A man taken into the Harford County Detention Center Friday night died after police say they were forced to tase him when he began fighting with officers.
On Thursday night Harford County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 48-year-old Dwight Madison for trespassing. At around 1:30 the next morning, deputies tried to fingerprint Madison when they say he became uncooperative. Madison was then placed in a holding cell. A few hours later, shortly after 9 a.m., police say they tried again to fingerprint Madison.
Police say Madison fought with deputies and even tried to choke one of them. After a lengthy struggle one of the officers deployed a TASER, striking Madison in the upper leg. Madison fell to the floor and hit his head.
An ambulance was called to the jail and Madison was taken to Upper Chesapeake Medical Center for treatment. He died Saturday.
One of the officers was also treated for minor injuries.
The incident remains under investigation.
_______________________
http://www.daggerpress.com/2009/06/14/prisoner-dies-at-detention-center-after-being-tasered/
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Officer Michael Ficken Charged with Misconduct
A Prior Lake police officer was charged today with misconduct by an officer and three misdemeanor crimes after he allegedly ran the license plate of a car that was parked at the home of his former girlfriend, then caused a disturbance after finding her and a man in her bedroom.
Michael A. Ficken, 34, of Prior Lake, was charged in Scott County District Court with one count each of misconduct by a public officer, which is a gross misdemeanor, as well as misdemeanor disorderly conduct, damage to property and fifth-degree assault.
Court papers say that on June 10, while he was on duty, Ficken went to the home owned by a woman in Prior Lake, where he once lived. He had been given until June 15 to move out his belongings. Ficken had a key and always had contacted the woman who owns the residence before going there, according to court papers. This time, however, he did not call before arriving.
When he saw a car he did not recognize in the driveway, he ran the plate, then entered the house to try to contact the woman. He allegedly broke down a bedroom door as the woman tried to hold it shut, then yelled at her and a man who also was in the room. Ficken was in uniform and was wearing his gun and Taser at the time. He did not draw the weapons, though he placed his hand on his gun, court papers say.
Because of a potential conflict of interest, the case is being prosecuted by the Dakota County attorney's office. Ficken was released from jail on his own recognizance today after appearing in Scott County District Court.
______________________
http://kstp.com/news/stories/S976524.shtml?cat=1
Michael A. Ficken, 34, of Prior Lake, was charged in Scott County District Court with one count each of misconduct by a public officer, which is a gross misdemeanor, as well as misdemeanor disorderly conduct, damage to property and fifth-degree assault.
Court papers say that on June 10, while he was on duty, Ficken went to the home owned by a woman in Prior Lake, where he once lived. He had been given until June 15 to move out his belongings. Ficken had a key and always had contacted the woman who owns the residence before going there, according to court papers. This time, however, he did not call before arriving.
When he saw a car he did not recognize in the driveway, he ran the plate, then entered the house to try to contact the woman. He allegedly broke down a bedroom door as the woman tried to hold it shut, then yelled at her and a man who also was in the room. Ficken was in uniform and was wearing his gun and Taser at the time. He did not draw the weapons, though he placed his hand on his gun, court papers say.
Because of a potential conflict of interest, the case is being prosecuted by the Dakota County attorney's office. Ficken was released from jail on his own recognizance today after appearing in Scott County District Court.
______________________
http://kstp.com/news/stories/S976524.shtml?cat=1
Former Deputy Rodney Thompson Accused of Stalking
A former Campbell County and Bedford County sheriff’s deputy accused of stalking was denied bond in Lynchburg Circuit Court Friday morning after appealing his conviction in general district court.
Late last month, Rodney Thompson, 35, of Forest, was sentenced to four months in jail for stalking a woman with whom he had an off-again-on-again relationship for seven years.
He would have been released from jail June 6 with time served since early April and credit for good behavior, his attorney, Joseph Sanzone said during Friday’s bond hearing.
After Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Jennifer Bennett told Judge Leyburn Mosby that Thompson had threatened the woman’s life, however, Mosby said Thompson should remain jailed until he can be scheduled for a jury trial in early July.
“The court can’t take chances with people’s lives,” Mosby said.
An additional charge of stalking filed earlier in Campbell County, covering much of the same February-through-April time period as the Lynchburg charge, was dropped by prosecutors there Friday pending the resolution of the Lynchburg case.
Officer Jose Diaz Arrested for Assaulting Daughter
A Springfield police officer is under arrest for allegedly assaulting his daughter.
Police arrived at 45 year old Jose Diaz's Roosevelt Ave. home late Friday afternoon for a routine assault and battery call.
When it ended, Diaz was taken away and booked at the station where he would normally report to work for the midnight shift.
Diaz is accused of assault and battery. Police say he inflicted minor scratches on his 19 year old daughter.
Police say, this is the first time Diaz has been in trouble with the law.
_________________________
http://wbztv.com/wireapnewsfma/Police.Officer.accused.2.1045831.html
Police arrived at 45 year old Jose Diaz's Roosevelt Ave. home late Friday afternoon for a routine assault and battery call.
When it ended, Diaz was taken away and booked at the station where he would normally report to work for the midnight shift.
Diaz is accused of assault and battery. Police say he inflicted minor scratches on his 19 year old daughter.
Police say, this is the first time Diaz has been in trouble with the law.
_________________________
http://wbztv.com/wireapnewsfma/Police.Officer.accused.2.1045831.html
Officer Joseph Edward Wild Charged with Harassment
A Portland Police officer charged with making harassing phone calls appeared in court Monday.
Portland Police Officer Joseph Edward Wild, 28, is accused of using his bureau-issued cell phone to make harassing phone calls to women.
According to a probable cause statement, Wild faces 41 counts of official misconduct and 19 counts of telephone harassment. Wild was arrested Friday.
At Wild's court appearance Monday, protesters who didn’t even know Officer Wild showed up to stand up for those who may have been victimized.
“I wouldn’t want to be in her (the victim’s) position. Whoever he was bothering and bugging, it’s not okay,“ said Marie Suttle.
The case is so sensitive that Portland police only told reporters that a woman has come forward to say Officer Wild was harassing her over the phone. But new documents released accuse Officer Wild of using his police cell phone to harass at least two women -- including an underage girl.
“Chief Sizer and the Portland Police Bureau will release as much information as possible in an effort to be fully transparent when the Bureau is able to do so,” spokeswoman Mary Wheat said.
No other officers were aware of the conduct, police said.
“Everyone I talked to at North Precinct remembers the man in the police car next to him going on calls for service and find it difficult that these allegations can be true, “Said Scott Westerman, spokesman with the Portland Police Association.
Portland Police Officer Joseph Edward Wild, 28, is accused of using his bureau-issued cell phone to make harassing phone calls to women.
According to a probable cause statement, Wild faces 41 counts of official misconduct and 19 counts of telephone harassment. Wild was arrested Friday.
At Wild's court appearance Monday, protesters who didn’t even know Officer Wild showed up to stand up for those who may have been victimized.
“I wouldn’t want to be in her (the victim’s) position. Whoever he was bothering and bugging, it’s not okay,“ said Marie Suttle.
The case is so sensitive that Portland police only told reporters that a woman has come forward to say Officer Wild was harassing her over the phone. But new documents released accuse Officer Wild of using his police cell phone to harass at least two women -- including an underage girl.
“Chief Sizer and the Portland Police Bureau will release as much information as possible in an effort to be fully transparent when the Bureau is able to do so,” spokeswoman Mary Wheat said.
No other officers were aware of the conduct, police said.
“Everyone I talked to at North Precinct remembers the man in the police car next to him going on calls for service and find it difficult that these allegations can be true, “Said Scott Westerman, spokesman with the Portland Police Association.
Wild was scheduled to be back in court Thursday morning, and more charges were possible in the case.
_________________________
Update: http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_080409_news_portland_officer_calls_resigns.aaf4e432.html
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/06/portland_police_officer_charge.html
Officer Christopher Bond Arrested for trying to Buy Meth
State Police say Town of Pulaski police officer Christopher Bond was arrested Thursday, while trying to buy meth in Wythe County.
Bond faces three charges:
One count of attempting to possess meth (A Class 5 felony)
One count of attempting to possess loritab (Class one misdemeanor)
One count of knowingly or intentionally possessing marijuana (Class one misdemeanor)
In a news release Pulaski Police Chief G.W. Roche says Bond has been suspended from duty and an internal affairs investigation has been started.
Chief Roche said Bond has been with the department for two years, and was a police officer before joining the department.
Roche added, "I am very disappointed that this incident has occurred but I am grateful to the Virginia State Police and the Wythe Co. Sheriff’s Office for their consideration in notifying me of the investigation and their professionalism in processing this case."
___________________
http://www.roanoke.com/news/nrv/wb/208314
Bond faces three charges:
One count of attempting to possess meth (A Class 5 felony)
One count of attempting to possess loritab (Class one misdemeanor)
One count of knowingly or intentionally possessing marijuana (Class one misdemeanor)
In a news release Pulaski Police Chief G.W. Roche says Bond has been suspended from duty and an internal affairs investigation has been started.
Chief Roche said Bond has been with the department for two years, and was a police officer before joining the department.
Roche added, "I am very disappointed that this incident has occurred but I am grateful to the Virginia State Police and the Wythe Co. Sheriff’s Office for their consideration in notifying me of the investigation and their professionalism in processing this case."
___________________
http://www.roanoke.com/news/nrv/wb/208314
Friday, June 12, 2009
Officer Kenneth Kapton Accused of Firing Gun into Air While Drunk
A Swissvale police officer resigned after being accused of firing a gun into the air behind his Penn Hills residence while intoxicated.
Kenneth Kapton, 57, handed in his letter of resignation to Swissvale Council on Wednesday night.
Kapton is charged with two counts of prohibited acts related to marijuana police seized from his home, disorderly conduct and violating a municipal ordinance prohibiting firearms and air guns, according to a criminal complaint.
Following the May 7 incident, Kapton underwent a psychological evaluation and was placed on administrative leave, officials said.
Kapton is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on July 6.
Kenneth Kapton, 57, handed in his letter of resignation to Swissvale Council on Wednesday night.
Kapton is charged with two counts of prohibited acts related to marijuana police seized from his home, disorderly conduct and violating a municipal ordinance prohibiting firearms and air guns, according to a criminal complaint.
Following the May 7 incident, Kapton underwent a psychological evaluation and was placed on administrative leave, officials said.
Kapton is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on July 6.
Officer Joseph Rios III Suspended After Caught on Tape Beating Man
A northern New Jersey police officer suspended after being caught on a videotape beating an unarmed man said Wednesday he did nothing wrong.
"I did what was proper," Passaic Officer Joseph Rios III said at a news conference at the office of his attorney, Anthony Iacullo. "I did what I was trained to do under the circumstances that existed at that time. I stand by my actions."
In the video, parts of which have been shown on television and on the Internet, Rios is seen throwing 49-year-old Ronnie Holloway against the hood of his police car and then to the ground, and appears to punch him and hit him with his baton. Holloway appears to be offering little resistance.
According to Iacullo, the video doesn't show what happened earlier. He declined to be specific other than to say that Holloway's words, actions and demeanor justified Rios' actions. The video, taken from a nearby surveillance camera, has no sound.
____________
Video: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=7773867&page=1
For More Information: http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/state/new_jersey/20090610_ap_njofficerinrecordedbeatingdenieswrongdoing.html
"I did what was proper," Passaic Officer Joseph Rios III said at a news conference at the office of his attorney, Anthony Iacullo. "I did what I was trained to do under the circumstances that existed at that time. I stand by my actions."
In the video, parts of which have been shown on television and on the Internet, Rios is seen throwing 49-year-old Ronnie Holloway against the hood of his police car and then to the ground, and appears to punch him and hit him with his baton. Holloway appears to be offering little resistance.
According to Iacullo, the video doesn't show what happened earlier. He declined to be specific other than to say that Holloway's words, actions and demeanor justified Rios' actions. The video, taken from a nearby surveillance camera, has no sound.
____________
Video: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=7773867&page=1
For More Information: http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/state/new_jersey/20090610_ap_njofficerinrecordedbeatingdenieswrongdoing.html
Officer William Cozzi Sentence to 40 Months for Beating Handcuffed Man
A Chicago cop who was caught on tape beating a man handcuffed to a wheelchair received a 40 month sentence today.
William Cozzi, a Chicago cop, became angry with Randy Miles who was shackled to a wheelchair in a hospital, after Miles was verbally rude. Cozzi's beating of Miles was captured on tape, as well as witnessed by numerous bystanders. Cozzi was prosecuted in state court, where he received no jail time. He was due to return to the Chicago police force after a 2 year suspension, however Cozzi was also indicted on Federal charges related to the beating. Cozzi plead guilty, and was sentenced today to 40 months in prison. He is scheduled to report to Federal prison on August 6th, 2009.
________________________
Information: http://www.enewspf.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8153:chicago-police-officer-sentenced-to-40-months-in-prison-for-violating-federal-civil-rights-of-a-man-confined-in-a-wheelchair&catid=88888909&Itemid=88888905
William Cozzi, a Chicago cop, became angry with Randy Miles who was shackled to a wheelchair in a hospital, after Miles was verbally rude. Cozzi's beating of Miles was captured on tape, as well as witnessed by numerous bystanders. Cozzi was prosecuted in state court, where he received no jail time. He was due to return to the Chicago police force after a 2 year suspension, however Cozzi was also indicted on Federal charges related to the beating. Cozzi plead guilty, and was sentenced today to 40 months in prison. He is scheduled to report to Federal prison on August 6th, 2009.
________________________
Information: http://www.enewspf.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8153:chicago-police-officer-sentenced-to-40-months-in-prison-for-violating-federal-civil-rights-of-a-man-confined-in-a-wheelchair&catid=88888909&Itemid=88888905
Former Officer Jason Carey Hughes Arrested for Illegal Use of Database
A former law enforcement officer was arrested on Thursday for the illegal use of state computer databases.
Former Headland Police officer Jason Carey Hughes is accused of tapping into law enforcement tactical system software to obtain criminal records. Those records weren't used for official police business.
He was arrested by officers with the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center and taken to the Henry County Jail.
"The LETS system is an invaluable tool for law enforcement, and the information it contains is privileged, confidential and is protected by law," said Maury Mitchell, ACJIC Director. "We take the use of LETS for reasons other than legitimate law enforcement or criminal justice purposes seriously, and will aggressively investigate and seek prosecution whenever it is misused."
