ATLANTA GA OCT 31 2011
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Monday, October 31, 2011
Domino Pizza store mangers burn down Papa John's business www.privateofficer.com
Two managers of a Domino's Pizza restaurant in Lake City, in north-central Florida, have been charged with burning down a rival Papa John's location. The motive? Police say one of the men admitted that he believed with his competitor out of the way, more pizza lovers would flock to his restaurant.
The Papa John's was gutted in the Oct. 20 fire.
Both men — Sean Everett Davidson, 23, and Bryan David Sullivan, 22 — were booked on an arson charge and were being held in jail.
The Star-Banner of Ocala reports that police are still looking for an ignition device that the men claimed they made but did not use to start the fire.
Bouncer choked during last call by angry patron www.privateofficer.com
Lincoln NE Oct 31 2011 It was closing time, but a Cortland man apparently wanted to stay in an O Street bar early Sunday.
When a bouncer asked 21-year-old Dustin McGee to leave Iquana's, 1426 O St., shortly after 2 a.m., McGee argued with the bouncer, then grabbed him by the throat and "restricted his breathing for several seconds," Lincoln Police Capt. Jim Davidsaver said.
Police officers arrested McGee on suspicion of felony strangulation and trespassing, because he refused to leave the bar, Davidsaver said.
McGee's blood-alcohol content, which was measured when he was booked into jail, wasn't included on a police report.
Source:journalstar.com
When a bouncer asked 21-year-old Dustin McGee to leave Iquana's, 1426 O St., shortly after 2 a.m., McGee argued with the bouncer, then grabbed him by the throat and "restricted his breathing for several seconds," Lincoln Police Capt. Jim Davidsaver said.
Police officers arrested McGee on suspicion of felony strangulation and trespassing, because he refused to leave the bar, Davidsaver said.
McGee's blood-alcohol content, which was measured when he was booked into jail, wasn't included on a police report.
Source:journalstar.com
Shoplifter barricades himself in store bathroom www.privateofficer.com
Green Valley AZ Oct 31 2011 A Marana man was arrested Friday and charged with felony attempted shoplifting after he told police he planned to steal and sell nearly $3,000 worth of DVDs and Blu-ray discs from Frys Marketplace.
Douglas Maness, 22, was arrested after locking himself in the restroom at Sertinos. He drew the attention of Frys’ managers by placing the electronics under a large bag of dog food in a shopping cart, Sahuarita Patrol Officer Sam Almodova said.
When the store personnel approached, Maness said, “I’ll pay for this” and a manager said, “OK, we’ll watch.” Maness then put some items back on shelves, walked away quickly and then ran from the store, heading first to Chase Bank, then to Subway and finally into Sertinos, where he locked himself in the restroom, Almodova said. He did not take any items from Frys.
Police asked a manager to open the restroom and questioned Maness, who said he planned to sell the items.
Almodova said under state statute, when someone makes an attempt to commit shoplifting and has intent, he can be charged even without removing any items from a store.
“Guys come to Sahuarita and think it’s an easy mark, but don’t understand that down here they are a big fish in a small pond. They can get lost in the crowd in a bigger city, but here the spotlight is on them,” Almodova said.
Source:green valley news
Douglas Maness, 22, was arrested after locking himself in the restroom at Sertinos. He drew the attention of Frys’ managers by placing the electronics under a large bag of dog food in a shopping cart, Sahuarita Patrol Officer Sam Almodova said.
When the store personnel approached, Maness said, “I’ll pay for this” and a manager said, “OK, we’ll watch.” Maness then put some items back on shelves, walked away quickly and then ran from the store, heading first to Chase Bank, then to Subway and finally into Sertinos, where he locked himself in the restroom, Almodova said. He did not take any items from Frys.
Police asked a manager to open the restroom and questioned Maness, who said he planned to sell the items.
Almodova said under state statute, when someone makes an attempt to commit shoplifting and has intent, he can be charged even without removing any items from a store.
“Guys come to Sahuarita and think it’s an easy mark, but don’t understand that down here they are a big fish in a small pond. They can get lost in the crowd in a bigger city, but here the spotlight is on them,” Almodova said.
Source:green valley news
K-Mart shoplifting brings massive response by Ohio police, SRT teams www.privateofficer.com
More than a dozen officers between the departments, including the patrol's Special Response Team, three trained dogs and a patrol plane scoured a corn field along Seney Road across from Scioto Farm Supply.
Chillicothe police Chief Roger Moore said the concentrated effort was a result of two things -- one, the suspect had fled police and risked the safety of others when he ran a red light as he crossed over North Bridge Street to Seney Road; and two, the patrol had extra people in the area who were able to respond.
Staff Lt. Jeff Carman, of the Ohio Highway Patrol's Jackson post, said four people were in the area doing a routine quarterly inspection of the Chillicothe post of the patrol.
"The main reason we had so many people there is because it happened around shift change," Carman said of the response.
The patrol requested the plane to assist in the search because it was a felony fleeing and eluding situation, but also because they'll, "respond with any resources we have available," Carman said.
The patrol's special response team also was nearby as it was planning to train at the police department's range on Seney Road. The team responded when Chillicothe police issued an alert to other agencies about a pursuit of a person fleeing in a vehicle, Moore said.
"I am grateful for all the assistance that the OSP and RCSO provided," Moore said. "This is an example of the good working relationships that the city police has with the OSP, RCSO and others in the law enforcement community."
Public Information Officer Bud Lytle said the theft report came in at 7:33 a.m. and the responding officer attempted to stop the man involved, who was driving a Chevrolet S10 pickup truck in the store parking lot. Instead of stopping, the truck accelerated out of the lot, allegedly ran a red light at North Bridge Street and almost caused a crash before making it onto Seney Road.
"As soon as he ran the red light, it became a felony fleeing and eluding, and not just a misdemeanor theft," Lytle said.
As the officer began to pursue, the suspect ditched his truck, which had the stolen bicycle in the back, off the side of Seney Road around a curve past Scioto Farm Supply and ran into the field. A search effort was organized, and the road was blocked from North Bridge Street to Marietta Road.
At about 9:30 a.m., officers thought he might have escaped the perimeter when the Ross County Sheriff's Office received a report of a possible carjacking at U.S. 23 and U.S. 35. The report turned out to be a domestic incident and not a carjacking, Sheriff George Lavender said.
Just before 10 a.m., officers found the shoplifting suspect -- Jeffery L. Remy, 48, of Ray -- attempting to flee the area along the railroad tracks that cross over Seney Road near North Bridge Street, Lytle said.
Remy has been charged with theft, failure to comply, criminal trespass and driving under suspension.
Source:CHILLICOTHE GAZETTE
Target shoplifter suspected of thefts in 24 stores www.privateofficer.com
STAFFORD NJ Oct 31 2011 — A 42-year-old man charged with shoplifting Tuesday at Target here is also a suspect in thefts from more than 24 of the same retail stores in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, police said.
Frank T. Galazka of Almond Street, Philadelphia, was charged with three counts of shoplifting after security from the Target on Stafford Park Boulevard said Galazka left the store with a $599 vacuum cleaner without paying for it, police said.
Patrolman John Morrin and Detective Neil McKenna stopped Galazka on Route 72 near Lighthouse Drive and found he had the vacuum cleaner as well as numerous other items from Target and Home Depot, police said. The merchandise, valued at more than $1,700, was returned to Home Depot and Target, police said.
Police said Galazka was also wanted out of Philadelphia for retail theft at Targets in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Galazka’s bail was set at $25,000 and he was sent to the Ocean County Jail in Toms River pending a Superior Court hearing.
Police declined to provide a picture of the suspect.
Source:APP.com
Frank T. Galazka of Almond Street, Philadelphia, was charged with three counts of shoplifting after security from the Target on Stafford Park Boulevard said Galazka left the store with a $599 vacuum cleaner without paying for it, police said.
Patrolman John Morrin and Detective Neil McKenna stopped Galazka on Route 72 near Lighthouse Drive and found he had the vacuum cleaner as well as numerous other items from Target and Home Depot, police said. The merchandise, valued at more than $1,700, was returned to Home Depot and Target, police said.
Police said Galazka was also wanted out of Philadelphia for retail theft at Targets in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Galazka’s bail was set at $25,000 and he was sent to the Ocean County Jail in Toms River pending a Superior Court hearing.
Police declined to provide a picture of the suspect.
Source:APP.com
Wal-Mart employee facilitates thefts www.privateofficer.com
According to an arrest report, the thefts took place on Oct. 20 and Oct. 23. Police say that on both occasions, 18-year-old Kendrick K. Johnson walked into the Walmart on Raggard Road, near the Greenbelt Highway, and took an unspecified number of iPods.
Police say an employee of Walmart and gave Johnson the key he needed to access the iPods.
Johnson is charged with theft.
Source:wdrb.com
Credit Union employee pleads guilty in fraud www.privateofficer.com
Stockton CA Oct 31 2011 Alicia Calhoun, 41, of Stockton, pleaded guilty Friday to obtaining information by computer from a financial institution and to identity theft, says U.S. Attorney Benjamin wagner.
According to the plea agreement, Ms. Calhoun, who worked from her Stockton home for a credit union, admitted that she accessed her employer’s customer account records with the intent to use their identities to obtain credit for herself.
The credit union was not identified in either the original indictment or in the plea agreement.
In January, Chanel Ann Blue, 47, of Hayward, was sentenced to 42 months in prison after pleading guilty to bank fraud, access device fraud, aggravated identity theft, and identity theft. She was the passenger in a car driven by Ms. Calhoun when it was stopped by the Highway Patrol in 2007 in Stockton.
A search of the car turned up a counterfeit drivers license in the name of one of the victims but with Ms. Blue’s photo along with a raft of other apparently stolen identification from a marriage certificate to fraudulent personal checks, court documents show.
