A Queensland police officer has been stood down from operational duties pending an investigation into an alleged assault.
A police statement said the 36-year-old sergeant from Brisbane's Metro North Region had been stood down on Thursday in relation to an alleged on-duty assault on December 21.
The officer will work in a non-operational position until the Ethical Standard Command investigation is finished.
No other information was given.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Officer Duhamel Torres Accused of Sexually Assaulting Woman While on Duty
A Cleveland police officer is accused of sexually assaulting a woman while he was on duty.
Duhamel Torres, a 2nd District patrolman, faces kidnapping, rape and sexual battery charges, said Lt. Thomas Stacho, a police spokesman. Torres surrendered Thursday morning after investigators obtained an arrest warrant.
Stacho gave this description of the incident:
The woman was walking home and Torres offered her a ride. But he then drove past her house to a secluded area on Scranton Road and assaulted her.
The woman, who is acquainted with numerous police officers, told them about the assault. Those officers relayed the information to the department's Internal Affairs Unit.
Investigators received results from DNA tests Wednesday and consulted with prosecutors, Stacho said.
The city recently finished installing automatic-vehicle locators in its police cars. Investigators were able to confirm parts of the woman's story by using the locator in Torres' police car, Stacho said.
Torres has been on the force since October 2006 and was a Cleveland patrolman for about five years in the early 1990s but resigned, only to later rejoin the force.
He will be suspended without pay, Stacho said.
Steve Loomis, head of the Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association, said the union was working to post bond and get Torres released from jail. The public shouldn't rush to judgment on Torres, Loomis said.
"Everybody is innocent until proven guilty," he said. "We look forward to our day in court."
Duhamel Torres, a 2nd District patrolman, faces kidnapping, rape and sexual battery charges, said Lt. Thomas Stacho, a police spokesman. Torres surrendered Thursday morning after investigators obtained an arrest warrant.
Stacho gave this description of the incident:
The woman was walking home and Torres offered her a ride. But he then drove past her house to a secluded area on Scranton Road and assaulted her.
The woman, who is acquainted with numerous police officers, told them about the assault. Those officers relayed the information to the department's Internal Affairs Unit.
Investigators received results from DNA tests Wednesday and consulted with prosecutors, Stacho said.
The city recently finished installing automatic-vehicle locators in its police cars. Investigators were able to confirm parts of the woman's story by using the locator in Torres' police car, Stacho said.
Torres has been on the force since October 2006 and was a Cleveland patrolman for about five years in the early 1990s but resigned, only to later rejoin the force.
He will be suspended without pay, Stacho said.
Steve Loomis, head of the Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association, said the union was working to post bond and get Torres released from jail. The public shouldn't rush to judgment on Torres, Loomis said.
"Everybody is innocent until proven guilty," he said. "We look forward to our day in court."
More Informtaion:
Officer Michael North Charged with Buying Illegal Prescription Pills
McDONALD, Pa.
A municipal police officer in Washington County faces charges of drug possession following his arrest yesterday in McDonald.
Michael Andre North, 29, of McDonald, is charged with buying what he believed were oxycodone pills, a painkiller legally sold only by prescription.
He obtained the counterfeit drug from a police informant, according to an affidavit.
Mr. North remains on the roster as a part-time officer in Donora, where he was hired in 2003, and Smith Township, which hired him in 2005. Officials in the two municipalities said Mr. North will be off the job while the case is pending.
Mr. North was arraigned yesterday by District Judge David W. Mark in Canonsburg on charges of possession of a counterfeit controlled substance and attempting to possess a controlled substance.
He was freed on his own recognizance, with a preliminary hearing set for 9:45 a.m. Thursday before Judge Mark.
According to the affidavit, Mr. North had an ongoing arrangement to provide transportation to a pharmacy for an informant who regularly obtained prescriptions for oxycodone. The informant would share the pills with the officer.
On Thursday, state and county investigators arranged to record a conversation between the suspect and informant as they made arrangements for the next purchase, the affidavit said.
The two agreed that the informant would obtain transportation and leave Mr. North's share of the drugs in the informant's mailbox.
On his way home from work Thursday, Mr. North retrieved what he believed were oxycodone pills from the mailbox. Police followed the officer to his residence, where he was arrested.
Officials in Smith and Donora said they saw no indication Mr. North used the drugs while on duty.
More Information: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28580707/
A municipal police officer in Washington County faces charges of drug possession following his arrest yesterday in McDonald.
Michael Andre North, 29, of McDonald, is charged with buying what he believed were oxycodone pills, a painkiller legally sold only by prescription.
He obtained the counterfeit drug from a police informant, according to an affidavit.
Mr. North remains on the roster as a part-time officer in Donora, where he was hired in 2003, and Smith Township, which hired him in 2005. Officials in the two municipalities said Mr. North will be off the job while the case is pending.
Mr. North was arraigned yesterday by District Judge David W. Mark in Canonsburg on charges of possession of a counterfeit controlled substance and attempting to possess a controlled substance.
He was freed on his own recognizance, with a preliminary hearing set for 9:45 a.m. Thursday before Judge Mark.
According to the affidavit, Mr. North had an ongoing arrangement to provide transportation to a pharmacy for an informant who regularly obtained prescriptions for oxycodone. The informant would share the pills with the officer.
On Thursday, state and county investigators arranged to record a conversation between the suspect and informant as they made arrangements for the next purchase, the affidavit said.
The two agreed that the informant would obtain transportation and leave Mr. North's share of the drugs in the informant's mailbox.
On his way home from work Thursday, Mr. North retrieved what he believed were oxycodone pills from the mailbox. Police followed the officer to his residence, where he was arrested.
Officials in Smith and Donora said they saw no indication Mr. North used the drugs while on duty.
More Information: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28580707/
Deputy Christopher Barnes Arrested for Prescription Drug Trafficking
On Friday, January 9, 2009, a Walton Co. Sheriff Deputy was arrested and charged for prescription drug trafficking.
Deputy Sheriff-Investigators of the Walton County Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged Deputy Christopher J. Barnes with 1 count of trafficking in Oxycontin, 1 count of trafficking in hydrocodone, 1 count of obtaining prescriptions by fraud and 1 count of doctor shopping.
All counts are in violation of Florida State Statutes Chapter 893.
Christopher J. Barnes was a deputy with Walton Co. Sheriff’s Department at the time of the suspected criminal activity leading to the arrest.
Deputy Sheriff-Investigators of the Walton County Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged Deputy Christopher J. Barnes with 1 count of trafficking in Oxycontin, 1 count of trafficking in hydrocodone, 1 count of obtaining prescriptions by fraud and 1 count of doctor shopping.
All counts are in violation of Florida State Statutes Chapter 893.
Christopher J. Barnes was a deputy with Walton Co. Sheriff’s Department at the time of the suspected criminal activity leading to the arrest.
Sheriff Greg Bartlett Gives up Making Profit so Prisoners Can be Properly Fed
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.
An Alabama sheriff imprisoned after admitting he legally pocketed about $210,000 from his jail kitchen while providing skimpy meals to inmates agreed to give up future profits from the operation, a judge said Friday.
An order from U.S. District Judge U.W. Clemon shows that Morgan County Sheriff Greg Bartlett has promised to use all government funding he receives for food to actually feed prisoners in the county lockup, which holds about 300 men and women.
That's a change from the past, when Bartlett — like other Alabama sheriffs — kept any profits generated by the kitchen under a state law dating to the 1920s.
Aside from forgoing the money, Clemon's order said Bartlett promised to follow USDA guidelines and provide inmates with meals that include fresh fruit and milk: two items prisoners said they rarely or never received in the past.
Clemon jailed Bartlett overnight this week in a federal prison after ruling he purposely fed prisoners inadequately to maximize his personal profits under Alabama's unusual feeding system.
Clemon called windfalls under the law "reprehensible," but he stopped short of addressing whether it violated the constitutional rights of prisoners.
A lawyer for inmates said she hoped the decision would lead to better meals in the Morgan County Jail and changes in the law statewide.
"We hope this will encourage the Legislature to revisit the statute that allows sheriffs to keep profits from feeding inmates," said attorney Melanie Velez of the Atlanta-based Southern Center for Human Rights.
Bartlett issued a statement Friday saying he had received only 15 complaints about food after serving almost 330,000 meals in 2008. He speculated that some of the complaining inmates might have been shorted by other inmates serving them.
He also said sheriffs can lose money under the jail food funding system.
"I agree that on the surface, Alabama state law on the feeding system is hard to understand and to defend," he said. "If a sheriff makes $4,000 or $1 in a month's time it's called starving inmates, if an inmate gains weight it's called wasting tax payer dollars feeding criminals that murdered, robbed, raped and molested the citizens of our community."
Because Alabama's law makes sheriffs responsible for feeding inmates, rather than the counties where they work, some have to pay out of pocket to cover shortfalls.
An Associated Press review last year found that sheriffs in 55 of Alabama's 67 counties operate under a Depression-era system that allows them to make money operating their jail kitchens.
Several sheriffs who agreed to speak to AP about their feeding operations said they were receiving small profits from the system, but none would disclose an exact amount.
Bartlett testified that he pocketed some $212,000 in kitchen profits over the last three years, reporting the money as income on his personal tax returns. Bartlett's profit margin last year was about 50 percent, based on his testimony.
"That's just an astronomical amount of money for a county," said Velez, the lawyer for prisoners.
The state pays sheriffs $1.75 a day for each prisoner they house and lets the elected officers keep any profits they can generate. Bartlett and some other sheriffs also receive a smaller state supplement, money from their counties and payments from the U.S. government for housing federal prisoners.
Clemon reviewed practices in Morgan County because of a 2001 settlement in a federal lawsuit over conditions in the jail. In that agreement, the jail is required to provide prisoners with "nutritionally adequate" meals — something Clemon said Bartlett had failed to do.
The judge's order dealt only with Morgan County, but the head of the Alabama Sheriff's Association, Bobby Timmons, said the case could have a statewide impact on jailhouse practices.
In his decision, Clemon said Morgan County would be responsible for any shortfall if the jail kitchen begins operating at a deficit.
**********************
I just don't understand how this fucker can still be running the jail...shouldn't he be locked up for theft? And then never allowed to work at the jail again?
An Alabama sheriff imprisoned after admitting he legally pocketed about $210,000 from his jail kitchen while providing skimpy meals to inmates agreed to give up future profits from the operation, a judge said Friday.
An order from U.S. District Judge U.W. Clemon shows that Morgan County Sheriff Greg Bartlett has promised to use all government funding he receives for food to actually feed prisoners in the county lockup, which holds about 300 men and women.
That's a change from the past, when Bartlett — like other Alabama sheriffs — kept any profits generated by the kitchen under a state law dating to the 1920s.
Aside from forgoing the money, Clemon's order said Bartlett promised to follow USDA guidelines and provide inmates with meals that include fresh fruit and milk: two items prisoners said they rarely or never received in the past.
Clemon jailed Bartlett overnight this week in a federal prison after ruling he purposely fed prisoners inadequately to maximize his personal profits under Alabama's unusual feeding system.
Clemon called windfalls under the law "reprehensible," but he stopped short of addressing whether it violated the constitutional rights of prisoners.
A lawyer for inmates said she hoped the decision would lead to better meals in the Morgan County Jail and changes in the law statewide.
"We hope this will encourage the Legislature to revisit the statute that allows sheriffs to keep profits from feeding inmates," said attorney Melanie Velez of the Atlanta-based Southern Center for Human Rights.
Bartlett issued a statement Friday saying he had received only 15 complaints about food after serving almost 330,000 meals in 2008. He speculated that some of the complaining inmates might have been shorted by other inmates serving them.
He also said sheriffs can lose money under the jail food funding system.
"I agree that on the surface, Alabama state law on the feeding system is hard to understand and to defend," he said. "If a sheriff makes $4,000 or $1 in a month's time it's called starving inmates, if an inmate gains weight it's called wasting tax payer dollars feeding criminals that murdered, robbed, raped and molested the citizens of our community."
Because Alabama's law makes sheriffs responsible for feeding inmates, rather than the counties where they work, some have to pay out of pocket to cover shortfalls.
An Associated Press review last year found that sheriffs in 55 of Alabama's 67 counties operate under a Depression-era system that allows them to make money operating their jail kitchens.
Several sheriffs who agreed to speak to AP about their feeding operations said they were receiving small profits from the system, but none would disclose an exact amount.
Bartlett testified that he pocketed some $212,000 in kitchen profits over the last three years, reporting the money as income on his personal tax returns. Bartlett's profit margin last year was about 50 percent, based on his testimony.
"That's just an astronomical amount of money for a county," said Velez, the lawyer for prisoners.
The state pays sheriffs $1.75 a day for each prisoner they house and lets the elected officers keep any profits they can generate. Bartlett and some other sheriffs also receive a smaller state supplement, money from their counties and payments from the U.S. government for housing federal prisoners.
Clemon reviewed practices in Morgan County because of a 2001 settlement in a federal lawsuit over conditions in the jail. In that agreement, the jail is required to provide prisoners with "nutritionally adequate" meals — something Clemon said Bartlett had failed to do.
The judge's order dealt only with Morgan County, but the head of the Alabama Sheriff's Association, Bobby Timmons, said the case could have a statewide impact on jailhouse practices.
In his decision, Clemon said Morgan County would be responsible for any shortfall if the jail kitchen begins operating at a deficit.
**********************
I just don't understand how this fucker can still be running the jail...shouldn't he be locked up for theft? And then never allowed to work at the jail again?
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Trooper Brian Smith was Questioned before Going on Shooting Spree
SOUTHLAKE
Just hours before he went on a shooting spree that left two people dead last month, a former Utah state trooper was questioned by Southlake police and learned he’d soon be arrested on burglary and robbery charges, according to police documents released Thursday.
Brian Gamble Smith, 37, shot himself early Dec. 23 in Garland during a standoff with police that followed three shootings on Interstate 635 in Dallas and a shooting and pharmacy robbery in Garland. He died the next day.
The documents released Thursday detail Southlake police officers’ investigation into a Dec. 17 mugging and a Dec. 22 vehicle burglary. Detectives connected Smith to crimes after a witness to the vehicle burglary wrote down his license plate number.
Southlake Detective Richard Anderson interviewed Gamble about the burglary about 12:45 p.m. Dec. 22, about two hours after it was reported, according to the documents.
Gamble was cooperative and "very calm" at first, denying any involvement, Anderson wrote in his arrest warrant affidavit. After about half an hour of questioning, Smith grew "irritated" and said he wanted to end the interview, Anderson wrote. Anderson agreed but told Smith he was going to obtain a warrant for Smith’s arrest later that day.
Anderson then walked Smith to the police department lobby and asked him to wait so Anderson could give him a business card. When Anderson returned, he told Smith he had surveillance video showing Smith committing the burglary, according to the affidavit. Anderson also said the video showed a woman in the car and asked if she was Smith’s wife. Smith said the woman wasn’t his wife but declined to identify her and asked to stop the interview.
Anderson then walked Smith to the parking lot, the affidavit states.
About 5:30 that night, a man identified himself as Brian Smith and said he needed to refill a prescription, then produced a handgun and stole OxyContin from behind the counter of a Kroger pharmacy in Garland. By 6 p.m., four shootings had been reported in the area and two men were dead.
Smith left the Utah state troopers after an investigation that found he was abusing prescription drugs and alcohol. The investigation was prompted by a January 2008 incident in which he threatened to commit suicide.
Just hours before he went on a shooting spree that left two people dead last month, a former Utah state trooper was questioned by Southlake police and learned he’d soon be arrested on burglary and robbery charges, according to police documents released Thursday.
Brian Gamble Smith, 37, shot himself early Dec. 23 in Garland during a standoff with police that followed three shootings on Interstate 635 in Dallas and a shooting and pharmacy robbery in Garland. He died the next day.
The documents released Thursday detail Southlake police officers’ investigation into a Dec. 17 mugging and a Dec. 22 vehicle burglary. Detectives connected Smith to crimes after a witness to the vehicle burglary wrote down his license plate number.
