It's a disturbing allegation of police brutality.
It stems from a violent encounter between a Passaic, N.J., cop and a mentally ill man.
The entire incident was recorded by a surveillance camera mounted outside a nearby restaurant.
With a swollen eye and bruised ribs, Ronnie Holloway claimed to wonder what led to it all.
"I know I deserve better the way I was treated," Holloway said.
The way he was treated by Passaic Police was captured on surveillance camera at a restaurant. The 49-year-old is seen walking with his chest and belly exposed. Moments later, police arrive and, according to Holloway, tell him to cover himself, which he appears to be doing while still conversing with police. Then an officer gets out of the car ...
"He grabbed me with both hands at the collar area real physically hard and just flung me up against the police vehicle," Holloway said.
Holloway is then thrown to the ground and punched several times. Then the baton comes out, followed by swings to the ribs.
"I recall him saying, 'get down' as he swung, but he kept swinging like that," Holloway said.
Holloway is seen getting up and is pushed against the squad car again, then swung around, followed by two more baton swings to the legs. Holloway was hauled away when back-up squads arrived and insists he never resisted or said a word to Passaic Police during the entire 90-second incident, but it's clear from the video that he was saying something.
CBS 2 HD: "You don't recall saying anything, yelling anything, saying anything that was provocative?"
Holloway: "No."
Regardless of what may have been said, the family said it hardly justifies the physicality that followed.
"A lawsuit is likely," mother Betty Holloway said.
Holloway's mother also said her disabled son has schizophrenia.
"He's a good person," she said.
"Is it possible his schizophrenia may have done something to provoke police?"
Betty Holloway: "No, because he wasn't doing anything. He was standing."
Passaic Police said the incident is under investigation and won't answer any questions, including why the officer is still on active duty.
"I feel he should definitely lose his job because it's not fair to be treated that way," Ronnie Holloway said.
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Information & Video: http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/local_news/new_jersey/090606_Passaic_Rally_Against_Police_Brutality
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Former Public Safety Trooper Arrested for Failure to Register as Sex Offender
U.S. Marshals arrest a man for failure to register as a sex offender.
Arturo Moreno is a former Texas department of public safety trooper, and a convicted sex offender.
DPS requested the U.S. Marshals assistance to locate and arrest Moreno.
On Tuesday Marshals and DPS located Moreno inside an apartment complex in north Laredo.
Two firearms were discovered inside the residence at the time of the arrest.
Moreno served 10 years in prison on charges of aggravated sexual assault and aggravated kidnapping of a 17 year old but failed to register as a sex offender upon his release.
If convicted, Moreno could be facing more time in prison.
Detective Stephanie Lazarus Arrested for 1986 Murder
A veteran police detective in Los Angeles, California, was arrested Friday morning on suspicion of killing a former lover's wife in 1986, marking a rare instance in which the department has arrested one of its own, Police Chief William Bratton said.
Stephanie Ilene Lazarus, 49, was on duty Friday morning when she was arrested in the Los Angeles Police Department's downtown headquarters in the slaying of Sherri Rae Rasmussen, Bratton said.
Rasmussen's husband found her bruised body in their Van Nuys condominium on February 24, 1986. She had been shot multiple times, he said.
At the time, investigators thought Rasmussen had been the victim of a fatal robbery, but with few leads, the case languished, Bratton said.
It wasn't until the department's cold case squad started re-examining the case in February that DNA evidence led to Lazarus, a 25-year veteran who had been on the force two years when Rasmussen was killed.
"The current investigation combined with technology available today led to the identification of Lazarus as the suspect in the case," Bratton said. "The investigation revealed that she had had a previous relationship with the victim's husband prior to the murder. DNA processing and analysis provided a key piece of evidence in this investigation."
New analysis of DNA from the crime scene revealed that the suspected killer was female and not male, as investigators previously suspected. Bratton said cold case detectives used surreptitious means to gather current DNA samples from Lazarus, but he did not elaborate.
Bratton commended officers for ensuring the integrity of the case while faced with the difficult task of investigating a colleague they knew.
"They did what was expected of Los Angeles police officers. They went where the truth and the facts as known to them took them," he said. "[It's] painful for them to be reviewing a case, and then determine that the leads were leading to a current member of the police force."
Deputy Police Chief Charlie Beck noted the proximity of the robbery homicide office to the division where Lazarus worked.
"These are folks, one side of the hallway, investigating a member of the other," Beck said. "You can't know a person for that long or their family and not be affected by this."
Lazarus is being held on homicide charges. The case will be presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office on Monday, Beck said.
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More Information: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/07/us/07lapd.html?ref=global-home
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iSKim9DxlWXR2HZG4817ZvuewoNg
Stephanie Ilene Lazarus, 49, was on duty Friday morning when she was arrested in the Los Angeles Police Department's downtown headquarters in the slaying of Sherri Rae Rasmussen, Bratton said.
Rasmussen's husband found her bruised body in their Van Nuys condominium on February 24, 1986. She had been shot multiple times, he said.
At the time, investigators thought Rasmussen had been the victim of a fatal robbery, but with few leads, the case languished, Bratton said.
It wasn't until the department's cold case squad started re-examining the case in February that DNA evidence led to Lazarus, a 25-year veteran who had been on the force two years when Rasmussen was killed.
"The current investigation combined with technology available today led to the identification of Lazarus as the suspect in the case," Bratton said. "The investigation revealed that she had had a previous relationship with the victim's husband prior to the murder. DNA processing and analysis provided a key piece of evidence in this investigation."
New analysis of DNA from the crime scene revealed that the suspected killer was female and not male, as investigators previously suspected. Bratton said cold case detectives used surreptitious means to gather current DNA samples from Lazarus, but he did not elaborate.
Bratton commended officers for ensuring the integrity of the case while faced with the difficult task of investigating a colleague they knew.
"They did what was expected of Los Angeles police officers. They went where the truth and the facts as known to them took them," he said. "[It's] painful for them to be reviewing a case, and then determine that the leads were leading to a current member of the police force."
Deputy Police Chief Charlie Beck noted the proximity of the robbery homicide office to the division where Lazarus worked.
"These are folks, one side of the hallway, investigating a member of the other," Beck said. "You can't know a person for that long or their family and not be affected by this."
Lazarus is being held on homicide charges. The case will be presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office on Monday, Beck said.
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More Information: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/07/us/07lapd.html?ref=global-home
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iSKim9DxlWXR2HZG4817ZvuewoNg
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Trooper Manuel Moreno Jr Arrested for Assault
A Texas state trooper is accused of assaulting the same man three separate times.
Trooper Manuel Moreno Jr. is a drivers license trooper in Amarillo, and was picked up by the Randall County Sheriff's Department.
Moreno faces four counts of assault and one count of deadly conduct.
According to records obtained through Potter County, on January 4, 2009 Moreno assaulted another man. Then did the same on February 1, 2009 and also choked the man bringing the deadly conduct charge. The final incident occurred on April 12th when Moreno again assaulted the man twice.
Moreno has already posted a $12,500 bond out of Randall County.
DPS officials in Austin tell us, he has been placed on paid administrative leave until an internal investigation is complete. But his uniform and other issued equipment have been confiscated.
Potter County Attorney Scott Brumley was unavailable for comment Friday afternoon, and his office said they don't comment on pending cases.
At this time it is unclear what caused Moreno and the other man to fight on three separate occasions.
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Information: http://myhighplains.com/content/fulltext/?cid=59662
Friday, June 05, 2009
Cpl Lisa Lindler Fired After DUI Arrest
An officer in the South Carolina Highway Patrol has been fired after an arrest and charge of driving under the influence.
Lance Cpl. Lisa M. Lindler was stopped in her personal vehicle and arrested by Cayce police just after 10 p.m. Wednesday, according to State Public Safety Department Director Mark Keel.
In addition to the DUI charge, Lindler also faces a charge of having an open container of alcohol, Keel said.
Keel said a review of a videotape of the arrest assured him the dismissal was warranted.
"Each and every trooper knows first hand the deadly consequences of drinking and driving,” Keel said in a statement. “At the same time, it has been made abundantly clear to every trooper the personal consequences of indulging in behavior such as this," Keel said.
Lindler had served on the patrol for nearly 24 years.
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http://www.thestate.com/local/story/814787.html
Lance Cpl. Lisa M. Lindler was stopped in her personal vehicle and arrested by Cayce police just after 10 p.m. Wednesday, according to State Public Safety Department Director Mark Keel.
In addition to the DUI charge, Lindler also faces a charge of having an open container of alcohol, Keel said.
Keel said a review of a videotape of the arrest assured him the dismissal was warranted.
"Each and every trooper knows first hand the deadly consequences of drinking and driving,” Keel said in a statement. “At the same time, it has been made abundantly clear to every trooper the personal consequences of indulging in behavior such as this," Keel said.
Lindler had served on the patrol for nearly 24 years.
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http://www.thestate.com/local/story/814787.html
Former Trooper Robert Czora Arrested for Possession of Stolen Property
For the second time in less than a week, a former state trooper has been arrested.