Ms. Calhoun is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Garland Burrell Jr. in January. She faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Source:cvbt.com
According to the plea agreement, Ms. Calhoun, who worked from her Stockton home for a credit union, admitted that she accessed her employer’s customer account records with the intent to use their identities to obtain credit for herself.
The credit union was not identified in either the original indictment or in the plea agreement.
In January, Chanel Ann Blue, 47, of Hayward, was sentenced to 42 months in prison after pleading guilty to bank fraud, access device fraud, aggravated identity theft, and identity theft. She was the passenger in a car driven by Ms. Calhoun when it was stopped by the Highway Patrol in 2007 in Stockton.
A search of the car turned up a counterfeit drivers license in the name of one of the victims but with Ms. Blue’s photo along with a raft of other apparently stolen identification from a marriage certificate to fraudulent personal checks, court documents show.
Ms. Calhoun is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Garland Burrell Jr. in January. She faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Source:cvbt.com
Trio charged with theft of $150,000 worth of nickel www.privateofficer.com
Pittsburgh PA Oct 31 2011 The theft of about $150,000 worth of nickel from ATI-Allegheny Ludlum's Brackenridge Works in Harrison was an inside job, police say.
Three men, including one current and one retired ATI-Allegheny Ludlum employee, are accused of the theft, and police say it is not the first time the men have stolen nickel from the company.
State police arrested retired Ludlum steelworker Paul John Eberhardt, 52, of West Franklin, Armstrong County; Ludlum forklift operator Kenneth Scott Hill, 46, of Spring Church, Kiski Township; and Timothy Howard Angely, 44, of Tarentum, a driver for Don Martin Trucking in Saxonburg.
Each of the men was charged on Thursday with theft, receiving stolen property and conspiracy to commit theft of 17,636 pounds -- more than 8 1/2 tons -- of nickel briquettes that were sold to a scrap yard in Lawrenceville.
Troopers went to the scrap yard on Friday to talk with its owners about the case. They have not been accused of any wrongdoing.
Nickel is a raw material that Allegheny Ludlum uses to make steel alloys.
State police Lt. Tom Dubovi said Trooper Steven Liston traced the steel from the scrap yard to a plant in Texas.
Dubovi said police believe Hill used the forklift to load large bags of nickel into a trash container.
Investigators believe Angely later arrived in a truck to empty the trash container and drive away with the stolen goods. The men then separated the nickel from the scrap either at Eberhardt's residence in West Franklin or at an old strip mine in Armstrong County, police said.
ATI spokesman Dan Greenfield declined to comment about Eberhardt or Hill.
The 17,600 pounds of nickel were in four white "super sacks" taken from the steel mill along River Road between 6 p.m. Oct. 14 and 8 a.m. Oct. 17, police said.
Each sack weighs slightly more than 4,400 pounds and has a value of almost $9 a pound.
Police said the nickel was sold to the Lawrenceville scrap yard, which sold it to a company in Terrell, Texas.
Scrap yard owners could not be reached for comment.
Eberhardt, Hill and Angely admitted stealing nickel from the mill on previous occasions, Dubovi said.
The trio was arraigned in Night Court and released on $25,000 bond each to await a preliminary hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
Source:www.pittsburghlive.com
Three men, including one current and one retired ATI-Allegheny Ludlum employee, are accused of the theft, and police say it is not the first time the men have stolen nickel from the company.
State police arrested retired Ludlum steelworker Paul John Eberhardt, 52, of West Franklin, Armstrong County; Ludlum forklift operator Kenneth Scott Hill, 46, of Spring Church, Kiski Township; and Timothy Howard Angely, 44, of Tarentum, a driver for Don Martin Trucking in Saxonburg.
Each of the men was charged on Thursday with theft, receiving stolen property and conspiracy to commit theft of 17,636 pounds -- more than 8 1/2 tons -- of nickel briquettes that were sold to a scrap yard in Lawrenceville.
Troopers went to the scrap yard on Friday to talk with its owners about the case. They have not been accused of any wrongdoing.
Nickel is a raw material that Allegheny Ludlum uses to make steel alloys.
State police Lt. Tom Dubovi said Trooper Steven Liston traced the steel from the scrap yard to a plant in Texas.
Dubovi said police believe Hill used the forklift to load large bags of nickel into a trash container.
Investigators believe Angely later arrived in a truck to empty the trash container and drive away with the stolen goods. The men then separated the nickel from the scrap either at Eberhardt's residence in West Franklin or at an old strip mine in Armstrong County, police said.
ATI spokesman Dan Greenfield declined to comment about Eberhardt or Hill.
The 17,600 pounds of nickel were in four white "super sacks" taken from the steel mill along River Road between 6 p.m. Oct. 14 and 8 a.m. Oct. 17, police said.
Each sack weighs slightly more than 4,400 pounds and has a value of almost $9 a pound.
Police said the nickel was sold to the Lawrenceville scrap yard, which sold it to a company in Terrell, Texas.
Scrap yard owners could not be reached for comment.
Eberhardt, Hill and Angely admitted stealing nickel from the mill on previous occasions, Dubovi said.
The trio was arraigned in Night Court and released on $25,000 bond each to await a preliminary hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
Source:www.pittsburghlive.com
Ipad thief gets 25 year prison sentence for trying to kill victim www.privateofficer.com
Brandon Smith, 22, apologized to the victim, Bill Jordan, who did not appear in court for the sentencing hearing because he fears for his life.
That is because Smith also tried to solicit someone to kill Jordan so that no witness could testify against him for the theft.
"I would like to say I am sorry for what I did for messing up Bill Jordan's finger and everything," Smith said during his hearing. "All of this was motivated by drugs. I wish Bill Jordan were here today so he could hear me tell him I am sorry."
Smith pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery for the iPad theft, netting himself a 25 year sentence.
He also pleaded guilty to assault in the second degree related to the attempt to have Jordan killed garnering another 12 years in prison. A third robbery charge was also part of the plea agreement and got him an additional four years in prison.
Denver District Judge Edward Bronfin ruled the sentences would run concurrently for a total of 25 years behind bars.
On April 15, 2010, Jordan was headed out of the mall when Smith grabbed onto his shopping bag to take the iPad.
The strings from the bag were wrapped around Jordan's hand and when Smith pulled on him, he tore away the skin on Jordan's left hand and the pinky finger had to be amputated.
Prosecutors later learned Smith sent a letter from jail asking a friend to take care of Jordan so that he could not testify against him.
Smith's sister, Elizabeth, addressed the judge to try to plea for leniency for her brother.
"He didn't mean to hurt anyone," she said. "He planned to go to college and finish school but he didn't make it there."
But the judge called Smith a danger to the community, citing his juvenile record where he tried to return some stolen shirts at the Park Meadows Mall and threatened employees that he would return with a gun.
"What I have seen is Mr. Smith simply trying to game the system and work things to his advantage," Bronfin said. "Hopefully the Department of Corrections will give him guidance."
Source:denverpost.com
Shoplifter pushes cart load of merchandise out the doors at Target www.privateofficer.com
Carrie Cello, of 12 Usher Ave. in Plainville, was taken into custody at her home by Plainville officers and turned over to the Southington Police Department. She was charged with one count of fourth-degree larceny and released after posting a $2,500 bond, police said.
“She was seen on store security cameras pushing a shopping cart full of goods right by the cash registers and out of the store,” said Sgt. Lowell DePalma. “An employee followed her out the door and was able to get the registration of a tan SUV she drove away in.”
According to police reports, Target officials called police after seeing the crime. They said she refused to stop when approached and took off before employees could stop her.
Plainville officers met her at her home after police learned where she lived by researching the registration information for her SUV and found a car full of items. Cello told police she “had paid cash but wasn’t given a receipt.”
The list of items stolen included designer clothes, boots, shoes, DVDs, batteries, reusable Target bags, food, magazines, various toys, an automated pet toy and various styles of gift wrapping paper, according to police reports. The items are valued at $1,349.
This is the second time this year that area police have arrested Cello, 32, in connection with a major shoplifting thefts.
Farmington police arrested her in a similar case, according to court records, and she was granted accelerated rehabilitation. Details of that were not immediately available on Thursday afternoon.
DePalma said that unfortunately, these attempted thefts can be common in the last few months of a year.
“With the holidays coming up, there is a spike in not only shoplifting, but burglaries and robberies, especially in a tough economy,” DePalma said. “We are already providing informational sessions to help residents and officers are adjusting their patrols to respond in a pro-active manner.”
Source:southingtonpatch.com
Former Alamo postal worker convicted of counterfeit money laundering www.privateofficer.com
Alamo CA Oct 31 2011 A former employee at the Alamo post office has been convicted by a federal jury of exchanging fake money made in Nigeria for real currency at his cash register.
Emmanuel Odion Esezobor, 51, of Hayward stole $13,800 from the U.S. Postal Service and passed counterfeit bills at the Alamo post office in February and March. A U.S. District Court jury in Oakland convicted him Thursday on one count of theft of public money and seven counts of passing counterfeit money.
Authorities said Esezobor bought money orders with counterfeit currency that he placed in his cash register and cashed the money orders to pay utility bills.
Authorities began investigating Esezobor in October, when a supervisor at the Alamo post office at 160 Alamo Plaza found $100 bills in his cash register that "did not feel like ... a genuine bill," Secret Service Special Agent David Stewart wrote in an affidavit.
Undercover agents with the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General went to the Alamo post office on two occasions in February and bought money orders from Esezobor, Stewart said. After each transaction Esezobor went to his parked car, where investigators believe he switched real money with fake currency, the affidavit said.
At the end of each day, supervisors found fake $100 bills in his register, authorities said.