Southlake Detective Richard Anderson interviewed Gamble about the burglary about 12:45 p.m. Dec. 22, about two hours after it was reported, according to the documents.
Gamble was cooperative and "very calm" at first, denying any involvement, Anderson wrote in his arrest warrant affidavit. After about half an hour of questioning, Smith grew "irritated" and said he wanted to end the interview, Anderson wrote. Anderson agreed but told Smith he was going to obtain a warrant for Smith’s arrest later that day.
Anderson then walked Smith to the police department lobby and asked him to wait so Anderson could give him a business card. When Anderson returned, he told Smith he had surveillance video showing Smith committing the burglary, according to the affidavit. Anderson also said the video showed a woman in the car and asked if she was Smith’s wife. Smith said the woman wasn’t his wife but declined to identify her and asked to stop the interview.
Anderson then walked Smith to the parking lot, the affidavit states.
About 5:30 that night, a man identified himself as Brian Smith and said he needed to refill a prescription, then produced a handgun and stole OxyContin from behind the counter of a Kroger pharmacy in Garland. By 6 p.m., four shootings had been reported in the area and two men were dead.
Smith left the Utah state troopers after an investigation that found he was abusing prescription drugs and alcohol. The investigation was prompted by a January 2008 incident in which he threatened to commit suicide.
Officer Nicholas Parks Tasers Hula Hoop Lady
NORFOLK
The officer who used a Taser to shock the Hula Hoop Lady of Granby Street in October felt he had no choice but to do so, according to Norfolk's city attorney.
On Tuesday, lawyers for Pamela Brown filed a lawsuit in Norfolk Circuit Court, seeking $5 million in damages against Officer Nicholas Parks. The lawsuit says Parks violated Brown's civil rights and used excessive force during the incident.
Brown, 49, was charged with making excessive noise and assaulting Parks after he responded to a noise complaint on the median of Granby Street near Wards Corner, where she hula-hoops. Brown suffered a brain injury in 1977 when she was hit by a truck, and she has seizures and short-term memory loss. A prosecutor dropped the charges in November.
According to the lawsuit, Parks disregarded Brown's repeated statements that her injuries prevented her from putting her arm behind her back, as the officer had ordered. The lawsuit says Parks ignored Brown's efforts to tell him about the documents she had with her that described her condition.
The exchange was captured on a camera mounted on Parks' Taser. City Attorney Bernard Pishko said Tuesday that he had reviewed the tape with Parks.
"We're not defending it as best practice," Pishko said. However, "Officer Parks didn't know he was dealing with a citizen who was brain-injured.... All he knew was she was noncompliant and agitated."
Pishko said he supported dismissing the criminal charges against Brown because there wouldn't have been any point to prosecuting them. Further, he said, Brown had not suffered any serious injury from the shocks.
"The officer misjudged," Pishko said. "He didn't realize she was brain-damaged and overreacted."
Earlier Tuesday, Brown's lawyers gathered outside the courthouse. They said Brown had been injured by the Taser.
"She's a cracked egg to begin with," said Stephen Smith, one of her lawyers. "When she was out there with her hula hoop, she was somebody. Now she's scared. She needs more and intensive psychological therapy and rehabilitation."
http://hamptonroads.com/2009/01/attorney-officer-felt-he-had-taser-hula-hoop-lady
The officer who used a Taser to shock the Hula Hoop Lady of Granby Street in October felt he had no choice but to do so, according to Norfolk's city attorney.
On Tuesday, lawyers for Pamela Brown filed a lawsuit in Norfolk Circuit Court, seeking $5 million in damages against Officer Nicholas Parks. The lawsuit says Parks violated Brown's civil rights and used excessive force during the incident.
Brown, 49, was charged with making excessive noise and assaulting Parks after he responded to a noise complaint on the median of Granby Street near Wards Corner, where she hula-hoops. Brown suffered a brain injury in 1977 when she was hit by a truck, and she has seizures and short-term memory loss. A prosecutor dropped the charges in November.
According to the lawsuit, Parks disregarded Brown's repeated statements that her injuries prevented her from putting her arm behind her back, as the officer had ordered. The lawsuit says Parks ignored Brown's efforts to tell him about the documents she had with her that described her condition.
The exchange was captured on a camera mounted on Parks' Taser. City Attorney Bernard Pishko said Tuesday that he had reviewed the tape with Parks.
"We're not defending it as best practice," Pishko said. However, "Officer Parks didn't know he was dealing with a citizen who was brain-injured.... All he knew was she was noncompliant and agitated."
Pishko said he supported dismissing the criminal charges against Brown because there wouldn't have been any point to prosecuting them. Further, he said, Brown had not suffered any serious injury from the shocks.
"The officer misjudged," Pishko said. "He didn't realize she was brain-damaged and overreacted."
Earlier Tuesday, Brown's lawyers gathered outside the courthouse. They said Brown had been injured by the Taser.
"She's a cracked egg to begin with," said Stephen Smith, one of her lawyers. "When she was out there with her hula hoop, she was somebody. Now she's scared. She needs more and intensive psychological therapy and rehabilitation."
http://hamptonroads.com/2009/01/attorney-officer-felt-he-had-taser-hula-hoop-lady
Former Officer Arrested for Not Paying Child Support
A former Police officer was the latest father to be arrested for not paying child support; as ordered by the court.
On January 8, 2009 at 12:30 p.m. the defendant walked into the Road Town Police Station to conduct business in the Administration Office, when he was spotted by the Senior Court Officer.
A default warrant of $2,717.50 is in existence for the arrest and imprisonment of the defendant for not paying child support to the mother of his child as maintenance. The defendant had not paid for a period of over six (6) months.
He had informed local court marshals that he would have paid the money in December, 2008, but he did not pay as promised.
If the defendant does not pay the sum of $2,717.50 by 3p.m. on 8th January, 2009, he will be transported to Her Majesty’s Prison where he will be detained for six (6) months until the monies are paid.
If the monies are not paid after six (6) months period, he will spend a further six (6) months in prison.
On January 8, 2009 at 12:30 p.m. the defendant walked into the Road Town Police Station to conduct business in the Administration Office, when he was spotted by the Senior Court Officer.
A default warrant of $2,717.50 is in existence for the arrest and imprisonment of the defendant for not paying child support to the mother of his child as maintenance. The defendant had not paid for a period of over six (6) months.
He had informed local court marshals that he would have paid the money in December, 2008, but he did not pay as promised.
If the defendant does not pay the sum of $2,717.50 by 3p.m. on 8th January, 2009, he will be transported to Her Majesty’s Prison where he will be detained for six (6) months until the monies are paid.
If the monies are not paid after six (6) months period, he will spend a further six (6) months in prison.
Former Officer Jeffery Webb Sr. Charged Again with Statutory Rape of Minor
JACKSON, Miss.
A judge has set a $100,000 bond for a former police officer accused of raping a minor.
Jeffery Webb Sr. is charged with statutory rape and sexual battery, according to the Jackson police docket. Details of the crime have not been made public.
This is the second time the 50-year-old former Jackson officer has been accused of rape.
Webb was charged with rape in 2002 for allegedly forcing a 16-year-old girl to have sex. He was acquitted of the charges in 2006.
Webb was found not guilty of the crime in March 2006 following a jury trial in Hinds County.
Information from: The Clarion-Ledger, http://www.clarionledger.com
More Information: http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20090107/NEWS/90107034
A judge has set a $100,000 bond for a former police officer accused of raping a minor.
Jeffery Webb Sr. is charged with statutory rape and sexual battery, according to the Jackson police docket. Details of the crime have not been made public.
This is the second time the 50-year-old former Jackson officer has been accused of rape.
Webb was charged with rape in 2002 for allegedly forcing a 16-year-old girl to have sex. He was acquitted of the charges in 2006.
Webb was found not guilty of the crime in March 2006 following a jury trial in Hinds County.
Information from: The Clarion-Ledger, http://www.clarionledger.com
More Information: http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20090107/NEWS/90107034
Former Sheriff Jim Williamson Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud
DUBLIN
Former Telfair County Sheriff Jim Williamson pleaded guilty Wednesday to a federal charge of mail fraud and deprivation of honest services stemming from allegations that he embezzled fine money, accepted bribes and purchased personal items with county funds.
Williamson, 48, waived his right to indictment by a grand jury and the right to have his case tried by a jury. He instead signed a plea agreement. A sentencing date was not set, but he could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
As part of the agreement, Williamson, who did not seek re-election last year under the county’s two-term limit, agreed to pay restitution of $10,000. However, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Tanner said receipt books from the sheriff’s office were never recovered, so investigators are not sure how much county money is actually missing.
“Mr. Williamson has made it very difficult for us to do that ... without having to track down every citation that was issued in the last eight years and tracking down every person who was issued a citation,” FBI agent Robert Jones said.
Jones testified Wednesday that a joint investigation by the FBI and GBI alleged that Williamson collected fines that were never paid to the county’s probate court and that he kept $5,000 seized in a traffic stop. The sheriff also mailed a letter and a check drawn from a county account to make a monthly payment on an all-terrain vehicle kept for his personal use, Jones said.
Williamson also was accused of accepting money to get a Telfair State Prison inmate transferred to the county jail so the inmate “could spend time with his girlfriend,” Jones said.
Williamson told U.S. District Judge Dudley Bowen that he denied accepting money from the inmate and pocketing the cash from the traffic stop but still wanted to plead guilty. He said he accepted the $10,000 restitution figure as a fair estimate.
“There’s probably one person who knows the extent of the malfeasance, and that’s you,” Bowen told Williamson.
Prosecutors allege that Williamson’s misconduct began in January 2004, about the time he began his second term. Jones’ testimony provided some details of the investigation:
Former sheriff’s deputy Glenn Giles told investigators that Williamson dropped charges from a traffic stop the deputy had made but kept the fine money with the intent of paying for a party celebrating his re-election. Giles said the party was never held.
Giles also said Williamson said he planned to buy shotguns and Tasers with the $5,000 seized in a separate traffic stop but that the items were never purchased. No charges were filed in the case. Williamson testified Wednesday that he believes the money was used to buy cars for the sheriff’s office.
Probate Judge Diane Walker and a probate court employee told investigators of four or five instances in which citations and paperwork were turned in by the sheriff but fines were not included. They also reported instances in which residents brought receipts to the probate court, showing they had paid the fines to the sheriff’s office but the money was not turned in.
A man charged with driving under the influence paid an $850 fine to the sheriff’s office. Williamson reduced the charge to driving too fast for conditions and returned some of the money but did not send the rest to the probate court.
Former deputy Johnny Smith, who is now sheriff, arrested a suspect on multiple counts of theft by taking involving automobiles. The man was released on a $15,000 cash bond. Later, while incarcerated in Telfair State Prison, the man asked Williamson to get him transferred to the county jail, saying it would be “worth something to him.” The bond money was never deposited in a sheriff’s office account, and eventually $6,500 was given back to the suspect. Williamson received $4,200, and $4,300 was sent to the court.
Williamson used county funds to buy a 2006 Polaris ATV for $6,100. He twice refinanced the loan for the four-wheeler, with the second loan on Aug. 20, 2008, also intended to buy another ATV. Investigators recovered the four-wheeler at Williamson’s home in Milan. “The interviews we conducted indicated that the four-wheeler was never used for official business, only personal business,” Jones said.
As terms of his bond, Bowen ordered Williamson to get rid of any firearms he still possessed and to not engage in law enforcement activities. The judge also restricted his travel to within the court’s Southern District of Georgia.
Though Williamson disputed some of the allegations, “he is cooperating fully,” his attorney, Ashley McLaughlin, said after the hearing.
Williamson was released on a $10,000 bond until a sentencing hearing is held.
“I’m just glad it’s over,” Williamson said outside the courtroom.
Former Officer Chu Vue Arrested for 23 Counts of Computer Access Violations
A former Sacramento sheriff's deputy who police have called a "principal" in the slaying of a California Medical Facility correctional officer last October was arrested Wednesday in connection with misusing Sheriff's Department computers.
Chu Vue, 43, was taken into custody around 8:30 a.m. in front of his Elk Grove residence on a warrant citing 23 counts of computer access violations.
"We believe that he accessed work computers to locate variations of the name Steve Lo and that he used that information to access Steve Lo's address," said Sgt. Norm Leong, spokesman for the Sacramento Police Department.
Vue was later booked into Sacramento County Jail and subsequently posted bail.
Steve Lo, 39, was gunned down outside his Sacramento residence on Oct. 15 as he was leaving for work early that morning. He later died at a local hospital.
Though Vue has not been arrested in connection with Lo's death, he later was arrested on suspicion of possessing an unregistered illegal assault rifle, which was discovered during a search of his residence. He later posted bail.
A record of the search warrant for Vue's residence linked Vue to the killing.
"Your affiant is confident that Chu Vue is not the perpetrator of this homicide, but he remains a principal in this case," the document stated. "Chu Vue's activities in the weeks and months leading up to this homicide strongly indicate that he was involved in the planning and/or the execution of this crime."
The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information regarding this homicide to contact Crime Alert at 916-443-HELP. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000. An additional $50,000 reward is being offered by the Lo Family and the California Correctional Peace Officer's Association.
Chu Vue, 43, was taken into custody around 8:30 a.m. in front of his Elk Grove residence on a warrant citing 23 counts of computer access violations.
"We believe that he accessed work computers to locate variations of the name Steve Lo and that he used that information to access Steve Lo's address," said Sgt. Norm Leong, spokesman for the Sacramento Police Department.
Vue was later booked into Sacramento County Jail and subsequently posted bail.
Steve Lo, 39, was gunned down outside his Sacramento residence on Oct. 15 as he was leaving for work early that morning. He later died at a local hospital.
Though Vue has not been arrested in connection with Lo's death, he later was arrested on suspicion of possessing an unregistered illegal assault rifle, which was discovered during a search of his residence. He later posted bail.
A record of the search warrant for Vue's residence linked Vue to the killing.
"Your affiant is confident that Chu Vue is not the perpetrator of this homicide, but he remains a principal in this case," the document stated. "Chu Vue's activities in the weeks and months leading up to this homicide strongly indicate that he was involved in the planning and/or the execution of this crime."
The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information regarding this homicide to contact Crime Alert at 916-443-HELP. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000. An additional $50,000 reward is being offered by the Lo Family and the California Correctional Peace Officer's Association.
Trial for Sgt. Shawn Scott Accused of Killing Man Rescheduled for May
FARMINGTON
The trial of a Farmington police officer accused of wrongfully shooting and killing Kirtland resident Clint John is scheduled for May.
The trial was scheduled for November in a Santa Fe federal court, but scheduling conflicts prevented it from taking place. It is set for May 18 to 22, said Kate Burke, a Durango-based attorney for John's family. She expects the trial to take place this time.
Burke said the delay is typical of a lawsuit of its kind.
"The more complicated and serious the issues are, the longer it does tend to take," she said.
The trial would come almost two years after John's family filed a lawsuit against the city and Farmington police Sgt. Shawn Scott.
Scott shot and killed John in 2006. John's mother, Della John; his girlfriend, Lynn Negale; and her daughter filed the lawsuit in June 2007.
John's family contends Scott battered John with his baton, wrongfully killed him and violated his constitutional rights. The city contends Scott followed Farmington Police Department policies.
After a June 10, 2006, scuffle, John charged Scott with the officer's baton in the East Main Street Wal-Mart parking lot as Scott drew his gun and stepped backward, the city claims.
John raised the baton over his head and moved toward Scott, who shot John four times, the city contends. But witnesses say John was not holding the baton when Scott fired, Burke said.
The lawsuit names the city, former Farmington Police Chief Mike Burridge and Scott as defendants.
The chances of a settlement are "less than they were," Burke said, considering neither side has decided to settle when given the opportunity. Either side still could settle.
City Attorney Jay Burnham declined to comment on the likelihood of a settlement.
City councilors met privately in October and rejected an offer from John's family to settle the Navajo Nation-financed lawsuit, Burke said.
Councilors have met privately three times since September to discuss the lawsuit and officials have declined to comment in the past on specifics of those meetings.
"Anytime you settle... it's easy for people to imagine you're admitting fault and so people don't like that," Burke said. "Even though when you settle, you don't admit fault."
