A Youngstown police officer is due in court this evening on charges of disorderly conduct and failure to desist after being arrested late Monday for allegedly interfering in the investigation of a fight at a gas station.
Kenneth Bielik, 29, of Austintown, was issued a summons on the charges following an incident at Sheetz gas sation at the corner of Mahoning Avenue and Route 46.
Youngstown Police Chief Robin Lees said Bielik is not on suspension because the investigation into the officer’s behavior just began and he wants to wait to see what happens in court.
According to a police report, Austintown officers were called to the gas station just after 11:30 p.m. Monday for a large fight. When they arrived, they saw a man, later identified as James Bielik, 31, shoving another man, Andrew Irwin, against a brick wall outside the gas station.
After seeing James Bielik shove Irwin a second time, officers ordered them to separate, and they complied. Irwin told officers he was confronted by James Bielik inside the store and was pushed out the double doors into the parking lot by James Bielik, who is the YPD officer’s brother.
Officers said James Bielik was very drunk and he told officers he thought Irwin was bothering his sister, which prompted the confrontation.
While Austintown officers were trying to interview James Bielik, Kenneth Bielik kept trying to interrupt despite repeated warnings to step away, the report states.
The report states that at one point, Kenneth Bielik yelled “I work for YPD. I am a police officer. What are you going to arrest me for?” Austintown officers noted in the report that Kenneth Bielik appeared very intoxicated, smelled strongly of alcohol and had glassy and bloodshot eyes.
After being told he would be arrested for disorderly conduct and obstructing official business if he did not walk away, Bielik had to be restrained by a friend, the report states.
As officers were trying to question a woman at the scene about what happened, Bielik continued to walk over and interject his comments. After being given several warnings and continuing his aggressive behavior, Austintown officers arrested Bielik for disorderly conduct and failure to desist.
At first, Bielik refused to be handcuffed, but he later complied, the report states. Once at the Austintown police station, Bielik calmed down and said he was upset because of a comment made toward his sister and he was defending her, the report states.
James Bielik was issued a summons for disorderly conduct after Irwin refused to press charges for assault, the report states.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Corrections Officer Mark Pronovost Arrested for Child Porn
Officials say a man surrendered peacefully after barricading himself inside an Orange City home around 11 a.m. Tuesday morning.
State and federal Internet crimes agents showed up to serve a search warrant at Mark Pronovost's home. Pronovost, 32, happens to be a corrections officer at the Volusia County Jail. Investigators said they recently learned child porn was being sent to, or from, Pronovost's computer. As they were trying to serve the search warrant, they said Pronovost was initially very cooperative.
"He became uncooperative at some point, grabbed one of the children -- the smallest one -- and barricaded himself in a room and armed himself with a firearm, said Tony Rodriguez with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Hostage crisis negotiators talked with Pronovost, convincing him to let the child go. After awhile they say Pronovost handed over his gun and surrendered.
"He made no threats toward law enforcement. He said he did not wish to hurt law enforcement, and we do not believe he would have hurt any of his children either," Rodriguez said.
Pronovost was arrested and taken to Seminole County Jail, because of his ties to the Volusia County Jail.
State and federal Internet crimes agents showed up to serve a search warrant at Mark Pronovost's home. Pronovost, 32, happens to be a corrections officer at the Volusia County Jail. Investigators said they recently learned child porn was being sent to, or from, Pronovost's computer. As they were trying to serve the search warrant, they said Pronovost was initially very cooperative.
"He became uncooperative at some point, grabbed one of the children -- the smallest one -- and barricaded himself in a room and armed himself with a firearm, said Tony Rodriguez with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Hostage crisis negotiators talked with Pronovost, convincing him to let the child go. After awhile they say Pronovost handed over his gun and surrendered.
"He made no threats toward law enforcement. He said he did not wish to hurt law enforcement, and we do not believe he would have hurt any of his children either," Rodriguez said.
Pronovost was arrested and taken to Seminole County Jail, because of his ties to the Volusia County Jail.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Officer Tamara Miliken Arrested for DUI
Officer Tamara Miliken was arrested Saturday at a checkpoint on Brandon Road.
She bonded out of jail shortly after she was booked.
Milliken was once a commander with the Jackson Police Department.
Officer Jovon Tierell Bonneau Arrested for DUI
Jovon Tierell Bonneau, 28, who has been a Charleston police officer since June 2010, was arrested early Sunday after he stumbled and swayed during a field-sobriety test in North Charleston, an incident report stated.
A breath test later indicated that his blood-alcohol content was 0.19 percent, according to the document. That's more than twice the legal driving limit of 0.08 percent.
When North Charleston police officers searched the car that Bonneau's truck hit, they found 20 small bags of methamphetamine, they said. Lashaun Q. White, 32, of Valcour Road on Johns Island, was arrested on a charge of possession with intent to distribute meth.
It was the first arrest in South Carolina for both men, according to the State Law Enforcement Division.
Bonneau was placed on unpaid leave, Charleston police spokesman Charles Francis said. He was off duty and in his own vehicle at the time of the wreck, Francis said.
His driver's license was suspended.
The events leading to the arrests started about 2:42 a.m. Sunday, as a North Charleston police officer worked an off-duty job at an IHOP restaurant. The officer reported seeing Bonneau's Dodge Ram rear-end a Toyota Corolla at a traffic light at Ashley Phosphate and Mazyck roads.
The Toyota's driver, 35-year-old Shanta Nelson of Betsy Kerrison Parkway on Johns Island, and the passenger, White, were hurt. Paramedics took them to Roper Hospital Diagnostics & ER Northwoods.
Bonneau was uninjured and steered his truck into the IHOP parking lot, police said. As he completed a crash report, the officer reported that he smelled alcohol on Bonneau's breath. Bonneau's eyes were red, and he often lost his balance while performing tasks during the sobriety test, according to the report.
Bonneau told the officer that he had two drinks at a bar "up the road," the paperwork stated.
Before he took the breath test at police headquarters, according to the report, Bonneau fell asleep. An officer said he awakened Bonneau so he could answer questions for a jail booking report.
Bonneau, a resident of Marinella Drive in Goose Creek, spent seven hours at the Charleston County jail before he was freed on bail.
Meanwhile, officers said they searched the Toyota while preparing to have it towed.
They found the small bags of meth in the glove compartment, police said. They weighed 6.7 grams, or about a quarter of an ounce.
At the hospital, White acknowledged that drugs were his, an incident report stated, and said that his girlfriend had nothing to do with it.
Monday, March 17, 2014
Former Chief Andrew Demers Charged with Unlawful Sexual Contact with Child
Andrew E. Demers, 73, of New Gloucester turned himself in to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office at 9 a.m. Monday. He was charged with unlawful sexual contact — a Class B crime — then released on $5,000 cash bail, according to Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce.
