ROOSEVELT, N.Y.
A man who may have been panhandling outside a Long Island deli was beaten by a New York City police officer and three others, who hurled racial epithets at the victim as they punched, kicked and smacked him with a baseball bat, police said.
The victim, who was identified by police as a 52-year-old black man, was taken to Nassau University Medical Center for head injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening.
The attack took place around 8 a.m. Sunday outside the deli in Roosevelt. Detective Sgt. Keenchant Sewell said three Hispanic brothers who work at the deli told a man loitering outside to leave the front of the business. When the man failed to leave, the brothers and Juan Nunez, an off-duty New York City police officer, allegedly began beating him.
During the attack, the victim told police one of the assailants uttered racial epithets.
At a briefing Monday, Nassau County Police Commissioner Lawrence Mulvey said detectives have made a preliminary determination that the attack was not motivated by racial bias; he said the four men intended to have the victim leave the front of the store.
Nunez, 32, of Freeport, pleaded not guilty to assault at his arraignment in First District Court in Hempstead, where bail was set at $20,000. His attorney declined to speak with reporters. The NYPD suspended Nunez, a police officer since 2001, from his post at the 101st Precinct in Queens.
Arraignment information on the three other suspects was not immediately available.
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Other information:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29601956/
http://www.ny1.com/content/news_beats/law_enforcement/95256/police-officer-arrested-after-brawl-outside-deli/Default.aspx
Monday, March 09, 2009
Former Cpl Will Cosby in Court for Assault & Perjury
LEBANON, Tenn.
Former Mt. Juliet Police Cpl. Will Cosby went to a Wilson County courtroom Monday to resolve the charges against him.
Cosby stood accused of assault and perjury. Cosby asked for - and the state agreed on - pre-trial diversion because the former officer had no previous criminal record.
Cosby's courtroom appearance came from a controversial stop of a man last spring while Cosby was still on the job. Cosby thought James Anders had marijuana in his mouth. The former officer wanted to keep Anders from swallowing the drug, so he used a vascular restraint. After two minutes Anders collapsed.
An investigation revealed that Anders did not have any marijuana on him, and he also passed a drug test.
Anders also sued Cosby. They settled out of court for $56,000.
In court Monday, the judge told Cosby he must spend the next two years on un-supervised probation. If Cosby doesn't get into any trouble during that time, the incident will be expunged from his record.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Deputy Sydney Eghan Charged with Child Neglect
A form of punishment used on a 12-year-old boy led Saturday to the arrest of a Marion County sheriff's deputy and his fiancee.
Sydney S. Eghan, 24, is accused of handcuffing the boy's wrists behind his back and leaving him that way for six hours at the Southside home the deputy shares with Betsy Chestnut, 30, the boy's mother.
The boy would have remained in handcuffs even longer had Chestnut not called 911 about 2 a.m. Saturday after the cuffs had tightened and began cutting off circulation in her son's arms, said Sgt. Matthew Mount of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
"He was in some pretty serious pain," Mount said. "He was having swelling in the arms and swelling in the hands."
Police arrested Eghan and Chestnut on preliminary charges of child neglect. Chestnut consented to Eghan's decision to place the boy in handcuffs, police said.
Eghan works as a jailer for the Marion County Sheriff's Department. The department continues to operate the jail after most of the department was merged with Indianapolis Police Department to form IMPD.
"The sheriff considers this incident to be a very serious matter," said sheriff's Maj. Herman D. Humbles. He said Eghan has been suspended without pay pending an internal investigation.
The incident began when Chestnut suspected Friday that her son had stolen a cell phone from a family friend. Chestnut told Eghan, Mount said, and suggested they turn the boy over to authorities. Eghan disagreed, Mount said, and told Chestnut he would teach the boy a lesson.
At the home where the couple live along with Chestnut's two sons, Eghan placed the boy in handcuffs sometime after 8 p.m. Friday, Mount said, then left for his night shift. He did not intend to remove the handcuffs until he returned to the home about 7 a.m. Saturday, according to Mount.
Eghan made things worse for the boy by failing to follow a standard procedure used when handcuffing offenders, Mount said.
"It appears he failed to double-lock the handcuffs," Mount said. "Double-locking the handcuffs is what . . . makes sure those handcuffs do not tighten down further."
At one point during the night, Chestnut left home with her other son for about 90 minutes -- leaving the handcuffed son alone at the home in the 2900 block of Sleeping Ridge Way.
Had Eghan handcuffed the boy for only a brief period to show him what happens when people break the law, Mount said, the matter likely would not have risen to a criminal offense.
"Appropriate or not, we could argue," Mount said. "If he had gone to juvenile (detention), he would have been handcuffed, so maybe he could have shown him what it's like to be handcuffed half an hour or an hour."
But in this case, the handcuffing continued for several hours and caused injury, leading to the officers' decision to arrest the couple, Mount said.
Both the boys were taken into the custody of Child Protective Services, Mount said.
The criminal case against the couple, who continued to be held at the jail late Saturday, will be referred to the Marion County prosecutor's office for a decision on any formal charges.
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http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29573803/
Sydney S. Eghan, 24, is accused of handcuffing the boy's wrists behind his back and leaving him that way for six hours at the Southside home the deputy shares with Betsy Chestnut, 30, the boy's mother.
The boy would have remained in handcuffs even longer had Chestnut not called 911 about 2 a.m. Saturday after the cuffs had tightened and began cutting off circulation in her son's arms, said Sgt. Matthew Mount of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
"He was in some pretty serious pain," Mount said. "He was having swelling in the arms and swelling in the hands."
Police arrested Eghan and Chestnut on preliminary charges of child neglect. Chestnut consented to Eghan's decision to place the boy in handcuffs, police said.
Eghan works as a jailer for the Marion County Sheriff's Department. The department continues to operate the jail after most of the department was merged with Indianapolis Police Department to form IMPD.
"The sheriff considers this incident to be a very serious matter," said sheriff's Maj. Herman D. Humbles. He said Eghan has been suspended without pay pending an internal investigation.
The incident began when Chestnut suspected Friday that her son had stolen a cell phone from a family friend. Chestnut told Eghan, Mount said, and suggested they turn the boy over to authorities. Eghan disagreed, Mount said, and told Chestnut he would teach the boy a lesson.
At the home where the couple live along with Chestnut's two sons, Eghan placed the boy in handcuffs sometime after 8 p.m. Friday, Mount said, then left for his night shift. He did not intend to remove the handcuffs until he returned to the home about 7 a.m. Saturday, according to Mount.
Eghan made things worse for the boy by failing to follow a standard procedure used when handcuffing offenders, Mount said.
"It appears he failed to double-lock the handcuffs," Mount said. "Double-locking the handcuffs is what . . . makes sure those handcuffs do not tighten down further."
At one point during the night, Chestnut left home with her other son for about 90 minutes -- leaving the handcuffed son alone at the home in the 2900 block of Sleeping Ridge Way.
Had Eghan handcuffed the boy for only a brief period to show him what happens when people break the law, Mount said, the matter likely would not have risen to a criminal offense.
"Appropriate or not, we could argue," Mount said. "If he had gone to juvenile (detention), he would have been handcuffed, so maybe he could have shown him what it's like to be handcuffed half an hour or an hour."
But in this case, the handcuffing continued for several hours and caused injury, leading to the officers' decision to arrest the couple, Mount said.
Both the boys were taken into the custody of Child Protective Services, Mount said.
The criminal case against the couple, who continued to be held at the jail late Saturday, will be referred to the Marion County prosecutor's office for a decision on any formal charges.
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http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29573803/
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Sergeant Timothy Richissin Arrested for Video Taping Women in Bathroom
MEDINA
A Cleveland police sergeant was suspended without pay following his arrest in connection with a video camera in a bathroom at a Medina County business.
Cleveland Public Safety Director Martin Flask said he suspended Sgt. Timothy Richissin Friday and that the officer will remain on suspension until the criminal charges in Medina are resolved.
Police say Richissin hid a small camera inside a bathroom at a warehouse in Medina County. An employee at the company found the images taken in the bathroom on Richissin's computer. Police said he invited a female Cleveland officer to work at the facility and recorded her in the bathroom. The crimes occurred in June, November and December, police said.
Richissin, of Brunswick, has been a Cleveland police officer since 1982.
He turned himself in Friday and will be arraigned at 9 a.m. Monday in Medina County Common Pleas Court. He's free on bond.
Medina County Prosecutor Dean Holman said Richissin faces charges of tampering with evidence, voyeurism, possession of criminal tools and obstructing official business.
A Cleveland police sergeant was suspended without pay following his arrest in connection with a video camera in a bathroom at a Medina County business.
Cleveland Public Safety Director Martin Flask said he suspended Sgt. Timothy Richissin Friday and that the officer will remain on suspension until the criminal charges in Medina are resolved.
Police say Richissin hid a small camera inside a bathroom at a warehouse in Medina County. An employee at the company found the images taken in the bathroom on Richissin's computer. Police said he invited a female Cleveland officer to work at the facility and recorded her in the bathroom. The crimes occurred in June, November and December, police said.
Richissin, of Brunswick, has been a Cleveland police officer since 1982.
He turned himself in Friday and will be arraigned at 9 a.m. Monday in Medina County Common Pleas Court. He's free on bond.
Medina County Prosecutor Dean Holman said Richissin faces charges of tampering with evidence, voyeurism, possession of criminal tools and obstructing official business.
Crowd Protest Alleged Brutality by Hartwell Police
HARTWELL, Ga.
Hundreds of people hit the streets in Hartwell, Ga., on Saturday calling for justice.
The crowd marched Saturday morning in support of Jimmy Lee Blackwell. Blackwell lost his eye in a fight with a police officer Feb. 16.
About 200 people attended the march, and some came from as far away as New York.
"He went in with two eyes and came out with one eye," a protester said. "That's bad."
Blackwell was walking and had been stopped by a police officer.
"We need the police to be on our side, not against us," another protester said.
He wound up in a hospital after a run-in with the officer.
"If someone's 51 years old and intoxicated, there's no reason you should beat him beyond recognition, first of all," said Tariq Alexander, president of Ruff Riders Films.
It's not exactly clear what happened between the time Blackwell met up with the officer and when he ended up in the hospital.
"It's just a shame the way that man was beat," Alexander said. "There's no justification for that."
The protesters said they're determined to keep it from happening again.
"We must stand up and say enough is enough," they said.
The Jimmy Lee Blackwell Support Group is named for one man, but the organizers said it's about the problems of many people. They said that what happened to Blackwell was just the straw that broke the camel's back.
"I think it's one of those things that's been swept under the rug so long that people thought, 'Hey, we can continue to sweep it under the rug,'" said Apostle Roderick Hughey, of the Jimmy Lee Blackwell Support Group. "But the rug has gotten so high off of the ground by the pile of the things that's been swept up under it that you can't hide it anymore."
The protesters walked a two-mile silent march. They said the idea is to let the talking do the walking, but everyone had so much to say.
"Everybody feels like it's wrong, regardless of what color you are," one person said.
"Stop giving thugs a badge," another person said.
The walk ended on the spot where Blackwell was injured. He was there with his family, who shielded him from questions about his legal record. But his friends said that the past is the past and they're ready to move forward.
The incident between Blackwell and the police officer is being investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. That officer was also injured in the altercation. He is on paid administrative leave.
Hundreds of people hit the streets in Hartwell, Ga., on Saturday calling for justice.
The crowd marched Saturday morning in support of Jimmy Lee Blackwell. Blackwell lost his eye in a fight with a police officer Feb. 16.
About 200 people attended the march, and some came from as far away as New York.
"He went in with two eyes and came out with one eye," a protester said. "That's bad."
Blackwell was walking and had been stopped by a police officer.
"We need the police to be on our side, not against us," another protester said.
He wound up in a hospital after a run-in with the officer.
"If someone's 51 years old and intoxicated, there's no reason you should beat him beyond recognition, first of all," said Tariq Alexander, president of Ruff Riders Films.
It's not exactly clear what happened between the time Blackwell met up with the officer and when he ended up in the hospital.
"It's just a shame the way that man was beat," Alexander said. "There's no justification for that."
The protesters said they're determined to keep it from happening again.
"We must stand up and say enough is enough," they said.
The Jimmy Lee Blackwell Support Group is named for one man, but the organizers said it's about the problems of many people. They said that what happened to Blackwell was just the straw that broke the camel's back.
"I think it's one of those things that's been swept under the rug so long that people thought, 'Hey, we can continue to sweep it under the rug,'" said Apostle Roderick Hughey, of the Jimmy Lee Blackwell Support Group. "But the rug has gotten so high off of the ground by the pile of the things that's been swept up under it that you can't hide it anymore."
The protesters walked a two-mile silent march. They said the idea is to let the talking do the walking, but everyone had so much to say.
"Everybody feels like it's wrong, regardless of what color you are," one person said.
"Stop giving thugs a badge," another person said.
The walk ended on the spot where Blackwell was injured. He was there with his family, who shielded him from questions about his legal record. But his friends said that the past is the past and they're ready to move forward.
The incident between Blackwell and the police officer is being investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. That officer was also injured in the altercation. He is on paid administrative leave.
Officer Stephen Vega Accused of Assaulting Girlfriend
FORT WORTH
A Fort Worth police officer was arrested Friday on accusations that he tried to force his girlfriend from a car while on duty, telling witnesses who came to her defense, "This is a police matter; you don’t need to get involved," court documents show.
Stephen R. Vega, who has been with the department almost 18 years, surrendered at the Tarrant County Jail on Friday morning on warrants accusing him of assault with bodily injury and official oppression. He was released on $20,000 bail.
Both charges are Class A misdemeanors punishable by up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
Vega’s attorney, Kyle Whitaker, was out of the office Friday afternoon and could not be reached for comment.
Terry Daffron Hickey, who is representing Vega in the administrative investigation, said "all the facts, circumstances and details are not known at this time."
"It is my hope and my expectation that IAD [internal affairs division] will actually conduct a thorough, fair and impartial investigation into this matter revealing a complete and accurate account of the events that transpired," she said.
According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Vega and the 38-year-old victim had known each other for six years and had been romantically involved for the last two.
Vega confronted the woman at her workplace in late February, apparently agitated that their relationship was not progressing and that she had not proceeded with a divorce from her husband, the affidavit states.
On Monday morning, outside the Starbucks at 2600 W. Seventh St., the girlfriend was in the passenger seat of a car, waiting for a friend, when Vega pulled into the parking lot and parked one space away. According to the affidavit, Vega approached the car, opened the passenger door and demanded that his girlfriend come with him, grabbing her by the right arm and trying to force her from the car.
Sgt. Pedro Criado, a police spokesman, said Vega, most recently assigned to the department’s gang unit, was in civilian clothes during the encounter but was on duty.
The girlfriend, who witnesses told investigators appeared extremely frightened, began struggling with Vega in an attempt to pull away. A witness tried to break the officer’s grip on the woman’s arm, the affidavit states.
"Vega continued to pull [the victim] from the vehicle and proceeded to drag her against her will to his vehicle," the affidavit states.
Six other people also saw the incident, the affidavit states, at least one of whom also tried to get Vega to release his grip and another who called 911. According to a police report, patrol officers were sent to the scene on a reported kidnapping.