Robert Czora, 41, of Morrisonville was arrested last week for felony possession of stolen property after police said he was in possession of items that had been reported stolen from the Northeast Printing and Distribution Co. in Plattsburgh, Czora’s former employer.
Czora was released from custody in that case after posting $10,000 bail but during the investigation of the theft, police had searched the former cop’s residence and said they found other stolen property including Jeep wheels and tires that were allegedly stolen earlier this year from Mountain View Motors in Plattsburgh. A Jeep stolen from the dealership was recovered but without its wheels and tires.
Police said the items were found under Czora’s porch and identified by the dealership as the stolen items. A new charge of felony criminal possession of stolen property was filed against him.
Police said that the investigation is continuing and additional charges are possible. Anyone who may have purchased items recently from Czora either personally or through the Internet is asked to contact State Police investigators at 518-563-3761.
In November, 2007, Czora was charged with official misconduct, a Class A misdemeanor, after it was alleged Czora had stopped a motorist on the Northway in the town of Ausable in Clinton County and improperly obtained and processed $300 as purported bail from the motorist.
He had driven the female motorist to a nearby bank so she could withdraw the $300 he said he needed for bail but when she later contacted authorities about her court date, she found out she had never been ticketed.
Czora was fined $1,000 and fired. 6-4-09
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http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=10480186
Robert Czora, 41, of Morrisonville was arrested last week for felony possession of stolen property after police said he was in possession of items that had been reported stolen from the Northeast Printing and Distribution Co. in Plattsburgh, Czora’s former employer.
Czora was released from custody in that case after posting $10,000 bail but during the investigation of the theft, police had searched the former cop’s residence and said they found other stolen property including Jeep wheels and tires that were allegedly stolen earlier this year from Mountain View Motors in Plattsburgh. A Jeep stolen from the dealership was recovered but without its wheels and tires.
Police said the items were found under Czora’s porch and identified by the dealership as the stolen items. A new charge of felony criminal possession of stolen property was filed against him.
Police said that the investigation is continuing and additional charges are possible. Anyone who may have purchased items recently from Czora either personally or through the Internet is asked to contact State Police investigators at 518-563-3761.
In November, 2007, Czora was charged with official misconduct, a Class A misdemeanor, after it was alleged Czora had stopped a motorist on the Northway in the town of Ausable in Clinton County and improperly obtained and processed $300 as purported bail from the motorist.
He had driven the female motorist to a nearby bank so she could withdraw the $300 he said he needed for bail but when she later contacted authorities about her court date, she found out she had never been ticketed.
Czora was fined $1,000 and fired. 6-4-09
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http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=10480186
Search Still on for Former Deputy Derrick Yancey Wanted for Murder
A former sheriff's deputy accused of killing his wife and a day laborer was videotaped at an Atlanta bus station just hours after removing an ankle monitor in order to escape, officials said Thursday.
Derrick Yancey, who was under a $150,000 bond when he fled, boarded a westbound Greyhound bus April 4 and disappeared somewhere between Phoenix and Los Angeles, DeKalb County Sheriff Thomas Brown said.
Brown said Yancey, 49, is fluent in Spanish and may be in Mexico. A $10,000 reward is being offered for his capture.
Yancey is accused of shooting Linda Yancey, 44, and Marcial Cax Puluc, a 20-year-old Guatemalan immigrant he had hired to work at his Stone Mountain home, almost a year ago. Yancey told investigators that Puluc had killed his wife before he killed Puluc in self-defense.
He resigned from his job with the sheriff's department shortly before he was indicted on murder charges in August.
Yancey was under orders to stay at his mother's home in Jonesboro, just south of Atlanta, when he removed his ankle monitor and left. The monitoring firm BI Inc. of Colorado received an alert on Yancey's bracelet at 5:41 a.m. April 4, but the sheriff's office was not notified for hours, Brown said.
Brown said at a news conference that Yancey had cashed out his $18,000 pension and paid cash for his bus ticket.
Investigators suspect Yancey may have altered his appearance. Video from the bus station showed him with a new mustache, longer hair and the beginnings of a new beard at the Greyhound ticket counter.
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Information from: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, http://www.ajc.com
Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/search?q=Derrick+Yancey
Derrick Yancey, who was under a $150,000 bond when he fled, boarded a westbound Greyhound bus April 4 and disappeared somewhere between Phoenix and Los Angeles, DeKalb County Sheriff Thomas Brown said.
Brown said Yancey, 49, is fluent in Spanish and may be in Mexico. A $10,000 reward is being offered for his capture.
Yancey is accused of shooting Linda Yancey, 44, and Marcial Cax Puluc, a 20-year-old Guatemalan immigrant he had hired to work at his Stone Mountain home, almost a year ago. Yancey told investigators that Puluc had killed his wife before he killed Puluc in self-defense.
He resigned from his job with the sheriff's department shortly before he was indicted on murder charges in August.
Yancey was under orders to stay at his mother's home in Jonesboro, just south of Atlanta, when he removed his ankle monitor and left. The monitoring firm BI Inc. of Colorado received an alert on Yancey's bracelet at 5:41 a.m. April 4, but the sheriff's office was not notified for hours, Brown said.
Brown said at a news conference that Yancey had cashed out his $18,000 pension and paid cash for his bus ticket.
Investigators suspect Yancey may have altered his appearance. Video from the bus station showed him with a new mustache, longer hair and the beginnings of a new beard at the Greyhound ticket counter.
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Information from: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, http://www.ajc.com
Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/search?q=Derrick+Yancey
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Five Mesa Officers On Paid Leave After Flushing Fetus Down Toilet
Five Mesa police officers have been placed on paid leave pending the outcome of criminal and administrative investigations including an incident where an officer allegedly flushed a small fetus down a toilet.
Police Chief George Gascón said he believes one officer used excessive force in the other case.
Gascón said he became aware of both incidents Tuesday and held a news conference Wednesday.
Four officers responded to a call of a possible miscarriage Monday at the Motel 6 in Mesa where they arrested a man on suspicion of drug-related offenses and discovered a woman in the room apparently had miscarried a 4-inch fetus that was an estimated 12 to 14 weeks old, according to Gascón.
Although both Mesa fire and police were present in the motel room, Lt. Lynn Young told the officers and fire personnel over the phone not to take the fetus but to flush it down the toilet, according to Gascón.
A supervisor who was reading incident reports at the Dobson District station first came across details about the disposal of the fetus and brought it to the attention of a division commander, who contacted the assistant chief of operations who called Gascón.
Police said Young was placed on paid administrative leave along with the other three officers who responded to the call involving the miscarriage — Kristen Johnson, Robert Buquo and Glenn Pearson, who was the lead officer in the case.
In the other incident, police said officer Nicholas Webster was seen on an arrest video May 16 shoving a handcuffed man's head into the rear windshield of a patrol cruiser before repeatedly pushing his face and shoulder into a chain-link fence inside the inmate booking area.
Gascón said police plan to forward both cases to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office within the next few days to see if prosecutors will recommend any charges against any of the officers involved in the incidents.
Response from the Mesa Police Association
"It is the position of the Mesa Police Association that the press conference held last night was immensely early in regards to the preliminary investigations conducted by the Police Department. The press conference simply marked the beginning of the investigations.
The facts are not yet established. There should be no rush to judgment, bias, premature accusations or political posturing against any officer.
The MPA is urging all parties and the public to not rush to judgment and allow the investigation to establish the facts. We are concerned some statements made were prejudicial in nature and may interfere with a professional and thorough investigation.
We affirm to our members the MPA will ensure Police Officer's rights and due process are not violated. Our members will receive fair legal representation throughout this process."
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Other information: http://www.kpho.com/news/19651231/detail.html
Police Chief George Gascón said he believes one officer used excessive force in the other case.
Gascón said he became aware of both incidents Tuesday and held a news conference Wednesday.
Four officers responded to a call of a possible miscarriage Monday at the Motel 6 in Mesa where they arrested a man on suspicion of drug-related offenses and discovered a woman in the room apparently had miscarried a 4-inch fetus that was an estimated 12 to 14 weeks old, according to Gascón.
Although both Mesa fire and police were present in the motel room, Lt. Lynn Young told the officers and fire personnel over the phone not to take the fetus but to flush it down the toilet, according to Gascón.
A supervisor who was reading incident reports at the Dobson District station first came across details about the disposal of the fetus and brought it to the attention of a division commander, who contacted the assistant chief of operations who called Gascón.
Police said Young was placed on paid administrative leave along with the other three officers who responded to the call involving the miscarriage — Kristen Johnson, Robert Buquo and Glenn Pearson, who was the lead officer in the case.
In the other incident, police said officer Nicholas Webster was seen on an arrest video May 16 shoving a handcuffed man's head into the rear windshield of a patrol cruiser before repeatedly pushing his face and shoulder into a chain-link fence inside the inmate booking area.
Gascón said police plan to forward both cases to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office within the next few days to see if prosecutors will recommend any charges against any of the officers involved in the incidents.