Source:www.sfgate.com
Cinema employee pleads guilty to grand theft www.privateofficer.com
Santa Barbara CA Oct 31 2011 A former employee of the Metropolitan Paseo Nuevo Cinemas in Santa Barbara pleaded guilty to grand theft by embezzlement for taking money from the theater over a number of months earlier this year.
Janette Dunn, a Santa Barbara resident, allegedly took $1,635 from the theater while working there between July 11 and August 25. She pleaded guilty on October 25 and was sentenced to a short term in County Jail and three years of probation. She must also make full restitution, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
Employee theft is a growing problem, according to DA Joyce Dudley. “The District Attorney’s Office will continue to identify these crimes, prosecute them, and obtain restitution for the victims,” Dudley said in a statement.
Source:santa barbara independent
Janette Dunn, a Santa Barbara resident, allegedly took $1,635 from the theater while working there between July 11 and August 25. She pleaded guilty on October 25 and was sentenced to a short term in County Jail and three years of probation. She must also make full restitution, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
Employee theft is a growing problem, according to DA Joyce Dudley. “The District Attorney’s Office will continue to identify these crimes, prosecute them, and obtain restitution for the victims,” Dudley said in a statement.
Source:santa barbara independent
50 People arrested at Ohio Halloween party www.privateofficer.com
According to police, this year's crowd was light during the early hours of the event but increased in size later in the evening. The crowd size was typical of past years, police said.
All crowds broke up at about 1 a.m. Sunday and police cleared Court Street by 2:30 a.m.
Emergency medical personnel said that they received an increase in calls from last year. By 3 a.m., they said they responded to 46 calls for assistance, with mostly alcohol-related incidents.
Thirteen block party-related patients were taken to O'Bleness Memorial Hospital by 3 a.m., police said.
"The evening was relatively calm in the event area," said Athens Safety-Service Director Paula Moseley. "The City of Athens is grateful to the collaborative efforts and planning with Ohio University, Athens County Sheriff's Office and the Clean and Safe Halloween Committee and all of the Athens City and outside supporting agencies."
Police said that out of the 57 service calls they received, the majority were for disorderly intoxication and drunken person complaints. Seven people were arrested for underage drinking.
Source:10TV.com
New Orleans police force shrinking due to firings-forced retirements www.privateofficer.com
Officer Patrick O'Hern was accused of firing his weapon into his personal vehicle, disobeying orders and drinking on duty.
Five current or former New Orleans police officers were convicted in August in the Danziger Bridge case. They are,t: Kenneth Bowen, Robert Faulcon, Robert Gisevius, Arthur Kaufman and Anthony Villavaso.
Capt. Gwen Norwood downgraded reports of sexual assaults, then came under investigation for payroll fraud related to detail work at the University of New Orleans.
Officer Justin Ferris broke NOPD chase rules, resulting in a fatality, then allegedly lied about it.
Fired. Fired. Retired under investigation. Fired. And the list goes on and on.
From officers involved in the Danziger Bridge shootings to a mother-son cop tandem who allegedly beat down a club bouncer in May while off duty, nearly 50 sworn officers in New Orleans have been booted from the force in the past 18 months or have resigned or retired while under investigation or awaiting punishment.
The pace has increased in 2011, the first full year under NOPD Superintendent Ronal Serpas, who took office in May 2010 with a mandate to scrub a scandal-riddled department that has come under intense national scrutiny, with a federal consent decree looming.
Every 10 days on average so far this year, an NOPD officer or higher-ranking cop either is fired or leaves the force while under investigation, according to records from the department's Public Integrity Bureau. In the four months before Serpas took office, the rate was less than one a month.
Even his toughest critics, who rap Serpas over disciplinary decisions they consider far too politically inspired, call many of the firings necessary additions-by-subtraction following officers' arrests or convictions for serious crimes.
New Orleans Police Department Former NOPD officer Henry Hollins was sentenced to 45 years in prison for attempted aggravated rape and kidnapping.
Henry Hollins was sentenced in March to 45 years in prison for attempted aggravated rape and kidnapping of a woman he picked up in 2009.
Officer Rydell Diggs, though a judge found him not guilty, was accused of beating a man and lifting cash from his wallet during a 2007 traffic stop in the Carrollton neighborhood.
Officer David Ogozalek lost his job in a plea deal for spitting on a fellow officer while being arrested for drunken driving. A few months earlier, he was cleared in a wrongful-death civil lawsuit filed by the family of a man who died as Ogozalek and two other cops tried to restrain him.
At least 28 officers either have left the NOPD in the past two years following arrests or remain on suspended status, according to records compiled by the Times-Picayune.
Force is shrinking
With a freeze on hiring that is only now melting, with a federal grant to bring on 16 new cops, the house-cleaning has taken a toll on the size of the force. It is responsible for about a third of the 12 percent decline in the NOPD's ranks since Serpas took office.
The active force now stands at 1,353, a decline of 188 officers -- or nearly 10 a month -- including regular attrition from retirements and resignations, Serpas said. The department has not replaced any of them, forcing what Serpas describes as a "reordering" to manage what he estimates as a shortfall of about 200 cops.
Under the department's budget for next year, staffing is expected to stay level. Serpas said he expects to be able to hire new cops to replace officers who leave the force.
"It's taken a little longer than I thought to go through some of this. I didn't expect we'd have this many people" sent packing, said Serpas, who returned to New Orleans by way of Nashville. "I was gone a long time and didn't realize, I just didn't realize how far the department had slipped."
His ax has cut deep and wide. So far this year, the department has dismissed a captain, two lieutenants and nine officers. Fifteen others -- including Assistant Superintendent Marlon Defillo, Police Commander Eddy Selby, two captains, a lieutenant, two sergeants and eight officers -- have resigned or retired under investigation or while awaiting discipline.
The list does not include 21 recruits who were dismissed last year, in part under budget pressure but largely because they didn't cut the academic mustard, according to Serpas.
One of them, Stephen Ducksworth, resigned June 30, 2010, after he was arrested in a domestic violence incident; he allegedly fired a gun illegally, damaged property and tried to harm his girlfriend at his home in eastern New Orleans.
Most of what Deputy Chief Arlinda Westbrook describes as a process of "complete purging" has followed investigations into actions taken by officers while on duty -- about three for every off-duty incident that has resulted in a dismissal or departure.
"There are so many cases. It doesn't feel like it's slowing down," said Westbrook, who heads the Public Integrity Bureau.
Pushing for dismissals
The standard for dismissal is far lower than for a criminal prosecution, and Westbrook said she came in last year with a charge to push the envelope.
"If it's legal," she said, "we're doing it."
Still, some officers who were involved in notorious cases that have cast the department under a dark cloud, including the Danziger Bridge shootings and the fatal beating of Raymond Robair, remain on the active police roster, including five officers who now sit in jail.
That frustrates Westbrook, who also has pushed to dismiss officers who have long been on leave with little sign of returning to the beat.
"I shouldn't have to go through a process where people are in jail after being (convicted). I should just be able to get rid of 'em," she said.
The civil service appeal process can run years, and the jury is still out for all but one of the officers who have filed appeals following their dismissals.
The Civil Service Commission recently upheld the firing of Jason Lewis, who pleaded guilty last year to a count of animal cruelty after his K-9 cop, Primo, died from heat stroke when Lewis left him unattended in a hot police vehicle.
Serpas declined to discuss individual cases.
'Dissension in the ranks'
Critics argue that Serpas has focused too much on the stick of heavy discipline, and not enough on re-training salvageable cops, new crime initiatives or other steps to revitalize a moribund department from within.
What rankles many in the rank-and-file is not the department's response to the most egregious cases, but a slew of suspensions, letters of reprimand and lesser disciplinary actions that are filling up personnel files -- for instance, complaints over an officer's demeanor or language during an arrest. Some cops say such verbal jujitsu is a necessary tool on the street.
So far, the department has meted out 170 disciplinary actions against cops this year, including 118 suspensions. That, too, is up from last year. The numbers do not include resignations or retirements while under investigation.
Under the disciplinary system, the penalties are progressive, so minor dings can mean worse penalties later.
"You're seeing dissension in the ranks. There's no morale. They don't want to work. They're tired of being picked on. And those are the good cops," said Raymond Burkart III, an attorney for the Fraternal Order of Police who represents several officers before the Civil Service Commission.
"You can't just do negative reinforcement. They're treated as bad cops whether or not they are guilty of something. He (Serpas) makes them feel that way."
"As long as there are rules, you're going to have people who break those rules," said Donovan Livaccari, another attorney who represents cops. "I'd rather them do an investigation and say my guy didn't do anything wrong than have this cloud over them. But at some point it's nonsense. I think we're seeing a little bit more of investigations of stuff that's nonsense."
When it comes to firings, the degree of slashing at NOPD is "not outlandish" for a Police Department that clearly needs it, said Dennis Jay Kenney, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice who has reviewed some NOPD investigations.
Training criticized
A scathing U.S. Justice Department report on NOPD in March found that "too many officers of every rank either do not understand or choose to ignore the boundaries of constitutional policing." The report also found a dearth of clear policies and training.
"I'm not surprised the police would have that (sour) feeling. That's partly because it's not a very good Police Department, and it hasn't been for a very long time," Kenney said. "Their ability to follow procedures that the rest of the profession just bodily accepts, they don't. It suggests they're a poorly trained department and weren't terribly well selected."
In a handful of cases, officers have inked their resignations as part of plea deals for lesser sentences or dropped charges. Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro has defended the moves against sharp criticism, saying that it was more important to ensure that a bad officer left the force, as opposed to risking a misdemeanor conviction or acquittal that could mean a legal fight.
Felony convictions mean automatic firing.
"Our policies are very clear: If you make a bad choice or decision unintentionally, your chances of surviving are pretty good," Serpas said. "But if you make a decision that's purposefully bad, immoral or unethical, your chances of being employed are very slim. If you're going to be convicted of a felony, there's no room in the department for you."
