As a 24-year-old man who has accused the police of sodomizing him at a subway station in Brooklyn spent another day in the hospital on Saturday, a law enforcement official provided a fuller picture of the injuries the man sustained during the altercation.
The man, Michael Mineo, is attached to a tube draining fluid from his abdomen, one of his lawyers said. He was visited at the hospital by the Rev. Al Sharpton, who had spoken about Mr. Mineo’s allegations on his radio program earlier Saturday.
The police have denied Mr. Mineo’s account.
At Brooklyn Hospital Center, Mr. Mineo’s lawyers allowed a cameraman from NY1 to videotape their client in his room, and they later showed the recording to other reporters. Mr. Mineo, who works as a body-piercer, is seen in bed wearing a hospital gown. With his voice cracking, he says, “I feel violated.”
It is Mr. Mineo’s second stay in a hospital since his encounter with the police on Oct. 15, when, he said, a group of officers attacked him for no reason. During the attack, he said, one of them inserted a police radio antenna or a similar object into his rectum. He was admitted to Brookdale University Hospital and stayed for four days.
The police have said that officers spotted Mr. Mineo smoking marijuana and that he ran away when they approached. He scuffled with the police as he resisted arrest, but he was never sodomized, they said.
A law enforcement official said on Saturday that Mr. Mineo suffered a tear just above his rectum, a bruise to the side of his head, injuries to his side and an injury to the outside of his abdomen. But the official said Mr. Mineo did not suffer any internal injuries on the order of those inflicted in the attack on Abner Louima, the Haitian immigrant who was assaulted inside a station house in 1997 by police with a broken broomstick.
“Unless there is something that Brookdale missed,” the official said, there were no internal injuries that would indicate the penetration of his rectum by a foreign object. “I don’t know what his current diagnosis is, what he’s back in the hospital for. I don’t know if something else happened.”
Mr. Mineo’s lawyers have said the severity of his injuries supported his allegations. They pointed to hospital records from Brookdale that indicated he suffered from what one doctor described in a written account as an “anal assault.” One of the lawyers, Kevin L. Mosley, said that Mr. Mineo was admitted to the hospital a second time on Thursday night because he was in pain. “He had blood in his urine, and he couldn’t function anymore,” he said, adding that his client had “some sort of abscess in his abdomen,” and at one point was given morphine.
Neither Mr. Mineo’s lawyers, the police, the Brooklyn district attorney’s office nor the hospitals would provide any medical records for Mr. Mineo.
Five officers were involved in the encounter with Mr. Mineo at the Prospect Park station of the B and Q lines; none had any history of disciplinary problems. All the officers remain on regular duty.
A person familiar with the officers’ account of what happened said that one of them was Officer Alex Cruz. The person identified another officer involved as Officer Noel Jugraj.
The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is continuing, said Officer Cruz’s name was on the summons given to Mr. Mineo on Oct. 15 for disorderly conduct.
Another law enforcement official said that investigators with a search warrant seized a retractable baton and a radio antenna from Officer Cruz’s locker. The two items had been sent for testing, which was not yet complete.
The police Internal Affairs Bureau and the Brooklyn district attorney’s office are investigating.
They have not determined how Mr. Mineo was injured. Investigators who announced a hot line number on Friday were seeking witnesses and hoping that test results to the baton and the radio antenna would offer some answers. The account provided by Mr. Mineo’s lawyers could not be independently corroborated, but some investigators have not dismissed some portions of the lawyers’ story.
On Saturday, Mr. Mosley and another lawyer representing Mr. Mineo, Stephen C. Jackson, spoke on Mr. Sharpton’s radio show before the three men visited Mr. Mineo at Brooklyn Hospital Center. Mr. Sharpton called for a fair, independent investigation.
“I do not know what happened,” Mr. Sharpton said. “But I know that we cannot allow police to be the only investigative body, and find that their findings should go unquestioned and unexamined.”
After visiting Mr. Mineo, Mr. Sharpton said Mr. Mineo’s account was “very compelling,” adding, “I find it hard to understand how someone could inflict that kind of pain on themselves.”
A law enforcement official said Mr. Mineo had filed two complaints with the Civilian Complaint Review Board in the past year. In one, Mr. Mineo said that he was stopped by police officers, and in the other he said that a friend was stopped, the official said.
Mr. Mineo’s lawyer, Mr. Mosley, said that too much attention was being paid to his client’s past, which includes at least five arrests. “These police officers didn’t have his rap sheet when they tackled him,” he said.
Both the police and Mr. Mineo’s lawyers said they had spoken to witnesses who confirmed their respective versions of events.
Two law enforcement officials said the entire incident was witnessed by people in the subway station or visible on transit authority video cameras. But one of the officials said the view of witnesses was obstructed at some crucial points.
Mr. Jackson said he had spoken to three witnesses and that one of them — a colleague of Mr. Mineo’s who was with him shortly after his confrontation with the police — saw blood on Mr. Mineo’s pants and on his hands, and saw Mr. Mineo smear the blood on the window of a police car.
A law enforcement official said Saturday that investigators had no evidence supporting Mr. Jackson’s account. Investigators examined the patrol car that was at the scene and found no evidence that there was blood on it, the official said. The car was still dirty, and it did not appear to be washed.
The police have said witnesses told investigators that they did not see Mr. Mineo being sodomized. A person familiar with the investigation said that those witnesses included a token booth clerk and his 12-year-old son, who was visiting him. The two have provided police internal affairs officers with an account of what they saw and heard.
In an interview at his Brooklyn home, the boy, who said he had spoken with the police, said he was standing outside the token booth when he saw Mr. Mineo run down the stairs with two officers in pursuit. The boy said that Mr. Mineo’s pants were falling off as he was running.
Mr. Mineo first hopped the turnstile and the officers did the same, but there was no train at the station so Mr. Mineo left the platform through the same turnstiles, the boy said.
The boy said a third officer was waiting on other side of the turnstiles and tackled Mr. Mineo. At that point, the boy said, he was about eight feet away. A person familiar with the investigation confirmed that these were details the boy had provided investigators.
“It was a little scary,” the boy said.
The boy’s father refused to speak to a reporter at his workplace on Saturday and to another reporter when he went home.
http://www.nytimes.com
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Former Officer Robert J Pavlovich Found Guilty of Corruption of Minors, Sexual Assault
NEW BLOOMFIELD, Pa
A former small-town police officer accused of molesting or propositioning more than a dozen teenage girls while on duty was convicted of several sex offenses.
A jury deliberated for about 10 hours Saturday before finding Robert J. Pavlovich Jr. guilty of charges including corruption of minors, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent assault and bribery in official matters.
Pavlovich, 40, of Camp Hill, denied the charges during the three-day trial. Asked on the witness stand whether he had sex with any of the accusers, touched them improperly or asked them to sneak out of their homes, the former Marysville officer replied, "Absolutely not."
Pavlovich said, however, that he did ask three teenage girls to meet him late at night at locations in Marysville as part of an investigation into drug activity and underage drinking. No one was arrested based on information he received from them, he said.
Several women testified during the trial that, when they were 13 or 14, Pavlovich tried to convince them to sneak out of their homes and meet him. They said they believed he intended to have sex with them.
Others testified that Pavlovich had fondled them, and one woman who has been diagnosed with a mental disability testified that she was pressured to perform oral sex on Pavlovich when she was 19.
The allegations date back to 2000, the year Pavlovich was hired. He was suspended from the force in March 2007 and later fired.
Pavlovich remained free on $250,000 bail. No sentencing date has been set.
Jonelle H. Eshbach, a senior state deputy attorney general who prosecuted the case, said she was satisfied with the verdict. Defense lawyer P. Richard Wagner and the Pavlovich family did not comment.
The victims and their families were not at the courthouse in New Bloomfield when the verdict was announced after 10 p.m. Saturday.
Marysville, a borough of about 2,400 people, is just northwest of Harrisburg.
———
Information from: The Patriot-News, http://www.pennlive.com/patriotnews
A former small-town police officer accused of molesting or propositioning more than a dozen teenage girls while on duty was convicted of several sex offenses.
A jury deliberated for about 10 hours Saturday before finding Robert J. Pavlovich Jr. guilty of charges including corruption of minors, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent assault and bribery in official matters.
Pavlovich, 40, of Camp Hill, denied the charges during the three-day trial. Asked on the witness stand whether he had sex with any of the accusers, touched them improperly or asked them to sneak out of their homes, the former Marysville officer replied, "Absolutely not."
Pavlovich said, however, that he did ask three teenage girls to meet him late at night at locations in Marysville as part of an investigation into drug activity and underage drinking. No one was arrested based on information he received from them, he said.
Several women testified during the trial that, when they were 13 or 14, Pavlovich tried to convince them to sneak out of their homes and meet him. They said they believed he intended to have sex with them.
Others testified that Pavlovich had fondled them, and one woman who has been diagnosed with a mental disability testified that she was pressured to perform oral sex on Pavlovich when she was 19.
The allegations date back to 2000, the year Pavlovich was hired. He was suspended from the force in March 2007 and later fired.
Pavlovich remained free on $250,000 bail. No sentencing date has been set.
Jonelle H. Eshbach, a senior state deputy attorney general who prosecuted the case, said she was satisfied with the verdict. Defense lawyer P. Richard Wagner and the Pavlovich family did not comment.
The victims and their families were not at the courthouse in New Bloomfield when the verdict was announced after 10 p.m. Saturday.
Marysville, a borough of about 2,400 people, is just northwest of Harrisburg.
———
Information from: The Patriot-News, http://www.pennlive.com/patriotnews
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Deputy Sheriff Jerry Nelson Arrested for DUI
An Orange County deputy sheriff was arrested early Saturday in the Tampa area and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, a jail booking report shows.
Deputy Jerry Nelson, 29, was taken into custody about 3 a.m. in Hillsborough County. Nelson, who joined the Sheriff's Office on Dec. 2, 2005, was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail about three hours later and released Saturday.
A Sheriff's Office statement said Nelson will be taken off the street and reassigned to administrative duties while his case is investigated by department officials.
More Information: http://www.myfoxorlando.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=7722296&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1
Officer Engelberto Rubio Jr Arrested on Child Abuse Charges
SUISUN, Calif.
An officer with the Suisun Police Department has been arrested on child abuse charges, the department said.
Engelberto Rubio Jr. has been placed on 30 days unpaid administrative leave.
The nature of the allegations wasn't released.
Rubio had worked for the police department for three months.
The Suisun Police Department did not release any details on the case, as it was not the arresting agency.
The Colusa County District Attorney is pursuing the case.
An officer with the Suisun Police Department has been arrested on child abuse charges, the department said.
Engelberto Rubio Jr. has been placed on 30 days unpaid administrative leave.
The nature of the allegations wasn't released.
Rubio had worked for the police department for three months.
The Suisun Police Department did not release any details on the case, as it was not the arresting agency.
The Colusa County District Attorney is pursuing the case.
Const. Kevin Duignan Charged with Impaired Driving
Blood tests, which Crown witnesses said were taken from Const. Kevin Duignan, showed an alcohol value of more than three times the legal limit, court heard yesterday.
The Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg heard testimony from hospital staff as part of a voir dire (a trial within a trial) that will determine whether evidence collected at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre can be used against Duignan, a Peterborough County OPP officer.
Mr. Justice Rommel Masse, sitting as judge alone, will have to decide whether the evidence is admissible.
Defence lawyer Leo Kinahan was expected to argue the evidence should not be admissible because Duignan enjoys protection under the province's Personal Health Information Protection Act.
But as the voir dire unfolded yesterday, Kinahan told the court he might have to shift strategies to argue the hospital evidence infringes his client's Charter rights.
Duignan, 50, was charged April 2, 2007 with impaired driving and having care and control of a vehicle with more than the legal amount of alcohol in his blood.
The charge came after Duignan's police cruiser was involved in a single- vehicle collision on Highway 28 south of Burleigh Falls in the early morning hours of March 29, 2007.
Duignan, who was on duty and in uniform at the time, was taken to PRHC where his blood was drawn, court heard.
Hospital lab technologist Pat Surman analyzed Duignan's blood, she testified, finding an alcohol value of 55 millimoles of alcohol per one litre of blood. The legal limit in Canada is about 17.3 millimoles of alcohol per one litre of blood.
Registered nurse Allyson Langworth was working in the emergency room the morning Duignan was brought to the hospital, court heard.
She said the officer was "belligerent" and uncooperative with staff.
The Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg heard testimony from hospital staff as part of a voir dire (a trial within a trial) that will determine whether evidence collected at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre can be used against Duignan, a Peterborough County OPP officer.
Mr. Justice Rommel Masse, sitting as judge alone, will have to decide whether the evidence is admissible.
Defence lawyer Leo Kinahan was expected to argue the evidence should not be admissible because Duignan enjoys protection under the province's Personal Health Information Protection Act.
But as the voir dire unfolded yesterday, Kinahan told the court he might have to shift strategies to argue the hospital evidence infringes his client's Charter rights.
Duignan, 50, was charged April 2, 2007 with impaired driving and having care and control of a vehicle with more than the legal amount of alcohol in his blood.
The charge came after Duignan's police cruiser was involved in a single- vehicle collision on Highway 28 south of Burleigh Falls in the early morning hours of March 29, 2007.
Duignan, who was on duty and in uniform at the time, was taken to PRHC where his blood was drawn, court heard.
Hospital lab technologist Pat Surman analyzed Duignan's blood, she testified, finding an alcohol value of 55 millimoles of alcohol per one litre of blood. The legal limit in Canada is about 17.3 millimoles of alcohol per one litre of blood.
Registered nurse Allyson Langworth was working in the emergency room the morning Duignan was brought to the hospital, court heard.
She said the officer was "belligerent" and uncooperative with staff.
Sgt. Wayne Alger Arrested for Committing Lewd Act with Child
Authorities said Saturday that they have arrested a California Highway Patrol sergeant on suspicion of committing a lewd act with a young girl.
Sgt. Wayne Robert Alger, 36, of Roseville, was under investigation for two weeks before his arrest, said Rocklin Police Department spokesman Lt. Lon Milka.
Milka said the victim is younger than 14 and that Rocklin police arrested the CHP sergeant after the girl's family contacted them.
Alger works the CHP's Capitol Protection Section, which provides law enforcement for state buildings in Sacramento.
According to Placer County documents, Alger was taken into custody Friday and later released on $50,000 bail.
CHP Capt. Bob Ghiglieri, Alger's commander, said Saturday that the alleged incident occurred when Alger was off duty and was not job-related. He said Alger has been put on administrative leave, pending the conclusion of the Rocklin Police Department's investigation.
Sgt. Wayne Robert Alger, 36, of Roseville, was under investigation for two weeks before his arrest, said Rocklin Police Department spokesman Lt. Lon Milka.
Milka said the victim is younger than 14 and that Rocklin police arrested the CHP sergeant after the girl's family contacted them.
Alger works the CHP's Capitol Protection Section, which provides law enforcement for state buildings in Sacramento.
According to Placer County documents, Alger was taken into custody Friday and later released on $50,000 bail.
CHP Capt. Bob Ghiglieri, Alger's commander, said Saturday that the alleged incident occurred when Alger was off duty and was not job-related. He said Alger has been put on administrative leave, pending the conclusion of the Rocklin Police Department's investigation.
Officer Scott Nugent Awaits Trial in Taser Death
There was no hearing Thursday for Scott Nugent, the officer charged in connection with the in-custody death of Barron "Scooter" Pikes.
Winn Parish District Attorney R. Chris Nevils said the hearing was scheduled for Thursday to hear routine motions, like discovery in the manslaughter and malfeasance case of Nugent, but the hearing wasn't necessary as Nevils had provided the materials a month ago.
Nugent's attorney, Phillip Terrell, was satisfied with the discovery, and neither he nor Nugent were in court Thursday, Nevils said. The next step, Nevils said, is for a trial date to be set, although they have to wait until after a pretrial conference with newly elected District Judge Jacque Derr.