Charges:
One count of unauthorized use of a computer to obtain criminal records of individuals through the Law Enforcement Tactical System (LETS), which is the property of the ACJIC. This is a violation of Code of Alabama Section 13A-8-102(a), a class A misdemeanor, and is punishable by up to 12 months imprisonment and a fine of up to $6,000; and
One count of unauthorized disclosure of computerized criminal records obtained through the Law Enforcement Tactical System, which is the property of the ACJIC. This is a violation of Code of Alabama Section 13A-8-102(c), a class A misdemeanor, and is punishable by up to 12 monthsimprisonment and a fine of up to $6,000.
_______________________
http://www.wtvynews4.com/home/headlines/47920907.html
Former Headland Police officer Jason Carey Hughes is accused of tapping into law enforcement tactical system software to obtain criminal records. Those records weren't used for official police business.
He was arrested by officers with the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center and taken to the Henry County Jail.
"The LETS system is an invaluable tool for law enforcement, and the information it contains is privileged, confidential and is protected by law," said Maury Mitchell, ACJIC Director. "We take the use of LETS for reasons other than legitimate law enforcement or criminal justice purposes seriously, and will aggressively investigate and seek prosecution whenever it is misused."
Charges:
One count of unauthorized use of a computer to obtain criminal records of individuals through the Law Enforcement Tactical System (LETS), which is the property of the ACJIC. This is a violation of Code of Alabama Section 13A-8-102(a), a class A misdemeanor, and is punishable by up to 12 months imprisonment and a fine of up to $6,000; and
One count of unauthorized disclosure of computerized criminal records obtained through the Law Enforcement Tactical System, which is the property of the ACJIC. This is a violation of Code of Alabama Section 13A-8-102(c), a class A misdemeanor, and is punishable by up to 12 monthsimprisonment and a fine of up to $6,000.
_______________________
http://www.wtvynews4.com/home/headlines/47920907.html
Officer William Greenwood Charged with Sexually Assaulting Underaged Family Member
A Chicago Police officer was ordered held on $350,000 bond Tuesday after being charged with the criminal sexual assault of a teenage girl.
Officer William Greenwood, 43, is a nine-year veteran of the police force, according to police News Affairs. He has been relieved of his police powers.
He was arrested Wednesday and charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault for the attack on an underage family member, according to police.
_________________
Video & Picture: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6860257&rss=rss-espnChicago-wls-article-6860257
Officer William Greenwood, 43, is a nine-year veteran of the police force, according to police News Affairs. He has been relieved of his police powers.
He was arrested Wednesday and charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault for the attack on an underage family member, according to police.
_________________
Video & Picture: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6860257&rss=rss-espnChicago-wls-article-6860257
Cpl Eddie Smith Jr Charged with Trying to Rob Bank
A 16-year veteran of the Prince George's County Police Department has been charged with allegedly trying to rob a bank early Wednesday morning, acting as a lookout — dressed in his police uniform — while another man tried to saw into the bank's vault.
Cpl. Eddie Smith Jr., 41, of the 9700 block of Rider Court in Fort Washington has been suspended without pay after being arrested by officers from his own police district.
Shortly after 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department responded to an alarm at the SunTrust Bank at 4625 Old Branch Ave. in Temple Hills. Responders called in police from District 4, the district where Smith served as a patrol officer, according to Maj. Andy Ellis, the police department's chief spokesman.
Smith was off-duty at the time but was in uniform and carrying his department-issued handgun, although the weapon was never used in the incident or brandished, Ellis said.
Investigators believe Smith likely remained outside the bank during the attempted robbery, while Earl Blake Sr., 52, of the 1900 block of Brooks Drive in Capitol Heights was allegedly inside the bank, unsuccessfully trying to break into the vault.
Smith was found with a pry bar, electrical cords and saw blade and was charged with burglary, malicious destruction of property for the damage to the vault and with using a handgun in the commission of a felony. He was also charged with possessing and permitting the use of burglars' tools with intent to use in the commission of a burglary.
Blake was found with a crowbar and cut-off saw, which he claims Smith provided him, and charged with burglary and malicious destruction of property. He was also charged with possessing burglars' tools with intent to use in the commission of a burglary.
Both men had fled from the bank before police arrived. Blake was picked up by police on a nearby road, and Smith was located hours later after investigators identified him as a suspect.
Ellis said under department policy, an internal investigation will commence after the state's criminal investigation.
He was unable to confirm Thursday afternoon how the two men allegedly broke into the bank or how Blake and Smith knew each other but said Blake is not affiliated with the police department.
He said investigators have no evidence at this point that any other officers were involved or had any knowledge of the crime. Ellis said about 175 officers work in police District 4.
Police officials denounced the incident as disappointing and disconcerting.
"One bad cop can tarnish the badge that we all wear," Ellis said. "This is something that's upsetting to all hard-working police officers."
Ellis said officers new to the force undergo background checks, polygraphs and psychological tests, but the department does not require the process be repeated during an officer's tenure.
In a statement Thursday, Police Chief Roberto L. Hylton said he was "disheartened" and will not tolerate wrongdoing by any member of the department.
"Bad cops have no place in our profession; they tarnish the good work that is being done by the rest of our employees," Hylton said. "We will be very thorough in investigating this case along with any others to which this investigation may lead."
Vince Canales, president of the county's Fraternal Order of Police, said Thursday the alleged robbery attempt is "very disappointing" but that it is an isolated incident and not reflective of the department, adding that hiring practices for officers are stringent.
"I would hope that the citizens of the county wouldn't paint the entire agency in this light," he said.
Canales cautioned that the investigation is ongoing. He said if Smith is found guilty, "clearly he will have to pay the price for those actions like any member of the community."
Smith is being held on $250,000 bond at the Department of Corrections in Upper Marlboro, and Blake is being held on $100,000 bond.
Preliminary hearings for Smith and Blake are scheduled for 8:45 a.m. July 9 in Prince George's County District Court. Attorneys had not been listed Thursday afternoon in the court for either defendant.
Calls Thursday to a phone number listed for Smith's address went unanswered. No phone number was listed for Blake.
Cpl. Eddie Smith Jr., 41, of the 9700 block of Rider Court in Fort Washington has been suspended without pay after being arrested by officers from his own police district.
Shortly after 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department responded to an alarm at the SunTrust Bank at 4625 Old Branch Ave. in Temple Hills. Responders called in police from District 4, the district where Smith served as a patrol officer, according to Maj. Andy Ellis, the police department's chief spokesman.
Smith was off-duty at the time but was in uniform and carrying his department-issued handgun, although the weapon was never used in the incident or brandished, Ellis said.
Investigators believe Smith likely remained outside the bank during the attempted robbery, while Earl Blake Sr., 52, of the 1900 block of Brooks Drive in Capitol Heights was allegedly inside the bank, unsuccessfully trying to break into the vault.
Smith was found with a pry bar, electrical cords and saw blade and was charged with burglary, malicious destruction of property for the damage to the vault and with using a handgun in the commission of a felony. He was also charged with possessing and permitting the use of burglars' tools with intent to use in the commission of a burglary.
Blake was found with a crowbar and cut-off saw, which he claims Smith provided him, and charged with burglary and malicious destruction of property. He was also charged with possessing burglars' tools with intent to use in the commission of a burglary.
Both men had fled from the bank before police arrived. Blake was picked up by police on a nearby road, and Smith was located hours later after investigators identified him as a suspect.
Ellis said under department policy, an internal investigation will commence after the state's criminal investigation.
He was unable to confirm Thursday afternoon how the two men allegedly broke into the bank or how Blake and Smith knew each other but said Blake is not affiliated with the police department.
He said investigators have no evidence at this point that any other officers were involved or had any knowledge of the crime. Ellis said about 175 officers work in police District 4.
Police officials denounced the incident as disappointing and disconcerting.
"One bad cop can tarnish the badge that we all wear," Ellis said. "This is something that's upsetting to all hard-working police officers."
Ellis said officers new to the force undergo background checks, polygraphs and psychological tests, but the department does not require the process be repeated during an officer's tenure.
In a statement Thursday, Police Chief Roberto L. Hylton said he was "disheartened" and will not tolerate wrongdoing by any member of the department.
"Bad cops have no place in our profession; they tarnish the good work that is being done by the rest of our employees," Hylton said. "We will be very thorough in investigating this case along with any others to which this investigation may lead."
Vince Canales, president of the county's Fraternal Order of Police, said Thursday the alleged robbery attempt is "very disappointing" but that it is an isolated incident and not reflective of the department, adding that hiring practices for officers are stringent.
"I would hope that the citizens of the county wouldn't paint the entire agency in this light," he said.
Canales cautioned that the investigation is ongoing. He said if Smith is found guilty, "clearly he will have to pay the price for those actions like any member of the community."
Smith is being held on $250,000 bond at the Department of Corrections in Upper Marlboro, and Blake is being held on $100,000 bond.
Preliminary hearings for Smith and Blake are scheduled for 8:45 a.m. July 9 in Prince George's County District Court. Attorneys had not been listed Thursday afternoon in the court for either defendant.
Calls Thursday to a phone number listed for Smith's address went unanswered. No phone number was listed for Blake.
Former Officer Jason Carey Hughes Arrested for Unauthorized Use of Database
The Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center (ACJIC) has announced the arrest 38 year old Jason Carey Hughes, a former officer of the Headland, Alabama Police Department, for allegedly misusing confidential law enforcement information.
Hughes, 38, was arrested Thursday morning by agents of ACJIC, the state agency responsible for gathering and providing critical information to Alabama law enforcement and criminal justice agencies.
Hughes was taken to the Henry County jail.
The Alabama Attorney General’s office presented evidence to a Henry County grand jury which resulted in the two-count indictment* against Hughes.
Specifically, the indictment charges Hughes with:
1. One count of unauthorized use of a computer to obtain criminal records of individuals through the Law Enforcement Tactical System (LETS), which is the property of the ACJIC. This is a violation of Code of Alabama Section 13A-8-102(a).
2. One count of unauthorized disclosure of computerized criminal records obtained through the Law Enforcement Tactical System. This is a violation of Code of Alabama Section 13A-8-102(c).
Both charges are Class A misdemeanors, each punishable by up to 12 months imprisonment and a fine of up to $6,000.
Hughes, 38, was arrested Thursday morning by agents of ACJIC, the state agency responsible for gathering and providing critical information to Alabama law enforcement and criminal justice agencies.
Hughes was taken to the Henry County jail.
The Alabama Attorney General’s office presented evidence to a Henry County grand jury which resulted in the two-count indictment* against Hughes.
Specifically, the indictment charges Hughes with:
1. One count of unauthorized use of a computer to obtain criminal records of individuals through the Law Enforcement Tactical System (LETS), which is the property of the ACJIC. This is a violation of Code of Alabama Section 13A-8-102(a).
2. One count of unauthorized disclosure of computerized criminal records obtained through the Law Enforcement Tactical System. This is a violation of Code of Alabama Section 13A-8-102(c).
Both charges are Class A misdemeanors, each punishable by up to 12 months imprisonment and a fine of up to $6,000.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Officer Chrissy Miller Charged with Manslaughter
A Sunset Hills police officer's blood alcohol level was twice Missouri's legal limit hours after the crash she is accused of causing that killed four people, say prosecutors. Chrissy Miller is now charged with four counts of manslaughter and one count of assault. She is under house arrest.
"Obviously there was a problem here with an individual who went way beyond the limit and had incredibly tragic results," says St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch. "She'd been drinking with friends at an establishment for several hours before the accident. At the hospital it was determined her blood alcohol was substantially above the recognized limit in the state of Missouri. It was a .16 about three hours later and a .15 about four hours after the accident."
Miller was allegedly going the wrong direction on Dougherty Ferry at 1:45 AM March 21. She crashed into a car carrying five people of Indian descent. Four of them: Anusha Anumolu, 23, of Charleston, IL; Satya Chinta, 25, of Aurora, IL; Anitha Lakshmi, 23, of Charleston, IL.; and Prya Muppvarapu, 22, of Charleston, IL died instantly. The driver Nitesh Adusumilli, 27, had serious injuries but survived.
Miller was arrested at home Tuesday morning, and booked in the St. Louis County jail, but she was released into her family's custody. McCulloch says Miller's head injuries are so severe, she needs to be kept on house arrest with an ankle monitor. She will only be allowed to leave for doctors' appointments. Miller can walk, but was in a wheelchair as she left the jail.
St. Louis's Indian community still mourns, but Telugu Association President Suren Pathuri says there is no anger, "It's a step in the right direction, hopefully justice will prevail," he says. "Our sympathy goes out to the Christine Miller family. It's hard for her and we hope God will give her strength to face this. Hopefully she'll be stronger."
Pathuri says some in the Indian community were worried the charges were taking too long. McCulloch says it was simply because there were no eye witnesses and reconstruction took a while. He says this case isn't treated any differently because a law enforcement officer is involved.
"You certainly might expect more from a police officer, but from a legal standpoint they're not held to a higher or lower standard. They are held to the same standard as everybody else," says McCulloch.
St. Louis County Prosecutor Robert McCulloch explained, "Her arrest was made by Missouri State Trooper Ryan Burckhardt this morning, at her home. She was taken to St. John's Hospital where she was examined and she was listed as fit for confinement, understanding she's still receiving medical attention. That's why we arranged to have her under house arrest with an ankle bracelet on."
Miller is suspended without pay from the Sunset Hills Police Department effective Tuesday.
"Hours after the crash it was determined her blood alcohol was substantially above the recognized limit in the state of Missouri. It was a .16 at about three hours later and a .15 about four hours after the accident, " stated McCulloch.
Her bond is set at $200,000 and the case will be presented to the grand jury in four to six weeks.
Miller is a 12-year veteran of the police department.
After the accident, Miller had surgery and was in critical condition at St. John's.
At the time of the accident, Nothum would not say why authorities suspected Miller had been drinking. Sunset Hills Police Chief William LaGrand added at the time that drinking and driving would be out of character for Miller, a single mother with one son.