That thinking has influenced the city's decision to avoid settling so far, Burnham said.
"We believe the officer acted correctly," he said. "We don't want people to perceive that we believe otherwise."
The trial of a Farmington police officer accused of wrongfully shooting and killing Kirtland resident Clint John is scheduled for May.
The trial was scheduled for November in a Santa Fe federal court, but scheduling conflicts prevented it from taking place. It is set for May 18 to 22, said Kate Burke, a Durango-based attorney for John's family. She expects the trial to take place this time.
Burke said the delay is typical of a lawsuit of its kind.
"The more complicated and serious the issues are, the longer it does tend to take," she said.
The trial would come almost two years after John's family filed a lawsuit against the city and Farmington police Sgt. Shawn Scott.
Scott shot and killed John in 2006. John's mother, Della John; his girlfriend, Lynn Negale; and her daughter filed the lawsuit in June 2007.
John's family contends Scott battered John with his baton, wrongfully killed him and violated his constitutional rights. The city contends Scott followed Farmington Police Department policies.
After a June 10, 2006, scuffle, John charged Scott with the officer's baton in the East Main Street Wal-Mart parking lot as Scott drew his gun and stepped backward, the city claims.
John raised the baton over his head and moved toward Scott, who shot John four times, the city contends. But witnesses say John was not holding the baton when Scott fired, Burke said.
The lawsuit names the city, former Farmington Police Chief Mike Burridge and Scott as defendants.
The chances of a settlement are "less than they were," Burke said, considering neither side has decided to settle when given the opportunity. Either side still could settle.
City Attorney Jay Burnham declined to comment on the likelihood of a settlement.
City councilors met privately in October and rejected an offer from John's family to settle the Navajo Nation-financed lawsuit, Burke said.
Councilors have met privately three times since September to discuss the lawsuit and officials have declined to comment in the past on specifics of those meetings.
"Anytime you settle... it's easy for people to imagine you're admitting fault and so people don't like that," Burke said. "Even though when you settle, you don't admit fault."
That thinking has influenced the city's decision to avoid settling so far, Burnham said.
"We believe the officer acted correctly," he said. "We don't want people to perceive that we believe otherwise."
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
More Information on Sgt. Faron White Accused of Faking his Abduction
DECATUR, Ala.
A north Alabama police officer accused of faking his abduction and flying to Las Vegas took about $70,000 from a safe containing confiscated drug money, according to an affidavit.
Authorities initially said Sgt. Faron White, a 20-year veteran of the Decatur Police Department, took about $2,500 from the safe of the narcotics unit he directed, although they said thousands more could be missing.
The affidavit with the new amount was filed Tuesday by Morgan County authorities in support of an arrest warrant for Sarah Richardson who is accused of helping White stage his disappearance.
The sworn statement by Decatur Sgt. Richard Archer said Richardson was aware that White had stolen about $70,000 and on Saturday morning drove him to the airport in Nashville.
Federal marshals arrested the 48-year-old White in a Hampton Inn hotel lobby Monday night in Las Vegas, three days after he was last seen working late in his office in Decatur. He faces an extradition hearing in Las Vegas Thursday. Police say he planned to try to win money to pay off gambling and other debts.
The affidavit says Richardson, a police volunteer, met up with White at the Decatur Police Training Center at about 11:30 p.m. Friday before driving him to Nashville early Saturday morning. Police have said the two were romantically involved.
The affidavit, which does not specifically say where Archer got the information, was first reported by The News Courier in Athens.
Richardson is accused of helping White scatter papers from his desk to make it look like he may have struggled with someone before being abducted.
A north Alabama police officer accused of faking his abduction and flying to Las Vegas took about $70,000 from a safe containing confiscated drug money, according to an affidavit.
Authorities initially said Sgt. Faron White, a 20-year veteran of the Decatur Police Department, took about $2,500 from the safe of the narcotics unit he directed, although they said thousands more could be missing.
The affidavit with the new amount was filed Tuesday by Morgan County authorities in support of an arrest warrant for Sarah Richardson who is accused of helping White stage his disappearance.
The sworn statement by Decatur Sgt. Richard Archer said Richardson was aware that White had stolen about $70,000 and on Saturday morning drove him to the airport in Nashville.
Federal marshals arrested the 48-year-old White in a Hampton Inn hotel lobby Monday night in Las Vegas, three days after he was last seen working late in his office in Decatur. He faces an extradition hearing in Las Vegas Thursday. Police say he planned to try to win money to pay off gambling and other debts.
The affidavit says Richardson, a police volunteer, met up with White at the Decatur Police Training Center at about 11:30 p.m. Friday before driving him to Nashville early Saturday morning. Police have said the two were romantically involved.
The affidavit, which does not specifically say where Archer got the information, was first reported by The News Courier in Athens.
Richardson is accused of helping White scatter papers from his desk to make it look like he may have struggled with someone before being abducted.
Officer Gary Utter Accused of Crashing his Patrol Car While Drunk on Duty
A Springettsbury Township police officer accused of crashing his patrol car while drunk on duty was rejected from a probationary program, but his attorney is seeking to have the rejection overturned.
Gary D.S. Utter, a seven-year officer, was denied into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program -- a program for nonviolent, first-time offenders.
York County District Attorney Stan Rebert rejected Utter on Dec. 4 "based on the circumstances of the case," according to court records. Rebert did not elaborate in the court records and could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Utter, 37, of Stewartstown, was charged with driving under the influence by state police after crashing a 2005 Crown Victoria into a wall on the morning of Aug. 23 in the 2000 block of Mount Zion Road, less than a mile from the Springettsbury Township Police Station.
Utter's blood-alcohol level was 0.123 percent, according to a test taken at Memorial Hospital. The level at which a driver in Pennsylvania is considered drunk is 0.08 percent.
Utter's attorney, Harry Ness, filed a motion Dec. 30 appealing Rebert's decision to a York County Common Pleas Court judge.
Ness said Tuesday that Rebert's reason was vague, allowing people to "read between the lines" that Utter was denied because he was an on-duty police officer.
Based on the handling of the 1998 case of Robert Gano -- an off-duty state trooper charged with drunken driving -- Rebert knows he cannot treat Utter differently because he is a police officer, Ness said.
Rebert approved Gano for ARD, a decision later rejected by Judge John Chronister and subsequently overturned by the state Superior Court. The appeals court ruled police officers cannot be held to a higher standard.
"You can't treat someone differently because they are a cop. You can't treat one cop better than you treat another cop. Stan has no problem allowing cops into the program," Ness said.
As a first-time, nonviolent offender, Utter qualifies for ARD, Ness said. Utter has been through a 30-day inpatient treatment program -- more than he would get if convicted of DUI or admitted into ARD, he said.
And Utter was not drinking on duty but still had the aftereffects from the night before, he said.
"The program is for people who make a mistake for the first time," he said.
Utter is currently on a paid leave of absence. If convicted of DUI, Utter could lose his ability to serve as a police officer.
Ness said Utter's drinking was triggered by his July 2007 killing of Ronald T. Whitaker Sr., a prisoner in custody. Utter is named in a wrongful death civil suit filed by Whitaker's family, which is pending in federal court.
While being held for robbing a grocery store, Whitaker tried to hang himself with his shoelaces. Utter revived Whitaker, and Whitaker became violent. During the struggle, Whitaker grabbed Utter's nightstick and was going for Utter's gun when Utter shot him.
"That was brought it (the drinking) to a head for him," Ness said.
Rebert ruled the shooting was justified and cleared Utter in October 2007.
THE GANO CASE
In 1998, off-duty state police Trooper Robert Gano was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving after crashing his car into several parked cars in Penn Township. He applied for and was approved to ARD by York County District Attorney Stan Rebert.
He was later accepted into ARD along with 43 other people by York County Judge John Chronister. After reading about Gano the next day in the paper, Chronister removed Gano from ARD, saying law-enforcement officers should be held to a higher standard than the average citizen.
Gano appealed. The Pennsylvania Superior Court held that Chronister was wrong and that police officers cannot be held to a higher standard.
Rebert has previously said that the Gano case is the legal standard.
"That's pretty much the ruling case. The Supreme Court said cops could be denied ARD if you are convicted of an infamous crime. But they cannot be held to a higher standard," he has said.
More Information: http://ydr.inyork.com/ci_11405833?source=most_viewed
Gary D.S. Utter, a seven-year officer, was denied into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program -- a program for nonviolent, first-time offenders.
York County District Attorney Stan Rebert rejected Utter on Dec. 4 "based on the circumstances of the case," according to court records. Rebert did not elaborate in the court records and could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Utter, 37, of Stewartstown, was charged with driving under the influence by state police after crashing a 2005 Crown Victoria into a wall on the morning of Aug. 23 in the 2000 block of Mount Zion Road, less than a mile from the Springettsbury Township Police Station.
Utter's blood-alcohol level was 0.123 percent, according to a test taken at Memorial Hospital. The level at which a driver in Pennsylvania is considered drunk is 0.08 percent.
Utter's attorney, Harry Ness, filed a motion Dec. 30 appealing Rebert's decision to a York County Common Pleas Court judge.
Ness said Tuesday that Rebert's reason was vague, allowing people to "read between the lines" that Utter was denied because he was an on-duty police officer.
Based on the handling of the 1998 case of Robert Gano -- an off-duty state trooper charged with drunken driving -- Rebert knows he cannot treat Utter differently because he is a police officer, Ness said.
Rebert approved Gano for ARD, a decision later rejected by Judge John Chronister and subsequently overturned by the state Superior Court. The appeals court ruled police officers cannot be held to a higher standard.
"You can't treat someone differently because they are a cop. You can't treat one cop better than you treat another cop. Stan has no problem allowing cops into the program," Ness said.
As a first-time, nonviolent offender, Utter qualifies for ARD, Ness said. Utter has been through a 30-day inpatient treatment program -- more than he would get if convicted of DUI or admitted into ARD, he said.
And Utter was not drinking on duty but still had the aftereffects from the night before, he said.
"The program is for people who make a mistake for the first time," he said.
Utter is currently on a paid leave of absence. If convicted of DUI, Utter could lose his ability to serve as a police officer.
Ness said Utter's drinking was triggered by his July 2007 killing of Ronald T. Whitaker Sr., a prisoner in custody. Utter is named in a wrongful death civil suit filed by Whitaker's family, which is pending in federal court.
While being held for robbing a grocery store, Whitaker tried to hang himself with his shoelaces. Utter revived Whitaker, and Whitaker became violent. During the struggle, Whitaker grabbed Utter's nightstick and was going for Utter's gun when Utter shot him.
"That was brought it (the drinking) to a head for him," Ness said.
Rebert ruled the shooting was justified and cleared Utter in October 2007.
THE GANO CASE
In 1998, off-duty state police Trooper Robert Gano was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving after crashing his car into several parked cars in Penn Township. He applied for and was approved to ARD by York County District Attorney Stan Rebert.
He was later accepted into ARD along with 43 other people by York County Judge John Chronister. After reading about Gano the next day in the paper, Chronister removed Gano from ARD, saying law-enforcement officers should be held to a higher standard than the average citizen.
Gano appealed. The Pennsylvania Superior Court held that Chronister was wrong and that police officers cannot be held to a higher standard.
Rebert has previously said that the Gano case is the legal standard.
"That's pretty much the ruling case. The Supreme Court said cops could be denied ARD if you are convicted of an infamous crime. But they cannot be held to a higher standard," he has said.
More Information: http://ydr.inyork.com/ci_11405833?source=most_viewed
Former Officer Calvin Hullett Pleads Guilty to Break-in
NASHVILLE, Tenn.
A former Nashville police officer who also was a Teamsters organizer has pleaded guilty to charges he broke into a children's camp to set up cameras to discredit members of a rival union.
Calvin Hullett, 45, pleaded guilty Tuesday during his trial as part of a plea agreement. It was reported that he faces between 10 and 16 months in federal prison.
Hullett was arrested in 2007 after authorities learned that he had installed cameras at the camp for disadvantaged children operated by the Fraternal Order of Police. At the time, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Hullett's employer, and the FOP were competing to represent Nashville police officers at the bargaining table.
The Teamsters took over representation of the police in 2005 but were decertified in 2007 after a petition drive by the FOP.
Investigators have alleged the hidden cameras were placed at the camp to try to discredit the FOP by catching officers engaged in some type of misconduct.
Earlier, former Shelby County deputy Joe Everson pleaded guilty to lying to investigators in connection with the incident.
A former Nashville police officer who also was a Teamsters organizer has pleaded guilty to charges he broke into a children's camp to set up cameras to discredit members of a rival union.
Calvin Hullett, 45, pleaded guilty Tuesday during his trial as part of a plea agreement. It was reported that he faces between 10 and 16 months in federal prison.
Hullett was arrested in 2007 after authorities learned that he had installed cameras at the camp for disadvantaged children operated by the Fraternal Order of Police. At the time, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Hullett's employer, and the FOP were competing to represent Nashville police officers at the bargaining table.
The Teamsters took over representation of the police in 2005 but were decertified in 2007 after a petition drive by the FOP.
Investigators have alleged the hidden cameras were placed at the camp to try to discredit the FOP by catching officers engaged in some type of misconduct.
Earlier, former Shelby County deputy Joe Everson pleaded guilty to lying to investigators in connection with the incident.
Oscar Grant's Shot in Back by Police, Sue for 25 Million
Relatives of a man who claim he was shot in the back and killed by a policeman while lying unarmed on the ground are suing the officer's employers for $25m.
The shooting of Oscar Grant, 22, early on New Year's Day at a busy train station in Oakland, California, sparked widespread outrage. The incident was caught on video by at least three witnesses.
Footage shows Bay Area Rapid Transit police officers responding to a call about two groups of men fighting on a train around 2am on January 1. The officers put several of the young men on the ground against a wall on the station platform.
Mr Grant, who was travelling home after celebrating New Year's Eve in San Francisco, can be seen rising to his knees before being pushed back down by police. According to local television news reports, at least one of the home videos shows an officer putting his knee on Mr Grant before a colleague draws his gun and fires. Mr Grant, a butcher at an Oakland supermarket, died later that morning.
John Burris, a lawyer for the man's family, said Mr Grant, the father of a four-year-old girl, was lying on his stomach and posed no threat when he was shot. He said he would ask prosecutors to press criminal charges against the officer, who is on administrative leave.
"The officer leaned (in), was straddling over him and pointed his gun directly into the backside and shot (Grant)," said Mr Burris, one of Rodney King's lawyers in his 1994 civil suit against the Los Angeles Police Department. "This was not a deadly force situation."
In the claim, the officer who carried out the shooting is accused of having "mercilessly fired his weapon, mortally wounding Mr. Grant with a single gunshot wound to the back."
The document also states that Mr Grant "made a valiant effort to de-escalate the situation by appealing to the officer's sense of humanity by telling the officer that he had a four-year-old daughter" and asking the officer not to use a Taser gun on him.
The claim, the precursor to a wrongful death lawsuit, was sent to BART officials on Tuesday and alleges officers illegally detained Mr Grant, used excessive force and violated his civil rights. The authority has 45 days to respond. A spokesman said officials were reviewing the claim.
BART is meanwhile conducting its own investigation and has urged patience while the inquiry is carried out.
Linton Johnson, a BART spokesman, told local station KTVU-TV that authorities were trying to determine whether the officer who shot Mr Grant was actually reaching for his Taser gun and pulled out his handgun by accident.
News of the claim came as California?s attorney general, Jerry Brown, called for a "searching inquiry and investigation" into the shooting.
Interviewed by local television news station ABC7, he described amateur videos of the incident as "disturbing" and said there should not be "any kind of delay or shilly-shallying around" in dealing with the case.
Mr Grant's funeral was due to take place on Wednesday.
The shooting of Oscar Grant, 22, early on New Year's Day at a busy train station in Oakland, California, sparked widespread outrage. The incident was caught on video by at least three witnesses.
Footage shows Bay Area Rapid Transit police officers responding to a call about two groups of men fighting on a train around 2am on January 1. The officers put several of the young men on the ground against a wall on the station platform.