Nugent, whose firing from the Winnfield Police Department was recently upheld by the Civil Service Board, is accused of shocking Pikes nine times with a 50,000-volt Taser within 14 minutes. Those shocks were made while Pikes was handcuffed and in police custody in connection with a drug possession warrant in January, officials say.
Winn Parish Coroner Dr. Randy Williams has said Pikes did not have PCP or cocaine in his system as officers alleged, and Pikes, whose cause of death was listed as cardiac arrest on the death certificate, may have already been dead before the last two Taser shocks.
Nugent has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Terrell has said he is confident Nugent will be found innocent once all the evidence is presented. If convicted of both charges, Nugent faces up to 45 years in prison.
The family of Pikes filed a wrongful death lawsuit earlier this month against not only Nugent but also the city of Winnfield, the mayor, City Council, police chief and other officers on the force, in addition to Taser International Inc. -- the manufacturer of the stun gun device Nugent used.
http://www.thetowntalk.com
Winn Parish District Attorney R. Chris Nevils said the hearing was scheduled for Thursday to hear routine motions, like discovery in the manslaughter and malfeasance case of Nugent, but the hearing wasn't necessary as Nevils had provided the materials a month ago.
Nugent's attorney, Phillip Terrell, was satisfied with the discovery, and neither he nor Nugent were in court Thursday, Nevils said. The next step, Nevils said, is for a trial date to be set, although they have to wait until after a pretrial conference with newly elected District Judge Jacque Derr.
Nugent, whose firing from the Winnfield Police Department was recently upheld by the Civil Service Board, is accused of shocking Pikes nine times with a 50,000-volt Taser within 14 minutes. Those shocks were made while Pikes was handcuffed and in police custody in connection with a drug possession warrant in January, officials say.
Winn Parish Coroner Dr. Randy Williams has said Pikes did not have PCP or cocaine in his system as officers alleged, and Pikes, whose cause of death was listed as cardiac arrest on the death certificate, may have already been dead before the last two Taser shocks.
Nugent has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Terrell has said he is confident Nugent will be found innocent once all the evidence is presented. If convicted of both charges, Nugent faces up to 45 years in prison.
The family of Pikes filed a wrongful death lawsuit earlier this month against not only Nugent but also the city of Winnfield, the mayor, City Council, police chief and other officers on the force, in addition to Taser International Inc. -- the manufacturer of the stun gun device Nugent used.
http://www.thetowntalk.com
Sheriff Daniel Presgraves Faces Several Charges including Sexual Assault
HARRISONBURG
A closer look at the 42-page indictment against Page County Sheriff Daniel Presgraves shows what prosecutors say was a pattern of widespread corruption that dates back to around the time he took the oath of office in 2000.
The federal government alleges that Presgraves, 46, who earns $97,198 a year, violated racketeering laws by using his position as sheriff to sexually assault women employees; obtain labor for personal projects; take bribes in the form of cash, gifts and the use of machinery; protect illegal activities from prosecution; conceal and divert revenue; and obstruct federal investigations.
Presgraves faces six counts of obstructing a law enforcement investigation, four counts of obstructing an investigation by a federal grand jury, four counts of violating the civil rights of women working at the Page County Sheriff's Office, two counts of making false statements, two counts of conspiracy, two counts of mail fraud, one count of money laundering, and one count of violating federal racketeering laws, according to the indictment unsealed Thursday.
He faces 304 years in prison if convicted on all charges, according to prosecutors.
"Public service is a public trust and those who are elected to public office are held to the highest legal, moral and ethical standards," said Julie Dudley, acting U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia, Thursday during the unsealing of the indictment. "It's what we all want and what we all expect."
However, it's not what Page County residents got, she said.
Sexual Abuse Alleged
Part of the abuse of power outlined in the 22-count indictment is in connection with the sexual harassment or assault of 12 of the women on his staff he was elected to supervise.
Although he is not specifically charged with sexual assault, four counts of the indictment charge him with violating the civil rights of those employees.
The indictment outlines graphic details of his attempts, sometimes successful, at persuading these women to perform sexual acts or watch him perform lewd acts.
In addition to the lewd acts, the indictment states, he also instructed many of the women not to tell anyone.
In one case, the indictment alleges that after performing a lewd act and groping a woman inappropriately, Presgraves told her not to talk to the "feds" because "nobody knows anything that happened besides you and I."
In a separate incident, the indictment says he told a woman not to testify before the federal grand jury about their sexual activities but to "take it to the grave."
Inmate Labor Claims
Separate from the sexual abuse claims, prosecutors also allege Presgraves abused his power as the top law enforcement officer in the county to receive personal gains.
Presgraves, the indictment says, used Page County Jail inmates to work on projects at his home, at a construction site he and his company, Page Properties LLC, were developing, and at another property he owned that's adjacent to the Shenandoah River and his cabin.
"The inmate labor included, but was not limited to, construction work, operation of machinery, landscaping, mowing, carpentry and painting," the indictment states. "The inmates were often transported to and from the Page County Jail to these work sites by [Presgraves], his wife and [Page County Sheriff's Office] employees at the direction of [Presgraves]."
His wife has not been charged, but prosecutors say the investigation is ongoing.
Prosecutors say he also took government property.
"[Presgraves] stole and converted to his own use construction materials and other items that were owned by the [sheriff's office]," the indictment states.
Presgraves also faces the same conspiracy charge that has resulted in convictions or guilty pleas for three Virginia men charged in connection with the Little Boxwood cockfighting ring. A fourth man awaits trail in that case.
Presgraves is charged with conspiracy to sponsor an animal-fighting venture, specifically for his alleged role in helping Little Boxwood remain active, and his conversations with the owner of a second pit.
In 2000, the indictment alleges, Presgraves told the owner of a cockfighting pit in the Naked Creek section of the county that as long as he, the owner, kept a low profile, he wouldn't have any trouble. It further states that Presgraves told three deputies not to "harass" the cockfighters.
In addition to Pregraves' receiving bribes, disguised as campaign contributions, the indictment alleges he told a resident who called to complain about cockfighting that he didn't have the manpower to combat the issue and that cockfighting was a part of the county's "heritage."
A closer look at the 42-page indictment against Page County Sheriff Daniel Presgraves shows what prosecutors say was a pattern of widespread corruption that dates back to around the time he took the oath of office in 2000.
The federal government alleges that Presgraves, 46, who earns $97,198 a year, violated racketeering laws by using his position as sheriff to sexually assault women employees; obtain labor for personal projects; take bribes in the form of cash, gifts and the use of machinery; protect illegal activities from prosecution; conceal and divert revenue; and obstruct federal investigations.
Presgraves faces six counts of obstructing a law enforcement investigation, four counts of obstructing an investigation by a federal grand jury, four counts of violating the civil rights of women working at the Page County Sheriff's Office, two counts of making false statements, two counts of conspiracy, two counts of mail fraud, one count of money laundering, and one count of violating federal racketeering laws, according to the indictment unsealed Thursday.
He faces 304 years in prison if convicted on all charges, according to prosecutors.
"Public service is a public trust and those who are elected to public office are held to the highest legal, moral and ethical standards," said Julie Dudley, acting U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia, Thursday during the unsealing of the indictment. "It's what we all want and what we all expect."
However, it's not what Page County residents got, she said.
Sexual Abuse Alleged
Part of the abuse of power outlined in the 22-count indictment is in connection with the sexual harassment or assault of 12 of the women on his staff he was elected to supervise.
Although he is not specifically charged with sexual assault, four counts of the indictment charge him with violating the civil rights of those employees.
The indictment outlines graphic details of his attempts, sometimes successful, at persuading these women to perform sexual acts or watch him perform lewd acts.
In addition to the lewd acts, the indictment states, he also instructed many of the women not to tell anyone.
In one case, the indictment alleges that after performing a lewd act and groping a woman inappropriately, Presgraves told her not to talk to the "feds" because "nobody knows anything that happened besides you and I."
In a separate incident, the indictment says he told a woman not to testify before the federal grand jury about their sexual activities but to "take it to the grave."
Inmate Labor Claims
Separate from the sexual abuse claims, prosecutors also allege Presgraves abused his power as the top law enforcement officer in the county to receive personal gains.
Presgraves, the indictment says, used Page County Jail inmates to work on projects at his home, at a construction site he and his company, Page Properties LLC, were developing, and at another property he owned that's adjacent to the Shenandoah River and his cabin.
"The inmate labor included, but was not limited to, construction work, operation of machinery, landscaping, mowing, carpentry and painting," the indictment states. "The inmates were often transported to and from the Page County Jail to these work sites by [Presgraves], his wife and [Page County Sheriff's Office] employees at the direction of [Presgraves]."
His wife has not been charged, but prosecutors say the investigation is ongoing.
Prosecutors say he also took government property.
"[Presgraves] stole and converted to his own use construction materials and other items that were owned by the [sheriff's office]," the indictment states.
Presgraves also faces the same conspiracy charge that has resulted in convictions or guilty pleas for three Virginia men charged in connection with the Little Boxwood cockfighting ring. A fourth man awaits trail in that case.
Presgraves is charged with conspiracy to sponsor an animal-fighting venture, specifically for his alleged role in helping Little Boxwood remain active, and his conversations with the owner of a second pit.
In 2000, the indictment alleges, Presgraves told the owner of a cockfighting pit in the Naked Creek section of the county that as long as he, the owner, kept a low profile, he wouldn't have any trouble. It further states that Presgraves told three deputies not to "harass" the cockfighters.
In addition to Pregraves' receiving bribes, disguised as campaign contributions, the indictment alleges he told a resident who called to complain about cockfighting that he didn't have the manpower to combat the issue and that cockfighting was a part of the county's "heritage."
Sheriff Deputy Frank Smith Jr. Charged with Selling Drugs
BRACKEN CO.
A Bracken County sheriff's deputy has been charged with selling drugs.
On Friday, Kentucky State police arrested Frank Smith Jr. of Brooksville.
Smith, a Bracken County deputy, was arrested in a McDonald's parking lot in Falmouth.
He was charged with second-degree trafficking a controlled substance. State police said the arrested was the result of a lengthy investigation.
http://news.cincinnati.com/
A Bracken County sheriff's deputy has been charged with selling drugs.
On Friday, Kentucky State police arrested Frank Smith Jr. of Brooksville.
Smith, a Bracken County deputy, was arrested in a McDonald's parking lot in Falmouth.
He was charged with second-degree trafficking a controlled substance. State police said the arrested was the result of a lengthy investigation.
http://news.cincinnati.com/
Friday, October 24, 2008
Deputy William James Weber Arrested for Sexual Assault
The Douglas County Sheriff's Department and the Superior Police department are tight–lipped about the specifics of 55 year old William James Weber's arrest today.
The long time Douglas County Deputy and investigator faces a multitude of charges stemming from an allegation of 4th degree sexual assault on October 15th.
A statement issued by the Superior Police Department says Weber allegedly sexually assaulted an 18 year old male last Wednesday.
Upon executing a search warrant on Weber's home, investigators seized property from his residence including a computer.
Today around 11 a.m. Weber was arrested on two counts of 4th degree sexual assault, two counts of obstructing an officer, one count of depictions containing nudity and one count of exposing a child to harmful material.
The sexual assault charge is a misdemeanor.
Wisconsin state statutes describe it as intentional touching through clothing for the purpose of degrading or humiliating the victim or sexually arousing or gratifying the defendant.
The charge of depictions containing nudity is described as having nude pictures without the subject's knowledge, which is more commonly known as voyeurism.
Weber made his initial court appearance today, and was released on a two–thousand dollar signature bond.
Because Weber is a Douglas County employee Douglas County Attorney Dan Blank is planning on requesting a special prosecutor for the case.
Weber has been place on administrative leave, and Douglas County Sheriff department officials tell me that an internal investigation is on going and they unable to comment until the investigation is finished.
The Superior Police Department is conducting its own criminal investigation.
Weber's is scheduled to appear next on November 21st.
http://www.blogger.com
The long time Douglas County Deputy and investigator faces a multitude of charges stemming from an allegation of 4th degree sexual assault on October 15th.
A statement issued by the Superior Police Department says Weber allegedly sexually assaulted an 18 year old male last Wednesday.
Upon executing a search warrant on Weber's home, investigators seized property from his residence including a computer.
Today around 11 a.m. Weber was arrested on two counts of 4th degree sexual assault, two counts of obstructing an officer, one count of depictions containing nudity and one count of exposing a child to harmful material.
The sexual assault charge is a misdemeanor.
Wisconsin state statutes describe it as intentional touching through clothing for the purpose of degrading or humiliating the victim or sexually arousing or gratifying the defendant.
The charge of depictions containing nudity is described as having nude pictures without the subject's knowledge, which is more commonly known as voyeurism.
Weber made his initial court appearance today, and was released on a two–thousand dollar signature bond.
Because Weber is a Douglas County employee Douglas County Attorney Dan Blank is planning on requesting a special prosecutor for the case.
Weber has been place on administrative leave, and Douglas County Sheriff department officials tell me that an internal investigation is on going and they unable to comment until the investigation is finished.
The Superior Police Department is conducting its own criminal investigation.
Weber's is scheduled to appear next on November 21st.
http://www.blogger.com
Cpl Matthew Spain Arrested for Being Under the Influence
A local law enforcement officer was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of an unknown substance while on duty, officials said.
Palm Desert police Cpl. Matthew Spain, a Riverside County sheriff's deputy, was arrested just before 1 a.m. Oct. 11.
“He was later evaluated and booked,” Palm Desert police Lt. Greg Ammons said Friday.
Spain has since been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
Additional information was not available.
Palm Desert contracts for police services with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
More Information: Updated Nov. 1, 2008 http://www.mydesert.com/article/20081018/NEWS0801/810180342/1006/news01
Palm Desert police Cpl. Matthew Spain, a Riverside County sheriff's deputy, was arrested just before 1 a.m. Oct. 11.
“He was later evaluated and booked,” Palm Desert police Lt. Greg Ammons said Friday.
Spain has since been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
Additional information was not available.
Palm Desert contracts for police services with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
More Information: Updated Nov. 1, 2008 http://www.mydesert.com/article/20081018/NEWS0801/810180342/1006/news01
Chief Caetano Vasco Chapepa Arrested for Corruption
Maputo
The attorney's office in the northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado has confirmed the arrest of a high ranking police officer on charges of corruption, reports Friday's issue of the Maputo daily "Noticias".
Attorney Janyario Necas said that a police chief superintendent, Caetano Vasco Chapepa, who is the director of training at the Cabo Delgado provincial police command, was been arrested and charged with corruption and swindling police recruit. His case has been handed to an investigating magistrate to validate the detention.
Necas said that Chapepa was detained after evidence was found that he had charged 300 meticais (12 US dollars) to each of the 410 young recruits enrolled for a training course, coming to a total of 123,000 meticais.
He told the victims that the money was to pay for their medical exams in Pemba city, the provincial capital.
However, the provincial health directorate revealed that the cost of the medical exams is just 50 meticais each, and the institution is not responsible for the rest of the money charged by Chapepa.
This amount paid by all applicants should amount to no more than 20,500 meticais. The prosecution says that, looking at the way the swindle was prepared, it is clear that Chapepa was aware of the crime he was committing.
Necas said that the fact that Chapepa was immediately arrested is because there were signs that, if left at liberty, he would disturb the normal course of legal proceedings.
"He had already started threatening the recruits, telling them not to provide the necessary information to the investigators", Necas said.
http://allafrica.com
The attorney's office in the northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado has confirmed the arrest of a high ranking police officer on charges of corruption, reports Friday's issue of the Maputo daily "Noticias".
Attorney Janyario Necas said that a police chief superintendent, Caetano Vasco Chapepa, who is the director of training at the Cabo Delgado provincial police command, was been arrested and charged with corruption and swindling police recruit. His case has been handed to an investigating magistrate to validate the detention.
Necas said that Chapepa was detained after evidence was found that he had charged 300 meticais (12 US dollars) to each of the 410 young recruits enrolled for a training course, coming to a total of 123,000 meticais.