The incidents that led to Demers’ arrest allegedly took place during the past several months. The alleged victim was a young member of Demers’ family, Joyce told the Bangor Daily News by phone Monday.
A tip from a previous employee of Demers’ at the Maine State Police spurred the investigation, according to Joyce.
During the past week, detectives from the sheriff’s office investigated reports of “an ongoing unlawful sexual contact situation,” and in recent days interviewed witnesses and a suspected victim, according to a release from Joyce.
If convicted, Demers could serve up to 10 years in prison and face a maximum fine of $20,000.
Demers served 26 years with the Maine State Police and held the position of chief from 1987 to 1993, when he retired.
In 2003, Demers was the most decorated officer in state police history and was named a “Legendary Trooper,” the Sun Journal reported at the time.
A condition of Demers’ release is that he not have contact with anyone younger than 16 years old.
On Monday, Col. Robert Williams, chief of the Maine State Police, released the following statement:
“The state police are stunned at the allegation and saddened for the victim and their family. Our thoughts and concerns are with them. We learned of the allegations last Monday and immediately referred the case to the Cumberland County district attorney’s office. To avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest, we suggested that the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office investigate, and we have had no further involvement in the investigation.”
Tamara Getchell, spokeswoman for the Cumberland County district attorney’s office, said Monday afternoon that the case remains under investigation and nothing has been filed in court.
In recent years, two other former state troopers — one who served on Maine’s force and one from Massachusetts — were convicted of sex crimes in Maine.
In April 2012, Gregory Vrooman of Nobleboro, a 24-year veteran of the Maine State Police, was convicted of 12 sex crimes against a girl younger than 14 years old. He was sentenced to five years in prison with all but 21 months suspended.
In October 2011, retired Massachusetts State Trooper Joseph Silva of Newburyport, Mass., was convicted of gross sexual assault and two counts of aggravated assault against a woman in a Kittery motel. He will serve a total of 10 years in prison, with 10 years probation, WMTW TV reported at the time.
While declining to comment on the specific allegations, Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault spokeswoman Cara Courchesne said Monday that child sexual abuse is always perpetrated by someone who has more power and control than the child does, but when the perpetrator is a respected member of the community, that power often makes it more difficult for a victim to disclose the abuse.
“Take Jerry Sandusky,” she said. “He was a pillar in the community, and then it turns out he’s been sexually abusing boys for a number of years. The part of this that makes child sexual abuse cases more difficult than they already are is the cases often involve someone who people really respect and people really trust. … With people who abuse children, an aspect of their behavior is they are able to gain the trust of the adults around the child and end up being able to perpetrate the abuse. In cases where there is an ongoing pattern of abuse, that is often the case.”
Two Former Officers Indicted on Sex Abuse Charges
A grand jury has indicted a former Kentucky State Police trooper and a former Brandenburg police officer on sex abuse charges.
The two are accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old.
Click here to watch story
Former KSP Trooper Stratford Young was indicted on one count of rape third-degree and two counts of third-degree sodomy.
"It's disappointing for several families, for our agency, for the state of Kentucky," said Trooper Jeff Gregory.
Former Brandenburg police Officer Todd Matti was indicted on two counts of third-degree sodomy.
Special prosecutor Tom Wine told Judge Bruce Butler they chose not to present indictments against other individuals, but did not say why.
Both men entered not guilty pleas at their arraignments Monday afternoon.
"We protect and we serve, to the best of our ability, and at times things happen that may not represent our agency the way we want it represented," said Gregory.
The two are accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old.
Click here to watch story
Former KSP Trooper Stratford Young was indicted on one count of rape third-degree and two counts of third-degree sodomy.
"It's disappointing for several families, for our agency, for the state of Kentucky," said Trooper Jeff Gregory.
Former Brandenburg police Officer Todd Matti was indicted on two counts of third-degree sodomy.
Special prosecutor Tom Wine told Judge Bruce Butler they chose not to present indictments against other individuals, but did not say why.
Both men entered not guilty pleas at their arraignments Monday afternoon.
"We protect and we serve, to the best of our ability, and at times things happen that may not represent our agency the way we want it represented," said Gregory.
Former Officer Patrick Earwood Charged with Molesting Girls Due in Court
A former Cave Spring police officer accused of molesting girls and forcing women into sexual acts is scheduled for an arraignment next month.
Patrick Edward Earwood, 31, remained in jail Friday without bond. Earwood is scheduled to appear April 11 before a Floyd County Superior Court judge.
Earwood has the option of having his charges read to him at the arraignment.
Prosecutors allege Ear wood coerced girls and women to perform sex acts or expose themselves.
Authorities first learned of the allegations when a girl alleged she rode in Earwood’s patrol car, and that he asked her for sex, police reported.
An investigation began, which led detectives to two different women.
According to an order by Superior Court Judge Tami Colston:
The first woman said Earwood arrested her and took her to City Hall. Earwood then told her he’d free her if she gave him oral sex. When she said nothing, Earwood returned her to his patrol car and began driving to the Floyd County Jail.
“On the way to the jail, Defendant Earwood said ‘are you going to do this or not?’” the order states. “She responded, ‘You know, I’m going to have to do this?’ He said yes and pulled off the road.”
The woman performed oral sex on Earwood, and he then took the woman to meet her mother. She did not go to jail.
The second woman said she encountered Earwood when he arrested her for DUI. Earwood said they could “work something out” if her boyfriend wasn’t in the car. She thought little of the comment, and Earwood took her to the police station for a breath test. When she failed the test, Earwood put her in his patrol car and began driving to jail.
“On the way to the jail, Earwood offered to lower one of the traffic charges if she would let him touch her breasts,” the order states. “She moved up closer to him and he fondled her breasts on the way to the jail.”
Earwood faces two counts each of aggravated sodomy, second-degree child cruelty, sexual battery and sexual assault against a person in custody. He also faces charges of aggravated child molestation, child molestation, giving false statements and violation of his oath by a public officer.
Officer Tyrone Jenkins Arrested for Dealing Drugs
Officer Tyrone Jenkins was booked into the Tulsa County jail on complaints of Possession of Firearm in Commission of a Felony, Conspiracy to Traffic Cocaine and Violation of the Computer Crimes Act.
According to a press release, Tulsa police received information regarding alleged criminal activity involving Jenkins and launched an internal investigation.
Police said more information would be released later.
Border Patrol Agent Esteban Manzanares Kidnapped and Assaults Three then Kills Self
Agent Esteban Manzanares, who officials say committed suicide early Thursday morning, is accused of driving the three away from the river after they surrendered and assaulting them. The other agent said Manzanares cut the wrists of the adult woman, assaulted one teenager in the group, and then fled the area with a second teenage girl.