Mr Grant, who was travelling home after celebrating New Year's Eve in San Francisco, can be seen rising to his knees before being pushed back down by police. According to local television news reports, at least one of the home videos shows an officer putting his knee on Mr Grant before a colleague draws his gun and fires. Mr Grant, a butcher at an Oakland supermarket, died later that morning.
John Burris, a lawyer for the man's family, said Mr Grant, the father of a four-year-old girl, was lying on his stomach and posed no threat when he was shot. He said he would ask prosecutors to press criminal charges against the officer, who is on administrative leave.
"The officer leaned (in), was straddling over him and pointed his gun directly into the backside and shot (Grant)," said Mr Burris, one of Rodney King's lawyers in his 1994 civil suit against the Los Angeles Police Department. "This was not a deadly force situation."
In the claim, the officer who carried out the shooting is accused of having "mercilessly fired his weapon, mortally wounding Mr. Grant with a single gunshot wound to the back."
The document also states that Mr Grant "made a valiant effort to de-escalate the situation by appealing to the officer's sense of humanity by telling the officer that he had a four-year-old daughter" and asking the officer not to use a Taser gun on him.
The claim, the precursor to a wrongful death lawsuit, was sent to BART officials on Tuesday and alleges officers illegally detained Mr Grant, used excessive force and violated his civil rights. The authority has 45 days to respond. A spokesman said officials were reviewing the claim.
BART is meanwhile conducting its own investigation and has urged patience while the inquiry is carried out.
Linton Johnson, a BART spokesman, told local station KTVU-TV that authorities were trying to determine whether the officer who shot Mr Grant was actually reaching for his Taser gun and pulled out his handgun by accident.
News of the claim came as California?s attorney general, Jerry Brown, called for a "searching inquiry and investigation" into the shooting.
Interviewed by local television news station ABC7, he described amateur videos of the incident as "disturbing" and said there should not be "any kind of delay or shilly-shallying around" in dealing with the case.
Mr Grant's funeral was due to take place on Wednesday.
Officer Johannes Mehserle Quits Job & Skips Interview
OAKLAND
The BART police officer under investigation for the fatal New Year's Day shooting of an unarmed man quit his job Wednesday rather than speak with investigators, an official said.
Former officer Johannes Mehserle, 27, has given no comment to BART investigators since the incident in which cell phone videos appeared to capture Mehserle shooting Oscar Grant III as Grant lay facedown on the ground at the Fruitvale station, BART spokesman Linton Johnson said Wednesday.
"We had a meeting scheduled for him to talk, and his attorney and a union rep came in his place and dropped off a letter of resignation instead," Johnson said. "It's interesting, because he was supposed to be talking for the administrative part of our investigation, which is privileged information and couldn't have been used in any criminal investigation anyway."
While BART officials said they've been trying to get Mehserle to talk ever since the shooting, Mehserle's attorney said he hadn't received any requests for an interview from Alameda County District Attorney Tom Orloff's office as of Wednesday night.
"In general, a prosecutor would contact the attorney of anyone under investigation for a crime," said Christopher Miller, Mehserle's Sacramento-based union attorney. "So that would have come to me."
Orloff declined Wednesday to discuss any details of his office's investigation with the media, citing a standing policy his office has to allow police departments to act as the main public face of any officer-involved shooting investigation.
"We've confirmed the investigation, and that's about as much as we'll say," Orloff said. "The normal thing in a situation like this is to interview anyone who can shed light on it."
Mehserle's resignation takes away BART's ability to leverage a statement out of him, since he can no longer be fired for remaining silent, Orloff said. Orloff met with a group of about 50 clergy and community members in his office, after they held a rally outside the Oakland courthouse and packed the lobby outside his office with wall-to-wall demonstrators demanding he meet with them.
Among the demonstrators was Oakland Councilmember Desley Brooks (Eastmont-Seminary), who called the shooting an "execution" and demanded an explanation of the behavior of the other officers present during the shooting.
Brooks and the clergy spoke with a crowd of about 100 people outside the courthouse just after 9 a.m. and said they'd been denied a meeting with Orloff and demanded swift justice for Grant's killing.
"What shall we tell our sons?" said the Rev. Dr. J. Alfred Smith Sr. of Alan Temple Baptist Church. "Shall we tell them to fear the law? Is the law their enemy? If Oscar Grant is not safe, then I am not safe."
Minister Christopher Muhammad of the Nation of Islam said Mehserle should be arrested immediately.
"What is left to investigate? The whole world has seen this," Muhammad said, referring to widespread Internet videos taken from witnesses' cell phones. "We can discuss his mindset later. But right now he should be detained and held on criminal charges."
At a demonstration in protest of the shooting Wednesday afternoon at the Fruitvale station, Grant's younger sister, Audrena Gilbert, said Mehserle has not talked to the bereaved family.
"I want him to start. I want him to apologize for what he did," said Gilbert, 19, of Oakland. "I want him to tell the truth, why he shot him, what he shot him for. That's all I want."
The afternoon protest, which had a microphone open for anyone to speak but was led by speakers for the Coalition Against Police Executions, drew a crowd of 500 people, police estimated. The station was temporarily shut down, and trains let passengers off at stations on either side of the stop.
"It's not enough the officer resigned today," said Sean Dugar, president of the California National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Youth and College Division. "We demand he be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. "... We shut down one BART station this afternoon. Let's do another one next week."
Speakers at both the morning and afternoon protests led the crowd in a call-and-return chant, shouting, "I am Oscar Grant."
Several clergymen at the morning protest, speakers at the Fruitvale station protest and Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums all expressed an understanding for the community's anger but urged demonstrators to refrain from violence.
"As we handle ourselves in this moment, so shall our children," Dellums said. "I think that in a community that's trying to get its hands around violence, that it's important for us to maintain the integrity of a peaceful community going forward, even in this moment of great anger, great loss and great tragedy."
Despite this appeal, protesters shouted angrily at a representative from Dellums' office sent to the Fruitvale station, and when the crowd later moved toward Lake Merritt, it prompted the police shutdown of the BART station there Members of the crowd lit a Dumpster's contents on fire and rammed the container into a police car. Dellums said the city of Oakland and its Police Department should not become involved in the shooting investigation at this point.
"You deal with the appropriate agencies on the ground, and I think right now that's Bay Area Rapid Transit and that's the district attorney's office," he said. "At this point, I view my role as simply trying to articulate the pain and the sorrow and even the anger that people feel at the loss of human life."
Dave Rose, a retired Placer County sheriff's lieutenant who's now an expert witness on police use of force and the co-author of "Police Use-of-Force Case Law," said every bit of Mehserle's training and all circumstances of the situation on the BART platform that night must be taken into account. All the videos should be professionally enhanced and then reviewed frame by frame for every detail, every twitch, he said.
Based on Mehserle's experience and how officers react physiologically in high-stress situations, Rose said, it could well have been nothing more than a tragic, noncriminal accident.
But UC Berkeley Boalt Hall Law School professor Franklin Zimring, a criminal justice expert, said "absolutely conclusive" videos of the shooting have convinced him there's no possible justification for Mehserle's actions.
"Normally, what you get in a police deadly force interaction is a 'he said, she said' in which there's at least an accusation like, 'There was a flash of metal as he reached toward his pocket,'"‰" Zimring said. "But this guy was already down on the ground. "... He's not in a position to be threatening anybody."
Use of deadly force is considered "in terms of a threat to the physical safety of the officer or somebody else, and there's none there in this case," he added. "So it's accident versus intention, but justification is off the table."
Whether Mehserle meant to draw his Taser but accidentally drew his firearm, or whether he meant to draw his sidearm but didn't mean to fire it, it looks like involuntary manslaughter, Zimring said.
"My money is on that second horse: I think it was an accident, but I don't think the drawing of the gun was an accident," he said, noting it probably wouldn't have been appropriate to draw the Taser but "under no circumstance I could imagine" should Mehserle have drawn his firearm given what's seen on the videos.
Zimring said accidental shootings by officers are rarely charged.
"They don't even have to meet criminal juries most of the time, but most of the time there's a plausible officer vulnerability," he said. "That's what juries can identify with, and that's what's missing in action here. If I were a U.S. or prosecuting attorney, I would not be afraid of taking a criminal case here, certainly for involuntary manslaughter, before an Alameda County jury."
In the absence of a statement from Mehserle, the proper thing to do is to charge the case based on the evidence at hand and then hear his side of the story later, Zimring said: "Not giving a statement in this context may be motivated by an unwillingness to incriminate oneself, but it also deprives the officer of an opportunity to allege that the conduct was unintended.
"If there isn't a criminal investigation in this case, I think it will be an enduring scandal," he said, "and therefore I think that you're going to see an investigation, and you're going to see it in a matter of a very few days."
The BART police officer under investigation for the fatal New Year's Day shooting of an unarmed man quit his job Wednesday rather than speak with investigators, an official said.
Former officer Johannes Mehserle, 27, has given no comment to BART investigators since the incident in which cell phone videos appeared to capture Mehserle shooting Oscar Grant III as Grant lay facedown on the ground at the Fruitvale station, BART spokesman Linton Johnson said Wednesday.
"We had a meeting scheduled for him to talk, and his attorney and a union rep came in his place and dropped off a letter of resignation instead," Johnson said. "It's interesting, because he was supposed to be talking for the administrative part of our investigation, which is privileged information and couldn't have been used in any criminal investigation anyway."
While BART officials said they've been trying to get Mehserle to talk ever since the shooting, Mehserle's attorney said he hadn't received any requests for an interview from Alameda County District Attorney Tom Orloff's office as of Wednesday night.
"In general, a prosecutor would contact the attorney of anyone under investigation for a crime," said Christopher Miller, Mehserle's Sacramento-based union attorney. "So that would have come to me."
Orloff declined Wednesday to discuss any details of his office's investigation with the media, citing a standing policy his office has to allow police departments to act as the main public face of any officer-involved shooting investigation.
"We've confirmed the investigation, and that's about as much as we'll say," Orloff said. "The normal thing in a situation like this is to interview anyone who can shed light on it."
Mehserle's resignation takes away BART's ability to leverage a statement out of him, since he can no longer be fired for remaining silent, Orloff said. Orloff met with a group of about 50 clergy and community members in his office, after they held a rally outside the Oakland courthouse and packed the lobby outside his office with wall-to-wall demonstrators demanding he meet with them.
Among the demonstrators was Oakland Councilmember Desley Brooks (Eastmont-Seminary), who called the shooting an "execution" and demanded an explanation of the behavior of the other officers present during the shooting.
Brooks and the clergy spoke with a crowd of about 100 people outside the courthouse just after 9 a.m. and said they'd been denied a meeting with Orloff and demanded swift justice for Grant's killing.
"What shall we tell our sons?" said the Rev. Dr. J. Alfred Smith Sr. of Alan Temple Baptist Church. "Shall we tell them to fear the law? Is the law their enemy? If Oscar Grant is not safe, then I am not safe."
Minister Christopher Muhammad of the Nation of Islam said Mehserle should be arrested immediately.
"What is left to investigate? The whole world has seen this," Muhammad said, referring to widespread Internet videos taken from witnesses' cell phones. "We can discuss his mindset later. But right now he should be detained and held on criminal charges."
At a demonstration in protest of the shooting Wednesday afternoon at the Fruitvale station, Grant's younger sister, Audrena Gilbert, said Mehserle has not talked to the bereaved family.
"I want him to start. I want him to apologize for what he did," said Gilbert, 19, of Oakland. "I want him to tell the truth, why he shot him, what he shot him for. That's all I want."
The afternoon protest, which had a microphone open for anyone to speak but was led by speakers for the Coalition Against Police Executions, drew a crowd of 500 people, police estimated. The station was temporarily shut down, and trains let passengers off at stations on either side of the stop.
"It's not enough the officer resigned today," said Sean Dugar, president of the California National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Youth and College Division. "We demand he be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. "... We shut down one BART station this afternoon. Let's do another one next week."
Speakers at both the morning and afternoon protests led the crowd in a call-and-return chant, shouting, "I am Oscar Grant."
Several clergymen at the morning protest, speakers at the Fruitvale station protest and Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums all expressed an understanding for the community's anger but urged demonstrators to refrain from violence.
"As we handle ourselves in this moment, so shall our children," Dellums said. "I think that in a community that's trying to get its hands around violence, that it's important for us to maintain the integrity of a peaceful community going forward, even in this moment of great anger, great loss and great tragedy."
Despite this appeal, protesters shouted angrily at a representative from Dellums' office sent to the Fruitvale station, and when the crowd later moved toward Lake Merritt, it prompted the police shutdown of the BART station there Members of the crowd lit a Dumpster's contents on fire and rammed the container into a police car. Dellums said the city of Oakland and its Police Department should not become involved in the shooting investigation at this point.
"You deal with the appropriate agencies on the ground, and I think right now that's Bay Area Rapid Transit and that's the district attorney's office," he said. "At this point, I view my role as simply trying to articulate the pain and the sorrow and even the anger that people feel at the loss of human life."
Dave Rose, a retired Placer County sheriff's lieutenant who's now an expert witness on police use of force and the co-author of "Police Use-of-Force Case Law," said every bit of Mehserle's training and all circumstances of the situation on the BART platform that night must be taken into account. All the videos should be professionally enhanced and then reviewed frame by frame for every detail, every twitch, he said.
Based on Mehserle's experience and how officers react physiologically in high-stress situations, Rose said, it could well have been nothing more than a tragic, noncriminal accident.
But UC Berkeley Boalt Hall Law School professor Franklin Zimring, a criminal justice expert, said "absolutely conclusive" videos of the shooting have convinced him there's no possible justification for Mehserle's actions.
"Normally, what you get in a police deadly force interaction is a 'he said, she said' in which there's at least an accusation like, 'There was a flash of metal as he reached toward his pocket,'"‰" Zimring said. "But this guy was already down on the ground. "... He's not in a position to be threatening anybody."
Use of deadly force is considered "in terms of a threat to the physical safety of the officer or somebody else, and there's none there in this case," he added. "So it's accident versus intention, but justification is off the table."
Whether Mehserle meant to draw his Taser but accidentally drew his firearm, or whether he meant to draw his sidearm but didn't mean to fire it, it looks like involuntary manslaughter, Zimring said.
"My money is on that second horse: I think it was an accident, but I don't think the drawing of the gun was an accident," he said, noting it probably wouldn't have been appropriate to draw the Taser but "under no circumstance I could imagine" should Mehserle have drawn his firearm given what's seen on the videos.
Zimring said accidental shootings by officers are rarely charged.
"They don't even have to meet criminal juries most of the time, but most of the time there's a plausible officer vulnerability," he said. "That's what juries can identify with, and that's what's missing in action here. If I were a U.S. or prosecuting attorney, I would not be afraid of taking a criminal case here, certainly for involuntary manslaughter, before an Alameda County jury."
In the absence of a statement from Mehserle, the proper thing to do is to charge the case based on the evidence at hand and then hear his side of the story later, Zimring said: "Not giving a statement in this context may be motivated by an unwillingness to incriminate oneself, but it also deprives the officer of an opportunity to allege that the conduct was unintended.
"If there isn't a criminal investigation in this case, I think it will be an enduring scandal," he said, "and therefore I think that you're going to see an investigation, and you're going to see it in a matter of a very few days."
Officer Glenn Mearls & Officer Josh Calder Both Charged with DWI
FARMINGTON
The off-duty Farmington police officer accused of crashing his truck into city vehicles while intoxicated on prescription medication was fired in December following an internal investigation of the crash, city officials said Tuesday.
Glenn Mearls, a 14-year veteran of the department who worked with the bomb squad, crashed his personal truck Nov. 12 into two city vehicles parked outside the Farmington Police Station. Mearls was not scheduled to begin a shift at the time.
The 43-year-old officer was charged with DWI following the accident, which caused significant damage to one of the city's vehicles. Police who investigated the incident reported Mearls likely was under the influence of a sleep aid at the time of the crash.
The criminal charge is pending in magistrate court.
Farmington City Manager Rob Mayes said he fired Mearls on Dec. 19 after consulting with police administrators, who recommended termination after conducting an independent investigation of the crash.