He told the victims that the money was to pay for their medical exams in Pemba city, the provincial capital.
However, the provincial health directorate revealed that the cost of the medical exams is just 50 meticais each, and the institution is not responsible for the rest of the money charged by Chapepa.
This amount paid by all applicants should amount to no more than 20,500 meticais. The prosecution says that, looking at the way the swindle was prepared, it is clear that Chapepa was aware of the crime he was committing.
Necas said that the fact that Chapepa was immediately arrested is because there were signs that, if left at liberty, he would disturb the normal course of legal proceedings.
"He had already started threatening the recruits, telling them not to provide the necessary information to the investigators", Necas said.
http://allafrica.com
Officer Claude Sims Charged with Assault
A Clairton police officer who made news over a decade ago for beating up three handcuffed suspects is in trouble with the law again.
Police say they arrested Officer Claude Sims early today and charged him with breaking down a woman's door in Clairton overnight and severely beating her.
In 1994, three cousins accused Officer Sims of beating them while they were handcuffed.
Sims eventually pleaded guilty to violating their civil rights, but was allowed to stay on the force.
Police say they arrested Officer Claude Sims early today and charged him with breaking down a woman's door in Clairton overnight and severely beating her.
In 1994, three cousins accused Officer Sims of beating them while they were handcuffed.
Sims eventually pleaded guilty to violating their civil rights, but was allowed to stay on the force.
Officer Alph Coleman Fired after being Indicted for Robbery
DALLAS
Dallas Police Chief David Kunkle has fired a Dallas police officer who was indicted earlier this week on an aggravated robbery charge.
Alph Coleman is accused of participating in a June robbery of Sam's Club where he worked off-duty as a security guard.
Coleman was fired Thursday during a disciplinary hearing in which he was accused of engaging in adverse conduct that resulted in his indictment, knowingly falsifying an affidavit by giving false and inaccurate information during an investigation and associating with persons of immoral character and convicted felons.
The former officer was working at the Sam's Club in police uniform when he told investigators that a man held a pistol to his head inside the store and forced him against his will toward the accounting office.
The robbery failed after employees barricaded themselves inside a storage room, police said.
Coleman then said in a police report he fired three times at the suspect who fled and was not caught. Police said they determined Coleman — who was hospitalized with a shoulder injury — was not telling the truth. Police also said they have phone records showing Coleman and the getaway driver had talked shortly before the robbery.
Coleman was assigned to the South Central Patrol Division and had been with the Dallas Police Department since September 2004. He was placed on administrative leave during the investigation.
A phone number listed under Coleman's name was disconnected Thursday night.
http://www.chron.com
Dallas Police Chief David Kunkle has fired a Dallas police officer who was indicted earlier this week on an aggravated robbery charge.
Alph Coleman is accused of participating in a June robbery of Sam's Club where he worked off-duty as a security guard.
Coleman was fired Thursday during a disciplinary hearing in which he was accused of engaging in adverse conduct that resulted in his indictment, knowingly falsifying an affidavit by giving false and inaccurate information during an investigation and associating with persons of immoral character and convicted felons.
The former officer was working at the Sam's Club in police uniform when he told investigators that a man held a pistol to his head inside the store and forced him against his will toward the accounting office.
The robbery failed after employees barricaded themselves inside a storage room, police said.
Coleman then said in a police report he fired three times at the suspect who fled and was not caught. Police said they determined Coleman — who was hospitalized with a shoulder injury — was not telling the truth. Police also said they have phone records showing Coleman and the getaway driver had talked shortly before the robbery.
Coleman was assigned to the South Central Patrol Division and had been with the Dallas Police Department since September 2004. He was placed on administrative leave during the investigation.
A phone number listed under Coleman's name was disconnected Thursday night.
http://www.chron.com
NYPD Officers Accused of Sodomizing Man
A 24-year-old Brooklyn man has accused NYPD officers of sodomizing him with a police radio in the Prospect Park subway station.
Lawyers for Michael Mineo said he suffered serious injuries from the attack, which they said took place in a subway station atProspect Park on Oct. 15.
NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said witness statements contradict Mineo's account. Browne declined to comment on the alleged injury to Mineo until police review a doctor's record of the incident.
"We have found two civilian witnesses who didn't support the sodomy allegations," the spokesman said.
The allegations echo those of a case that shook the city in 1997, when Abner Louima was sodomized with a broken broomstick in a Brooklyn station house by a 25-year-old officer.
An additional accusation by Mineo that officers Tasered him is also not supported, Browne said, since the officers in question do not carry Tasers.
The department's internal affairs bureau and the Brooklyn district attorney's office have launched investigations into the complaint, police said.
Stephen Jackson, Mineo's lawyer, said his client stayed five days at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center in Brooklyn. Brookdale Hospital officials confirmed that Mineo was admitted on Oct. 15 and discharged four days later.
According to police, officers from the 71st Precinct spotted Mineo smoking a marijuana joint outside theProspect Park station around 12:30 p.m. When they moved in to arrest him, police said, Mineo dashed into the station, leading officers on a chase. Police said Mineo resisted being handcuffed, telling officers he "ate the marijuana."
The officers issued Mineo a desk appearance ticket, Browne said, adding that four officers were involved in the incident with a fifth officer from the transit bureau also at the scene. Jackson said four or five officers pinned Mineo to the ground. "One of them put his knee on his neck, and another one used his radio ... repeatedly" sodomizing Mineo, Jackson said.
Lawyers for Michael Mineo said he suffered serious injuries from the attack, which they said took place in a subway station atProspect Park on Oct. 15.
NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said witness statements contradict Mineo's account. Browne declined to comment on the alleged injury to Mineo until police review a doctor's record of the incident.
"We have found two civilian witnesses who didn't support the sodomy allegations," the spokesman said.
The allegations echo those of a case that shook the city in 1997, when Abner Louima was sodomized with a broken broomstick in a Brooklyn station house by a 25-year-old officer.
An additional accusation by Mineo that officers Tasered him is also not supported, Browne said, since the officers in question do not carry Tasers.
The department's internal affairs bureau and the Brooklyn district attorney's office have launched investigations into the complaint, police said.
Stephen Jackson, Mineo's lawyer, said his client stayed five days at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center in Brooklyn. Brookdale Hospital officials confirmed that Mineo was admitted on Oct. 15 and discharged four days later.
According to police, officers from the 71st Precinct spotted Mineo smoking a marijuana joint outside theProspect Park station around 12:30 p.m. When they moved in to arrest him, police said, Mineo dashed into the station, leading officers on a chase. Police said Mineo resisted being handcuffed, telling officers he "ate the marijuana."
The officers issued Mineo a desk appearance ticket, Browne said, adding that four officers were involved in the incident with a fifth officer from the transit bureau also at the scene. Jackson said four or five officers pinned Mineo to the ground. "One of them put his knee on his neck, and another one used his radio ... repeatedly" sodomizing Mineo, Jackson said.
Officer Rob Boothe Accused of Kicking Handcuffed Man
SPOKANE, Washington
A prosecutor says he'll file a fourth-degree assault charge against a Spokane police officer accused of kicking a handcuffed man in the face.
The Pend Oreille (PAHN'-doh-RAY') County deputy prosecutor appointed to the case, Michael Carbone, told the Spokesman-Review on Thursday he would file the charge in Spokane Municipal Court.
Officer Rob Boothe is accused of kicking 22-year-old John P. Luna on Sept. 5 after a stolen car and foot chase.
Boothe is on paid leave. Luna is jailed for investigation of car theft, hit-and-run, eluding police and assault.
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Information from: The Spokesman-Review, http://www.spokesmanreview.com
A prosecutor says he'll file a fourth-degree assault charge against a Spokane police officer accused of kicking a handcuffed man in the face.
The Pend Oreille (PAHN'-doh-RAY') County deputy prosecutor appointed to the case, Michael Carbone, told the Spokesman-Review on Thursday he would file the charge in Spokane Municipal Court.
Officer Rob Boothe is accused of kicking 22-year-old John P. Luna on Sept. 5 after a stolen car and foot chase.
Boothe is on paid leave. Luna is jailed for investigation of car theft, hit-and-run, eluding police and assault.
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Information from: The Spokesman-Review, http://www.spokesmanreview.com
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Former Officer Christopher Buckley Accused of Raping Child Has History of Sexual Assault
NEW ORLEANS
A former police officer accused of raping a 13-year-old girl has a history of sexual assault complaints made by young girls, Police Superintendent Warren Riley said Wednesday.
At a news conference Riley said similar allegations were made against Christopher Buckley, 36, in 2001 and 2003. The department opened internal investigations both times, and the cases were handed over to the district attorney's office. Each time, he said, the cases were refused.
The district attorney's office, under the administrations of Harry Connick and Eddie Jordan, cited as reasons for dropping the cases "failure of the victim or their parents" to cooperate, Riley said.
A 16-year-old girl accused Buckley in one case; in the other, two girls - ages 12 and 8 - complained of inappropriate sexual behavior, the chief said. The alleged incidents occurred when Buckley was off duty, he said.
Riley said he was disappointed the cases were not handled differently by the department but stopped short of criticizing the previous administration. Because criminal allegations were made, an administrative inquiry was not opened.
Still, he noted "this officer should never walk the streets again."
Buckley, a 10-year veteran of the department, was arrested Tuesday for the alleged rape of the 13-year-old daughter of an acquaintance. He was booked into the parish jail on three counts of forcible rape and three counts of oral sexual battery. He resigned shortly thereafter.
Buckley is being held on $525,000 bond. No court date has been set, and police did not know whether Buckley had an attorney.
The arrest came after an internal investigation conducted by the department's Public Integrity Bureau.
More Information: http://www.officer.com/online/article.jsp?siteSection=1&id=43852
A former police officer accused of raping a 13-year-old girl has a history of sexual assault complaints made by young girls, Police Superintendent Warren Riley said Wednesday.
At a news conference Riley said similar allegations were made against Christopher Buckley, 36, in 2001 and 2003. The department opened internal investigations both times, and the cases were handed over to the district attorney's office. Each time, he said, the cases were refused.
The district attorney's office, under the administrations of Harry Connick and Eddie Jordan, cited as reasons for dropping the cases "failure of the victim or their parents" to cooperate, Riley said.
A 16-year-old girl accused Buckley in one case; in the other, two girls - ages 12 and 8 - complained of inappropriate sexual behavior, the chief said. The alleged incidents occurred when Buckley was off duty, he said.
Riley said he was disappointed the cases were not handled differently by the department but stopped short of criticizing the previous administration. Because criminal allegations were made, an administrative inquiry was not opened.
Still, he noted "this officer should never walk the streets again."
Buckley, a 10-year veteran of the department, was arrested Tuesday for the alleged rape of the 13-year-old daughter of an acquaintance. He was booked into the parish jail on three counts of forcible rape and three counts of oral sexual battery. He resigned shortly thereafter.
Buckley is being held on $525,000 bond. No court date has been set, and police did not know whether Buckley had an attorney.
The arrest came after an internal investigation conducted by the department's Public Integrity Bureau.
More Information: http://www.officer.com/online/article.jsp?siteSection=1&id=43852
Former Police Captain Aaron Hughes Preliminary Hearing Set for Grand Larceny Charge
A Dec. 18 preliminary hearing has been scheduled for a former Elko police captain charged with attempted grand larceny.
The Eureka County District Attorney's office is prosecuting Aaron Hughes at the request of Elko County District Attorney Gary Woodbury, who recused his office to avoid any appearance of bias.
Hughes is accused of trying to steal an all-terrain vehicle from the shuttered Jerritt Canyon mine site.
He was placed on administrative leave following his arrest in August, and resigned from the Elko police force in September.
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Information from: Elko Daily Free Press, http://www.elkodaily.com
The Eureka County District Attorney's office is prosecuting Aaron Hughes at the request of Elko County District Attorney Gary Woodbury, who recused his office to avoid any appearance of bias.
Hughes is accused of trying to steal an all-terrain vehicle from the shuttered Jerritt Canyon mine site.
He was placed on administrative leave following his arrest in August, and resigned from the Elko police force in September.
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Information from: Elko Daily Free Press, http://www.elkodaily.com
Sheriff Daniel Presgraves Indicted on 22 Federal Charges
Page County Sheriff Daniel Presgraves has been indicted on 22 federal charges, including conspiracy and money laundering, some of which are linked to a cockfighting operation.
Among the charges announced Thursday were accusations that Presgraves took bribes from operators of the Little Boxwood cockfighting pit.
In exchange, the government claims he allegedly promised not to interfere with the cockfighting operation.
In a press conference Thursday, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia Julia Dudley explained, "According to the indictment, Presgraves was aware of the cockfighting pits and by allegedly taking bribes and steering law enforcement away from it, was a member of the conspiracy that kept Little Boxwood in operation."
Dudley goes on to explain that over the course of several years, Presgraves allegedly physically, verbally and sexually harassed 12 subordinate female employees at the Page County Sheriff's Office and intimidated to keep them quiet.
"Presgraves told his victims whatever information they had about him that could be useful to the feds should be taken to the grave," said Dudley.
Another allegation against Presgraves is that he would take inmates from the Page County Jail to do manual labor on his home.
"Presgraves did not disclose to the Department of Corrections that these particular inmates were performing personal work for him and his family and others," commented Dudley.
Dudley assured Page County residents Thursday that Presgraves will be held accountable for his actions.
She said, "They must know that their elected officials are being held to the highest legal and ethical standards and they must know that even when high-ranking members of law enforcement are accused of breaking the law, they will be prosecuted."
Presgraves was arrested early Thursday morning by FBI agents.
He has been charged with six counts of obstructing a law enforcement investigation, four counts of obstructing an investigation by a federal grand jury, four counts of violating civil rights of female subordinates at the Page County Sheriff's Office, two counts of making false statements, two counts of conspiracy, two counts of mail fraud, one count of money laundering, and one count of violating federal racketeering laws.
Presgraves faces 304 years in prison and a $2 million fine if convicted on all of the charges. He was arraigned Thursday afternoon and is currently free on a $50,000 bond.
The judge said he does not have the power to remove Presgraves from his elected office. However, one of the stipulations of Presgraves' bond is that he cannot go near or be inside the sheriff's office.
A court date has not been set yet, but since Presgraves did not waive his right to a speedy trial, he is expected in court within the next 69 days.
http://www.whsv.com/news/headlines
Among the charges announced Thursday were accusations that Presgraves took bribes from operators of the Little Boxwood cockfighting pit.
In exchange, the government claims he allegedly promised not to interfere with the cockfighting operation.
In a press conference Thursday, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia Julia Dudley explained, "According to the indictment, Presgraves was aware of the cockfighting pits and by allegedly taking bribes and steering law enforcement away from it, was a member of the conspiracy that kept Little Boxwood in operation."
Dudley goes on to explain that over the course of several years, Presgraves allegedly physically, verbally and sexually harassed 12 subordinate female employees at the Page County Sheriff's Office and intimidated to keep them quiet.
"Presgraves told his victims whatever information they had about him that could be useful to the feds should be taken to the grave," said Dudley.
Another allegation against Presgraves is that he would take inmates from the Page County Jail to do manual labor on his home.
"Presgraves did not disclose to the Department of Corrections that these particular inmates were performing personal work for him and his family and others," commented Dudley.
Dudley assured Page County residents Thursday that Presgraves will be held accountable for his actions.
She said, "They must know that their elected officials are being held to the highest legal and ethical standards and they must know that even when high-ranking members of law enforcement are accused of breaking the law, they will be prosecuted."
Presgraves was arrested early Thursday morning by FBI agents.
He has been charged with six counts of obstructing a law enforcement investigation, four counts of obstructing an investigation by a federal grand jury, four counts of violating civil rights of female subordinates at the Page County Sheriff's Office, two counts of making false statements, two counts of conspiracy, two counts of mail fraud, one count of money laundering, and one count of violating federal racketeering laws.
Presgraves faces 304 years in prison and a $2 million fine if convicted on all of the charges. He was arraigned Thursday afternoon and is currently free on a $50,000 bond.