The Honduran embassy in Washington, D.C., said the three are a mother, her underage daughter and another girl not related to them. The FBI has said the three were in the country illegally.
The woman who had escaped the attack and walked further upriver tripped a camera at the border fence shortly after 5 p.m. Wednesday, the agent and law enforcement official said.
They said in the camera image a woman can be seen walking toward a gap in the fence. The border agent said there was blood covering her wrists. Within ten minutes of the camera image being taken, agents responded to the woman and began the search, the border agent and federal official said.
The federal law enforcement official spoke on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to talk about the case because the FBI was leading the investigation. The border agent spoke on condition of anonymity because the agent was not allowed to speak to the media because of the ongoing investigation.
Customs and Border Protection, the federal agency of which the Border Patrol is part, has said that when they found the woman she told them she had been attacked by a man. The federal official said the woman described the man as wearing green fatigues. Border Patrol agents wear green uniforms. She also described a vehicle that the federal official said authorities believed to be a Border Patrol vehicle.
The official and the agent said a search was quickly launched in the area for the other two victims. One of the teenagers was found near the border in the brush, and hours later the second girl was located in Manzanares’ home in Mission, the federal official and the agent said. Mission is a suburb of McAllen, close to the Texas-Mexico border about 350 miles from Houston.
When authorities approached the agent’s apartment, they heard gunfire. A short time later, when investigators went into the apartment, they found him dead and rescued the other girl.
A CBP official told The Associated Press that the agent was on duty when he encountered the females and that his shift had ended by the time authorities showed up at his house and he shot himself. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because it is an ongoing investigation by the FBI.
Karol Escalante, a spokeswoman for the Honduran embassy in Washington, D.C., said the three Hondurans are recovering at a hospital in McAllen. She would not elaborate on their injuries.
R. Gil Kerlikowske, Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, said in a statement Friday that such acts are not representative of the agents of theBorder Patrol. He added that the agency is working to make sure the victims receive proper care. The CPB is collaborating with the FBI, who is conducting the investigation.
“I am deeply sorry that this incident occurred and am committed to doing everything in my power to prevent incidents like this from occurring again,” he said.
The Border Patrol agent who participated in the search said Manzanares was assigned to Anzalduas Park. The FBI said it is awaiting an autopsy report on Manzanares, who the Border Patrol said had been with the agency since 2008.
The number of apprehensions by the Border Patrol —a figure commonly used to gauge the ebb and flow of illegal border crossers — rose by 16 percent last year to 420,789 undocumented immigrants detained. More than half of those arrests were made in Texas.
Border Patrol Chief Michael Fisher said last October that much of the increase was due to a rise in the number of people from Central American trying to enter the U.S. in South Texas.
While apprehensions of Mexican nationals remained fairly steady, arrests of immigrants from other countries, including Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, rose 55 percent. Limited economic opportunities and widespread gang and drug cartel violence in Central America have driven tens of thousands north along a dangerous route through Mexico.
Former Trooper Stratford Young and Officer Todd Matti Charged with Sodomy on 15-year-old
Two former law enforcement officers accused of having inappropriate sexual contact with a minor were indicted by the Meade County Grand Jury.
Charges against former Kentucky State Trooper Stratford Young and former Brandenburg City Police Officer Todd Matti were presented by Jefferson County Assistant Commonwealth Attorneys Sara Farmer and Bill Burt and Jefferson County Commonwealth Attorney Thomas Wine.
"It's disappointing for several families for our agency, for the state of Kentucky," Kentucky State Police Public Affairs Officer, Jeff Gregory said.
Stratford Young, 33, and Todd Matti, 44, face two counts of Sodomy in the Third Degree against a 15-year-oldgirl. Matti's charges date back to November, 2012. Young also charged with Rape in the Third Degree. His alleged encounters with the teen date back from May to July, 2013. They both plead not guilty.
"When I heard it was Stratford, I couldn't believe it," Wesley Veatch, a Brandenburg resident told WAVE 3 News.
News of the indictments spread around town- a Kentucky State Police Trooper fired from the job he was respected for.
"He's one of the most decorated officers that I've heard, I would have never thought he'd done something like that," Veatch said.
Todd Matti resigned as a Brandenburg Police officer. We interviewed him last May for saving a teen's life.
"I didn't realize how much recognition we'd get, but it's humbling," Matti said back then.
Both men walked away from our camera after the hearing. Two other officers have also been accused. Their cases were not presented Monday....prosecutors told us that was to avoid jeopardizing the evidence they say they have against Matti and Young.
"You hate to uh, see anything of this nature come about, but we'll just fall back and let the court system do what it's supposed to do," Gregory said.
The two men paid $1,000 towards their bond. Their next court date is May 22nd.
Sgt. Rick St. Blanchard, a spokesperson for KSP headquarters, confirmed Young was terminated from the Elizabeth town post on September 13, 2013 after the investigation was launched concerning accusations of inappropriate behavior involving a 15-year-old girl.
Matti, who was awarded by the Army for his role in saving the life of a teenager in May 2013, resigned from his position in October 2013 after the investigation came to light.
Young was charged with rape and two counts of sodomy. Matti is charged with two counts of sodomy.
Young and Matti are not currently in custody. Both their cases are scheduled for a pretrial conference May 22 in Meade County.
Charges against former Kentucky State Trooper Stratford Young and former Brandenburg City Police Officer Todd Matti were presented by Jefferson County Assistant Commonwealth Attorneys Sara Farmer and Bill Burt and Jefferson County Commonwealth Attorney Thomas Wine.
"It's disappointing for several families for our agency, for the state of Kentucky," Kentucky State Police Public Affairs Officer, Jeff Gregory said.
Stratford Young, 33, and Todd Matti, 44, face two counts of Sodomy in the Third Degree against a 15-year-oldgirl. Matti's charges date back to November, 2012. Young also charged with Rape in the Third Degree. His alleged encounters with the teen date back from May to July, 2013. They both plead not guilty.
"When I heard it was Stratford, I couldn't believe it," Wesley Veatch, a Brandenburg resident told WAVE 3 News.
News of the indictments spread around town- a Kentucky State Police Trooper fired from the job he was respected for.
"He's one of the most decorated officers that I've heard, I would have never thought he'd done something like that," Veatch said.
Todd Matti resigned as a Brandenburg Police officer. We interviewed him last May for saving a teen's life.
"I didn't realize how much recognition we'd get, but it's humbling," Matti said back then.
Both men walked away from our camera after the hearing. Two other officers have also been accused. Their cases were not presented Monday....prosecutors told us that was to avoid jeopardizing the evidence they say they have against Matti and Young.
"You hate to uh, see anything of this nature come about, but we'll just fall back and let the court system do what it's supposed to do," Gregory said.