"All of our officers deserve our support and have a right to due process under both the law and administratively under city of Farmington personnel rules. However, when serious lines are crossed, as with any of our city employees, we have no choice but to take serious action," Mayes said in a prepared statement.
Mearls has formally appealed his termination, Mayes said.
"I don't think he should have been charged at all. ... He had taken a prescription medication. He hadn't violated any laws," said attorney Steve Murphy, representing Mearls. "Officer Mearls was a very fine officer and the city acted in haste. We look forward to the appeal in district court of his termination."
Contact information for the former officer is not publicly listed.
DWI charges also are pending against a second Farmington police officer, Josh Calder, who is accused of drunken driving after crashing a motorcycle on San Juan Boulevard in August.
A termination decision in that case is dependent on the magistrate court's findings of guilt of the DWI charge, the city manager said.
Mearls, however, was fired from the department before being convicted of a DWI.
"Every situation involving city employees is unique and must be looked at under its own merit. We thoroughly investigate the issue at hand and make the appropriate decision," Mayes said.
The city manager declined to comment on what factors differentiated the two officers' DWI circumstances.
Mearls' attorney claimed city officials
treated the former officer differently than other officers in a similar situation.
"It's a double standard the city is using," Murphy said.
Police officers recognize they are held to a higher standard, Deputy Chief Kyle Westall said, and serious consequences are appropriate when officers make bad decisions.
"We all know when we decide to be police officers that with more responsibility comes more accountability," Westall said. "At the same time, you have to remember that police officers are people just like anybody else and they're susceptible to the mistakes that everyone else makes."
The off-duty Farmington police officer accused of crashing his truck into city vehicles while intoxicated on prescription medication was fired in December following an internal investigation of the crash, city officials said Tuesday.
Glenn Mearls, a 14-year veteran of the department who worked with the bomb squad, crashed his personal truck Nov. 12 into two city vehicles parked outside the Farmington Police Station. Mearls was not scheduled to begin a shift at the time.
The 43-year-old officer was charged with DWI following the accident, which caused significant damage to one of the city's vehicles. Police who investigated the incident reported Mearls likely was under the influence of a sleep aid at the time of the crash.
The criminal charge is pending in magistrate court.
Farmington City Manager Rob Mayes said he fired Mearls on Dec. 19 after consulting with police administrators, who recommended termination after conducting an independent investigation of the crash.
"All of our officers deserve our support and have a right to due process under both the law and administratively under city of Farmington personnel rules. However, when serious lines are crossed, as with any of our city employees, we have no choice but to take serious action," Mayes said in a prepared statement.
Mearls has formally appealed his termination, Mayes said.
"I don't think he should have been charged at all. ... He had taken a prescription medication. He hadn't violated any laws," said attorney Steve Murphy, representing Mearls. "Officer Mearls was a very fine officer and the city acted in haste. We look forward to the appeal in district court of his termination."
Contact information for the former officer is not publicly listed.
DWI charges also are pending against a second Farmington police officer, Josh Calder, who is accused of drunken driving after crashing a motorcycle on San Juan Boulevard in August.
A termination decision in that case is dependent on the magistrate court's findings of guilt of the DWI charge, the city manager said.
Mearls, however, was fired from the department before being convicted of a DWI.
"Every situation involving city employees is unique and must be looked at under its own merit. We thoroughly investigate the issue at hand and make the appropriate decision," Mayes said.
The city manager declined to comment on what factors differentiated the two officers' DWI circumstances.
Mearls' attorney claimed city officials
treated the former officer differently than other officers in a similar situation.
"It's a double standard the city is using," Murphy said.
Police officers recognize they are held to a higher standard, Deputy Chief Kyle Westall said, and serious consequences are appropriate when officers make bad decisions.
"We all know when we decide to be police officers that with more responsibility comes more accountability," Westall said. "At the same time, you have to remember that police officers are people just like anybody else and they're susceptible to the mistakes that everyone else makes."
Sheriff Robert Chavez May Retire After DWI Arrest
Guadalupe County's embattled Sheriff Robert Chavez may quit his job following his DWI arrest.
State police pulled Chavez over on December 19 in Santa Rosa after receiving reports that the sheriff was driving recklessly.
Chavez refused to take a breathalyzer or give a blood test.
The sheriff sent a letter to Guadalupe County commissioners saying that he plans to retire before completing his term, which runs until the end of 2010.
More Information and Video: http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/crime/crime_krqe_santa_rosa_sheriff_takes_leave_over_dwi_arrest_200801070045
State police pulled Chavez over on December 19 in Santa Rosa after receiving reports that the sheriff was driving recklessly.
Chavez refused to take a breathalyzer or give a blood test.
The sheriff sent a letter to Guadalupe County commissioners saying that he plans to retire before completing his term, which runs until the end of 2010.
More Information and Video: http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/crime/crime_krqe_santa_rosa_sheriff_takes_leave_over_dwi_arrest_200801070045
Officer Adam Northcutt Being Investigated for Sexual Assault
MISHAWAKA
A police officer is on administrative leave after allegations of sexual assault at a local bar.
Adam Northcutt, a patrol officer with the Mishawaka police department, is on paid administrative leave pending an investigation by the St. Joseph County Family Violence and Special Victims Unit, a division of the county prosecutor’s office.
According to Mishawaka Asst. Chief Mike Samp, a woman reported to police that she was “groped” and harassed by the off-duty officer at Bleacher’s Bar, 4609 Grape Road, on Dec. 13.
Northcutt has not been arrested or charged with any crime.
Samp said Mishawaka police contacted the county’s special victims unit to investigate, both because of the nature of the allegations and because a Mishawaka officer was involved.
Catherine Wilson, spokeswoman for the prosecutor’s office, said the case is still under investigation and has not been presented to the prosecutor for possible charges.
Although police released few details about the allegation, the woman involved told The Tribune that Northcutt was intoxicated and wouldn’t leave her alone that night.
The 21-year-old woman, who is not being identified because of the nature of the crime, said Northcutt followed her around the bar, touching her inappropriately.
At one point, she said, Northcutt attempted to push her into the bar’s bathroom. “He kept saying, ‘I’m a Mishawaka police officer, I’ve done two tours in Iraq,’ and he just wouldn’t leave me alone.”
The woman also said Northcutt wasn’t alone at the bar, but was with two other off-duty police officers who are regulars at the bar.
The woman said she told one of the other officers that he needed to persuade Northcutt to leave the bar, but she also said they probably weren’t aware that Northcutt was harassing her.
“I don’t think they were paying that close of attention to him,” the woman said.
Samp said Wednesday that he could not comment on the allegations that other officers were present, but he said no other Mishawaka officers have been placed on administrative leave.
Despite Northcutt’s alleged advances, the woman said she was reluctant to report the incident to police until patrons and employees at the bar urged her to do so.
“It was just shocking and upsetting,” the woman said. “The whole thing was just weird.”
Samp said the decision to place Northcutt on administrative leave was made internally at the police station and not by the Mishawaka Board of Public Works and Safety. He said it is likely Northcutt will remain on administrative leave until a decision has been reached by the prosecutor’s office.
According to minutes of the Mishawaka Board of Public Works and Safety, Northcutt was made a probationary patrol officer in October 2007 and was promoted to full patrol officer in October 2008.
Trooper Michael Ford Robbed while Playing Illegal Poker Game
The Maryland State Police say a trooper who was robbed while allegedly playing in an illegal poker game in Hagerstown has retired.
But an attorney for 34-year-old Michael Ford says Ford retired for medical reasons unrelated to the poker game.
State police spokeswoman Elena Russo Ford's retirement was effective Jan. 1. She says Ford had served 10 years, 11 months with the state police.
Prosecutors say Ford was among 18 people robbed at gunpoint of about $4,000 by two masked men May 30 during a Texas Hold 'Em game inside an office building.
Prosecutors dropped charges last month against the only suspect arrested for the robbery, citing a lack of strong evidence.
The man who rented the office for gambling was fined $1,000.
But an attorney for 34-year-old Michael Ford says Ford retired for medical reasons unrelated to the poker game.
State police spokeswoman Elena Russo Ford's retirement was effective Jan. 1. She says Ford had served 10 years, 11 months with the state police.
Prosecutors say Ford was among 18 people robbed at gunpoint of about $4,000 by two masked men May 30 during a Texas Hold 'Em game inside an office building.
Prosecutors dropped charges last month against the only suspect arrested for the robbery, citing a lack of strong evidence.
The man who rented the office for gambling was fined $1,000.
Officer Kimberly Torres Arrested for Unauthorized Access to Police Computer
A Polk County sheriff's deputy was arrested today, accused of using her agency-issued computer to access law enforcement databases and giving out information to a person not authorized to have it.
Kimberly Torres, 23, of Lakeland was charged with two felony counts of unlawful use of a computer, the sheriff's office said.
Torres has been suspended without pay pending her termination from the sheriff's office, spokeswoman Carrie Eleazer said in a statement.
Torres' computer was seized Friday after detectives received a tip that she had accessed a Florida Department of Law Enforcement database for a matter not related to her duties as a deputy, Eleazer said.
Torres became a deputy in 2006 after working for two years in the Polk County Animal Control Department, Eleazer said.
The investigation is ongoing.
Officer Duane Lattimore Arrested for Domestic Violence
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police arrested one of their own today after a domestic violence investigation.
Duane Lattimore, an veteran officer who'd worked for the department for seven years, was charged with two counts of communicating threats and one count of assault on a female -- all misdemeanors. He was assigned to the Independence Division.
The charges stem from several complaints filed by Lattimore's wife that occurred at their Mecklenburg home. The investigation and arrest were made by detectives from CMPD's Domestic Violence Unit.
"It is unfortunate that a member of the CMPD was arrested for domestic violence. All officers of the CMPD are expected to uphold and enforce the law, but more importantly obey the law," Chief Rodney Monroe said today.
Lattimore was placed on administrative leave without pay, pending an internal investigation to determine whether departmental rules of conduct were violated. That is routine anytime a CMPD employee is charged with a crime.
More Information: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28546775/
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Former Officer Robert Culp Arrested for a Mortage Lending Scam
A former South Bend police officer who was part of a mortgage lending scam won't learn his fate until March.
Robert Culp, 43, was supposed to be sentenced Tuesday, but the sentencing was rescheduled for March 13th.
Culp was a 17-year veteran of the South Bend Police Department.
Back in May, he pleaded guilty to bank fraud.
The U.S. Attorney's Office says Culp and two accomplices bought 190 inexpensive homes and sold them far above their actual value between 2003 and 2007.
Culp faces up to 30 years behind bars.
Robert Culp, 43, was supposed to be sentenced Tuesday, but the sentencing was rescheduled for March 13th.
Culp was a 17-year veteran of the South Bend Police Department.
Back in May, he pleaded guilty to bank fraud.
The U.S. Attorney's Office says Culp and two accomplices bought 190 inexpensive homes and sold them far above their actual value between 2003 and 2007.
Culp faces up to 30 years behind bars.
15 More of Officer Andrew Collins Cases being Thrown Out
Fifteen drug cases were thrown out this week in Berrien County because the officer who investigated them is being investigated himself.
26-year-old Andrew Collins is accused of misconduct.
He was arrested last month on drug charges and is being investigated by the FBI.
At the time of his arrest Collins was a narcotics officer with the Benton Harbor Police Department.
Since then, charges have been dismissed, convictions overturned, or defendants released in 22 cases he has worked on.
Two additional cases are going back to trial without Collins' testimony.
The Berrien County prosecutor says perjured testimony, planted evidence, and false information were factors in the dismissals.
26-year-old Andrew Collins is accused of misconduct.
He was arrested last month on drug charges and is being investigated by the FBI.
At the time of his arrest Collins was a narcotics officer with the Benton Harbor Police Department.
Since then, charges have been dismissed, convictions overturned, or defendants released in 22 cases he has worked on.
Two additional cases are going back to trial without Collins' testimony.
The Berrien County prosecutor says perjured testimony, planted evidence, and false information were factors in the dismissals.
More Information: http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/37198344.html
Former Lt. Robert Liebel Pleads Guilty to Stealing Cocaine
ERIE, Pa.
A former Erie police officer is guilty of stealing cocaine from the department's evidence room.
Forty-seven-year-old Lt. Robert Liebel pleaded guilty to all nine charges against him, including theft and possession of cocaine, on Tuesday in Erie County Court.
The 22-year veteran was arrested in February after Erie police conducted a sting operation. The drugs were taken in 2007 and 2008.
Liebel will be sentenced on March 3. He was fired in May and is enrolled in a drug rehabilitation program.
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Information from: Erie Times-News, http://www.goerie.com
A former Erie police officer is guilty of stealing cocaine from the department's evidence room.
Forty-seven-year-old Lt. Robert Liebel pleaded guilty to all nine charges against him, including theft and possession of cocaine, on Tuesday in Erie County Court.
The 22-year veteran was arrested in February after Erie police conducted a sting operation. The drugs were taken in 2007 and 2008.
Liebel will be sentenced on March 3. He was fired in May and is enrolled in a drug rehabilitation program.
———
Information from: Erie Times-News, http://www.goerie.com
California BART Officer Murders Man
Brace yourselves because there is nothing funny nor entertaining about this footage. A new video has surfaced giving a better angle of the execution of Oscar Grant in the Bay area of California by the California Police.
The video made me sick to my stomach because I knew that I was about to witness a murder. A friend of mine simply said this, if there was footage like this of two civilians nonetheless black civilians it would be an open and shut case. Quite simply, what is their to investigate?
Deadly force is to be used when a cop feels his life is in danger, a felony has been committed and the suspect is trying to flee. Neither of those circumstances are present here as we clearly see that the cops had the victim under their control. This is a sad day for law enforcement in the United States.
Ask yourself this; when did it become alright to kill an unarmed man?
I'm sure you have heard about this horrific police shooting where a 22-year old African American male, a father and a completely innocent victim, was shot in the back by BART police on early New Year's morning at the Fruitvale BART station in Oakland, especially if you live in the Bay Area.
We need to make this national news - so please forward to friends and media all over the country to make sure justice is brought against the BART officers involved. If you haven't heard, please read the article below.
But, here's a short-hand version: four or five men were brought out of the BART train around 2am Jan 1, 2009 by BART police at the Fruitvale station. Apparently there was a scuffle or an argument on the train - it was very packed.
Witnesses say all the men pulled out (only Latino and Black men mind you) cooperated and were sat down in cuffs by the police. The police were aggressive in handling them even though the young men cooperated.
Many witnesses began to crowd around the scene and soon a shot was fired by a BART police officer and victim Oscar Grant, 22 years old, was shot in the back while he was face down on the floor. Many cell phones and cameras were confiscated that night from witnesses by the BART police and they say the cameras at the station were not operating that night (yah right).
Some witnesses however, got away with their footage and now it can be seen on the CBS website and other websites as well I'm sure. It's haunting to see the actual footage becuase it's so obvious that the officer was at fault and action needs to be taken. So far the officers at the scene have not even been questioned. The family is seeking criminal charges for the officer involved and sueing BART.
More Information: http://cbs5.com/local/oakland.BART.shooting.2.900634.html
The video made me sick to my stomach because I knew that I was about to witness a murder. A friend of mine simply said this, if there was footage like this of two civilians nonetheless black civilians it would be an open and shut case. Quite simply, what is their to investigate?
Deadly force is to be used when a cop feels his life is in danger, a felony has been committed and the suspect is trying to flee. Neither of those circumstances are present here as we clearly see that the cops had the victim under their control. This is a sad day for law enforcement in the United States.
Ask yourself this; when did it become alright to kill an unarmed man?
I'm sure you have heard about this horrific police shooting where a 22-year old African American male, a father and a completely innocent victim, was shot in the back by BART police on early New Year's morning at the Fruitvale BART station in Oakland, especially if you live in the Bay Area.
We need to make this national news - so please forward to friends and media all over the country to make sure justice is brought against the BART officers involved. If you haven't heard, please read the article below.
But, here's a short-hand version: four or five men were brought out of the BART train around 2am Jan 1, 2009 by BART police at the Fruitvale station. Apparently there was a scuffle or an argument on the train - it was very packed.