The judge said he does not have the power to remove Presgraves from his elected office. However, one of the stipulations of Presgraves' bond is that he cannot go near or be inside the sheriff's office.
A court date has not been set yet, but since Presgraves did not waive his right to a speedy trial, he is expected in court within the next 69 days.
http://www.whsv.com/news/headlines
Former Officer Scott Nugent Goes to Court on Taser Death
WINNFIELD
Motions will be heard today in the case of former Winnfield police officer Scott Nugent.
Nugent has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and malfeasance in office in the death of Baron Pikes.
Nugent allegedly shot Pikes, 21, with a Taser stun gun nine times within 14 minutes, according to police records and Winn Parish Coroner Randy Williams. Pikes died in police custody.
Nugent faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted.
The Winnfield Civil Service Board in September upheld the firing of Nugent
Only one of the five members of the panel voted to reinstate Nugent to the police force, Civil Service Board Chairman Ronald Melton said. The dissenting member said Nugent’s officer bill of rights was violated.
Nugent initially was suspended with pay.
The manner of Pikes’ death was homicide, Williams said, and Nugent pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter and malfeasance in office during an August arraignment.
Nugent was fired by Winnfield Police Chief Johnny Ray Carpenter after the suspension deadline passed. That firing was appealed to the civil service board but denied. The board’s decision can be appealed as well.
Pikes’ family filed a wrongful-death lawsuit in August against not only Nugent but also the city of Winnfield, the mayor, City Council, police chief and other officers on the force, in addition to Taser International Inc. -- the manufacturer of the stun gun device Nugent used.
http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20081024/NEWS01/810240323
Motions will be heard today in the case of former Winnfield police officer Scott Nugent.
Nugent has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and malfeasance in office in the death of Baron Pikes.
Nugent allegedly shot Pikes, 21, with a Taser stun gun nine times within 14 minutes, according to police records and Winn Parish Coroner Randy Williams. Pikes died in police custody.
Nugent faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted.
The Winnfield Civil Service Board in September upheld the firing of Nugent
Only one of the five members of the panel voted to reinstate Nugent to the police force, Civil Service Board Chairman Ronald Melton said. The dissenting member said Nugent’s officer bill of rights was violated.
Nugent initially was suspended with pay.
The manner of Pikes’ death was homicide, Williams said, and Nugent pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter and malfeasance in office during an August arraignment.
Nugent was fired by Winnfield Police Chief Johnny Ray Carpenter after the suspension deadline passed. That firing was appealed to the civil service board but denied. The board’s decision can be appealed as well.
Pikes’ family filed a wrongful-death lawsuit in August against not only Nugent but also the city of Winnfield, the mayor, City Council, police chief and other officers on the force, in addition to Taser International Inc. -- the manufacturer of the stun gun device Nugent used.
http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20081024/NEWS01/810240323
The LAPD and Racial Profiling
On monday, the ACLU of Southern California released a report analyzing more than 700,000 cases in which Los Angeles Police Department officers stopped pedestrians and/or drivers of motor vehicles between July 2003 and June 2004.
The study, which I wrote with my research assistant, Jonathan Borowsky, asked not simply whether African Americans and Latinos are stopped and searched by the LAPD more often than whites -- it's clear that they are -- but the more complex question of whether these racial disparities are justified by legitimate policing practices, such as deciding to police more aggressively in high-crime neighborhoods.
We found persistent and statistically significant racial disparities in policing that raise grave concerns that African Americans and Latinos in Los Angeles are, as we put it in the report, "over-stopped, over-frisked, over-searched and over-arrested." After controlling for violent crime rates and property crime rates in specific neighborhoods, as well as a host of other variables, we found the following:
For every 10,000 residents, about 3,400 more black people are stopped than whites, and 360 more Latinos are stopped than whites. Stopped blacks are 127% more likely to be frisked -- and stopped Latinos are 43% more likely to be frisked -- than stopped whites.
Stopped blacks are 76% more likely to be searched, and stopped Latinos are 16% more likely to be searched than stopped whites.
Stopped blacks are 29% more likely to be arrested, and stopped Latinos are 32% more likely to be arrested than stopped whites.
Now consider this: Although stopped blacks were 127% more likely to be frisked than stopped whites, they were 42.3% less likely to be found with a weapon after they were frisked, 25% less likely to be found with drugs and 33% less likely to be found with other contraband. We found similar patterns for Latinos.
Not only did we find that African Americans and Latinos were subjected to more stops, frisks, searches and arrests than whites, we also found that these additional police actions aren't because of the fact that people of color live in higher-crime areas or because they more often carry drugs or weapons, or any other legitimate reason that we can discern from the rich set of data we examined.
Police Chief William J. Bratton quickly rejected these findings, primarily because the study used data that was more than 4 years old. This is a fair point. But we had no other choice: The department has not released the more recent stop data that it has been collecting, nor has it analyzed the more recent data to test for racial disparities. If Bratton is truly confident that unjustified racial disparities are a thing of the past, he should be able to show the change in the current data. I would be happy to organize a group of respected academics to help analyze it.
Bratton also asserted that the report was flawed because we failed to control for the race of both officers involved in the stop. On this point, Bratton is simply wrong about how to conduct a statistical analysis. When testing for unjustified racial disparities in who is stopped by the police in cars and on the street, it's inappropriate to control for the race of either of the officers. The likelihood of being stopped, frisked or arrested shouldn't turn on whether a black, Latino or white officer was involved.
As an ancillary test -- after we'd calculated the general disparities -- we did look at the officers involved, and we found that the racial disparities in the likelihood of arrest were substantially lower when at least one of the stopping officers was the same race as the suspect.
For example, we found that the black arrest disparity was 9 percentage points lower when at least one of the stopping officers was black. Bratton should be troubled that there is less disparity when the officer is the same race as the person stopped, as that result adds credibility to the idea that the disparities in different-race interactions may be because of racial bias.
The president of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, Tim Sands, even more harshly rejected the results of our report. Sands said I appeared to start with my conclusions and then "worked data to fit." This is a vague charge, but one way to respond to the concern is with transparency. I've posted the data I used in the report and the associated statistical files to the Internet so that other academics can easily double-check the report's analysis.
Sands has argued that the results are not valid because officers often don't know the race of the suspect when they decide to pull over a car. That may or may not be true. But our study looked not just at motor vehicle stops but at pedestrian stops as well, which also showed racial disparities. We also found that, once people were stopped, officers were more likely to frisk, search or arrest African Americans and Latinos than whites. At the point of making these decisions, officers can certainly see the apparent race of the suspects.
It is particularly telling that neither Bratton nor Sands responded to the evidence that the frisks and searches of minorities systematically produced less evidence of crime than the frisks and searches of whites. It is implausible that higher frisk and search rates are justified by higher minority criminality, when these frisks and searches are substantially less likely to uncover weapons, drugs or other types of contraband. Independent of racial disparity, it is a sign of ineffective policing to have officers engage in such a large number of fruitless searches.
Sands charges that I cannot use data to "prove what 9,700 individual officers are thinking when they make traffic stops." But if he thinks that is what I tried to do, he seriously misreads the report. I never suggested that the data show what an officer might be thinking, and I was careful not to attribute the disparities to conscious discrimination on the part of individual officers.
What the report finds is that there are statistically significant racial disparities in a variety of police behaviors that are not explained by legitimate police concerns such as the local crime rate -- or, in the cases of frisks and searches, the likelihood of actually uncovering contraband.
My inability to probe the minds of officers does not make my results less important. The report shows that people of color in Los Angeles experience harsher treatment by police that doesn't appear to be justified by any legitimate law enforcement concerns. The LAPD can't just deny that racism is involved and let the matter rest; it should take steps to address that inequality.
So what does this all mean? The LAPD should be more open to evidence-based policing. Bratton, with good reason, extols data-driven policing when it comes to detecting emerging patterns of crime. The department already has an early warning system to identify officers with troubling patterns of uses of force or civilian complaints, but that system doesn't address racial disparities, even though the data to do so are available. The department must be as open to the same kinds of statistical analysis when it comes to tests of racial disparity.
http://www.latimes.com
The study, which I wrote with my research assistant, Jonathan Borowsky, asked not simply whether African Americans and Latinos are stopped and searched by the LAPD more often than whites -- it's clear that they are -- but the more complex question of whether these racial disparities are justified by legitimate policing practices, such as deciding to police more aggressively in high-crime neighborhoods.
We found persistent and statistically significant racial disparities in policing that raise grave concerns that African Americans and Latinos in Los Angeles are, as we put it in the report, "over-stopped, over-frisked, over-searched and over-arrested." After controlling for violent crime rates and property crime rates in specific neighborhoods, as well as a host of other variables, we found the following:
For every 10,000 residents, about 3,400 more black people are stopped than whites, and 360 more Latinos are stopped than whites. Stopped blacks are 127% more likely to be frisked -- and stopped Latinos are 43% more likely to be frisked -- than stopped whites.
Stopped blacks are 76% more likely to be searched, and stopped Latinos are 16% more likely to be searched than stopped whites.
Stopped blacks are 29% more likely to be arrested, and stopped Latinos are 32% more likely to be arrested than stopped whites.
Now consider this: Although stopped blacks were 127% more likely to be frisked than stopped whites, they were 42.3% less likely to be found with a weapon after they were frisked, 25% less likely to be found with drugs and 33% less likely to be found with other contraband. We found similar patterns for Latinos.
Not only did we find that African Americans and Latinos were subjected to more stops, frisks, searches and arrests than whites, we also found that these additional police actions aren't because of the fact that people of color live in higher-crime areas or because they more often carry drugs or weapons, or any other legitimate reason that we can discern from the rich set of data we examined.
Police Chief William J. Bratton quickly rejected these findings, primarily because the study used data that was more than 4 years old. This is a fair point. But we had no other choice: The department has not released the more recent stop data that it has been collecting, nor has it analyzed the more recent data to test for racial disparities. If Bratton is truly confident that unjustified racial disparities are a thing of the past, he should be able to show the change in the current data. I would be happy to organize a group of respected academics to help analyze it.
Bratton also asserted that the report was flawed because we failed to control for the race of both officers involved in the stop. On this point, Bratton is simply wrong about how to conduct a statistical analysis. When testing for unjustified racial disparities in who is stopped by the police in cars and on the street, it's inappropriate to control for the race of either of the officers. The likelihood of being stopped, frisked or arrested shouldn't turn on whether a black, Latino or white officer was involved.
As an ancillary test -- after we'd calculated the general disparities -- we did look at the officers involved, and we found that the racial disparities in the likelihood of arrest were substantially lower when at least one of the stopping officers was the same race as the suspect.
For example, we found that the black arrest disparity was 9 percentage points lower when at least one of the stopping officers was black. Bratton should be troubled that there is less disparity when the officer is the same race as the person stopped, as that result adds credibility to the idea that the disparities in different-race interactions may be because of racial bias.
The president of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, Tim Sands, even more harshly rejected the results of our report. Sands said I appeared to start with my conclusions and then "worked data to fit." This is a vague charge, but one way to respond to the concern is with transparency. I've posted the data I used in the report and the associated statistical files to the Internet so that other academics can easily double-check the report's analysis.
Sands has argued that the results are not valid because officers often don't know the race of the suspect when they decide to pull over a car. That may or may not be true. But our study looked not just at motor vehicle stops but at pedestrian stops as well, which also showed racial disparities. We also found that, once people were stopped, officers were more likely to frisk, search or arrest African Americans and Latinos than whites. At the point of making these decisions, officers can certainly see the apparent race of the suspects.
It is particularly telling that neither Bratton nor Sands responded to the evidence that the frisks and searches of minorities systematically produced less evidence of crime than the frisks and searches of whites. It is implausible that higher frisk and search rates are justified by higher minority criminality, when these frisks and searches are substantially less likely to uncover weapons, drugs or other types of contraband. Independent of racial disparity, it is a sign of ineffective policing to have officers engage in such a large number of fruitless searches.
Sands charges that I cannot use data to "prove what 9,700 individual officers are thinking when they make traffic stops." But if he thinks that is what I tried to do, he seriously misreads the report. I never suggested that the data show what an officer might be thinking, and I was careful not to attribute the disparities to conscious discrimination on the part of individual officers.
What the report finds is that there are statistically significant racial disparities in a variety of police behaviors that are not explained by legitimate police concerns such as the local crime rate -- or, in the cases of frisks and searches, the likelihood of actually uncovering contraband.
My inability to probe the minds of officers does not make my results less important. The report shows that people of color in Los Angeles experience harsher treatment by police that doesn't appear to be justified by any legitimate law enforcement concerns. The LAPD can't just deny that racism is involved and let the matter rest; it should take steps to address that inequality.
So what does this all mean? The LAPD should be more open to evidence-based policing. Bratton, with good reason, extols data-driven policing when it comes to detecting emerging patterns of crime. The department already has an early warning system to identify officers with troubling patterns of uses of force or civilian complaints, but that system doesn't address racial disparities, even though the data to do so are available. The department must be as open to the same kinds of statistical analysis when it comes to tests of racial disparity.
http://www.latimes.com
Former Officer Jonathan Lutman Charged with Additional Counts of Stealing
A former Slidell Police officer who quit the force after being accused of stealing from Hispanic motorists has been booked with additional counts of shaking down motorists after pulling them over.
Jonathan Lutman, 26, of Slidell, turned himself in to police Wednesday afternoon on outstanding warrants for theft over $500, theft under $100 and two counts of malfeasance in office.
Police began investigating Lutman earlier this year after several Hispanic motorists came forward with allegations that he had stolen from during traffic stops. Lutman, who had been on the force for two years, resigned and was arrested in July.
Two more alleged victims, also Hispanic, went to police in July after seeing Lutman's picture in a store in Slidell after his arrest, Slidell Police spokesman Capt. Kevin Foltz said. In both cases, the victims told police Lutman had taken money from their wallets after stopping the cars they were driving or riding in, Foltz said.
In his initial arrest, Lutman was booked with one count of theft over $500, eight counts of theft under $300 and four counts of malfeasance in office. The status of that case was not immediately clear Thursday.
More Information: http://www.wwltv.com/topstories/stories/wwl102308cbslidell.13f1c6c4c.html
Jonathan Lutman, 26, of Slidell, turned himself in to police Wednesday afternoon on outstanding warrants for theft over $500, theft under $100 and two counts of malfeasance in office.
Police began investigating Lutman earlier this year after several Hispanic motorists came forward with allegations that he had stolen from during traffic stops. Lutman, who had been on the force for two years, resigned and was arrested in July.
Two more alleged victims, also Hispanic, went to police in July after seeing Lutman's picture in a store in Slidell after his arrest, Slidell Police spokesman Capt. Kevin Foltz said. In both cases, the victims told police Lutman had taken money from their wallets after stopping the cars they were driving or riding in, Foltz said.
In his initial arrest, Lutman was booked with one count of theft over $500, eight counts of theft under $300 and four counts of malfeasance in office. The status of that case was not immediately clear Thursday.
More Information: http://www.wwltv.com/topstories/stories/wwl102308cbslidell.13f1c6c4c.html
Officer Jeffery Pennaz Charged with DWI
A Minneapolis police officer has been charged with one count of driving while intoxicated and one count of careless driving, according to charges filed Thursday in Hennepin County District Court.
Jeffrey David Pennaz, a Minneapolis police officer since 2007, was stopped Tuesday afternoon by police from Medina and Plymouth after a motorist called authorities to report that a man was swerving while driving in the vicinity of Medina Road and County Road 101, then was slumped behind the wheel after stopping at a traffic light, the complaint said.
Two children were in the vehicle when officers approached Pennaz at 3:53 p.m. and instructed him to move his vehicle to a nearby church parking lot, according to a Plymouth police report.
Officers said that Pennaz's eyes were bloodshot, watery and glassy and that they detected a "strong odor of an alcohol beverage" when they questioned him. They also found 10 bottles of Blue Moon beer in the vehicle, the complaint said.