Response from the Mesa Police Association
"It is the position of the Mesa Police Association that the press conference held last night was immensely early in regards to the preliminary investigations conducted by the Police Department. The press conference simply marked the beginning of the investigations.
The facts are not yet established. There should be no rush to judgment, bias, premature accusations or political posturing against any officer.
The MPA is urging all parties and the public to not rush to judgment and allow the investigation to establish the facts. We are concerned some statements made were prejudicial in nature and may interfere with a professional and thorough investigation.
We affirm to our members the MPA will ensure Police Officer's rights and due process are not violated. Our members will receive fair legal representation throughout this process."
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Other information: http://www.kpho.com/news/19651231/detail.html
Correctional Officer James Sheerin Arrested for Smuggling Contraband into Prison
Police arrested Wabash Valley Correctional Facility officer for attempting to smuggling contraband into the prison.
Officials said staff members stopped and searched 25-year-old James Sheerin, of Terre Haute.
Sheerin allegedly was hiding cell phones in a drink cup when he came into work. He tried to enter the correctional facility through the visitor processing center with 250 grams of marijuana.
Sheerin also had six cell phones with chargers, 75 grams of tobacco and a video game player. Officials searched his car and found an additional 18 grams of heroin and even more cell phones.
Officials arrested Sheerin after monitoring him for more than a week.
"Justice will run it course and the Wabash Valley Facility will continue to do its job protect the public and the vast majority of the folks do a very credible, very honest, very professional job," public information officer Rich Larsen said.
Sheerin is facing felony charges of possession of heroin, cocaine and marijuana, along with trafficking with an inmate. A court date has not yet been set.
The attempted smuggling has resulted in two housing units at the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility to be put under lockdown pending an investigation.
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Information: http://www.wthitv.com/dpp/news/local/news_wthi_carlisle_officertrafficking_200906041129
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Several DeKalb Officers Accused of Having Sex While on Duty
Several DeKalb County police officers are under invesatigation, after being accused of having sex while on duty.
A source close to the investigation gave CBS Atlanta a videotape which showed a police officer meeting up with a woman miles outside his jurisdiction.
The tape, which was shot by a private investigator, shows an officer pulling into an RV park in Gwinnett County.
According to sources, the sergeant seen on the video was on duty. The sergeant goes inside the trailer with a woman. The two are inside for 2 and half hours. The officer then comes out of the trailer, kisses the woman goodbye and drives off.
On Wednesday, Police Chief Bill O’Brien and Public Safety Director Wiz Miller confirmed the investigations. But they said, at this point, they aren't sure if the incident on the video happened while the officer on the clock.
“One thing we do have to keep in mind is that we do have some police officers that are assigned take home vehicles. So, we don’t know if it was an on-duty or off-duty incident,” O’Brien said.
Several hours later, the sergeant and the woman were seen meeting up again at the sergeant's house.
The incident is one of two involving police officers in the last six months.
The second incident involves several officers at the south precinct.
An on-duty officer was accused of driving to an off-duty officer's house to have sex. According to our source, the officer made a cadet wait outside in the patrol car.
“The first thing you have to do is to reaffirm in their minds that they ave to be held to a higher standard,” Miller said.
The accused officers are still on the street until the investigations are complete, officials said.
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Information & Video: http://www.cbsatlanta.com/news/19649667/detail.html
A source close to the investigation gave CBS Atlanta a videotape which showed a police officer meeting up with a woman miles outside his jurisdiction.
The tape, which was shot by a private investigator, shows an officer pulling into an RV park in Gwinnett County.
According to sources, the sergeant seen on the video was on duty. The sergeant goes inside the trailer with a woman. The two are inside for 2 and half hours. The officer then comes out of the trailer, kisses the woman goodbye and drives off.
On Wednesday, Police Chief Bill O’Brien and Public Safety Director Wiz Miller confirmed the investigations. But they said, at this point, they aren't sure if the incident on the video happened while the officer on the clock.
“One thing we do have to keep in mind is that we do have some police officers that are assigned take home vehicles. So, we don’t know if it was an on-duty or off-duty incident,” O’Brien said.
Several hours later, the sergeant and the woman were seen meeting up again at the sergeant's house.
The incident is one of two involving police officers in the last six months.
The second incident involves several officers at the south precinct.
An on-duty officer was accused of driving to an off-duty officer's house to have sex. According to our source, the officer made a cadet wait outside in the patrol car.
“The first thing you have to do is to reaffirm in their minds that they ave to be held to a higher standard,” Miller said.
The accused officers are still on the street until the investigations are complete, officials said.
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Information & Video: http://www.cbsatlanta.com/news/19649667/detail.html
Former Officer Alex Ramirez Pleads Guilty to Charges
A former Dearborn police officer accused of fixing tickets and accepting bribes pleaded guilty Wednesday in Wayne County Circuit Court.
Alex Ramirez, 42, of Dearborn faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for embezzlement by a public official, misconduct in office, obstruction of justice, conspiracy to obstruct justice, larceny in a building and bribery charges, Wayne County Prosecutor's Office spokeswoman Maria Miller said Wednesday.
One of his codefendants, Hassan Hojaije, agreed to testify against him in exchange for 2 years of probation. According to the 21-year-old Dearborn man, Ramirez would look up the names of people who'd received parking tickets and have him contact the drivers, offering to get rid of them for $400. This happened close to two dozen times, Hojaije testified.
Ramirez, a cop for two decades, will be sentenced at 9 a.m. July 28 before Wayne County Circuit Judge Margie Braxton.
Investigators said two other men also participated in the scheme: Isoam Nimer, 28, of Dearborn, who pleaded guilty to attempted obstruction of justice, and Hasan Chamara, 21, of Dearborn, who is charged with the same offense and may have fled the country.
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http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=10473980&nav=menu25_2
Alex Ramirez, 42, of Dearborn faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for embezzlement by a public official, misconduct in office, obstruction of justice, conspiracy to obstruct justice, larceny in a building and bribery charges, Wayne County Prosecutor's Office spokeswoman Maria Miller said Wednesday.
One of his codefendants, Hassan Hojaije, agreed to testify against him in exchange for 2 years of probation. According to the 21-year-old Dearborn man, Ramirez would look up the names of people who'd received parking tickets and have him contact the drivers, offering to get rid of them for $400. This happened close to two dozen times, Hojaije testified.
Ramirez, a cop for two decades, will be sentenced at 9 a.m. July 28 before Wayne County Circuit Judge Margie Braxton.
Investigators said two other men also participated in the scheme: Isoam Nimer, 28, of Dearborn, who pleaded guilty to attempted obstruction of justice, and Hasan Chamara, 21, of Dearborn, who is charged with the same offense and may have fled the country.
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http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=10473980&nav=menu25_2
Former Trooper Robert Czora Charged with Stealing Jeep
A former New York state trooper has been charged with possession of stolen property after a lengthy investigation into a stolen jeep, according to New York State Police.
Robert W.Czora, 41, of Morrisonville, was arrested Wednesday after police said they found stolen items at his home.
The arrest was a result of an investigation that began Jan. 20 when a 2007 Jeep Wrangler was reported stolen from the dealer lot of Mountain View Motors in Plattsburgh, police said. The Jeep was recovered two days later with the wheels and tires missing.
On May 29, while executing a search warrant on Czora's residence on an unrelated matter, police said they said Jeep wheels and Bridgestone Dueler tires underneath a rear deck of Czora's home.
The wheels and tires were taken as evidence and were identified by the owner of Mountain View Motors as the stolen tires.
Czora was released on an appearance ticket and is due back in court June 11.
Czora pleaded guilty to official misconduct in 2007 after he pulled a woman over and told her to pay him $300. Police said Czora told the woman he needed her to pay the money as bail for a speeding ticket.
In court, Czora said he returned the money to the woman after he found inquiries were being made into the case.
Czora was based out of the Valcour State Police barracks for 15 years, but was suspended after the incident.
Police are asking anyone who has purchased items from Czora online or personally in Vermont or New York to call police at 518-561-3761.
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Other Stories:
November 29, 2007: Trooper Pleads Guilty In Official Misconduct Case
November 16, 2007: Trooper Arrested For Official Misconduct
October 31, 2007: State Trooper Suspended
Robert W.Czora, 41, of Morrisonville, was arrested Wednesday after police said they found stolen items at his home.
The arrest was a result of an investigation that began Jan. 20 when a 2007 Jeep Wrangler was reported stolen from the dealer lot of Mountain View Motors in Plattsburgh, police said. The Jeep was recovered two days later with the wheels and tires missing.
On May 29, while executing a search warrant on Czora's residence on an unrelated matter, police said they said Jeep wheels and Bridgestone Dueler tires underneath a rear deck of Czora's home.
The wheels and tires were taken as evidence and were identified by the owner of Mountain View Motors as the stolen tires.
Czora was released on an appearance ticket and is due back in court June 11.
