt. Patrick Stewart alleged Monday that Dawson, an 11-year veteran patrol officer, was drunk and kicked out the back window of the patrol car during the incident.
Stewart says he was booked into the Logan County jail on a misdemeanor public intoxication complaint. He has not been formally charged.
A deputy at the Logan County jail said Dawson was released from custody on Friday. She didn't know if Dawson had a lawyer.
Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com
Authorities say Logan County sheriff's deputies found Michael Dawson crawling out of a wooded ditch along a rural road while intoxicated and clothed only in a T-shirt, shorts and a single shoe.
Oklahoma City police Capt. Patrick Stewart alleged Monday that Dawson, an 11-year veteran patrol officer, was drunk and kicked out the back window of the patrol car during the incident.
Stewart says he was booked into the Logan County jail on a misdemeanor public intoxication complaint. He has not been formally charged.
A deputy at the Logan County jail said Dawson was released from custody on Friday. She didn't know if Dawson had a lawyer.
Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com
Officer Frank Tepper Stripped of His Badge
The off-duty police officer who shot and killed an unarmed 21-year-old man in November during a street fight will be stripped of his badge, Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey announced yesterday.
Frank Tepper, 43, a 16-year veteran of the force, committed "numerous violations" of Police Department procedures when he opened fire on William Panas Jr. in the Port Richmond neighborhood where they both lived, according to an investigation by the department's Internal Affairs Division.
As of yesterday, Tepper was suspended for 30 days with the intent to dismiss him. He could not be reached for comment.
Panas' father, William Sr., said Ramsey called him to deliver the news.
"This is a great day," Panas said yesterday, his voice breaking. "This means he can't kill someone else's child while calling himself police."
A police cruiser was parked outside Tepper's home yesterday - police have guarded his house on Elkhart Street since the Nov. 21 shooting - and a memorial to Panas remained in place across the street.
Tepper has since moved to an undisclosed location.
Tepper also might face criminal charges. Last month, then-District Attorney Lynne M. Abraham announced a grand-jury probe into the case. That investigation is continuing and has no bearing on the decision to fire Tepper, Ramsey said in a news release.
District Attorney R. Seth Williams, who took office yesterday, said through a spokesman that he planned to review the case file today.
Said the elder Panas: "What we most want is for [Tepper] to be charged with murdering my son. We're very grateful he's been terminated, but the fact is he murdered my son for nothing. He should be punished for that."
The shooting of Panas, a well-known Port Richmond native who planned to open a corner barbershop, sparked outrage, particularly among neighbors of Tepper. Many have described Tepper as a hot-tempered bully often at war with the teenagers and young adults in his community.
Tepper also has a history of reaching for his gun to settle disputes.
Seven years before Panas' death, Tepper drew a firearm while arguing with a group of youths who had harassed Tepper's young son. As with Panas' shooting, Tepper was off duty at the time.
After that incident, Internal Affairs officers admonished Tepper, warning in a report that his actions "could have resulted in numerous injuries with the very real possibility of deadly force being used by him during this confrontation."
Tepper was assigned to the Civil Affairs Unit, whose duties include monitoring demonstrations and labor disputes. He was placed on desk duty after the shooting while the case was investigated, standard procedure in officer-involved shootings.
Panas' family and many in Port Richmond have been calling for action against Tepper since the night Tepper shot Panas during a large brawl that broke out in front of Tepper's Elkhart Street house. Some neighbors said the fight began in the house, at a family party, then spilled out into the street.
Police have said that Tepper tried to break up the fight and that he fired his gun after he was assaulted. Witnesses disputed that, saying that Tepper appeared drunk and that Panas never threatened him. No one in the crowd was armed.
By several accounts, Panas just happened to walk by with friends, and some witnesses said he tried to stop the fighting. Witnesses reported that when Tepper brandished a gun and chased off the brawlers, Panas said, "Come on, you're not going to shoot me."
Just before Tepper fired, witnesses said, his response was, essentially, "Oh, yeah?"
Panas was shot in the chest and died soon afterward.
Police have never commented on whether Tepper called 911 before getting involved in the fight, in accordance with the rules that govern off-duty officers, or whether he called 911 after the shooting.
The reaction from many Port Richmond residents was immediate and anguished. A memorial to Panas appeared at the scene of the shooting, with photographs and letters, and neighbors have held two marches in his honor.
"It was inevitable that he would kill someone," the elder Panas said of Tepper. "He should have been stopped a long time ago."
Frank Tepper, 43, a 16-year veteran of the force, committed "numerous violations" of Police Department procedures when he opened fire on William Panas Jr. in the Port Richmond neighborhood where they both lived, according to an investigation by the department's Internal Affairs Division.
As of yesterday, Tepper was suspended for 30 days with the intent to dismiss him. He could not be reached for comment.
Panas' father, William Sr., said Ramsey called him to deliver the news.
"This is a great day," Panas said yesterday, his voice breaking. "This means he can't kill someone else's child while calling himself police."
A police cruiser was parked outside Tepper's home yesterday - police have guarded his house on Elkhart Street since the Nov. 21 shooting - and a memorial to Panas remained in place across the street.
Tepper has since moved to an undisclosed location.
Tepper also might face criminal charges. Last month, then-District Attorney Lynne M. Abraham announced a grand-jury probe into the case. That investigation is continuing and has no bearing on the decision to fire Tepper, Ramsey said in a news release.
District Attorney R. Seth Williams, who took office yesterday, said through a spokesman that he planned to review the case file today.
Said the elder Panas: "What we most want is for [Tepper] to be charged with murdering my son. We're very grateful he's been terminated, but the fact is he murdered my son for nothing. He should be punished for that."
The shooting of Panas, a well-known Port Richmond native who planned to open a corner barbershop, sparked outrage, particularly among neighbors of Tepper. Many have described Tepper as a hot-tempered bully often at war with the teenagers and young adults in his community.
Tepper also has a history of reaching for his gun to settle disputes.
Seven years before Panas' death, Tepper drew a firearm while arguing with a group of youths who had harassed Tepper's young son. As with Panas' shooting, Tepper was off duty at the time.
After that incident, Internal Affairs officers admonished Tepper, warning in a report that his actions "could have resulted in numerous injuries with the very real possibility of deadly force being used by him during this confrontation."
Tepper was assigned to the Civil Affairs Unit, whose duties include monitoring demonstrations and labor disputes. He was placed on desk duty after the shooting while the case was investigated, standard procedure in officer-involved shootings.