Serpas said he sees progress, which he attributes to the "you lie, you die" policy he implemented last year -- which sets termination as the penalty for lying -- and a decree that officers who file false or inaccurate reports can be fired.
Only a handful of dismissals have resulted, but Serpas said more cops are beginning to report bad policing early on, rather than risk disciplinary action by staying silent.
According to Serpas, the department also is in "the final stages" of reworking the police training academy and curriculum, under the guidance of Department of Justice experts.
A year ago, the Civil Service Commission approved new guidelines recommended by Serpas for new recruits to have at least two years of college or military experience.
Better training will help, Kenney said. Better recruits might help more.
"If you're just feeding garbage in at the bottom, you just have younger versions coming in. You have to severely tighten up what you feed in and design performance appraisals that actually hold people accountable," Kenney said.
"Good cops probably dislike the bad ones more than anybody. It's difficult at first because you have to publicly purge. Gradually that process works its way through. The bad news is, it's not a quick process."
Source:NOLA
Shelby County Sheriff's Office identify 3 victims found dead www.privateofficer.com
Anita M. Castillo, 53, Phyllis J. Castillo, 78, and Melvin R. Jones, 58 all lived at the Roubdioux Road residence, according to a news release from the sheriff's office. Phyllis Castillo is identified as the other two vicitms' mother.
Sheriff Chris Curry said Friday no weapons had been recovered, but today's news release said a handgun was located near the bodies.
"The investigation into their deaths is continuing," the news release said. "Investigators will wait for autopsy and toxicology results to determine the cause and manner of death."
Curry said a deputy reported he had been at the residence several months before on a domestic dispute call.
The Sheriff's Office is urging anyone with information about this investigation to call 669-4181 or to call the secret witness line at 669-9116. Information also can be provided by going to the Sheriff's Office website under "report criminal activity" and choosing the "General Information" category.
Source:Al.com
Mothers stage "nurse-in" at Oregon shopping center www.privateofficer.com
TIGARD, Ore. Oct 31 2011– At least a dozen mothers held a "nurse-in" at a local shopping center to raise awareness about breast-feeding rights.
It was spurred by a recent incident at Bridgeport Village, where a young security guard told two young mothers that they should stop breast feeding in an outdoor children’s play area. Breast-feeding in public is protected by Oregon law; it is legal to breast-feed children in public places.
“I’m not surprised that people aren’t aware of the law because I wasn’t aware until I had my own baby and was breast-feeding," said Bonnie McNeil. "And it’s not something that people, especially without babies, ever think about.”
She was one of the mothers the security guard told to cover up, or go somewhere else to nurse.
Bridgeport Village management said the recent incident was an isolated one, and they would work harder to educate anyone working at the shopping center about the rights of breast-feeding moms. Bridgeport Village supported the nurse-in, and provided cookies for the group.
“We are community center and we welcome moms," said Sarah Sumpter with Bridgeport Village. "We are just really pleased with the turnout and that we’ve all come together to be on the same page and make it a positive thing.”
It was spurred by a recent incident at Bridgeport Village, where a young security guard told two young mothers that they should stop breast feeding in an outdoor children’s play area. Breast-feeding in public is protected by Oregon law; it is legal to breast-feed children in public places.
“I’m not surprised that people aren’t aware of the law because I wasn’t aware until I had my own baby and was breast-feeding," said Bonnie McNeil. "And it’s not something that people, especially without babies, ever think about.”
She was one of the mothers the security guard told to cover up, or go somewhere else to nurse.
Bridgeport Village management said the recent incident was an isolated one, and they would work harder to educate anyone working at the shopping center about the rights of breast-feeding moms. Bridgeport Village supported the nurse-in, and provided cookies for the group.
“We are community center and we welcome moms," said Sarah Sumpter with Bridgeport Village. "We are just really pleased with the turnout and that we’ve all come together to be on the same page and make it a positive thing.”
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Fire trucks ticketed while firefighters get flu shots www.privateofficer.com
The trucks were parked for about 5 minutes Wednesday in permit-only spaces reserved for City Council members. But council President Darlene Harris denies any involvement.
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl says the tickets never should have been issued. He says firefighters were encouraged to get flu shots to stay healthy.
Firefighters union attorney Josh Bloom says they drove the trucks to City Hall so they could stay on duty.
Fire Chief Darryl Jones tells KDKA-TV he has appealed the tickets. He says he'll ask a judge for leniency.
Colorado security officer charged with impersonating police www.privateofficer.com
It happened at around 8 p.m. on Thursday. Sheriff's deputies said the security guard, identified as Tonyo Lopez from Longmont, tried to pull over Zach Riley.
Riley said he was driving his black Chevy pick-up truck out of the Longview Communities Trailer Park in Longmont Thursday night when he noticed something in his rear view mirror.
"I saw red, blue, yellow lights. I thought it was a police car," Riley said.
Riley said he pulled his truck over and that's when he realized this wasn't a normal traffic stop. He says Lopez asked him for proof of insurance and that he noticed Lopez wasn't a police officer, but a security guard.
"His badge said security guard on it, but he told me he was an officer of the law," Riley said.
Sheriff's deputies said Lopez works as a security guard at the Longview Communities Trailer Park in Longmont and that he wears a security guard uniform. He also drives a white SUV that has flashing lights like a police car, but he is not a police officer.
Riley said when he realized Lopez was not a police officer he started to drive his truck forward and that's when Riley says Lopez became violent.
"He jumped up and put his arm around my neck, pulled down on me and with the other hand he reached over and slammed my truck into park," said Riley.
Riley said that when Lopez put his truck into park while he was driving it damaged his transmission.
He said he was able to get Lopez off of him and then call 911. Weld County Sheriff's deputies arrived and arrested Lopez for impersonating a police officer. Deputies said it is illegal for anyone other than police to make a traffic stop. They also charged Lopez with criminal mischief for damaging the transmission to Riley's truck.
Weld County Sheriff's deputies said Lopez bonded out of the Weld County Jail at around 3:30 Friday afternoon. He is facing two felony charges with the max sentence for both being five years behind bars.
Source:FOX31
Texas road rage ends in suicide www.privateofficer.com
San Antonio TX Oct 30 2011 A dispute between two motorists that San Antonio police said turned into a road rage incident ended Friday when one of the men shot himself in the head, possibly by accident, officers said.
Police said a preliminary investigation shows the man, believed to be in his mid-30s, shot at the other man's vehicle before he shot himself.
Witnesses told authorities the man was seen arguing with a 24-year-old man just before 3 p.m. at a Citgo gas station in the 11800 block of Starcrest Drive on the North Side.
The two drove to the corner of Jones Maltsberger Drive and Burning Trail, but police did not describe their progress there as a chase. At the intersection, witnesses said they saw the younger man get out of his Dodge Ram pickup and start waving his hands to warn drivers behind him to back away, said Police Chief William McManus.
Police said the man in the other vehicle, a Nissan pickup, had stopped in front of the Dodge.
He fired a shot at the Dodge's windshield while sitting in his Nissan and then turned the gun on himself and fired again, police said.
“It appears to be self-inflicted or accidentally self-inflicted,” McManus said.
Police did not release the names of the drivers. McManus said that based on what police knew, no charges were contemplated, but investigators were still questioning the younger man Friday evening.
Source:www.mysanantonio.com
Firearms instructor radio ad says no non-Christian Arab or Moslem accepted www.privateofficer.com
FREDERICKSBURG TX Oct 30 2011 — In a radio commercial for concealed handgun classes, instructor Crockett Keller is heard telling listeners that he'll accept cash, credit cards, checks, gold or used guns as their $100 payment.
But it's what Keller won't accept that has created a rhetorical firefight on talk shows and which has gone viral on the Web.
“If you are a socialist liberal and/or voted for the current campaigner-in-chief,” Keller says in the 1-minute, 7-second ad, which aired several times last week in the Hill Country town of Mason, “please do not take this class. You've already proven that you cannot make a knowledgeable and prudent decision as required under the law. Also, if you are a non-Christian Arab or Moslem (sic), I will not teach you this class. Once again, with no shame, I am Crockett Keller.”
That last sentiment is spelled out in capital letters on a yellow sign that will be hanging today on Keller's table at the Texas Gun and Knife Show at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds: “If you are Muslim and will not pledge allegiance to the United States of America, I will not sell you any firearm or accessory.”
Since the brief spot aired on Mason's KHLB, it has been turned into several YouTube clips, which together have logged more than 20,000 views. He says he has received about 1,000 phone calls. Nearly all have been supportive. A few have come from respectful dissenters.
Friday, however, Keller's wife, Diane, played back two threatening recorded messages, including one in which a caller claimed to be Muslim and threatened to kill the Kellers. Sheriff's deputies are investigating both calls.
The affable Keller, 65, who typically sports a wide-brimmed straw hat, isn't scared by the death threats, saying they vindicate his position.
“And that's exactly why I won't teach” Muslims, he said, setting up his booth Friday at the gun show. “Actually, I don't have a problem with them, but I think I'm getting one. That's OK. I guess turnabout is fair play.”
Just then, another gun dealer walked up to Keller and offered his hand.
“I want to shake your hand,” said the 60-year-old retiree from Comfort, who declined to identify himself for publication. “Thanks for what you said. You spoke for all of us.”
Keller says the ad isn't just about his frustration with current events. His refusal to teach certain people, he says, fits in with his interpretation of state law, which gives him latitude in denying instruction to people who don't appear mentally fit or capable of making good decisions with a firearm.
His concerns, he says, arose after the 2009 Fort Hood shooting spree that left 13 dead and 29 injured. Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, an American-born Muslim, is charged in connection with that incident.
Given the constant stream of terrorism threats from groups with Middle Eastern ties, Keller says, he can't act in good conscience by training any Muslim to legally carry a firearm.