Czora pleaded guilty to official misconduct in 2007 after he pulled a woman over and told her to pay him $300. Police said Czora told the woman he needed her to pay the money as bail for a speeding ticket.
In court, Czora said he returned the money to the woman after he found inquiries were being made into the case.
Czora was based out of the Valcour State Police barracks for 15 years, but was suspended after the incident.
Police are asking anyone who has purchased items from Czora online or personally in Vermont or New York to call police at 518-561-3761.
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Other Stories:
November 29, 2007: Trooper Pleads Guilty In Official Misconduct Case
November 16, 2007: Trooper Arrested For Official Misconduct
October 31, 2007: State Trooper Suspended
Former Officer Michael Miles Accused of Having Sex with 14-Year-Old Boy
A former police officer and volunteer teacher was arrested Tuesday, accused of having sex with a 14-year-old boy. Michael Gregory Miles was an officer with the Oak Hill Police Department.
Eyewitness News learned the school did not do a background check on Miles before he started working with kids. Miles is related to the school's owners.
Michael Miles was a police officer, he was family and he was trusted, but the relationship he started with a 14-year-old boy from Edgewater's Private Discovery Academy, has led to three felony charges against the former officer.
"You would never think he was creepy or anything like that, where you would think something was going on. Never, never in a million years," said administrator Nancy Solman.
Edgewater investigators said the affair started at the school last year, after Miles had resigned as an officer.
Court documents show the boy was at Spruce Creek High School in April when he revealed the affair to classmates.
He and Miles then told police everything. They said they met first in the parking lot of a local grocery store.
Later, it was a more secluded place, a heavily wooded area in a residential neighborhood. They used email and MySpace to set up the meetings.
"With him, you would have never thought anything because he was with law enforcement. That's the whole thing; he had that whole law enforcement background," said Solman.
The school has cameras inside and officials said Miles was supervised when he was with students.
Police say they don't have any reason to believe there are any other victims. These are not the first charges against Miles.
He is supposed to be in court later this week on charges of grand theft and impersonating a police officer, something he's accused of doing after he quit as an officer in Oak Hill.
Eyewitness News learned the school did not do a background check on Miles before he started working with kids. Miles is related to the school's owners.
Michael Miles was a police officer, he was family and he was trusted, but the relationship he started with a 14-year-old boy from Edgewater's Private Discovery Academy, has led to three felony charges against the former officer.
"You would never think he was creepy or anything like that, where you would think something was going on. Never, never in a million years," said administrator Nancy Solman.
Edgewater investigators said the affair started at the school last year, after Miles had resigned as an officer.
Court documents show the boy was at Spruce Creek High School in April when he revealed the affair to classmates.
He and Miles then told police everything. They said they met first in the parking lot of a local grocery store.
Later, it was a more secluded place, a heavily wooded area in a residential neighborhood. They used email and MySpace to set up the meetings.
"With him, you would have never thought anything because he was with law enforcement. That's the whole thing; he had that whole law enforcement background," said Solman.
The school has cameras inside and officials said Miles was supervised when he was with students.
Police say they don't have any reason to believe there are any other victims. These are not the first charges against Miles.
He is supposed to be in court later this week on charges of grand theft and impersonating a police officer, something he's accused of doing after he quit as an officer in Oak Hill.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Thomas Newell Runs Program that Combats Drunk Driving Arrested for DUI
The man who runs Sonoma County's program that combats drunken driving has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, police said.
Thomas Newell, 53, was arrested in Santa Rosa about 3 p.m. Friday after an off-duty firefighter spotted a Mercedes-Benz driving recklessly on Bodega Highway, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The firefighter flagged down a Sonoma County sheriff's deputy, who pulled Newell over, the CHP said. A CHP officer responded as well and concluded that Newell was under the influence of a drug, authorities said.
Newell was arrested and booked into Sonoma County Jail. The results of a blood test will not be available for several weeks, said CHP Officer Jonathan Sloat.
Newell manages the county Health Services Department's programs on driving under the influence and drug treatment, according to the agency's Web site.
Thomas Newell, 53, was arrested in Santa Rosa about 3 p.m. Friday after an off-duty firefighter spotted a Mercedes-Benz driving recklessly on Bodega Highway, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The firefighter flagged down a Sonoma County sheriff's deputy, who pulled Newell over, the CHP said. A CHP officer responded as well and concluded that Newell was under the influence of a drug, authorities said.
Newell was arrested and booked into Sonoma County Jail. The results of a blood test will not be available for several weeks, said CHP Officer Jonathan Sloat.
Newell manages the county Health Services Department's programs on driving under the influence and drug treatment, according to the agency's Web site.
72-Year-Old Great Grandmother Tasered for Speeding
A traffic stop for speeding in Travis County, Texas, led to the Tasering of a 72-year-old great-grandmother by a deputy. Feisty Kathryn Winkfein apparently so frightened the law-enforcement officer when she "used some profanity" and "got violent" that he felt it necessary to subdue her with a potentially dangerous jolt of electricity.
Winkfein was reportedly doing 60 in a construction zone where the posted speed limit was 45 when she was pulled over. She was ticketed but declined to sign the ticket, leading the police officer to place her under arrest lest civilization collapse for want of the surrender of a penny's worth of ink.
At this point, the stories diverge. According to Precinct 3 Constable Richard McCain, Winkfein cursed and refused to cooperate. She says nothing of the sort occurred. "I wasn't argumentative, I was not combative. This is a lie," the woman told a news reporter for Fox 7.
Either way, it's difficult to see how the issuance of a speeding ticket to an elderly woman devolved to the point where a grown, trained law-enforcement officer could be considered justified in subjecting the speeder to an electric jolt intended to disrupt her nervous system -- no matter what command of profanity she displayed.
Given that the speeding ticket had already been issued, it's also difficult to understand what purpose was served by prolonging the encounter and demanding a signature. A similar incident in Utah in 2007 between a state trooper and a motorist also resulted in a Tasering after the driver declined to sign a speeding ticket. In that case, the officer escalated the matter to a violent conclusion even though Utah law doesn't actually require a signature. Texas law apparently follows the same reasoning, considering the signature merely a promise to appear in court, not a necessity for the validity of the ticket itself.
Jared Massey, the Utah motorist, was ultimately awarded $40,000 as compensation for the abuse he suffered at the hands of Trooper Jon Gardner.
After being Tasered along the road for failing to put pen to paper, Kathryn Winkfein was taken to jail and booked for resisting arrest and detention. Not surprisingly, she's hired a lawyer.
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other information: http://www.drudge.com/news/121622/72-year-old-tasered-traffic-stop
youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15YExclX4Gc
Winkfein was reportedly doing 60 in a construction zone where the posted speed limit was 45 when she was pulled over. She was ticketed but declined to sign the ticket, leading the police officer to place her under arrest lest civilization collapse for want of the surrender of a penny's worth of ink.
At this point, the stories diverge. According to Precinct 3 Constable Richard McCain, Winkfein cursed and refused to cooperate. She says nothing of the sort occurred. "I wasn't argumentative, I was not combative. This is a lie," the woman told a news reporter for Fox 7.
Either way, it's difficult to see how the issuance of a speeding ticket to an elderly woman devolved to the point where a grown, trained law-enforcement officer could be considered justified in subjecting the speeder to an electric jolt intended to disrupt her nervous system -- no matter what command of profanity she displayed.
Given that the speeding ticket had already been issued, it's also difficult to understand what purpose was served by prolonging the encounter and demanding a signature. A similar incident in Utah in 2007 between a state trooper and a motorist also resulted in a Tasering after the driver declined to sign a speeding ticket. In that case, the officer escalated the matter to a violent conclusion even though Utah law doesn't actually require a signature. Texas law apparently follows the same reasoning, considering the signature merely a promise to appear in court, not a necessity for the validity of the ticket itself.
Jared Massey, the Utah motorist, was ultimately awarded $40,000 as compensation for the abuse he suffered at the hands of Trooper Jon Gardner.
After being Tasered along the road for failing to put pen to paper, Kathryn Winkfein was taken to jail and booked for resisting arrest and detention. Not surprisingly, she's hired a lawyer.
__________________
other information: http://www.drudge.com/news/121622/72-year-old-tasered-traffic-stop
youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15YExclX4Gc
Monday, June 01, 2009
Corporal Darrin Opaitz Accused of Sexually Assaulting Two Women
A Lubbock Police officer has been accused of sexually assaulting two Lubbock area women.
We have obtained a partial copy of the Texas Rangers investigation report through an open records. It names Lubbock Police Corporal Darrin Opaitz as the suspect. Lubbock Police say he's still on paid administrative leave.
According to the Texas Rangers investigation report, the first assault occurred on November, 26th, 2008, presumed to have been committed by a person employed as a Lubbock Police Department officer.
According to the documents, a Lubbock Police detective and Texas Ranger assisted in interviewing the first victim. She's identified in the files as "Cindy", which is not her real name. The papers say "Cindy" was reluctant to provide investigators with the name of the perpetrator. She claimed to have no memory of the events leading up to her injuries and sexual assault.