"This is a police matter; you don’t need to get involved," Vega told witnesses.
When a witness demanded to see the officer’s badge, Vega, his grasp on his girlfriend finally broken, said, "I’ll show you my badge." He then reached into his car through an open window and pulled out a police vest.
"Stay out of it. I’m a cop," the affidavit quotes Vega as telling the witness.
The victim then ran inside the Starbucks. Vega left in his car before patrol officers arrived, the affidavit states.
The woman told major case investigators that she had been surprised to see Vega at the coffee shop and that she was stunned and frightened by his actions. Officers observed bruises on both of the woman’s upper biceps and forearms, the affidavit stated.
"The detectives do believe that a crime did occur," Criado said.
Vega is on restricted duty during the internal investigation. Criado said Police Chief Jeff Halstead has 180 days to determine discipline.
Lt Joseph Gudziol Charged with DWI
BAY CITY, Mich.
A Macomb County deputy sheriff faces charges after he was arrested late Friday in Bay Countyon suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
Lt. Joseph Guzdziol was arrested at 11 p.m. Friday by two state troopers who received a call about a driver who was suspected to be drunk. The troopers stopped and arrested Guzdziol on U.S. 10 near Three Mile Road in Monitor Township.
After being held overnight on Friday and Saturday morning, Guzdziol posted bond and was freed from Bay County Jail, according to Shanon Akans, spokeswoman for the Michigan State Police in Lansing.
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Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2009/02/deputy-lt-joseph-guzdziol-arrested-for.html
A Macomb County deputy sheriff faces charges after he was arrested late Friday in Bay Countyon suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
Lt. Joseph Guzdziol was arrested at 11 p.m. Friday by two state troopers who received a call about a driver who was suspected to be drunk. The troopers stopped and arrested Guzdziol on U.S. 10 near Three Mile Road in Monitor Township.
After being held overnight on Friday and Saturday morning, Guzdziol posted bond and was freed from Bay County Jail, according to Shanon Akans, spokeswoman for the Michigan State Police in Lansing.
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Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2009/02/deputy-lt-joseph-guzdziol-arrested-for.html
Deputy Jeffrey Douglas Fleig Charged with Drunk Driving
An off-duty Pierce County sheriff’s deputy found passed out behind the wheel of a running car was charged Friday with drunken driving.
Charging documents filed in District Court say Jeffrey Douglas Fleig, 53, registered a 0.18 reading on a blood-alcohol breath test after he was stopped early Monday. The legal limit in Washington is 0.08.
Another sheriff’s deputy spotted Fleig about 2:30 a.m. in the 1400 block of 85th Street East, near Dawson Playfield, records state. The car Fleig was driving blocked the southbound lane.
The deputy drove past in the opposite direction, noticed the car wasn’t moving, and circled back. Fleig was behind the wheel, unconscious, his foot on the brake, records state. The car was in gear.
The deputy “had a difficult time waking the defendant,” records state. “The defendant finally awoke, but was fairly incoherent. The defendant stated he had too much to drink.”
Fleig had a hard time standing, according to the records. A deputy had to hold him upright.
Fleig “demonstrated six of six clues on the horizontal gaze nystagmus test,” records state, referring to a field sobriety test that measures visual reaction to a held finger or pen light.
He has been placed on paid administrative leave, pending an internal investigation, sheriff’s spokesman Ed Troyer said Friday.
Fleig is a 23-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department. Troyer said he did not know whether Fleig’s prior record included similar incidents.
A survey of court records shows Fleig was cited for drunken driving in 2002 in Pierce County. He received a deferred sentence, stipulating no further violations for five years. Records indicate he met the standard. The charge was dismissed in October 2007.
Charging documents filed in District Court say Jeffrey Douglas Fleig, 53, registered a 0.18 reading on a blood-alcohol breath test after he was stopped early Monday. The legal limit in Washington is 0.08.
Another sheriff’s deputy spotted Fleig about 2:30 a.m. in the 1400 block of 85th Street East, near Dawson Playfield, records state. The car Fleig was driving blocked the southbound lane.
The deputy drove past in the opposite direction, noticed the car wasn’t moving, and circled back. Fleig was behind the wheel, unconscious, his foot on the brake, records state. The car was in gear.
The deputy “had a difficult time waking the defendant,” records state. “The defendant finally awoke, but was fairly incoherent. The defendant stated he had too much to drink.”
Fleig had a hard time standing, according to the records. A deputy had to hold him upright.
Fleig “demonstrated six of six clues on the horizontal gaze nystagmus test,” records state, referring to a field sobriety test that measures visual reaction to a held finger or pen light.
He has been placed on paid administrative leave, pending an internal investigation, sheriff’s spokesman Ed Troyer said Friday.
Fleig is a 23-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department. Troyer said he did not know whether Fleig’s prior record included similar incidents.
A survey of court records shows Fleig was cited for drunken driving in 2002 in Pierce County. He received a deferred sentence, stipulating no further violations for five years. Records indicate he met the standard. The charge was dismissed in October 2007.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Officer Phillip Mordick Arrested for Domestic Violence
DAYTON, Ohio
A Dayton police officer was arrested overnight after he allegedly hit his girlfriend and threatened someone with a gun.
Philip Mordick, 34, was arrested by Riverside police early Friday morning.
In a 911 call received shortly after midnight, a woman told dispatchers Mordick was angry because she went out drinking with friends. She said he pulled a gun on her cousin and then struck her in the jaw when she stepped in front of him.
The woman said the incident was very out-of-character for Mordick. He now faces charges of aggravated menacing and domestic violence.
He posted bond Friday afternoon. Dayton police said Mordick is currently on restricted status, and has been forced to surrender his gun.
A Dayton police officer was arrested overnight after he allegedly hit his girlfriend and threatened someone with a gun.
Philip Mordick, 34, was arrested by Riverside police early Friday morning.
In a 911 call received shortly after midnight, a woman told dispatchers Mordick was angry because she went out drinking with friends. She said he pulled a gun on her cousin and then struck her in the jaw when she stepped in front of him.
The woman said the incident was very out-of-character for Mordick. He now faces charges of aggravated menacing and domestic violence.
He posted bond Friday afternoon. Dayton police said Mordick is currently on restricted status, and has been forced to surrender his gun.
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More Information: http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2009/03/06/ddn030609copweb.html
More Information: http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2009/03/06/ddn030609copweb.html
New Hampshire Firefighters Mad at Newport Officers
The Professional Firefighters Union of New Hampshire is upset with the Newport Police Department after officers disguised themselves as firefighters to make an arrest.
Police devised the plan to take 34-year-old Matthew Miller into custody. Police went to his apartment Tuesday night for a noise complaint. When Miller answered the door he was holding a baby, and allegedly pointed a shotgun at the officer's face.
The officer, who knew Miller had a violent past, left the scene to avoid a confrontation. So the next day the officers came back in a fire truck dressed as firemen. They told Miller he had to evacuate due to a carbon monoxide issue. He was then arrested without incident.
"We need to have the trust of the public when we respond. If we allow others to co-opt our image, trade on our good name, no matter the circumstances, we'd create a breach of trust with the public that will be impossible for us to repair," said David Lang, of the Professional Firefighters of New Hampshire.
"If we as police didn't handle it correctly it was going to be disastrous for innocent people. This was the best possible scenario. It worked and it was very quick. It was not harmful to anybody. It's not to degrade those professions, to make those professions unsafe in any way. It's to accomplish our mission safely, without causing harm to anybody," said Newport Police Chief David Hoyt.
Hoyt went on to say he'd rather have firefighters criticizing his decisions than others questioning why innocent people were injured and killed.
Newport Fire Chief Wayne Conroy was in on the plot, and says he does not think residents will lose trust in his department.
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http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20090305-NEWS-90305055
Police devised the plan to take 34-year-old Matthew Miller into custody. Police went to his apartment Tuesday night for a noise complaint. When Miller answered the door he was holding a baby, and allegedly pointed a shotgun at the officer's face.
The officer, who knew Miller had a violent past, left the scene to avoid a confrontation. So the next day the officers came back in a fire truck dressed as firemen. They told Miller he had to evacuate due to a carbon monoxide issue. He was then arrested without incident.
"We need to have the trust of the public when we respond. If we allow others to co-opt our image, trade on our good name, no matter the circumstances, we'd create a breach of trust with the public that will be impossible for us to repair," said David Lang, of the Professional Firefighters of New Hampshire.
"If we as police didn't handle it correctly it was going to be disastrous for innocent people. This was the best possible scenario. It worked and it was very quick. It was not harmful to anybody. It's not to degrade those professions, to make those professions unsafe in any way. It's to accomplish our mission safely, without causing harm to anybody," said Newport Police Chief David Hoyt.
Hoyt went on to say he'd rather have firefighters criticizing his decisions than others questioning why innocent people were injured and killed.
Newport Fire Chief Wayne Conroy was in on the plot, and says he does not think residents will lose trust in his department.
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http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20090305-NEWS-90305055
Officer James Arthur Jr Arrested for Possession of Stolen Firearm
A Vivian police officer was arrested today on charges he bought a stolen gun on the street and then sold it back to a drug dealer when he found out it was hot.
James Arthur Jr., 34, of Peach Street in Shreveport was arrested by Caddo Parish sheriff's deputies on charges of possession of a stolen firearm.
The charges involve a stolen Bushmaster XM15 assault rifle valued at $1,250.
The rifle and three others were reported stolen in Shreveport in March 2008. In November, one of the guns was recovered by local narcotics agents during a drug case.
Sheriff's Department detectives began an investigation into the stolen weapon and found that Arthur bought the gun on the street for $300, Prator said.
Afterward, Arthur got on a national crime information computer to check the weapon's history and found out it was stolen, Prator said. Instead of turning the gun in, he sold it on the street for $600 to a known drug dealer, Prator said.
James Arthur Jr., 34, of Peach Street in Shreveport was arrested by Caddo Parish sheriff's deputies on charges of possession of a stolen firearm.
The charges involve a stolen Bushmaster XM15 assault rifle valued at $1,250.
The rifle and three others were reported stolen in Shreveport in March 2008. In November, one of the guns was recovered by local narcotics agents during a drug case.
Sheriff's Department detectives began an investigation into the stolen weapon and found that Arthur bought the gun on the street for $300, Prator said.
Afterward, Arthur got on a national crime information computer to check the weapon's history and found out it was stolen, Prator said. Instead of turning the gun in, he sold it on the street for $600 to a known drug dealer, Prator said.
Officer Bryan Spiotti Charged with Assaulting Person
A Wolcott police officer has been charged with assaulting a person who was being held at the police station, accused of driving under the influence.
Officer Bryan Spiotti, 42, a 12-year police veteran, is accused of assaulting the suspect at the end of January.
Spiotti's attorney, Hugh Keefe, takes issue with the police department investigating one of its own, particularly in light of the fact that his wife, Doreen Spiotti, is an officer on the same police force and won a substantial settlement in a harassment case brought against the same department.
Keefe said he requested that State Police handle the investigation but Wolcott police refused the request.
Bryan Spiotti turned himself in to Wolcott police Thursday morning and was released on a promise to appear.
Wolcott Police Chief Paul Scirpo Jr. said Spiotti has an average performance history with no documented abuse incidents.
Spiotti is on paid leave pending the outcome of the case and scheduled to be arraigned in Waterbury on March 11.
Officer Bryan Spiotti, 42, a 12-year police veteran, is accused of assaulting the suspect at the end of January.
Spiotti's attorney, Hugh Keefe, takes issue with the police department investigating one of its own, particularly in light of the fact that his wife, Doreen Spiotti, is an officer on the same police force and won a substantial settlement in a harassment case brought against the same department.
Keefe said he requested that State Police handle the investigation but Wolcott police refused the request.
Bryan Spiotti turned himself in to Wolcott police Thursday morning and was released on a promise to appear.
Wolcott Police Chief Paul Scirpo Jr. said Spiotti has an average performance history with no documented abuse incidents.
Spiotti is on paid leave pending the outcome of the case and scheduled to be arraigned in Waterbury on March 11.
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Two Former Detectives Convicted of Being Assassins for Mob
Two highly decorated former detectives who were convicted of serving as assassins for the mob, helping to kill at least eight men in one of the most spectacular police corruption scandals in New York City’s history, were sentenced on Friday to life in prison — for the second time. (The sentencing is the topic of Jim Dwyer’s About New York column, which notes that both men have been drawing tax-free disability pensions.)
The two men, Louis J. Eppolito and Stephen Caracappa, were convicted of murder in 2006 and were to be sentenced to life in prison. But then, in a stunning reversal, the federal judge overseeing the case, Jack B. Weinstein, threw out the convictions. He ruled that although there was little doubt that Mr. Eppolito and Mr. Caracappa had “kidnapped, murdered, and assisted kidnappers and murderers,” he had no choice but to let them go because the five-year statute of limitations in conspiracy cases had run out.
Federal prosecutors appealed Judge Weinstein’s decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, which last September reinstated the convictions.
The appellate court concluded that Judge Weinstein’s view of the conspiracy was too narrow, and that it had continued to exist within five years of when the men were charged. Although murders and other serious crimes that the men were accused of occurred in Brooklyn in the 1980s and 1990s, prosecutors used more recent and less serious charges — money laundering and narcotics distribution in Las Vegas in 2004 and 2005 — to bring the earlier acts under the umbrella of an ongoing criminal enterprise.
The two former detectives were defiant in Federal District Court in Brooklyn on Friday, as the life sentences were imposed.
“I was a hard-working cop,” Mr. Eppolito told Judge Weinstein, as reported by The Associated Press. “I never hurt anybody. I never kidnapped anybody. … I never did any of this.”
Mr. Caracappa told the judge, “You’ll never take away my will to prove how innocent I am.”
In addition to the life sentences, Mr. Eppolito, 61, received an additional 100 years for various other offenses including money laundering, and was fined $4.7 million. Mr. Caracappa, 67, received an additional 80 years, and a $4.2 million fine.
In a statement, the United States attorney in Brooklyn, Benton J. Campbell, said he hoped the sentences would “bring some closure for the families of the victims of these defendants’ unspeakable crimes and for the citizens of the city whose trust they betrayed.”
The two men, who logged a combined 44 years on the job, were found guilty of secretly being on the payroll of the Luchese underboss, Anthony Casso, starting in the mid 1980s.
The A.P. reported:
Caracappa left the New York Police Department in 1992 after establishing a special unit for mob murder investigations. Eppolito, whose father was a member of the Gambino crime family, was a decorated officer who went on to play a bit part in “GoodFellas” and launch an unsuccessful career as a screenwriter.
The pair were arrested a 2005 drug sting in Las Vegas, where they had retired.
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http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com
Officer William Skett Pleads Not Guilty to DUI
A 34-year-old Los Angeles Police Department officer pleaded not guilty to three felony counts this week for allegedly driving his Hummer over two people and leaving the scene of the crime.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kristi Lousteau ordered William Skett to return to court March 23 for preliminary hearings in the drunk-driving case.
Skett, 34, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to driving under the influence, DUI causing injury and leaving the scene, all felonies.