Pennaz, 36, identified himself as a Minneapolis police officer and told authorities he was taking his kids to a cabin to go hunting. He declined sobriety tests at the scene and was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. He was taken to the Plymouth Police Department, where he later submitted to a breath test. Two hours after his arrest, the test showed his blood alcohol content was .21 percent, more than 2 1/2 times the limit of .08 percent.
Pennaz, who was off duty at the time of the incident, was booked into the Hennepin County jail and later released.
More Information: http://www.startribune.com/
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Officer Justiniano Biturin Accused of Beating Bar Owner
MANILA, Philippines
The Manila Police District (MPD) wants one of its members to answer an accusation that he beat up a comedy bar owner and took the his money and the cell phone of the owner's assistant early Wednesday morning.
The 43-year-old bar owner, Apollo Portez, a resident of España Avenue, Sampaloc, Manila, suffered bruises from the incident, according to Police Officer 3 Reginald de los Reyes of the MPD General Assignments Section.
In his complaint, the Portez said the policeman, Senior Police Officer 1 Justiniano Biturin, entered his bar on España Avenue at about 5:30 a.m. with two women. Biturin, who's assigned to a Police Community Precinct at the University Belt, ordered food and drinks.
After eating, the cop approached Portez and asked for a 10 percent discount, to which the owner agreed. But then the cop apparently changed his mind and asked if he could just leave without paying.
Portez refused, insisting that he could only give a 10-percent discount.
Angered, the cop reportedly mauled the victim. He even took the owner's wallet, which contained P P1,000.
The owner's assistant, 22-year-old Christopher Taplac, tried to stop the policeman. But the lawman turned his ire on him and even took his Nokia 2100 phone.
The MPD-GAS has invited the policeman to appear at the office to shed light on the incident.
Aside from the criminal charges, the policeman may also face administrative charges and summary dismissal proceedings. - GMANews.TV
The Manila Police District (MPD) wants one of its members to answer an accusation that he beat up a comedy bar owner and took the his money and the cell phone of the owner's assistant early Wednesday morning.
The 43-year-old bar owner, Apollo Portez, a resident of España Avenue, Sampaloc, Manila, suffered bruises from the incident, according to Police Officer 3 Reginald de los Reyes of the MPD General Assignments Section.
In his complaint, the Portez said the policeman, Senior Police Officer 1 Justiniano Biturin, entered his bar on España Avenue at about 5:30 a.m. with two women. Biturin, who's assigned to a Police Community Precinct at the University Belt, ordered food and drinks.
After eating, the cop approached Portez and asked for a 10 percent discount, to which the owner agreed. But then the cop apparently changed his mind and asked if he could just leave without paying.
Portez refused, insisting that he could only give a 10-percent discount.
Angered, the cop reportedly mauled the victim. He even took the owner's wallet, which contained P P1,000.
The owner's assistant, 22-year-old Christopher Taplac, tried to stop the policeman. But the lawman turned his ire on him and even took his Nokia 2100 phone.
The MPD-GAS has invited the policeman to appear at the office to shed light on the incident.
Aside from the criminal charges, the policeman may also face administrative charges and summary dismissal proceedings. - GMANews.TV
Officer Jeffrey Pennaz Arrested for Drunk Driving
PLYMOUTH
An officer with the Minneapolis Police Department is facing DWI and child endangerment charges after being arrested in Plymouth Tuesday night.
A citizen suspected that 36-year-old Jeffrey David Pennaz was driving drunk, and called police around 7:00 p.m. Officers stopped Pennaz, who was driving with his two children in the car.
Pennaz was arrested on probable cause drunk driving. According to the Hennepin County Jail rosters, he was released pending charges.
http://www.startribune.com/local/west/32427809.html?elr=KArksD:aDyaEP:kD:aUq9_b9b_jEkP:QUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU
An officer with the Minneapolis Police Department is facing DWI and child endangerment charges after being arrested in Plymouth Tuesday night.
A citizen suspected that 36-year-old Jeffrey David Pennaz was driving drunk, and called police around 7:00 p.m. Officers stopped Pennaz, who was driving with his two children in the car.
Pennaz was arrested on probable cause drunk driving. According to the Hennepin County Jail rosters, he was released pending charges.
http://www.startribune.com/local/west/32427809.html?elr=KArksD:aDyaEP:kD:aUq9_b9b_jEkP:QUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU
Officer Arrested After Shooting and Standoff at Gym
Montreal police are investigating an incident involving one of their own officers who allegedly went into a local gym, barricaded himself in an office, took out his gun and began firing into the ceiling and walls.
Witnesses said the officer walked into Pro Gym, a 24-hour fitness centre, shortly after midnight on Tuesday and began acting erratically.
"The man had a gun that scared everyone inside," police spokesperson Const. Anie Lemieux said.
The officer, who is not a member of the gym, allegedly hopped on a treadmill in full police uniform and began jogging and talking to himself. Witnesses said he did this for about 10 minutes, during which time he also shouted at people in the club.
At one point he turned to an employee and, without being asked, said, "Look, I'm a calm guy, I never use my gun," gym manager Joe Maglione said.
"Right there, that's when the employee from the centre went to reception and goes, 'Hey, call the cops, this guy's not all there.'"
The officer, who apparently works at a police station across the street from the fitness club, barricaded himself in an office when police arrived. That's when he allegedly fired eight bullets into the ceiling and walls. He also began to destroy fitness equipment.
"He broke a glass door when he went in, he took dumbbells (and) he threw them against the windows, on mirrors. Look, this cop had a problem," Maglione said.
CTV Montreal showed video of the aftermath of the damage. Broken glass was strewn throughout the gym, mirrors were smashed, and there were bullet holes in the walls.
The four-hour standoff ended after police talked their colleague into opening the door. That's when police shot rubber bullets at the "incoherent" man, Lemieux said.
No one was seriously injured, and the 33-year-old man was taken to hospital for psychological testing. Police did not release any information about the officer's mental health or details about his tenure on the force.
Witnesses said the fact that he was a police officer didn't shock them.
"Just because he was a police officer doesn't make him special," one witness said. Another added, "The guy went crazy. It happens. Life goes on."
http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=5d9e1d4f-0c9e-40a0-9493-432f1713d296
Witnesses said the officer walked into Pro Gym, a 24-hour fitness centre, shortly after midnight on Tuesday and began acting erratically.
"The man had a gun that scared everyone inside," police spokesperson Const. Anie Lemieux said.
The officer, who is not a member of the gym, allegedly hopped on a treadmill in full police uniform and began jogging and talking to himself. Witnesses said he did this for about 10 minutes, during which time he also shouted at people in the club.
At one point he turned to an employee and, without being asked, said, "Look, I'm a calm guy, I never use my gun," gym manager Joe Maglione said.
"Right there, that's when the employee from the centre went to reception and goes, 'Hey, call the cops, this guy's not all there.'"
The officer, who apparently works at a police station across the street from the fitness club, barricaded himself in an office when police arrived. That's when he allegedly fired eight bullets into the ceiling and walls. He also began to destroy fitness equipment.
"He broke a glass door when he went in, he took dumbbells (and) he threw them against the windows, on mirrors. Look, this cop had a problem," Maglione said.
CTV Montreal showed video of the aftermath of the damage. Broken glass was strewn throughout the gym, mirrors were smashed, and there were bullet holes in the walls.
The four-hour standoff ended after police talked their colleague into opening the door. That's when police shot rubber bullets at the "incoherent" man, Lemieux said.
No one was seriously injured, and the 33-year-old man was taken to hospital for psychological testing. Police did not release any information about the officer's mental health or details about his tenure on the force.
Witnesses said the fact that he was a police officer didn't shock them.
"Just because he was a police officer doesn't make him special," one witness said. Another added, "The guy went crazy. It happens. Life goes on."
http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=5d9e1d4f-0c9e-40a0-9493-432f1713d296
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Officer Charged with Incest, Rape
An investigation by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Professional Standard and Internal Investigation (PSII) has resulted in the arrest of a police officer from Honiara on 20th October 2008.
The Officer has been charged with incest, indecent assault and attempted rape. He has been interdicted from duty and will not be receiving his pay.
The officer has been bailed on condition and is expected to appear in court on a later date.
Source: Police Media Unit
The Officer has been charged with incest, indecent assault and attempted rape. He has been interdicted from duty and will not be receiving his pay.
The officer has been bailed on condition and is expected to appear in court on a later date.
Source: Police Media Unit
Former Lt. Jon Burge Charged with Police Brutality
CHICAGO
The authorities arrested a former Chicago police commander at his Florida home on Tuesday and charged him in a police brutality scandal that contributed to the emptying of Illinois’ death row and that continues to resonate as one of the most racially charged chapters in the city’s history.
Lt. Jon Burge, a former Chicago police commander, was arrested on charges that he lied when he denied abusing inmates two decades ago.
The activities of the former commander, Jon Burge, 60, have been the subject of speculation for decades as scores of criminal suspects, many poor and black, have come forward saying they were routinely brutalized by Mr. Burge and the mostly white officers under his command on the South Side in the 1980s.
Patrick J. Fitzgerald, the United States attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, said at a news conference that Mr. Burge “lied and impeded court proceedings” in 2003 when he provided false written answers to questions in a civil lawsuit that claimed he and other officers had abused inmates.
According to the indictment, Mr. Burge “well knew” he had participated in and was aware of “such events involving the abuse or torture of people in custody,” including wrapping inmates’ heads in plastic to make them feel as if they were suffocating.
The statute of limitations on the suspected torture has expired, but Mr. Fitzgerald said Mr. Burge would still be held accountable.
“There is no place for torture and abuse in a police station,” the prosecutor said. “No person is above the law, and nobody — even a suspected murderer — is beneath its protection.”
Calls for Mr. Burge’s prosecution, which were sounded for years, grew louder after a 2006 report by special state prosecutors supported what dozens of inmates had said about being brutalized in jail. The report took more than four years and included more than 700 interviews.
This year, the city approved a $20 million settlement with four former death row inmates who said they had been abused under Mr. Burge.
After posting $250,000 bond, Mr. Burge left the federal courthouse in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday. He said only that he planned to plead not guilty to two counts of obstruction of justice and one count of perjury. He is scheduled to be arraigned Monday in Chicago.
If he is found guilty, Mr. Burge faces up to 20 years in prison for each obstruction of justice charge, five years for perjury and a $250,000 fine on each count.
The investigation is continuing, and may result in more indictments, officials in Mr. Fitzgerald’s office said.
“It’s a start, after 25 years,” said a defense lawyer, Flint Taylor, who has called for investigations of Mr. Burge and his officers for decades. “After years of struggle, maybe a modicum of justice will be attained here.”
The indictment could mean a great deal of work for prosecutors here, with defense lawyers expected to line up to file motions to overturn convictions during Mr. Burge’s tenure.
“I believe there are 40 to 50 cases where there was evidence of torture and the primary evidence against the defendant was a confession,” said Andrea D. Lyon, a law professor at DePaul University and former head of the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Mayor Richard M. Daley was the Cook County state’s attorney during the time of many of the accusations against Mr. Burge.
“Obviously, the Burge case recalls a terrible chapter in our city’s history,” Mr. Daley said. “Some of the police behavior at that time was detestable, which is why steps have been put into place to ensure that the kinds of acts associated with Jon Burge never happen again.”
Monique Bond, a spokeswoman for the Chicago Police Department, which fired Mr. Burge in 1993, said the department supported the findings in the indictment.
The authorities arrested a former Chicago police commander at his Florida home on Tuesday and charged him in a police brutality scandal that contributed to the emptying of Illinois’ death row and that continues to resonate as one of the most racially charged chapters in the city’s history.
Lt. Jon Burge, a former Chicago police commander, was arrested on charges that he lied when he denied abusing inmates two decades ago.
The activities of the former commander, Jon Burge, 60, have been the subject of speculation for decades as scores of criminal suspects, many poor and black, have come forward saying they were routinely brutalized by Mr. Burge and the mostly white officers under his command on the South Side in the 1980s.
Patrick J. Fitzgerald, the United States attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, said at a news conference that Mr. Burge “lied and impeded court proceedings” in 2003 when he provided false written answers to questions in a civil lawsuit that claimed he and other officers had abused inmates.
According to the indictment, Mr. Burge “well knew” he had participated in and was aware of “such events involving the abuse or torture of people in custody,” including wrapping inmates’ heads in plastic to make them feel as if they were suffocating.
The statute of limitations on the suspected torture has expired, but Mr. Fitzgerald said Mr. Burge would still be held accountable.
“There is no place for torture and abuse in a police station,” the prosecutor said. “No person is above the law, and nobody — even a suspected murderer — is beneath its protection.”
Calls for Mr. Burge’s prosecution, which were sounded for years, grew louder after a 2006 report by special state prosecutors supported what dozens of inmates had said about being brutalized in jail. The report took more than four years and included more than 700 interviews.
This year, the city approved a $20 million settlement with four former death row inmates who said they had been abused under Mr. Burge.
After posting $250,000 bond, Mr. Burge left the federal courthouse in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday. He said only that he planned to plead not guilty to two counts of obstruction of justice and one count of perjury. He is scheduled to be arraigned Monday in Chicago.
If he is found guilty, Mr. Burge faces up to 20 years in prison for each obstruction of justice charge, five years for perjury and a $250,000 fine on each count.
The investigation is continuing, and may result in more indictments, officials in Mr. Fitzgerald’s office said.
“It’s a start, after 25 years,” said a defense lawyer, Flint Taylor, who has called for investigations of Mr. Burge and his officers for decades. “After years of struggle, maybe a modicum of justice will be attained here.”
The indictment could mean a great deal of work for prosecutors here, with defense lawyers expected to line up to file motions to overturn convictions during Mr. Burge’s tenure.
“I believe there are 40 to 50 cases where there was evidence of torture and the primary evidence against the defendant was a confession,” said Andrea D. Lyon, a law professor at DePaul University and former head of the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Mayor Richard M. Daley was the Cook County state’s attorney during the time of many of the accusations against Mr. Burge.
“Obviously, the Burge case recalls a terrible chapter in our city’s history,” Mr. Daley said. “Some of the police behavior at that time was detestable, which is why steps have been put into place to ensure that the kinds of acts associated with Jon Burge never happen again.”
Monique Bond, a spokeswoman for the Chicago Police Department, which fired Mr. Burge in 1993, said the department supported the findings in the indictment.
Four Officers Investigated for Allegedly Extorting Money
MANILA, Philippines
Four Manila policemen will be investigated for allegedly extorting P800,000 from a Korean in exchange for his release after being jailed for illegal drug possession.
The chief of the Manila Police District (MPD), Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales, ordered the probe on Tuesday of four cops detailed at the Anti-Illegal Drugs Division.
The policemen, whose identities were withheld pending the investigation, reportedly arrested 32-year-old Sungjun Byun on October 17 for illegal drug possession. According to earlier reports, a fellow Korean, Seong Mun Kin, also 32, mediated to have Sungjun released. It was allegedly Seong who gave the money to the four policemen.
Seong's arrest was not reported to the MPD, according to Chief Inspector Audie Madrideo, chief of the MPD District Police Intelligence Operations Unit (DPIOU).
Police learned of the alleged extortion only on Sunday (October 19) when Seong held Sungjun captive in the latter's own room at the Manila Pavilion in Malate, Manila. According to Sungjun, Seong was demanding payment of the P800,000 before letting him go.
Sungjun called his girlfriend to ask for the money. The girlfriend reported the incident to the police attache of the South Korean Embassy, Consul Park Jangsik, who then asked for police assistance.
Police went to the hotel to arrest Seong, who will be charged with kidnapping.
- GMANews.TV
Four Manila policemen will be investigated for allegedly extorting P800,000 from a Korean in exchange for his release after being jailed for illegal drug possession.
The chief of the Manila Police District (MPD), Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales, ordered the probe on Tuesday of four cops detailed at the Anti-Illegal Drugs Division.