Back in December detectives called "Cindy" to discuss the status of the investigation. According to the documents the victim stated, "She did not wish to pursue criminal charges in this investigation." She also declined to make a statement and refused to divulge the name of the suspect.
At that point the file was closed by investigators. But on March 6th, 2009 the case was reopened by detectives after they met with "Cindy" at Covenant Hospital and obtained a recorded statement from her.
On March 26th, investigators met with a second victim who claimed to have been sexually assaulted by Darrin Opaitz. The assault reportedly occurred back in July 2008.
Lubbock Police tell us they can't comment on a Texas Rangers investigation and by law they can't comment on a possible internal affairs investigation either.
Opaitz is not charged with a crime. It's possible that he could be charged or cleared at the conclusion of the Texas Rangers investigation.
We have obtained a partial copy of the Texas Rangers investigation report through an open records. It names Lubbock Police Corporal Darrin Opaitz as the suspect. Lubbock Police say he's still on paid administrative leave.
According to the Texas Rangers investigation report, the first assault occurred on November, 26th, 2008, presumed to have been committed by a person employed as a Lubbock Police Department officer.
According to the documents, a Lubbock Police detective and Texas Ranger assisted in interviewing the first victim. She's identified in the files as "Cindy", which is not her real name. The papers say "Cindy" was reluctant to provide investigators with the name of the perpetrator. She claimed to have no memory of the events leading up to her injuries and sexual assault.
Back in December detectives called "Cindy" to discuss the status of the investigation. According to the documents the victim stated, "She did not wish to pursue criminal charges in this investigation." She also declined to make a statement and refused to divulge the name of the suspect.
At that point the file was closed by investigators. But on March 6th, 2009 the case was reopened by detectives after they met with "Cindy" at Covenant Hospital and obtained a recorded statement from her.
On March 26th, investigators met with a second victim who claimed to have been sexually assaulted by Darrin Opaitz. The assault reportedly occurred back in July 2008.
Lubbock Police tell us they can't comment on a Texas Rangers investigation and by law they can't comment on a possible internal affairs investigation either.
Opaitz is not charged with a crime. It's possible that he could be charged or cleared at the conclusion of the Texas Rangers investigation.
Officer Jason Neal Charged with Fraud
An Alexandria Police officer was arrested Monday and charged with fraud.
Jason Neal, who has been on sick leave with the department for several months, was charged with public payroll fraud.
Police Chief Daren Coutee said the investigation into Neal began over the weekend and remains active.
Neal was on sick leave from the department and drawing payment from the city but was working a second job, Coutee said.
Neal turned himself in and was arrested without incident. He was released from the Rapides Parish Jail on Monday.
Coutee said Neal had been with the department a short time as he'd had several military deployments since he began.
Jason Neal, who has been on sick leave with the department for several months, was charged with public payroll fraud.
Police Chief Daren Coutee said the investigation into Neal began over the weekend and remains active.
Neal was on sick leave from the department and drawing payment from the city but was working a second job, Coutee said.
Neal turned himself in and was arrested without incident. He was released from the Rapides Parish Jail on Monday.
Coutee said Neal had been with the department a short time as he'd had several military deployments since he began.
Former Officer James Formato, Officer Dino Vitalo & Others Arrested for Armed Robberies
A reputed mob boss, a police officer and five other men were charged Thursday in a sweeping racketeering indictment that alleges eight years of armed robberies, burglaries, jewel thefts and arson based in the western suburbs of Chicago.
Michael "The Large Guy" Sarno, 51, of Westchester allegedly masterminded much of the group's illegal activity, including a February 2003 pipe-bomb explosion that wrecked the storefront offices of a company distributing video poker machines.
Prosecutors say the bombing was a message from organized crime to stop intruding on its $13-million-a-year video poker gambling business.
Sarno, 51, went to prison in the early 1990s as a member of an organized crime family based in the western suburbs headed by Ernest Rocco Infelice.
Federal agents searched Sarno's home last July and also raided the headquarters and various hangouts of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club. An alliance has developed between the violence-prone club and the Chicago mob, prosecutors say.
Sarno's attorney, Terence P. Gillespie, did not return a message for comment. But he said in a previous interview with The Associated Press that Sarno was not a mob member and was "a legitimate businessman."
Two men arrested the day of the July 2008 searches and later indicted, Mark Polchan, 41, an acknowledged member of the Outlaws, and Samuel Volpendesto, 85, were also charged in the fresh indictment. They are accused of setting off the bomb that demolished C&S Coin Operated Amusements of Berwyn, a video poker device distributor.
At the time, a video poker distributing company controlled by members and associates of the Chicago mob had a grip on the market for the devices, experts say.
Video poker devices are legal in Illinois if they are not used for gambling, but bartenders often pay winners under the table in many places and experts say the mob frequently takes a healthy cut of what the machines take in.
Gov. Pat Quinn is deciding whether to sign a bill to make video poker gambling legal to finance public works — something good government forces deplore. They say the machines are addictive and some breadwinners have gambled away their paychecks.
Also charged in the indictment:
—James Formato, 42, a former Berwyn police officer accused of serving as a courier for stolen money, taking part in an attempted robbery and other crimes.
—Mark Hay, 52, described as taking part in the robbery of jewelry stores.
—Anthony Volpendesto, 46, son of Samuel Volpendesto, who also is alleged to have taken part in robbing jewelry stores.
—Dino Vitalo, 40, a Cicero police officer since 1991, accused of searching law enforcement data bases and using the information to tip off criminals and searching for electronic surveillance equipment around a jewelry store operated by Polchan. Cicero officials on Thursday placed Vitalo on administrative leave.
Prosecutors are asking the court to force the defendants if convicted to forfeit $1.8 million — a possible measure of the amount taken in the robberies.
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http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6844795
Michael "The Large Guy" Sarno, 51, of Westchester allegedly masterminded much of the group's illegal activity, including a February 2003 pipe-bomb explosion that wrecked the storefront offices of a company distributing video poker machines.
Prosecutors say the bombing was a message from organized crime to stop intruding on its $13-million-a-year video poker gambling business.
Sarno, 51, went to prison in the early 1990s as a member of an organized crime family based in the western suburbs headed by Ernest Rocco Infelice.
Federal agents searched Sarno's home last July and also raided the headquarters and various hangouts of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club. An alliance has developed between the violence-prone club and the Chicago mob, prosecutors say.
Sarno's attorney, Terence P. Gillespie, did not return a message for comment. But he said in a previous interview with The Associated Press that Sarno was not a mob member and was "a legitimate businessman."
Two men arrested the day of the July 2008 searches and later indicted, Mark Polchan, 41, an acknowledged member of the Outlaws, and Samuel Volpendesto, 85, were also charged in the fresh indictment. They are accused of setting off the bomb that demolished C&S Coin Operated Amusements of Berwyn, a video poker device distributor.
At the time, a video poker distributing company controlled by members and associates of the Chicago mob had a grip on the market for the devices, experts say.
Video poker devices are legal in Illinois if they are not used for gambling, but bartenders often pay winners under the table in many places and experts say the mob frequently takes a healthy cut of what the machines take in.
Gov. Pat Quinn is deciding whether to sign a bill to make video poker gambling legal to finance public works — something good government forces deplore. They say the machines are addictive and some breadwinners have gambled away their paychecks.
Also charged in the indictment:
—James Formato, 42, a former Berwyn police officer accused of serving as a courier for stolen money, taking part in an attempted robbery and other crimes.
—Mark Hay, 52, described as taking part in the robbery of jewelry stores.
—Anthony Volpendesto, 46, son of Samuel Volpendesto, who also is alleged to have taken part in robbing jewelry stores.
—Dino Vitalo, 40, a Cicero police officer since 1991, accused of searching law enforcement data bases and using the information to tip off criminals and searching for electronic surveillance equipment around a jewelry store operated by Polchan. Cicero officials on Thursday placed Vitalo on administrative leave.
Prosecutors are asking the court to force the defendants if convicted to forfeit $1.8 million — a possible measure of the amount taken in the robberies.
______________________
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6844795
Sunday, May 31, 2009
New Orleans Police Sgt Charged with Raping Step Children
A New Orleans police sergeant was charged this week with three counts of rape and three counts of incest.
A St. Tammany Parish grand jury on Wednesday indicted the 51-year-old Slidell-area man. All three counts stemmed from alleged incidents with his two stepdaughters and his stepson, authorities said.
The Times-Picayune is withholding the man's name to protect the identity of his victims. Authorities would not disclose the age of the victims, but cases in which a victim is under the age of 13 fall under the state's definition of aggravated rape.
Investigators began looking into the allegations in December after one of the sergeant's stepchildren told a teacher about the alleged incident, according to St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain, who spoke to the press soon after the sergeant turned himself in on Jan. 15.
The sergeant, a 17-year veteran of the police force, was suspended on Jan 15 - the day of his arrest - but then was reinstated on Jan. 26 to administrative desk duty, where he is currently assigned, according to New Orleans Police Department spokesman Bob Young.