Skett allegedly backed his Hummer into a man and a woman in a Saugus parking lot. Skett saw the victims lying on the ground and allegedly fled, leaving his Hummer behind.
"Apparently he just backed over the people and left," sheriff's Lt. Tom Bryski said.
He said Skett was arrested at home after Santa Clarita Valley sheriff's deputies looked up the registration of the offending vehicle.
The woman hit by the Hummer suffered multiple broken ribs and collapsed lung. The man hit by the SUV suffered minor cuts and bruises.
Deputies found the abandoned Hummer on the night of the incident and arrested Skett at his home.
If convicted, Skett faces up to seven years and eight months in prison.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kristi Lousteau ordered William Skett to return to court March 23 for preliminary hearings in the drunk-driving case.
Skett, 34, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to driving under the influence, DUI causing injury and leaving the scene, all felonies.
Skett allegedly backed his Hummer into a man and a woman in a Saugus parking lot. Skett saw the victims lying on the ground and allegedly fled, leaving his Hummer behind.
"Apparently he just backed over the people and left," sheriff's Lt. Tom Bryski said.
He said Skett was arrested at home after Santa Clarita Valley sheriff's deputies looked up the registration of the offending vehicle.
The woman hit by the Hummer suffered multiple broken ribs and collapsed lung. The man hit by the SUV suffered minor cuts and bruises.
Deputies found the abandoned Hummer on the night of the incident and arrested Skett at his home.
If convicted, Skett faces up to seven years and eight months in prison.
Cpl Michael Kazouris Resigns After Allegations of Sexual Misconduct
A police officer who initially faced allegations that he had sex with a 17-year-old Tarpon Springs High School student he worked with has resigned today.
Tarpon Springs Police Department Cpl. Michael Kazouris was cleared last month of any criminal wrongdoing. On Monday, the department's interim chief will evaluate the status of an internal investigation, police say.
In a letter today to the department's acting chief, Kazouris wrote that he always has prided himself on his commitment to the community but that he needed to resign due to the "frivolous allegations and one-sided investigation against me."
Interim Police Chief Robert Kochen accepted the resignation this evening.
Kazouris, who has spent more than 11 years as a school resource officer in Pinellas County schools and had had an unblemished record, was put on administrative leave Nov.12 after the allegation involving the teenager came to light.
"Corporal Kazouris continues to vehemently deny all allegations alleged and further maintains that he has never violated any policies or procedures of the Tarpon Springs Police Department," a letter to the acting chief from Kazouris attorney Jerry Theophilopoulos states.
_________________
http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/article981925.ece
Tarpon Springs Police Department Cpl. Michael Kazouris was cleared last month of any criminal wrongdoing. On Monday, the department's interim chief will evaluate the status of an internal investigation, police say.
In a letter today to the department's acting chief, Kazouris wrote that he always has prided himself on his commitment to the community but that he needed to resign due to the "frivolous allegations and one-sided investigation against me."
Interim Police Chief Robert Kochen accepted the resignation this evening.
Kazouris, who has spent more than 11 years as a school resource officer in Pinellas County schools and had had an unblemished record, was put on administrative leave Nov.12 after the allegation involving the teenager came to light.
"Corporal Kazouris continues to vehemently deny all allegations alleged and further maintains that he has never violated any policies or procedures of the Tarpon Springs Police Department," a letter to the acting chief from Kazouris attorney Jerry Theophilopoulos states.
_________________
http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/article981925.ece
Officer Nick Joseph Back in Court for Hit and Run
Rochester, N.Y.
The Greece Police officer accused in a hit-and-run that caused a woman to deliver her baby prematurely was back in court Friday.
Friday in court, the prosecution played surveillance video of Officer Nick Joseph drinking at Spenders, a bar on Lyell Avenue, the night before the hit-and-run.
They say Joseph received seven shots of alcohol in under an hour.
At 12:42 a.m., the prosecution says he received a double shot of Captain Morgan, a double shot of whiskey at 12:57, a single shot of an unidentifiable alcohol at 12:58, a single shot of vodka at 1:11, and a single shot of rum at 1:35.
The defense said he took a sip of each but didn’t necessarily finish all seven shots. They say there’s no way he could drink it all.
The bartender from Spenders testified, and said Joseph did not appear to be drunk.
Joseph is accused of crashing into a stalled car on 390, then leaving the scene of an accident in June of last year.
The woman in the stalled car was forced to deliver her baby 14 weeks early, leading to health complications for the child.
Joseph says he blacked out when he crashed the car, and doesn’t remember what happened next.
_____________
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29562168/
The Greece Police officer accused in a hit-and-run that caused a woman to deliver her baby prematurely was back in court Friday.
Friday in court, the prosecution played surveillance video of Officer Nick Joseph drinking at Spenders, a bar on Lyell Avenue, the night before the hit-and-run.
They say Joseph received seven shots of alcohol in under an hour.
At 12:42 a.m., the prosecution says he received a double shot of Captain Morgan, a double shot of whiskey at 12:57, a single shot of an unidentifiable alcohol at 12:58, a single shot of vodka at 1:11, and a single shot of rum at 1:35.
The defense said he took a sip of each but didn’t necessarily finish all seven shots. They say there’s no way he could drink it all.
The bartender from Spenders testified, and said Joseph did not appear to be drunk.
Joseph is accused of crashing into a stalled car on 390, then leaving the scene of an accident in June of last year.
The woman in the stalled car was forced to deliver her baby 14 weeks early, leading to health complications for the child.
Joseph says he blacked out when he crashed the car, and doesn’t remember what happened next.
_____________
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29562168/
Attorney Accuses Officer of Malice
OCEAN CITY
A Salisbury attorney acquitted of a November 2008 DWI charge implied in court that police were out to get him because he was a plaintiff's lawyer in a police brutality suit.
"I said, 'I understand what this was about,' " Sherwood Wescott testified Wednesday in District Court. "That particular night, I hadn't done anything out of the ordinary. No matter what I did, they were going to make it look like I was intoxicated."
Wescott was arrested for suspected driving under the influence last November. He refused a field sobriety test at his traffic stop and a breath test at the police station. He admitted to having three drinks after work in Salisbury, but nothing after 7 p.m. He testified that he and a friend arrived at Seacrets at 11 p.m., where he drank iced tea.
"I knew I had to drive," he said.
Judge R. Patrick Hayman said it was that lack of evidence that led to Wescott's acquittal, though "it has not escaped my attention that your client came out of a bar about midnight," he told attorney Melvin Jews.
Wescott, a former Delaware police officer, represented two Berlin teens who sued Ocean City and six police officers in July 2007 for alleged police brutality and false arrest. The 93-count, $18.6-million civil suit was dismissed in October 2008, about six weeks before Wescott's arrest in Ocean City.
Ocean City Police Cpl. Frank Wrench, one of the officers named in the suit, testified that he recognized Wescott leaving Seacrets on Nov. 29, 2008. He said Wescott was apparently intoxicated and was getting into the driver's seat of his SUV. Wrench said he made eye contact, prompting Wescott to exit the vehicle and pace beside it.
Wrench said moments later he turned to see the car backing out. Wrench said he tried to stop Wescott with gestures and yelling, but he drove away. Wrench radioed other officers to watch for the SUV, mentioning Wescott by name, he said.
Pfc. Patrick Flynn, parked at 62nd Street, testified that he heard the radio call and spotted Wescott driving north on Coastal Highway. Flynn said the vehicle pulled onto 64th Street after seeing his patrol car without its emergency lights on and said he thought the driver was trying to avoid him.
Flynn testified that Wescott smelled of alcohol and had glassy eyes and slurred speech. He said Wescott at first refused to exit his vehicle and had to be ordered to. When Wescott refused a field sobriety test, he was arrested.
Wescott said Flynn told him that he was being stopped for having a tail light out, not that he was suspected of driving drunk. Flynn said that was true.
"I figured that would be another element I could use to stop that vehicle," he said.
A Salisbury attorney acquitted of a November 2008 DWI charge implied in court that police were out to get him because he was a plaintiff's lawyer in a police brutality suit.
"I said, 'I understand what this was about,' " Sherwood Wescott testified Wednesday in District Court. "That particular night, I hadn't done anything out of the ordinary. No matter what I did, they were going to make it look like I was intoxicated."
Wescott was arrested for suspected driving under the influence last November. He refused a field sobriety test at his traffic stop and a breath test at the police station. He admitted to having three drinks after work in Salisbury, but nothing after 7 p.m. He testified that he and a friend arrived at Seacrets at 11 p.m., where he drank iced tea.
"I knew I had to drive," he said.
Judge R. Patrick Hayman said it was that lack of evidence that led to Wescott's acquittal, though "it has not escaped my attention that your client came out of a bar about midnight," he told attorney Melvin Jews.
Wescott, a former Delaware police officer, represented two Berlin teens who sued Ocean City and six police officers in July 2007 for alleged police brutality and false arrest. The 93-count, $18.6-million civil suit was dismissed in October 2008, about six weeks before Wescott's arrest in Ocean City.
Ocean City Police Cpl. Frank Wrench, one of the officers named in the suit, testified that he recognized Wescott leaving Seacrets on Nov. 29, 2008. He said Wescott was apparently intoxicated and was getting into the driver's seat of his SUV. Wrench said he made eye contact, prompting Wescott to exit the vehicle and pace beside it.
Wrench said moments later he turned to see the car backing out. Wrench said he tried to stop Wescott with gestures and yelling, but he drove away. Wrench radioed other officers to watch for the SUV, mentioning Wescott by name, he said.
Pfc. Patrick Flynn, parked at 62nd Street, testified that he heard the radio call and spotted Wescott driving north on Coastal Highway. Flynn said the vehicle pulled onto 64th Street after seeing his patrol car without its emergency lights on and said he thought the driver was trying to avoid him.
Flynn testified that Wescott smelled of alcohol and had glassy eyes and slurred speech. He said Wescott at first refused to exit his vehicle and had to be ordered to. When Wescott refused a field sobriety test, he was arrested.
Wescott said Flynn told him that he was being stopped for having a tail light out, not that he was suspected of driving drunk. Flynn said that was true.
"I figured that would be another element I could use to stop that vehicle," he said.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Reserve Officer Greg Conner Charged with Attempted Murder & Stalking
A reserve officer with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has been arrested on charges of attempted murder and aggravated stalking.
Greg Conner, 48, was taken into custody Thursday outside a fast food restaurant on State Road 71 South.
According to a press release from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, an investigation “revealed that Conner intended to kill his (estranged) wife and her boyfriend.”
Conner is also the firing range master and a firearms instructor for Chipola College, and had once been a full-time deputy with JCSO.
Jackson County Sheriff Lou Roberts said Conner and his wife had been separated for some time, and that JCSO investigators had received information in the last week or so that Conner was stalking her and her boyfriend.
According to Roberts, Conner had been seen at odd hours in the area of his wife’s home in the Grand Ridge/Shady Grove area and the boyfriend’s dwelling, which are some distance apart.
Roberts said officers had confronted Conner at one point, and he had denied stalking the couple.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement got involved Wednesday after receiving further information about Conner’s alleged plans.
Concern grew as authorities from FDLE and JCSO ramped up their investigation Wednesday evening, said Tommy Ford of FDLE. According to Ford, it appeared that Conner was progressing toward a plan of murder and that “overt acts” had been taken in the planning process. He and Roberts declined to give details of the surveillance and other investigative techniques employed which led authorities to that conclusion. They would reveal little further information except to say that it did not appear to be a ‘murder for hire’ plot but rather something that Conner planned to carry out himself. Unspecified evidence has been gathered in the case, Ford and Roberts said.
While they would not reveal any particulars, Ford and Roberts agreed that the alleged plan was an elaborate one that, if carried out, would have involved sudden death and would have had the clear earmarks of homicide.
The alleged plan was “unfolding rapidly” Wednesday when Conner’s wife, boyfriend, and the two Conner children were moved to a place of safety overnight, according to Ford.
Conner was arrested Thursday outside a fast food restaurant on State Road 71 South.
He offered no resistance and the arrest was without incident, Roberts and Ford said.
Authorities have spoken with Conner since he was taken into custody, but Roberts and Ford would not reveal the content of that conversation.
Roberts said the entire Jackson County Sheriff’s Office family is shocked and saddened by the events leading to Conner’s arrest.
“I’m saddened ...but glad to have stopped this before it was out of control...I’m disappointed with Conner’s actions. I am glad that Conner and his family were unharmed in the incident...there’s a good possibility that if this had not been interrupted, we would have been looking at potential homicide.”
For years, Conner was the person who most often greeted Roberts and his officers when they arrived at the local firing range to do the quarterly shooting necessary to keep them qualified for weapons.
Roberts said Conner left full-time employment as a deputy some years back in order to take the Chipola position.
Conner had not been involved as a reserve officer in any instances since Roberts took over as sheriff last year, but could have been called upon at any time to assist full-time deputies if needed.
He was immediately taken off the reserve roster following his arrest, Roberts said.
According to Roberts, it appears Conner was in a “depressed state of mind” in the recent past, and that was of concern as the investigation unfolded.
Authorities carefully selected the time and location of the arrest, he said.
They were able to observe that he was unarmed, for instance, as he exited the fast food restaurant and was walking alone a distance from his truck at the time he was taken into custody.
Capt Michael Nguyen Charged with Theft
FORT LEWIS, Wash.
A Fort Lewis captain is accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the U.S. government and spending it on himself.
Twenty-seven-year-old Army Capt. Michael Dung Nguyen faces charges of theft of government property and money laundering. If convicted on all counts he could face up to 30 years in prison
Nguyen, a West Point graduate, spent 14 months in combat in Iraq with the 4th Stryker Brigade. When he returned from Iraq last year, he opened several bank accounts in Oregon and other places and deposited about $10,000 in each account.
It was those deposits and lavish spending that attracted the attention of authorities.
During his time in Iraq, Nguyen was entrusted with hundreds of thousands of dollars in uncirculated U.S. currency. He paid out that money for humanitarian relief and reconstruction.
But federal investigators say he mailed much of that money to his home in Oregon - nearly $700,000 in cash.
"It's really a case of betrayal of country and greed," U.S. Attorney Karin Immergut said. "He betrayed not only the U.S. government and the people of the United States but also his fellow armed services men and women."
When Nguyen got back, authorities say he went on a spending spree. He paid $70,000 for a new BMW and another $43,000 for a new hummer. More money went toward computers, electronics and furniture.
Much of it was confiscated from his Lakewood apartment last week where neighbors say he kept to himself.
"It was the captain's behavior that triggered this investigation," said Kenneth Hines, special agent for the IRS in Seattle. "What he was doing raised red flags for the IRS in conjunction with the Army CID and FBI to work this case jointly and we established enough probable cause for the search warrants."
A Fort Lewis captain is accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the U.S. government and spending it on himself.
Twenty-seven-year-old Army Capt. Michael Dung Nguyen faces charges of theft of government property and money laundering. If convicted on all counts he could face up to 30 years in prison
Nguyen, a West Point graduate, spent 14 months in combat in Iraq with the 4th Stryker Brigade. When he returned from Iraq last year, he opened several bank accounts in Oregon and other places and deposited about $10,000 in each account.