________________________
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/46DECB2C72B02AB5862575D1000B60A9?OpenDocument
"Obviously there was a problem here with an individual who went way beyond the limit and had incredibly tragic results," says St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch. "She'd been drinking with friends at an establishment for several hours before the accident. At the hospital it was determined her blood alcohol was substantially above the recognized limit in the state of Missouri. It was a .16 about three hours later and a .15 about four hours after the accident."
Miller was allegedly going the wrong direction on Dougherty Ferry at 1:45 AM March 21. She crashed into a car carrying five people of Indian descent. Four of them: Anusha Anumolu, 23, of Charleston, IL; Satya Chinta, 25, of Aurora, IL; Anitha Lakshmi, 23, of Charleston, IL.; and Prya Muppvarapu, 22, of Charleston, IL died instantly. The driver Nitesh Adusumilli, 27, had serious injuries but survived.
Miller was arrested at home Tuesday morning, and booked in the St. Louis County jail, but she was released into her family's custody. McCulloch says Miller's head injuries are so severe, she needs to be kept on house arrest with an ankle monitor. She will only be allowed to leave for doctors' appointments. Miller can walk, but was in a wheelchair as she left the jail.
St. Louis's Indian community still mourns, but Telugu Association President Suren Pathuri says there is no anger, "It's a step in the right direction, hopefully justice will prevail," he says. "Our sympathy goes out to the Christine Miller family. It's hard for her and we hope God will give her strength to face this. Hopefully she'll be stronger."
Pathuri says some in the Indian community were worried the charges were taking too long. McCulloch says it was simply because there were no eye witnesses and reconstruction took a while. He says this case isn't treated any differently because a law enforcement officer is involved.
"You certainly might expect more from a police officer, but from a legal standpoint they're not held to a higher or lower standard. They are held to the same standard as everybody else," says McCulloch.
St. Louis County Prosecutor Robert McCulloch explained, "Her arrest was made by Missouri State Trooper Ryan Burckhardt this morning, at her home. She was taken to St. John's Hospital where she was examined and she was listed as fit for confinement, understanding she's still receiving medical attention. That's why we arranged to have her under house arrest with an ankle bracelet on."
Miller is suspended without pay from the Sunset Hills Police Department effective Tuesday.
"Hours after the crash it was determined her blood alcohol was substantially above the recognized limit in the state of Missouri. It was a .16 at about three hours later and a .15 about four hours after the accident, " stated McCulloch.
Her bond is set at $200,000 and the case will be presented to the grand jury in four to six weeks.
Miller is a 12-year veteran of the police department.
After the accident, Miller had surgery and was in critical condition at St. John's.
At the time of the accident, Nothum would not say why authorities suspected Miller had been drinking. Sunset Hills Police Chief William LaGrand added at the time that drinking and driving would be out of character for Miller, a single mother with one son.
________________________
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/46DECB2C72B02AB5862575D1000B60A9?OpenDocument
Trooper Daniel Martin On Leave While Investigation Continues
An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper at the heart of a May 24 confrontation with a Creek Nation paramedic has been placed on administrative leave, authorities said Wednesday.
OHP Capt. Chris West said Trooper Daniel Martin was put on paid administrative leave June 1 while the patrol’s internal affairs investigation into the incident continues.
West emphasized that the leave is not punishment — the trooper is still being paid — but only routine while an investigation is conducted.
However, West was unable to explain why it took the patrol a week to put Martin on administrative leave. He continued working for a week after the confrontation, along U.S. 62 in Paden, seven miles east of Prague.
West said he didn’t know how long Martin would be on leave.
But he did say that a Tulsa World request under the state’s Open Records Act for the video from the trooper’s dashboard camera is being denied. West did not elaborate on the reason for the denial.
Okfuskee County District Attorney Max Cook said last week that the Highway Patrol should release the dashboard-camera video.
Cook said he would not charge either the trooper or the paramedic, Maurice White Jr., in connection with the confrontation.
“Although I do not condone their actions, I do not believe that filing charges at this time would serve the best interests of the public or the interests of justice,” he said last week.
The confrontation occurred as a Creek Nation ambulance was taking a woman to the hospital in Prague. The ambulance was not using
its emergency lights or siren.
Martin was en route along U.S. 62 to aid the Okfuskee County Sheriff’s Office with a stolen-vehicle call and was using his lights and siren, he said in his report.
He said the ambulance didn’t immediately pull over to let him pass. Eventually, the ambulance did let him pass.
Martin said he radioed the ambulance crew that they should be more vigilant.
White acknowledged receiving that transmission and said his driver, Paul Franks, threw up his hands in surprise at the call.
White said the trooper might have mistaken Franks’ response as an obscene finger gesture.
Martin claimed that as the ambulance passed by in Paden, Franks gave him the finger. Franks denies that.
Martin said he gave chase and pulled over the ambulance and approached Franks, telling him he would be cited for failure to yield and asking why he flipped him off.
White got between Franks and Martin, telling Martin that they were on their way to the hospital and that “we can continue this there.”
Martin said that despite repeated requests to White that he back off, the trooper said he tried to arrest White for obstructing an officer.
That’s when the scuffle broke out between the two, with Martin claiming that White grabbed him around the neck and White claiming Martin put him in a choke hold.
Eventually, the ambulance was allowed to go on its way. Martin was not arrested and Franks received a written warning for failure to yield.
Part of the scuffle was captured on a cell-phone camera at the scene by a witness.
_______________
Information from the Tulsa World
OHP Capt. Chris West said Trooper Daniel Martin was put on paid administrative leave June 1 while the patrol’s internal affairs investigation into the incident continues.
West emphasized that the leave is not punishment — the trooper is still being paid — but only routine while an investigation is conducted.
However, West was unable to explain why it took the patrol a week to put Martin on administrative leave. He continued working for a week after the confrontation, along U.S. 62 in Paden, seven miles east of Prague.
West said he didn’t know how long Martin would be on leave.
But he did say that a Tulsa World request under the state’s Open Records Act for the video from the trooper’s dashboard camera is being denied. West did not elaborate on the reason for the denial.
Okfuskee County District Attorney Max Cook said last week that the Highway Patrol should release the dashboard-camera video.
Cook said he would not charge either the trooper or the paramedic, Maurice White Jr., in connection with the confrontation.
“Although I do not condone their actions, I do not believe that filing charges at this time would serve the best interests of the public or the interests of justice,” he said last week.
The confrontation occurred as a Creek Nation ambulance was taking a woman to the hospital in Prague. The ambulance was not using
its emergency lights or siren.
Martin was en route along U.S. 62 to aid the Okfuskee County Sheriff’s Office with a stolen-vehicle call and was using his lights and siren, he said in his report.
He said the ambulance didn’t immediately pull over to let him pass. Eventually, the ambulance did let him pass.
Martin said he radioed the ambulance crew that they should be more vigilant.
White acknowledged receiving that transmission and said his driver, Paul Franks, threw up his hands in surprise at the call.
White said the trooper might have mistaken Franks’ response as an obscene finger gesture.
Martin claimed that as the ambulance passed by in Paden, Franks gave him the finger. Franks denies that.
Martin said he gave chase and pulled over the ambulance and approached Franks, telling him he would be cited for failure to yield and asking why he flipped him off.
White got between Franks and Martin, telling Martin that they were on their way to the hospital and that “we can continue this there.”
Martin said that despite repeated requests to White that he back off, the trooper said he tried to arrest White for obstructing an officer.
That’s when the scuffle broke out between the two, with Martin claiming that White grabbed him around the neck and White claiming Martin put him in a choke hold.
Eventually, the ambulance was allowed to go on its way. Martin was not arrested and Franks received a written warning for failure to yield.
Part of the scuffle was captured on a cell-phone camera at the scene by a witness.
_______________
Information from the Tulsa World
Deputy Angie Clark Accused of Killing Husband
An off-duty Lee County sheriff's deputy is on paid administrative leave Thursday night after investigators say she fatally shot her estranged husband at their home in Broadway.
Harnett County deputies responded to the home of Michael and Angie Clark at 8 Bee Hive Lane at 10:22 p.m. Wednesday after a report of a shooting there.
Michael Clark, 44, died at the scene, deputies said.
____________________
More information & Video: http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/5331724/
Harnett County deputies responded to the home of Michael and Angie Clark at 8 Bee Hive Lane at 10:22 p.m. Wednesday after a report of a shooting there.
Michael Clark, 44, died at the scene, deputies said.
____________________
More information & Video: http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/5331724/
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Brian Cardall Dies After Being Tasered
An Arizona man with a recent history of mental illness died Tuesday after being Tasered by a Hurricane City Police officer southeast of Hurricane, according to family members and law enforcement reports.
Brian Cardall, 32, a doctoral student in molecular ecology at Northern Arizona University, was traveling south on State Road 59 when the incident occurred, according to a KSL news report.
Cardall was the son of KSL Editorial Director Duane Cardall and was returning home after visiting his family in Salt Lake City, the report said.
"Police and medical personnel responded to a call for assistance with an agitated subject on State Route 59," Undersheriff Jake Adams of the Washington County Sheriff's Office said in a prepared statement. "During the incident, a Hurricane City Police officer deployed a Taser and the subject lost consciousness."
Cardall was treated on the scene by medical personnel but was declared dead after being transported to Dixie Regional Medical Center. Adams said an autopsy is planned Wednesday. For further information, see Wednesday's edition of The Spectrum.
Brian Cardall, 32, a doctoral student in molecular ecology at Northern Arizona University, was traveling south on State Road 59 when the incident occurred, according to a KSL news report.
Cardall was the son of KSL Editorial Director Duane Cardall and was returning home after visiting his family in Salt Lake City, the report said.
"Police and medical personnel responded to a call for assistance with an agitated subject on State Route 59," Undersheriff Jake Adams of the Washington County Sheriff's Office said in a prepared statement. "During the incident, a Hurricane City Police officer deployed a Taser and the subject lost consciousness."
Cardall was treated on the scene by medical personnel but was declared dead after being transported to Dixie Regional Medical Center. Adams said an autopsy is planned Wednesday. For further information, see Wednesday's edition of The Spectrum.
Officer Matthew Leavitt Charged with Violating Civil Rights
A former Montgomery police officer accused of beating a black man in September has been charged with two federal civil rights violations.
In an information filed Tuesday in federal court, Matthew Leavitt is accused of beating Twan Reynolds with a "slap jack" and illegally charging his wife, Lauren Reynolds, with a DUI.
An information generally indicates a defendant is cooperating with the case and can't be filed without a defendant's permission.
"We're obviously pleased," said Reynolds' lawyer, Mike Clifford. "And it would appear that because it was done by information that some sort of plea agreement is forthcoming."
Twan and Lauren Reynolds say Leavitt and fellow officer Shawn Hutchinson hit Twan Reynolds in the head with the slap jack (a small club), kicked him in the back and sprayed him in the eyes with pepper spray at close range following a traffic stop at the 7-Eleven in Montgomery on Sept. 26.
They are suing the two officers and the town.
They also say Leavitt repeatedly used a racial epithet against Twan Reynolds. Lauren Reynolds accused Leavitt of licking her on the neck during an interrogation and saying, "Little whore, you like it like that."
@bodsub2:'I think this is a confirmation'
@bod:Clifford said that he's grateful Charles Miller, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia, took up the case. But he's disappointed that the prosecuting attorneys in Fayette and Kanawha Counties did not touch the case. (Montgomery is on the Kanawha-Fayette border.)
Clifford said he does not believe Miller waved off either county to get the federal indictment.
"The information that I received is that did not occur, at least as of the time of the grand jury testimony," he said. "What we predominantly were interested in was a confirmation that one, what the Montgomery officers did was wrong and two, that what Twan and Lauren did was not a criminal act or in any way improper. I think this is a confirmation of that."
In December, Montgomery Police Lt. J.D. Burrow told the Gazette that Leavitt and Hutchinson threatened to arrest him when he tried to stop them from attacking Reynolds.
"These guys were on their own. They felt like they could do what they want," Burrow said at the time. "It seemed like they always had that little leeway to do what they wanted to, to me."
Burrow said he was on patrol when he saw Leavitt and Hutchinson driving to the 7-Eleven with lights flashing, according to a statement Burrow provided to the city of Montgomery.
Burrow followed the officers to the store, where they had Lauren and Twan Reynolds pulled over. Burrow says he overheard Lauren repeatedly tell Leavitt and Hutchinson that she hadn't been drinking.
In an information filed Tuesday in federal court, Matthew Leavitt is accused of beating Twan Reynolds with a "slap jack" and illegally charging his wife, Lauren Reynolds, with a DUI.
An information generally indicates a defendant is cooperating with the case and can't be filed without a defendant's permission.
"We're obviously pleased," said Reynolds' lawyer, Mike Clifford. "And it would appear that because it was done by information that some sort of plea agreement is forthcoming."
Twan and Lauren Reynolds say Leavitt and fellow officer Shawn Hutchinson hit Twan Reynolds in the head with the slap jack (a small club), kicked him in the back and sprayed him in the eyes with pepper spray at close range following a traffic stop at the 7-Eleven in Montgomery on Sept. 26.
They are suing the two officers and the town.
They also say Leavitt repeatedly used a racial epithet against Twan Reynolds. Lauren Reynolds accused Leavitt of licking her on the neck during an interrogation and saying, "Little whore, you like it like that."
@bodsub2:'I think this is a confirmation'
@bod:Clifford said that he's grateful Charles Miller, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia, took up the case. But he's disappointed that the prosecuting attorneys in Fayette and Kanawha Counties did not touch the case. (Montgomery is on the Kanawha-Fayette border.)
Clifford said he does not believe Miller waved off either county to get the federal indictment.
"The information that I received is that did not occur, at least as of the time of the grand jury testimony," he said. "What we predominantly were interested in was a confirmation that one, what the Montgomery officers did was wrong and two, that what Twan and Lauren did was not a criminal act or in any way improper. I think this is a confirmation of that."
In December, Montgomery Police Lt. J.D. Burrow told the Gazette that Leavitt and Hutchinson threatened to arrest him when he tried to stop them from attacking Reynolds.
"These guys were on their own. They felt like they could do what they want," Burrow said at the time. "It seemed like they always had that little leeway to do what they wanted to, to me."
Burrow said he was on patrol when he saw Leavitt and Hutchinson driving to the 7-Eleven with lights flashing, according to a statement Burrow provided to the city of Montgomery.