The two men paid $1,000 towards their bond. Their next court date is May 22nd.
Sgt. Rick St. Blanchard, a spokesperson for KSP headquarters, confirmed Young was terminated from the Elizabeth town post on September 13, 2013 after the investigation was launched concerning accusations of inappropriate behavior involving a 15-year-old girl.
Matti, who was awarded by the Army for his role in saving the life of a teenager in May 2013, resigned from his position in October 2013 after the investigation came to light.
Young was charged with rape and two counts of sodomy. Matti is charged with two counts of sodomy.
Young and Matti are not currently in custody. Both their cases are scheduled for a pretrial conference May 22 in Meade County.
Officer William Norton Arrested for DUI
William Henry Norton, a K-9 officer, was booked just before noon on Friday and released hours later on a $1,000 bond, Dowling said.
Norton was not on duty when this happened, but he was arrested while driving his patrol car, Dowling added. K-9 officers are allowed to take these cars home.
South Carolina Highway Patrol troopers responded to a crash on Brighton Avenue, near Norton's home. A neighbor told WMBF News Norton had driven the patrol car into a median, wedging against a palm tree.
Norton is on restricted administrative assignment, or "desk duty," Dowling said. Norton's car, badge, and equipment have been turned over to department, and he does not have law enforcement authority.
This incident has prompted an official investigation by the North Myrtle Beach Police Department.
Under the South Carolina Penal Code, a DUI charge does not just apply to alcohol or illegal drugs. Prescription drugs and some over the counter drugs can also net an impaired driving charge from authorities.
Officer Steven Harrison Charged with DUI
A Forest Park police officer was arrested and charged with driving under the influence and cited for failure to maintain lane in Buckhead on Sunday morning.
According to Georgia State Patrol, troopers were conducting a traffic stop on Old Ivy Road when the officer was arrested.
The officer, Steven Harrison, was taken into custody during the stop.
Officials have not released any other details on Harrison's arrest.
According to Georgia State Patrol, troopers were conducting a traffic stop on Old Ivy Road when the officer was arrested.
The officer, Steven Harrison, was taken into custody during the stop.
Officials have not released any other details on Harrison's arrest.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Deputy Bobby Joe Chandler Arrested for Sexual Battery on Juvenile
Bobby Joe Chandler, 64, of Gulfport, was arrested Saturday on a charge that alleges sexual involvement with a girl who is a juvenile.
Sheriff Melvin Brisolara confirmed the arrest Monday.
"He was terminated today," Brisolara said.
Chandler was booked at the Hancock County jail and held on a $100,000.
Booking him at a neighboring jail is standard procedure to ensure his safety, the sheriff said.
Chandler had been promoted to deputy warden at the Harrison County jail Feb. 1, 2008.
Brisolara said Chandler served in that capacity less than a year and was named maintenance manager of buildings used by the sheriff's office, including the jail and work center.
"He didn't work in the enforcement part," Brisolara said, "but under the state Constitution, he was still considered a deputy."
The attorney general's office is investigating the case.
Third Arrest for Sgt. Thomas Haymond for Drunk Driving
Report from October 10, 2013
A San Francisco police sergeant has been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving and hit and run after he allegedly crashed his private vehicle into a parked car in the Sunset District while he was off duty, authorities said Thursday.
Sgt. Thomas Haymond 52, a 22-year veteran assigned to Central Station, was booked on suspicion of misdemeanor drunken driving and hit and run with property damage stemming from the wreck Tuesday night, records show.
Police say Haymond was driving his car when he rear-ended the parked car at 12th Avenue and Lawton Street at 8:35 p.m.
"There was enough impact where his car launched that parked vehicle into a tree," said Officer Albie Esparza, a police spokesman. "There was moderate damage to both vehicles."
Recent Video of latest Accident March 2014
It also states in the video that he was arrested for the same charge in 2006.
A San Francisco police sergeant has been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving and hit and run after he allegedly crashed his private vehicle into a parked car in the Sunset District while he was off duty, authorities said Thursday.
Sgt. Thomas Haymond 52, a 22-year veteran assigned to Central Station, was booked on suspicion of misdemeanor drunken driving and hit and run with property damage stemming from the wreck Tuesday night, records show.
Police say Haymond was driving his car when he rear-ended the parked car at 12th Avenue and Lawton Street at 8:35 p.m.
"There was enough impact where his car launched that parked vehicle into a tree," said Officer Albie Esparza, a police spokesman. "There was moderate damage to both vehicles."
Recent Video of latest Accident March 2014
It also states in the video that he was arrested for the same charge in 2006.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Police Lt Brian Pergande Charged with Taking Photos of Stripper
Police Lt. Brian C. Pergande has been charged with official misconduct by the Waukesha County District Attorney for taking revealing photographs of a stripper while she was being detained - perhaps improperly - at the Butler police station in 2009.
The woman had very large breasts and was wearing a very low cut, tight fitting t-shirt, according to the complaint filed in Waukesha County Circuit Court late Friday afternoon.
The Butler police department does not photograph, fingerprint or book defendents at the village police station. Instead, it is department policy to take the individuals to the Waukesha County Sheriff's office or county jail, according to District Attorney Brad Schimel
It is also highly unusual for a police officer to travel into another jurisdiction to arrest someone on a warrant based on a municipal traffic citation, according to Schimel.
Pergande and two Milwaukee police officers arrested the women in a strip club. They escorted her to a back room of the club where she removed her thong and bikini top and changed into street clothes before being taken to the Butler police station, according to the complaint.
Pergande has denied allegations of any wrong doing and told investigators that the photos were cropped and blown up by someone else in order to emphasize the strippers breasts, according to the complaint.
If found guilty of official misconduct, Pergande could face a maximum of three and a half years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Pergande was a central figure in the "Porn in the Morn" scandal that rocked the local police department last year.
He and another Butler police office have filed a federal law suit against the village and Waukesha County claiming they were harassed and discriminated against during the investigation of Butler police conducted by the Waukesha County Sheriff's office.
It was complaints from Pergande and Officer Chad Rahn that prompted the investigation that revealed former Chief Michael Cosgrove and some of his officers displayed sexist and racists attitudes and watched pornography on village computers while on duty.
The woman had very large breasts and was wearing a very low cut, tight fitting t-shirt, according to the complaint filed in Waukesha County Circuit Court late Friday afternoon.
The Butler police department does not photograph, fingerprint or book defendents at the village police station. Instead, it is department policy to take the individuals to the Waukesha County Sheriff's office or county jail, according to District Attorney Brad Schimel
It is also highly unusual for a police officer to travel into another jurisdiction to arrest someone on a warrant based on a municipal traffic citation, according to Schimel.