It was those deposits and lavish spending that attracted the attention of authorities.
During his time in Iraq, Nguyen was entrusted with hundreds of thousands of dollars in uncirculated U.S. currency. He paid out that money for humanitarian relief and reconstruction.
But federal investigators say he mailed much of that money to his home in Oregon - nearly $700,000 in cash.
"It's really a case of betrayal of country and greed," U.S. Attorney Karin Immergut said. "He betrayed not only the U.S. government and the people of the United States but also his fellow armed services men and women."
When Nguyen got back, authorities say he went on a spending spree. He paid $70,000 for a new BMW and another $43,000 for a new hummer. More money went toward computers, electronics and furniture.
Much of it was confiscated from his Lakewood apartment last week where neighbors say he kept to himself.
"It was the captain's behavior that triggered this investigation," said Kenneth Hines, special agent for the IRS in Seattle. "What he was doing raised red flags for the IRS in conjunction with the Army CID and FBI to work this case jointly and we established enough probable cause for the search warrants."
Judge Alan Sadler Arrested for DWI
CONROE, Texas
A Montgomery County judge was arrested on suspicion of a DWI after a minor traffic accident.
Judge Alan B. Sadler was arrested after a minor accident involving another vehicle in the 2100 block of North Loop 336 West on Wednesday night.
Police said the judge was given a Breathalyzer test and he had .0257, which is below the legal limit of .08.
No charges were filed and the judge was released.
Sadler told a local newspaper, "No one is immune from being arrested for suspicion of DWI in Montgomery County. They did an excellent job at the jail. I have nothing but praise for how they handled it."
The arrest is under investigation.
A Montgomery County judge was arrested on suspicion of a DWI after a minor traffic accident.
Judge Alan B. Sadler was arrested after a minor accident involving another vehicle in the 2100 block of North Loop 336 West on Wednesday night.
Police said the judge was given a Breathalyzer test and he had .0257, which is below the legal limit of .08.
No charges were filed and the judge was released.
Sadler told a local newspaper, "No one is immune from being arrested for suspicion of DWI in Montgomery County. They did an excellent job at the jail. I have nothing but praise for how they handled it."
The arrest is under investigation.
Officer Justin Terrazas Arrested for Public Intox & Assault
An officer with the Big Spring Police Department was placed on suspension Wednesday after being arrested at a local night club late Tuesday night on charges of public intoxication and assault.
Justin Terrazas, who has been with the BSPD since December of 2006, was placed on paid leave after he was arrested at the Bar By The Spring at approximately 11:50 p.m. Tuesday night, according to BSPD Chief Lonnie Smith.
“Officers with the BSPD and the Howard County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to the bar, located at 3101 S. Highway 87, in reference to a fight involving a police officer,” said Smith. “Upon arrival, law enforcement found that the officer was off-duty and intoxicated.
“Terrazas was arrested on charges of public intoxication and assault. He's been placed on paid suspension from duty pending the outcome of an internal investigation.”
Terrazas was taken into custody by deputies and booked into the Howard County Jail.
According to Sgt. Tony Everett, public information officer for the BSPD, the person Terrazas allegedly assaulted did not suffer any major injuries in the altercation.
Everett also confirmed there is no set timeframe for the internal investigation to be completed within.
According to officials with the Howard County Jail, Terrazas bonded out at approximately 11 a.m. Wednesday.
http://www.oaoa.com/news/spring_27391___article.html/big_terrazas.html
Justin Terrazas, who has been with the BSPD since December of 2006, was placed on paid leave after he was arrested at the Bar By The Spring at approximately 11:50 p.m. Tuesday night, according to BSPD Chief Lonnie Smith.
“Officers with the BSPD and the Howard County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to the bar, located at 3101 S. Highway 87, in reference to a fight involving a police officer,” said Smith. “Upon arrival, law enforcement found that the officer was off-duty and intoxicated.
“Terrazas was arrested on charges of public intoxication and assault. He's been placed on paid suspension from duty pending the outcome of an internal investigation.”
Terrazas was taken into custody by deputies and booked into the Howard County Jail.
According to Sgt. Tony Everett, public information officer for the BSPD, the person Terrazas allegedly assaulted did not suffer any major injuries in the altercation.
Everett also confirmed there is no set timeframe for the internal investigation to be completed within.
According to officials with the Howard County Jail, Terrazas bonded out at approximately 11 a.m. Wednesday.
http://www.oaoa.com/news/spring_27391___article.html/big_terrazas.html
Officer Frank Darnold III Arrested for Brandishing his Weapon
A Chesterfield County Police Officer is arrested and charged with brandishing a pistol after a traffic incident on March 3rd.
Police say the officer was off duty and not in uniform at the time of the incident.
Chesterfield Police arrested Frank Darnold III, age 25, after investigating the incident. Witnesses say Darnold displayed a firearm during a confrontation with a motorist in the 11000 block of West Providence Road.
He is now charged with brandishing a firearm which is a class one misdemeanor, and has been placed on administrative leave pending criminal and internal investigations.
Darnold is scheduled to appear in the Chesterfield County General District Court on April 21st.
Col. Thierry G. Dupuis, chief of police said, "We hold our officers to a high set of standards, as does the community we serve."
"These alleged actions, if found to be true, would bring dishonor to a department that is recognized for its professional reputation."
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Other Information: http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/crime/article/CFPD06_20090305-223021/223135/
Police say the officer was off duty and not in uniform at the time of the incident.
Chesterfield Police arrested Frank Darnold III, age 25, after investigating the incident. Witnesses say Darnold displayed a firearm during a confrontation with a motorist in the 11000 block of West Providence Road.
He is now charged with brandishing a firearm which is a class one misdemeanor, and has been placed on administrative leave pending criminal and internal investigations.
Darnold is scheduled to appear in the Chesterfield County General District Court on April 21st.
Col. Thierry G. Dupuis, chief of police said, "We hold our officers to a high set of standards, as does the community we serve."
"These alleged actions, if found to be true, would bring dishonor to a department that is recognized for its professional reputation."
__________________
Other Information: http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/crime/article/CFPD06_20090305-223021/223135/
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Former Officer Charles Pinkston Arrested on Drug Charges
A former Leesburg police officer, who resigned after allegations surfaced that he had been purchasing cocaine, was arrested this afternoon on a drug charge.
Charles Pinkston, 38, turned himself into detectives at about 4:45 p.m. to face one count of attempting to purchase cocaine. He was released a short time later after posting $5,000.
On Feb. 20., Leesburg narcotics investigators arranged for an informant to sell crack cocaine to a person the informant knew from past encounters as "Marshall." "Marshall" had placed $340 under a rock near the intersection of 9th St. and Magnolia St., which the informant retrieved and replaced with crack cocaine provided by the police department, according to a probable cause affidavit. During the operation, an undercover Leesburg narcotics investigator saw Pinkston driving a silver SUV - the same car Marshall was supposed to be driving - near the drop point. Pinkston recognized the investigator and left the area, according to the affidavit. No one retrieved the drugs, and narcotics agents soon learned of allegations the Pinkston previously had bought drugs from the informant, who also identified him according to Sgt. John Herrell of the Lake County Sheriff's Office.
Leesburg Police Chief Bill Chrisman requested that the Lake County Sheriff's Office investigate the case. Detectives found that Pinkston had used his personal cell phone to repeatedly call the informant throughout February, and that he had withdrawn $340 from an ATM just before the drug buy was set to occur.
Lt. Rob Hicks of the Leesburg Police Department said that Pinkston submitted a letter of resignation on Feb. 25, and that he was the subject of an internal investigation at the time. Pinkston had been a Leesburg officer for eight years, and was working in the road patrol unit at the time of his resignation, Hicks said.
A copy of Pinkston's letter of resignation and his personnel file was not immediately available Wednesday.
Hicks would not comment on the internal investigation because it is ongoing, and that officials are awaiting its outcome before deciding to petition the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to revoke Pinkston's law enforcement certification.
Charles Pinkston, 38, turned himself into detectives at about 4:45 p.m. to face one count of attempting to purchase cocaine. He was released a short time later after posting $5,000.
On Feb. 20., Leesburg narcotics investigators arranged for an informant to sell crack cocaine to a person the informant knew from past encounters as "Marshall." "Marshall" had placed $340 under a rock near the intersection of 9th St. and Magnolia St., which the informant retrieved and replaced with crack cocaine provided by the police department, according to a probable cause affidavit. During the operation, an undercover Leesburg narcotics investigator saw Pinkston driving a silver SUV - the same car Marshall was supposed to be driving - near the drop point. Pinkston recognized the investigator and left the area, according to the affidavit. No one retrieved the drugs, and narcotics agents soon learned of allegations the Pinkston previously had bought drugs from the informant, who also identified him according to Sgt. John Herrell of the Lake County Sheriff's Office.
Leesburg Police Chief Bill Chrisman requested that the Lake County Sheriff's Office investigate the case. Detectives found that Pinkston had used his personal cell phone to repeatedly call the informant throughout February, and that he had withdrawn $340 from an ATM just before the drug buy was set to occur.
Lt. Rob Hicks of the Leesburg Police Department said that Pinkston submitted a letter of resignation on Feb. 25, and that he was the subject of an internal investigation at the time. Pinkston had been a Leesburg officer for eight years, and was working in the road patrol unit at the time of his resignation, Hicks said.
A copy of Pinkston's letter of resignation and his personnel file was not immediately available Wednesday.
Hicks would not comment on the internal investigation because it is ongoing, and that officials are awaiting its outcome before deciding to petition the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to revoke Pinkston's law enforcement certification.
Officer Thomas Crouch Arrested for Embezzling Money
NEWPORT NEWS
A Newport News police detective was arrested Wednesday afternoon and charged with embezzling money from a fraternal group that pays bagpipes at police funerals.
Thomas David Crouch, 45, of Windymille Drive in Portsmouth was arrested just before 1:30 p.m. and booked at the Newport News City Jail after an investigation by Norfolk police.
Norfolk police spokesman Chris Amos said Crouch is accused of using a credit card from the Police Emerald Society for personal use between late 2007 and mid-2008. Crouch was an officer in the group, designed for officers with Irish backgrounds.
Crouch, who has worked for the Newport News department since May 2000, is a master detective who worked in the training division, spokesman Lou Thurston said. Crouch turned himself in, and was released on $1,000 bail.
Crouch is the third Newport News officer arrested in recent months. Lt. Ronald M. Hendrickson and Officer Christopher E. Miner are facing current charges of sexual assault.
A Newport News police detective was arrested Wednesday afternoon and charged with embezzling money from a fraternal group that pays bagpipes at police funerals.
Thomas David Crouch, 45, of Windymille Drive in Portsmouth was arrested just before 1:30 p.m. and booked at the Newport News City Jail after an investigation by Norfolk police.
Norfolk police spokesman Chris Amos said Crouch is accused of using a credit card from the Police Emerald Society for personal use between late 2007 and mid-2008. Crouch was an officer in the group, designed for officers with Irish backgrounds.
Crouch, who has worked for the Newport News department since May 2000, is a master detective who worked in the training division, spokesman Lou Thurston said. Crouch turned himself in, and was released on $1,000 bail.
Crouch is the third Newport News officer arrested in recent months. Lt. Ronald M. Hendrickson and Officer Christopher E. Miner are facing current charges of sexual assault.
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Officer Javier Alonzo Arrested for Sexual Assault has been Suspended
EL PASO
An El Paso police officer arrested last week on a charge of aggravated sexual assault has been suspended from duty without pay, police officials said Tuesday.
Javier Alonzo, a member of he police force for 16 years, was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a woman Feb. 24 at a home in El Paso.
He remained in the El Paso County Jail on Tuesday. His bond was set at $80,000.
Police officials said Tuesday that they had begun the process to fire Alonzo.
"Chief (Greg) Allen has instructed internal affairs to begin the termination process," said Officer Chris Mears, a department spokesman. "However, there are some rights and administrative issues that need to be resolved first. He will be on leave without pay until the administrative side is finished."
Alonzo's lawyer, Roger Montoya, is representing the officer on a separate charge of family violence and assault causing bodily injury. That case dates from Nov. 1.
"I want to remind the public that my client is entitled to the presumption of innocence," Montoya said.
In the case last week, Alonzo, 42, is accused of throwing a woman to the floor, threatening her life, handcuffing her and then sexually assaulting her.
Police did not identify the woman, and the El Paso Times does not publish the names of people who say they were victims of sexual assault. Police said the alleged assault occurred in a house in the 800 block of Sunset Park Drive.
Alonzo will have a pretrial hearing March 9 in connection with the November assault charge, court records show.
An El Paso police officer arrested last week on a charge of aggravated sexual assault has been suspended from duty without pay, police officials said Tuesday.
Javier Alonzo, a member of he police force for 16 years, was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a woman Feb. 24 at a home in El Paso.
He remained in the El Paso County Jail on Tuesday. His bond was set at $80,000.
Police officials said Tuesday that they had begun the process to fire Alonzo.
"Chief (Greg) Allen has instructed internal affairs to begin the termination process," said Officer Chris Mears, a department spokesman. "However, there are some rights and administrative issues that need to be resolved first. He will be on leave without pay until the administrative side is finished."
Alonzo's lawyer, Roger Montoya, is representing the officer on a separate charge of family violence and assault causing bodily injury. That case dates from Nov. 1.
"I want to remind the public that my client is entitled to the presumption of innocence," Montoya said.
In the case last week, Alonzo, 42, is accused of throwing a woman to the floor, threatening her life, handcuffing her and then sexually assaulting her.
Police did not identify the woman, and the El Paso Times does not publish the names of people who say they were victims of sexual assault. Police said the alleged assault occurred in a house in the 800 block of Sunset Park Drive.
Alonzo will have a pretrial hearing March 9 in connection with the November assault charge, court records show.
Former Officer Steven Gomez Accused of Arson
PORTLAND
A former Portland police officer convicted of shooting his wife more than a decade ago is in trouble with the law again. This time he was charged with arson.
Former officer in court Investigators arrested 43-year-old Steven Brian Gomez Tuesday, accused of setting an apartment on fire. Detectives said Gomez started a fire at an apartment complex on the 2100 block of North Kilpatrick on November 7, 2008.
In court Wednesday morning, Gomez pleaded not guilty to three counts of arson and three counts of attempted assault. Bail was set at $810,000 and and his next court date was set for April 15.
Three people were inside the apartment at the time of the fire and one person suffered minor burns. Detectives believe that Gomez knew the victims and have been investigating him since.
Last week, a Multnomah County grand jury indicted him on arson and attempted assault charges.
Back in 1997, Gomez confessed to shooting his wife while he was on the Portland police force. At the time, he apologized and said he was playing with the shotgun and didn't know it was loaded.
His wife survived, but Gomez spent 90 days in jail and resigned from the force.
Gomez was being held at the Justice Center in downtown Portland.
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Video: http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_030409_news_gomez_arson_arrest.102fb22.html
A former Portland police officer convicted of shooting his wife more than a decade ago is in trouble with the law again. This time he was charged with arson.