The policemen, whose identities were withheld pending the investigation, reportedly arrested 32-year-old Sungjun Byun on October 17 for illegal drug possession. According to earlier reports, a fellow Korean, Seong Mun Kin, also 32, mediated to have Sungjun released. It was allegedly Seong who gave the money to the four policemen.
Seong's arrest was not reported to the MPD, according to Chief Inspector Audie Madrideo, chief of the MPD District Police Intelligence Operations Unit (DPIOU).
Police learned of the alleged extortion only on Sunday (October 19) when Seong held Sungjun captive in the latter's own room at the Manila Pavilion in Malate, Manila. According to Sungjun, Seong was demanding payment of the P800,000 before letting him go.
Sungjun called his girlfriend to ask for the money. The girlfriend reported the incident to the police attache of the South Korean Embassy, Consul Park Jangsik, who then asked for police assistance.
Police went to the hotel to arrest Seong, who will be charged with kidnapping.
- GMANews.TV
Lt. Jon Burge Shames his Badge
CHICAGO
A prosecutor says a former top Chicago police officer "shamed" his uniform and badge by allegedly covering up the torture of murder suspects.
A federal indictment accuses former police Lt. Jon Burge of perjury and obstruction of justice, for denying that he and detectives under his command had tortured people suspected of murder.
The denial came in 2003, when Burge was questioned in a civil rights lawsuit filed by a man who said Burge and other detectives had tortured him. Madison Hobley said the officers had covered his head with a typewriter cover until he couldn't breathe.
Hobley was suspected of setting a fire that killed seven people, including his wife and son. He says a confession that was introduced at his trial was fabricated by police. He was convicted and spent 13 years on death row, but was pardoned in 2003.
Burge was arrested this morning at his Florida home. The arrest caps a long controversy over allegations that beatings, electric shocks and death threats were used against suspects.
The allegations contributed to the decision by Illinois Governor George Ryan in 1993 to empty the state's death row.
A prosecutor says a former top Chicago police officer "shamed" his uniform and badge by allegedly covering up the torture of murder suspects.
A federal indictment accuses former police Lt. Jon Burge of perjury and obstruction of justice, for denying that he and detectives under his command had tortured people suspected of murder.
The denial came in 2003, when Burge was questioned in a civil rights lawsuit filed by a man who said Burge and other detectives had tortured him. Madison Hobley said the officers had covered his head with a typewriter cover until he couldn't breathe.
Hobley was suspected of setting a fire that killed seven people, including his wife and son. He says a confession that was introduced at his trial was fabricated by police. He was convicted and spent 13 years on death row, but was pardoned in 2003.
Burge was arrested this morning at his Florida home. The arrest caps a long controversy over allegations that beatings, electric shocks and death threats were used against suspects.
The allegations contributed to the decision by Illinois Governor George Ryan in 1993 to empty the state's death row.
Deputy Gilbert Barrientos Jr Arrested for Possessing Child Porn
SAN ANTONIO, Texas
A Bexar County Sheriff’s deputy is behind bars accused of possessing child pornography.
Gilbert Barrientos Jr., 38, was arrested after his wife called police.
Police say she found two computer thumb drives with more than 200 illegal pictures on them.
Barrientos is being held on a $10,000 bond. He is being kept away from other inmates.
A Bexar County Sheriff’s deputy is behind bars accused of possessing child pornography.
Gilbert Barrientos Jr., 38, was arrested after his wife called police.
Police say she found two computer thumb drives with more than 200 illegal pictures on them.
Barrientos is being held on a $10,000 bond. He is being kept away from other inmates.
Former Commander Jon Burge Arrested for Obstruction of Justice
Former Chicago Police Commander Jon Burge was arrested today at his home in Florida on federal obstruction of justice and perjury charges for allegedly lying about whether he and other officers under his command participated in torture and physical abuse of suspects in police custody dating back to the 1980s. Burge was charged with two counts of obstruction of justice and one count of perjury in a three-count indictment that was returned under seal by a federal grand jury last Thursday, Oct. 16. 2008, and unsealed following his arrest.
The indictment was announced jointly by Grace Chung Becker, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the U.S. Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, Patrick J. Fitzgerald, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Today's indictment alleges that Burge lied and impeded court proceedings in November 2003 when he provided written answers to questions, known as interrogatories, in a civil lawsuit alleging that he and others tortured and abused people in their custody.
"Throughout our nation, our fine law enforcement officers make daily sacrifices in the pursuit of justice," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Becker. "It is imperative that we take these charges seriously but also bear in mind they do not reflect upon the conduct of the vast majority of law enforcement officers."
"There is no place for torture and abuse in a police station. There is no place for perjury and false statements in federal lawsuits," said U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald. "No person is above the law, and nobody - even a suspected murderer - is beneath its protection. The alleged criminal conduct by defendant Burge goes to the core principles of our criminal justice system."
"Everyday Chicago Police Officers execute their sworn duties lawfully with great skill, courage and integrity," said Special Agent-in-Charge Grant. "Sometimes they do so with great peril, as we have been sadly reminded in recent weeks and months.
But police officers have a special duty which is underscored by today's announcement. Police officers don't serve the public as judge and jury and they have a special responsibility to care for those within their custody, regardless of their alleged crimes. Today's announcement brings great shame on the career of retired Commander Jon Burge. These charges will not erase the pain within our Chicago community, but perhaps it can help begin the healing process."
Burge, 60, of Apollo Beach. Fla., is expected to have an initial appearance later today in Federal Court in Tampa. No date has yet been set for him to appear in U.S. District Court in Chicago, where he will face prosecution.
According to the indictment, Burge was a Chicago Police Officer from 1970 to 1993. He served in several jurisdictions throughout the city, as a detective from 1972-1974, a sergeant from 1977-1980, and a lieutenant commanding detectives working in the Area Two violent crimes unit from about 1981-1986 . Subsequently, he was commander of the Bomb and Arson Unit, and, later, commander of Area Three detectives. Burge was suspended by the Chicago Police Department in 1991 and fired in 1993.
The indictment alleges that during the time Burge worked in Area Two, he was present on one or more occasions for, and at times participated in, the torture and physical abuse of persons in police custody. It is further alleged that during the time he worked as the lieutenant supervising Area Two violent crimes detectives, Burge was aware that detectives he supervised, on one or more other occasions, engaged in torture and physical abuse of people in their custody.
Chicago Police Department regulations, as well as state and federal law, prohibit torture, physical abuse and other use of excessive force by police officers.
Since 1991, a series of police brutality civil lawsuits have been filed alleging that Burge and other detectives and police officers under his command participated in torture and abuse of suspects. One such case, Hobley v. Burge, et al., filed in 2003 in U.S. District Court in Chicago, alleged that plaintiff Madison Hobley was tortured and abused by police officers at Area Two headquarters in January 1987 in order to coerce a confession. The suit included an allegation that police officers had placed a plastic bag over Hobley's head until he lost consciousness.
The Hobley lawsuit claimed that Burge was aware of a pattern of torture and abuse at Area Two police headquarters. The indictment does not, however, allege that Hobley was tortured or abused.
During the discovery process in civil litigation, Hobley's attorneys served Burge with written interrogatories. Burge's written responses are the basis for today's charges, which allege that Burge corruptly obstructed, influenced and impeded an official proceeding by signing answers containing false statements in response to two interrogatories in the Hobley litigation.
If convicted, Burge faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count of obstruction of justice, five years for perjury, and a $250,000 fine on each count.
The investigation is continuing. An indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeff Cramer, Barry Miller and Sergio Acosta, and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Betsy Biffl.
SOURCE U.S. Department of Justice
http://www.USDOJ.gov
The indictment was announced jointly by Grace Chung Becker, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the U.S. Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, Patrick J. Fitzgerald, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Today's indictment alleges that Burge lied and impeded court proceedings in November 2003 when he provided written answers to questions, known as interrogatories, in a civil lawsuit alleging that he and others tortured and abused people in their custody.
"Throughout our nation, our fine law enforcement officers make daily sacrifices in the pursuit of justice," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Becker. "It is imperative that we take these charges seriously but also bear in mind they do not reflect upon the conduct of the vast majority of law enforcement officers."
"There is no place for torture and abuse in a police station. There is no place for perjury and false statements in federal lawsuits," said U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald. "No person is above the law, and nobody - even a suspected murderer - is beneath its protection. The alleged criminal conduct by defendant Burge goes to the core principles of our criminal justice system."
"Everyday Chicago Police Officers execute their sworn duties lawfully with great skill, courage and integrity," said Special Agent-in-Charge Grant. "Sometimes they do so with great peril, as we have been sadly reminded in recent weeks and months.
But police officers have a special duty which is underscored by today's announcement. Police officers don't serve the public as judge and jury and they have a special responsibility to care for those within their custody, regardless of their alleged crimes. Today's announcement brings great shame on the career of retired Commander Jon Burge. These charges will not erase the pain within our Chicago community, but perhaps it can help begin the healing process."
Burge, 60, of Apollo Beach. Fla., is expected to have an initial appearance later today in Federal Court in Tampa. No date has yet been set for him to appear in U.S. District Court in Chicago, where he will face prosecution.
According to the indictment, Burge was a Chicago Police Officer from 1970 to 1993. He served in several jurisdictions throughout the city, as a detective from 1972-1974, a sergeant from 1977-1980, and a lieutenant commanding detectives working in the Area Two violent crimes unit from about 1981-1986 . Subsequently, he was commander of the Bomb and Arson Unit, and, later, commander of Area Three detectives. Burge was suspended by the Chicago Police Department in 1991 and fired in 1993.
The indictment alleges that during the time Burge worked in Area Two, he was present on one or more occasions for, and at times participated in, the torture and physical abuse of persons in police custody. It is further alleged that during the time he worked as the lieutenant supervising Area Two violent crimes detectives, Burge was aware that detectives he supervised, on one or more other occasions, engaged in torture and physical abuse of people in their custody.
Chicago Police Department regulations, as well as state and federal law, prohibit torture, physical abuse and other use of excessive force by police officers.
Since 1991, a series of police brutality civil lawsuits have been filed alleging that Burge and other detectives and police officers under his command participated in torture and abuse of suspects. One such case, Hobley v. Burge, et al., filed in 2003 in U.S. District Court in Chicago, alleged that plaintiff Madison Hobley was tortured and abused by police officers at Area Two headquarters in January 1987 in order to coerce a confession. The suit included an allegation that police officers had placed a plastic bag over Hobley's head until he lost consciousness.
The Hobley lawsuit claimed that Burge was aware of a pattern of torture and abuse at Area Two police headquarters. The indictment does not, however, allege that Hobley was tortured or abused.
During the discovery process in civil litigation, Hobley's attorneys served Burge with written interrogatories. Burge's written responses are the basis for today's charges, which allege that Burge corruptly obstructed, influenced and impeded an official proceeding by signing answers containing false statements in response to two interrogatories in the Hobley litigation.
If convicted, Burge faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count of obstruction of justice, five years for perjury, and a $250,000 fine on each count.
The investigation is continuing. An indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeff Cramer, Barry Miller and Sergio Acosta, and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Betsy Biffl.
SOURCE U.S. Department of Justice
http://www.USDOJ.gov
Officer Donald Mcfarland Arrested for Domestic Dispute
A Fort Worth police officer was arrested Saturday on accusations that he waved a gun at his wife and her friend during a domestic dispute.
Donald Dwayne McFarland, 50, faces charges of deadly conduct and assault by offensive contact or threat.
According to a police report, McFarland was arrested after police were called to a west Fort Worth residence about 8:30 p.m. He is accused of waving a pistol and making threats against his wife and her friend, both 51.
Lt. Paul Henderson, police spokesman, said McFarland has been placed on restrictive duty.
"An internal investigation has been launched into the matter," Henderson said.
http://www.star-telegram.com/
Donald Dwayne McFarland, 50, faces charges of deadly conduct and assault by offensive contact or threat.
According to a police report, McFarland was arrested after police were called to a west Fort Worth residence about 8:30 p.m. He is accused of waving a pistol and making threats against his wife and her friend, both 51.
Lt. Paul Henderson, police spokesman, said McFarland has been placed on restrictive duty.
"An internal investigation has been launched into the matter," Henderson said.
http://www.star-telegram.com/
Salem Police Investigate Officer Throwing Suspect to Ground
Salem police are investigating an arrest in which an officer is shown on video throwing a suspect to the ground.
Salem Police Chief Robert St. Pierre tells The Salem News that Patrolman Larry Puleo has been assigned to "internal duties" until an internal investigation is completed.
The video being shown on the Web site You Tube shows an officer grabbing a young man by the throat and throwing him to the ground as he makes an arrest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=432DtkCD3L8
Salem police said Monday the incident happened early Friday as officers were dispersing crowds leaving downtown bars.
Police said just before that arrest, the officer had been punched in the face and kicked while making another unrelated arrest.
___
Information from: The Salem News, http://www.salemnews.com
More Information: http://wbztv.com/local/salem.police.arrest.2.844893.html
Salem Police Chief Robert St. Pierre tells The Salem News that Patrolman Larry Puleo has been assigned to "internal duties" until an internal investigation is completed.
The video being shown on the Web site You Tube shows an officer grabbing a young man by the throat and throwing him to the ground as he makes an arrest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=432DtkCD3L8
Salem police said Monday the incident happened early Friday as officers were dispersing crowds leaving downtown bars.
Police said just before that arrest, the officer had been punched in the face and kicked while making another unrelated arrest.
___
Information from: The Salem News, http://www.salemnews.com
More Information: http://wbztv.com/local/salem.police.arrest.2.844893.html
Probationary Officer Ryan Honnette Arrested for Vehicular Manslaughter
A 27-year-old Stockton Police Department probationary officer has been placed on administrative leave after he was arrested over the weekend on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and felony drunken driving.
Ryan Honnette of Denair had completed police academy and was nearing the end of the department's 18-month probationary officer program, Officer Pete Smith, a Stockton Police Department spokesman, confirmed.
"He had been here for very nearly that amount of time," Smith said.
Because of the personnel issues, Smith would not comment further other than to confirm that Honnette was on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation into the fatal crash outside of La Grange.
Honnette shortly after 4:40 p.m. Saturday was driving a sport utility vehicle south on Lake Road a little more than a mile south of state Highway 132 southwest of La Grange, California Highway Patrol Officer Tom Killian said. The vehicle was going at about 40 mph.
"Due to intoxication, he was unable to negotiate the curves in the road," Killian said of Honnette.
The sport utility vehicle drifted onto the west shoulder, Honnette overcorrected and the vehicle ended up in the oncoming lane, Killian said. Honnette overcorrected again, causing the vehicle to return to the west shoulder, off the road and through some bushes before Honnette overcorrected again and lost control.
The vehicle returned to the southbound lane of the road where it overturned once and came to rest on the driver's side, Killian said.
Matthew Miller, 25, of Turlock was a rear-seat passenger and was not wearing a seatbelt. He was thrown from the vehicle through a rear window, Killian said. Miller was taken to Oak Valley Hospital in Oakdale and pronounced dead.
Other passengers in the vehicle, Blake Gonsalves, 25, Wesley Romero, 27, and Timothy Robero, 25, all of Turlock, were not seriously hurt. Only Honnette and Gonsalves were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
Honnette was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and felony drunken driving, Killian said, but Honnette's name does not appear on the Stanislaus County Jail in-custody Web site.
More Information: http://www.my58.com/news/17774295/detail.html
Ryan Honnette of Denair had completed police academy and was nearing the end of the department's 18-month probationary officer program, Officer Pete Smith, a Stockton Police Department spokesman, confirmed.
"He had been here for very nearly that amount of time," Smith said.
Because of the personnel issues, Smith would not comment further other than to confirm that Honnette was on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation into the fatal crash outside of La Grange.
Honnette shortly after 4:40 p.m. Saturday was driving a sport utility vehicle south on Lake Road a little more than a mile south of state Highway 132 southwest of La Grange, California Highway Patrol Officer Tom Killian said. The vehicle was going at about 40 mph.
"Due to intoxication, he was unable to negotiate the curves in the road," Killian said of Honnette.