Burrow followed the officers to the store, where they had Lauren and Twan Reynolds pulled over. Burrow says he overheard Lauren repeatedly tell Leavitt and Hutchinson that she hadn't been drinking.
Deputy Scott Benton Arrested for Indecent Behavior with 13-year-old
The St. Tammany Sheriff’s Office arrested one of their own last week on a charge of indecent behavior with a juvenile, Sheriff Jack Strain said in a statement released Tuesday.
According to the release, Scott Benton, 42, 231 Forest Loop, Mandeville, was arrested last Thursday, after a three day investigation of a complaint from the mother of a 13-year-old girl who is from the Mandeville area. The complaint was received June 1. Strain said investigators discovered that Benton allegedly had an inappropriate conversation with the girl and there was one alleged incidence of kissing involved. Strain said that no other incidents between the two are believed to have occurred.
Strain said Benton was fired from the Sheriff’s Office on June 4, the same day he was arrested.
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office deputy Scott Benton, 42, was arrested last Thursday and charged with indecent behavior with a juvenile.
Capt. George Bonnett, Sheriff’s Office spokesman said that Benton has worked as a deputy for the past three years, and was on court security during that time, where he worked at the front door of the Justice Center in Covington.
Bonnett said Benton was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail June 4, and was released on a $25,000 bond later that evening. Bonnett said Benton has not made any statements on the incident.
________________________
http://www.wdsu.com/news/19713295/detail.html
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Officer Todd Prawdzik Sentenced to Probation for Assaulting Man
A Hyattsville police officer accused of assaulting an unarmed man who had done nothing to provoke the attack has been sentenced to three years of unsupervised probation.
Todd Prawdzik entered an Alford plea in Prince George's County District Court on Monday to a charge of second-degree assault. In an Alford plea, the defendant maintains his innocence but acknowledges that prosecutors have enough evidence for a conviction.
Prawdzik's twin brother, Jeff, a Riverdale Park police officer, is also charged with second-degree assault in the incident. His attorney expects that the state will place the charge on the inactive docket.
Prosecutors say Todd Prawdzik asked Melty Castillo-Hernandez and another man whether they had somewhere to go and hit Castillo-Hernandez on the head with a metal baton when he asked if they were police officers.
_______________________
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/08/AR2009060803953.html
Todd Prawdzik entered an Alford plea in Prince George's County District Court on Monday to a charge of second-degree assault. In an Alford plea, the defendant maintains his innocence but acknowledges that prosecutors have enough evidence for a conviction.
Prawdzik's twin brother, Jeff, a Riverdale Park police officer, is also charged with second-degree assault in the incident. His attorney expects that the state will place the charge on the inactive docket.
Prosecutors say Todd Prawdzik asked Melty Castillo-Hernandez and another man whether they had somewhere to go and hit Castillo-Hernandez on the head with a metal baton when he asked if they were police officers.
_______________________
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/08/AR2009060803953.html
Officer Christine Miller Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter
A suburban St. Louis police officer has been charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter-driving while intoxicated for a March accident that killed four people.
Charges were filed Tuesday against 41-year-old Christine Miller. She also was arrested Tuesday and unavailable for comment. It wasn't clear if she had an attorney.
St. Louis County Prosecutor Robert McCulloch said bond was set $200,000, but because Miller is still recovering from severe head injuries suffered in the accident his office agreed to home confinement.
The accident on March 21 killed four people from India, three of whom were graduate students at Eastern Illinois Universty in Charleston.
Miller also faces a fifth charge tied to a fifth victim who was badly injured. She was a veteran officer with the Sunset Hills police department.
Charges were filed Tuesday against 41-year-old Christine Miller. She also was arrested Tuesday and unavailable for comment. It wasn't clear if she had an attorney.
St. Louis County Prosecutor Robert McCulloch said bond was set $200,000, but because Miller is still recovering from severe head injuries suffered in the accident his office agreed to home confinement.
The accident on March 21 killed four people from India, three of whom were graduate students at Eastern Illinois Universty in Charleston.
Miller also faces a fifth charge tied to a fifth victim who was badly injured. She was a veteran officer with the Sunset Hills police department.
_______________________
Officer Geoffrey Presco Arrested for Stealing Cash from Evidence
Yuma police's officer of the year in 2008 has been arrested on suspicion of stealing more than $11,000 in cash from seized evidence to support an addition to prescription drugs.
Officer Geoffrey Michael Presco was arrested at the police station Monday on one count of theft and was placed on paid leave.
The arrest came following an investigation of missing evidence.
Presco was named Yuma's patrol officer of the year in 2008.
He is being held on a $55,000 bond.
__________________________
http://www.kswt.com/Global/story.asp?S=10506469
Officer Geoffrey Michael Presco was arrested at the police station Monday on one count of theft and was placed on paid leave.
The arrest came following an investigation of missing evidence.
Presco was named Yuma's patrol officer of the year in 2008.
He is being held on a $55,000 bond.
__________________________
http://www.kswt.com/Global/story.asp?S=10506469
Officer Marty Dulworth Arrested for Drunk Driving
An Anderson police officer who was reportedly riding his motorcycle down south Muncie streets at nearly 100 mph was arrested Saturday night for drunken driving.
Marty D. Dulworth, 32, Middletown was stopped near 29th Street and Macedonia Avenue by David Fidler, an Indiana State Police trooper.
Fidler reported smelling the odor of alcohol, and Dulworth admitted he had been drinking, but refused to take a field sobriety test, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Dulworth’s blood-alcohol content was later measured at 0.19 percent. In Indiana, motorists with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher are considered intoxicated.
Dulworth was preliminarily charged with driving while intoxicated, and taken to the Delaware County jail. Jail records indicate he was released just before 9 a.m. Sunday after posting a $2,500 bond.
Marty D. Dulworth, 32, Middletown was stopped near 29th Street and Macedonia Avenue by David Fidler, an Indiana State Police trooper.
Fidler reported smelling the odor of alcohol, and Dulworth admitted he had been drinking, but refused to take a field sobriety test, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Dulworth’s blood-alcohol content was later measured at 0.19 percent. In Indiana, motorists with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher are considered intoxicated.
Dulworth was preliminarily charged with driving while intoxicated, and taken to the Delaware County jail. Jail records indicate he was released just before 9 a.m. Sunday after posting a $2,500 bond.
_____________________
More Information on Stephanie Lazarus Charged with 1986 Murder
Prosecutors today charged an LAPD detective with premeditated murder in connection with the fatal shooting two decades ago of her ex-boyfriend's wife.
Stephanie Lazarus, 49, could potentially face the death penalty because prosecutors alleged a special circumstance in the case: that she killed Sherri Rae Rasmussen, who was badly beaten and shot multiple times in her Van Nuys condominium on the evening of Feb. 24, 1986, during a burglary.
A decision by prosecutors to seek the death penalty would be made at a later date, said Jane Robison, a spokeswoman for the L.A. County district attorney's office.
The original homicide detectives assigned to the case did not focus on Lazarus, who was then a patrol officer who had been with the department more than two years. Instead, they pursued the theory that two men who had robbed another woman in the area at gunpoint had killed Rasmussen when she came upon them burglarizing her home, according to news reports from the time.
But detectives revisited the case in February, testing blood or saliva samples from the crime scene thought to have been from the killer. DNA tests showed that the attacker was a woman, disproving the theory that Rasmussen's killer was a man.
In a check of the case file, there was a reference to Lazarus, who had once dated the victim's husband, John Ruetten. Ruetten reportedly broke off the relationship and soon after became involved with Rasmussen, said sources familiar with the investigation who were not authorized to speak publicly.
Police sources said that Lazarus' DNA was recovered from discarded items by an undercover officer who had surreptitiously trailed her. The DNA in her saliva was compared with the DNA evidence collected from the crime scene. The genetic code in the samples matched conclusively, police said.
Lazarus, who is expected to be arraigned Tuesday, was last assigned to the LAPD's art theft detail.
__________________
Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2009/06/detective-stephanie-lazarus-arrested.html
Stephanie Lazarus, 49, could potentially face the death penalty because prosecutors alleged a special circumstance in the case: that she killed Sherri Rae Rasmussen, who was badly beaten and shot multiple times in her Van Nuys condominium on the evening of Feb. 24, 1986, during a burglary.
A decision by prosecutors to seek the death penalty would be made at a later date, said Jane Robison, a spokeswoman for the L.A. County district attorney's office.
The original homicide detectives assigned to the case did not focus on Lazarus, who was then a patrol officer who had been with the department more than two years. Instead, they pursued the theory that two men who had robbed another woman in the area at gunpoint had killed Rasmussen when she came upon them burglarizing her home, according to news reports from the time.
But detectives revisited the case in February, testing blood or saliva samples from the crime scene thought to have been from the killer. DNA tests showed that the attacker was a woman, disproving the theory that Rasmussen's killer was a man.
In a check of the case file, there was a reference to Lazarus, who had once dated the victim's husband, John Ruetten. Ruetten reportedly broke off the relationship and soon after became involved with Rasmussen, said sources familiar with the investigation who were not authorized to speak publicly.
Police sources said that Lazarus' DNA was recovered from discarded items by an undercover officer who had surreptitiously trailed her. The DNA in her saliva was compared with the DNA evidence collected from the crime scene. The genetic code in the samples matched conclusively, police said.
Lazarus, who is expected to be arraigned Tuesday, was last assigned to the LAPD's art theft detail.
__________________
Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/2009/06/detective-stephanie-lazarus-arrested.html
Officer Gary Pignato Found Guilty of Coercing Woman into Having Sex
Jurors came back at 5 p.m. Monday and found suspended Greece Police Officer Gary Pignato guilty of all charges. He was accused of using his police powers to coerce a woman into having sex, and was charged with coercion, accepting a bribe, and official misconduct.
While deliberating, the jury came back twice to have testimony read back. Boiled down, it was a case of who they believed - Officer Gary Pignato or the woman who says he exerted his influence for sex.
The woman testified that she had been drinking that night and agreed to the encounter in an effort to avoid a probation violation which could have sent her to jail. But in his closing arguments Monday morning, Pignato's attorney Scott Green, painted a much different picture of what happened the night of August 24 2008.
He told jurors Officer Pignato didn't know at the time that the woman was even on probation. He then proceeded to try to break down her credibility, portraying her as a woman motivated by greed and said, "she has repeatedly lied, misspoke and shaded the truth."
Green conceded Pignato's decision to have a sexual encounter with her was maybe not smart, but in the end said, "what we have here is a consensual act between two adults."
The DA's office clearly disagreed. William Gargan said, “What occurred between those two adults was not an instance of consenting adults deciding to make a decision to engage in sexual relations later."
In his summation, Gargan called the woman a vulnerable wreck - abusing drugs and alcohol, caring for a sick mother, while being thrown out by her boyfriend and he says Pignato knew it.
Replaying a taped phone conversation between the alleged victim and Pignato, Gargan noted a portion of the conversation where Pignato seemed surprised she even knew his name.
Pignato: (How did you) find out who I was anyways? You never asked me who I was.
Woman: Yes I did. I asked you what your name was.
Gargan continued, “So it gives you a hint of what transpired the night in August. This was an incident of several hours together, but names were not shared, and again, there was one that was sober and a police officer and one that was not."
The jury deliberated for more than four hours, returning twice requesting more information. Once to have some legal definitions read back and the other to have testimony read back.
The judge did warn them not to consider the fact that Pignato did not testify at this trial.
Despite the conviction, Officer Pignato's legal problems are not be behind him. He's charged with similar conduct involving a second woman who claims she was also coerced.
When sentenced, Pignato faces two and a third to seven years in prison.
For more Rochester, N.Y. news go to our website http://www.whec.com/.
______
Other information: http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--policeofficerconv0609jun09,0,1755889.story
While deliberating, the jury came back twice to have testimony read back. Boiled down, it was a case of who they believed - Officer Gary Pignato or the woman who says he exerted his influence for sex.
The woman testified that she had been drinking that night and agreed to the encounter in an effort to avoid a probation violation which could have sent her to jail. But in his closing arguments Monday morning, Pignato's attorney Scott Green, painted a much different picture of what happened the night of August 24 2008.
He told jurors Officer Pignato didn't know at the time that the woman was even on probation. He then proceeded to try to break down her credibility, portraying her as a woman motivated by greed and said, "she has repeatedly lied, misspoke and shaded the truth."
Green conceded Pignato's decision to have a sexual encounter with her was maybe not smart, but in the end said, "what we have here is a consensual act between two adults."
The DA's office clearly disagreed. William Gargan said, “What occurred between those two adults was not an instance of consenting adults deciding to make a decision to engage in sexual relations later."
In his summation, Gargan called the woman a vulnerable wreck - abusing drugs and alcohol, caring for a sick mother, while being thrown out by her boyfriend and he says Pignato knew it.
Replaying a taped phone conversation between the alleged victim and Pignato, Gargan noted a portion of the conversation where Pignato seemed surprised she even knew his name.
Pignato: (How did you) find out who I was anyways? You never asked me who I was.
Woman: Yes I did. I asked you what your name was.
Gargan continued, “So it gives you a hint of what transpired the night in August. This was an incident of several hours together, but names were not shared, and again, there was one that was sober and a police officer and one that was not."
The jury deliberated for more than four hours, returning twice requesting more information. Once to have some legal definitions read back and the other to have testimony read back.
The judge did warn them not to consider the fact that Pignato did not testify at this trial.
Despite the conviction, Officer Pignato's legal problems are not be behind him. He's charged with similar conduct involving a second woman who claims she was also coerced.
When sentenced, Pignato faces two and a third to seven years in prison.
For more Rochester, N.Y. news go to our website http://www.whec.com/.
______
Other information: http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--policeofficerconv0609jun09,0,1755889.story
Monday, June 08, 2009
Former Officer Malik Snell Convicted of Stealing from Drug Kingpin
A jury convicted a former Philadelphia police officer of stealing from a drug kingpin and participating in a robbery.
Malik Snell drove the get-a-way car following a home invasion in Pottstown last March, which led to a high speed chase, prosecutors said.
The 36-year-old was convicted Monday on all counts. The former Marine was an officer for 11 years.
_______________________
Photo & More Information: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20090608_Ex-Philadelphia_police_officer_convicted_on_4_counts.html
Malik Snell drove the get-a-way car following a home invasion in Pottstown last March, which led to a high speed chase, prosecutors said.