Panas' family and many in Port Richmond have been calling for action against Tepper since the night Tepper shot Panas during a large brawl that broke out in front of Tepper's Elkhart Street house. Some neighbors said the fight began in the house, at a family party, then spilled out into the street.
Police have said that Tepper tried to break up the fight and that he fired his gun after he was assaulted. Witnesses disputed that, saying that Tepper appeared drunk and that Panas never threatened him. No one in the crowd was armed.
By several accounts, Panas just happened to walk by with friends, and some witnesses said he tried to stop the fighting. Witnesses reported that when Tepper brandished a gun and chased off the brawlers, Panas said, "Come on, you're not going to shoot me."
Just before Tepper fired, witnesses said, his response was, essentially, "Oh, yeah?"
Panas was shot in the chest and died soon afterward.
Police have never commented on whether Tepper called 911 before getting involved in the fight, in accordance with the rules that govern off-duty officers, or whether he called 911 after the shooting.
The reaction from many Port Richmond residents was immediate and anguished. A memorial to Panas appeared at the scene of the shooting, with photographs and letters, and neighbors have held two marches in his honor.
"It was inevitable that he would kill someone," the elder Panas said of Tepper. "He should have been stopped a long time ago."
Monday, January 04, 2010
Deputy Robert Ayers Arrested for DUI
Orangeburg County deputies say one of their officers has resigned following his arrest on charges of driving under the influence.
The department said Monday that Robert Ayers had voluntarily left the agency. Previous Coverage: Orangeburg County Deputy Charged with DUI
Last Wednesday at about 10 p.m., state troopers found Ayers and his vehicle in a ditch next to Cattle Creek Road. Officers concluded that he had driven off the road, and found probable cause to charge him with DUI.
Ayers was driving his patrol vehicle, but was off-duty at the time of the incident.
In a statement Monday, Orangeburg County Sheriff Larry Williams said Ayers used poor judgment. He says the policy of the department is that officers are not allowed to use their patrol vehicles for personal use.
Ayers had been with the department for three years, and was the 2009 Field Services Top Cop.
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The department said Monday that Robert Ayers had voluntarily left the agency. Previous Coverage: Orangeburg County Deputy Charged with DUI
Last Wednesday at about 10 p.m., state troopers found Ayers and his vehicle in a ditch next to Cattle Creek Road. Officers concluded that he had driven off the road, and found probable cause to charge him with DUI.
Ayers was driving his patrol vehicle, but was off-duty at the time of the incident.
In a statement Monday, Orangeburg County Sheriff Larry Williams said Ayers used poor judgment. He says the policy of the department is that officers are not allowed to use their patrol vehicles for personal use.
Ayers had been with the department for three years, and was the 2009 Field Services Top Cop.
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Officer James Taylor Drives into Home with Expired Drivers License
Residents inside one North Toledo home got quite a scare Sunday morning after a Toledo police cruiser ended up on their front porch.
The happened around 1:30 a.m. Sunday at 2814 Mulberry St. in North Toledo. The officer reportedly lost control of his vehicle and slid off the road and into the home's front porch. Ice may have caused the officer to slide off the road, although that has not been confirmed.
One man inside the home at the time of the crash said he was surprised to discover a police cruiser on the front lawn, "We were upstairs watching movies and all of a sudden we hear (a) loud tire screech," said Trevis Coogler. "The porch (was) about to fall."
Toledo Police Officer James Taylor responding to a report of a stolen vehicle in the area at the time of the incident. Taylor's cruiser knocked down a utility pole and part of another home before crashing into the porch.
Toledo Police have confirmed that Officer Taylor was driving with an expired driver's license. His license expired in August 2009.
Neither the residents nor Taylor were injured.
Toledo Police say they will investigate the incident further. They tell NBC24 that Taylor did renew his driver's license on Monday.
The happened around 1:30 a.m. Sunday at 2814 Mulberry St. in North Toledo. The officer reportedly lost control of his vehicle and slid off the road and into the home's front porch. Ice may have caused the officer to slide off the road, although that has not been confirmed.
One man inside the home at the time of the crash said he was surprised to discover a police cruiser on the front lawn, "We were upstairs watching movies and all of a sudden we hear (a) loud tire screech," said Trevis Coogler. "The porch (was) about to fall."
Toledo Police Officer James Taylor responding to a report of a stolen vehicle in the area at the time of the incident. Taylor's cruiser knocked down a utility pole and part of another home before crashing into the porch.
Toledo Police have confirmed that Officer Taylor was driving with an expired driver's license. His license expired in August 2009.
Neither the residents nor Taylor were injured.
Toledo Police say they will investigate the incident further. They tell NBC24 that Taylor did renew his driver's license on Monday.
Officer Joe Zepeda Charged with Drunk Driving
A White Plains police officer has been suspended without pay after he was arrested on a drunk driving charge following an accident with a tractor-trailer on Interstate 287.
The incident happened shortly after 5 a.m. Thursday, when off-duty Officer Joe Zepeda, 37, hit the back of a tractor-trailer while driving his 2007 Nissan west near Exit 6 in White Plains.
State police Sgt. Kenneth Cano of the Tarrytown barracks said Zepeda suffered a minor head abrasion and was not taken to the hospital. A passenger in his car, White Plains Police Officer Kurt Maddux, was treated at Westchester Medical Center for a broken ankle and released. The truck driver, who was not identified, was released from the medical center after he was treated for neck and back pain.
Zepeda, 37, of Mahopac, refused to take a blood-alcohol test and was subsequently charged with driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor. He was released without bail on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in White Plains City Court next Monday.
White Plains Police Chief James Bradley said Zepeda has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of an internal investigation .
"That investigation is underway," Bradley said. "Once it's completed, we'll take appropriate disciplinary action, depending on the outcome."
He said discipline could range from a suspension to dismissal.
Zepeda became a city cop in May 2007 and is assigned to the patrol division. Bradley said he has never faced disciplinary action since joining the department.
Cano declined to release Zepeda's mug shot, saying "I don't have one available, and we don't routinely do that for DWI arrests."
Zepeda's is the latest in a recent series of DWI arrests among local off-duty members of law enforcement.
Dobbs Ferry Officer Michael Huffman was charged with DWI and two traffic violations after a Dec. 11 rollover crash in Tarrytown and has been placed on paid administrative leave.
On Dec. 27, Westchester County Officer Joseph Kraus was charged with drunk driving after authorities said he ran a red light and crashed into a Scarsdale police car at East Parkway and Popham Road, injuring Scarsdale Officer Jessica Knatz. Kraus has been suspended with pay. Later that morning, Westchester County Corrections Officer Patricia Yancy-Johnson was charged with driving while intoxicated, accused of rear-ending an ambulance on Central Avenue in Greenburgh.