Witnesses say all the men pulled out (only Latino and Black men mind you) cooperated and were sat down in cuffs by the police. The police were aggressive in handling them even though the young men cooperated.
Many witnesses began to crowd around the scene and soon a shot was fired by a BART police officer and victim Oscar Grant, 22 years old, was shot in the back while he was face down on the floor. Many cell phones and cameras were confiscated that night from witnesses by the BART police and they say the cameras at the station were not operating that night (yah right).
Some witnesses however, got away with their footage and now it can be seen on the CBS website and other websites as well I'm sure. It's haunting to see the actual footage becuase it's so obvious that the officer was at fault and action needs to be taken. So far the officers at the scene have not even been questioned. The family is seeking criminal charges for the officer involved and sueing BART.
More Information: http://cbs5.com/local/oakland.BART.shooting.2.900634.html
Sgt Faron White Accused of Staging his Disappearance
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.
An Alabama police organized crime specialist who vanished last week amid signs of a struggle, triggering a search of a nearby river, was arrested in Las Vegas and accused of staging his disappearance to cover up a theft, authorities said Tuesday.
Police said Sgt. Faron White, 48, vanished in a bid to cover up a theft of $2,500 from his department in the north Alabama city of Decatur.
White — the head of the city's organized crime unit and Decatur's officer of the year for 2007 — was arrested late Monday by a federal fugitive task force in the lobby of a Hampton Inn hotel in Las Vegas. He was charged with theft.
Authorities said a 29-year-old woman, Sarah Richardson, was arrested at her home in Decatur and accused of helping White flee. Police didn't release details of any relationship between the woman and White, who is married with three children.
White was held on $20,000 bond; Richardson's was set at $2,500. Additional charges are possible against White and Richardson, who was accused of hindering prosecution.
It was unclear whether White, of Falkville, had hired a lawyer. Richardson did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
Police said the officer's family reported him missing early Saturday after he failed to return home from work. Police found signs of a struggle in White's office and began a search, which included a helicopter and rescue teams scouring the banks of the Tennessee River.
White joined the Decatur Police Department in November 1986, working in the jail before becoming a police officer.
The American Legion honored White last year as the city's officer of the year for 2007, noting that his unit was responsible for 354 arrests and the seizure of more than $100,000 worth of cash, weapons and property from drug dealers.
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More Information: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/jan/06/fugitive-police-officer-arrested-las-vegas/
Officer Curt Suskevich Terminated for Conduct Unbecoming a Police Officer
Cape Coral Police Chief Rob Petrovich has terminated the employment of Officer Curt Suskevich for “conduct unbecoming a police officer” following an internal affairs investigation.
Petrovich provided his final notice of disciplinary action to Suskevich today, said police spokeswoman Connie Barron.
Suskevich and his wife were arrested Aug. 17 after Key West police officers were called to their vacation home following a report of a gunshot.
The officers searched the home and found marijuana in the house, which Suskevich and his wife claimed belonged to her, Barron said.
Suskevich was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana.
Because of these charges, Suskevich was placed on administrative leave.
The criminal charges against him eventually were dismissed, and the department then launched an internal investigation into the incident, Barron said.
“After reviewing all of the information gathered during the investigation, I concluded that Officer Suskevich’s employment with the Cape Coral Police Department should be terminated,” Petrovich said.
“This investigation took a little longer than anticipated because I wanted to be very thorough and deliberative as I made my decision regarding Officer Suskevich and his future as a law enforcement officer, ” Petrovich said.
While Petrovich did not concur with the findings that sustained allegations of possession of a controlled substance and an intentional violation of state law, he did concur that a preponderance of the evidence supported the finding of “conduct unbecoming a police officer.
“The circumstances and facts regarding the possession allegations still raised questions in my mind, which is why I did not concur with those charges,” added Petrovich.
“However, the statements Officer Suskevich made to Key West police clearly indicated that he was aware of his wife’s marijuana use and took no affirmative action to address the illegal activity. This is unacceptable behavior for a police officer,” the police chief said.
Suskevich has the option of appealing his termination as provided in Article 8 of Ordinance 50-94 or grieving his suspension through Article 11 of the Police Collective Bargaining Agreement.
He was hired by the Cape Coral Police Department on March 13, 1999, and his salary was $59,945.
More Information: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28527865/
Monday, January 05, 2009
Former Trooper Jesus Larrazolo Arraigned on Drug Possession
A former state trooper made a brief appearance in federal court Tuesday morning where he was formally arraigned on a drug possession charge.
Jesus Rafael Larrazolo, 35, entered a plea of not guilty before U.S. Magistrate Felix Recio on a charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to a federal indictment, the violation involved five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine.
Larrazolo was remanded back to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. He waved briefly to his family as he was escorted out of the courtroom.
Larrazolo's pre-trial date for further judicial considerations in the case has been set for Feb. 3. Jury selection is scheduled for Feb. 5.
While employed as a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper, Larrazolo was arrested on Nov. 21 in the parking lot of Best Buy in Brownsville as he was loading his car with cocaine, Brownsville police said, adding that he had just received the cocaine from another man, who fled the scene. Police said they do not know who the other individual is.
Brownsville police were conducting unrelated surveillance when they saw Larrazolo with suspicious suitcases that carried the cocaine, according to police.
As of Tuesday, Recio still had not ruled on a motion that could lead to the release of Larrazolo from jail on $500,000 bond. Larrazolo's attorney, Noe Garza, filed a motion requesting the judge to accept property owned by Larrazolo's aunt and uncle as collateral for the former trooper's release. The land is valued at $454,842.
Larrazolo's relatives, Jorge Emilio Larrazolo Rubio and Concepcion Elisa Martinez Isla, said they would not pledge their property if they believed their nephew was a flight risk, according to court documents.
Although pre-trial services during a Nov. 26 detention hearing recommended Jesus Rafael Larrazolo's bond be set at $100,000, Recio declined the recommendation and set the $500,000 bond.
During that hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney James Lancaster asked that the former trooper be held without bond because of fears he would flee to Mexico.
FBI authorities earlier said that Jesus Rafael Larrazolo's family ties in Mexico are powerful and wealthy enough that he would be in a position to safely hide from authorities.
Jesus Rafael Larrazolo, 35, entered a plea of not guilty before U.S. Magistrate Felix Recio on a charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to a federal indictment, the violation involved five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine.
Larrazolo was remanded back to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. He waved briefly to his family as he was escorted out of the courtroom.
Larrazolo's pre-trial date for further judicial considerations in the case has been set for Feb. 3. Jury selection is scheduled for Feb. 5.
While employed as a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper, Larrazolo was arrested on Nov. 21 in the parking lot of Best Buy in Brownsville as he was loading his car with cocaine, Brownsville police said, adding that he had just received the cocaine from another man, who fled the scene. Police said they do not know who the other individual is.
Brownsville police were conducting unrelated surveillance when they saw Larrazolo with suspicious suitcases that carried the cocaine, according to police.
As of Tuesday, Recio still had not ruled on a motion that could lead to the release of Larrazolo from jail on $500,000 bond. Larrazolo's attorney, Noe Garza, filed a motion requesting the judge to accept property owned by Larrazolo's aunt and uncle as collateral for the former trooper's release. The land is valued at $454,842.
Larrazolo's relatives, Jorge Emilio Larrazolo Rubio and Concepcion Elisa Martinez Isla, said they would not pledge their property if they believed their nephew was a flight risk, according to court documents.
Although pre-trial services during a Nov. 26 detention hearing recommended Jesus Rafael Larrazolo's bond be set at $100,000, Recio declined the recommendation and set the $500,000 bond.
During that hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney James Lancaster asked that the former trooper be held without bond because of fears he would flee to Mexico.
FBI authorities earlier said that Jesus Rafael Larrazolo's family ties in Mexico are powerful and wealthy enough that he would be in a position to safely hide from authorities.
Another Cleveland City Officer Arrested
There have been two more arrests in an ongoing series of investigations at the Cleveland Police Department.
A former police officer was arrested Monday on charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Dennis Hughes, 33, had already been arrested last month in connection with a shooting investigation and drug investigation. He resigned his position at that time.
Also arrested on Monday was Cleveland Police Officer Nathan Thomas, 37.
Thomas was arrested in connection with the shooting and drug investigation, which has so far resulted in the arrests of three city police officers and a Cleveland physician.
A fourth Cleveland police officer, Chris Mason, remains on leave as a result of an injury to his hand when he was shot by Hughes.
Arrested Monday, shortly before 1 a.m., Hughes was leaving the home of Cleveland Officer Nathan Thomas with a 16-year-old girl in his vehicle, according to court records.
Court records state the girl's mother contacted the Cleveland Police Department Sunday afternoon and reported her daughter missing.
The woman told officers she thought her daughter was with Hughes.
According to reports, a Bradley County Deputy located Hughes early Monday morning, leaving Thomas' home with the girl.
The deputy initiated a traffic stop at the intersection of Lauderdale Highway and Mouse Creek Road and alerted police he had located the missing teen-ager.
According to court documents, several empty beer containers and various prescription medication belonging to Hughes were found in the vehicle.
Reports state the girl was under the influence of alcohol and was charged with consumption of alcohol by someone younger than 21.
Hughes was also arrested Dec. 18 and charged with aggravated perjury, filing a false report and two counts of aggravated assault by reckless endangerment as a result of an investigation into the shooting Nov. 30.
That incident was first reported as an accidental shooting.
According to initial reports, Mason and Officer Jonathan Hammons -- who were on duty -- were at the home of Hughes, who was off duty, shortly before midnight on Nov. 30.
An internal investigation into that incident by the Cleveland Police Department continues.
Both, Hammons and Thomas were suspended without pay pending the outcome of the investigation, after the investigation into the shooting resulted in a prescription belonging to Thomas being found in Hughes' vehicle.
Thomas was booked into the Bradley County Jail Monday and was charged with prescription fraud, possession of Schedule II and III narcotics for resale and simple possession of a Schedule V narcotic.
Thomas has been under investigation by the 10th Judicial Drug Task Force and is accused of selling prescription medications he has received by prescription from Dr. James W. Sego. Sego was arrested Dec. 18 and charged with felony counts of illegally selling prescription painkillers and other drugs.
According to reports, Sego prescribed Thomas more than 6,000 oxycodones and 1,100 hydrocodones within one year's time.
According to the search warrant served by the Drug Task Force, when agents searched Thomas' home in December they found "a large cardboard box with extremely large amounts of various drugs, samples, etc. (too numerous to list individually)," weapons, syringes and cell phones. The search warrant also indicated agents found, "one white plastic snorting device (ink pen) with yellow residue" in the master bedroom in a decorative drawer near the top of the dresser, along with several other items, such as "one prescription box w/1 glass vial inside labeled DEPO-Testosterone."
Thomas was released on a $10,000 bond Monday.
A former police officer was arrested Monday on charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Dennis Hughes, 33, had already been arrested last month in connection with a shooting investigation and drug investigation. He resigned his position at that time.
Also arrested on Monday was Cleveland Police Officer Nathan Thomas, 37.
Thomas was arrested in connection with the shooting and drug investigation, which has so far resulted in the arrests of three city police officers and a Cleveland physician.
A fourth Cleveland police officer, Chris Mason, remains on leave as a result of an injury to his hand when he was shot by Hughes.
Arrested Monday, shortly before 1 a.m., Hughes was leaving the home of Cleveland Officer Nathan Thomas with a 16-year-old girl in his vehicle, according to court records.
Court records state the girl's mother contacted the Cleveland Police Department Sunday afternoon and reported her daughter missing.
The woman told officers she thought her daughter was with Hughes.
According to reports, a Bradley County Deputy located Hughes early Monday morning, leaving Thomas' home with the girl.
The deputy initiated a traffic stop at the intersection of Lauderdale Highway and Mouse Creek Road and alerted police he had located the missing teen-ager.
According to court documents, several empty beer containers and various prescription medication belonging to Hughes were found in the vehicle.
Reports state the girl was under the influence of alcohol and was charged with consumption of alcohol by someone younger than 21.
Hughes was also arrested Dec. 18 and charged with aggravated perjury, filing a false report and two counts of aggravated assault by reckless endangerment as a result of an investigation into the shooting Nov. 30.
That incident was first reported as an accidental shooting.
According to initial reports, Mason and Officer Jonathan Hammons -- who were on duty -- were at the home of Hughes, who was off duty, shortly before midnight on Nov. 30.
An internal investigation into that incident by the Cleveland Police Department continues.
Both, Hammons and Thomas were suspended without pay pending the outcome of the investigation, after the investigation into the shooting resulted in a prescription belonging to Thomas being found in Hughes' vehicle.
Thomas was booked into the Bradley County Jail Monday and was charged with prescription fraud, possession of Schedule II and III narcotics for resale and simple possession of a Schedule V narcotic.
Thomas has been under investigation by the 10th Judicial Drug Task Force and is accused of selling prescription medications he has received by prescription from Dr. James W. Sego. Sego was arrested Dec. 18 and charged with felony counts of illegally selling prescription painkillers and other drugs.
According to reports, Sego prescribed Thomas more than 6,000 oxycodones and 1,100 hydrocodones within one year's time.
According to the search warrant served by the Drug Task Force, when agents searched Thomas' home in December they found "a large cardboard box with extremely large amounts of various drugs, samples, etc. (too numerous to list individually)," weapons, syringes and cell phones. The search warrant also indicated agents found, "one white plastic snorting device (ink pen) with yellow residue" in the master bedroom in a decorative drawer near the top of the dresser, along with several other items, such as "one prescription box w/1 glass vial inside labeled DEPO-Testosterone."
Thomas was released on a $10,000 bond Monday.
Judge Joe Enos Stopped for Speeding, but Didn't Recieve Ticket
Duncan, Oklahoma
A Stephens County District Judge is in hot water following a traffic stop in Duncan. An officer who pulled Judge Joe Enos over for speeding Thursday morning says the judge called him a derogatory name after getting out of his car and arguing with the officer about whether he was speeding. Enos is responding to the allegations, but the Duncan City Attorney is telling the police department not to discuss the incident or release any information about the stop - including dash-cam video recording the encounter. However, late on Friday afternoon, an open records request was approved.
Judge Enos was on his way to the Duncan Simmons Center at about 5 a.m., when an officer says he witnessed the judge driving a little too fast. He followed him into the parking lot until the judge stopped. "It appears that the intent of the stop was to advise the judge that he was exceeding the speed limit," said Duncan City Attorney James Frieda.
After he stopped, the judge did something that police are constantly warning people not to do - he exited his vehicle and began walking toward the officer. The audio on the dash-cam recording reveals that the officer tried to stop him. The officer was unaware who the driver was, and tells the judge he should have stayed in his car. The officer asks for the man's license and insurance - that's when he realizes who the driver is. "Judge Enos," said the officer.
Enos tells the officer that he was driving 35 miles per hour, but the officer says he clocked him at 37 miles per hour, in a 30. "Are going to write me a ticket?" asked Enos. "No, I'm not going to write you a ticket," said Officer Alvarez. At that point, the judge walks away. However, according to the officer, Enos turned and called the officer a derogatory name. "The police officer there, I would assume, has full control of the situation, has the authority to make the stop, has the authority to detain the individual, the authority to issue a citation, and chose not to do that," said Frieda.
The judge did not wish to talk in person, instead he released the following statement:
"When Officer Alvarez stopped me early Thursday morning, while I thought I was travelling 35 miles per hour in a 35-mile-per-hour zone, Officer Alvarez was apparently correct that I had travelled out of the 35-mile-per-hour zone into a 30-mile-per-hour zone. Officer Alvarez was very professional at all times. I regret that the officer took offense to what he thought he might have heard. I said nothing derogatory, offensive or confrontational to Officer Alvarez. I will have no other comment on this matter."
The city attorney says he doesn't know whether Enos' statement is true or not. "The officer who gave the interview indicated there was a derogatory statement made," said Frieda. "Whether, in fact, that occurred, I can't tell you that, because I don't know."