The 36-year-old was convicted Monday on all counts. The former Marine was an officer for 11 years.
_______________________
Photo & More Information: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20090608_Ex-Philadelphia_police_officer_convicted_on_4_counts.html
Federal Corrections Officer Donnell White Arrested for Drunk Driving
A federal corrections officer arrested on suspicion of drunken driving allegedly told Vineland police, “too bad you can’t get killed like the Philly cops” — a reference to several officers in that city recently slain in the line of duty.
Donnell White, 34, of Cumberland Green Apartments in Millville, was charged late Thursday with driving while intoxicated, following a vehicle too closely, failure to maintain a lane, reckless driving, refusal to submit to a breath test and failure to exhibit a vehicle registration card.
White is a corrections officer at FCI Fairton in Fairfield, police said.
Police responded to Bennigan’s on West Landis Avenue at 10:40 p.m. Thursday for a report of a fight inside the restaurant. During the investigation, police interviewed White, who appeared to be intoxicated, said Vineland police Sgt. Vince Solazzo of the Traffic Safety Unit.
White told the investigating officers that his girlfriend could drive him home, according to a police report.
But, a short while later, police saw White driving out of the parking lot in a Ford Explorer, Solazzo said.
Police followed White’s vehicle — which they said was traveling at a high rate of speed — southbound on Route 55 before pulling the Explorer over near Sherman Avenue.
White failed field sobriety tests and was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, according to Solazzo.
At police headquarters, he refused to take a breath test, and then made the comment about the slain Philadelphia officers to the arresting officer, Sgt. Christopher Davis, Solazzo said.
In Philadelphia, seven police officers have died in the line of duty in less than three years.
While he was being processed, White also allegedly told police, “I know how to play this game. I’m going to tell them I have a drinking problem and I’ll be back to work in 30 days,” and then laughed out loud.
White was released to an acquaintance pending a hearing in Vineland Municipal Court.
Solazzo said Monday that White’s behavior was inappropriate, especially coming from a fellow law-enforcement officer.
“It’s unacceptable, and I’m hoping the FCI feels the same way I do,” he said.
“They’ve been through a lot,” Solazzo said of Philadelphia police. “We have officers who go to the funerals. It’s just not proper. We will be monitoring this case closely.”
Donnell White, 34, of Cumberland Green Apartments in Millville, was charged late Thursday with driving while intoxicated, following a vehicle too closely, failure to maintain a lane, reckless driving, refusal to submit to a breath test and failure to exhibit a vehicle registration card.
White is a corrections officer at FCI Fairton in Fairfield, police said.
Police responded to Bennigan’s on West Landis Avenue at 10:40 p.m. Thursday for a report of a fight inside the restaurant. During the investigation, police interviewed White, who appeared to be intoxicated, said Vineland police Sgt. Vince Solazzo of the Traffic Safety Unit.
White told the investigating officers that his girlfriend could drive him home, according to a police report.
But, a short while later, police saw White driving out of the parking lot in a Ford Explorer, Solazzo said.
Police followed White’s vehicle — which they said was traveling at a high rate of speed — southbound on Route 55 before pulling the Explorer over near Sherman Avenue.
White failed field sobriety tests and was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, according to Solazzo.
At police headquarters, he refused to take a breath test, and then made the comment about the slain Philadelphia officers to the arresting officer, Sgt. Christopher Davis, Solazzo said.
In Philadelphia, seven police officers have died in the line of duty in less than three years.
While he was being processed, White also allegedly told police, “I know how to play this game. I’m going to tell them I have a drinking problem and I’ll be back to work in 30 days,” and then laughed out loud.
White was released to an acquaintance pending a hearing in Vineland Municipal Court.
Solazzo said Monday that White’s behavior was inappropriate, especially coming from a fellow law-enforcement officer.
“It’s unacceptable, and I’m hoping the FCI feels the same way I do,” he said.
“They’ve been through a lot,” Solazzo said of Philadelphia police. “We have officers who go to the funerals. It’s just not proper. We will be monitoring this case closely.”
Deputy Lance Berkley Charged with Having Sex with Inmate
A Montgomery County sheriff's deputy is charged with having sex with a female inmate at the County Jail.
A grand jury indicted Lance Berkley, 49, on Friday. A Jail supervisor says Berkley was fired from the jail on May following an internal investigation. The trouble started when an inmate told a staff member Berkley had sex with another inmate in a laundry area.
Investigators say the incident happened in late April, and the results of the investigation were given to the grand jury.
A grand jury indicted Lance Berkley, 49, on Friday. A Jail supervisor says Berkley was fired from the jail on May following an internal investigation. The trouble started when an inmate told a staff member Berkley had sex with another inmate in a laundry area.
Investigators say the incident happened in late April, and the results of the investigation were given to the grand jury.
BGSU Officer Investigated for Providing Alcohol to Minors
Serious allegations are coming out of Bowling Green State University.
The Bowling Green Prosecutors Office is investigating a BGSU police officer for providing alcohol to minors at his home.
We're awaiting a formal statement from the university, but a spokesperson says when the allegations came to the school, the information was sent to Bowling Green City Police.
_____________________
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090609/NEWS02/906099985/-1/NEWS
The Bowling Green Prosecutors Office is investigating a BGSU police officer for providing alcohol to minors at his home.
We're awaiting a formal statement from the university, but a spokesperson says when the allegations came to the school, the information was sent to Bowling Green City Police.
_____________________
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090609/NEWS02/906099985/-1/NEWS
Sgt. Cher Sneider Accused of Trying to Date Suspect
The city's acting police chief is seeking the firing of a sergeant he accuses of lying and inappropriate conduct, including trying to date a suspect under investigation.
Sgt. Cher Sneider, while off duty, had an on-duty patrol officer on May 10, 2008, tap into a secure police database to get Sneider the phone number of a man who was under investigation by the department, according to administrative charges filed against her.
Sneider thought the man was "hot" and wanted to call him so she could go out with him, the charging document says.
The man, identified only as John Doe in the document, was a city resident with a known criminal history with the department. At the time, city police were investigating him and his residence on suspicion of illegal activity, including illegal drugs, the charging document states.
Sneider made four calls with her personal cell phone to the man's residence on May 10, 2008, one call the following day and two calls on May 17, 2008, the document says. She also stopped at his home May 11, but he wasn't there, the document states.
During the investigation into Sneider, she denied that she requested the man's number from the patrol officer, that she attempted to contact him and that she had a personal interest in him, the document says. Sneider has been on paid administrative leave since November.
Police Department rules require that officers engage in professional conduct, refrain from associating with people of questionable character, use city resources only for work and "speak the truth at all times."
Acting Chief Daniel Meister is asking the city's Police and Fire Commission to dismiss Sneider.
Meister says in the statement of charges that because of the pending case and Sneider's past discipline, she can "no longer testify credibly or function effectively as a law enforcement officer" in the city.
Sneider's attorney, Jennifer Dorow, said Monday that the charges are without merit and that Sneider will fight the allegations.
Sneider denies trying to have a relationship with John Doe, Dorow said. The attorney said Sneider did have contact with the man, but only in an official capacity related to a noise complaint.
"When all is said and done, you have an officer with a history of exceptional service. Seeking to fire her is ridiculous," Dorow said, noting that Sneider in the past had received a bravery medal from the department for helping to rescue a person at a fire scene.
Sneider, according to the charging document, has been disciplined four times in the past, including a one-day suspension in July 2005 for unprofessional conduct and untruthfulness. She twice received oral counseling and once received a written reprimand.
Sneider has been an officer with the department since January 2000 and was promoted to sergeant in November 2006.
The Sneider charges are the latest controversy involving the city Police Department.
Chief Gary Bach, who had been under fire, agreed to resign from the department effective Dec. 31, in exchange for a $170,000 payout. He had been on paid leave since July 23 when the city launched an investigation into him.
In a John Doe investigation started at Bach's request last fall, Sneider testified that a conspiracy existed within the Police Department to get Bach fired.
In February, Meister said Sneider's leave had nothing to do with her allegiance to Bach.
Reserve Deputy Ronnie Araiza Arrested for Arson
A Bexar County Fire Marshal's Office investigation has led to an arson charge against a man authorities believe destroyed a vehicle that he used as a Bexar County reserve deputy constable with the goal of committing insurance fraud, an arrest affidavit states.
Ronnie Lucero Araiza, 30, was arrested and released on bond over the weekend on a charge of arson of a motor vehicle, according to the affidavit.
The arrest stems from a nearly two-year-old incident in which Araiza's Chevy Blazer was spotted on fire at and Potranco Road. In the affidavit, authorities claim Araiza worked with another man on Aug. 25, 2007, to set his Blazer on fire after Araiza purchased a new vehicle.
At the time of the fire, Araiza was working as a reserve deputy constable for Precinct 2 and told officials he was near Loop 1604 and Potranco Road when the fire occurred. Using cell phone records to show calls made between Araiza and another man around the time of the fire, investigators found a call was made to Araiza from a phone that was within a half-mile of the fire scene about three minutes before the fire was reported to 911, the affidavit said.
Cell phone records showed Araiza was around Loop 1604 and Potranco Road and also Loop 1604 and U.S. 281 around the time of the fire.
Records were not available to show if the man who made the call to Araiza has been arrested.
Calls to the Precinct 2 Constable's office on Sunday were not answered and it was not clear in the affidavit if Araiza was still working as a reserve deputy at the time of his arrest Friday.
Ronnie Lucero Araiza, 30, was arrested and released on bond over the weekend on a charge of arson of a motor vehicle, according to the affidavit.
The arrest stems from a nearly two-year-old incident in which Araiza's Chevy Blazer was spotted on fire at and Potranco Road. In the affidavit, authorities claim Araiza worked with another man on Aug. 25, 2007, to set his Blazer on fire after Araiza purchased a new vehicle.
At the time of the fire, Araiza was working as a reserve deputy constable for Precinct 2 and told officials he was near Loop 1604 and Potranco Road when the fire occurred. Using cell phone records to show calls made between Araiza and another man around the time of the fire, investigators found a call was made to Araiza from a phone that was within a half-mile of the fire scene about three minutes before the fire was reported to 911, the affidavit said.
Cell phone records showed Araiza was around Loop 1604 and Potranco Road and also Loop 1604 and U.S. 281 around the time of the fire.
Records were not available to show if the man who made the call to Araiza has been arrested.
Calls to the Precinct 2 Constable's office on Sunday were not answered and it was not clear in the affidavit if Araiza was still working as a reserve deputy at the time of his arrest Friday.
Deputy Lance Berkley Charged with Having Sex with Inmate
A Montgomery County sheriff's deputy is charged with having sex with a female inmate at the County Jail.
A grand jury indicted Lance Berkley, 49, on Friday. A Jail supervisor says Berkley was fired from the jail on May following an internal investigation. The trouble started when an inmate told a staff member Berkley had sex with another inmate in a laundry area.
Investigators say the incident happened in late April, and the results of the investigation were given to the grand jury.
A grand jury indicted Lance Berkley, 49, on Friday. A Jail supervisor says Berkley was fired from the jail on May following an internal investigation. The trouble started when an inmate told a staff member Berkley had sex with another inmate in a laundry area.
Investigators say the incident happened in late April, and the results of the investigation were given to the grand jury.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Police Brutality Caught on Tape
It's a disturbing allegation of police brutality.
It stems from a violent encounter between a Passaic, N.J., cop and a mentally ill man.
The entire incident was recorded by a surveillance camera mounted outside a nearby restaurant.
With a swollen eye and bruised ribs, Ronnie Holloway claimed to wonder what led to it all.
"I know I deserve better the way I was treated," Holloway said.
The way he was treated by Passaic Police was captured on surveillance camera at a restaurant. The 49-year-old is seen walking with his chest and belly exposed. Moments later, police arrive and, according to Holloway, tell him to cover himself, which he appears to be doing while still conversing with police. Then an officer gets out of the car ...
"He grabbed me with both hands at the collar area real physically hard and just flung me up against the police vehicle," Holloway said.
Holloway is then thrown to the ground and punched several times. Then the baton comes out, followed by swings to the ribs.
"I recall him saying, 'get down' as he swung, but he kept swinging like that," Holloway said.
Holloway is seen getting up and is pushed against the squad car again, then swung around, followed by two more baton swings to the legs. Holloway was hauled away when back-up squads arrived and insists he never resisted or said a word to Passaic Police during the entire 90-second incident, but it's clear from the video that he was saying something.
CBS 2 HD: "You don't recall saying anything, yelling anything, saying anything that was provocative?"
Holloway: "No."
Regardless of what may have been said, the family said it hardly justifies the physicality that followed.
"A lawsuit is likely," mother Betty Holloway said.
Holloway's mother also said her disabled son has schizophrenia.
"He's a good person," she said.
"Is it possible his schizophrenia may have done something to provoke police?"
Betty Holloway: "No, because he wasn't doing anything. He was standing."
Passaic Police said the incident is under investigation and won't answer any questions, including why the officer is still on active duty.
"I feel he should definitely lose his job because it's not fair to be treated that way," Ronnie Holloway said.
__________________-
Information & Video: http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/local_news/new_jersey/090606_Passaic_Rally_Against_Police_Brutality
It stems from a violent encounter between a Passaic, N.J., cop and a mentally ill man.
The entire incident was recorded by a surveillance camera mounted outside a nearby restaurant.
With a swollen eye and bruised ribs, Ronnie Holloway claimed to wonder what led to it all.
"I know I deserve better the way I was treated," Holloway said.
The way he was treated by Passaic Police was captured on surveillance camera at a restaurant. The 49-year-old is seen walking with his chest and belly exposed. Moments later, police arrive and, according to Holloway, tell him to cover himself, which he appears to be doing while still conversing with police. Then an officer gets out of the car ...
"He grabbed me with both hands at the collar area real physically hard and just flung me up against the police vehicle," Holloway said.
Holloway is then thrown to the ground and punched several times. Then the baton comes out, followed by swings to the ribs.
"I recall him saying, 'get down' as he swung, but he kept swinging like that," Holloway said.
Holloway is seen getting up and is pushed against the squad car again, then swung around, followed by two more baton swings to the legs. Holloway was hauled away when back-up squads arrived and insists he never resisted or said a word to Passaic Police during the entire 90-second incident, but it's clear from the video that he was saying something.