Former officer in court Investigators arrested 43-year-old Steven Brian Gomez Tuesday, accused of setting an apartment on fire. Detectives said Gomez started a fire at an apartment complex on the 2100 block of North Kilpatrick on November 7, 2008.
In court Wednesday morning, Gomez pleaded not guilty to three counts of arson and three counts of attempted assault. Bail was set at $810,000 and and his next court date was set for April 15.
Three people were inside the apartment at the time of the fire and one person suffered minor burns. Detectives believe that Gomez knew the victims and have been investigating him since.
Last week, a Multnomah County grand jury indicted him on arson and attempted assault charges.
Back in 1997, Gomez confessed to shooting his wife while he was on the Portland police force. At the time, he apologized and said he was playing with the shotgun and didn't know it was loaded.
His wife survived, but Gomez spent 90 days in jail and resigned from the force.
Gomez was being held at the Justice Center in downtown Portland.
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Video: http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_030409_news_gomez_arson_arrest.102fb22.html
Family Says Deputy Eric Grundeman Shot their Family Dog
COLLIER COUNTY
A Golden Gate Estates family says a deputy shot their dog. But officials with the sheriff's office say it was only because the dog was threatening the deputy.
Wrinkles, a Rottweiler mix, was allegedly shot by Collier County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Grundeman.
A spokeswoman with the Collier County Sheriff's Office said Grundeman went to the family's house on 47th Avenue Wednesday night after learning about a broken down vehicle.
The deputy claims the dog lunged at him in a threatening manner. He says that is why he shot Wrinkles once with his service weapon.
Family members took him to an animal clinic where he was treated for a punctured lung and released.
The family says it is still puzzled by the deputy's actions.
"I think [deputies] are here to help, not to do things like this - it's not right. They came on to our property to help us supposedly with another situation, making it worse. Now my dog that I've had for 8 years, he could have been gone because of this incident," said dog owner Brendi Gutierrez.
We spoke to Deputy Grundeman on the phone. But all he would say was, "You'll have to take it up through the chain of command."
The Collier County Sheriff's Office says it will conduct an internal investigation. For now though, Grundeman is not under any form if administrative leave.
As for Wrinkles' family members, they say they're planning on pressing charges.
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http://www.nbc-2.com/Articles/readarticle.asp?articleid=26714&z=3
A Golden Gate Estates family says a deputy shot their dog. But officials with the sheriff's office say it was only because the dog was threatening the deputy.
Wrinkles, a Rottweiler mix, was allegedly shot by Collier County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Grundeman.
A spokeswoman with the Collier County Sheriff's Office said Grundeman went to the family's house on 47th Avenue Wednesday night after learning about a broken down vehicle.
The deputy claims the dog lunged at him in a threatening manner. He says that is why he shot Wrinkles once with his service weapon.
Family members took him to an animal clinic where he was treated for a punctured lung and released.
The family says it is still puzzled by the deputy's actions.
"I think [deputies] are here to help, not to do things like this - it's not right. They came on to our property to help us supposedly with another situation, making it worse. Now my dog that I've had for 8 years, he could have been gone because of this incident," said dog owner Brendi Gutierrez.
We spoke to Deputy Grundeman on the phone. But all he would say was, "You'll have to take it up through the chain of command."
The Collier County Sheriff's Office says it will conduct an internal investigation. For now though, Grundeman is not under any form if administrative leave.
As for Wrinkles' family members, they say they're planning on pressing charges.
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http://www.nbc-2.com/Articles/readarticle.asp?articleid=26714&z=3
Former Officer Jonathan Parmalee Charged with Rape
A former Buffalo police officer has been charged with one count of forcible rape and one count of statutory rape.
Jonathan Edward Parmalee is 25. According to charging papers, the alleged victim of the forcible rape was 16, as was the alleged victim of statutory rape, a different person.
The consensual sex with an underage female occurred between March and August 2006, when the victim was 16 and Parmalee was 22. The victim was interviewed by an investigator with the Highway Patrol, the charging papers said.
The act with the second victim occurred between February and May 2008. In that case, Parmalee is alleged to have given a 16-year-old alcohol before raping her.
Both incidents occurred at Parmalee's home in Buffalo, the charging papers said.
Felony forcible rape is punishable by life imprisonment or a term of five to 30 years.
Jonathan Edward Parmalee is 25. According to charging papers, the alleged victim of the forcible rape was 16, as was the alleged victim of statutory rape, a different person.
The consensual sex with an underage female occurred between March and August 2006, when the victim was 16 and Parmalee was 22. The victim was interviewed by an investigator with the Highway Patrol, the charging papers said.
The act with the second victim occurred between February and May 2008. In that case, Parmalee is alleged to have given a 16-year-old alcohol before raping her.
Both incidents occurred at Parmalee's home in Buffalo, the charging papers said.
Felony forcible rape is punishable by life imprisonment or a term of five to 30 years.
To read the charges and probable cause statement, click here.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Officer Reben Ramirez Accused of Fondling 9-year-old
CORPUS CHRISTI
A Corpus Christi police officer accused of fondling a nine-year-old girl is out on bond.
Ruben Jaime Ramirez, 32, bonded out of jail late Monday night, just hours after he was arraigned on five counts of indecency with a child. Ramirez is accused of fondling a nine-year-old girl five different times between August 2003 and August 2004.
Ramirez is on leave with pay pending a review of his status with the police department.
A Corpus Christi police officer accused of fondling a nine-year-old girl is out on bond.
Ruben Jaime Ramirez, 32, bonded out of jail late Monday night, just hours after he was arraigned on five counts of indecency with a child. Ramirez is accused of fondling a nine-year-old girl five different times between August 2003 and August 2004.
Ramirez is on leave with pay pending a review of his status with the police department.
Retired Officer Wayne D Anderson Accused of Molesting 8-year-old
Marion County sheriff’s detectives on Monday arrested a 62-year-old retired Connecticut police officer and charged him with capital sexual battery.
Wayne D. Anderson is accused molesting an 8-year-old girl, according to sheriff's officials.
The little girl told her mother about the incident, and the mom contacted law enforcement. The victim told investigators that on three occasions she accompanied Anderson to feed horses and to the mall and that he touched her inappropriately.
Anderson, retired from the Hardford (Conn.) City Police Department, reportedly told detectives he did not think the victim was lying, according to a Sheriff's Office report. He told othem he took another 8-year-old girl out of town with him but did not touch her. Detectives were investigating that claim.
Anderson was arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail.
Deputy Lazaro Mesa Arrested for Stomping Man's Face has been Reinstated
A former Broward Sheriff's Office deputy arrested three years ago and later fired after witnesses accused him of stomping on a man's face has been reinstated by an arbitrator.
Now the agency could be on the hook for as much as $100,000 of Lazaro Mesa's legal fees, according to his attorney.
Mesa, 24, is to be reinstated with back pay, have his seniority restored and receive any raises he would have been entitled to had he remained with the agency, according to arbitrator William J. McGinnis' Feb. 26 ruling.
McGinnis wrote that the agency did not have just cause to fire Mesa, who according to his ruling acted appropriately when he restrained Anthony Monaco on Oct. 30 at JB's on the Beach in Deerfield Beach.
According to arrest documents, Mesa kneed Monaco in the thigh after Monaco began punching and kicking security guards. Monaco still looked like he was going to fight, so Mesa kneed him in the face. Monaco then fell to the floor, hitting his head.
With Monaco on the ground, Mesa put his foot on Monaco's back and handcuffed him, according to the documents.
But several witnesses said they saw Mesa step down on Monaco's head.
A criminal and an internal affairs investigation were initiated after a witness called BSO and said her daughter saw Mesa stomp on Monaco. A mug shot of Monaco taken after the fight shows what appear to be tread marks on his face.
Mesa, however, was acquitted by a jury last year.
And in his report, McGinnis noted that a number of witness statements were conflicting or flawed and that the tread on Monaco's face did not match the tread on Mesa's shoes.
In the ruling, McGinnis questioned the fairness of the agency's internal investigation. He wrote that Monaco's medical records, the shoe tread pattern, and testimony flaws were never presented to a committee tasked with reviewing internal affairs reports.
''I have serious concerns about the fairness of the investigation [because] key information was either withheld or disregarded,'' he wrote.
Alberto Milian, Mesa's attorney, said his client should never have been investigated.
''This is a great thing for my client, but the bigger story here is that BSO and the State Attorney's Office squandered a lot of tax dollars trying to destroy somebody's life,'' he said.
Milian said a circuit court judge will have to enforce the arbitrator's ruling if Mesa is not reinstated within 90 days of the ruling. A judge is already reviewing a petition for $100,000 in legal fees, he said.
Jim Leljedal, a BSO spokesman, would not directly comment on the ruling.
''We are going to have to study the ruling and then take action,'' he said.
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Video: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking-news/story/930940.html
Now the agency could be on the hook for as much as $100,000 of Lazaro Mesa's legal fees, according to his attorney.
Mesa, 24, is to be reinstated with back pay, have his seniority restored and receive any raises he would have been entitled to had he remained with the agency, according to arbitrator William J. McGinnis' Feb. 26 ruling.
McGinnis wrote that the agency did not have just cause to fire Mesa, who according to his ruling acted appropriately when he restrained Anthony Monaco on Oct. 30 at JB's on the Beach in Deerfield Beach.
According to arrest documents, Mesa kneed Monaco in the thigh after Monaco began punching and kicking security guards. Monaco still looked like he was going to fight, so Mesa kneed him in the face. Monaco then fell to the floor, hitting his head.
With Monaco on the ground, Mesa put his foot on Monaco's back and handcuffed him, according to the documents.
But several witnesses said they saw Mesa step down on Monaco's head.
A criminal and an internal affairs investigation were initiated after a witness called BSO and said her daughter saw Mesa stomp on Monaco. A mug shot of Monaco taken after the fight shows what appear to be tread marks on his face.
Mesa, however, was acquitted by a jury last year.
And in his report, McGinnis noted that a number of witness statements were conflicting or flawed and that the tread on Monaco's face did not match the tread on Mesa's shoes.
In the ruling, McGinnis questioned the fairness of the agency's internal investigation. He wrote that Monaco's medical records, the shoe tread pattern, and testimony flaws were never presented to a committee tasked with reviewing internal affairs reports.
''I have serious concerns about the fairness of the investigation [because] key information was either withheld or disregarded,'' he wrote.
Alberto Milian, Mesa's attorney, said his client should never have been investigated.
''This is a great thing for my client, but the bigger story here is that BSO and the State Attorney's Office squandered a lot of tax dollars trying to destroy somebody's life,'' he said.
Milian said a circuit court judge will have to enforce the arbitrator's ruling if Mesa is not reinstated within 90 days of the ruling. A judge is already reviewing a petition for $100,000 in legal fees, he said.
Jim Leljedal, a BSO spokesman, would not directly comment on the ruling.
''We are going to have to study the ruling and then take action,'' he said.
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Video: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking-news/story/930940.html
Officers John Wynkoop & Scott Wilson Suspended for Beating Motorist
Two Prince George's County police officers who are seen on a police videotape beating and pepper-spraying a Latino motorist during an October traffic stop have been suspended from the police force, officials said.
In a statement, Police Chief Roberto L. Hylton announced the suspension of the officers, John Wynkoop and Scott Wilson, pending an internal investigation. Wynkoop and Wilson, who charged the motorist with assaulting them, have been suspended with pay, officials said.
Hylton said he ordered the investigation as soon as the incident was brought to his attention Friday. Much of the encounter was captured by a video camera mounted in Wynkoop's police cruiser. One of the officers also is heard mocking Rodriguez's Spanish accent.
"This investigation will be conducted thoroughly, yet expeditiously," Hylton said in the statement, released Saturday night. "I ask the public to withhold judgment on this incident until the completion of our investigation." He said the probe's findings will be released publicly.
County Council member William A. Campos (D-Hyattsville), whose district includes many Latino residents, said in a statement that he has confidence in Hylton "and his commitment to having the law enforcement personnel act professionally to protect and serve all citizens in the community regardless of their economic status, color of their skin or language they speak."
Wynkoop and Wilson did not return phone calls to their workplaces last week. Wynkoop did not return a call to his home yesterday.
The traffic stop occurred on Greenbelt Road in College Park shortly after 8 p.m. Oct. 19. In sworn charging documents, Wynkoop said he stopped Rafael A. Rodriguez, 30, a permanent legal resident from El Salvador, for having illegal blue-tinted turn signal lights on his car.
Wynkoop charged Rodriguez with two counts of assault. On Friday, when Rodriguez was to go on trial, a county prosecutor dropped the charges without explanation.
Wynkoop accused Rodriguez of punching him in the stomach with a closed fist. He also alleged that an enraged Rodriguez assaulted him and Wilson even after Wilson pepper-sprayed him.
The videotape, which was subpoenaed by defense attorney Terrell N. Roberts III, shows Rodriguez questioning the citation, saying another officer had told him his lights were legal. A reporter for The Washington Post has viewed the tape.
The tape shows Wynkoop ordering Rodriguez to turn off the car's engine and get out. Rodriguez does not immediately do so, and Wynkoop opens the door and pulls him out. Rodriguez does not punch or attempt to strike either officer on the tape.
Wynkoop slams Rodriguez against the car and handcuffs one of his hands. Suddenly, Wilson pepper-sprays Rodriguez but also hits Wynkoop with the spray, and Wynkoop cries out, "I can't see, dude!"
The three men go out of camera range, then Rodriguez returns and sits down near his car while Wilson stands nearby. Seconds later, Wynkoop returns, grabs Rodriguez by the shoulders and slams him against his car. At that point, Wilson strikes Rodriguez several times in the head with his retractable police baton.
The three men go out of camera range again, and Rodriguez is heard repeatedly crying, "Don't kill me!"
In the moments before the encounter, Wynkoop and Wilson are audiotaped sitting inside the police cruiser. Wynkoop says that when he worked for Metro Transit Police, the chief sent him to "hug-a-thug" classes. After Rodriguez's car was pulled over, but before the physical altercation, one of the officers -- it is not clear which one -- is heard mocking Rodriguez's Spanish accent.
Roberts, Rodriguez's attorney, said he does not have confidence in the county police department's ability to police itself but said he will allow Rodriguez to meet with internal affairs investigators in his presence.
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Video: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/02/AR2009030201210.html
Other Information: http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/030409_fbi_monitoring_alleged_police_assault
In a statement, Police Chief Roberto L. Hylton announced the suspension of the officers, John Wynkoop and Scott Wilson, pending an internal investigation. Wynkoop and Wilson, who charged the motorist with assaulting them, have been suspended with pay, officials said.
Hylton said he ordered the investigation as soon as the incident was brought to his attention Friday. Much of the encounter was captured by a video camera mounted in Wynkoop's police cruiser. One of the officers also is heard mocking Rodriguez's Spanish accent.
"This investigation will be conducted thoroughly, yet expeditiously," Hylton said in the statement, released Saturday night. "I ask the public to withhold judgment on this incident until the completion of our investigation." He said the probe's findings will be released publicly.
County Council member William A. Campos (D-Hyattsville), whose district includes many Latino residents, said in a statement that he has confidence in Hylton "and his commitment to having the law enforcement personnel act professionally to protect and serve all citizens in the community regardless of their economic status, color of their skin or language they speak."