On Monday, in remarks made after being sworn in for a second term, Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore said her administration will increase its efforts in prosecuting DWI cases.
"For years there has been a culture around DWI crimes that has downplayed the seriousness and violence associated with them," she said after her inauguration. "We are working hard to change that culture through our prosecution effort and our prevention efforts. A person's willingness to drive drunk and risk injury not only to himself but to everyone else who is on the road is absolutely unacceptable. So we're focusing on redoubling efforts around DWI crimes."
She would not comment specifically on Zepeda's case.
The incident happened shortly after 5 a.m. Thursday, when off-duty Officer Joe Zepeda, 37, hit the back of a tractor-trailer while driving his 2007 Nissan west near Exit 6 in White Plains.
State police Sgt. Kenneth Cano of the Tarrytown barracks said Zepeda suffered a minor head abrasion and was not taken to the hospital. A passenger in his car, White Plains Police Officer Kurt Maddux, was treated at Westchester Medical Center for a broken ankle and released. The truck driver, who was not identified, was released from the medical center after he was treated for neck and back pain.
Zepeda, 37, of Mahopac, refused to take a blood-alcohol test and was subsequently charged with driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor. He was released without bail on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in White Plains City Court next Monday.
White Plains Police Chief James Bradley said Zepeda has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of an internal investigation .
"That investigation is underway," Bradley said. "Once it's completed, we'll take appropriate disciplinary action, depending on the outcome."
He said discipline could range from a suspension to dismissal.
Zepeda became a city cop in May 2007 and is assigned to the patrol division. Bradley said he has never faced disciplinary action since joining the department.
Cano declined to release Zepeda's mug shot, saying "I don't have one available, and we don't routinely do that for DWI arrests."
Zepeda's is the latest in a recent series of DWI arrests among local off-duty members of law enforcement.
Dobbs Ferry Officer Michael Huffman was charged with DWI and two traffic violations after a Dec. 11 rollover crash in Tarrytown and has been placed on paid administrative leave.
On Dec. 27, Westchester County Officer Joseph Kraus was charged with drunk driving after authorities said he ran a red light and crashed into a Scarsdale police car at East Parkway and Popham Road, injuring Scarsdale Officer Jessica Knatz. Kraus has been suspended with pay. Later that morning, Westchester County Corrections Officer Patricia Yancy-Johnson was charged with driving while intoxicated, accused of rear-ending an ambulance on Central Avenue in Greenburgh.
On Monday, in remarks made after being sworn in for a second term, Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore said her administration will increase its efforts in prosecuting DWI cases.
"For years there has been a culture around DWI crimes that has downplayed the seriousness and violence associated with them," she said after her inauguration. "We are working hard to change that culture through our prosecution effort and our prevention efforts. A person's willingness to drive drunk and risk injury not only to himself but to everyone else who is on the road is absolutely unacceptable. So we're focusing on redoubling efforts around DWI crimes."
She would not comment specifically on Zepeda's case.
Detective Tomas Rodriguez Arrested for DWI
Authorities said a veteran Kerrville police officer resigned in the wake of his Dec. 27 arrest by a fellow officer on a charge of driving while intoxicated.
Detective Tomas Rodriguez, who was employed with the agency for 24 years, resigned last Tuesday. Kerrville Police Department spokesman Paul Gonzales said Monday.
Rodriguez, who couldn't be reached for comment, was pulled over on Water Street at about 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 27 after another motorist reported he was driving erratically, Gonzales said.
Upon his arrest, Rodriguez was placed on unpaid administrative leave, Gonzales said.
Detective Tomas Rodriguez, who was employed with the agency for 24 years, resigned last Tuesday. Kerrville Police Department spokesman Paul Gonzales said Monday.
Rodriguez, who couldn't be reached for comment, was pulled over on Water Street at about 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 27 after another motorist reported he was driving erratically, Gonzales said.
Upon his arrest, Rodriguez was placed on unpaid administrative leave, Gonzales said.
Officer Debra Davis Arrested for Drug Possession
A Jackson police officer faces drug charges in Miami, Fla., Jackson Police Department officials confirmed Monday.
Precinct 4 Officer Debra Davis was arrested and charged with drug possession over the Christmas holidays, police officials said. She has since returned to Jackson, Assistant Chief Lee Vance said.
“Officer Davis has been removed from the precinct and internally reassigned,” Vance said. “That means that she no longer has police duties but is doing other duties within JPD as her case is being investigated."
Vance said Miami police are investigating and handling the case against Davis.
Precinct 4 Officer Debra Davis was arrested and charged with drug possession over the Christmas holidays, police officials said. She has since returned to Jackson, Assistant Chief Lee Vance said.
“Officer Davis has been removed from the precinct and internally reassigned,” Vance said. “That means that she no longer has police duties but is doing other duties within JPD as her case is being investigated."
Vance said Miami police are investigating and handling the case against Davis.
Former Officer Julio "Trey" Reyes Had Previous History of Emotional Problems
Julio “Trey” Reyes, the Katy ISD police officer who took former girlfriend and fellow police officer Rachel Hillsman hostage last August before taking his own life during an armed stand-off, had a previous history of emotional problems, according to records recently released by Katy ISD.
Records obtained by InstantNewsKaty through the Texas Public Information Act showed Reyes was placed on administrative in 2007 after threatening to kill himself.
In that incident, Reyes reportedly threatened to take his own life because of relationship problems with his ex-wife and Hillsman.
According to an April 30, 2007 report filed by KISD Police Cpl. Ryan Martinelli, Reyes was taken to a Sugar Land hospital after going on a “drinking binge” and telling others he was going to commit suicide.
According to information given to Martinelli by Reyes’ brother Randy at Sugar Land Memorial Hermann Hospital, Reyes learned that his ex-wife “had met someone else and was taking their son around him.” That, coupled with relationship problems between Reyes and Hillsman, apparently triggered the heavy drinking and suicide threats.
“Randy said he was called…to go to (ex-wife) Sandra’s residence because Julio was over there and threatening suicide. Randy said when he arrived that Julio was drunk and acting very erratic,” Martinelli’s report said. “Randy said that he has never seen Julio act like this and that he was not thinking rational at all.”
Randy Reyes and friend Mike Rozaro told Martinelli they called both the Fort Bend Sheriff’s Office and EMS because they feared Julio Reyes “would harm himself.”