Pergande and two Milwaukee police officers arrested the women in a strip club. They escorted her to a back room of the club where she removed her thong and bikini top and changed into street clothes before being taken to the Butler police station, according to the complaint.
Pergande has denied allegations of any wrong doing and told investigators that the photos were cropped and blown up by someone else in order to emphasize the strippers breasts, according to the complaint.
If found guilty of official misconduct, Pergande could face a maximum of three and a half years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Pergande was a central figure in the "Porn in the Morn" scandal that rocked the local police department last year.
He and another Butler police office have filed a federal law suit against the village and Waukesha County claiming they were harassed and discriminated against during the investigation of Butler police conducted by the Waukesha County Sheriff's office.
It was complaints from Pergande and Officer Chad Rahn that prompted the investigation that revealed former Chief Michael Cosgrove and some of his officers displayed sexist and racists attitudes and watched pornography on village computers while on duty.
Corporal Alvin Harvey Charged with Theft
A Shreveport Police officer finds himself on the other side of the law.
Back in January, Shreveport Police Department administrators conducting routine audits of fuel management logs discovered inconsistencies relative to gasoline purchased on the police department's account. Chief of Police, Willie Shaw, was notified and immediately ordered a criminal investigation into the matter.
Based on information and evidence gathered during that process, Shreveport Police detectives assigned to the Caddo-Shreveport White Collar Crimes Task Force obtained an arrest warrant charging Corporal Alvin Harvey, 35, with a single count of misdemeanor theft. Harvey surrendered to authorities at the Caddo Correctional Center Friday evening.
Harvey, who joined the department in March of 2004, was initially placed on paid administrative leave back on February 7, 2014 amid the ongoing inquiry in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Shreveport Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board which states: "When an employee is charged with a felony he shall, and if a misdemeanor he may, be immediately relieved of duty and placed on "departmental leave" for up to one week at full pay and with continuing seniority".
Back in January, Shreveport Police Department administrators conducting routine audits of fuel management logs discovered inconsistencies relative to gasoline purchased on the police department's account. Chief of Police, Willie Shaw, was notified and immediately ordered a criminal investigation into the matter.
Based on information and evidence gathered during that process, Shreveport Police detectives assigned to the Caddo-Shreveport White Collar Crimes Task Force obtained an arrest warrant charging Corporal Alvin Harvey, 35, with a single count of misdemeanor theft. Harvey surrendered to authorities at the Caddo Correctional Center Friday evening.
Harvey, who joined the department in March of 2004, was initially placed on paid administrative leave back on February 7, 2014 amid the ongoing inquiry in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Shreveport Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board which states: "When an employee is charged with a felony he shall, and if a misdemeanor he may, be immediately relieved of duty and placed on "departmental leave" for up to one week at full pay and with continuing seniority".
Former Officer Cody Smith Arrested for Rape of Child
Cody Smith was booked into the Cache County Jail Tuesday afternoon. He’s being held on two counts of rape of a child, three counts of rape, one count of object rape, one count of forcible sexual abuse and three counts of aggravated assault.
Utah State University Police Chief Steve Mecham said his department was asked to investigate the case because Smith has a brief employment history with both the Logan City Police and the Cache County Sheriff.
According to Logan City Police Assistant Chief Jeff Curtis, Smith was a reserve officer, volunteering with the department, after graduating from the police academy in the mid-90's.
Curtis said Smith was never hired permanently and left the department to try and get a job with the Cache County Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff Lynn Nelsen said Smith volunteered for the sheriff's office from May 1999 to October 1999. He was then hired full-time and began the “Field Training Program,” a 12-week program to qualify for full-time service.
Nelson said Smith was terminated during the program for not meeting department standards in December 1999.
Bail has been set at $100,000.
Officer Tyisha Williams Arrested for Assault
An NYPD officer was arrested on assault charges Thursday in the Bronx.
Officer Tyisha Williams, 31, was arrested Thursday in the 52nd Precinct, which includes the Bedford Park, Fordham, Kingsbridge, Norwood, and University Heights sections of the Bronx.
She was charged with assault, police said.
Police did not immediately provide further details on the allegations.
Officer Tyisha Williams, 31, was arrested Thursday in the 52nd Precinct, which includes the Bedford Park, Fordham, Kingsbridge, Norwood, and University Heights sections of the Bronx.
She was charged with assault, police said.
Police did not immediately provide further details on the allegations.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Former Officer Mark Fisher Arrested for Distributing Prescription Pain Narcotics
Evidence and testimony regarding the alleged illegal activity was presented to a statewide investigating grand jury, which recommended the criminal charges being filed today. The grand jury identified the defendant as Mark Fisher, 34, currently incarcerated in the Westmoreland County Prison. Fisher is a former police officer with the Turtle Creek Police Department.
According to the grand jury, Fisher, who developed an addiction to pain medications following an injury, recruited several individuals to assist him in distributing prescription pain narcotics throughout western Pennsylvania. After a period of time Fisher allegedly stopped using other individuals and began to pass prescriptions at various pharmacies in either his own name or the name of his wife.
The grand jury found that Fisher obtained the pills by using illegal prescriptions that were passed at several pharmacies throughout Westmoreland and Allegheny counties.
Pennsylvania has the fourteenth highest rate of drug overdoses in the country, most of which are caused by prescription drugs. Attorney General Kane reiterated her support for a prescription monitoring program in the Commonwealth because it would serve as an additional tool to enable health practitioners and law enforcement in identifying individuals involved in the illegal trade of doctor shopping and dealing in fraudulent prescriptions.
Attorney General Kane noted that this is an active and ongoing investigation and additional arrests are anticipated.
Fisher is charged with one count of acquiring a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception or subterfuge; one count of possession with the intent to deliver; one count of criminal conspiracy; and one count of impersonating a public servant.
The case will be prosecuted in Westmoreland County by Senor Deputy Attorney General Mark Serge of the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Section.
Officer Salvador Becerra Arrested For Two Felonies
An Odessa Police officer finds himself on the other side of the law after being arrested for two felonies on Thursday.
Odessa Police Officer Salvador Becerra was charged and arrested with two counts of violations of the civil rights of a person in custody and improper sexual activity with a person in custody.
We’re told that back on March 10, a citizen reported to Odessa Police that an officer conducted himself inappropriately during a traffic stop. Officials say an inquiry into the matter was quickly conducted and lead them to Becerra.
The inquiry produced sufficient evidence for Police Chief Timothy Burton to order an administrative investigation into possible criminal conduct by Becerra.
Odessa Police said in a press release, “The behavior Becerra is alleged to have engaged in is unprofessional and illegal. It will not be tolerated by the Odessa Police Department officers who do their best each day to keep the City of Odessa safe. These actions are not a reflection of the entire department and in no way are they indicative of high standards of professionalism and integrity exhibited by the Odessa Police Department.”