The NOPD's Public Integrity Bureau, which investigates police misconduct, has an ongoing investigation into the accusations, Young said.
The sergeant is expected to enter a plea of not guilty, according to Raymond Burkhart III, one of two private defense attorneys.
"The case is in its very early stages and we categorically deny the accusations being made," Burkhart said.
There is no indication the sergeant abused his position at NOPD to prey on others, Strain said.
The grand jury panel on Wednesday also indicted two other men on sex crimes.
Ryan Mitzell, 19, of Sun was charged with sexual battery for abusing a 7-year-old boy sometime between May 26 and June 1, 2008. The alleged abuse came to light after the victim, now 8, told a relative, who then told authorities, according to the district attorney's office.
In another case, a 20-year-old Covington man, was indicted with aggravated rape for allegedly abusing the five-year-old daughter of his girlfriend between July 20, 2006 and March 2, 2007.
Mississippi law enforcement officials uncovered the alleged abuse after investigating a separate alleged abuse of the victim's brother.
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http://blog.nola.com/tpnorthshore/2009/05/new_orleans_police_sergeant_ch.html
A St. Tammany Parish grand jury on Wednesday indicted the 51-year-old Slidell-area man. All three counts stemmed from alleged incidents with his two stepdaughters and his stepson, authorities said.
The Times-Picayune is withholding the man's name to protect the identity of his victims. Authorities would not disclose the age of the victims, but cases in which a victim is under the age of 13 fall under the state's definition of aggravated rape.
Investigators began looking into the allegations in December after one of the sergeant's stepchildren told a teacher about the alleged incident, according to St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain, who spoke to the press soon after the sergeant turned himself in on Jan. 15.
The sergeant, a 17-year veteran of the police force, was suspended on Jan 15 - the day of his arrest - but then was reinstated on Jan. 26 to administrative desk duty, where he is currently assigned, according to New Orleans Police Department spokesman Bob Young.
The NOPD's Public Integrity Bureau, which investigates police misconduct, has an ongoing investigation into the accusations, Young said.
The sergeant is expected to enter a plea of not guilty, according to Raymond Burkhart III, one of two private defense attorneys.
"The case is in its very early stages and we categorically deny the accusations being made," Burkhart said.
There is no indication the sergeant abused his position at NOPD to prey on others, Strain said.
The grand jury panel on Wednesday also indicted two other men on sex crimes.
Ryan Mitzell, 19, of Sun was charged with sexual battery for abusing a 7-year-old boy sometime between May 26 and June 1, 2008. The alleged abuse came to light after the victim, now 8, told a relative, who then told authorities, according to the district attorney's office.
In another case, a 20-year-old Covington man, was indicted with aggravated rape for allegedly abusing the five-year-old daughter of his girlfriend between July 20, 2006 and March 2, 2007.
Mississippi law enforcement officials uncovered the alleged abuse after investigating a separate alleged abuse of the victim's brother.
___________________________
http://blog.nola.com/tpnorthshore/2009/05/new_orleans_police_sergeant_ch.html
California Federal Judge Rules Mandatory DNA Collection Constitutional
A California federal judge ruled Thursday that mandatory DNA collection for all individuals facing federal felony charges is constitutional, dealing a setback to civil liberties advocates.
U.S. District Court Judge Gregory G. Hollows upheld the DNA Fingerprint Act, a 2006 law which allows federal law enforcement officials to collect DNA from individuals "arrested, facing charges, or convicted" of federal offenses.
Previously, states throughout the country had a variety of different laws on the books regarding DNA collection---with most mandating testing only after a suspect had been convicted of a crime.
"The court holds that after a judicial or grand jury determination of probable cause has been made for felony criminal charges against a defendant, no Fourth Amendment or other Constitutional violation is caused by a universal requirement that a charged defendant in a felony case undergo a 'swab test,' or a blood test when necessary, for the purposes of DNA analysis to be used solely for criminal law enforcement, identification purposes," Judge Hollows wrote in his ruling.
Federal officials hailed the decision as a victory for law enforcement.
"We are very gratified with the ruling. DNA evidence has proved invaluable in both solving crimes and exonerating the innocent," said Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown.
At issue was the case of Jerry Albert Pool, a California man arrested in January for possession of child pornography. After his arrest, he refused to submit to a DNA test on the grounds that it violated his fourth amendment right against unreasonable search and seizure.
Hollows wrote that any individuals arrested upon probable cause has a "diminished expectation of privacy in his own identity." He added that DNA fingerprinting is a natural "technological progression" from the use of fingerprinting and photographs currently apart of the routine booking process.
But American Civil Liberties Union officials called Thursday's ruling "an incredible threat to civil liberties."
"We think this ruling is incorrect. It ignores the presumption of innocence and it does not pay enough attention to the protections of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution," said Michael Risher, staff attorney with the ACLU of Northern California.
While the ACLU is not a party to the ongoing litigation, Risher says the organization is very concerned about the government creating a giant DNA database and using this law to falsely arrest individuals solely to obtain their DNA.
"This gives the police an enormous incentive if they are interested in somebody to simply arrest that person on pre-textual charges in order to get a DNA sample from them," he said.
"There is simply an enormous amount of information stored in our DNA," he added. "We don't know what the limits of that information are. What we do know is that technology is advancing and claims at least are being made that researchers can mine our DNA for an enormous amount of personal information about us."
In the ruling, however, Hollows said that increased DNA collection will actually "help to exculpate" individuals who were wrongfully convicted and said the 2006 law has adequate built-in protections to ensure that the DNA samples will not be improperly used.
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Other Information: http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/05/28/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5047829.shtml
U.S. District Court Judge Gregory G. Hollows upheld the DNA Fingerprint Act, a 2006 law which allows federal law enforcement officials to collect DNA from individuals "arrested, facing charges, or convicted" of federal offenses.
Previously, states throughout the country had a variety of different laws on the books regarding DNA collection---with most mandating testing only after a suspect had been convicted of a crime.
"The court holds that after a judicial or grand jury determination of probable cause has been made for felony criminal charges against a defendant, no Fourth Amendment or other Constitutional violation is caused by a universal requirement that a charged defendant in a felony case undergo a 'swab test,' or a blood test when necessary, for the purposes of DNA analysis to be used solely for criminal law enforcement, identification purposes," Judge Hollows wrote in his ruling.
Federal officials hailed the decision as a victory for law enforcement.
"We are very gratified with the ruling. DNA evidence has proved invaluable in both solving crimes and exonerating the innocent," said Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown.
At issue was the case of Jerry Albert Pool, a California man arrested in January for possession of child pornography. After his arrest, he refused to submit to a DNA test on the grounds that it violated his fourth amendment right against unreasonable search and seizure.
Hollows wrote that any individuals arrested upon probable cause has a "diminished expectation of privacy in his own identity." He added that DNA fingerprinting is a natural "technological progression" from the use of fingerprinting and photographs currently apart of the routine booking process.
But American Civil Liberties Union officials called Thursday's ruling "an incredible threat to civil liberties."
"We think this ruling is incorrect. It ignores the presumption of innocence and it does not pay enough attention to the protections of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution," said Michael Risher, staff attorney with the ACLU of Northern California.
While the ACLU is not a party to the ongoing litigation, Risher says the organization is very concerned about the government creating a giant DNA database and using this law to falsely arrest individuals solely to obtain their DNA.
"This gives the police an enormous incentive if they are interested in somebody to simply arrest that person on pre-textual charges in order to get a DNA sample from them," he said.
"There is simply an enormous amount of information stored in our DNA," he added. "We don't know what the limits of that information are. What we do know is that technology is advancing and claims at least are being made that researchers can mine our DNA for an enormous amount of personal information about us."
In the ruling, however, Hollows said that increased DNA collection will actually "help to exculpate" individuals who were wrongfully convicted and said the 2006 law has adequate built-in protections to ensure that the DNA samples will not be improperly used.
_______________
Other Information: http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/05/28/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5047829.shtml
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Dead Dogs Found on Officer Matthew Beck's Property
The bodies of at least two dogs with gunshot wounds to the head were found Wednesday by police on the property of town Dog Control Officer Matthew Beck.
Town Supervisor Marilyn Douglas said Friday Beck has been placed on an indefinite leave of absence without pay.
Sgt. James Doyle of the New York State Police said the bones have been turned over to Ward Stone, a state Department of Environmental Conservation wildlife pathologist, for identification. Doyle said Stone's investigation so far indicates the two dogs were shot in the head while looking up at the weapon.
Beck was arrested by state police in March and charged with a felony count of forgery, and a number of misdemeanors relating to alleged misconduct of a public official, a petit larceny. The charges and subsequent investigation stem from a complaint by April Stevens of Hoosick, who lost her two dogs in February.
A resident reported to Stevens that she had found the lost dogs and turned them over to Beck. When police told Beck to return Stevens' dogs, the animals he returned were not hers.
Police said the current charges stem from Beck allegedly falsifying reports.