“Randy said that when Fort Bend SO arrived, they tried talking Julio into going to the hospital on his own, at which point Julio advised them he was not going. Randy said that Julio would bow up and act like he was going to fight, but that he would then settle down,” Martinelli reported. “Randy said that Julio finally agreed to go to the hospital. Randy said that Mike took Julio’s duty weapon and he took the rest of Julio’s weapons, that way he would not have access to them.”
Martinelli also learned Reyes had written suicide notes to his ex-wife and son Jacob, telling them he loved them and “was sorry for what had happened.”
Martinelli also reported that he briefly interviewed Julio Reyes in the hospital’s emergency room. During that interview, Reyes told Martinelli that “there had been a little misunderstanding” and that he had been drinking heavily, but did not intend to take his own life.
“Julio advised us that that he had sent text messages about suicide the night before to his friend, Mike Rozaro, and his brother, Randy Reyes. Julio stated that he did it because he had been drinking heavily and having family problems,” Martinelli reported. “Julio advised that at no point did he intend to commit suicide.”
As he was returning to the KISD police headquarters, Martinelli said he received a phone call from Hillsman asking what was taking place. During the conversation, Hillsman expressed concern that Reyes might harm her.
“I advised her that I could not discuss (the incident) with her and she began to tell me that Julio had been cheating on her with another woman and (ex-wife) Sandra. Rachel said when she found out, that she split up with him,” Martinelli noted. “Rachel advised that she spoke with Sandra and found out that Julio had been seeing both of them. Rachel advised that she did not feel safe around Julio and that she was worried about what he might do to her. Rachel advised that she was leaving her house to go stay with her parents.”
Following the incident, Katy ISD Police Chief Mark Hopkins placed Reyes on paid leave.
“Pending the superintendent’s approval, you are being placed on administrative leave, with pay, effective on April 30, 2007 and until further notice. While on administrative leave, you shall make yourself available to the Chief of Police or his designee during the regular work day through normal means of communication,” Hopkins wrote in a letter to Reyes dated April 20, 2007. “Effective immediately, you shall not enter or remain on any Katy ISD property without expressed consent from the Chief of Police or his designee.”
The letter was copied to then-Katy ISD Superintendent Leonard Merrell.
In a follow-up letter, Hopkins removed Reyes from paid leave and informed the officer he would be allowed back to duty only after providing proof he had undergone psychological counseling.
“Effective at the end of the regular working day on May 15, 2007, you will be removed from administrative leave with pay. You may use appropriate personal leave until such time that you provide proof of your participation in psychological counseling to me or Captain Robert Jinks,” Hopkins wrote. “Furthermore, you shall sign a release for your treating doctor to report your attendance, cooperation and completion of treatment to me, Chief Mark L. Hopkins, or Captain Robert Jinks. Upon receipt of proof that you are participating in psychological counseling and a copy of the sign treatment release, you may return to regular police officer duty.”
The documents outlining Reyes’ 2007 suicide attempt were obtained through a public information request filed with the school district last August. The district initially sought to withhold the documents, claiming the information should not be disclosed to the public.
Through its law firm, Thompson & Horton of Houston, the school district asked for an attorney general’s ruling on the request. In a letter to the AG, attorney Christopher Gilbert asked whether the district could withhold the records.
“The district believes that the documents responsive to this request, or information contained within those documents, would be privileged from disclosure under sections 552.101 to 552.147 of the (Texas Public Information Act), including, but not limited to, the following exceptions: 552.101 Confidential Information and 552.102 Personnel Information,” Gilbert said in the letter. “On behalf of the district, we request a determination by your office that the exceptions stated above apply to the information requested by (InstantNewsKaty).”
The Attorney General’s Office subsequently ruled the school district would have to release documents related the 2007 incident.
Less than two years after this reported suicide attempt, Reyes took Hillsman hostage on Aug. 19, 2009 as she was leaving her mother’s Waller County home to report for duty. The abduction followed yet another break-up between the two.
The following day, law enforcement officers found Reyes holding Hillsman hostage in a vacant home on the north side of Brookshire. He ultimately took his life with a gunshot to the head after releasing Hillsman, ending a six-hour siege armed siege.
Records obtained by InstantNewsKaty through the Texas Public Information Act showed Reyes was placed on administrative in 2007 after threatening to kill himself.
In that incident, Reyes reportedly threatened to take his own life because of relationship problems with his ex-wife and Hillsman.
According to an April 30, 2007 report filed by KISD Police Cpl. Ryan Martinelli, Reyes was taken to a Sugar Land hospital after going on a “drinking binge” and telling others he was going to commit suicide.
According to information given to Martinelli by Reyes’ brother Randy at Sugar Land Memorial Hermann Hospital, Reyes learned that his ex-wife “had met someone else and was taking their son around him.” That, coupled with relationship problems between Reyes and Hillsman, apparently triggered the heavy drinking and suicide threats.
“Randy said he was called…to go to (ex-wife) Sandra’s residence because Julio was over there and threatening suicide. Randy said when he arrived that Julio was drunk and acting very erratic,” Martinelli’s report said. “Randy said that he has never seen Julio act like this and that he was not thinking rational at all.”
Randy Reyes and friend Mike Rozaro told Martinelli they called both the Fort Bend Sheriff’s Office and EMS because they feared Julio Reyes “would harm himself.”
“Randy said that when Fort Bend SO arrived, they tried talking Julio into going to the hospital on his own, at which point Julio advised them he was not going. Randy said that Julio would bow up and act like he was going to fight, but that he would then settle down,” Martinelli reported. “Randy said that Julio finally agreed to go to the hospital. Randy said that Mike took Julio’s duty weapon and he took the rest of Julio’s weapons, that way he would not have access to them.”
Martinelli also learned Reyes had written suicide notes to his ex-wife and son Jacob, telling them he loved them and “was sorry for what had happened.”
Martinelli also reported that he briefly interviewed Julio Reyes in the hospital’s emergency room. During that interview, Reyes told Martinelli that “there had been a little misunderstanding” and that he had been drinking heavily, but did not intend to take his own life.
“Julio advised us that that he had sent text messages about suicide the night before to his friend, Mike Rozaro, and his brother, Randy Reyes. Julio stated that he did it because he had been drinking heavily and having family problems,” Martinelli reported. “Julio advised that at no point did he intend to commit suicide.”
As he was returning to the KISD police headquarters, Martinelli said he received a phone call from Hillsman asking what was taking place. During the conversation, Hillsman expressed concern that Reyes might harm her.