CBS 2 HD: "You don't recall saying anything, yelling anything, saying anything that was provocative?"
Holloway: "No."
Regardless of what may have been said, the family said it hardly justifies the physicality that followed.
"A lawsuit is likely," mother Betty Holloway said.
Holloway's mother also said her disabled son has schizophrenia.
"He's a good person," she said.
"Is it possible his schizophrenia may have done something to provoke police?"
Betty Holloway: "No, because he wasn't doing anything. He was standing."
Passaic Police said the incident is under investigation and won't answer any questions, including why the officer is still on active duty.
"I feel he should definitely lose his job because it's not fair to be treated that way," Ronnie Holloway said.
__________________-
Information & Video: http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/local_news/new_jersey/090606_Passaic_Rally_Against_Police_Brutality
Former Public Safety Trooper Arrested for Failure to Register as Sex Offender
U.S. Marshals arrest a man for failure to register as a sex offender.
Arturo Moreno is a former Texas department of public safety trooper, and a convicted sex offender.
DPS requested the U.S. Marshals assistance to locate and arrest Moreno.
On Tuesday Marshals and DPS located Moreno inside an apartment complex in north Laredo.
Two firearms were discovered inside the residence at the time of the arrest.
Moreno served 10 years in prison on charges of aggravated sexual assault and aggravated kidnapping of a 17 year old but failed to register as a sex offender upon his release.
If convicted, Moreno could be facing more time in prison.
Detective Stephanie Lazarus Arrested for 1986 Murder
A veteran police detective in Los Angeles, California, was arrested Friday morning on suspicion of killing a former lover's wife in 1986, marking a rare instance in which the department has arrested one of its own, Police Chief William Bratton said.
Stephanie Ilene Lazarus, 49, was on duty Friday morning when she was arrested in the Los Angeles Police Department's downtown headquarters in the slaying of Sherri Rae Rasmussen, Bratton said.
Rasmussen's husband found her bruised body in their Van Nuys condominium on February 24, 1986. She had been shot multiple times, he said.
At the time, investigators thought Rasmussen had been the victim of a fatal robbery, but with few leads, the case languished, Bratton said.
It wasn't until the department's cold case squad started re-examining the case in February that DNA evidence led to Lazarus, a 25-year veteran who had been on the force two years when Rasmussen was killed.
"The current investigation combined with technology available today led to the identification of Lazarus as the suspect in the case," Bratton said. "The investigation revealed that she had had a previous relationship with the victim's husband prior to the murder. DNA processing and analysis provided a key piece of evidence in this investigation."
New analysis of DNA from the crime scene revealed that the suspected killer was female and not male, as investigators previously suspected. Bratton said cold case detectives used surreptitious means to gather current DNA samples from Lazarus, but he did not elaborate.
Bratton commended officers for ensuring the integrity of the case while faced with the difficult task of investigating a colleague they knew.
"They did what was expected of Los Angeles police officers. They went where the truth and the facts as known to them took them," he said. "[It's] painful for them to be reviewing a case, and then determine that the leads were leading to a current member of the police force."
Deputy Police Chief Charlie Beck noted the proximity of the robbery homicide office to the division where Lazarus worked.
"These are folks, one side of the hallway, investigating a member of the other," Beck said. "You can't know a person for that long or their family and not be affected by this."
Lazarus is being held on homicide charges. The case will be presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office on Monday, Beck said.
______________
More Information: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/07/us/07lapd.html?ref=global-home
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iSKim9DxlWXR2HZG4817ZvuewoNg
Stephanie Ilene Lazarus, 49, was on duty Friday morning when she was arrested in the Los Angeles Police Department's downtown headquarters in the slaying of Sherri Rae Rasmussen, Bratton said.
Rasmussen's husband found her bruised body in their Van Nuys condominium on February 24, 1986. She had been shot multiple times, he said.
At the time, investigators thought Rasmussen had been the victim of a fatal robbery, but with few leads, the case languished, Bratton said.
It wasn't until the department's cold case squad started re-examining the case in February that DNA evidence led to Lazarus, a 25-year veteran who had been on the force two years when Rasmussen was killed.
"The current investigation combined with technology available today led to the identification of Lazarus as the suspect in the case," Bratton said. "The investigation revealed that she had had a previous relationship with the victim's husband prior to the murder. DNA processing and analysis provided a key piece of evidence in this investigation."
New analysis of DNA from the crime scene revealed that the suspected killer was female and not male, as investigators previously suspected. Bratton said cold case detectives used surreptitious means to gather current DNA samples from Lazarus, but he did not elaborate.
Bratton commended officers for ensuring the integrity of the case while faced with the difficult task of investigating a colleague they knew.
"They did what was expected of Los Angeles police officers. They went where the truth and the facts as known to them took them," he said. "[It's] painful for them to be reviewing a case, and then determine that the leads were leading to a current member of the police force."
Deputy Police Chief Charlie Beck noted the proximity of the robbery homicide office to the division where Lazarus worked.
"These are folks, one side of the hallway, investigating a member of the other," Beck said. "You can't know a person for that long or their family and not be affected by this."
Lazarus is being held on homicide charges. The case will be presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office on Monday, Beck said.
______________
More Information: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/07/us/07lapd.html?ref=global-home
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iSKim9DxlWXR2HZG4817ZvuewoNg
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Trooper Manuel Moreno Jr Arrested for Assault
A Texas state trooper is accused of assaulting the same man three separate times.
Trooper Manuel Moreno Jr. is a drivers license trooper in Amarillo, and was picked up by the Randall County Sheriff's Department.
Moreno faces four counts of assault and one count of deadly conduct.
According to records obtained through Potter County, on January 4, 2009 Moreno assaulted another man. Then did the same on February 1, 2009 and also choked the man bringing the deadly conduct charge. The final incident occurred on April 12th when Moreno again assaulted the man twice.
Moreno has already posted a $12,500 bond out of Randall County.
DPS officials in Austin tell us, he has been placed on paid administrative leave until an internal investigation is complete. But his uniform and other issued equipment have been confiscated.
Potter County Attorney Scott Brumley was unavailable for comment Friday afternoon, and his office said they don't comment on pending cases.
At this time it is unclear what caused Moreno and the other man to fight on three separate occasions.
________________
Information: http://myhighplains.com/content/fulltext/?cid=59662
Friday, June 05, 2009
Cpl Lisa Lindler Fired After DUI Arrest
An officer in the South Carolina Highway Patrol has been fired after an arrest and charge of driving under the influence.
Lance Cpl. Lisa M. Lindler was stopped in her personal vehicle and arrested by Cayce police just after 10 p.m. Wednesday, according to State Public Safety Department Director Mark Keel.
In addition to the DUI charge, Lindler also faces a charge of having an open container of alcohol, Keel said.
Keel said a review of a videotape of the arrest assured him the dismissal was warranted.
"Each and every trooper knows first hand the deadly consequences of drinking and driving,” Keel said in a statement. “At the same time, it has been made abundantly clear to every trooper the personal consequences of indulging in behavior such as this," Keel said.
Lindler had served on the patrol for nearly 24 years.
_______________________
http://www.thestate.com/local/story/814787.html
Lance Cpl. Lisa M. Lindler was stopped in her personal vehicle and arrested by Cayce police just after 10 p.m. Wednesday, according to State Public Safety Department Director Mark Keel.
In addition to the DUI charge, Lindler also faces a charge of having an open container of alcohol, Keel said.
Keel said a review of a videotape of the arrest assured him the dismissal was warranted.
"Each and every trooper knows first hand the deadly consequences of drinking and driving,” Keel said in a statement. “At the same time, it has been made abundantly clear to every trooper the personal consequences of indulging in behavior such as this," Keel said.
Lindler had served on the patrol for nearly 24 years.
_______________________
http://www.thestate.com/local/story/814787.html
Former Trooper Robert Czora Arrested for Possession of Stolen Property
For the second time in less than a week, a former state trooper has been arrested.
Robert Czora, 41, of Morrisonville was arrested last week for felony possession of stolen property after police said he was in possession of items that had been reported stolen from the Northeast Printing and Distribution Co. in Plattsburgh, Czora’s former employer.
Czora was released from custody in that case after posting $10,000 bail but during the investigation of the theft, police had searched the former cop’s residence and said they found other stolen property including Jeep wheels and tires that were allegedly stolen earlier this year from Mountain View Motors in Plattsburgh. A Jeep stolen from the dealership was recovered but without its wheels and tires.
Police said the items were found under Czora’s porch and identified by the dealership as the stolen items. A new charge of felony criminal possession of stolen property was filed against him.
Police said that the investigation is continuing and additional charges are possible. Anyone who may have purchased items recently from Czora either personally or through the Internet is asked to contact State Police investigators at 518-563-3761.
In November, 2007, Czora was charged with official misconduct, a Class A misdemeanor, after it was alleged Czora had stopped a motorist on the Northway in the town of Ausable in Clinton County and improperly obtained and processed $300 as purported bail from the motorist.
He had driven the female motorist to a nearby bank so she could withdraw the $300 he said he needed for bail but when she later contacted authorities about her court date, she found out she had never been ticketed.
Czora was fined $1,000 and fired. 6-4-09
_____________________
http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=10480186
Robert Czora, 41, of Morrisonville was arrested last week for felony possession of stolen property after police said he was in possession of items that had been reported stolen from the Northeast Printing and Distribution Co. in Plattsburgh, Czora’s former employer.
Czora was released from custody in that case after posting $10,000 bail but during the investigation of the theft, police had searched the former cop’s residence and said they found other stolen property including Jeep wheels and tires that were allegedly stolen earlier this year from Mountain View Motors in Plattsburgh. A Jeep stolen from the dealership was recovered but without its wheels and tires.
Police said the items were found under Czora’s porch and identified by the dealership as the stolen items. A new charge of felony criminal possession of stolen property was filed against him.
Police said that the investigation is continuing and additional charges are possible. Anyone who may have purchased items recently from Czora either personally or through the Internet is asked to contact State Police investigators at 518-563-3761.
In November, 2007, Czora was charged with official misconduct, a Class A misdemeanor, after it was alleged Czora had stopped a motorist on the Northway in the town of Ausable in Clinton County and improperly obtained and processed $300 as purported bail from the motorist.
He had driven the female motorist to a nearby bank so she could withdraw the $300 he said he needed for bail but when she later contacted authorities about her court date, she found out she had never been ticketed.
Czora was fined $1,000 and fired. 6-4-09
_____________________
http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=10480186
Search Still on for Former Deputy Derrick Yancey Wanted for Murder
A former sheriff's deputy accused of killing his wife and a day laborer was videotaped at an Atlanta bus station just hours after removing an ankle monitor in order to escape, officials said Thursday.
Derrick Yancey, who was under a $150,000 bond when he fled, boarded a westbound Greyhound bus April 4 and disappeared somewhere between Phoenix and Los Angeles, DeKalb County Sheriff Thomas Brown said.
Brown said Yancey, 49, is fluent in Spanish and may be in Mexico. A $10,000 reward is being offered for his capture.
Yancey is accused of shooting Linda Yancey, 44, and Marcial Cax Puluc, a 20-year-old Guatemalan immigrant he had hired to work at his Stone Mountain home, almost a year ago. Yancey told investigators that Puluc had killed his wife before he killed Puluc in self-defense.
He resigned from his job with the sheriff's department shortly before he was indicted on murder charges in August.
Yancey was under orders to stay at his mother's home in Jonesboro, just south of Atlanta, when he removed his ankle monitor and left. The monitoring firm BI Inc. of Colorado received an alert on Yancey's bracelet at 5:41 a.m. April 4, but the sheriff's office was not notified for hours, Brown said.
Brown said at a news conference that Yancey had cashed out his $18,000 pension and paid cash for his bus ticket.
Investigators suspect Yancey may have altered his appearance. Video from the bus station showed him with a new mustache, longer hair and the beginnings of a new beard at the Greyhound ticket counter.
__________________________
Information from: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, http://www.ajc.com
Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/search?q=Derrick+Yancey
Derrick Yancey, who was under a $150,000 bond when he fled, boarded a westbound Greyhound bus April 4 and disappeared somewhere between Phoenix and Los Angeles, DeKalb County Sheriff Thomas Brown said.
Brown said Yancey, 49, is fluent in Spanish and may be in Mexico. A $10,000 reward is being offered for his capture.
Yancey is accused of shooting Linda Yancey, 44, and Marcial Cax Puluc, a 20-year-old Guatemalan immigrant he had hired to work at his Stone Mountain home, almost a year ago. Yancey told investigators that Puluc had killed his wife before he killed Puluc in self-defense.
He resigned from his job with the sheriff's department shortly before he was indicted on murder charges in August.
Yancey was under orders to stay at his mother's home in Jonesboro, just south of Atlanta, when he removed his ankle monitor and left. The monitoring firm BI Inc. of Colorado received an alert on Yancey's bracelet at 5:41 a.m. April 4, but the sheriff's office was not notified for hours, Brown said.
Brown said at a news conference that Yancey had cashed out his $18,000 pension and paid cash for his bus ticket.
Investigators suspect Yancey may have altered his appearance. Video from the bus station showed him with a new mustache, longer hair and the beginnings of a new beard at the Greyhound ticket counter.
__________________________
Information from: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, http://www.ajc.com
Previous Post: http://whathappenedtoprotectandserve.blogspot.com/search?q=Derrick+Yancey
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Five Mesa Officers On Paid Leave After Flushing Fetus Down Toilet
Five Mesa police officers have been placed on paid leave pending the outcome of criminal and administrative investigations including an incident where an officer allegedly flushed a small fetus down a toilet.
Police Chief George Gascón said he believes one officer used excessive force in the other case.
Gascón said he became aware of both incidents Tuesday and held a news conference Wednesday.
Four officers responded to a call of a possible miscarriage Monday at the Motel 6 in Mesa where they arrested a man on suspicion of drug-related offenses and discovered a woman in the room apparently had miscarried a 4-inch fetus that was an estimated 12 to 14 weeks old, according to Gascón.
Although both Mesa fire and police were present in the motel room, Lt. Lynn Young told the officers and fire personnel over the phone not to take the fetus but to flush it down the toilet, according to Gascón.