Nor will he offer his instruction to anyone who admits voting for President Barack Obama.
“How can I trust that a person who made that mistake — who had 21/2 years to vet the man and still voted for him — will make a rational, prudent and sane decision” when to use a firearm?” he asks. “I can't.”
He says the ad's caveats were made tongue-in-cheek and that he hasn't yet had to turn down anyone.
Not everyone sees it as a joke.
Sarwat Husain, president of the San Antonio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, pointed out the irony of Keller's commercial, which she says promotes the usage of a device with the sole purpose of killing.
“We're not missing anything,” she said. “I'm happy he's not selling to the Muslims. Because that blood is on the hands of this guy. He's a racist and he's a bigot. He can keep his guns and he can promote killing.”
Source:www.mysanantonio.com
Chicago man gets 125 yr prison term for police killing www.privateofficer.com
"My brother would have been such a wonderful father, and I can just picture him goofing around with his little boy," Garcia testified during the sentencing hearing for Shawn Gaston, convicted last month of the murder.
Minutes later, the reputed gang member sat expressionless as Judge Jorge Alonso imposed the maximum sentence possible — 125 years in prison.
Valadez, 27, who had been a cop for less than four years, worked nights in the high-crime Englewood and West Englewood neighborhoods on the South Side. He and a partner had responded to a report of shots fired in the 6000 block of South Hermitage Avenue just after midnight on June 1, 2009.
Ironically, prosecutors said, the target of that shooting had been Gaston and other alleged Gangster Disciples. Out for revenge, Gaston, who'd fled the scene, returned in his mother's car a few minutes later and fired several shots, killing Valadez, prosecutors said.
A jury convicted Gaston last month of Valadez's murder and the attempted murder of a witness who was talking to the officer when the shots rang out. Two other defendants, Kevin Walker and Christopher Harris, are awaiting trial in connection with the slaying.
Gaston's lawyer, John Paul Carroll, was animated and often times shouted during the hour he argued for a new trial, complaining how the large number of officers in support of Valadez during the weeklong trial created an atmosphere that he said was unfair to Gaston.
"Police officers can come in here," Carroll, himself a former Chicago police detective, told the judge. "But they took (away) the fairness of the trial."
Carroll also compared the case to the classic novel "To Kill a Mockingbird," in which a black man was falsely accused of raping a white woman in the South.
But the judge dismissed that analogy to Gaston, who is African-American.
"Apparently I saw a different trial than Mr. Carroll. I read a different book than Mr. Carroll," Alonso said. "(There was) nothing improper in the way the trial proceeded."
In brief remarks, Gaston apologized to his own family for the "pain I've put them though" but continued to maintain his innocence.
"I'm not going to stop until my innocence is proven," he said.
Source:chicago tribune
KY man wanted for attempted murder commits suicide www.privateofficer.com
Benton KY Oct 30 2011 A 39-year-old Sturgis, Kentucky man is dead after shooting himself after State Troopers stopped his vehicle on Interstate 57 north of Benton.
State Police Spokesman David Sneed says Timothy Johnson was wanted on a warrant for attempted murder. He reportedly was involved in a domestic dispute at his home in Kentucky around eight Friday morning where his wife was shot in the leg.
Police were looking for Johnson's pickup after receiving a tip that Johnson may be in the Mt. Vernon area. The truck was initially spotted near mile post 90 south of Mt. Vernon. The trooper followed the vehicle until more police units were in place. The vehicle was eventually stopped at 12:45 Friday afternoon by officers from several police agencies.
As police were exiting their vehicles, they heard what was believed to be a gunshot coming from inside Johnson's pickup. Officers then found Johnson had shot himself. They broke out a window to render first aide. Johnson was taken to Franklin County Hospital in Benton, where he later died.
State Police Spokesman David Sneed says Timothy Johnson was wanted on a warrant for attempted murder. He reportedly was involved in a domestic dispute at his home in Kentucky around eight Friday morning where his wife was shot in the leg.
Police were looking for Johnson's pickup after receiving a tip that Johnson may be in the Mt. Vernon area. The truck was initially spotted near mile post 90 south of Mt. Vernon. The trooper followed the vehicle until more police units were in place. The vehicle was eventually stopped at 12:45 Friday afternoon by officers from several police agencies.
As police were exiting their vehicles, they heard what was believed to be a gunshot coming from inside Johnson's pickup. Officers then found Johnson had shot himself. They broke out a window to render first aide. Johnson was taken to Franklin County Hospital in Benton, where he later died.
Charlotte Adair- teacher,-firefighter- mother killed
RICHFIELD TOWNSHIP, OH Oct 30 2011 - A beloved teacher and volunteer firefighter is dead after she stopped to help at the scene of a car accident.
That accident happened around 7:30 this morning at the intersection of US 20 and Fulton-Lucas Road in
Richfield Township. Police say a semi rear-ended a van making a turn onto Fulton-Lucas Road.
That's when Charlotte Adair, 45, teacher, a firefighter, and a mother, stopped to help.
She was directing traffic when she was hit and killed by a Ford Escape driven by Richard Bigras.
No charges have yet been filed.
Adair remembered as someone who was always willing to help.
"Known as Charlie to friends, Mrs. Adair to her sixth grade students, Charlotte Adair had worked here at Holy Trinity Catholic School in Assumption for seven years. Tonight this entire community is mourning," said Linda Justen, Holy Trinity Catholic School Principal.
Grief counselors were on hand today at Holy Trinity Catholic School.
"She really cared, she cared deeply for her children," said Linda Justen, Holy Trinity Catholic School Principal.
Adair's current and former students are distraught.
"My daughter had her last year and she's devastated," said Christina Krempec, a Holy Trinity Parent and Adair's Friend
After learning that Adair had been killed in a car accident, Chief Ronald Tate of the Richfield Township Fire Department, said he was going through an, "extreme amount of shock, disbelief."
The Richfield Township Fire Department, where Adair volunteered for nearly six years, responded to the scene.
"[She was a] very spunky kind of person that just lit up the room," said Chief Ronald Tate of the Richfield Township Fire Department
Krempec said the way Adair died showed the kind of person she was.
"I just think about her smile and how much the kids loved her because she was so happy," said Krempec. "You can tell from how this happened that she gave her life for other people.
Neighboring fire departments have volunteered to cover. As Adair's colleagues deal with her loss and a school community counts on its faith to get through.
Source:WTOL
Miami police officer arrested at gunpoint for speeding www.privateofficer.com
Miami Fla Oct 30 2011 A Miami police officer was arrested at gunpoint and charged with reckless driving after going 120 mph on Florida’s Turnpike in Broward County earlier this month while on his way to his second job, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
A highway patrol trooper, with her gun drawn, arrested Fausto Lopez, 35, who ignored repeated warnings to stop, according to authorities.
Neither Lopez nor representatives of the Miami Police Department could be reached for comment.
A spokesman for the FHP in Broward, Sgt. Mark Wysocky identified Lopez as a Miami police officer.
The incident, first reported by Univision 23, started at 6:28 a.m. Oct. 11 on the southbound turnpike at Commercial Boulevard, when a trooper, identified as D.J. Watts, saw a Miami patrol car switching lanes in a dangerous manner, according to the report.
Watts turned on her lights and siren but couldn't reach Lopez, who was driving more than 120 mph, the report said.
At about 6:33 a.m., Watts caught up to Lopez. When she pulled in back of Lopez's car, she once again activated her lights and siren, but Lopez ignored the warnings, according to the report, and kept going.
Finally, at 6:35 a.m., seven minutes after the start of the high-speech chase, Lopez stopped his car near Hollywood. An FHP video given to Univision shows how Watts approaches Lopez's car with her gun drawn.
"She drew her gun for her own safety based on the actions of the driver," Wysocky said.
Watts ordered Lopez to step out of the vehicle, handcuffed and detained him. As he was getting out of his vehicle, Lopez explained to Watts that he was driving so quickly because he was late to his off-duty job, which started at 7 a.m.
Lopez was released, but was criminally charged with reckless driving, which is considered a second-degree misdemeanor.
Source:www.miamiherald.com
Virginia Beach men arrested for selling machine guns www.privateofficer.com
NORFOLK VA Oct 30 2011
Authorities on Friday arrested two Virginia Beach men on charges of selling 20 machine guns and 15 improvised explosive devices to an undercover agent.
A spokesman for the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said it was surprising to find such a high volume of high-caliber weaponry in this area.
Leonard Clarence Davis, 42, and Christopher Aaron Phillips, 50, made initial appearances Friday afternoon in U.S. District Court. Magistrate Judge Tommy E. Miller ordered them jailed pending bond hearings on Wednesday.
According to a court filing, the men are accused of manufacturing machine guns and IEDs at Phillips' business, Combat Weapons Coatings on Pleasure House Road, and selling them from Davis' home in the 3800 block of Sunstream Pkwy. Both locations are in Virginia Beach.
Davis and Phillips are charged with conspiracy to possess and transfer unregistered machine guns. More charges are expected.
They said little in court, other than to answer the judge's questions with "Yes, sir," and "No, sir."
According to the ATF, an undercover agent purchased 20 machine guns and 15 IEDs from the two men in two transactions over the past month after weeks of planning and negotiations.
The agent paid more than $20,000 for the weapons, telling the sellers that he planned to resell the weapons to drug dealers, according to a court affidavit filed by an ATF agent.
ATF spokesman Mike Campbell said the agency was fortunate to dismantle the enterprise early.
"We don't normally see this amount of weapons," Campbell said.
"Then again, too, luckily we got some information and were able to get the undercover agent in there early and were able to stop them."
The machine guns were manufactured at Phillips' business by converting rifles from semi-automatic to fully automatic, the affidavit says. The IEDs were described in the court papers as pipes filled with gunpowder, designed to create shrapnel upon detonation.