“I advised her that I could not discuss (the incident) with her and she began to tell me that Julio had been cheating on her with another woman and (ex-wife) Sandra. Rachel said when she found out, that she split up with him,” Martinelli noted. “Rachel advised that she spoke with Sandra and found out that Julio had been seeing both of them. Rachel advised that she did not feel safe around Julio and that she was worried about what he might do to her. Rachel advised that she was leaving her house to go stay with her parents.”
Following the incident, Katy ISD Police Chief Mark Hopkins placed Reyes on paid leave.
“Pending the superintendent’s approval, you are being placed on administrative leave, with pay, effective on April 30, 2007 and until further notice. While on administrative leave, you shall make yourself available to the Chief of Police or his designee during the regular work day through normal means of communication,” Hopkins wrote in a letter to Reyes dated April 20, 2007. “Effective immediately, you shall not enter or remain on any Katy ISD property without expressed consent from the Chief of Police or his designee.”
The letter was copied to then-Katy ISD Superintendent Leonard Merrell.
In a follow-up letter, Hopkins removed Reyes from paid leave and informed the officer he would be allowed back to duty only after providing proof he had undergone psychological counseling.
“Effective at the end of the regular working day on May 15, 2007, you will be removed from administrative leave with pay. You may use appropriate personal leave until such time that you provide proof of your participation in psychological counseling to me or Captain Robert Jinks,” Hopkins wrote. “Furthermore, you shall sign a release for your treating doctor to report your attendance, cooperation and completion of treatment to me, Chief Mark L. Hopkins, or Captain Robert Jinks. Upon receipt of proof that you are participating in psychological counseling and a copy of the sign treatment release, you may return to regular police officer duty.”
The documents outlining Reyes’ 2007 suicide attempt were obtained through a public information request filed with the school district last August. The district initially sought to withhold the documents, claiming the information should not be disclosed to the public.
Through its law firm, Thompson & Horton of Houston, the school district asked for an attorney general’s ruling on the request. In a letter to the AG, attorney Christopher Gilbert asked whether the district could withhold the records.
“The district believes that the documents responsive to this request, or information contained within those documents, would be privileged from disclosure under sections 552.101 to 552.147 of the (Texas Public Information Act), including, but not limited to, the following exceptions: 552.101 Confidential Information and 552.102 Personnel Information,” Gilbert said in the letter. “On behalf of the district, we request a determination by your office that the exceptions stated above apply to the information requested by (InstantNewsKaty).”
The Attorney General’s Office subsequently ruled the school district would have to release documents related the 2007 incident.
Less than two years after this reported suicide attempt, Reyes took Hillsman hostage on Aug. 19, 2009 as she was leaving her mother’s Waller County home to report for duty. The abduction followed yet another break-up between the two.
The following day, law enforcement officers found Reyes holding Hillsman hostage in a vacant home on the north side of Brookshire. He ultimately took his life with a gunshot to the head after releasing Hillsman, ending a six-hour siege armed siege.
Corrections Officer Steven Crews Arrested for Having Child Perform Sex Acts on Him
Police said Steven Crews assaulted a girl under the age of 12 and was in possession of photos of sexual performance by a child. He was arrested Sunday in his home in Bradford County.
Baker County Sheriff Joey Dobson said Crews was employed at the new detention facility since it opened in May. Dobson said Crews was immediately fired as soon as the charges were made known.
"It's very heartbreaking," Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith said. "It's always sad to come before you and let you know that someone in the same profession as us committed such a heinous crime on children. We take that very serious."
According to a police report, Crews' wife found video of a child performing sex acts on him. Investigators fear this is not an isolated incident.
"In conducting the interview with the suspect, he made several admissions of locations and how long this had been ongoing," Smith said. "And apparently it had been ongoing for some time."
Crews is being held on $200,000 bond.-----(It should be $10 Million! This fucker should never get out of jail!)
Police said the investigation is ongoing, and they believe the case spans across several jurisdictions. Investigators ask anyone with information regarding the case to call the Baker County Sheriff's Office or the Bradford County Sheriff's Office.
Sgt Darcy Taylor Charged with Assault with Weapon
A veteran city police officer is facing an assault charge in an incident last summer.
Sergeant Darcy Taylor was today charged with a count of assault with a weapon for allegedly striking a man in the chest with a baton and knocking him down.
The incident last August 23 came during a police response to a 2:15 a.m. fight in central Vancouver that prompted the officer, who has 20 years experience and was first on the scene, to call for emergency cover.
The alleged victim was not injured.
Inspector Mario Giardini of the force's professional standards office told a news conference that regional crown counsel laid the charge today based on information gathered by a Vancouver police investigation into the matter.
Asked what made the confrontation egregious enough to warrant charges, Insp. Giardini urged reporters to read the criminal code.
“It really doesn't take much to commit an assault,” he said.
The inspector described the matter of an officer being charged with assault as rare.
He declined further comment on the case because the matter is before the courts.
The inspector said the sergeant continues to work in “non-operational” duties.
Sergeant Darcy Taylor was today charged with a count of assault with a weapon for allegedly striking a man in the chest with a baton and knocking him down.
The incident last August 23 came during a police response to a 2:15 a.m. fight in central Vancouver that prompted the officer, who has 20 years experience and was first on the scene, to call for emergency cover.
The alleged victim was not injured.
Inspector Mario Giardini of the force's professional standards office told a news conference that regional crown counsel laid the charge today based on information gathered by a Vancouver police investigation into the matter.
Asked what made the confrontation egregious enough to warrant charges, Insp. Giardini urged reporters to read the criminal code.
“It really doesn't take much to commit an assault,” he said.
The inspector described the matter of an officer being charged with assault as rare.
He declined further comment on the case because the matter is before the courts.
The inspector said the sergeant continues to work in “non-operational” duties.
Detention Officer David Ashton Arrested for Assault With Deadly Weapon
Prescott police officers arrested a detention officer with the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office for assault with a deadly weapon after he reportedly was involved in several confrontations at city bars early Sunday morning.
Prescott police officers learned that David Ashton, 43, had a confrontation with patrons inside Matt’s Saloon where he brandished a knife and was escorted out of the bar.
Dwight D'Evelyn, spokesman for the Sheriff's Office, said police officers were also contacted by an 18-year-old male who had been assaulted by Ashton after the incident at Matt’s Saloon.
The victim and several witnesses had seen Ashton leave the Bird Cage Saloon and shove his way through the crowd outside. According to D'Evelyn, when the victim approached Ashton about his behavior and confrontation with a man standing nearby, Ashton turned and pointed a handgun at the victim’s forehead. He also struck the side of the victim’s head with the firearm.