Wynkoop and Wilson did not return phone calls to their workplaces last week. Wynkoop did not return a call to his home yesterday.
The traffic stop occurred on Greenbelt Road in College Park shortly after 8 p.m. Oct. 19. In sworn charging documents, Wynkoop said he stopped Rafael A. Rodriguez, 30, a permanent legal resident from El Salvador, for having illegal blue-tinted turn signal lights on his car.
Wynkoop charged Rodriguez with two counts of assault. On Friday, when Rodriguez was to go on trial, a county prosecutor dropped the charges without explanation.
Wynkoop accused Rodriguez of punching him in the stomach with a closed fist. He also alleged that an enraged Rodriguez assaulted him and Wilson even after Wilson pepper-sprayed him.
The videotape, which was subpoenaed by defense attorney Terrell N. Roberts III, shows Rodriguez questioning the citation, saying another officer had told him his lights were legal. A reporter for The Washington Post has viewed the tape.
The tape shows Wynkoop ordering Rodriguez to turn off the car's engine and get out. Rodriguez does not immediately do so, and Wynkoop opens the door and pulls him out. Rodriguez does not punch or attempt to strike either officer on the tape.
Wynkoop slams Rodriguez against the car and handcuffs one of his hands. Suddenly, Wilson pepper-sprays Rodriguez but also hits Wynkoop with the spray, and Wynkoop cries out, "I can't see, dude!"
The three men go out of camera range, then Rodriguez returns and sits down near his car while Wilson stands nearby. Seconds later, Wynkoop returns, grabs Rodriguez by the shoulders and slams him against his car. At that point, Wilson strikes Rodriguez several times in the head with his retractable police baton.
The three men go out of camera range again, and Rodriguez is heard repeatedly crying, "Don't kill me!"
In the moments before the encounter, Wynkoop and Wilson are audiotaped sitting inside the police cruiser. Wynkoop says that when he worked for Metro Transit Police, the chief sent him to "hug-a-thug" classes. After Rodriguez's car was pulled over, but before the physical altercation, one of the officers -- it is not clear which one -- is heard mocking Rodriguez's Spanish accent.
Roberts, Rodriguez's attorney, said he does not have confidence in the county police department's ability to police itself but said he will allow Rodriguez to meet with internal affairs investigators in his presence.
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Video: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/02/AR2009030201210.html
Other Information: http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/030409_fbi_monitoring_alleged_police_assault
Insp. Steve Izzett Charged with Sexual Harassment
The head of the Toronto police intelligence unit was charged with sexual harassment yesterday after an internal investigation fuelled by complaints from numerous police staff.
Staff Insp. Steve Izzett faces nine charges under the Police Act, including oppressive and tyrannical behaviour, deceit, abuse of authority and misconduct related to an investigation.
Izzett, who was up for promotion last year and has been suspended since last fall, will appear before an internal tribunal April 27, following an investigation by the professional standards unit that began in mid-September.
The charges will be outlined fully following his April appearance, Toronto police spokesperson Mark Pugash said yesterday.
The investigation was launched when a detective sergeant in Izzett's unit complained she was sexually harassed. Since then, more people have come forward with allegations of abuse and bullying. Sources said yesterday the number of complainants is in the "double digits."
It has not been revealed whether the complainants were in Izzett's unit, or how long ago the alleged incidents occurred.
Izzett was considered one of the top officers within the Toronto Police Service. As head of a major unit, he was only a few rungs below the chief. Izzett had held his position for about two years before the investigation began.
As commander of Intelligence Services, he was in charge of investigations into hate crimes, outlaw motorcycle gangs and organized crime.
The unit's primary responsibility is to assemble criminal intelligence and deal with confidential information.
Since his suspension last fall, every weekday morning Izzett drives from his Durham home to Toronto police headquarters at Yonge and College Sts.
But instead of taking the elevators to his office, he signs in at the duty desk and goes back to his car. He signs out at 4 p.m. each day.
While few details about the original allegations have emerged, the initial complainant requested from the outset that her file be dealt with by Professional Standards and not become a criminal investigation, sources said. Because of that, only Police Services Act charges were laid against Izzett. He has not been charged criminally.
When the allegations surfaced in September, the Special Investigations Unit became involved briefly. The SIU probes incidents involving police and civilians where there is death, injury or sexual assault. SIU officials confirmed at the time they completed a preliminary inquiry into the matter on Sept. 17 and referred it back to Toronto police.
Professional Standards can issue criminal charges – if they are warranted – in addition to taking non-criminal disciplinary action.
When an officer is found guilty by an internal tribunal, the hearing officers decide on his or her penalty. This could range from dismissal to demotion or a reprimand.
Staff Insp. Steve Izzett faces nine charges under the Police Act, including oppressive and tyrannical behaviour, deceit, abuse of authority and misconduct related to an investigation.
Izzett, who was up for promotion last year and has been suspended since last fall, will appear before an internal tribunal April 27, following an investigation by the professional standards unit that began in mid-September.
The charges will be outlined fully following his April appearance, Toronto police spokesperson Mark Pugash said yesterday.
The investigation was launched when a detective sergeant in Izzett's unit complained she was sexually harassed. Since then, more people have come forward with allegations of abuse and bullying. Sources said yesterday the number of complainants is in the "double digits."
It has not been revealed whether the complainants were in Izzett's unit, or how long ago the alleged incidents occurred.
Izzett was considered one of the top officers within the Toronto Police Service. As head of a major unit, he was only a few rungs below the chief. Izzett had held his position for about two years before the investigation began.
As commander of Intelligence Services, he was in charge of investigations into hate crimes, outlaw motorcycle gangs and organized crime.
The unit's primary responsibility is to assemble criminal intelligence and deal with confidential information.
Since his suspension last fall, every weekday morning Izzett drives from his Durham home to Toronto police headquarters at Yonge and College Sts.
But instead of taking the elevators to his office, he signs in at the duty desk and goes back to his car. He signs out at 4 p.m. each day.
While few details about the original allegations have emerged, the initial complainant requested from the outset that her file be dealt with by Professional Standards and not become a criminal investigation, sources said. Because of that, only Police Services Act charges were laid against Izzett. He has not been charged criminally.
When the allegations surfaced in September, the Special Investigations Unit became involved briefly. The SIU probes incidents involving police and civilians where there is death, injury or sexual assault. SIU officials confirmed at the time they completed a preliminary inquiry into the matter on Sept. 17 and referred it back to Toronto police.
Professional Standards can issue criminal charges – if they are warranted – in addition to taking non-criminal disciplinary action.
When an officer is found guilty by an internal tribunal, the hearing officers decide on his or her penalty. This could range from dismissal to demotion or a reprimand.
Trial Begins for Officer Nick Joseph Accused of Hit & Run on Pregnant Woman
The trial of a Greece Police Officer began Tuesday and the woman he's accused of injuring in a hit and run crash took the stand. This is a story I-Team 10 has been tracking since last summer and we were in court when the victim and a witness testified.
Right now, Nick Joseph, a sergeant with the Greece Police Department, is suspended with pay. He is facing many charges involved with a hit and run on 390 including vehicular assault and drug and alcohol charges.
The prosecutor said they have Nick Joseph on camera drinking heavily just 30 minutes before the crash. A witness testified that Nick Joseph went speeding by him on 390 just before the crash. The prosecutor said he was going at least 75 mph.
After the crash the same witness said he saw a bloody Joseph walk across 390 South and then up the ramp to Ridge Road. The prosecutor said Joseph just disappeared, somehow got home and didn't go to the hospital for another 11 hours.
Prosecutor Sandra Doorley said Joseph was drunk and high on cocaine. She said video from inside a bar shows Joseph had five hard drinks in less than an hour starting at 12:42 in the morning and going until 1:35 a.m. The video allegedly showed Joseph drinking a rum and Coke at 12:42 a.m., followed by a Jack Daniels and Coke at 12:57 a.m. He took a shot at 12:58 a.m. and another shot at 1:11 a.m. And finally another rum and Coke 25 minutes later. The crash happened just after 2 a.m.
Joseph’s lawyer said Joseph left the scene, “Because he didn't know what he was doing and they had no memory like he had no memory. He had a bad concussion. Bad head injury and had no memory of it.”
Alexis Sharp is the pregnant woman Joseph is accused of hitting. She testified that her car broke down on the side of 390 and the impact caused her to have an emergency Caesarean section. Her baby was born four months early at just 2 pounds. The baby is now close to 20 pounds. But Sharp said her little girl has a lot of complications and goes to the doctor all the time.
The tape from the bar had not been played in court yet. Joseph's lawyers said the tape shows that he was not stumbling, not spilling his drinks and showed no lack of coordination, and they insist he was not doing cocaine.
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Other Information: http://www.whec.com/article/stories/S815722.shtml?cat=572
Right now, Nick Joseph, a sergeant with the Greece Police Department, is suspended with pay. He is facing many charges involved with a hit and run on 390 including vehicular assault and drug and alcohol charges.
The prosecutor said they have Nick Joseph on camera drinking heavily just 30 minutes before the crash. A witness testified that Nick Joseph went speeding by him on 390 just before the crash. The prosecutor said he was going at least 75 mph.
After the crash the same witness said he saw a bloody Joseph walk across 390 South and then up the ramp to Ridge Road. The prosecutor said Joseph just disappeared, somehow got home and didn't go to the hospital for another 11 hours.
Prosecutor Sandra Doorley said Joseph was drunk and high on cocaine. She said video from inside a bar shows Joseph had five hard drinks in less than an hour starting at 12:42 in the morning and going until 1:35 a.m. The video allegedly showed Joseph drinking a rum and Coke at 12:42 a.m., followed by a Jack Daniels and Coke at 12:57 a.m. He took a shot at 12:58 a.m. and another shot at 1:11 a.m. And finally another rum and Coke 25 minutes later. The crash happened just after 2 a.m.
Joseph’s lawyer said Joseph left the scene, “Because he didn't know what he was doing and they had no memory like he had no memory. He had a bad concussion. Bad head injury and had no memory of it.”
Alexis Sharp is the pregnant woman Joseph is accused of hitting. She testified that her car broke down on the side of 390 and the impact caused her to have an emergency Caesarean section. Her baby was born four months early at just 2 pounds. The baby is now close to 20 pounds. But Sharp said her little girl has a lot of complications and goes to the doctor all the time.
The tape from the bar had not been played in court yet. Joseph's lawyers said the tape shows that he was not stumbling, not spilling his drinks and showed no lack of coordination, and they insist he was not doing cocaine.
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Other Information: http://www.whec.com/article/stories/S815722.shtml?cat=572
Officer Shatoya Wright Accused of Aiding a Bank Robbery
COLUMBUS, Ga.
A Columbus patrol officer was placed on administrative leave after the FBI accused her of aiding a bank robbery.
Shatoya Wright was arrested Monday afternoon and charged with making false statements to the FBI.
Agents said a man charged with robbing a Wachovia Bank in Oct. 2007 told them Wright helped him steal $8,000 during the heist. Accused bank robber Odis Christopher Hallstock said Wright also helped him pass counterfeit $100 bills through the bank.
Columbus Police Chief Ricky Boren said Wright was hired 3 months after the robbery and passed all background checks.
Wright made her initial court appearance Tuesday and was released on $5,000 bond.
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http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/174/story/636241.html
A Columbus patrol officer was placed on administrative leave after the FBI accused her of aiding a bank robbery.
Shatoya Wright was arrested Monday afternoon and charged with making false statements to the FBI.
Agents said a man charged with robbing a Wachovia Bank in Oct. 2007 told them Wright helped him steal $8,000 during the heist. Accused bank robber Odis Christopher Hallstock said Wright also helped him pass counterfeit $100 bills through the bank.
Columbus Police Chief Ricky Boren said Wright was hired 3 months after the robbery and passed all background checks.
Wright made her initial court appearance Tuesday and was released on $5,000 bond.
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http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/174/story/636241.html
Nicholas Satchell will get $5000 After Officer Slams His Face into Brick Wall
YONKERS
A city man who accused a police officer of brutalizing him will get a $5,000 settlement from the city.
Nicholas Satchell, 31, an unemployed mechanic, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city alleging that a police officer slammed his face into a brick wall on Knowles Street on April 26, 2007.
Satchell was not arrested during the encounter.
Satchell said the civil trial occurred in October, but the jury could not reach a verdict.
U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald subsequently asked the two sides to reach a settlement, which Satchell said ultimately left him unsatisfied.
"This whole thing to me wasn't about money. I want charges to be pressed against that cop," Satchell said yesterday.
"I wanted that cop to go through what a normal person on the street would go through if they beat up somebody and got arrested."
Yonkers Deputy Corporation Counsel Mark Blanchard said the settlement did not mean the city acknowledged any wrongdoing by its police officers.
He said the city settled the matter to avoid the expense of repeating the trial.
The City Council approved Satchell's settlement Feb. 24.
Satchell could not identify the officer who he alleged hurt him, but court papers indicated that the officer's badge number was 526.
According to Satchell's federal complaint, he was walking on Knowles Street near Riverdale Avenue to meet a woman he was dating around 10 p.m. when a police vehicle approached and a police sergeant informed him that he matched the description of a robbery suspect.
Another police officer arrived, and Satchell was handcuffed and "aggressively" searched.
The lawsuit alleges that the second police officer slammed Satchell's head into a brick wall after he was handcuffed, causing cuts and bleeding to his face.
After receiving the injury, Satchell alleged that his assailant made a racist remark.
"I knew that you didn't rob anyone because if you did, you would have run, (racial epithet)," the lawsuit stated.
Satchell, who is black, said that after the officers let him go, he bought a camera to document his injuries.
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http://lohud.com/article/20090303/NEWS02/903030337/-1/SPORTS
A city man who accused a police officer of brutalizing him will get a $5,000 settlement from the city.
Nicholas Satchell, 31, an unemployed mechanic, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city alleging that a police officer slammed his face into a brick wall on Knowles Street on April 26, 2007.
Satchell was not arrested during the encounter.
Satchell said the civil trial occurred in October, but the jury could not reach a verdict.
U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald subsequently asked the two sides to reach a settlement, which Satchell said ultimately left him unsatisfied.
"This whole thing to me wasn't about money. I want charges to be pressed against that cop," Satchell said yesterday.
"I wanted that cop to go through what a normal person on the street would go through if they beat up somebody and got arrested."
Yonkers Deputy Corporation Counsel Mark Blanchard said the settlement did not mean the city acknowledged any wrongdoing by its police officers.
He said the city settled the matter to avoid the expense of repeating the trial.
The City Council approved Satchell's settlement Feb. 24.
Satchell could not identify the officer who he alleged hurt him, but court papers indicated that the officer's badge number was 526.
According to Satchell's federal complaint, he was walking on Knowles Street near Riverdale Avenue to meet a woman he was dating around 10 p.m. when a police vehicle approached and a police sergeant informed him that he matched the description of a robbery suspect.
Another police officer arrived, and Satchell was handcuffed and "aggressively" searched.
The lawsuit alleges that the second police officer slammed Satchell's head into a brick wall after he was handcuffed, causing cuts and bleeding to his face.