The transactions occurred on Sept. 27 and Oct. 12 at Davis' home, the affidavit says. Authorities said they recorded numerous phone calls before and during the transactions involving both men.
According to the affidavit, Davis at one point appeared concerned about not knowing the undercover agent well enough, but then proceeded to show him that extensive damage and death could be caused by filling the IEDs with BBs and other projectiles.
He even showed him how to design an IED that could be dropped into a gas tank to blow up a vehicle, the papers say.
During the second transaction, the undercover agent also received three machine-gun silencers and two pairs of night-vision goggles, the affidavit says. In all, the agent paid more than $33,000.
During one transaction, Davis told the undercover agent that members of his family were part of a California motorcycle gang and that he needed to make sure none of the weapons would fall into the hands of rival gang members, the affidavit says. Davis was wearing body armor during the transaction, the records say.
It was not revealed where the machine guns originated from. The affidavit says that surveillance of Phillips' shop showed that he received numerous shipments of large crates.
The prosecutor in the case, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherrie Capotosto, declined to comment.
According to the website for Combat Weapons Coatings, the company offers painting and detailing services for customers' weapons. The business does not have a firearms dealer license, ATF said.
Authorities said they also found marijuana and other firearms at Davis' home. They said he is a convicted felon and is prohibited from having guns.
Authorities on Friday arrested two Virginia Beach men on charges of selling 20 machine guns and 15 improvised explosive devices to an undercover agent.
A spokesman for the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said it was surprising to find such a high volume of high-caliber weaponry in this area.
Leonard Clarence Davis, 42, and Christopher Aaron Phillips, 50, made initial appearances Friday afternoon in U.S. District Court. Magistrate Judge Tommy E. Miller ordered them jailed pending bond hearings on Wednesday.
According to a court filing, the men are accused of manufacturing machine guns and IEDs at Phillips' business, Combat Weapons Coatings on Pleasure House Road, and selling them from Davis' home in the 3800 block of Sunstream Pkwy. Both locations are in Virginia Beach.
Davis and Phillips are charged with conspiracy to possess and transfer unregistered machine guns. More charges are expected.
They said little in court, other than to answer the judge's questions with "Yes, sir," and "No, sir."
According to the ATF, an undercover agent purchased 20 machine guns and 15 IEDs from the two men in two transactions over the past month after weeks of planning and negotiations.
The agent paid more than $20,000 for the weapons, telling the sellers that he planned to resell the weapons to drug dealers, according to a court affidavit filed by an ATF agent.
ATF spokesman Mike Campbell said the agency was fortunate to dismantle the enterprise early.
"We don't normally see this amount of weapons," Campbell said.
"Then again, too, luckily we got some information and were able to get the undercover agent in there early and were able to stop them."
The machine guns were manufactured at Phillips' business by converting rifles from semi-automatic to fully automatic, the affidavit says. The IEDs were described in the court papers as pipes filled with gunpowder, designed to create shrapnel upon detonation.
The transactions occurred on Sept. 27 and Oct. 12 at Davis' home, the affidavit says. Authorities said they recorded numerous phone calls before and during the transactions involving both men.
According to the affidavit, Davis at one point appeared concerned about not knowing the undercover agent well enough, but then proceeded to show him that extensive damage and death could be caused by filling the IEDs with BBs and other projectiles.
He even showed him how to design an IED that could be dropped into a gas tank to blow up a vehicle, the papers say.
During the second transaction, the undercover agent also received three machine-gun silencers and two pairs of night-vision goggles, the affidavit says. In all, the agent paid more than $33,000.
During one transaction, Davis told the undercover agent that members of his family were part of a California motorcycle gang and that he needed to make sure none of the weapons would fall into the hands of rival gang members, the affidavit says. Davis was wearing body armor during the transaction, the records say.
It was not revealed where the machine guns originated from. The affidavit says that surveillance of Phillips' shop showed that he received numerous shipments of large crates.
The prosecutor in the case, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherrie Capotosto, declined to comment.
According to the website for Combat Weapons Coatings, the company offers painting and detailing services for customers' weapons. The business does not have a firearms dealer license, ATF said.
Authorities said they also found marijuana and other firearms at Davis' home. They said he is a convicted felon and is prohibited from having guns.
Lawsuit filed against Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and security for patient's death www.privateofficer.com
Fayetteville NC Oct 30 2011 For months, no one investigated the circumstances surrounding a patient who died at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center after security guards restrained him with a choke hold, according to a lawsuit filed by the man's mother.
The hospital never reported the April 17 death of Andre Walker to Fayetteville police, who say they found out about it only after the state Medical Examiner's Office contacted them Sept. 6.
Now police are investigating Walker's death as a negligent homicide, and Walker's mother has filed a lawsuit, alleging that the hospital and the security guards acted negligently.
The lawsuit, filed by Valerie Walker of Fayetteville, said the health system, AlliedBarton Security Services, five security guards and four emergency room staff members are culpable in the death of her 27-year-old son.
The lawsuit says that as her son lay dying, emergency room staff did not attempt to resuscitate him quickly enough.
Cape Fear Valley officials declined to comment Friday on Walker's death or the lawsuit. A representative of AlliedBarton responded to phone calls Friday but did not provide a comment.
Police spokesman Gavin MacRoberts said the department would not release surveillance video from the hospital because it is considered evidence while the investigation continues.
The lawsuit was filed Sept. 29 in Cumberland County Superior Court. According to the suit:
Andre Walker, who suffered from schizophrenia, had been taken to the emergency room by an ambulance a little after 5 p.m. on April 17.
Walker had been acting strange that day, possibly because he had stopped taking his medications. Valerie Walker called 911, and an ambulance arrived to pick him up.
Ambulance workers said Walker had not experienced any hallucinations on the ride over, and he voluntarily agreed to go to the hospital.
Notes by rescue workers indicate that he "seemed quiet and paranoid" during the ride.
When he arrived at the hospital, medical records noted that he was "agitated, nervous and paranoid."
One of the doctors on staff ordered medication for Walker and decided to commit him to the first mental hospital with space.
But as time went on and no hospital with a room was found, Walker became increasingly agitated and aggressive with the staff.
Walker tried to leave and was restrained by security guards.
The medical staff left the area after realizing that the security guards might need to use force.
One of the guards put Walker in a choke hold and pulled him to the floor.
Three other guards grabbed parts of Walker's body and got on top of him.
A surveillance video from the hospital showed that Walker became nonresponsive after a few minutes of struggle.
After that, two security guards appeared to check Walker's vital signs. Medical records indicated the security guards told the attending nurse that he was no longer resisting.
For about 90 seconds after the struggle began, security guards hovered over Walker, and hospital staff and security guards continued to enter and exit the room.
At 9:17:51 p.m., the security guards placed Walker on a stretcher. Nurses and guards undressed him and secured leather restraints to his arms and legs.
At 9:21 p.m., medical staff checked Walker's vital signs. A nurse brought a "resuscitation bag" to the room at 9:23:15 p.m., and handed it to a security guard. (A resuscitation bag is a hand-held device used to provide ventilation to someone who is not breathing, or not breathing adequately.)
The security guard attempted to resuscitate Walker using the bag, but was unsuccessful.
Walker was then taken to another room, where a futile attempt was made to resuscitate him at 9:23:31 p.m.
A nurse noted in medical records that the resuscitation bag was being used or placed on Walker as he was taken into the room, but that he was without a pulse when he arrived there.
But the surveillance video showed he "was not bagged" on his way to the resuscitation room.
Friday afternoon, James E. Rogers, a Durham lawyer representing Valerie Walker, said he was in discussions with health system officials. He declined further comment.
The hospital never reported the April 17 death of Andre Walker to Fayetteville police, who say they found out about it only after the state Medical Examiner's Office contacted them Sept. 6.
Now police are investigating Walker's death as a negligent homicide, and Walker's mother has filed a lawsuit, alleging that the hospital and the security guards acted negligently.
The lawsuit, filed by Valerie Walker of Fayetteville, said the health system, AlliedBarton Security Services, five security guards and four emergency room staff members are culpable in the death of her 27-year-old son.
The lawsuit says that as her son lay dying, emergency room staff did not attempt to resuscitate him quickly enough.
Cape Fear Valley officials declined to comment Friday on Walker's death or the lawsuit. A representative of AlliedBarton responded to phone calls Friday but did not provide a comment.
Police spokesman Gavin MacRoberts said the department would not release surveillance video from the hospital because it is considered evidence while the investigation continues.
The lawsuit was filed Sept. 29 in Cumberland County Superior Court. According to the suit:
Andre Walker, who suffered from schizophrenia, had been taken to the emergency room by an ambulance a little after 5 p.m. on April 17.
Walker had been acting strange that day, possibly because he had stopped taking his medications. Valerie Walker called 911, and an ambulance arrived to pick him up.
Ambulance workers said Walker had not experienced any hallucinations on the ride over, and he voluntarily agreed to go to the hospital.
Notes by rescue workers indicate that he "seemed quiet and paranoid" during the ride.
When he arrived at the hospital, medical records noted that he was "agitated, nervous and paranoid."
One of the doctors on staff ordered medication for Walker and decided to commit him to the first mental hospital with space.
But as time went on and no hospital with a room was found, Walker became increasingly agitated and aggressive with the staff.
Walker tried to leave and was restrained by security guards.
The medical staff left the area after realizing that the security guards might need to use force.
One of the guards put Walker in a choke hold and pulled him to the floor.
Three other guards grabbed parts of Walker's body and got on top of him.
A surveillance video from the hospital showed that Walker became nonresponsive after a few minutes of struggle.
After that, two security guards appeared to check Walker's vital signs. Medical records indicated the security guards told the attending nurse that he was no longer resisting.
For about 90 seconds after the struggle began, security guards hovered over Walker, and hospital staff and security guards continued to enter and exit the room.