D'Evelyn said that after the assault, Ashton began waiving the gun in the crowd and pointed it at two Montezuma's Bar employees. Ashton left the area while police were being notified.
Officers arrested Ashton in the city parking garage at approximately 1:35 a.m. Sunday. Police officers also recovered a handgun.
Ashton was booked at the Camp Verde Detention Center. He is charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, one count of recklessly handling a weapon and one count of carrying a deadly weapon in a public establishment. He remains in custody on a $150,000 bond.
YCSO has placed Ashton on unpaid administrative leave pending an internal investigation.
Prescott police officers learned that David Ashton, 43, had a confrontation with patrons inside Matt’s Saloon where he brandished a knife and was escorted out of the bar.
Dwight D'Evelyn, spokesman for the Sheriff's Office, said police officers were also contacted by an 18-year-old male who had been assaulted by Ashton after the incident at Matt’s Saloon.
The victim and several witnesses had seen Ashton leave the Bird Cage Saloon and shove his way through the crowd outside. According to D'Evelyn, when the victim approached Ashton about his behavior and confrontation with a man standing nearby, Ashton turned and pointed a handgun at the victim’s forehead. He also struck the side of the victim’s head with the firearm.
D'Evelyn said that after the assault, Ashton began waiving the gun in the crowd and pointed it at two Montezuma's Bar employees. Ashton left the area while police were being notified.
Officers arrested Ashton in the city parking garage at approximately 1:35 a.m. Sunday. Police officers also recovered a handgun.
Ashton was booked at the Camp Verde Detention Center. He is charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, one count of recklessly handling a weapon and one count of carrying a deadly weapon in a public establishment. He remains in custody on a $150,000 bond.
YCSO has placed Ashton on unpaid administrative leave pending an internal investigation.
Sgt Mike Dawson Arrested for Public Intoxication
An Oklahoma City police officer is arrested for an incident, early New Years Day. Sargent Mike Dawson was arrested for public intoxication. He's an 11-year veteran of the OCPD. Dawson was found walking a rural road in Logan County wearing a t-shirt and shorts. He said he had been in an argument with his girlfriend. Logan county sheriff's found no signs of a physical altercation, but they did notice he was drunk.
Captain Patrick Stewart with the OKC Police Department said, "At that time, while he was in the back seat of the vehicle he did kick the window out of the back seat of the patrol vehicle."
Dawson is on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of Oklahoma City's investigation.
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Captain Patrick Stewart with the OKC Police Department said, "At that time, while he was in the back seat of the vehicle he did kick the window out of the back seat of the patrol vehicle."
Dawson is on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of Oklahoma City's investigation.
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Officer Kahlya Derkson Charged with Domestic Violence
A Cincinnati police officer has been arrested and charged with domestic violence, after an altercation the day after Christmas.
According to court papers, 34 year old Officer Kahlya Derkson got into an argument with the father of her child at his home in Norwood. The alleged victim says Derkson tried to take their baby from his car. They argued, and he says she tried to gouge his eyes. The father of Derkson's child claims he suffered a scratched face, and bloody nose.
A Cincinnati Police spokeswoman says Derkson is being assigned to desk duty and her police powers are in the process of being suspended.
She has been with the department since 1998.
According to court papers, 34 year old Officer Kahlya Derkson got into an argument with the father of her child at his home in Norwood. The alleged victim says Derkson tried to take their baby from his car. They argued, and he says she tried to gouge his eyes. The father of Derkson's child claims he suffered a scratched face, and bloody nose.
A Cincinnati Police spokeswoman says Derkson is being assigned to desk duty and her police powers are in the process of being suspended.
She has been with the department since 1998.
Former Officer David Reveille Beaten by Another Inmate at Jail
A fired Gainesville police officer will have to wait until at least the end of the week before he is sentenced in a felony sex case after being injured following a dispute over the television show "Law and Order."
David John Reveille, 47, appeared in court Monday afternoon with a bandage over his nose. He was scheduled to be sentenced as part of a plea deal after being charged with using his official position to obtain sexual favors. Specifically, Reveille was charged in February with eight counts of sexual battery, two counts of battery and one count each of false imprisonment and official misconduct.
According to the Alachua County Sheriff's Office, Reveille was beaten by another inmate, Willis Jamard Robinson, 19, after a dispute over a television show.
Reveille told investigators he had been watching the hour-long program "Law and Order" the night before the incident, the Sheriff's Office reported. According to Reveille, Robinson changed the channel with only a few minutes left in the show and refused to turn the channel back to the program for Reveille.
The next day, shortly before 11 a.m. on Dec. 29, according to the Sheriff's Office, Reveille had been let out of his cell while a nurse was distributing medications. Reveille was being held in protective custody because he was a former law enforcement officer. Inmate witnesses told investigators that Reveille was at the water fountain getting a drink when Robinson ran out of his cell and punched the former officer once in the face with a closed fist. Witnesses said Reveille fell to the floor motionless.
Sheriff's spokesman Lt. Steve Maynard said Reveille was taken to Shands at the University of Florida for treatment. Maynard said federal privacy laws prohibit releasing medical details, but he was able to characterize the injuries to Reveille as serious but not life-threatening. Reveille later told investigators he did not remember anything after being punched until he woke up in the hospital.
Following a nearly 15-minute long conference with attorneys in the case Monday, Judge Ysleta McDonald delayed sentencing until at least Friday. During the judge's conference with the attorneys, Reveille sat at a table with his head slightly tilted down and most of the time holding what appeared to be a white tissue or bandage over his mouth.
Robinson, who had been housed at the jail since late November on an attempted murder charge, was charged with battery in connection with the incident involving Reveille.
David John Reveille, 47, appeared in court Monday afternoon with a bandage over his nose. He was scheduled to be sentenced as part of a plea deal after being charged with using his official position to obtain sexual favors. Specifically, Reveille was charged in February with eight counts of sexual battery, two counts of battery and one count each of false imprisonment and official misconduct.
According to the Alachua County Sheriff's Office, Reveille was beaten by another inmate, Willis Jamard Robinson, 19, after a dispute over a television show.
Reveille told investigators he had been watching the hour-long program "Law and Order" the night before the incident, the Sheriff's Office reported. According to Reveille, Robinson changed the channel with only a few minutes left in the show and refused to turn the channel back to the program for Reveille.