Frieda says that since there was no citation issued, there will be no official action taken by the City of Duncan. We asked the city attorney for a copy of the officer's incident report on the traffic stop, but we were told there isn't one - only a confidential report that will not be released to the public.
A Stephens County District Judge is in hot water following a traffic stop in Duncan. An officer who pulled Judge Joe Enos over for speeding Thursday morning says the judge called him a derogatory name after getting out of his car and arguing with the officer about whether he was speeding. Enos is responding to the allegations, but the Duncan City Attorney is telling the police department not to discuss the incident or release any information about the stop - including dash-cam video recording the encounter. However, late on Friday afternoon, an open records request was approved.
Judge Enos was on his way to the Duncan Simmons Center at about 5 a.m., when an officer says he witnessed the judge driving a little too fast. He followed him into the parking lot until the judge stopped. "It appears that the intent of the stop was to advise the judge that he was exceeding the speed limit," said Duncan City Attorney James Frieda.
After he stopped, the judge did something that police are constantly warning people not to do - he exited his vehicle and began walking toward the officer. The audio on the dash-cam recording reveals that the officer tried to stop him. The officer was unaware who the driver was, and tells the judge he should have stayed in his car. The officer asks for the man's license and insurance - that's when he realizes who the driver is. "Judge Enos," said the officer.
Enos tells the officer that he was driving 35 miles per hour, but the officer says he clocked him at 37 miles per hour, in a 30. "Are going to write me a ticket?" asked Enos. "No, I'm not going to write you a ticket," said Officer Alvarez. At that point, the judge walks away. However, according to the officer, Enos turned and called the officer a derogatory name. "The police officer there, I would assume, has full control of the situation, has the authority to make the stop, has the authority to detain the individual, the authority to issue a citation, and chose not to do that," said Frieda.
The judge did not wish to talk in person, instead he released the following statement:
"When Officer Alvarez stopped me early Thursday morning, while I thought I was travelling 35 miles per hour in a 35-mile-per-hour zone, Officer Alvarez was apparently correct that I had travelled out of the 35-mile-per-hour zone into a 30-mile-per-hour zone. Officer Alvarez was very professional at all times. I regret that the officer took offense to what he thought he might have heard. I said nothing derogatory, offensive or confrontational to Officer Alvarez. I will have no other comment on this matter."
The city attorney says he doesn't know whether Enos' statement is true or not. "The officer who gave the interview indicated there was a derogatory statement made," said Frieda. "Whether, in fact, that occurred, I can't tell you that, because I don't know."
Frieda says that since there was no citation issued, there will be no official action taken by the City of Duncan. We asked the city attorney for a copy of the officer's incident report on the traffic stop, but we were told there isn't one - only a confidential report that will not be released to the public.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Trooper John Sawyer Pleds Guilty to Using Excessive Force
A former South Carolina state trooper pleaded guilty in federal court Monday to using excessive force when he repeatedly kicked an arrested man in the head and neck following a high speed chase.
Ex-trooper John Sawyer pled guilty in Charleston, South Carolina, to civil rights violations for the May 2006 incident.
Sawyer was charged with causing bodily harm to Sergio Caridi.
Authorities said Caridi led troopers on a lengthy chase in a large dump truck, and the authorities had to shoot out the tires and truck engine to get him to stop.
He was dragged out of the cab and then kicked repeatedly by Sawyer, according to the guilty plea.
The videotaped incident received wide attention because it came in the wake of a second case in which a former South Carolina trooper was indicted on federal civil rights charges for an incident in which he allegedly tried to run down a black man with his cruiser.
In that case, which was also videotaped by the trooper dash camera, white ex-trooper Steve Garren was acquitted by a jury of allegations he intentionally struck the man.
The two cases were among 10 claims of excessive force by troopers that led the U.S. Attorney to form a South Carolina Task Force to review the allegations.
More Information: http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/03/20/sc.troopers.investigation/index.html?iref=newssearch
Ex-trooper John Sawyer pled guilty in Charleston, South Carolina, to civil rights violations for the May 2006 incident.
Sawyer was charged with causing bodily harm to Sergio Caridi.
Authorities said Caridi led troopers on a lengthy chase in a large dump truck, and the authorities had to shoot out the tires and truck engine to get him to stop.
He was dragged out of the cab and then kicked repeatedly by Sawyer, according to the guilty plea.
The videotaped incident received wide attention because it came in the wake of a second case in which a former South Carolina trooper was indicted on federal civil rights charges for an incident in which he allegedly tried to run down a black man with his cruiser.
In that case, which was also videotaped by the trooper dash camera, white ex-trooper Steve Garren was acquitted by a jury of allegations he intentionally struck the man.
The two cases were among 10 claims of excessive force by troopers that led the U.S. Attorney to form a South Carolina Task Force to review the allegations.
More Information: http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/03/20/sc.troopers.investigation/index.html?iref=newssearch
Former Officer Isaac Thornton Accused of Planning to Shoot a Police Officer
BOSTON
A former Boston police officer has found himself on the wrong side of the law.
Isaac Thornton, 43, of Arlington, was arrested outside a club early Saturday morning, accused of planning to shoot a police officer.
Thornton was at the Dublin House at 7 Stoughton Street in Dorchester when someone overheard him say he was carrying a firearm because he was going to shoot a police officer.
Boston Police were called to the Dublin House and when they arrived, Thornton was hiding in a doorway next door.
Officers approached him, a fight ensued, and he was taken into custody.
Police discovered a firearm, a round of bullets, and a police badge in his possession.
Thornton has a past record of trouble with the law.
Back in July of 1991, he faced charges for shooting a Dorchester teen at The Gallery nightclub in Roxbury.
Thornton was cleared of all charges, but has since been terminated from the Boston Police Department.
He is being held at District B2 in Roxbury and faces several charges including unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and carrying a loaded firearm
A former Boston police officer has found himself on the wrong side of the law.
Isaac Thornton, 43, of Arlington, was arrested outside a club early Saturday morning, accused of planning to shoot a police officer.
Thornton was at the Dublin House at 7 Stoughton Street in Dorchester when someone overheard him say he was carrying a firearm because he was going to shoot a police officer.
Boston Police were called to the Dublin House and when they arrived, Thornton was hiding in a doorway next door.
Officers approached him, a fight ensued, and he was taken into custody.
Police discovered a firearm, a round of bullets, and a police badge in his possession.
Thornton has a past record of trouble with the law.
Back in July of 1991, he faced charges for shooting a Dorchester teen at The Gallery nightclub in Roxbury.
Thornton was cleared of all charges, but has since been terminated from the Boston Police Department.
He is being held at District B2 in Roxbury and faces several charges including unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and carrying a loaded firearm
Saturday, January 03, 2009
New Sheriff Kem Kimbrough Fires 14 Deputies
New Clayton County Sheriff Kem Kimbrough fired 14 deputies on his first day in office —- a move similar to the one that cost the former sheriff $7 million in lawsuits.
The difference: All of the deputies Kimbrough fired were on probation, and many had criminal records.
“These 14 were people with the most egregious things in their files —- criminal records, failure to pass training or they were fired before and rehired with no resolution to the issues they were fired for,” he said Friday.
Kimbrough, who defeated Sheriff Victor Hill in August, promised voters he would restore integrity in the department and rid it of corruption.
“These people don’t deserve to have thugs and criminals carrying badges and guns,” said Kimbrough, an attorney and former deputy. “Everything we did on Day One was prudent, supported, legal and in the best intentions of Clayton County.”
Kimbrough said he also is changing locks in the sheriff’s office and the jail and is scrutinizing inventory after finding missing keys, weapons and other equipment.
Kimbrough said he got approval from the county’s personnel director before taking action. Some vacancies have been filled with deputies Hill fired —- veteran officers who’d been working at the police department.
While the newly fired deputies say Kimbrough is just as bad as Hill, some officers and inmates cheered at midnight Wednesday when the new sheriff took office.
Kimbrough and his new chief deputy, Garland Watkins, whom Hill had fired, started their first day in office at 6:30 a.m. Thursday, swearing in 311 employees. The two then asked a handful of deputies to stay behind and handed out pink slips.
That is just the beginning of a 100-day personnel audit that could lead to more terminations, Kimbrough said.
First up on the possible termination list could be the “30 or 40” deputies who did not show up for the swearing-in. Many of those were on the county payroll but handled Hill’s re-election campaign, worked on his autobiography and did other personal work for the former sheriff, Kimbrough said.
However, two of the dismissed deputies —- Edward M. Hobbs and Miriam Taylor —- said they were fired because of their loyalty to Hill.
“You fired me because I supported Victor Hill. You fired me because I was Victor Hill’s driver,” Hobbs said. “You said you were going to take 120 days to assess the employees. You only waited eight hours and fired me.”
Court records show Hobbs was convicted of simple battery in Fulton County in 2005 and placed on probation. He had an outstanding warrant for violating his probation when he showed up for his first day at the Sheriff’s Department in May 2008.
His co-workers arrested him, and he was sent to jail. However, after Hobbs posted bail, he was allowed by Hill to return to work, Watkins said.
Hobbs, a former Fulton County sheriff’s deputy, said he got into a fight with his ex-wife and was ordered to complete counseling. Hobbs said he completed his sentence and the case was closed.
“I caught a rapist in Morrow and three robbers in Riverdale. I did nothing but my job,” Hobbs said. “He said I was a thug and a reject. That’s defamation of character.”
Taylor, of Atlanta, said she worked as a Clayton corrections officer for about a month —- not long enough to “get in trouble,” she said.
Taylor was fired because she never had a background check and failed the mandated Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training test, Kimbrough said.
Kimbrough said she could reapply for her job and go through a background check.
“You put me out of work and put my family in jeopardy because you want to make a statement,” Taylor said. “That’s not right. This is obviously a political move because of Victor Hill.”
Hill ended his term this week by filing for bankruptcy, alleging he couldn’t afford $1.7 million in legal damages.
That does not include $7 million a judge awarded 27 deputies Hill fired. On his first day as sheriff in 2005, Hill put snipers on the courthouse roof and led the terminated employees out.
“The only difference between him and Victor Hill is no snipers,” Hobbs said. “But he had 20 people with guns on their hips escort us out of the building.”
On Thursday, deputies told inmates they no longer have to follow Hill’s strict rules, including one to face the wall and end phone calls when officers are present.
Deputies punished some inmates for celebrating the regime change on Thursday, said Capt. Deanna Cash, who returned after being fired by Hill.
“I used to think we’re human beings, not dogs. I did four years in the military and never had to turn my back. It was like I wasn’t good enough to look at you [deputies],” said Minika Nichols, who is in jail for a DUI. “I’m just happy to have some changes.”
The difference: All of the deputies Kimbrough fired were on probation, and many had criminal records.
“These 14 were people with the most egregious things in their files —- criminal records, failure to pass training or they were fired before and rehired with no resolution to the issues they were fired for,” he said Friday.
Kimbrough, who defeated Sheriff Victor Hill in August, promised voters he would restore integrity in the department and rid it of corruption.
“These people don’t deserve to have thugs and criminals carrying badges and guns,” said Kimbrough, an attorney and former deputy. “Everything we did on Day One was prudent, supported, legal and in the best intentions of Clayton County.”
Kimbrough said he also is changing locks in the sheriff’s office and the jail and is scrutinizing inventory after finding missing keys, weapons and other equipment.
Kimbrough said he got approval from the county’s personnel director before taking action. Some vacancies have been filled with deputies Hill fired —- veteran officers who’d been working at the police department.
While the newly fired deputies say Kimbrough is just as bad as Hill, some officers and inmates cheered at midnight Wednesday when the new sheriff took office.
Kimbrough and his new chief deputy, Garland Watkins, whom Hill had fired, started their first day in office at 6:30 a.m. Thursday, swearing in 311 employees. The two then asked a handful of deputies to stay behind and handed out pink slips.
That is just the beginning of a 100-day personnel audit that could lead to more terminations, Kimbrough said.
First up on the possible termination list could be the “30 or 40” deputies who did not show up for the swearing-in. Many of those were on the county payroll but handled Hill’s re-election campaign, worked on his autobiography and did other personal work for the former sheriff, Kimbrough said.
However, two of the dismissed deputies —- Edward M. Hobbs and Miriam Taylor —- said they were fired because of their loyalty to Hill.
“You fired me because I supported Victor Hill. You fired me because I was Victor Hill’s driver,” Hobbs said. “You said you were going to take 120 days to assess the employees. You only waited eight hours and fired me.”
Court records show Hobbs was convicted of simple battery in Fulton County in 2005 and placed on probation. He had an outstanding warrant for violating his probation when he showed up for his first day at the Sheriff’s Department in May 2008.
His co-workers arrested him, and he was sent to jail. However, after Hobbs posted bail, he was allowed by Hill to return to work, Watkins said.
Hobbs, a former Fulton County sheriff’s deputy, said he got into a fight with his ex-wife and was ordered to complete counseling. Hobbs said he completed his sentence and the case was closed.
“I caught a rapist in Morrow and three robbers in Riverdale. I did nothing but my job,” Hobbs said. “He said I was a thug and a reject. That’s defamation of character.”
Taylor, of Atlanta, said she worked as a Clayton corrections officer for about a month —- not long enough to “get in trouble,” she said.
Taylor was fired because she never had a background check and failed the mandated Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training test, Kimbrough said.
Kimbrough said she could reapply for her job and go through a background check.
“You put me out of work and put my family in jeopardy because you want to make a statement,” Taylor said. “That’s not right. This is obviously a political move because of Victor Hill.”
Hill ended his term this week by filing for bankruptcy, alleging he couldn’t afford $1.7 million in legal damages.
That does not include $7 million a judge awarded 27 deputies Hill fired. On his first day as sheriff in 2005, Hill put snipers on the courthouse roof and led the terminated employees out.
“The only difference between him and Victor Hill is no snipers,” Hobbs said. “But he had 20 people with guns on their hips escort us out of the building.”
On Thursday, deputies told inmates they no longer have to follow Hill’s strict rules, including one to face the wall and end phone calls when officers are present.
Deputies punished some inmates for celebrating the regime change on Thursday, said Capt. Deanna Cash, who returned after being fired by Hill.
“I used to think we’re human beings, not dogs. I did four years in the military and never had to turn my back. It was like I wasn’t good enough to look at you [deputies],” said Minika Nichols, who is in jail for a DUI. “I’m just happy to have some changes.”
Friday, January 02, 2009
Former Officer David Finch Charged with Rape, Won't do Jail Time
WAGONER
A former police officer charged with raping a high-school girl has avoided a trial and possible jail time by accepting a deal with prosecutors.
David Finch, 37, of Tahlequah, who was charged with one count of second-degree rape entered a no-contest plea last week in return for a five-year suspended sentence and probation, according to Wagoner County District Court records.
As part of the terms, Finch, a former Wagoner police officer, will also undergo counseling, records show. A community sentencing hearing is set for Feb. 18.
Finch had previously pleaded not guilty and requested a jury trial, records show.
Finch was charged in December 2007 for an alleged assault involving a 16-year-old student.
A former police officer charged with raping a high-school girl has avoided a trial and possible jail time by accepting a deal with prosecutors.
David Finch, 37, of Tahlequah, who was charged with one count of second-degree rape entered a no-contest plea last week in return for a five-year suspended sentence and probation, according to Wagoner County District Court records.
As part of the terms, Finch, a former Wagoner police officer, will also undergo counseling, records show. A community sentencing hearing is set for Feb. 18.
Finch had previously pleaded not guilty and requested a jury trial, records show.
Finch was charged in December 2007 for an alleged assault involving a 16-year-old student.
Officer Dustin Parker Arrested for Driving Under the Influence
An off-duty Great Bend Police officer was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol following a one-vehicle injury accident Wednesday morning, according to a statement from the police department. Another off-duty officer was in the vehicle and was injured.
The accident was investigated by the Barton County Sheriff's Office, which identified the driver as Dustin Parker, 23, of Ellinwood. He was not injured. His passenger was fellow police officer Beau Brough, 24, of Great Bend.
The accident happened just before 4 a.m. Wednesday in the 200 block of North Washington Avenue. In accordance with City of Great Bend policy, the sheriff's office investigates all accidents in town that involve city officers.