At 9:17:51 p.m., the security guards placed Walker on a stretcher. Nurses and guards undressed him and secured leather restraints to his arms and legs.
At 9:21 p.m., medical staff checked Walker's vital signs. A nurse brought a "resuscitation bag" to the room at 9:23:15 p.m., and handed it to a security guard. (A resuscitation bag is a hand-held device used to provide ventilation to someone who is not breathing, or not breathing adequately.)
The security guard attempted to resuscitate Walker using the bag, but was unsuccessful.
Walker was then taken to another room, where a futile attempt was made to resuscitate him at 9:23:31 p.m.
A nurse noted in medical records that the resuscitation bag was being used or placed on Walker as he was taken into the room, but that he was without a pulse when he arrived there.
But the surveillance video showed he "was not bagged" on his way to the resuscitation room.
Friday afternoon, James E. Rogers, a Durham lawyer representing Valerie Walker, said he was in discussions with health system officials. He declined further comment.
Daviess County Sheriff Chief Deputy indicted by Grand Jury www.privateofficer.com
Morgan was arrested by Indiana State Police at approximately 4:30 p.m. Friday after turning himself in at the Daviess County Security Center. He was later released after posting 10 percent of a $7,500 bond.
ISP Detective Brad Chandler initiated a criminal investigation Sept. 13, following an allegation of official misconduct by Morgan. The allegation surfaced during an earlier drug investigation by the sheriff’s department when, on Sept. 6, deputies served a search warrant for the home of a 29-year-old Washington woman suspected of manufacturing methamphetamine.
According to an ISP news release, during the investigation they received information indicating the female had been able to avoid arrest in the past because she’d been tipped off by Morgan, who allegedly asked her to perform sexual favors with him in return for his ability to protect her from arrest. Further investigation revealed Morgan allegedly shared privileged information with her on several occasions between August 2005 and July 2009 in exchange for sexual favors. The woman’s name is not being released because she’s considered a witness in the ongoing investigation.
Vanderburgh County Special Prosecutor Stan Levco presented the case to the grand jury.
ISP currently is releasing no further information about the case, and Sheriff Jerry Harbstreit had little comment.
“We left it up to the grand jury,” Harbstreit said. “We’ll go from there, I guess.”
Morgan was placed on paid administrative leave Sept. 7 and relieved of all command and police powers pending completion of the investigation. Harbstreit, who was not a part of the investigation or grand jury proceedings, said he has a call in to sheriff’s attorney Howard Williams of South Bend to determine how the department must proceed at this point. He said he and Williams will review the situation and determine what needs to be done.
A person answering the phone at Morgan’s residence refused comment Friday evening.
A Class C felony carries a sentence of two to eight years.
Source:washington times-herald.com
NY bouncer nabs robbery suspect www.privateofficer.com
Robert Soto Santiago, 31, of 60 Horton Ave., New Rochelle, told the 22-year-old Bronx victim at 1:06 a.m. today that he had a knife in his jacket and would use it if he did not hand over the jewelry, police said. He did not show a knife.
After taking the bracelets he tried to leave the 115 Cedar St. bar, but the victim notified a bouncer, who stopped Santiago and turned him over to New Rochelle police, police said.
Santiago was charged with third-degree robbery, a felony.
Source:lohud.com
Saturday, October 29, 2011
OFFICER DOWN- BRAD JONES
Police Officer
Brad Jones
End of Watch: Saturday, October 29, 2011
Biographical Info
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: Not available
Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: October 28, 2011
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: In custody
Police Officer Brad Jones was wounded while accompanying a probation officer on a meeting with a convict at an apartment complex near the intersection of North 75th Avenue and West Glendale Avenue.
During the meeting, the suspect pulled out a weapon and fired at officer Jones. He then fled in the officer's vehicle. Officer Jones was able to make a radio call and responding officers pursued the suspect until he crashed on west Glendale Avenue. The suspect attempted to flee, but exchanged gunfire with the officers and was critically wounded.
Officer Jones was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix where he died from his injuries.
Officer Jones had served with the Glendale Police Department for four years. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Agency Contact Info
Glendale Police Department
6835 N 57th Drive
Glendale, AZ 85301
Phone: (623) 930-3000Glendale Police Department, Arizona
OFFICER DOWN- TERRY L FLEMING
Terry L. Fleming
Albany Police Department, Georgia
End of Watch: Friday, October 28, 2011
Biographical InfoAge: 36
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: Not available
Incident Details
Cause of Death: Vehicle pursuit
Date of Incident: October 28, 2011
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Charged with felony murder
Police Officer Terry Fleming was killed when her patrol car collided with another patrol car during a high speed pursuit.
Officers were pursuing a truck occupied by two men who had just committed an armed robbery, when Officer Fleming's patrol car collided with the other patrol car at the intersection of East Residence Avenue and Blaylock Avenue. Officer Fleming's car burst into flames upon impact.
The suspects continued to flee until their truck overturned a short distance away. Both men were arrested and charged with felony as a result of Officer Fleming's death. They were also charged with multiple felony counts in connection with the armed robbery.
Officer Fleming had served with the Albany Police Department for five years. She is survived by her husband and three children.
Agency Contact InfoChief John A. Proctor
Albany Police Department
225 Pine Avenue
Albany, GA 31702
Phone: (229) 431-2100
Knoxville men caught stealing storm drain covers www.privateofficer.com
Police responded to a call about the thefts just after 9:00 a.m. in the area of Buffat Mill Road and Brice Street.
Two men in a white pickup truck were seen removing large storm water covers from streets. Police say similar activity has been reported over the last several days in East Knoxville.
An officer pulled over a 1983 Chevrolet pickup truck going west on Buffat Mill.
The driver was driving on a suspended license and several storm drain covers were in the bed of the truck, according to police.
Timmy Ollis, 47, and Gary Manuel, both of South Knoxville, were taken into custody for theft and reckless endangerment.
Police say more charges are pending the outcome of the investigation, and more people may be connected to metal thefts in the area.
Source:WATE.com
Women arrested for disturbance at Busch Gardens www.privateofficer.com
Busch Gardens - During the Howl-O-Scream event overnight, Rossand Del Carmen Bria and her young sister waited in line at one of the haunted venues within the park.
During the event, security was called over due to the two girls cutting in line. Security asked the girls to leave, but they refused.
While attempting to bring them into custody, the juvenile sister pulled away and the older sister then grabbed the officer by the arm in an attempt to free her younger sister. Rossand Del Carmen Bria then struck the officer in the mouth causing a small scratch on his upper lip.
She was later taken into custody and charged with Battery against a law enforcement officer.
Busch Gardens response to the situtaion:
Busch Gardens is committed to ensuring that all guests and employees enjoy a safe and memorable Howl-O-Scream experience. Though this nighttime adult event is intended to be edgy, safety remains the park's number one priority. Unruly, aggressive or illegal behavior is not tolerated.
Busch Gardens security personnel and their Tampa Police Department counterparts make the decision to eject and/or arrest anyone who threatens the safety or well-being of guests or employees. To preserve the integrity of our security measures and to respect the confidentiality of our guests, we do not comment on the details of our security practices or any alleged incidents.
Source:10news
Oregan man faces federal charges for taking 500 rounds of ammunition on flight www.privateofficer.com
A federal magistrate's complaint out of Guam states that Nario Eter, 66, deliberately "undertook efforts to ensure (he) would defeat TSA security measures at Portland International Airport."
He boarded the flight on Monday after using an unspecified type of grey tape to conceal the ammunition in a carry-on bag. The complaint does not specify exactly what kind of ammunition it was.
Guam investigators found the ammunition while he was trying to board a connecting flight to Micronesia.
Eter was due back in Guam in November for a court appearance. He doesn't appear to have a criminal history in Oregon.
FBI spokesman Tom Simon said Eter didn't have any plans to hurt anyone with the bullets.
His daughter Judy Etter told KGW that the incident was all a mistake that started with a rush to pack up and leave for the airport. He intended to declare the ammunition and place it in checked luggage.
Her father fishes with a gun in Micronesia because of a disability she did not specify. She said her father "is a good man, he's a good person."
Her father was well aware of firearms safety, she said, and a gun was never a part of the Monday episode. He has no gun at his Gresham home.
TSA representatives said they could not comment on the case Thursday, citing an ongoing investigation.
Passengers who spoke with KGW Friday morning were surprised and disappointed at the security breach.
"They put a lot of security out here," said passenger Cy Smith, "We're spending a lot of money as taxpayers, and it shouldn't have happened. So, if we're going to spend our money, they need to do the job correctly."
Source:kgw
Security officer shot during Canada bank robbery www.privateofficer.com
An armed guard was shot in the leg during a robbery at a National Bank branch in Pointe-Aux-Trembles on Thursday night.
Witnesses called 9-1-1 when they heard gunshots coming from a shopping centre at 12,675 Sherbrooke St. East around 9:30 p.m.
Police arrived to find a G-4-S armoured vehicle parked outside the bank branch entrance.
Inside the bank were two guards, one of them shot in the leg, while the second man was unharmed but was treated for shock.
The guards had been transporting money
A witness told police two armed men ran from the scene holding a bag and entered the mini-van, but police would not confirm how much money was stolen.
Police have not yet been able to provide a description of the suspects or their vehicle, but said they were checking surveillance video.
"There are cameras outside of the mall, inside the mall and inside the bank that investigators will have a look at and try to help them through the investigation," said Constable Yannick Ouimet.
By Friday afternoon the injured guard had yet to talk to police.
Police say the last time a robbery of this nature happened in the area was ten years ago. It's also the first time this bank branch has ever been robbed.
The bank branch will likely re-open Saturday.
Source:ctvmontreal.ca
Man Tased after assaulting security officer www.privateofficer.com
Allentown PA October 29 2011 A 40-year-old man who was subdued by a stun gun outside of Crocodile Rock on Sunday night had fought with security guards at the nightclub and an Allentown police officer who tried to arrest him, according to court records.