The next day, shortly before 11 a.m. on Dec. 29, according to the Sheriff's Office, Reveille had been let out of his cell while a nurse was distributing medications. Reveille was being held in protective custody because he was a former law enforcement officer. Inmate witnesses told investigators that Reveille was at the water fountain getting a drink when Robinson ran out of his cell and punched the former officer once in the face with a closed fist. Witnesses said Reveille fell to the floor motionless.
Sheriff's spokesman Lt. Steve Maynard said Reveille was taken to Shands at the University of Florida for treatment. Maynard said federal privacy laws prohibit releasing medical details, but he was able to characterize the injuries to Reveille as serious but not life-threatening. Reveille later told investigators he did not remember anything after being punched until he woke up in the hospital.
Following a nearly 15-minute long conference with attorneys in the case Monday, Judge Ysleta McDonald delayed sentencing until at least Friday. During the judge's conference with the attorneys, Reveille sat at a table with his head slightly tilted down and most of the time holding what appeared to be a white tissue or bandage over his mouth.
Robinson, who had been housed at the jail since late November on an attempted murder charge, was charged with battery in connection with the incident involving Reveille.
Officer Suspended After Allegedly Having Sex in Church
Police in southern Germany say an officer has been suspended from duty after allegedly having sex in a Catholic church during a service.
Regional police spokesman Hans-Peter Kammerer told the German news agency DAPD on Monday that the 26-year-old faces possible disciplinary measures and a criminal complaint for allegedly disturbing religious activities.
He said a visitor discovered the officer with a woman in the church in Rennertshofen, near the Bavarian city of Ingolstadt, during an early-morning service last Thursday. The couple then fled, but a church employee recognized the officer.
The man was suspended the following day. Disturbing religious activities can carry a sentence of up to three years in prison.
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Regional police spokesman Hans-Peter Kammerer told the German news agency DAPD on Monday that the 26-year-old faces possible disciplinary measures and a criminal complaint for allegedly disturbing religious activities.
He said a visitor discovered the officer with a woman in the church in Rennertshofen, near the Bavarian city of Ingolstadt, during an early-morning service last Thursday. The couple then fled, but a church employee recognized the officer.
The man was suspended the following day. Disturbing religious activities can carry a sentence of up to three years in prison.
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Officer Marcus Kilpatrick Pleads No Contest to Killing 86-Year-old Driver
A police officer on Monday pleaded no contest to charges connected to a crash during a high-speed chase that killed a 86-year-old driver nearly one year ago.
Officer Marcus Kilpatrick pleaded no contest to culpable negligence and was sentenced to one year of probation and 100 hours of community service. Under the terms of the plea agreement, there will be no record of the conviction if Kilpatrick successfully completes his probation.
An Florida Highway Patrol investigation into the Jan. 14, 2009, wreck found that Kilpatrick's patrol car was going 98 mph on Merrill Road when he struck a pickup truck driven by Matthew Ogden Jr.
Matthew Ogden died in January when his pickup truck was struck by a JSO patrol car.
Ogden was ejected from the pickup and died at the scene. Kilpatrick received a minor injury and fully recovered.
Prior to sentencing on Monday, Kilpatrick apologized to Ogden's family. The family told the court they did not want to see Kilpatrick go to jail, but wanted the sheriff's office to change their vehicle chase procedures.
Kilpatrick, 30, told investigators he was trying to pull over a vehicle for a window-tint violation at the time, but the FHP said there were conflicting reports about whether the marked patrol car had lights and siren on at the time of the crash.
"Visibility was not a problem. Apparently, the driver of the pickup truck didn't see the patrol car coming," FHP Lt. Bill Leeper said at the time.
Kilpatrick was placed on desk duty after the wreck. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office told Channel 4 that it was waiting on the state's case to be concluded before an internal investigation would be conducted. Undersheriff Frank Mackesy said an internal affairs probe of the wreck will take place and its recommendations forwarded to the sheriff.
Officer Marcus Kilpatrick pleaded no contest to culpable negligence and was sentenced to one year of probation and 100 hours of community service. Under the terms of the plea agreement, there will be no record of the conviction if Kilpatrick successfully completes his probation.
An Florida Highway Patrol investigation into the Jan. 14, 2009, wreck found that Kilpatrick's patrol car was going 98 mph on Merrill Road when he struck a pickup truck driven by Matthew Ogden Jr.
Matthew Ogden died in January when his pickup truck was struck by a JSO patrol car.
Ogden was ejected from the pickup and died at the scene. Kilpatrick received a minor injury and fully recovered.
Prior to sentencing on Monday, Kilpatrick apologized to Ogden's family. The family told the court they did not want to see Kilpatrick go to jail, but wanted the sheriff's office to change their vehicle chase procedures.
Kilpatrick, 30, told investigators he was trying to pull over a vehicle for a window-tint violation at the time, but the FHP said there were conflicting reports about whether the marked patrol car had lights and siren on at the time of the crash.
"Visibility was not a problem. Apparently, the driver of the pickup truck didn't see the patrol car coming," FHP Lt. Bill Leeper said at the time.
Kilpatrick was placed on desk duty after the wreck. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office told Channel 4 that it was waiting on the state's case to be concluded before an internal investigation would be conducted. Undersheriff Frank Mackesy said an internal affairs probe of the wreck will take place and its recommendations forwarded to the sheriff.
Arrest of Officer Marcus Jackson Causes Charges to be Dropped Against Suspects
Fallout from the arrest of a Charlotte Mecklenburg Police officer on sexual assault charges is beginning to be felt outside the police department. Eyewitness News has learned Mecklenburg County prosecutors will be forced to drop charges against many of the suspects arrested by Marcus Jackson.
Jackson was arrested last week after two women, in separate incidents, told police they were forced to perform sexual acts after being stopped and questioned by Jackson. He is no longer on the police force.
A spokesman for District Attorney Peter Gilchrist said prosecutors are compiling a list of cases Jackson was involved in. Cases in which Jackson was scheduled to provide significant information will likely be dropped, said Bart Menser. “It’s a truthfulness issue. How can you ask folks to convict someone else when you have allegations like this” against a police officer who is a witness in the case?
Menser said it’s the same process used when other officers have found themselves charged with crimes. In 2008, officers Gerald Holas and Jason Ross were arrested and charged with tipping off drug dealers. Prosecutors dropped many of the cases they’d been working on.
For Marcus Jackson, the questions go beyond cases that may be dropped. Years before he became a police officer in September, 2008, Jackson was the focus of domestic violence allegations by two women who told a judge he had physically assaulted them. Both women took out restraining orders against Jackson.