The sport utility vehicle drifted onto the west shoulder, Honnette overcorrected and the vehicle ended up in the oncoming lane, Killian said. Honnette overcorrected again, causing the vehicle to return to the west shoulder, off the road and through some bushes before Honnette overcorrected again and lost control.
The vehicle returned to the southbound lane of the road where it overturned once and came to rest on the driver's side, Killian said.
Matthew Miller, 25, of Turlock was a rear-seat passenger and was not wearing a seatbelt. He was thrown from the vehicle through a rear window, Killian said. Miller was taken to Oak Valley Hospital in Oakdale and pronounced dead.
Other passengers in the vehicle, Blake Gonsalves, 25, Wesley Romero, 27, and Timothy Robero, 25, all of Turlock, were not seriously hurt. Only Honnette and Gonsalves were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
Honnette was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and felony drunken driving, Killian said, but Honnette's name does not appear on the Stanislaus County Jail in-custody Web site.
More Information: http://www.my58.com/news/17774295/detail.html
Officer Christopher Buckley Arrested for Raping 13-year-old girl
A ten-year veteran of the New Orleans Police Department was arrested for the rape of a 13-year-old girl, Superintendent Warren Riley announced in a statement.
Christopher Buckley, 36, was with the Fifth District before resigning Tuesday, said NOPD spokesman Bob Young.
Buckley was arrested following an investigation by the NOPD’s Public Integrity Bureau, police said.
The officer was taken to Central Lock-Up Tuesday around 4 p.m., booking him for rape, police said.
Police said that the investigation into the crime is still ongoing.
Christopher Buckley, 36, was with the Fifth District before resigning Tuesday, said NOPD spokesman Bob Young.
Buckley was arrested following an investigation by the NOPD’s Public Integrity Bureau, police said.
The officer was taken to Central Lock-Up Tuesday around 4 p.m., booking him for rape, police said.
Police said that the investigation into the crime is still ongoing.
Constable Timothy Hesketh Accused of Fracturing the Back of a Prisoner
A police officer accused of fracturing the back of a prisoner when he slammed on the brakes of a police wagon went on trial in Palmerston North yesterday.
Constable Timothy Edward Hesketh's "braking without cause'' last November also sent one colleague flying from his seat and swear words flying from others, the High Court heard.
The Crown alleges Hesketh's actions were responsible for the paralysis of 46-year-old Mark Edwards, who suffered a fractured dislocation of his spine.
It left him with loss of sensation and paralysis of all four limbs, the jury was told.
Hesketh is charged with reckless disregard causing grievous bodily harm and faces a maximum seven years' imprisonment if convicted.
Mr Edwards had been arrested for trespassing at a former girlfriend's home after five police officers were called to assist.
After a 40-minute struggle to extricate an intoxicated Mr Edwards from the Palmerston North address, he was arrested and loaded into the police wagon about 1.30am on November 4, 2007, the court heard.
Three officers gave evidence that the drunk man had walked unsupported into the back of the vehicle to sit on the bench seat.
It was not until they arrived at the police station that Mr Edwards was found lying face-down on the van floor, unable to move on his own.
It took four officers to carry the 183cm, 110kg man into the cells.
But Hesketh claimed Mr Edwards was dragged from the address and placed in the footwell of the van's compartment in the recovery position, Crown prosecutor Ben Vanderkolk said.
Hesketh ``overstated the aggression and resistance'' of Mr Edwards before the arrest after he heard him making a complaint of police brutality against him on the phone to a police operator, Mr Vanderkolk said.
Constable Jymahl Glassey said that when Hesketh braked at the intersection of Albert and Church streets, he left his seat and hit a barrier rail in front enough for another officer to ask if he was okay.
Back at the station, Mr Edwards' persona had changed and he noticed blood on his face, he said.
``In the cells he looked puffed and tired and lacking energy ... he was a different man. I thought maybe he had heart problems or something.'' Mr Glassey said.
Defence counsel Susan Hughes QC read from Mr Glassey's police report that Mr Edwards' injuries appeared to be as a result of being taken to ground and his head hitting the pavement.
``That's what I believed happened at the time, I've used the words, `appear to be as a result','' Mr Glassey said.
Constable Matthew McFlynn said he too went forward in his seat when Hesketh braked.
``I think I said `Shit' because I got a fright and I think someone else said the same thing.''
He too saw injuries on Mr Edwards after the trip in the wagon.
``His feet and his legs looked limp ... he couldn't walk himself.''
Each officer who gave evidence said they considered Hesketh to be honest and level-headed in carrying out his duties.
Constable Timothy Edward Hesketh's "braking without cause'' last November also sent one colleague flying from his seat and swear words flying from others, the High Court heard.
The Crown alleges Hesketh's actions were responsible for the paralysis of 46-year-old Mark Edwards, who suffered a fractured dislocation of his spine.
It left him with loss of sensation and paralysis of all four limbs, the jury was told.
Hesketh is charged with reckless disregard causing grievous bodily harm and faces a maximum seven years' imprisonment if convicted.
Mr Edwards had been arrested for trespassing at a former girlfriend's home after five police officers were called to assist.
After a 40-minute struggle to extricate an intoxicated Mr Edwards from the Palmerston North address, he was arrested and loaded into the police wagon about 1.30am on November 4, 2007, the court heard.
Three officers gave evidence that the drunk man had walked unsupported into the back of the vehicle to sit on the bench seat.
It was not until they arrived at the police station that Mr Edwards was found lying face-down on the van floor, unable to move on his own.
It took four officers to carry the 183cm, 110kg man into the cells.
But Hesketh claimed Mr Edwards was dragged from the address and placed in the footwell of the van's compartment in the recovery position, Crown prosecutor Ben Vanderkolk said.
Hesketh ``overstated the aggression and resistance'' of Mr Edwards before the arrest after he heard him making a complaint of police brutality against him on the phone to a police operator, Mr Vanderkolk said.
Constable Jymahl Glassey said that when Hesketh braked at the intersection of Albert and Church streets, he left his seat and hit a barrier rail in front enough for another officer to ask if he was okay.
Back at the station, Mr Edwards' persona had changed and he noticed blood on his face, he said.
``In the cells he looked puffed and tired and lacking energy ... he was a different man. I thought maybe he had heart problems or something.'' Mr Glassey said.
Defence counsel Susan Hughes QC read from Mr Glassey's police report that Mr Edwards' injuries appeared to be as a result of being taken to ground and his head hitting the pavement.
``That's what I believed happened at the time, I've used the words, `appear to be as a result','' Mr Glassey said.
Constable Matthew McFlynn said he too went forward in his seat when Hesketh braked.
``I think I said `Shit' because I got a fright and I think someone else said the same thing.''
He too saw injuries on Mr Edwards after the trip in the wagon.
``His feet and his legs looked limp ... he couldn't walk himself.''
Each officer who gave evidence said they considered Hesketh to be honest and level-headed in carrying out his duties.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Officer William Jordan Accused of Selling Hydrocodone
MEMPHIS, Tenn.
A West Tennessee police officer faces federal drug charges and is accused of selling the pain killer hydrocodone to youngsters at a drive-in restaurant.
William Patrick Jordan, an officer with the Bolivar Police Department, faces charges filed by federal prosecutors in Memphis on Friday.
An affidavit from an officer with the West Tennessee Drug Task Force says Jordan bought tablets of the powerful painkilling drug from an undercover informant. The affidavit also says authorities began investigating Jordan on reports he was selling drugs to "young girls at a Sonic Drive-in in Bolivar."
Courts records say Jordan will be represented by a public defender but did not indicate if one had been appointed for him. He does not have a listed phone number in Bolivar.
A West Tennessee police officer faces federal drug charges and is accused of selling the pain killer hydrocodone to youngsters at a drive-in restaurant.
William Patrick Jordan, an officer with the Bolivar Police Department, faces charges filed by federal prosecutors in Memphis on Friday.
An affidavit from an officer with the West Tennessee Drug Task Force says Jordan bought tablets of the powerful painkilling drug from an undercover informant. The affidavit also says authorities began investigating Jordan on reports he was selling drugs to "young girls at a Sonic Drive-in in Bolivar."
Courts records say Jordan will be represented by a public defender but did not indicate if one had been appointed for him. He does not have a listed phone number in Bolivar.
Officer Alph Coleman Indicted on Aggravated Robbery
A Dallas police officer was indicted Monday on charges he planned and carried out a June robbery at a Red Bird-area Sam’s Club where he worked off-duty security.
Officer Alph Coleman is charged with aggravated robbery in the June 27 incident at the store in the 2900 block of West Wheatland Road, police said. He was arrested in August and released on bail.
Officer Coleman, 29, was in uniform and working at the store that night when a masked gunman entered and held him at gunpoint, the officer told investigators. The robbery failed when employees locked themselves in a storage room and refused to give the suspects access to the vault.
Investigators ultimately identified holes in Officer Coleman’s story and have said they have phone records indicating the officer and getaway driver were in contact shortly before the crime.
Floyd Gibson Jr., 37, and Christopher Johnson, 26, were also indicted on aggravated robbery charges. Mr. Gibson and Cecil Rosemond, 35, were indicted on a charge of conspiracy to commit robbery.
A decision will be made on whether to fire Officer Coleman once an administrative investigation is completed. He has been with the Police Department since 2004 and has no history of disciplinary problems, police said.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/6069362.html
Officer Alph Coleman is charged with aggravated robbery in the June 27 incident at the store in the 2900 block of West Wheatland Road, police said. He was arrested in August and released on bail.
Officer Coleman, 29, was in uniform and working at the store that night when a masked gunman entered and held him at gunpoint, the officer told investigators. The robbery failed when employees locked themselves in a storage room and refused to give the suspects access to the vault.
Investigators ultimately identified holes in Officer Coleman’s story and have said they have phone records indicating the officer and getaway driver were in contact shortly before the crime.
Floyd Gibson Jr., 37, and Christopher Johnson, 26, were also indicted on aggravated robbery charges. Mr. Gibson and Cecil Rosemond, 35, were indicted on a charge of conspiracy to commit robbery.
A decision will be made on whether to fire Officer Coleman once an administrative investigation is completed. He has been with the Police Department since 2004 and has no history of disciplinary problems, police said.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/6069362.html
Officer Erick Supplee Arrested for Failure to Obey
An off-duty Bend police officer was arrested in Pullman, Wash., over the weekend on a charge of failure to obey an officer, Bend's police chief confirmed Monday afternoon.
Erick Supplee, 32, was arrested early Saturday morning and taken to the Pullman city jail on the misdemeanor charge, then released on his own recognizance, a police officer said.
An officer said he was on foot patrol on College Hill when he saw a man driving the wrong way on Ruby Street. The officer says he approached the vehicle and yelled at the man to stop, at which times he allegedly sped off.
Other police patrol cars stopped the driver minutes later, a few blocks away.
Officers say Supplee smelled of alcohol but noted he did not appear intoxicated. Supplee refused to take a Breathalyzer or field sobriety test, they said.
Bend Interim Police Chief Sandi Baxter said Supplee has been on the force for just over 5 ½ years.
"He is continuing to work," she said. "There are two different processes. One is a criminal investigation. That is to be completed up there (in Pullman). We are initiating an internal affairs investigation."
"We are not making any pre-judgments here," Baxter said, noting they were in the "initial stages of investigation" regarding the incident.
From KTVZ.COM news sources
**********************
How about the charge of Drunk Driving?!?
Former Officer Robert Pavlovich Jr Trial to Begin for Molesting Children
Jury selection for a former Marysville police officer accused of propositioning and molesting girls ages 12 to 19 is to begin today in Perry County Court, despite attempts by the former officer's attorney to have the trial moved.
President Judge Kathy A. Morrow said she was not convinced the media coverage in the case involving Robert J. Pavlovich Jr., 40, of Lower Allen Twp., has been "inherently prejudicial."
"The court believes defendant has not shown that he is unable to impanel a fair and impartial jury from residents of Perry County," Morrow wrote last week in a two-page opinion.
Pavlovich's trial is to begin Wednesday and last for three days.
Morrow said that the judge presiding over the jury selection -- Senior Judge C. Joseph Rehkamp -- will have the final say over whether the trial should be moved. That would happen if it is demonstrated that potential jurors cannot be impartial during interviews today, Morrow said.
The test for moving the trial is whether the publicity regarding the case has been "sensational, inflammatory or slanted towards conviction rather than factual and objective," Morrow said.
Pavlovich was charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, unlawful contact with minors, sexual assault and 21 other counts from between July 2002 and March 2003.
Morrow refused a request by Pavlovich's attorney, P. Richard Wagner, to throw out eight of the 24 charges against his client, including one involving a girl who claims she blacked out at a drinking party and didn't remember anything sexual occurring with Pavlovich.
In September 2006, Perry County District Attorney Charles Chenot asked the state attorney general's office to investigate complaints about Pavlovich, who worked in Marysville from 2001 to 2007, records state.
Pavlovich was arrested in October 2007 and was fired by Marysville the next month. He is free on $250,000 bail.
http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1224552305215640.xml&coll=1
President Judge Kathy A. Morrow said she was not convinced the media coverage in the case involving Robert J. Pavlovich Jr., 40, of Lower Allen Twp., has been "inherently prejudicial."
"The court believes defendant has not shown that he is unable to impanel a fair and impartial jury from residents of Perry County," Morrow wrote last week in a two-page opinion.
Pavlovich's trial is to begin Wednesday and last for three days.
Morrow said that the judge presiding over the jury selection -- Senior Judge C. Joseph Rehkamp -- will have the final say over whether the trial should be moved. That would happen if it is demonstrated that potential jurors cannot be impartial during interviews today, Morrow said.
The test for moving the trial is whether the publicity regarding the case has been "sensational, inflammatory or slanted towards conviction rather than factual and objective," Morrow said.
Pavlovich was charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, unlawful contact with minors, sexual assault and 21 other counts from between July 2002 and March 2003.
Morrow refused a request by Pavlovich's attorney, P. Richard Wagner, to throw out eight of the 24 charges against his client, including one involving a girl who claims she blacked out at a drinking party and didn't remember anything sexual occurring with Pavlovich.
In September 2006, Perry County District Attorney Charles Chenot asked the state attorney general's office to investigate complaints about Pavlovich, who worked in Marysville from 2001 to 2007, records state.
Pavlovich was arrested in October 2007 and was fired by Marysville the next month. He is free on $250,000 bail.
http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1224552305215640.xml&coll=1
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Officer Shanita McKnight Accused of Letting Man Smoke Weed in her Car
A former police officer is accused of letting a man smoke marijuana in her patrol car.
Deshawn Wallace, who is serving time for gun charges, testified that former Lake City Officer, Shanita McKnight, let him smoke pot in her patrol car as well as let him drive the vehicle.
Last summer, McKnight, was indicted on Federal Drug Dealing Charges and using her position as a police officer to make people pay her money.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Officer David B Young III Charged with DUI
A Newark police officer has resigned after being charged with driving under the influence, reckless endangerment and other charges.
David B. Young III, a police officer for seven years, resigned Oct. 6, spokesman Lt. Brian Henry said.
Young was driving a vehicle that skidded through a sobriety checkpoint Oct. 5 near Smyrna, sending officers scrambling for safety, said Lt. Norman Wood, of the Smyrna Police Department.
Smyrna and Clayton police jointly were conducting the DUI checkpoint Oct. 5 on Del. 300 west of Underwoods Corner Road.
At about 1 a.m., Young's vehicle sped toward the checkpoint, braked and skidded through the site, then attempted to speed away, Wood said.
Young was stopped after a brief police chase.
None of the officers at the scene recognized Young but "he told us he was a police officer," Wood said.
Young, 31, of Clayton, was charged with eight counts of first-degree reckless endangering, resisting arrest, failure to stop on command, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
This arrest comes just over a year after Young was arrested on drunken driving charges after crashing a Newark city-leased car into a concrete barrier south of the Biddles Corner toll plaza on Del. 1.
In Newark, Young attained the rank of corporal, and served most recently in the patrol division of the 65-member force, Henry said.