A pre-disciplinary hearing has been scheduled for Becerra on Monday and a disciplinary hearing will be held on Wednesday.
We’re told that Becerra was hired by Odessa Police back in February of 2012.
The Texas Rangers are continuing their investigation.
Odessa Police Officer Salvador Becerra was charged and arrested with two counts of violations of the civil rights of a person in custody and improper sexual activity with a person in custody.
We’re told that back on March 10, a citizen reported to Odessa Police that an officer conducted himself inappropriately during a traffic stop. Officials say an inquiry into the matter was quickly conducted and lead them to Becerra.
The inquiry produced sufficient evidence for Police Chief Timothy Burton to order an administrative investigation into possible criminal conduct by Becerra.
Odessa Police said in a press release, “The behavior Becerra is alleged to have engaged in is unprofessional and illegal. It will not be tolerated by the Odessa Police Department officers who do their best each day to keep the City of Odessa safe. These actions are not a reflection of the entire department and in no way are they indicative of high standards of professionalism and integrity exhibited by the Odessa Police Department.”
A pre-disciplinary hearing has been scheduled for Becerra on Monday and a disciplinary hearing will be held on Wednesday.
We’re told that Becerra was hired by Odessa Police back in February of 2012.
The Texas Rangers are continuing their investigation.
Officer Cameka Bruce Accused of Punching Nephew
A Chattanooga police officer is accused of punching her nephew when he failed to give her money owed to her for a water bill, an arrest report states.
Cameka Bruce, 35, who has worked for the department since 2008, remains on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal affairs investigation, according to a news release.
Bruce's nephew, 24-year-old Marcus Berry, told officers Bruce came to his residence on Sarasota Drive in Hixson on Tuesday night to collect money he owed her.
Berry said Bruce became angry when he did not have the full amount of money. She reportedly exited her vehicle and came at him, according to the report. Berry said he was punched.
She is scheduled to appear Monday at Hamilton County General Sessions Court.
Bruce did not comment Wednesday.
Bruce is the third law enforcement officer in Hamilton County to face a domestic assault charge.
In February, Michael Early, a detective with Chattanooga Police Department who investigates property crimes, remains on light duty pending the outcome of his case. He is scheduled to appear in Rutherford County Sessions Court this morning to face accusations that he headbutted his wife.
Angelita McGhee, who works as a corrections officer at Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, was arrested in January after she reportedly pulled a pistol from her holster and took aim at her ex-girlfriend.
Cameka Bruce, 35, who has worked for the department since 2008, remains on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal affairs investigation, according to a news release.
Bruce's nephew, 24-year-old Marcus Berry, told officers Bruce came to his residence on Sarasota Drive in Hixson on Tuesday night to collect money he owed her.
Berry said Bruce became angry when he did not have the full amount of money. She reportedly exited her vehicle and came at him, according to the report. Berry said he was punched.
She is scheduled to appear Monday at Hamilton County General Sessions Court.
Bruce did not comment Wednesday.
Bruce is the third law enforcement officer in Hamilton County to face a domestic assault charge.
In February, Michael Early, a detective with Chattanooga Police Department who investigates property crimes, remains on light duty pending the outcome of his case. He is scheduled to appear in Rutherford County Sessions Court this morning to face accusations that he headbutted his wife.
Angelita McGhee, who works as a corrections officer at Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, was arrested in January after she reportedly pulled a pistol from her holster and took aim at her ex-girlfriend.
Officer Vernon Gibson Charged with Showing up to Work Drunk
Authorities arrested officer Vernon Gibson on DUI charges in December after a sergeant claimed Gibson smelled of alcohol when he got to work.
Investigators said Gibson’s blood-alcohol level was well above the legal limit. He’s been on administrative leave since his arrest.
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Lt. Thomas Foye Charged with Stealing Drugs from Evidence Locker
A high-ranking Ludlow police officer charged with stealing drugs from the department's evidence locker has been suspended without pay.
Lt. Thomas Foye had been suspended with pay since his arrest in August, but because he was indicted by a grand jury last week, the town's Select Board voted unanimously Tuesday to suspend him without pay.
According to court documents, video surveillance captured the 49-year-old Foye entering the locked narcotics locker at the police station, where he appears to handle and open evidence bags. He is charged with tampering with evidence, theft of drugs from a dispensary and cocaine possession.
In a brief statement at Tuesday's board meeting, the 25-year veteran thanked the board and said he "went into surgery a hero and came out a drug addict."
Lt. Thomas Foye had been suspended with pay since his arrest in August, but because he was indicted by a grand jury last week, the town's Select Board voted unanimously Tuesday to suspend him without pay.
According to court documents, video surveillance captured the 49-year-old Foye entering the locked narcotics locker at the police station, where he appears to handle and open evidence bags. He is charged with tampering with evidence, theft of drugs from a dispensary and cocaine possession.
In a brief statement at Tuesday's board meeting, the 25-year veteran thanked the board and said he "went into surgery a hero and came out a drug addict."
Officer Geoffrey Graves Arrested for Forcible Rape
A San Jose police officer has turned himself in after being charged with forcible rape. Geoffrey Graves, 38, has been a cop for six years. The victim is a woman he was sent to protect during a domestic dispute.
Neither the police nor the district attorney's office is saying where the rape occurred, except that it was a hotel where the victim once worked as a maid. Graves was one of the two officers who responded to a disturbance at the home of the woman and her husband. To resolve the problem, the woman said she would take a room at the hotel for the night. The two officers took her there. However, a police document says while one officer left, Graves stayed behind.
"The officer gained information and location of her hotel room and then went up there approximately 15 minutes later and knocked on the door," Santa Clara County deputy district attorney Carlos Vega said. "Unbeknownst to her, he opened the door. She was asleep, and that's when he let himself in and forcibly pushed her on the bed."
The victim didn't report the incident for three weeks, and when she did, she went to the California Highway Patrol, not San Jose police.
Kathleen Krenek is executive director of Next Door Solutions, an agency that counsels victims of rape and domestic violence. She believes the victim may have feared retaliation.
"She has reason to be afraid driving down the street," Krenek said. "Is someone going to do something? Is an officer going to do something? Is he going to find her because he's got a lot on the line. I'm absolutely amazed at the courage that it must have taken to come forward at this time."
Graves faces one count of forcible rape. He turned himself in Monday but was freed from jail on $100,000 bail.
San Jose police put him on paid administrative leave. The department now faces the challenge of restoring public trust.
"This is difficult for everybody because it reflects on our job and what we do every day, so I know that the officers are troubled by it, but we are resilient, and we have been through other hard times, and we've pulled together to rebuild the trust of the community, and that's what we're going to work on doing," San Jose police spokesperson Sgt. Heather Randol said.