CMPD has so far declined to say whether those domestic violence incidents should have disqualified Jackson from being hired. Nor has the department said whether Jackson had any discipline problems during his 15 months with the department.
Jackson was arrested last week after two women, in separate incidents, told police they were forced to perform sexual acts after being stopped and questioned by Jackson. He is no longer on the police force.
A spokesman for District Attorney Peter Gilchrist said prosecutors are compiling a list of cases Jackson was involved in. Cases in which Jackson was scheduled to provide significant information will likely be dropped, said Bart Menser. “It’s a truthfulness issue. How can you ask folks to convict someone else when you have allegations like this” against a police officer who is a witness in the case?
Menser said it’s the same process used when other officers have found themselves charged with crimes. In 2008, officers Gerald Holas and Jason Ross were arrested and charged with tipping off drug dealers. Prosecutors dropped many of the cases they’d been working on.
For Marcus Jackson, the questions go beyond cases that may be dropped. Years before he became a police officer in September, 2008, Jackson was the focus of domestic violence allegations by two women who told a judge he had physically assaulted them. Both women took out restraining orders against Jackson.
CMPD has so far declined to say whether those domestic violence incidents should have disqualified Jackson from being hired. Nor has the department said whether Jackson had any discipline problems during his 15 months with the department.
Former Officer Buck Morris Accused of Sexually Assaulting Teen Scheduled to Appear in Court Monday
A former Stillwater police officer accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl is scheduled to appear in court Monday.
A preliminary hearing is set for 9 a.m. Monday in Payne County District Court for 48-year-old Louis Alvie "Buck" Morris.
Morris was charged in June with two counts of rape by instrumentation and three counts of lewd acts with a child. An after-hours message left Saturday with Morris' attorney was not immediately returned.
According to an arrest warrant affidavit, the alleged victim dated Morris' 16-year-old son and continued to talk to Morris after the two teens broke up.
A 17-year veteran of the Stillwater Police Department, Morris was suspended June 2 and resigned from the force on June 26.
Information from: Stillwater News Press, http://www.stwnewspress.com
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A preliminary hearing is set for 9 a.m. Monday in Payne County District Court for 48-year-old Louis Alvie "Buck" Morris.
Morris was charged in June with two counts of rape by instrumentation and three counts of lewd acts with a child. An after-hours message left Saturday with Morris' attorney was not immediately returned.
According to an arrest warrant affidavit, the alleged victim dated Morris' 16-year-old son and continued to talk to Morris after the two teens broke up.
A 17-year veteran of the Stillwater Police Department, Morris was suspended June 2 and resigned from the force on June 26.
Information from: Stillwater News Press, http://www.stwnewspress.com
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Officer Kenitra Davis Arrested for Drunk Driving
A Mount Pleasant police officer has been placed on administrative leave after North Charleston police, responding to a New Year's Eve call about a car in an apartment complex pond, charged her with drunken driving.
Kenitra Davis of North Charleston was arrested by police and charged with driving under the influence after a wreck in her personal vehicle, according to a news release from Mount Pleasant Police Chief Harry Sewell. She was not on duty. She has been placed on leave without pay pending an internal investigation.
Police were called to a report on a car in the pond at the Cedar Grove Apartments at 11:30 p.m. Thursday, said Spencer Pryor, North Charleston police public information officer. It was a single-car wreck. Davis was arrested after police made contact with her.
The incident follows the arrest of a Charleston police officer Tuesday after the S.C. Highway Patrol investigated a weekend incident in which a parked car was struck by a vehicle that left the scene. Charles C. Missel was charged with first-offense driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident, according to the state Department of Public Safety. He too was placed on administrative leave pending investigation.
Kenitra Davis of North Charleston was arrested by police and charged with driving under the influence after a wreck in her personal vehicle, according to a news release from Mount Pleasant Police Chief Harry Sewell. She was not on duty. She has been placed on leave without pay pending an internal investigation.
Police were called to a report on a car in the pond at the Cedar Grove Apartments at 11:30 p.m. Thursday, said Spencer Pryor, North Charleston police public information officer. It was a single-car wreck. Davis was arrested after police made contact with her.
The incident follows the arrest of a Charleston police officer Tuesday after the S.C. Highway Patrol investigated a weekend incident in which a parked car was struck by a vehicle that left the scene. Charles C. Missel was charged with first-offense driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident, according to the state Department of Public Safety. He too was placed on administrative leave pending investigation.
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Preston Bussey III Dies After Being Tasered
Cocoa investigators are trying to figure out how a man died at a hospital after local police shocked him with a Taser.
On Sunday, the victim's family spoke out.
"I feel that he went there for safety, for a safe place and he should have been protected," said Pearl Morice, the mother of Preston Bussey III. "I don't know what happened, but I'm seeking justice."
Bussey, 41, admitted himself to Wuesthoff Hospital with apparent self-inflicted wounds, according to a police report. The emergency room physician called for an involuntary psychological examination. The police report said Buseey became combative and disruptive.
Hospital officials called the Rockledge Police Department, after which two officers deployed their Tasers. Bussey was kept in the waiting room, where he was given medication and placed on a gurney. Buseey died shortly after.
"It's agony to not have answers to dear questions especially when they're dealing with your children," said Preston Bussey Jr., the victim's father.
The family said their son's death was even more painful because another son died at Holmes Regional Medical Center after a struggle with police in 1999.
The Rockledge Police Department said in a statement that they sent their sincerest condolences to the Bussey family during the tragic event.
With the investigation ongoing by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the department said it would be premature to comment further on the incident.
On Sunday, the victim's family spoke out.
"I feel that he went there for safety, for a safe place and he should have been protected," said Pearl Morice, the mother of Preston Bussey III. "I don't know what happened, but I'm seeking justice."
Bussey, 41, admitted himself to Wuesthoff Hospital with apparent self-inflicted wounds, according to a police report. The emergency room physician called for an involuntary psychological examination. The police report said Buseey became combative and disruptive.
Hospital officials called the Rockledge Police Department, after which two officers deployed their Tasers. Bussey was kept in the waiting room, where he was given medication and placed on a gurney. Buseey died shortly after.
"It's agony to not have answers to dear questions especially when they're dealing with your children," said Preston Bussey Jr., the victim's father.
The family said their son's death was even more painful because another son died at Holmes Regional Medical Center after a struggle with police in 1999.
The Rockledge Police Department said in a statement that they sent their sincerest condolences to the Bussey family during the tragic event.
With the investigation ongoing by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the department said it would be premature to comment further on the incident.
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