Parker was driving south in a 2006 Ford F-150 pickup when he lost control of the vehicle, went into the east ditch, overcorrected his steering and skidded sideways into the west ditch. The pickup rolled onto its top.
Both Parker and Brough were wearing seat belts.
The sheriff's office reports Brough had a small cut under his bottom lip but refused treatment at the scene. However, a spokesman for Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend said Brough was treated for injuries and released sometime on Wednesday.
City officials said Brough will not be able to return to work at this time.
According to Great Bend Human Resources Director Terry Hoff, Parker has been employed by the city for a little over a year. He has been suspended pending disciplinary action. Following city policy, he is suspended with pay at this time.
The case is still under investigation, but has been referred to the Barton County Attorney's Office for prosecution.
The accident was investigated by the Barton County Sheriff's Office, which identified the driver as Dustin Parker, 23, of Ellinwood. He was not injured. His passenger was fellow police officer Beau Brough, 24, of Great Bend.
The accident happened just before 4 a.m. Wednesday in the 200 block of North Washington Avenue. In accordance with City of Great Bend policy, the sheriff's office investigates all accidents in town that involve city officers.
Parker was driving south in a 2006 Ford F-150 pickup when he lost control of the vehicle, went into the east ditch, overcorrected his steering and skidded sideways into the west ditch. The pickup rolled onto its top.
Both Parker and Brough were wearing seat belts.
The sheriff's office reports Brough had a small cut under his bottom lip but refused treatment at the scene. However, a spokesman for Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend said Brough was treated for injuries and released sometime on Wednesday.
City officials said Brough will not be able to return to work at this time.
According to Great Bend Human Resources Director Terry Hoff, Parker has been employed by the city for a little over a year. He has been suspended pending disciplinary action. Following city policy, he is suspended with pay at this time.
The case is still under investigation, but has been referred to the Barton County Attorney's Office for prosecution.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Transit Officer Shoots 22-Year Old
OAKLAND, Calif.
A 22-year-old man died Thursday after being shot on an Oakland train station platform by a transit agency police officer responding to reports of fighting on an arriving train, officials said.
The Bay Area Rapid Transit officer's gun went off while police were trying to restrain 22-year-old Oscar Grant at BART's Fruitvale station around 2:15 a.m. Thursday, agency spokesman Jim Allison said.
Grant was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead later Thursday morning, Allison said.
Authorities said they were still investigating whether the gun was fired on purpose or accidentally.
"It's clear that it was a volatile situation with young men who were arguing and in fact had continued to argue even in the presence of multiple police officers," Allison said.
Five officers had gathered on the platform as the train arrived from San Francisco following reports that two groups of men were fighting on the train near the West Oakland station two stops earlier, officials said.
The men continued to yell at each other after the train stopped, and police were in the process of separating the men when the bullet struck Grant, Allison said.
No one involved in the alleged fighting was arrested following the incident. Two men were detained for questioning but released.
Officials have not publicly identified the officer, who has served on the force for just under two years.
The officer was placed on administrative leave as authorities investigate whether proper police procedures had been followed and whether the shooting was a crime, Allison said.
A 22-year-old man died Thursday after being shot on an Oakland train station platform by a transit agency police officer responding to reports of fighting on an arriving train, officials said.
The Bay Area Rapid Transit officer's gun went off while police were trying to restrain 22-year-old Oscar Grant at BART's Fruitvale station around 2:15 a.m. Thursday, agency spokesman Jim Allison said.
Grant was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead later Thursday morning, Allison said.
Authorities said they were still investigating whether the gun was fired on purpose or accidentally.
"It's clear that it was a volatile situation with young men who were arguing and in fact had continued to argue even in the presence of multiple police officers," Allison said.
Five officers had gathered on the platform as the train arrived from San Francisco following reports that two groups of men were fighting on the train near the West Oakland station two stops earlier, officials said.
The men continued to yell at each other after the train stopped, and police were in the process of separating the men when the bullet struck Grant, Allison said.
No one involved in the alleged fighting was arrested following the incident. Two men were detained for questioning but released.
Officials have not publicly identified the officer, who has served on the force for just under two years.
The officer was placed on administrative leave as authorities investigate whether proper police procedures had been followed and whether the shooting was a crime, Allison said.
Officer Mike Briseno Facing Battery Charge
FARMINGTON, N.M.
Farmington police officer Mike Briseno is facing misdemeanor battery charges following an altercation with his daughter's 17-year-old boyfriend.
San Juan County sheriff's investigators said Briseno apparently did not approve of the teen's relationship with his 13-year-old daughter and went to the boy's home Tuesday.
Briseno, who was off-duty at the time, allegedly got into a verbal altercation with the boy and his mother. It then turned physical.
Briseno is now on paid administrative leave pending an investigation.
A six-year veteran of the force, Briseno was named in a civil rights lawsuit in November 2004 in which a Farmington resident accused him and five other officers of police brutality. He also was the subject of a 2003 lawsuit involving another resident who claimed Briseno arrested him without probable cause and entered his home without a search warrant.
Briseno also was investigated on 22 allegations of police misconduct in 1997 while working for the Bloomfield Police Department. The investigation came after 200 people signed and delivered a petition to the department.
Briseno was cleared of any wrongdoing in all of the cases.
Truby said the investigation into Tuesday's altercation is ongoing.
———
Information from: The Daily Times, http://www.daily-times.com
More Information on Officer Briseno: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2008/09/officer-mike-briseno-accused-of.html
Farmington police officer Mike Briseno is facing misdemeanor battery charges following an altercation with his daughter's 17-year-old boyfriend.
San Juan County sheriff's investigators said Briseno apparently did not approve of the teen's relationship with his 13-year-old daughter and went to the boy's home Tuesday.
Briseno, who was off-duty at the time, allegedly got into a verbal altercation with the boy and his mother. It then turned physical.
Briseno is now on paid administrative leave pending an investigation.
A six-year veteran of the force, Briseno was named in a civil rights lawsuit in November 2004 in which a Farmington resident accused him and five other officers of police brutality. He also was the subject of a 2003 lawsuit involving another resident who claimed Briseno arrested him without probable cause and entered his home without a search warrant.
Briseno also was investigated on 22 allegations of police misconduct in 1997 while working for the Bloomfield Police Department. The investigation came after 200 people signed and delivered a petition to the department.
Briseno was cleared of any wrongdoing in all of the cases.
Truby said the investigation into Tuesday's altercation is ongoing.
———
Information from: The Daily Times, http://www.daily-times.com
More Information on Officer Briseno: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2008/09/officer-mike-briseno-accused-of.html
Deputy Cornelius Davis is Accused of Rubbing his NutSack On Women in Stores
RALEIGH
Raleigh police have arrested a Warren County sheriff's deputy in bizarre incidents at two stores.
Police spokesman Jim Sughrue says his department has charged 40-year-old Cornelius Orlando Davis with two counts of sexual battery.
Davis allegedly walked up to women in the stores and rubbed his genitals on them.
The first time, it happened at the Brier Creek Wal-Mart store on Glennwood Avenue on May 30. The second time, it happened this past Wednesday at both the Wal-Mart and a Kohl's store on Alexander Promenade.
Detectives say although the attacks did not involve bare skin, they're still considered sexual assaults.
In the first incident, the victim was able to get out her cell phone and snap a picture of her attacker as he walked away.
"That's pretty brave. I think I would have been a little in shock and I don't know if I would have reacted that quickly," said shopper Libby Powers.
Despite the image, and video from surveillance cameras in the store, detectives weren't able to make the connection to Davis until after the second incidents.
Kohl's security says it noticed Davis' alleged behavior and called Wal-Mart when it appeared he was heading there. Davis was arrested inside the Wal-Mart when security there called 911.
Investigators say they're concerned Davis may have done the same thing to other women.
"It's the sort of experience that some people would report. Others might just be so startled by it they wouldn't know exactly what to do. If anyone else has had a similar experience, we would ask them to come forward," said Sughrue in a May interview.
Women who shop at the stores that we spoke with in May said they were worried what else the attacker was capable of.
"If someone's willing to do that, they'd probably be willing to take the next step," said Powers.
Davis bonded out of the Wake County Jail Thursday afternoon.
His brother said the deputy has done nothing wrong.
"I know my brother's innocent. There's been no wrongdoing. We have a tight knit family and we're going to work through it," offered Torrance Davis. "He's a war veteran. He's a good father, a good provider, a good brother, good friend.
More Information: http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=6582317
Raleigh police have arrested a Warren County sheriff's deputy in bizarre incidents at two stores.
Police spokesman Jim Sughrue says his department has charged 40-year-old Cornelius Orlando Davis with two counts of sexual battery.
Davis allegedly walked up to women in the stores and rubbed his genitals on them.
The first time, it happened at the Brier Creek Wal-Mart store on Glennwood Avenue on May 30. The second time, it happened this past Wednesday at both the Wal-Mart and a Kohl's store on Alexander Promenade.
Detectives say although the attacks did not involve bare skin, they're still considered sexual assaults.
In the first incident, the victim was able to get out her cell phone and snap a picture of her attacker as he walked away.
"That's pretty brave. I think I would have been a little in shock and I don't know if I would have reacted that quickly," said shopper Libby Powers.
Despite the image, and video from surveillance cameras in the store, detectives weren't able to make the connection to Davis until after the second incidents.
Kohl's security says it noticed Davis' alleged behavior and called Wal-Mart when it appeared he was heading there. Davis was arrested inside the Wal-Mart when security there called 911.
Investigators say they're concerned Davis may have done the same thing to other women.
"It's the sort of experience that some people would report. Others might just be so startled by it they wouldn't know exactly what to do. If anyone else has had a similar experience, we would ask them to come forward," said Sughrue in a May interview.
Women who shop at the stores that we spoke with in May said they were worried what else the attacker was capable of.
"If someone's willing to do that, they'd probably be willing to take the next step," said Powers.
Davis bonded out of the Wake County Jail Thursday afternoon.
His brother said the deputy has done nothing wrong.
"I know my brother's innocent. There's been no wrongdoing. We have a tight knit family and we're going to work through it," offered Torrance Davis. "He's a war veteran. He's a good father, a good provider, a good brother, good friend.
More Information: http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=6582317
Sgt. Andrew Gallagos Charged with Running Over Woman
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.
An off-duty Albuquerque police sergeant has been charged with running over and killing a woman in a bar parking lot in April.
Court records show Sgt. Andrew Gallegos was charged Dec. 12 with tampering with evidence and leaving the scene of an accident involving death or injury, a third-degree felony.
Gallegos, a 19-year-old veteran of the department, is accused of running over and killing Vera Haskell, 47, who was lying next to his truck in the Sidewinders parking lot. Police have said Gallegos drove off and did not call authorities.
Gallegos' attorney, Sam Bregman, said Wednesday his client is innocent.
Police Chief Ray Schultz said Gallegos has been on leave without pay since the incident, and internal affairs is investigating.
Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com
More Information: http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/crime/crime_krqe_albuquerque_sidewinders_arrest_200901011745
An off-duty Albuquerque police sergeant has been charged with running over and killing a woman in a bar parking lot in April.
Court records show Sgt. Andrew Gallegos was charged Dec. 12 with tampering with evidence and leaving the scene of an accident involving death or injury, a third-degree felony.
Gallegos, a 19-year-old veteran of the department, is accused of running over and killing Vera Haskell, 47, who was lying next to his truck in the Sidewinders parking lot. Police have said Gallegos drove off and did not call authorities.
Gallegos' attorney, Sam Bregman, said Wednesday his client is innocent.
Police Chief Ray Schultz said Gallegos has been on leave without pay since the incident, and internal affairs is investigating.
Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com
More Information: http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/crime/crime_krqe_albuquerque_sidewinders_arrest_200901011745
Joe Arpaio World's Worst Sheriff
Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County, Ariz., which includes Phoenix and its sprawling surroundings, is an aggressive self-promoter with a new claim to fame: a reality show on Fox called “Smile … You’re Under Arrest!” It’s a “Candid Camera” for crooks, with actors luring fugitives into compromising situations, for laughs.
It’s easy to snicker at the sight of a publicity-addicted law-enforcement official wallowing with the dregs of reality TV, sharing a channel with shows like “My Bare Lady,” “The Glutton Bowl” and “World Famous for Dicking Around.”
But Sheriff Arpaio is armed and dangerous. He is a genuine public menace with a long and well-documented trail of inmate abuses, unjustified arrests, racial profiling, brutal and inept policing and wasteful spending.
For years he has won fawning press coverage by playing the role of “America’s Toughest Sheriff.” But now another side of the story — that is, the truth — is leaking out.
The latest example is a report released this month that sums up, in devastating detail, the cost of Sheriff Arpaio’s reign. It was issued not by the sheriff’s usual critics — whom he routinely dismisses as a band of bleeding-hearts — but by the Goldwater Institute, a think tank dedicated to the principles of the late Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater, an obelisk of conservatism.
Read a summary here, or the full pdf.
Here’s the gist.
What has risen on Sheriff Arpaio’s watch: violent crimes (up 69 percent overall from 2004 to 2007, with homicides up 166 percent in those three years), 911 response times, unserved arrest warrants, racist sweeps of Latino neighborhoods, and dollars paid out in budget overruns, overtime and lawsuit settlements.
What has declined: the arrest rate, the number of satellite booking stations, public access to department records, Sheriff Arpaio’s reputation.
The Goldwater report must bring some comfort to the residents of Maricopa County who have spent years raising the alarm about Sheriff Arpaio, with little effect outside Arizona.
They include a Web site, barriozona.com, that has tracked the sheriff’s terrorizing sweeps through Latino neighborhoods, and a dogged reporter, Stephen Lemons of The Phoenix New Times, who keeps the heat on Sheriff Arpaio in his blog. Mr. Lemons recently posted some chilling video from a public meeting of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, where Sheriff Arpaio’s deputies arrested citizens … for clapping.
Sheriff Arpaio was elected to a fifth term in November and is riding high, at least in the worlds of bad policing and jackass television.
But pride, they say, goes before a fall. Here’s hoping!
It’s easy to snicker at the sight of a publicity-addicted law-enforcement official wallowing with the dregs of reality TV, sharing a channel with shows like “My Bare Lady,” “The Glutton Bowl” and “World Famous for Dicking Around.”
But Sheriff Arpaio is armed and dangerous. He is a genuine public menace with a long and well-documented trail of inmate abuses, unjustified arrests, racial profiling, brutal and inept policing and wasteful spending.
For years he has won fawning press coverage by playing the role of “America’s Toughest Sheriff.” But now another side of the story — that is, the truth — is leaking out.
The latest example is a report released this month that sums up, in devastating detail, the cost of Sheriff Arpaio’s reign. It was issued not by the sheriff’s usual critics — whom he routinely dismisses as a band of bleeding-hearts — but by the Goldwater Institute, a think tank dedicated to the principles of the late Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater, an obelisk of conservatism.
Read a summary here, or the full pdf.
Here’s the gist.
What has risen on Sheriff Arpaio’s watch: violent crimes (up 69 percent overall from 2004 to 2007, with homicides up 166 percent in those three years), 911 response times, unserved arrest warrants, racist sweeps of Latino neighborhoods, and dollars paid out in budget overruns, overtime and lawsuit settlements.
What has declined: the arrest rate, the number of satellite booking stations, public access to department records, Sheriff Arpaio’s reputation.
The Goldwater report must bring some comfort to the residents of Maricopa County who have spent years raising the alarm about Sheriff Arpaio, with little effect outside Arizona.
They include a Web site, barriozona.com, that has tracked the sheriff’s terrorizing sweeps through Latino neighborhoods, and a dogged reporter, Stephen Lemons of The Phoenix New Times, who keeps the heat on Sheriff Arpaio in his blog. Mr. Lemons recently posted some chilling video from a public meeting of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, where Sheriff Arpaio’s deputies arrested citizens … for clapping.
Sheriff Arpaio was elected to a fifth term in November and is riding high, at least in the worlds of bad policing and jackass television.
But pride, they say, goes before a fall. Here’s hoping!
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