Neither the police nor the district attorney's office is saying where the rape occurred, except that it was a hotel where the victim once worked as a maid. Graves was one of the two officers who responded to a disturbance at the home of the woman and her husband. To resolve the problem, the woman said she would take a room at the hotel for the night. The two officers took her there. However, a police document says while one officer left, Graves stayed behind.
"The officer gained information and location of her hotel room and then went up there approximately 15 minutes later and knocked on the door," Santa Clara County deputy district attorney Carlos Vega said. "Unbeknownst to her, he opened the door. She was asleep, and that's when he let himself in and forcibly pushed her on the bed."
The victim didn't report the incident for three weeks, and when she did, she went to the California Highway Patrol, not San Jose police.
Kathleen Krenek is executive director of Next Door Solutions, an agency that counsels victims of rape and domestic violence. She believes the victim may have feared retaliation.
"She has reason to be afraid driving down the street," Krenek said. "Is someone going to do something? Is an officer going to do something? Is he going to find her because he's got a lot on the line. I'm absolutely amazed at the courage that it must have taken to come forward at this time."
Graves faces one count of forcible rape. He turned himself in Monday but was freed from jail on $100,000 bail.
San Jose police put him on paid administrative leave. The department now faces the challenge of restoring public trust.
"This is difficult for everybody because it reflects on our job and what we do every day, so I know that the officers are troubled by it, but we are resilient, and we have been through other hard times, and we've pulled together to rebuild the trust of the community, and that's what we're going to work on doing," San Jose police spokesperson Sgt. Heather Randol said.
Officer Kevin Corcoran Charged with Unlawful Restraint of War Veteran
The charges against Officer Kevin Corcoran stem from an Easter morning incident in which Corcoran was caught on camera roughing up a man before taking the man on a 16-minute ride, according to Philadelphia Police.
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office alleges Corcoran, a 9.5-year veteran of the force, began yelling at a group of people near 13th and Lombard Streets in the early morning hours of March 31, 2013.
Someone in the group, which included Roderick King, had questioned Corcoran after he allegedly made an illegal turn with his patrol car, according to prosecutors.
King’s own lawyer Kevin Mincey identified his client saying that they filed a lawsuit against the city, police department and Corcoran.
Corcoran, in full uniform, allegedly exited his vehicle and began to yell at King’s group prompting witnesses to videotape the encounter.
Witnesses said that Corcoran slapped the phone out of one person’s hands and then began to berate King saying “Don’t f##?!g touch me,” according to prosecutors. An incensed Corcoran continued to approach King -- who claimed he never touched the officer -- who continued to make an effort not to touch the officer.
"My first thought was that I was getting ready to get beat up," King said through a release from his attorney. "It’s dark, I don’t know where I am, I feared for my safety."
According to prosecutors, Corcoran grabbed King by his chest, threw him against the police SUV, cuffed him and put him in the back of the vehicle.
Authorities allege that Corcoran then drove King somewhere off North Broad Street -- the opposite direction of the 17th District officer’s station -- telling King that he was under arrest for public intoxication.
King told Corcoran that this was the first time he had been arrested and that he was an Iraqi War veteran having served in the U.S. Air Force.
After learning about King’s service, Corcoran drove to 13th and Rodman Streets where he uncuffed the victim and let him go without charges.
In total, King remained in cuffs for about 16 minutes.
Corcoran surrendered Wednesday on the misdemeanor charges and was arraigned. He was released after posting bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on March 21.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey said he suspended Corcoran for 30 days with the intent to dismiss.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Detective Oldy Ochoa Jr Arrested for Sexual Battery on Minor
According to a search warrant, the girl had a troubled past and spent a lot of time in the police department with officers.
Now the 17-year-old is saying that Ochoa sexually battered her on two occasions in his police car. The first incident allegedly occurred behind a strip mall in Pembroke Pines, which is where Ochoa lives. The girl told police that a second incident occurred in a wooded part of Northwest Miami-Dade.
Ochoa has been suspended with pay as police look into the accusations. His police car has been mined for DNA samples, and the investigation is ongoing.
"We take these allegations very seriously," Miami Beach Chief Raymond Martinez says. "We are cooperating with the Pembroke Pines Police Department to make sure there is a thorough investigation."
Ochoa joined the beach police force in 1991 and started off small. In 1993, the Miami Herald reported that he was deployed to a city commission meeting in case an angry man in crutches came by to disturb the peace. But as he became a veteran officer, he graduated to homicide, where he apparently worked on some high profile murder cases, including the probe into the murder of transexual woman Rene "Rosita" Hidalgo a year-and-a-half ago.
Homeless Man Shot by Officer Chrissie Coon
The Clark County Coroner's Office said a man shot during an encounter with a North Las Vegas police officer Monday died of a gunshot wound of the head.
Medical examiners identified the person as 38-year-old David L. Robinson.
According to NLVPD Public Information Officer Chrissie Coon, a uniformed officer was patrolling the area of Woodard Street and Tonopah Avenue about 1 a.m. when he saw a man identified as Robinson walking in a crosswalk. Coon said the officer informed dispatchers he was going to stop the person.
According to Coon, the encounter with the 38-year-old homeless man grew violent.
Within minutes of the encounter, the officer called dispatchers to say there had been shots fired and medical assistance was needed, according to police.
Police said the person shot by the officer died at the scene. There were no injuries to the officer.
An investigation revealed the officer stopped his patrol vehicle along the sidewalk and attempted to approach the man on foot. Police said the man was being uncooperative and he began to back way from the officer towards the backyard of an abandoned residence.
It wasn't until the officer walked towards the man that the incident escalated, police said.
Coon said a knife was recovered from the scene.
"At some point, the suspect presented a knife. The officer fired his weapon, striking the suspect multiple times," Coon said.
Police said the entire incident took place within 2 1/2 minutes.
"We really have to take our time to break that two minutes into pieces and see what exactly that officer was presented with when this incident occurred," said Coon.
Police said they target the area because of its high number of abandoned homes and buildings.
"It's becoming a public safety danger to have people in and around these house. Code enforcement is coming out and boarding up these houses. The homeless are coming in and taking those boards down, and you know there's electrical hazards and things of that nature," said Coon.
The officer in the shooting was only identified as a 31-year-old, five-year veteran of North Las Vegas police. He was placed on paid administrative leave.
The incident marked the first officer-involved shooting for North Las Vegas police this year.
Medical examiners identified the person as 38-year-old David L. Robinson.
According to NLVPD Public Information Officer Chrissie Coon, a uniformed officer was patrolling the area of Woodard Street and Tonopah Avenue about 1 a.m. when he saw a man identified as Robinson walking in a crosswalk. Coon said the officer informed dispatchers he was going to stop the person.