After receiving the injury, Satchell alleged that his assailant made a racist remark.
"I knew that you didn't rob anyone because if you did, you would have run, (racial epithet)," the lawsuit stated.
Satchell, who is black, said that after the officers let him go, he bought a camera to document his injuries.
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http://lohud.com/article/20090303/NEWS02/903030337/-1/SPORTS
Monday, March 02, 2009
Former Sheriff Jim Dorion Arrested on Warrant for Burglary
COEUR D'ALENE
Late Monday afternoon authorities confirmed they had tracked down former Nez Perce County Sheriff Jim Dorion to Louisiana after a nationwide arrest warrant was issued for him last Friday.
Dorion was arrested at 4:28 PM local time in the Caddo Parish in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was arrested by deputies from the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office and booked into the jail as "Jimmy Dorion" and was listed as an out of state fugitive.
He is wanted on three counts of accessory to burglary which were filed by the Idaho Attorney General's office last Friday. The Nez Perce County Court said early Monday it would not release the records related to the case until Dorion was found.
Sources close to the case however indicated that Dorion withheld information involving a burglary at Lewiston High School in June of 2006, a year after he took over as sheriff.
The Idaho Attorney General's Office began investigating Dorion last May after he was accused of misconduct. Around that same time Dorion went on paid medical leave for pancreatic cancer but was fired three months later from his post when he failed to prove his medical condition before the end of his 90-day medical leave from his post.
However Dorion's revelation last May that he had pancreatic cancer came as he was facing increasing scrutiny for on-the-job behavior that included failing to show up for work and falling off his horse while riding with the sheriff's posse at the Asotin County Parade.
The incident at the Asotin County parade led to Dorion confessing he had been "self-medicating" due to his cancer diagnosis which was never substantiated.
Dorion's successor, Sheriff Dale Buttrey, says he find the whole situation his predecessor is involved in is both a surprise and disgusting. Sheriff Buttrey said that if Dorion was brought to trial and found guilty he would be a disgrace to their office and law enforcement in general.
Buttrey said he's now working on restoring the public's trust.
Jury Awards $3 million for Mentally Ill Man who Died after being Tasered
HOUSTON
A Harris County jury on Monday awarded $3 million to the mother of a mentally ill man who died after he was shocked 18 times with a Taser gun and hogtied during an arrest four years ago.
Shirley Nagel sued four deputies with the Precinct One Constable's Office after they arrested her schizophrenic son, Joel Don Casey, in 2005 on a mental health warrant and he died.
Casey's death was later ruled a homicide. An autopsy concluded he died of psychotic delirium with physical restraint associated with heart disease.
The jury found three of the four deputies used unreasonable and excessive force during the arrest, the Houston Chronicle reported on its online edition Monday.
Nagel, 74, wept after the jury's verdict was read.
"The jurors were listening," she said. "We need a policy change. They really need to outlaw hogtying."
Nagel indicated she and others are forming an advocacy group to outlaw such restraint practices and to push for humane treatment of the mentally ill.
Assistant Harris County Attorney Frank Sanders said the deputies were not trying to hurt Casey, 52, or violate his constitutional rights. The county planned to appeal the verdict.
Casey was arrested in his mother's home. After he complained one of the handcuffs hurt him, deputies used a Taser on him multiple times, said Nagel's attorney, Kent Spence.
Casey was thrown down on the street and hogtied before one deputy dropped a knee on his neck and popped his head back, Spence said.
Sanders, who alleged that Casey was resisting the deputies, said the deputies have a dangerous job, doing 5,000 to 6,000 mental commitments a year.
A Harris County jury on Monday awarded $3 million to the mother of a mentally ill man who died after he was shocked 18 times with a Taser gun and hogtied during an arrest four years ago.
Shirley Nagel sued four deputies with the Precinct One Constable's Office after they arrested her schizophrenic son, Joel Don Casey, in 2005 on a mental health warrant and he died.
Casey's death was later ruled a homicide. An autopsy concluded he died of psychotic delirium with physical restraint associated with heart disease.
The jury found three of the four deputies used unreasonable and excessive force during the arrest, the Houston Chronicle reported on its online edition Monday.
Nagel, 74, wept after the jury's verdict was read.
"The jurors were listening," she said. "We need a policy change. They really need to outlaw hogtying."
Nagel indicated she and others are forming an advocacy group to outlaw such restraint practices and to push for humane treatment of the mentally ill.
Assistant Harris County Attorney Frank Sanders said the deputies were not trying to hurt Casey, 52, or violate his constitutional rights. The county planned to appeal the verdict.
Casey was arrested in his mother's home. After he complained one of the handcuffs hurt him, deputies used a Taser on him multiple times, said Nagel's attorney, Kent Spence.
Casey was thrown down on the street and hogtied before one deputy dropped a knee on his neck and popped his head back, Spence said.
Sanders, who alleged that Casey was resisting the deputies, said the deputies have a dangerous job, doing 5,000 to 6,000 mental commitments a year.
Fire Island's Reputation Under Scrutiny as Police Abuse Trial Begins
Fire Island's reputation as a safe getaway could come under scrutiny this week when a police abuse trial begins.
George Hesse, 40, the acting police chief of one of the island's main party towns, Ocean Beach, is charged with stomping a tourist so badly he needed emergency surgery.
Part-time Officer Arnold Hardman, 58, is accused of not telling paramedics the victim had been beaten and had instead overdosed on drugs.
Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota called them "thugs in police uniforms" and an example of "a police department gone wild."
The attack took place early on Aug. 28, 2005, after vacationing Samuel Gilberd, a Manhattan software exec, drunkenly threw a beer glass from a bar into the street. After he was given a summons for littering, he angrily kicked the station house door.
Hesse dragged Gilberd back into the station for a beating, Spota said, and when he was already unconcious, Hesse stomped on his mid-section so hard that he ruptured Gilberd's bladder.
Gilberd's wife, Kana Manglapus, found him out cold on the station house floor. He spent ten days in the hospital.
A week after the incident, the Ocean Beach cops filed charges of resisting arrest against Gilberd. They were later dismissed.
The chief and thee cops were indicted in 2007, a week after five officers he fired filed suit claiming he ran a corrupt department where cops routinely covered up police brutality.
When bringing the charges, Spota criticized Ocean Beach officials for quietly settling numerous police brutality lawsuits over the last two decades.
Over the last year, charges were dismissed against ex-NYPD officer William Emburey, 43. The fourth cop, Paul Carollo, 48, of Commack, has taken a plea in exchange for testifying.
Gilberd, who has also filed a $22 million civil suit against the village, has since moved to California but will return to testify.
Jury selection in Suffolk County Court in Riverhead will resume Tuesday.
George Hesse, 40, the acting police chief of one of the island's main party towns, Ocean Beach, is charged with stomping a tourist so badly he needed emergency surgery.
Part-time Officer Arnold Hardman, 58, is accused of not telling paramedics the victim had been beaten and had instead overdosed on drugs.
Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota called them "thugs in police uniforms" and an example of "a police department gone wild."
The attack took place early on Aug. 28, 2005, after vacationing Samuel Gilberd, a Manhattan software exec, drunkenly threw a beer glass from a bar into the street. After he was given a summons for littering, he angrily kicked the station house door.
Hesse dragged Gilberd back into the station for a beating, Spota said, and when he was already unconcious, Hesse stomped on his mid-section so hard that he ruptured Gilberd's bladder.
Gilberd's wife, Kana Manglapus, found him out cold on the station house floor. He spent ten days in the hospital.
A week after the incident, the Ocean Beach cops filed charges of resisting arrest against Gilberd. They were later dismissed.
The chief and thee cops were indicted in 2007, a week after five officers he fired filed suit claiming he ran a corrupt department where cops routinely covered up police brutality.
When bringing the charges, Spota criticized Ocean Beach officials for quietly settling numerous police brutality lawsuits over the last two decades.
Over the last year, charges were dismissed against ex-NYPD officer William Emburey, 43. The fourth cop, Paul Carollo, 48, of Commack, has taken a plea in exchange for testifying.
Gilberd, who has also filed a $22 million civil suit against the village, has since moved to California but will return to testify.
Jury selection in Suffolk County Court in Riverhead will resume Tuesday.
Minnesota Plaintiffs File Lawsuit Against Officers
Plaintiffs are suing for nearly $2 million in seven suits that name police, law enforcement agencies and the Twin Cities as defendants.
Plaintiffs who say they’ve been beaten, violated and robbed of their rights filed civil suits in federal court late last week, alleging significant misconduct during the Republican National Convention and seeking nearly $2 million in damages.
The suits, the first major action since the September convention, request damages ranging from $100,000 to $1 million, and name Ramsey County and its sheriff’s department, St. Paul and its police and Minneapolis and its police as defendants.
For example, a University of Minnesota employee alleges that she was singled out by law enforcement officers and strip-searched in front of men. Others claim unlawful suppression of both individuals and independent media.
Attorney Ted Dooley, who is representing seven of the plaintiffs who filed the cases, said he’s optimistic about his clients’ chances either in out-of-court settlements or before juries, should any of the cases make it to trial.
“The specifics in the cases vary as you’d expect, but the underlying harm is either the willful or blatantly ignorant attack of the people who were there to express political dissent,” he said. “There was an utter disregard for the right to do that.”
As a condition of hosting the RNC, the city of St. Paul requested the convention host committee pay the $1.1 million premium on a $10 million insurance policy that would cover suits stemming from RNC-related police action.
St. Paul City Attorney John Choi said the city has forwarded the lawsuits to the insurance company providing the policy.
“I expect that the insurance policy would cover the other defendants,” he said.
The insurance company will hire outside counsel to handle the defense of the defendants named in the suits.
Minneapolis spokesman Matt Laible said the city attorney’s office has not yet seen the suits against Minneapolis and also said it is policy not to comment on pending litigation.
The much-scrutinized Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department and St. Paul Police Department did not respond to requests for comment.
'I think it was meant to degrade me'
Plaintiffs who say they’ve been beaten, violated and robbed of their rights filed civil suits in federal court late last week, alleging significant misconduct during the Republican National Convention and seeking nearly $2 million in damages.
The suits, the first major action since the September convention, request damages ranging from $100,000 to $1 million, and name Ramsey County and its sheriff’s department, St. Paul and its police and Minneapolis and its police as defendants.
For example, a University of Minnesota employee alleges that she was singled out by law enforcement officers and strip-searched in front of men. Others claim unlawful suppression of both individuals and independent media.
Attorney Ted Dooley, who is representing seven of the plaintiffs who filed the cases, said he’s optimistic about his clients’ chances either in out-of-court settlements or before juries, should any of the cases make it to trial.
“The specifics in the cases vary as you’d expect, but the underlying harm is either the willful or blatantly ignorant attack of the people who were there to express political dissent,” he said. “There was an utter disregard for the right to do that.”
As a condition of hosting the RNC, the city of St. Paul requested the convention host committee pay the $1.1 million premium on a $10 million insurance policy that would cover suits stemming from RNC-related police action.
St. Paul City Attorney John Choi said the city has forwarded the lawsuits to the insurance company providing the policy.
“I expect that the insurance policy would cover the other defendants,” he said.
The insurance company will hire outside counsel to handle the defense of the defendants named in the suits.
Minneapolis spokesman Matt Laible said the city attorney’s office has not yet seen the suits against Minneapolis and also said it is policy not to comment on pending litigation.
The much-scrutinized Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department and St. Paul Police Department did not respond to requests for comment.
'I think it was meant to degrade me'
Michelle Gross, president of the civil rights group Communities United Against Police Brutality, also works as manager of staff training and development for University of Minnesota Physicians.
In her $250,000 suit, she alleges Ramsey County Sheriff’s deputies strip-searched her, and only her, in the presence of men during the Aug. 29 raid of a meeting space used by protesters.
Gross said she was compliant with the deputy, but believes she was targeted because she was wearing an anti-police brutality T-shirt and videotaping the raid.
She says the officer touched under her bra and around the top of her underwear while she was being merely detained, not arrested.
“I felt pretty weird about it at the time, but there was so much other weirdness going on,” Gross said. “The whole thing was surreal, it was just bizarre.”
The rented house that was raided was used only as a central point for protesters to meet and talk — First Amendment-protected activities, Gross said.
In addition to the monetary damages she’s seeking, Gross also said she hopes her suit forces policy changes.
“I want them to not do this to anybody else,” she said. “I think it was a power move and I think was meant to degrade me.”
'This series of attacks on free speech…'
Protester Jason Johnson of Oakland, Calif., filed a $1 million suit against the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, and more than a dozen officers from the two departments.
Officers at a protest in Mears Park on Sept. 2, the second day of the convention, plucked Johnson from a crowd of protesters and used a Taser on him.
Afterward, according to the suit, Johnson raised his hands and offered no resistance. Police continued to repeatedly use the Taser on Johnson.
The suit states Johnson required medical attention for seven separate Taser wounds and was bloodied during “the battery.” He also reportedly suffered “severe emotional distress” and requires “continuing medical care for the trauma of the unlawful tasering .”
Johnson said the police action was unprovoked.
“At all times relevant to this lawsuit, [he] acted peaceably and in a law-abiding fashion before he was tasered,” the suit reads.
Though the incident in question happened in downtown St. Paul, the city of Minneapolis is also named in the suit because some officers from its police department were involved.
'…and particularly on our freedom of the press'
Wendy Binion of Portland, Ore., came to the RNC as a journalist for Portland Indymedia. She filed a $100,000 suit against the city of St. Paul and more than a dozen St. Paul police officers who took her into custody during the same Mears Park protest where police used a Taser on Johnson.
She was one of the first people arrested at the start of an evening that would hours later culminate in police using tear gas, concussion grenades and “less-lethal” projectiles.
The diminutive Binion questioned the force of multiple riot gear-clad police that handled her. Police also seized the camera she was using to videotape the demonstration and other personal effects.
She was initially charged with a riot-related felony, but that was dismissed. She faces no charges now, but she said she’s heard she’s under investigation for criminal conspiracy to commit riot, a probe that could be open for several years.
Binion said she was peacefully carrying out her duties as a journalist, but was targeted because she is part of the independent media.
Police took her camera and by the time she got it back, Binion said, it was damaged.
“They were taking away people’s right to document their own history,” she said.
Attorney Dooley said the police force at the RNC, made up of more than 100 different law enforcement entities that signed joint-powers agreements, “coordinated this series of attacks on free speech and particularly freedom of the press.”
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Officer Douglas Whitten Charged with Drunk Driving after Hitting Bus
LOWER TOWNSHIP
A veteran township police officer was charged with driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident early Saturday after he allegedly sideswiped an NJ Transit bus.
Police were called to an accident in Town Bank around 1:40 a.m. A driver for NJ Transit said the bus was traveling west on Town Bank Road near Bayshore Road when an oncoming gray pickup truck swerved into the westbound lane and sideswiped the bus.
The truck then drove away, police said. Neither the two passengers aboard nor the bus driver were injured. The bus sustained minor damage and did not have to be towed.
Officers began to search the area for a truck with front-end damage. About four hours later, police Sgt. John Chew saw scrape marks gouged in the pavement on Crawford Road that led to a home. Parked there was a gray pickup truck with heavy front-end damage.