A supervisor who was reading incident reports at the Dobson District station first came across details about the disposal of the fetus and brought it to the attention of a division commander, who contacted the assistant chief of operations who called Gascón.
Police said Young was placed on paid administrative leave along with the other three officers who responded to the call involving the miscarriage — Kristen Johnson, Robert Buquo and Glenn Pearson, who was the lead officer in the case.
In the other incident, police said officer Nicholas Webster was seen on an arrest video May 16 shoving a handcuffed man's head into the rear windshield of a patrol cruiser before repeatedly pushing his face and shoulder into a chain-link fence inside the inmate booking area.
Gascón said police plan to forward both cases to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office within the next few days to see if prosecutors will recommend any charges against any of the officers involved in the incidents.
Response from the Mesa Police Association
"It is the position of the Mesa Police Association that the press conference held last night was immensely early in regards to the preliminary investigations conducted by the Police Department. The press conference simply marked the beginning of the investigations.
The facts are not yet established. There should be no rush to judgment, bias, premature accusations or political posturing against any officer.
The MPA is urging all parties and the public to not rush to judgment and allow the investigation to establish the facts. We are concerned some statements made were prejudicial in nature and may interfere with a professional and thorough investigation.
We affirm to our members the MPA will ensure Police Officer's rights and due process are not violated. Our members will receive fair legal representation throughout this process."
_____________________
Other information: http://www.kpho.com/news/19651231/detail.html
Police Chief George Gascón said he believes one officer used excessive force in the other case.
Gascón said he became aware of both incidents Tuesday and held a news conference Wednesday.
Four officers responded to a call of a possible miscarriage Monday at the Motel 6 in Mesa where they arrested a man on suspicion of drug-related offenses and discovered a woman in the room apparently had miscarried a 4-inch fetus that was an estimated 12 to 14 weeks old, according to Gascón.
Although both Mesa fire and police were present in the motel room, Lt. Lynn Young told the officers and fire personnel over the phone not to take the fetus but to flush it down the toilet, according to Gascón.
A supervisor who was reading incident reports at the Dobson District station first came across details about the disposal of the fetus and brought it to the attention of a division commander, who contacted the assistant chief of operations who called Gascón.
Police said Young was placed on paid administrative leave along with the other three officers who responded to the call involving the miscarriage — Kristen Johnson, Robert Buquo and Glenn Pearson, who was the lead officer in the case.
In the other incident, police said officer Nicholas Webster was seen on an arrest video May 16 shoving a handcuffed man's head into the rear windshield of a patrol cruiser before repeatedly pushing his face and shoulder into a chain-link fence inside the inmate booking area.
Gascón said police plan to forward both cases to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office within the next few days to see if prosecutors will recommend any charges against any of the officers involved in the incidents.
Response from the Mesa Police Association
"It is the position of the Mesa Police Association that the press conference held last night was immensely early in regards to the preliminary investigations conducted by the Police Department. The press conference simply marked the beginning of the investigations.
The facts are not yet established. There should be no rush to judgment, bias, premature accusations or political posturing against any officer.
The MPA is urging all parties and the public to not rush to judgment and allow the investigation to establish the facts. We are concerned some statements made were prejudicial in nature and may interfere with a professional and thorough investigation.
We affirm to our members the MPA will ensure Police Officer's rights and due process are not violated. Our members will receive fair legal representation throughout this process."
_____________________
Other information: http://www.kpho.com/news/19651231/detail.html
Correctional Officer James Sheerin Arrested for Smuggling Contraband into Prison
Police arrested Wabash Valley Correctional Facility officer for attempting to smuggling contraband into the prison.
Officials said staff members stopped and searched 25-year-old James Sheerin, of Terre Haute.
Sheerin allegedly was hiding cell phones in a drink cup when he came into work. He tried to enter the correctional facility through the visitor processing center with 250 grams of marijuana.
Sheerin also had six cell phones with chargers, 75 grams of tobacco and a video game player. Officials searched his car and found an additional 18 grams of heroin and even more cell phones.
Officials arrested Sheerin after monitoring him for more than a week.
"Justice will run it course and the Wabash Valley Facility will continue to do its job protect the public and the vast majority of the folks do a very credible, very honest, very professional job," public information officer Rich Larsen said.
Sheerin is facing felony charges of possession of heroin, cocaine and marijuana, along with trafficking with an inmate. A court date has not yet been set.
The attempted smuggling has resulted in two housing units at the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility to be put under lockdown pending an investigation.
________________________
Information: http://www.wthitv.com/dpp/news/local/news_wthi_carlisle_officertrafficking_200906041129
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Several DeKalb Officers Accused of Having Sex While on Duty
Several DeKalb County police officers are under invesatigation, after being accused of having sex while on duty.
A source close to the investigation gave CBS Atlanta a videotape which showed a police officer meeting up with a woman miles outside his jurisdiction.
The tape, which was shot by a private investigator, shows an officer pulling into an RV park in Gwinnett County.
According to sources, the sergeant seen on the video was on duty. The sergeant goes inside the trailer with a woman. The two are inside for 2 and half hours. The officer then comes out of the trailer, kisses the woman goodbye and drives off.
On Wednesday, Police Chief Bill O’Brien and Public Safety Director Wiz Miller confirmed the investigations. But they said, at this point, they aren't sure if the incident on the video happened while the officer on the clock.
“One thing we do have to keep in mind is that we do have some police officers that are assigned take home vehicles. So, we don’t know if it was an on-duty or off-duty incident,” O’Brien said.
Several hours later, the sergeant and the woman were seen meeting up again at the sergeant's house.
The incident is one of two involving police officers in the last six months.
The second incident involves several officers at the south precinct.
An on-duty officer was accused of driving to an off-duty officer's house to have sex. According to our source, the officer made a cadet wait outside in the patrol car.
“The first thing you have to do is to reaffirm in their minds that they ave to be held to a higher standard,” Miller said.
The accused officers are still on the street until the investigations are complete, officials said.
____________________________
Information & Video: http://www.cbsatlanta.com/news/19649667/detail.html
A source close to the investigation gave CBS Atlanta a videotape which showed a police officer meeting up with a woman miles outside his jurisdiction.
The tape, which was shot by a private investigator, shows an officer pulling into an RV park in Gwinnett County.
According to sources, the sergeant seen on the video was on duty. The sergeant goes inside the trailer with a woman. The two are inside for 2 and half hours. The officer then comes out of the trailer, kisses the woman goodbye and drives off.
On Wednesday, Police Chief Bill O’Brien and Public Safety Director Wiz Miller confirmed the investigations. But they said, at this point, they aren't sure if the incident on the video happened while the officer on the clock.
“One thing we do have to keep in mind is that we do have some police officers that are assigned take home vehicles. So, we don’t know if it was an on-duty or off-duty incident,” O’Brien said.
Several hours later, the sergeant and the woman were seen meeting up again at the sergeant's house.
The incident is one of two involving police officers in the last six months.
The second incident involves several officers at the south precinct.
An on-duty officer was accused of driving to an off-duty officer's house to have sex. According to our source, the officer made a cadet wait outside in the patrol car.
“The first thing you have to do is to reaffirm in their minds that they ave to be held to a higher standard,” Miller said.
The accused officers are still on the street until the investigations are complete, officials said.
____________________________
Information & Video: http://www.cbsatlanta.com/news/19649667/detail.html
Former Officer Alex Ramirez Pleads Guilty to Charges
A former Dearborn police officer accused of fixing tickets and accepting bribes pleaded guilty Wednesday in Wayne County Circuit Court.
Alex Ramirez, 42, of Dearborn faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for embezzlement by a public official, misconduct in office, obstruction of justice, conspiracy to obstruct justice, larceny in a building and bribery charges, Wayne County Prosecutor's Office spokeswoman Maria Miller said Wednesday.
One of his codefendants, Hassan Hojaije, agreed to testify against him in exchange for 2 years of probation. According to the 21-year-old Dearborn man, Ramirez would look up the names of people who'd received parking tickets and have him contact the drivers, offering to get rid of them for $400. This happened close to two dozen times, Hojaije testified.
Ramirez, a cop for two decades, will be sentenced at 9 a.m. July 28 before Wayne County Circuit Judge Margie Braxton.
Investigators said two other men also participated in the scheme: Isoam Nimer, 28, of Dearborn, who pleaded guilty to attempted obstruction of justice, and Hasan Chamara, 21, of Dearborn, who is charged with the same offense and may have fled the country.
______________________________
http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=10473980&nav=menu25_2
Alex Ramirez, 42, of Dearborn faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for embezzlement by a public official, misconduct in office, obstruction of justice, conspiracy to obstruct justice, larceny in a building and bribery charges, Wayne County Prosecutor's Office spokeswoman Maria Miller said Wednesday.
One of his codefendants, Hassan Hojaije, agreed to testify against him in exchange for 2 years of probation. According to the 21-year-old Dearborn man, Ramirez would look up the names of people who'd received parking tickets and have him contact the drivers, offering to get rid of them for $400. This happened close to two dozen times, Hojaije testified.
Ramirez, a cop for two decades, will be sentenced at 9 a.m. July 28 before Wayne County Circuit Judge Margie Braxton.
Investigators said two other men also participated in the scheme: Isoam Nimer, 28, of Dearborn, who pleaded guilty to attempted obstruction of justice, and Hasan Chamara, 21, of Dearborn, who is charged with the same offense and may have fled the country.
______________________________
http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=10473980&nav=menu25_2
Former Trooper Robert Czora Charged with Stealing Jeep
A former New York state trooper has been charged with possession of stolen property after a lengthy investigation into a stolen jeep, according to New York State Police.
Robert W.Czora, 41, of Morrisonville, was arrested Wednesday after police said they found stolen items at his home.
The arrest was a result of an investigation that began Jan. 20 when a 2007 Jeep Wrangler was reported stolen from the dealer lot of Mountain View Motors in Plattsburgh, police said. The Jeep was recovered two days later with the wheels and tires missing.
On May 29, while executing a search warrant on Czora's residence on an unrelated matter, police said they said Jeep wheels and Bridgestone Dueler tires underneath a rear deck of Czora's home.
The wheels and tires were taken as evidence and were identified by the owner of Mountain View Motors as the stolen tires.
Czora was released on an appearance ticket and is due back in court June 11.
Czora pleaded guilty to official misconduct in 2007 after he pulled a woman over and told her to pay him $300. Police said Czora told the woman he needed her to pay the money as bail for a speeding ticket.
In court, Czora said he returned the money to the woman after he found inquiries were being made into the case.
Czora was based out of the Valcour State Police barracks for 15 years, but was suspended after the incident.
Police are asking anyone who has purchased items from Czora online or personally in Vermont or New York to call police at 518-561-3761.
__________________
Other Stories:
November 29, 2007: Trooper Pleads Guilty In Official Misconduct Case
November 16, 2007: Trooper Arrested For Official Misconduct
October 31, 2007: State Trooper Suspended
Robert W.Czora, 41, of Morrisonville, was arrested Wednesday after police said they found stolen items at his home.
The arrest was a result of an investigation that began Jan. 20 when a 2007 Jeep Wrangler was reported stolen from the dealer lot of Mountain View Motors in Plattsburgh, police said. The Jeep was recovered two days later with the wheels and tires missing.
On May 29, while executing a search warrant on Czora's residence on an unrelated matter, police said they said Jeep wheels and Bridgestone Dueler tires underneath a rear deck of Czora's home.
The wheels and tires were taken as evidence and were identified by the owner of Mountain View Motors as the stolen tires.
Czora was released on an appearance ticket and is due back in court June 11.
Czora pleaded guilty to official misconduct in 2007 after he pulled a woman over and told her to pay him $300. Police said Czora told the woman he needed her to pay the money as bail for a speeding ticket.
In court, Czora said he returned the money to the woman after he found inquiries were being made into the case.
Czora was based out of the Valcour State Police barracks for 15 years, but was suspended after the incident.
Police are asking anyone who has purchased items from Czora online or personally in Vermont or New York to call police at 518-561-3761.
__________________
Other Stories:
November 29, 2007: Trooper Pleads Guilty In Official Misconduct Case
November 16, 2007: Trooper Arrested For Official Misconduct
October 31, 2007: State Trooper Suspended
Former Officer Michael Miles Accused of Having Sex with 14-Year-Old Boy
A former police officer and volunteer teacher was arrested Tuesday, accused of having sex with a 14-year-old boy. Michael Gregory Miles was an officer with the Oak Hill Police Department.
Eyewitness News learned the school did not do a background check on Miles before he started working with kids. Miles is related to the school's owners.
Michael Miles was a police officer, he was family and he was trusted, but the relationship he started with a 14-year-old boy from Edgewater's Private Discovery Academy, has led to three felony charges against the former officer.
"You would never think he was creepy or anything like that, where you would think something was going on. Never, never in a million years," said administrator Nancy Solman.
Edgewater investigators said the affair started at the school last year, after Miles had resigned as an officer.
Court documents show the boy was at Spruce Creek High School in April when he revealed the affair to classmates.
He and Miles then told police everything. They said they met first in the parking lot of a local grocery store.
Later, it was a more secluded place, a heavily wooded area in a residential neighborhood. They used email and MySpace to set up the meetings.
"With him, you would have never thought anything because he was with law enforcement. That's the whole thing; he had that whole law enforcement background," said Solman.
The school has cameras inside and officials said Miles was supervised when he was with students.
Police say they don't have any reason to believe there are any other victims. These are not the first charges against Miles.
He is supposed to be in court later this week on charges of grand theft and impersonating a police officer, something he's accused of doing after he quit as an officer in Oak Hill.
Eyewitness News learned the school did not do a background check on Miles before he started working with kids. Miles is related to the school's owners.
Michael Miles was a police officer, he was family and he was trusted, but the relationship he started with a 14-year-old boy from Edgewater's Private Discovery Academy, has led to three felony charges against the former officer.
"You would never think he was creepy or anything like that, where you would think something was going on. Never, never in a million years," said administrator Nancy Solman.
Edgewater investigators said the affair started at the school last year, after Miles had resigned as an officer.
Court documents show the boy was at Spruce Creek High School in April when he revealed the affair to classmates.
He and Miles then told police everything. They said they met first in the parking lot of a local grocery store.