According to Coon, the encounter with the 38-year-old homeless man grew violent.
Within minutes of the encounter, the officer called dispatchers to say there had been shots fired and medical assistance was needed, according to police.
Police said the person shot by the officer died at the scene. There were no injuries to the officer.
An investigation revealed the officer stopped his patrol vehicle along the sidewalk and attempted to approach the man on foot. Police said the man was being uncooperative and he began to back way from the officer towards the backyard of an abandoned residence.
It wasn't until the officer walked towards the man that the incident escalated, police said.
Coon said a knife was recovered from the scene.
"At some point, the suspect presented a knife. The officer fired his weapon, striking the suspect multiple times," Coon said.
Police said the entire incident took place within 2 1/2 minutes.
"We really have to take our time to break that two minutes into pieces and see what exactly that officer was presented with when this incident occurred," said Coon.
Police said they target the area because of its high number of abandoned homes and buildings.
"It's becoming a public safety danger to have people in and around these house. Code enforcement is coming out and boarding up these houses. The homeless are coming in and taking those boards down, and you know there's electrical hazards and things of that nature," said Coon.
The officer in the shooting was only identified as a 31-year-old, five-year veteran of North Las Vegas police. He was placed on paid administrative leave.
The incident marked the first officer-involved shooting for North Las Vegas police this year.
Detective Michael Early Arrested for Head Butting His Wife
Detective Michael Early, who will mark 20 years with the department in June, posted a $1,500 bond from the Rutherford County Jail after he was accused of hitting his wife, causing a laceration on the bridge of her nose.
Early's wife told an officer that she woke up in the couple's hotel room at the Clarion Inn, 2227 Old Fort Parkway, to find that her husband was gone. She found her husband in a friend's room.
The couple had an argument after Early's wife refused to return to their hotel room. He reportedly pulled her by the hair while trying to take her back to the room, a Murfreesboro police arrest report states. She left and returned to the room. The arguing continued.
Allegedly, at some point, Early head butted his wife. When a Murfreesboro, Tenn., officer questioned Early, he said he did not remember what happened. The report states both appeared to be intoxicated.
Early, 44, investigates robberies at the department.
Since his arrest, Early has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal affairs investigation.
As part of his bail conditions, Early is not allowed to have any weapons.
Early's next court date is set for March 13 before Rutherford County General Sessions Court Judge Ben Hall McFarlin Jr.
Another Chattanooga police officer was arrested last year for domestic assault.
Brian Smith was arrested on May 23 after his wife accused him of assaulting her during an argument. The case was later dismissed.
Officer Rey Munoz Resigns After Approaching Women and Asking for Phone Numbers
A Melbourne police officer has been forced to resign after an investigation showed he was approaching women in parking lots while on duty and asking for their phone numbers.
A memo from a police department lieutenant says Officer Rey Munoz approached several women in the parking lot of LA Fitness on Feb. 19. Police reviewed Munoz's onboard video and saw him speaking with three different women. One of the women described it later to police as a "creepy" encounter.
Dashcam video: Cop accused of asking women for their numbers
A written statement by one of the women said Munoz asked her age.
"He said he wanted to know because I was beautiful. He then asked for my phone number. I told him I was spoken for," she said.
The memo says Munoz was warned about such behavior after doing the same thing at a Walmart parking lot in December where, according to the memo, Munoz had approached the niece of a police sergeant and asked for her phone number.
"There's no place for it here at the Melbourne Police Department," said Sgt. Sheridan Shelley, with Melbourne police.
A police spokesman says Melbourne Police Chief Steve Mimbs met with Munoz, who was a one-year probationary employee, and asked for his resignation, which was given.
"During that time, it's very crucial for that person to show what kind of character they have," said Shelley.
He'd been employed less than a year.
A memo from a police department lieutenant says Officer Rey Munoz approached several women in the parking lot of LA Fitness on Feb. 19. Police reviewed Munoz's onboard video and saw him speaking with three different women. One of the women described it later to police as a "creepy" encounter.
Dashcam video: Cop accused of asking women for their numbers
A written statement by one of the women said Munoz asked her age.
"He said he wanted to know because I was beautiful. He then asked for my phone number. I told him I was spoken for," she said.
The memo says Munoz was warned about such behavior after doing the same thing at a Walmart parking lot in December where, according to the memo, Munoz had approached the niece of a police sergeant and asked for her phone number.
"There's no place for it here at the Melbourne Police Department," said Sgt. Sheridan Shelley, with Melbourne police.
A police spokesman says Melbourne Police Chief Steve Mimbs met with Munoz, who was a one-year probationary employee, and asked for his resignation, which was given.
"During that time, it's very crucial for that person to show what kind of character they have," said Shelley.
He'd been employed less than a year.
Former Officer Andrew Probst Sentenced to Prison for Having Sex with Minor
A former village auxiliary police officer will be sentenced next month to four years in prison for having a sexual relationship with a minor.
Andrew G. Probst, 24, of Bluffton, pleaded guilty to eight counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, all fourth-degree felonies. Sentencing is scheduled for April 28.
Probst is out on bail.
The prosecution agreed to the four-year sentence in exchange for the guilty plea.
The crimes are unrelated to Probst’s job with the Bluffton Police Department, which he worked as an unpaid auxiliary officer, said Chief Rick Skilliter. Auxiliary officers are required to work nine hours a month.
Probst was hired Nov. 14, 2011, and resigned Feb. 17, Skilliter said.
Assistant Allen County Prosecutor Terri Kohlrieser said the charges accuse Probst of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a girl between the ages of 13 and 15.
That relationship occurred between Sept. 1, 2012, and Jan. 20, Kohlrieser said.
The girl told a staff member at the school she attends and that staff member, who is required by law to report such crimes, reported the matter to Allen County Children Services, Kohlrieser said.
Andrew G. Probst, 24, of Bluffton, pleaded guilty to eight counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, all fourth-degree felonies. Sentencing is scheduled for April 28.
Probst is out on bail.
The prosecution agreed to the four-year sentence in exchange for the guilty plea.
The crimes are unrelated to Probst’s job with the Bluffton Police Department, which he worked as an unpaid auxiliary officer, said Chief Rick Skilliter. Auxiliary officers are required to work nine hours a month.
Probst was hired Nov. 14, 2011, and resigned Feb. 17, Skilliter said.
Assistant Allen County Prosecutor Terri Kohlrieser said the charges accuse Probst of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a girl between the ages of 13 and 15.
That relationship occurred between Sept. 1, 2012, and Jan. 20, Kohlrieser said.
The girl told a staff member at the school she attends and that staff member, who is required by law to report such crimes, reported the matter to Allen County Children Services, Kohlrieser said.
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