The truck was registered to Lower Township Police Officer Douglas Whitten, 44. Investigators spoke to Whitten and took him to the police station where an alcohol breath test was administered.
Police charged Whitten with drunk driving, leaving the scene of an accident and failing to report an accident. The department immediately suspended Whitten, a 14-year veteran with Lower Township. The department also notified the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office about the arrest of a police officer.
In a statement, Police Chief Ed Donohue said he was disappointed with the officer, adding that Whitten had served Lower Township well for 14 years.
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http://www.nbc40.net/view_story.php?id=8460
A veteran township police officer was charged with driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident early Saturday after he allegedly sideswiped an NJ Transit bus.
Police were called to an accident in Town Bank around 1:40 a.m. A driver for NJ Transit said the bus was traveling west on Town Bank Road near Bayshore Road when an oncoming gray pickup truck swerved into the westbound lane and sideswiped the bus.
The truck then drove away, police said. Neither the two passengers aboard nor the bus driver were injured. The bus sustained minor damage and did not have to be towed.
Officers began to search the area for a truck with front-end damage. About four hours later, police Sgt. John Chew saw scrape marks gouged in the pavement on Crawford Road that led to a home. Parked there was a gray pickup truck with heavy front-end damage.
The truck was registered to Lower Township Police Officer Douglas Whitten, 44. Investigators spoke to Whitten and took him to the police station where an alcohol breath test was administered.
Police charged Whitten with drunk driving, leaving the scene of an accident and failing to report an accident. The department immediately suspended Whitten, a 14-year veteran with Lower Township. The department also notified the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office about the arrest of a police officer.
In a statement, Police Chief Ed Donohue said he was disappointed with the officer, adding that Whitten had served Lower Township well for 14 years.
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http://www.nbc40.net/view_story.php?id=8460
Officer Michael Brown Accused of Drunk Driving
Another Schenectady city police officer has been arrested, tacking on to the department's ever-growing list of members who have gotten into trouble with the law.
This latest arrest involved 27-year-old officer Michael R. Brown of Pattersonville, who allegedly drove drunk on Sunday night before rear-ending another vehicle at Route 9 and Osborne Rd. in Colonie, said Colonie Det. Lt. John Van Alstyne.
Brown sustained injury to his head in the crash, which occurred at around 10:30 p.m.. He was off-duty and driving his 2005 Toyota pickup truck, said Lt. Van Alstyne.
He continued to drive after hitting the car, then stopped about two-tenths of a mile down the road, said Lt. Van Alstyne.
Brown refused a breathalyzer test at the scene. He faces misdemeanor charges of driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.
He was treated at the scene and released for a cut to his head. A passenger in the car Brown struck was also treated for a non life-threatening injury,.
Brown, who's been with the Schenectady Police Department since 2004, has been suspended from the force for 30 days without pay. The department's professional standards unit has initiated an internal investigation, said a spokesperson.
The department was recently restructured, adding two non-union management positions of assistant police chief and captain of internal affairs, as part of a move to shake up an agency that's become increasingly blemished with reports of troubled officers.
Said Commissioner Wayne Bennett, "The majority of the Schenectady Police Officers conduct themselves in compliance with all laws as well as department rules and regulations. Regrettably, a few officers continue to refuse to abide by these mandates. In such cases, where evidence corroborates non-compliance, I will utilize my authority as disciplinary officer to assess penalties, including termination where appropriate, to put an end to this behavior and further criticism of the Schenectady Police Department. The case of Patrolman Michael R. Brown will be handled consistent with this policy."
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Officer Steven Mohseninia Arrested for DUI After Head-on Crash with Deputy
CANTON, Ohio
An off-duty Akron auxiliary police officer was arrested Sunday on suspicion of driving under the influence after he ran head-on into an on-duty Summity County deputy.
The crash occurred on Arlington Road just north of state Route 619 in the city of Green.
The off-duty Akron auxiliary police officer, Steven R. Mohseninia, was driving his personal vehicle. He made a left turn in front of on-duty Summit County deputy, Michael J. Walsh, who was driving a marked police car. The two vehicles hit head-on causing both vehicles to drive off the roadway.
Walsh received minor injuries as a result of the crash. He was taken to Akron City Hospital. He was treated and released.
Mohseninia was driving a black 2008 Honda Accord. After the crash, he was placed under arrest on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol. He was taken to the Canton Post of the State Highway Patrol Post where he refused to take a breath test.
All traffic and criminal related charges are pending final review.
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http://www.ohio.com/error?url=http%3A//www.ohio.com/news/break_news/40507517.html
An off-duty Akron auxiliary police officer was arrested Sunday on suspicion of driving under the influence after he ran head-on into an on-duty Summity County deputy.
The crash occurred on Arlington Road just north of state Route 619 in the city of Green.
The off-duty Akron auxiliary police officer, Steven R. Mohseninia, was driving his personal vehicle. He made a left turn in front of on-duty Summit County deputy, Michael J. Walsh, who was driving a marked police car. The two vehicles hit head-on causing both vehicles to drive off the roadway.
Walsh received minor injuries as a result of the crash. He was taken to Akron City Hospital. He was treated and released.
Mohseninia was driving a black 2008 Honda Accord. After the crash, he was placed under arrest on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol. He was taken to the Canton Post of the State Highway Patrol Post where he refused to take a breath test.
All traffic and criminal related charges are pending final review.
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http://www.ohio.com/error?url=http%3A//www.ohio.com/news/break_news/40507517.html
Robert Lee Welch Dies After Being Tasered
A man died shortly after sheriff's deputies used a Taser on him at his Montgomery County home Saturday, authorities said.
Deputies received a call about 7 a.m. of a possible suicide attempt at a residence in the 6500 block of Golden Oaks Drive. Robert Lee Welch, 40, had been pushing people there and would not respond to family members, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office said.
Deputies approached and tried to talk to Welch, who was not wearing clothing, authorities said. When Welch wouldn't respond, deputies tried to detain the man, who resisted and struggled, authorities said.
Deputies then used a Taser to help control the man, authorities said. Paramedics at the scene began treating Welch, who was not breathing and did not have a pulse.
Welch was taken to a Conroe hospital, where he died. An autopsy will be conducted at the Southeast Texas Forensic Center to determine the cause of death.
The incident is being investigated by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit, Texas Rangers as well as the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.
Tasers, which can deliver a 50,000-volt electrical charge, have drawn controversy across the country. Montgomery County added Tasers to its arsenal in 2006 through federal grants.
The Houston Police Department started using Tasers in 2004. A Houston Chronicle analysis showed that HPD officers deployed their Tasers 1,724 times between December 2004 and May 2008, triggering 69 internal affairs investigations.
Critics worry that the weapons are often used on people who have not committed crimes.
Deputies received a call about 7 a.m. of a possible suicide attempt at a residence in the 6500 block of Golden Oaks Drive. Robert Lee Welch, 40, had been pushing people there and would not respond to family members, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office said.
Deputies approached and tried to talk to Welch, who was not wearing clothing, authorities said. When Welch wouldn't respond, deputies tried to detain the man, who resisted and struggled, authorities said.
Deputies then used a Taser to help control the man, authorities said. Paramedics at the scene began treating Welch, who was not breathing and did not have a pulse.
Welch was taken to a Conroe hospital, where he died. An autopsy will be conducted at the Southeast Texas Forensic Center to determine the cause of death.
The incident is being investigated by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit, Texas Rangers as well as the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.
Tasers, which can deliver a 50,000-volt electrical charge, have drawn controversy across the country. Montgomery County added Tasers to its arsenal in 2006 through federal grants.
The Houston Police Department started using Tasers in 2004. A Houston Chronicle analysis showed that HPD officers deployed their Tasers 1,724 times between December 2004 and May 2008, triggering 69 internal affairs investigations.
Critics worry that the weapons are often used on people who have not committed crimes.
Corrections Officer Lon Sainato Charged with Sexual Assault
MORRISTOWN
A Morris County corrections officer was charged with sexual assault and official misconduct after detectives said he coerced a man performing community service into allowing the officer to perform a sex act on him, Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi announced Sunday.
Lon Sainato, 52, of Whippany, was charged Sunday and remains in the Sussex County Jail in lieu of $250,000 bail set by Superior Court Judge Salem Ahto.
The alleged act took place on Feb. 22 at the Cedar Knolls Fire House, while the victim was performing his community service and while Sainato was supervising him in his official capacity as a law-enforcement officer, Bianchi said.
The victim, 30, was ordered to perform 60 days on the Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program (SLAP), a community-service program run by the Morris County Sheriff’s Department. As a SLAP inmate, the victim is on probation and/or parole and is institutionally detained on those days on which he serves his SLAP sentence.
Bianchi stated that the investigation was conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes Unit, Professional Standards Unit, and Special Enforcement Unit in cooperation with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Facility Internal Affairs Unit.
“The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office has investigated and will now prosecute another public official who has violated their oath of office, and abused the privilege of honorably serving the public,” Bianchi said in a statement provided by his office.
“This officer brought shame and dishonor to himself but not to an otherwise honorable profession and well-run agency. Throughout this investigation Morris County Sheriff Edward V. Rochford, Undersheriff Ralph McGrane, Warden Frank Corrente and the Correctional Facility Internal Affairs staff fully cooperated and assisted in this investigation. I continue to have full confidence in the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Facility. The conduct of this officer in no way is reflective of the department as a whole.”
“If these allegations are proven, this officer is a disgrace to his profession,” Sheriff Edward Rochford said. “He had control over another person and completely violated the public trust. There is no place in law enforcement for anyone who is alleged to have acted in such a reprehensible way. The Prosecutor’s Office moved swiftly on this, and I thank them for getting this person off the street. Officer Sainato has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of his court hearing.”
Sainato was hired by Morris County in 1996. He has been assigned to the Sheriff’s Labor assistance program for the past 10 years. His annual salary is $73,000, Rochford said.
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http://www.ohio.com/error?url=http%3A//www.ohio.com/news/break_news/40507517.html
A Morris County corrections officer was charged with sexual assault and official misconduct after detectives said he coerced a man performing community service into allowing the officer to perform a sex act on him, Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi announced Sunday.
Lon Sainato, 52, of Whippany, was charged Sunday and remains in the Sussex County Jail in lieu of $250,000 bail set by Superior Court Judge Salem Ahto.
The alleged act took place on Feb. 22 at the Cedar Knolls Fire House, while the victim was performing his community service and while Sainato was supervising him in his official capacity as a law-enforcement officer, Bianchi said.
The victim, 30, was ordered to perform 60 days on the Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program (SLAP), a community-service program run by the Morris County Sheriff’s Department. As a SLAP inmate, the victim is on probation and/or parole and is institutionally detained on those days on which he serves his SLAP sentence.
Bianchi stated that the investigation was conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes Unit, Professional Standards Unit, and Special Enforcement Unit in cooperation with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Facility Internal Affairs Unit.
“The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office has investigated and will now prosecute another public official who has violated their oath of office, and abused the privilege of honorably serving the public,” Bianchi said in a statement provided by his office.
“This officer brought shame and dishonor to himself but not to an otherwise honorable profession and well-run agency. Throughout this investigation Morris County Sheriff Edward V. Rochford, Undersheriff Ralph McGrane, Warden Frank Corrente and the Correctional Facility Internal Affairs staff fully cooperated and assisted in this investigation. I continue to have full confidence in the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Facility. The conduct of this officer in no way is reflective of the department as a whole.”
“If these allegations are proven, this officer is a disgrace to his profession,” Sheriff Edward Rochford said. “He had control over another person and completely violated the public trust. There is no place in law enforcement for anyone who is alleged to have acted in such a reprehensible way. The Prosecutor’s Office moved swiftly on this, and I thank them for getting this person off the street. Officer Sainato has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of his court hearing.”
Sainato was hired by Morris County in 1996. He has been assigned to the Sheriff’s Labor assistance program for the past 10 years. His annual salary is $73,000, Rochford said.
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http://www.ohio.com/error?url=http%3A//www.ohio.com/news/break_news/40507517.html
Two NYPD Officers Accused of Raping Drunk Woman
A police officer is being investigated in the rape of an East Village woman he escorted home after being told she was too drunk to stand, law enforcement sources said.
The officer and his partner came to the woman after a cab driver called 911 on Dec. 7, telling cops she had vomited in his car and couldn't find cab fare, the source said.
Law enforcement sources said they had surveillance video from the victim's apartment building showing the two cops helping the drunken woman inside and returning to the building a second time more than a half hour later. The woman reported the rape to the Manhattan district attorney's office, where officials are currently investigating the complaint, the source said.
Both cops, whose names were not released, were stripped of their guns and badges and placed on modified desk duty.
A lawyer for one of the officers, Stephen Worth, declined to comment.
NYPD Internal Affairs investigators searched both cops' lockers and found one packet of heroin.
The officer accused of rape told colleagues he had forgotten to voucher the drugs after confiscating them in a separate case.
Both cops were given drug tests and passed.
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http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/03/02/04/0659-82/index.xml
The officer and his partner came to the woman after a cab driver called 911 on Dec. 7, telling cops she had vomited in his car and couldn't find cab fare, the source said.
Law enforcement sources said they had surveillance video from the victim's apartment building showing the two cops helping the drunken woman inside and returning to the building a second time more than a half hour later. The woman reported the rape to the Manhattan district attorney's office, where officials are currently investigating the complaint, the source said.
Both cops, whose names were not released, were stripped of their guns and badges and placed on modified desk duty.
A lawyer for one of the officers, Stephen Worth, declined to comment.
NYPD Internal Affairs investigators searched both cops' lockers and found one packet of heroin.
The officer accused of rape told colleagues he had forgotten to voucher the drugs after confiscating them in a separate case.
Both cops were given drug tests and passed.
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http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/03/02/04/0659-82/index.xml
Officer Javier Alonzo Arrested for Aggravated Sexual Assault
Update:
EL PASO, Tx.
An El Paso police officer is under arrest for Aggravated Sexual Assault against a woman.
Police say they began investigating the accusation against 16-year veteran officer Javier Alonzo on Tuesday. They found probable cause and issued an arrest warrant for Alonzo, however, he fled El Paso before officers could arrest him.
According to a news release from EPPD, U.S. Marshal's nabbed Alonzo in Austin and turned him over to Austin police. He is now being escorted back to El Paso.
Authorities have not released any details on the alleged attack; however, police chief Greg Allen has ordered the termination of Alonzo.
Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2009/02/veteran-officer-javier-alonzo-arrested.html
EL PASO, Tx.
An El Paso police officer is under arrest for Aggravated Sexual Assault against a woman.
Police say they began investigating the accusation against 16-year veteran officer Javier Alonzo on Tuesday. They found probable cause and issued an arrest warrant for Alonzo, however, he fled El Paso before officers could arrest him.
According to a news release from EPPD, U.S. Marshal's nabbed Alonzo in Austin and turned him over to Austin police. He is now being escorted back to El Paso.
Authorities have not released any details on the alleged attack; however, police chief Greg Allen has ordered the termination of Alonzo.
Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2009/02/veteran-officer-javier-alonzo-arrested.html
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