Later, it was a more secluded place, a heavily wooded area in a residential neighborhood. They used email and MySpace to set up the meetings.
"With him, you would have never thought anything because he was with law enforcement. That's the whole thing; he had that whole law enforcement background," said Solman.
The school has cameras inside and officials said Miles was supervised when he was with students.
Police say they don't have any reason to believe there are any other victims. These are not the first charges against Miles.
He is supposed to be in court later this week on charges of grand theft and impersonating a police officer, something he's accused of doing after he quit as an officer in Oak Hill.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Thomas Newell Runs Program that Combats Drunk Driving Arrested for DUI
The man who runs Sonoma County's program that combats drunken driving has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, police said.
Thomas Newell, 53, was arrested in Santa Rosa about 3 p.m. Friday after an off-duty firefighter spotted a Mercedes-Benz driving recklessly on Bodega Highway, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The firefighter flagged down a Sonoma County sheriff's deputy, who pulled Newell over, the CHP said. A CHP officer responded as well and concluded that Newell was under the influence of a drug, authorities said.
Newell was arrested and booked into Sonoma County Jail. The results of a blood test will not be available for several weeks, said CHP Officer Jonathan Sloat.
Newell manages the county Health Services Department's programs on driving under the influence and drug treatment, according to the agency's Web site.
Thomas Newell, 53, was arrested in Santa Rosa about 3 p.m. Friday after an off-duty firefighter spotted a Mercedes-Benz driving recklessly on Bodega Highway, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The firefighter flagged down a Sonoma County sheriff's deputy, who pulled Newell over, the CHP said. A CHP officer responded as well and concluded that Newell was under the influence of a drug, authorities said.
Newell was arrested and booked into Sonoma County Jail. The results of a blood test will not be available for several weeks, said CHP Officer Jonathan Sloat.
Newell manages the county Health Services Department's programs on driving under the influence and drug treatment, according to the agency's Web site.
72-Year-Old Great Grandmother Tasered for Speeding
A traffic stop for speeding in Travis County, Texas, led to the Tasering of a 72-year-old great-grandmother by a deputy. Feisty Kathryn Winkfein apparently so frightened the law-enforcement officer when she "used some profanity" and "got violent" that he felt it necessary to subdue her with a potentially dangerous jolt of electricity.
Winkfein was reportedly doing 60 in a construction zone where the posted speed limit was 45 when she was pulled over. She was ticketed but declined to sign the ticket, leading the police officer to place her under arrest lest civilization collapse for want of the surrender of a penny's worth of ink.
At this point, the stories diverge. According to Precinct 3 Constable Richard McCain, Winkfein cursed and refused to cooperate. She says nothing of the sort occurred. "I wasn't argumentative, I was not combative. This is a lie," the woman told a news reporter for Fox 7.
Either way, it's difficult to see how the issuance of a speeding ticket to an elderly woman devolved to the point where a grown, trained law-enforcement officer could be considered justified in subjecting the speeder to an electric jolt intended to disrupt her nervous system -- no matter what command of profanity she displayed.
Given that the speeding ticket had already been issued, it's also difficult to understand what purpose was served by prolonging the encounter and demanding a signature. A similar incident in Utah in 2007 between a state trooper and a motorist also resulted in a Tasering after the driver declined to sign a speeding ticket. In that case, the officer escalated the matter to a violent conclusion even though Utah law doesn't actually require a signature. Texas law apparently follows the same reasoning, considering the signature merely a promise to appear in court, not a necessity for the validity of the ticket itself.
Jared Massey, the Utah motorist, was ultimately awarded $40,000 as compensation for the abuse he suffered at the hands of Trooper Jon Gardner.
After being Tasered along the road for failing to put pen to paper, Kathryn Winkfein was taken to jail and booked for resisting arrest and detention. Not surprisingly, she's hired a lawyer.
__________________
other information: http://www.drudge.com/news/121622/72-year-old-tasered-traffic-stop
youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15YExclX4Gc
Winkfein was reportedly doing 60 in a construction zone where the posted speed limit was 45 when she was pulled over. She was ticketed but declined to sign the ticket, leading the police officer to place her under arrest lest civilization collapse for want of the surrender of a penny's worth of ink.
At this point, the stories diverge. According to Precinct 3 Constable Richard McCain, Winkfein cursed and refused to cooperate. She says nothing of the sort occurred. "I wasn't argumentative, I was not combative. This is a lie," the woman told a news reporter for Fox 7.
Either way, it's difficult to see how the issuance of a speeding ticket to an elderly woman devolved to the point where a grown, trained law-enforcement officer could be considered justified in subjecting the speeder to an electric jolt intended to disrupt her nervous system -- no matter what command of profanity she displayed.
Given that the speeding ticket had already been issued, it's also difficult to understand what purpose was served by prolonging the encounter and demanding a signature. A similar incident in Utah in 2007 between a state trooper and a motorist also resulted in a Tasering after the driver declined to sign a speeding ticket. In that case, the officer escalated the matter to a violent conclusion even though Utah law doesn't actually require a signature. Texas law apparently follows the same reasoning, considering the signature merely a promise to appear in court, not a necessity for the validity of the ticket itself.
Jared Massey, the Utah motorist, was ultimately awarded $40,000 as compensation for the abuse he suffered at the hands of Trooper Jon Gardner.
After being Tasered along the road for failing to put pen to paper, Kathryn Winkfein was taken to jail and booked for resisting arrest and detention. Not surprisingly, she's hired a lawyer.
__________________
other information: http://www.drudge.com/news/121622/72-year-old-tasered-traffic-stop
youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15YExclX4Gc
Monday, June 01, 2009
Corporal Darrin Opaitz Accused of Sexually Assaulting Two Women
A Lubbock Police officer has been accused of sexually assaulting two Lubbock area women.
We have obtained a partial copy of the Texas Rangers investigation report through an open records. It names Lubbock Police Corporal Darrin Opaitz as the suspect. Lubbock Police say he's still on paid administrative leave.
According to the Texas Rangers investigation report, the first assault occurred on November, 26th, 2008, presumed to have been committed by a person employed as a Lubbock Police Department officer.
According to the documents, a Lubbock Police detective and Texas Ranger assisted in interviewing the first victim. She's identified in the files as "Cindy", which is not her real name. The papers say "Cindy" was reluctant to provide investigators with the name of the perpetrator. She claimed to have no memory of the events leading up to her injuries and sexual assault.
Back in December detectives called "Cindy" to discuss the status of the investigation. According to the documents the victim stated, "She did not wish to pursue criminal charges in this investigation." She also declined to make a statement and refused to divulge the name of the suspect.
At that point the file was closed by investigators. But on March 6th, 2009 the case was reopened by detectives after they met with "Cindy" at Covenant Hospital and obtained a recorded statement from her.
On March 26th, investigators met with a second victim who claimed to have been sexually assaulted by Darrin Opaitz. The assault reportedly occurred back in July 2008.
Lubbock Police tell us they can't comment on a Texas Rangers investigation and by law they can't comment on a possible internal affairs investigation either.
Opaitz is not charged with a crime. It's possible that he could be charged or cleared at the conclusion of the Texas Rangers investigation.
We have obtained a partial copy of the Texas Rangers investigation report through an open records. It names Lubbock Police Corporal Darrin Opaitz as the suspect. Lubbock Police say he's still on paid administrative leave.
According to the Texas Rangers investigation report, the first assault occurred on November, 26th, 2008, presumed to have been committed by a person employed as a Lubbock Police Department officer.
According to the documents, a Lubbock Police detective and Texas Ranger assisted in interviewing the first victim. She's identified in the files as "Cindy", which is not her real name. The papers say "Cindy" was reluctant to provide investigators with the name of the perpetrator. She claimed to have no memory of the events leading up to her injuries and sexual assault.
Back in December detectives called "Cindy" to discuss the status of the investigation. According to the documents the victim stated, "She did not wish to pursue criminal charges in this investigation." She also declined to make a statement and refused to divulge the name of the suspect.
At that point the file was closed by investigators. But on March 6th, 2009 the case was reopened by detectives after they met with "Cindy" at Covenant Hospital and obtained a recorded statement from her.
On March 26th, investigators met with a second victim who claimed to have been sexually assaulted by Darrin Opaitz. The assault reportedly occurred back in July 2008.
Lubbock Police tell us they can't comment on a Texas Rangers investigation and by law they can't comment on a possible internal affairs investigation either.
Opaitz is not charged with a crime. It's possible that he could be charged or cleared at the conclusion of the Texas Rangers investigation.
Officer Jason Neal Charged with Fraud
An Alexandria Police officer was arrested Monday and charged with fraud.
Jason Neal, who has been on sick leave with the department for several months, was charged with public payroll fraud.
Police Chief Daren Coutee said the investigation into Neal began over the weekend and remains active.
Neal was on sick leave from the department and drawing payment from the city but was working a second job, Coutee said.
Neal turned himself in and was arrested without incident. He was released from the Rapides Parish Jail on Monday.
Coutee said Neal had been with the department a short time as he'd had several military deployments since he began.
Jason Neal, who has been on sick leave with the department for several months, was charged with public payroll fraud.
Police Chief Daren Coutee said the investigation into Neal began over the weekend and remains active.
Neal was on sick leave from the department and drawing payment from the city but was working a second job, Coutee said.
Neal turned himself in and was arrested without incident. He was released from the Rapides Parish Jail on Monday.
Coutee said Neal had been with the department a short time as he'd had several military deployments since he began.
Former Officer James Formato, Officer Dino Vitalo & Others Arrested for Armed Robberies
A reputed mob boss, a police officer and five other men were charged Thursday in a sweeping racketeering indictment that alleges eight years of armed robberies, burglaries, jewel thefts and arson based in the western suburbs of Chicago.
Michael "The Large Guy" Sarno, 51, of Westchester allegedly masterminded much of the group's illegal activity, including a February 2003 pipe-bomb explosion that wrecked the storefront offices of a company distributing video poker machines.
Prosecutors say the bombing was a message from organized crime to stop intruding on its $13-million-a-year video poker gambling business.
Sarno, 51, went to prison in the early 1990s as a member of an organized crime family based in the western suburbs headed by Ernest Rocco Infelice.
Federal agents searched Sarno's home last July and also raided the headquarters and various hangouts of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club. An alliance has developed between the violence-prone club and the Chicago mob, prosecutors say.
Sarno's attorney, Terence P. Gillespie, did not return a message for comment. But he said in a previous interview with The Associated Press that Sarno was not a mob member and was "a legitimate businessman."
Two men arrested the day of the July 2008 searches and later indicted, Mark Polchan, 41, an acknowledged member of the Outlaws, and Samuel Volpendesto, 85, were also charged in the fresh indictment. They are accused of setting off the bomb that demolished C&S Coin Operated Amusements of Berwyn, a video poker device distributor.
At the time, a video poker distributing company controlled by members and associates of the Chicago mob had a grip on the market for the devices, experts say.
Video poker devices are legal in Illinois if they are not used for gambling, but bartenders often pay winners under the table in many places and experts say the mob frequently takes a healthy cut of what the machines take in.
Gov. Pat Quinn is deciding whether to sign a bill to make video poker gambling legal to finance public works — something good government forces deplore. They say the machines are addictive and some breadwinners have gambled away their paychecks.
Also charged in the indictment:
—James Formato, 42, a former Berwyn police officer accused of serving as a courier for stolen money, taking part in an attempted robbery and other crimes.
—Mark Hay, 52, described as taking part in the robbery of jewelry stores.
—Anthony Volpendesto, 46, son of Samuel Volpendesto, who also is alleged to have taken part in robbing jewelry stores.
—Dino Vitalo, 40, a Cicero police officer since 1991, accused of searching law enforcement data bases and using the information to tip off criminals and searching for electronic surveillance equipment around a jewelry store operated by Polchan. Cicero officials on Thursday placed Vitalo on administrative leave.
Prosecutors are asking the court to force the defendants if convicted to forfeit $1.8 million — a possible measure of the amount taken in the robberies.
______________________
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6844795
Michael "The Large Guy" Sarno, 51, of Westchester allegedly masterminded much of the group's illegal activity, including a February 2003 pipe-bomb explosion that wrecked the storefront offices of a company distributing video poker machines.
Prosecutors say the bombing was a message from organized crime to stop intruding on its $13-million-a-year video poker gambling business.
Sarno, 51, went to prison in the early 1990s as a member of an organized crime family based in the western suburbs headed by Ernest Rocco Infelice.
Federal agents searched Sarno's home last July and also raided the headquarters and various hangouts of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club. An alliance has developed between the violence-prone club and the Chicago mob, prosecutors say.
Sarno's attorney, Terence P. Gillespie, did not return a message for comment. But he said in a previous interview with The Associated Press that Sarno was not a mob member and was "a legitimate businessman."
Two men arrested the day of the July 2008 searches and later indicted, Mark Polchan, 41, an acknowledged member of the Outlaws, and Samuel Volpendesto, 85, were also charged in the fresh indictment. They are accused of setting off the bomb that demolished C&S Coin Operated Amusements of Berwyn, a video poker device distributor.
At the time, a video poker distributing company controlled by members and associates of the Chicago mob had a grip on the market for the devices, experts say.
Video poker devices are legal in Illinois if they are not used for gambling, but bartenders often pay winners under the table in many places and experts say the mob frequently takes a healthy cut of what the machines take in.
Gov. Pat Quinn is deciding whether to sign a bill to make video poker gambling legal to finance public works — something good government forces deplore. They say the machines are addictive and some breadwinners have gambled away their paychecks.
Also charged in the indictment:
—James Formato, 42, a former Berwyn police officer accused of serving as a courier for stolen money, taking part in an attempted robbery and other crimes.
—Mark Hay, 52, described as taking part in the robbery of jewelry stores.
—Anthony Volpendesto, 46, son of Samuel Volpendesto, who also is alleged to have taken part in robbing jewelry stores.
—Dino Vitalo, 40, a Cicero police officer since 1991, accused of searching law enforcement data bases and using the information to tip off criminals and searching for electronic surveillance equipment around a jewelry store operated by Polchan. Cicero officials on Thursday placed Vitalo on administrative leave.
Prosecutors are asking the court to force the defendants if convicted to forfeit $1.8 million — a possible measure of the amount taken in the robberies.
______________________
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6844795
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)