Doyle said that depending on the outcome of Stone's investigation, Beck may face further charges. He said Beck's next court date is June 11.
He said the findings bolster police suspicions that Beck killed Stevens' dogs. Also found in the manure pile with the dog bones were a number of cow bones, but Doyle said he did not believe there was any illegal activity regarding cows.
Douglas said Friday that the town's attorney has advised the Town Board not to comment on the case, as it is a pending legal issue. Douglas said Safe Haven Boarding and Grooming of Greenwich has been hired by the town to perform the duties of dog control officer.
Prior to Beck's leave of absence, he was supervised by Douglas and Highway Superintendent Bill Shiland and filed monthly reports to the board.
After the incident, some residents began expressing their concern at monthly board meetings about Beck still being on the job and having to be supervised while the investigation was conducted.
Douglas and other board members said they could not comment on personnel matters outside of executive sessions, and at the time the evidence against Beck was not great enough to warrant further actions against him.
Town Supervisor Marilyn Douglas said Friday Beck has been placed on an indefinite leave of absence without pay.
Sgt. James Doyle of the New York State Police said the bones have been turned over to Ward Stone, a state Department of Environmental Conservation wildlife pathologist, for identification. Doyle said Stone's investigation so far indicates the two dogs were shot in the head while looking up at the weapon.
Beck was arrested by state police in March and charged with a felony count of forgery, and a number of misdemeanors relating to alleged misconduct of a public official, a petit larceny. The charges and subsequent investigation stem from a complaint by April Stevens of Hoosick, who lost her two dogs in February.
A resident reported to Stevens that she had found the lost dogs and turned them over to Beck. When police told Beck to return Stevens' dogs, the animals he returned were not hers.
Police said the current charges stem from Beck allegedly falsifying reports.
Doyle said that depending on the outcome of Stone's investigation, Beck may face further charges. He said Beck's next court date is June 11.
He said the findings bolster police suspicions that Beck killed Stevens' dogs. Also found in the manure pile with the dog bones were a number of cow bones, but Doyle said he did not believe there was any illegal activity regarding cows.
Douglas said Friday that the town's attorney has advised the Town Board not to comment on the case, as it is a pending legal issue. Douglas said Safe Haven Boarding and Grooming of Greenwich has been hired by the town to perform the duties of dog control officer.
Prior to Beck's leave of absence, he was supervised by Douglas and Highway Superintendent Bill Shiland and filed monthly reports to the board.
After the incident, some residents began expressing their concern at monthly board meetings about Beck still being on the job and having to be supervised while the investigation was conducted.
Douglas and other board members said they could not comment on personnel matters outside of executive sessions, and at the time the evidence against Beck was not great enough to warrant further actions against him.
Officer Robert Fratta Sentenced to Death for Hiring Hit Men to Kill his Wife
A jury has decided on the death penalty for a former police officer convicted of hiring two hit men to kill his estranged wife.
Robert Fratta was an officer in former Missouri City who was being retried in his wife's death. Jurors in Houston began deliberating his sentence Saturday morning after being sequestered Friday.
Fratta was convicted earlier this month of hiring two men to shoot his wife, Farah, in 1994.
Fratta's 1996 conviction was overturned. An appeals court ruled that confessions from his coconspirators shouldn't have been admitted into evidence because Fratta's lawyers could not cross-examine them.
The coconspirators remain on death row.
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http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/hotstories/6448390.html
Robert Fratta was an officer in former Missouri City who was being retried in his wife's death. Jurors in Houston began deliberating his sentence Saturday morning after being sequestered Friday.
Fratta was convicted earlier this month of hiring two men to shoot his wife, Farah, in 1994.
Fratta's 1996 conviction was overturned. An appeals court ruled that confessions from his coconspirators shouldn't have been admitted into evidence because Fratta's lawyers could not cross-examine them.
The coconspirators remain on death row.
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http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/hotstories/6448390.html
Cpl Benjamin Kruszynski Pleads Guilty to Drunk Driving
An Elkhart police officer who crashed his squad car while off duty last Sunday has resigned and pleaded guilty to drunken driving and criminal recklessness.
Cpl. Benjamin Kruszynski was arrested after he crashed into two fences and a tree while speeding with four other people in his squad car. Authorities say the 38-year-old was travelling faster than 100 mph.
Police say Kruszynski's blood-alcohol level two hours after the crash was 0.12 percent. Indiana's legal limit is 0.08 percent.
Kruszynski resigned Thursday and entered the pleas on the misdemeanor charges yesterday. The Elkhart Board of Public Safety unanimously voted to accept his resignation.
No injuries were reported in the accident.
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Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/search?q=Benjamin+Kruszynski
Cpl. Benjamin Kruszynski was arrested after he crashed into two fences and a tree while speeding with four other people in his squad car. Authorities say the 38-year-old was travelling faster than 100 mph.
Police say Kruszynski's blood-alcohol level two hours after the crash was 0.12 percent. Indiana's legal limit is 0.08 percent.
Kruszynski resigned Thursday and entered the pleas on the misdemeanor charges yesterday. The Elkhart Board of Public Safety unanimously voted to accept his resignation.
No injuries were reported in the accident.
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Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/search?q=Benjamin+Kruszynski
Friday, May 29, 2009
Two Jefferson Parish Deputies Arrested for Beating Up Teens
Two Jefferson parish sheriff's deputies have been arrested and kicked off the force after brutality allegations. A couple of teenagers say the deputies beat them up in Marrero.
According to the teens, they were playing paintball at an abandoned Marrero apartment complex last weekend when approached by deputies Cornell Farlin and Shawn Henry. The teens claimed Farlin and Henry handcuffed them, and then began punching and kicking them, even using their police batons, before releasing them with a summons.
"I think the message here is the quickness in which we responded to the complaint, that we take this very seriously," said Sheriff Newell Normand at a news conference Friday. "This type of conduct by our officers will not be tolerated."
Sheriff Normand said the two accusers also said there were other deputies present during the beating. The sheriff says the investigation continues.
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More information: http://www.nola.com/news/?/base/news-1/124366097254010.xml&coll=1
According to the teens, they were playing paintball at an abandoned Marrero apartment complex last weekend when approached by deputies Cornell Farlin and Shawn Henry. The teens claimed Farlin and Henry handcuffed them, and then began punching and kicking them, even using their police batons, before releasing them with a summons.
"I think the message here is the quickness in which we responded to the complaint, that we take this very seriously," said Sheriff Newell Normand at a news conference Friday. "This type of conduct by our officers will not be tolerated."
Sheriff Normand said the two accusers also said there were other deputies present during the beating. The sheriff says the investigation continues.
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More information: http://www.nola.com/news/?/base/news-1/124366097254010.xml&coll=1
Trooper Robert Czora Arrested Again
A former trooper who was involved in a 2007 official-misconduct investigation has been arrested again.
Plattsburgh-based State Police arrested Robert Czora midday Friday and believed the former 14-year veteran of the force possessed property that was recently stolen from a local business.
Czora, 40, resigned from the State Police in November 2007 after a police investigation revealed that he scammed an unsuspecting out-of-state driver.
An investigation found that the former Valcour-based trooper stopped a speeding driver on Interstate 87 and then drove her to a Keeseville bank, where she withdrew $300 that Czora told her she needed for bail.
Czora took the money and never issued the woman a ticket.
He soon became the focus of an official-misconduct investigation after the woman contacted local authorities inquiring about her court appearance, unaware that she had never actually been ticketed.
During the investigation, Czora attempted to return the money to the woman through a third party but never explained why.
He later resigned, pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor misconduct charge and paid a $1,000 fine.
Czora, who joined the agency in 1992, has never publicly commented on the misconduct.
The Morrisonville resident is now behind bars at Clinton County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond.
He is facing a felony charge of third-degree criminal possession of stolen property.
It was initially unclear what items had been taken from Northeast Printing and Distribution Company and how the items allegedly came into Czora’s possession.
Investigators handling the case could not be reached for further comment early Friday evening and no additional information about the case was immediately available.
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Information from: http://www.pressrepublican.com
Plattsburgh-based State Police arrested Robert Czora midday Friday and believed the former 14-year veteran of the force possessed property that was recently stolen from a local business.
Czora, 40, resigned from the State Police in November 2007 after a police investigation revealed that he scammed an unsuspecting out-of-state driver.
An investigation found that the former Valcour-based trooper stopped a speeding driver on Interstate 87 and then drove her to a Keeseville bank, where she withdrew $300 that Czora told her she needed for bail.
Czora took the money and never issued the woman a ticket.
He soon became the focus of an official-misconduct investigation after the woman contacted local authorities inquiring about her court appearance, unaware that she had never actually been ticketed.
During the investigation, Czora attempted to return the money to the woman through a third party but never explained why.
He later resigned, pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor misconduct charge and paid a $1,000 fine.
Czora, who joined the agency in 1992, has never publicly commented on the misconduct.
The Morrisonville resident is now behind bars at Clinton County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond.