Young was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 7 and released after posting a $5,500 secured bond to await another court appearance.
David B. Young III, a police officer for seven years, resigned Oct. 6, spokesman Lt. Brian Henry said.
Young was driving a vehicle that skidded through a sobriety checkpoint Oct. 5 near Smyrna, sending officers scrambling for safety, said Lt. Norman Wood, of the Smyrna Police Department.
Smyrna and Clayton police jointly were conducting the DUI checkpoint Oct. 5 on Del. 300 west of Underwoods Corner Road.
At about 1 a.m., Young's vehicle sped toward the checkpoint, braked and skidded through the site, then attempted to speed away, Wood said.
Young was stopped after a brief police chase.
None of the officers at the scene recognized Young but "he told us he was a police officer," Wood said.
Young, 31, of Clayton, was charged with eight counts of first-degree reckless endangering, resisting arrest, failure to stop on command, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
This arrest comes just over a year after Young was arrested on drunken driving charges after crashing a Newark city-leased car into a concrete barrier south of the Biddles Corner toll plaza on Del. 1.
In Newark, Young attained the rank of corporal, and served most recently in the patrol division of the 65-member force, Henry said.
Young was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 7 and released after posting a $5,500 secured bond to await another court appearance.
Former Officer and Sheriffs Son Face Federal Charges
HOUSTON
Cameras were there when Jack Heard Jr. walked out of the federal court house late Thursday afternoon.
A judge had just read a long list of criminal charges against him. If his face looks familiar, maybe it's because you remember his dad.
The accused is the son of former Harris County Sheriff Jack Heard Sr., who died in 2005 after a long and distinguished career in law enforcement.
Heard Junior spent seven years as a Houston police officer, and he's been a fixture in this community. At least twice he's spent thousands of dollars helping young people by outbidding others at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
But now it seems he needs some help. He said he has hired prominent defense attorney Dick DeGuerin to help him fight a federal indictment.
According to the indictment, Heard has been charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States of employment taxes, bribing a government official, trying to obtain government contracts, failure to pay prevailing wages and a couple of other charges, including tax evasion.
All the allegations are associated with a security company Heard owns called Superior Protection, Inc.
Three other men, Gary Lambert, William Lane and John Bailey were also indicted. They all work for Heard.
A closer look at the indictment reveals allegations that Heard failed to pay employment taxes on more than $5.7 million going back as far as 1987. He also failed to provide the required firearms training to his security guards, nor did he properly pay the guards.
Agents from the IRS, ATF and the Department of Homeland Security said they spent years investigating this case.
If he's convicted, the son of a longtime sheriff could spend up to 15 years in prison.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Corrections Officer Patrick Gee Found Guilty of Having Sex with Inmates
A guilty verdict against a former Fluvanna County corrections officer accused of sex crimes against inmates.
Patrick Gee was found guilty of four counts of carnal knowledge of an inmate.
The jury recommend two and half years in jail for each count. This conviction was for the accusations made by one inmate.
Gee will stand trial for accusations made by two other inmates starting next week.
Three inmates at the Fluvanna Correctional Center for women accuse Patrick Gee of sexual abuse, alleging it happened over a two-year period.
Officer Russell Mecano Arrested for Forcing Women to Have Sex with Him
A Los Angeles police officer is under investigation for allegedly trying to force women he met while on duty to have sex with him, law enforcement sources said Friday.
Police officials confirmed that Officer Russell Mecano, an eight-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, was arrested earlier this week on suspicion of soliciting a sex act, but declined to release further details in the case, saying a judge had ordered that court records in the ongoing probe remain secret. Specifically, the judge has ordered that a criminal indictment against Mecano be sealed.
Mecano, 40, was taken into custody at the West Los Angeles police station, where he worked as a patrol officer, LAPD spokesman Lt. John Romero said. He was released a short time later in lieu of $127,000 bail. Mecano is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 6.
Two law enforcement sources familiar with the case said the alleged victims were young women Mecano had met while on duty last summer. The sources said Mecano allegedly attempted to coerce women to engage in sex acts with him in exchange for not pursuing some sort of law enforcement action against them.
In one incident, detectives were investigating allegations that Mecano sexually assaulted a woman behind a building, sources said. In another incident, Mecano allegedly tried to force a woman to go to a motel with him, the sources said.
District attorney officials said they could not comment on the Mecano investigation because the case remains under seal.
Los Angeles Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco, who said he had been briefed on the probe, also declined to comment.
LAPD officials said they have ordered that Mecano be assigned to home pending the resolution of the investigation. A person answering the telephone at Mecano's residence Friday said he was not there.
http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_10751122
Police officials confirmed that Officer Russell Mecano, an eight-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, was arrested earlier this week on suspicion of soliciting a sex act, but declined to release further details in the case, saying a judge had ordered that court records in the ongoing probe remain secret. Specifically, the judge has ordered that a criminal indictment against Mecano be sealed.
Mecano, 40, was taken into custody at the West Los Angeles police station, where he worked as a patrol officer, LAPD spokesman Lt. John Romero said. He was released a short time later in lieu of $127,000 bail. Mecano is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 6.
Two law enforcement sources familiar with the case said the alleged victims were young women Mecano had met while on duty last summer. The sources said Mecano allegedly attempted to coerce women to engage in sex acts with him in exchange for not pursuing some sort of law enforcement action against them.
In one incident, detectives were investigating allegations that Mecano sexually assaulted a woman behind a building, sources said. In another incident, Mecano allegedly tried to force a woman to go to a motel with him, the sources said.
District attorney officials said they could not comment on the Mecano investigation because the case remains under seal.
Los Angeles Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco, who said he had been briefed on the probe, also declined to comment.
LAPD officials said they have ordered that Mecano be assigned to home pending the resolution of the investigation. A person answering the telephone at Mecano's residence Friday said he was not there.
http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_10751122
LAPD Arrested Innocent People
Police have arrested innocent people due to faulty fingerprint analysis but have not determined how many cases were affected by such errors, police officials said.
A confidential police report details two cases in which charges were dropped after problems with the fingerprint analysis were discovered, the Los Angeles Times reported late Thursday. Police blame shoddy work and poor oversight for the mistakes.
"This is very, very serious," said Rhonda Sims-Lewis, chief of the Police Department's administrative and technical bureau. "We feel very compelled to take quick action when something like this arises. Guilty people can be set free and innocent people can be jailed."
One fingerprint analyst, who was involved in both the mishandled cases, was fired and three others were suspended last year after internal investigations, Sims-Lewis said. Two supervisors in the department's latent print unit were replaced.
"This is something of extraordinary concern," said Michael Judge, public defender for Los Angeles County. "Juries tend to afford the highest level of confidence to fingerprint evidence. This is the type of thing that easily could lead to innocent people being convicted."
The report details the case of a pregnant hospital technician who was charged with breaking into a store in February 2006 because of an erroneous fingerprint identification. The department said prints in that case were lost and could not be re-examined. The charge was dropped.
In another case, a man was extradited from Alabama to face burglary charges after an analyst matched his prints to those found at the scene. Two reviewers missed the mistake before a third caught it while preparing to testify at the trial.
The department has 78 forensic print specialists who run prints from a crime scene through automated databases to analyze possible matches. Two other analysts check each match for accuracy.
Department officials described a poorly run operation in which records and evidence were lost or misplaced.
"People were reviewing the work of friends and just rubber stamping it without really reviewing it," said Yvette Sanchez-Owens, commanding officer of the department's scientific investigation division.
Critics said the internal report challenges a belief that forensic matches are reliable.
Jack Weiss, chairman of the City Council's public safety committee, said there was "nothing more basic and more bread and butter than fingerprints. You have to be able to take each one of them to the bank." He said he will hold hearings on the issue and call fingerprint lab employees to testify.
"We want to know the extent of it and whether it affects any other cases. We want to know how far back it goes," he said.
Police officials had initially planned to hire an outside expert last year to review the fingerprints unit but could not get the $325,000 to $450,000 to fund the effort.
Sim-Lewis said she believes no innocent people have been convicted of crimes due to fingerprint mistakes by her department, but she acknowledged there was no way to be sure without a full review.
"We still want outside eyes to come in and make sure we're doing things right," she said.
Sandi Gibbons, a spokeswoman for district attorney's office, said her office was investigating how prosecutors could better guard against faulty evidence.
A confidential police report details two cases in which charges were dropped after problems with the fingerprint analysis were discovered, the Los Angeles Times reported late Thursday. Police blame shoddy work and poor oversight for the mistakes.
"This is very, very serious," said Rhonda Sims-Lewis, chief of the Police Department's administrative and technical bureau. "We feel very compelled to take quick action when something like this arises. Guilty people can be set free and innocent people can be jailed."
One fingerprint analyst, who was involved in both the mishandled cases, was fired and three others were suspended last year after internal investigations, Sims-Lewis said. Two supervisors in the department's latent print unit were replaced.
"This is something of extraordinary concern," said Michael Judge, public defender for Los Angeles County. "Juries tend to afford the highest level of confidence to fingerprint evidence. This is the type of thing that easily could lead to innocent people being convicted."
The report details the case of a pregnant hospital technician who was charged with breaking into a store in February 2006 because of an erroneous fingerprint identification. The department said prints in that case were lost and could not be re-examined. The charge was dropped.
In another case, a man was extradited from Alabama to face burglary charges after an analyst matched his prints to those found at the scene. Two reviewers missed the mistake before a third caught it while preparing to testify at the trial.
The department has 78 forensic print specialists who run prints from a crime scene through automated databases to analyze possible matches. Two other analysts check each match for accuracy.
Department officials described a poorly run operation in which records and evidence were lost or misplaced.
"People were reviewing the work of friends and just rubber stamping it without really reviewing it," said Yvette Sanchez-Owens, commanding officer of the department's scientific investigation division.
Critics said the internal report challenges a belief that forensic matches are reliable.
Jack Weiss, chairman of the City Council's public safety committee, said there was "nothing more basic and more bread and butter than fingerprints. You have to be able to take each one of them to the bank." He said he will hold hearings on the issue and call fingerprint lab employees to testify.
"We want to know the extent of it and whether it affects any other cases. We want to know how far back it goes," he said.
Police officials had initially planned to hire an outside expert last year to review the fingerprints unit but could not get the $325,000 to $450,000 to fund the effort.
Sim-Lewis said she believes no innocent people have been convicted of crimes due to fingerprint mistakes by her department, but she acknowledged there was no way to be sure without a full review.
"We still want outside eyes to come in and make sure we're doing things right," she said.
Sandi Gibbons, a spokeswoman for district attorney's office, said her office was investigating how prosecutors could better guard against faulty evidence.
Family Wants Trooper Dale Derr Fired
The family of a Finksburg man who died in a 2006 collision with a Maryland State Police trooper on Md. 140 has asked the governor to remove the trooper from the state police force after an alleged incident with the dead man’s brother Sunday.
A lawyer for Joseph Blizzard, whose brother Randy Rakes died after being struck by trooper Dale Derr’s patrol car while he was walking across Md. 140 in November 2006, has asked Gov. Martin O’Malley to terminate Derr after Derr allegedly confronted Blizzard after he’d been arrested Sunday.
According to the letter to O’Malley from lawyer David Ellin, who represents Rakes’ family, Derr responded to the scene where Blizzard was being detained by other troopers, then verbally and physically confronted Blizzard before throwing him to the ground, allegedly breaking Blizzard’s thumb.
Blizzard’s arrest involved allegations of forging checks, Ellin said.
Randy Rakes’ death is the subject of a $15.8 million wrongful death suit between the family and the state police.
State police have received the complaint and are investigating the allegations, said spokesman Greg Shipley.
The agency will thoroughly investigate the complaint and, if warranted, take appropriate action, he said.
In a phone interview Thursday, Ellin said that because of the nature of the allegations and the history of the case, Derr should be suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
No charges were filed against Derr in the Nov. 29, 2006, incident that resulted in Rakes’ death.
A report by the state police crash team determined Derr was driving 83 mph when he struck Rakes on Md. 140 near the intersection of Sandymount Road.
State police initially said Derr was on his way to back up another trooper on a call, but Derr told investigators he’d finished his shift and was on his way back to the Westminster barrack to turn in paperwork when the crash occurred.
Rakes had been drinking the night of the incident, according to the report.
Prosecutors decided in May 2007 there wasn’t enough information to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Derr’s speed was the cause of the collision, said Kirsten Brown of the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office, who handled the case.
A lawyer for Joseph Blizzard, whose brother Randy Rakes died after being struck by trooper Dale Derr’s patrol car while he was walking across Md. 140 in November 2006, has asked Gov. Martin O’Malley to terminate Derr after Derr allegedly confronted Blizzard after he’d been arrested Sunday.
According to the letter to O’Malley from lawyer David Ellin, who represents Rakes’ family, Derr responded to the scene where Blizzard was being detained by other troopers, then verbally and physically confronted Blizzard before throwing him to the ground, allegedly breaking Blizzard’s thumb.
Blizzard’s arrest involved allegations of forging checks, Ellin said.
Randy Rakes’ death is the subject of a $15.8 million wrongful death suit between the family and the state police.
State police have received the complaint and are investigating the allegations, said spokesman Greg Shipley.
The agency will thoroughly investigate the complaint and, if warranted, take appropriate action, he said.
In a phone interview Thursday, Ellin said that because of the nature of the allegations and the history of the case, Derr should be suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
No charges were filed against Derr in the Nov. 29, 2006, incident that resulted in Rakes’ death.
A report by the state police crash team determined Derr was driving 83 mph when he struck Rakes on Md. 140 near the intersection of Sandymount Road.
State police initially said Derr was on his way to back up another trooper on a call, but Derr told investigators he’d finished his shift and was on his way back to the Westminster barrack to turn in paperwork when the crash occurred.
Rakes had been drinking the night of the incident, according to the report.
Prosecutors decided in May 2007 there wasn’t enough information to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Derr’s speed was the cause of the collision, said Kirsten Brown of the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office, who handled the case.
Officer John Kersley in Jail for Aggravated Assault
Kansas
A WaKeeney police officer remains in the Trego County jail pending the filing of aggravated assault charges.
Authorities, however, have yet to divulge details surrounding his arrest.
Formal charges have not yet been filed against officer John Kersley, 41, according to WaKeeney Police Chief Terry Eberle. Bond has been set at $50,000. He has been an officer with the WaKeeney Police Department since November 2005, Eberle said.
Kersley was arrested at about 1 a.m. Tuesday in connection with an incident in WaKeeney.
Assistant Trego County Attorney Dave Basgall said he has been given until 10 a.m. Wednesday to file charges in connection with the incident.
Although he said he likely would file the charges before then, he said no additional information would be provided until that happens.
"As soon as charges are filed, if any, we anticipate doing a press release," he said.
Eberle also declined to provide any details concerning the nature of the incident or even where it happened, instead referring questions to Basgall.
Basgall said the Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating the incident.
"I have not seen an official police report yet," Basgall said.
Eberle said Kersley is being kept in isolation in the Trego County jail.
A WaKeeney police officer remains in the Trego County jail pending the filing of aggravated assault charges.
Authorities, however, have yet to divulge details surrounding his arrest.
Formal charges have not yet been filed against officer John Kersley, 41, according to WaKeeney Police Chief Terry Eberle. Bond has been set at $50,000. He has been an officer with the WaKeeney Police Department since November 2005, Eberle said.
Kersley was arrested at about 1 a.m. Tuesday in connection with an incident in WaKeeney.
Assistant Trego County Attorney Dave Basgall said he has been given until 10 a.m. Wednesday to file charges in connection with the incident.
Although he said he likely would file the charges before then, he said no additional information would be provided until that happens.
"As soon as charges are filed, if any, we anticipate doing a press release," he said.
Eberle also declined to provide any details concerning the nature of the incident or even where it happened, instead referring questions to Basgall.
Basgall said the Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating the incident.
"I have not seen an official police report yet," Basgall said.
Eberle said Kersley is being kept in isolation in the Trego County jail.
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