He is facing a felony charge of third-degree criminal possession of stolen property.
It was initially unclear what items had been taken from Northeast Printing and Distribution Company and how the items allegedly came into Czora’s possession.
Investigators handling the case could not be reached for further comment early Friday evening and no additional information about the case was immediately available.
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Information from: http://www.pressrepublican.com
Deputy Richard Silva Charged with Domestic Violence
The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office arrested Deputy Richard Silva on May 21 on charges of assault per domestic violence against a 9-year-old child and on two charges of disorderly conduct per domestic violence, the office said in a press release.
Silva is a deputy in the Bagdad area but at the time of the incident was serving a 160-hour suspension without pay for violations of the YCSO code of conduct, the release said.
Deputies booked Silva into the jail in Camp Verde. Authorities released him the next afternoon after he posted bond. A court date in the matter is pending.
Deputy Jeff McCall Arrested for Stealing Confiscated Money
A Narcotics Deputy with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office has been arrested for stealing money confiscated during a drug deal.
34-year old Deputy Jeff McCall, who has been with the Sheriff's Office since 2001 and assigned to the Narcotics Bureau since 2006, was taken into custody late Thursday afternoon.
"Within the past several weeks, information was received from cooperating sources that our Deputy was taking money confiscated during illegal drug deals. We immediately began an investigation which led to his arrest," said Shelby County Sheriff Mark H. Luttrell, Jr.
During a sting Thursday afternoon, Deputy McCall was called to the scene of a traffic stop in South Memphis. A confidential informant posing as a drug dealer had been detained by Deputies. McCall and two other Deputies responded to initiate an investigation.
According to the Affidavit of Complaint, marijuana and a bag of cash was taken from the vehicle. When the drugs and money were taken back to the Sheriff's Narcotics bureau, $400 was missing.
After confronting McCall, he admitted taking the money and resigned.
McCall was taken to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Official Misconduct, a felony, and Theft of Property under $500, a Misdemeanor.
The investigation continues about McCall and allegations he took money confiscated during other deals. The F.B.I. is working alongside of Deputies in the investigation.
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34-year old Deputy Jeff McCall, who has been with the Sheriff's Office since 2001 and assigned to the Narcotics Bureau since 2006, was taken into custody late Thursday afternoon.
"Within the past several weeks, information was received from cooperating sources that our Deputy was taking money confiscated during illegal drug deals. We immediately began an investigation which led to his arrest," said Shelby County Sheriff Mark H. Luttrell, Jr.
During a sting Thursday afternoon, Deputy McCall was called to the scene of a traffic stop in South Memphis. A confidential informant posing as a drug dealer had been detained by Deputies. McCall and two other Deputies responded to initiate an investigation.
According to the Affidavit of Complaint, marijuana and a bag of cash was taken from the vehicle. When the drugs and money were taken back to the Sheriff's Narcotics bureau, $400 was missing.
After confronting McCall, he admitted taking the money and resigned.
McCall was taken to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Official Misconduct, a felony, and Theft of Property under $500, a Misdemeanor.
The investigation continues about McCall and allegations he took money confiscated during other deals. The F.B.I. is working alongside of Deputies in the investigation.
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Officer Rene Guillen Arrested for Molesting 7-year-old Girl
A Bal Harbour police officer was arrested Thursday and accused of molesting a 7-year-old girl, police said.
Rene Guillen, a five-year-veteran who works with the city's motorcycle unit and who has a clean police record, was charged with sexual aggravated battery on a minor, according to the police report.
He was taken into custody after being arrested at the village's police department, according to a police report. He confessed to sexually assaulting his young victim when she visited his home.
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http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/AP/story/1071256.html
Rene Guillen, a five-year-veteran who works with the city's motorcycle unit and who has a clean police record, was charged with sexual aggravated battery on a minor, according to the police report.
He was taken into custody after being arrested at the village's police department, according to a police report. He confessed to sexually assaulting his young victim when she visited his home.
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http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/AP/story/1071256.html
Cpl Jason King Accepts Suspension for Using Excessive Force
A police officer accused of excessive force has decided to accept a demotion and suspension for his actions, but may soon be off the force anyway.
On Thursday, Cpl. Jason King told the city's Board of Public Safety that he would accept the disciplinary measures recommended by Police Chief Darryl Boykins, even though King said he did nothing wrong.
King was accused of using excessive force when arresting Skee Katlun after a high-speed chase Feb. 14.
Boykins, after a department internal investigation, said videotape evidence of the incident showed King attacking an unresisting Katlun, who lay prone on the ground. Boykins also alleged King lied about the incident on a police report.
On Thursday, however, King disputed those allegations and said he had followed standard police procedure. His lawyer, Thomas Dixon, said other officers, including Lt. Robert Black of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, had reviewed the tape of the incident and were willing to testify that King's actions were legitimate and right.
That testimony, however, was not heard at Thursday's hearing after King announced his decision to accept the chief's recommended discipline.
King said he chose not to fight the allegations for personal reasons — his wife recently gave birth to their first child — and because he feared the board could jeopardize his request to be placed on disabled leave from the department.
King is scheduled to appear before the department's pension board today to ask that he be placed on full-time disability stemming from a December 2007 on-duty accident.
On Dec. 20, 2007, King received multiple injuries — including a broken neck — after his squad car crashed with another officer's vehicle.
King was placed on disabled leave after the accident, but had returned to active duty by the time of the Feb. 14 incident. King was returned to light duty after the incident with Katlun, but before allegations of wrong-doing were filed with the Board of Public Safety.
King said doctor reports have shown he is physically unfit to serve as an officer, and that seeking disability is the best option for him and his family.
"I have to think about my future and my family," King said.
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More of the story: http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090529/News01/905290344/1130
On Thursday, Cpl. Jason King told the city's Board of Public Safety that he would accept the disciplinary measures recommended by Police Chief Darryl Boykins, even though King said he did nothing wrong.
King was accused of using excessive force when arresting Skee Katlun after a high-speed chase Feb. 14.
Boykins, after a department internal investigation, said videotape evidence of the incident showed King attacking an unresisting Katlun, who lay prone on the ground. Boykins also alleged King lied about the incident on a police report.
On Thursday, however, King disputed those allegations and said he had followed standard police procedure. His lawyer, Thomas Dixon, said other officers, including Lt. Robert Black of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, had reviewed the tape of the incident and were willing to testify that King's actions were legitimate and right.
That testimony, however, was not heard at Thursday's hearing after King announced his decision to accept the chief's recommended discipline.
King said he chose not to fight the allegations for personal reasons — his wife recently gave birth to their first child — and because he feared the board could jeopardize his request to be placed on disabled leave from the department.
King is scheduled to appear before the department's pension board today to ask that he be placed on full-time disability stemming from a December 2007 on-duty accident.
On Dec. 20, 2007, King received multiple injuries — including a broken neck — after his squad car crashed with another officer's vehicle.
King was placed on disabled leave after the accident, but had returned to active duty by the time of the Feb. 14 incident. King was returned to light duty after the incident with Katlun, but before allegations of wrong-doing were filed with the Board of Public Safety.
King said doctor reports have shown he is physically unfit to serve as an officer, and that seeking disability is the best option for him and his family.
"I have to think about my future and my family," King said.
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More of the story: http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090529/News01/905290344/1130
Former Officer Brian Bedsworth Accused of Unlawfully Shooting His Gun During High Speed Chase
A former Mt. Pleasant police officer is fighting criminal charges because he fired his police issued pistol.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation arrested Brian Bedsworth. He's accused of unlawfully shooting his gun at a suspect during a high speed chase.
The incident happened on March 21. When neighbor Ricky woke up he said his front yard was a crime scene.
Minutes earlier, Mt. Pleasant police officer Brian Bedsworth pulled over Eddie Roberts.
After a brief discussion, police said Roberts sped away; the officer pulled his pistol and started firing.
"Gunshots - saw a lot," said Ricky. "I think the officer was in the right for doing what he did. Anybody would protect their own life."
The TBI and the Mt. Pleasant police chief disagree. On Thursday, Bedsworth was charged with reckless endangerment with a weapon and reckless aggravated assault.
"As the vehicle was fleeing, leaving the scene, officer Bedsworth drew his gun and discharged it a total of nine times at the vehicle," said Mt. Pleasant police chief Tommy Goetz.
In Goetz' opinion, his officer violated the use of deadly force policy, which allows officers to use deadly force ‘to defend themselves or other persons from what the officer reasonably perceives as an immediate threat of death or serious injury.'
"The greatest fear would have been that an innocent bystander would have got hit, or the gas pumping station's line would have got hit," said Goetz.
The officer was firing in the direction of a natural gas station. Bedsworth's patrol car had a camera, that camera was not working during the particular traffic stop.
Bedsworth is out of the Maury County jail on bond. Soon after the incident Bedsworth resigned from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department, and he did not want to comment on his case.
Since this incident, Goetz said supervisors have once again briefed officers on the department's policy on the use of deadly force.
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http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?S=10442286
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