David Ohrin of Wyomissing, Berks County, was kicked out of the club at 520 Hamilton St. at 11:22 p.m. and began fighting with security guards, police said. He kicked at least one of the guards.
When an Allentown officer approached Ohrin, he began fighting with the officer, police said. According to court records, Ohrin kicked the officer and then tried to break the officer's thumb.
The police officer used his stun gun to subdue Ohrin and he was placed in custody.
Ohrin was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness. He was released after posting $50,000 bail.
Virginia elementary school teacher sentenced to 30 years in prison www.privateofficer.com
Alexandria VA Oct 29 2011 A former Virginia elementary school teacher was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison on Friday for creating two pornographic videos with underage girls.
Justin Coleman, 36, made the videos showing him sexually abusing two underage girls as part of a secret life that included clandestinely filming students and electronically transferring the faces of former students onto child pornography, federal law enforcement officials said.
He was sentenced to 30 years on each of two counts of producing child pornography. The sentences will run concurrently.
"Mr. Coleman, you are a bad seed. You are a danger and a predator," U.S. District Judge Gerald Bruce Lee said in sentencing him.
Coleman, a former fourth-grade dual language teacher at Alexandria's John Adams Elementary school, was arrested in April. He pleaded guilty in August.
His voice trembling slightly, Coleman told Lee he was dedicated to repairing the damage he had caused and had been living in a "veritable sea of shame and guilt" for a year.
"I am here because I betrayed the trust of many," said Coleman, dressed in dark green jail overalls. He listened to sentencing arguments with head bowed.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Smagala said Coleman had engaged in child pornography while he taught at a U.S. military school in Japan. He also had filmed underage girls at a school during a trip to Italy, Smagala said.
Coleman's argument that he had been under stress from a breakup with his girlfriend and the death of a sister did not excuse him, Smagala said.
Federal officials have said Coleman possessed more than 2,500 images of child pornography that he had altered to depict former, minor female students to appear to be engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Coleman's collection included at least 74 videos he had recorded at classrooms that showed him masturbating behind an unaware student and attempting to obtain erotic videos of female students.
Coleman was among 900 people in the United States identified by Italian authorities as part of an overseas child pornography investigation.
Under federal guidelines, he could be eligible for release after 85 percent of his sentence is completed.
Source:Reuters
Justin Coleman, 36, made the videos showing him sexually abusing two underage girls as part of a secret life that included clandestinely filming students and electronically transferring the faces of former students onto child pornography, federal law enforcement officials said.
He was sentenced to 30 years on each of two counts of producing child pornography. The sentences will run concurrently.
"Mr. Coleman, you are a bad seed. You are a danger and a predator," U.S. District Judge Gerald Bruce Lee said in sentencing him.
Coleman, a former fourth-grade dual language teacher at Alexandria's John Adams Elementary school, was arrested in April. He pleaded guilty in August.
His voice trembling slightly, Coleman told Lee he was dedicated to repairing the damage he had caused and had been living in a "veritable sea of shame and guilt" for a year.
"I am here because I betrayed the trust of many," said Coleman, dressed in dark green jail overalls. He listened to sentencing arguments with head bowed.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Smagala said Coleman had engaged in child pornography while he taught at a U.S. military school in Japan. He also had filmed underage girls at a school during a trip to Italy, Smagala said.
Coleman's argument that he had been under stress from a breakup with his girlfriend and the death of a sister did not excuse him, Smagala said.
Federal officials have said Coleman possessed more than 2,500 images of child pornography that he had altered to depict former, minor female students to appear to be engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Coleman's collection included at least 74 videos he had recorded at classrooms that showed him masturbating behind an unaware student and attempting to obtain erotic videos of female students.
Coleman was among 900 people in the United States identified by Italian authorities as part of an overseas child pornography investigation.
Under federal guidelines, he could be eligible for release after 85 percent of his sentence is completed.
Source:Reuters
Honolulu police arrests teacher for sex assault www.privateofficer.com
HONOLULU HI Oct 29 2011 -- Honolulu police arrested a 42-year-old teacher Wednesday on suspicion of sexually assaulting a teenage girl for more than a year at a Makiki school.
Investigators say the girl told them the teacher assaulted her from October 2008 to March 2009.
He faces 11 counts of first-degree sexual assault and five counts of third-degree sexual assault.
Police say the girl is now 17-years-old.
Police arrested the suspect Wednesday without incident.
He remained in custody Thursday evening pending charges.
Source:www.kitv.com
Investigators say the girl told them the teacher assaulted her from October 2008 to March 2009.
He faces 11 counts of first-degree sexual assault and five counts of third-degree sexual assault.
Police say the girl is now 17-years-old.
Police arrested the suspect Wednesday without incident.
He remained in custody Thursday evening pending charges.
Source:www.kitv.com
Louisville police chief moves on to a different job www.privateofficer.com
Robert White, who has served as Louisville’s police chief since 2003, will be named chief of the Denver Police Department next week.
Mayor Greg Fischer announced Friday that he will immediately begin a search for White’s replacement.
“Chief White has been a high-caliber leader who has made our city safer and who has earned tremendous respect across the city,” Fischer said. “It’s not a surprise that, over the years, many cities have tried to hire him. Denver is gaining a police chief of high integrity.”
Fischer said he has begun the process of identifying potential new chiefs from both within and outside the Louisville Metro Police Department. He said he would be seeking input from citizens, police and national experts.
“My goal is to hire the best chief to lead our department and make it even better than it already is,” Fischer said. “We are a safe city, but we can be even safer. I’m seeking a leader who can take us to that next level.”
Fischer said he will soon name an interim chief to assume the day-to-day duties until a permanent chief can be named.
White said the decision to leave Louisville was difficult but that he felt that he has achieved all he could in Louisville and he looks forward to new challenges in Denver.
“I’m leaving Louisville in great hands – and I want to thank the men and women of the Louisville Police Department who are dedicated and passionate public servants,” White said. “I also wish to thank the citizens of Louisville who have made my job enjoyable every day the last nine years.”
The mayor’s office in Denver is planning a formal announcement next week. The Denver City Council must approve the hiring, a process expected to take three weeks.
White was appointed chief of the newly merged Louisville Metro Police Department on January 6, 2003. The department was created with the merger of the Louisville Division of Police and the Jefferson County Police Department. The department — the 22nd largest in the country — has 1,200 sworn officers and nearly 400 civilian personnel.
Nuclear security officer accidentally shoots self www.privateofficer.com
A U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission report released Friday says the officer shot himself in the foot Thursday afternoon when his gun discharged.
DTE Energy Co. spokesman Scott Simons says the officer was unloading his gun at the end of his shift when it fired. His injury is not life-threatening. He was taken by ambulance to a local hospital.
No other injuries were reported.
The power plant is in Monroe County's Frenchtown Township, about 35 miles southwest of Detroit. It is owned and operated by DTE Energy.
HOSPITAL SECURITY CHARGED IN DEATH OF PATIENT www.privateofficer.com
Austell GA Oct 29 2011 An arrest warrant was issued Friday for a hospital security guard wanted in connection with a man's death in August, Cobb County police said.
Authorities said 57-year-old William Darrell West of Marietta was intoxicated when he entered Wellstar Cobb Hospital in Austell on Aug. 6. They said West hit his head on the floor during a confrontation with a security guard and died of blunt force trauma.
The medical examiner's office investigated the manner and cause of death, and it's taken this long to levy charges, Cobb police spokesman Sgt. Dana Pierce told the AJC.
Now Jerry Thomas Evans, 32, of Austell is charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct.
Evans is aware of the warrant and is expected to turn himself in with his attorney, Pierce said.
Authorities said 57-year-old William Darrell West of Marietta was intoxicated when he entered Wellstar Cobb Hospital in Austell on Aug. 6. They said West hit his head on the floor during a confrontation with a security guard and died of blunt force trauma.
The medical examiner's office investigated the manner and cause of death, and it's taken this long to levy charges, Cobb police spokesman Sgt. Dana Pierce told the AJC.
Now Jerry Thomas Evans, 32, of Austell is charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct.
Evans is aware of the warrant and is expected to turn himself in with his attorney, Pierce said.
Border Patrol Agent Sent To Prison For Assault On Drug Smuggler www.privateofficer.com
El Paso TX Oct 29 2011 Border Patrol Agent Jesus “Chito” Diaz was just sentenced to two years in federal prison violating the civil rights of a Mexican drug smuggler by allegedly pulling on the suspect’s handcuffs. After an initial mistrial, Agent Diaz was convicted in June, despite the fact that two separate oversight agencies cleared him of any wrongdoing in the case.
So, why then was Agent Diaz prosecuted?
Apparently, for the same reason that so many other U.S. law enforcement officers have been…Because the Mexican government filed a complaint against him and the U.S. Justice Department eagerly complied.
To add insult to injury, Agent Diaz was denied bond by U.S. District Court judge Alia Ludlum while awaiting sentencing, a courtesy ordinarily extended to police officers in such cases.
Of course, it would not be the first time a U.S. law enforcement officer has been prosecuted, seemingly on orders from Mexico.
The following is a list of a few of those officers:
-Border Patrol Agent Gary Brugman was charged by U.S. Attorney Johnny Sutton with violating the rights of an illegal alien in January 2001. The following year he was convicted and spent two years in federal prison.
Agent Brugman was working in the very tough border region of Eagle Pass, Texas. He responded to a scene where another agent was having trouble with a group of 10-12 apprehended people caught crossing our border illegally. Two of them would not comply, so Agent Brugman pushed one of the men onto the ground. This minor incident was enough for Sutton to charge Brugman with violating the illegal alien's constitutional rights "under the color of law."
During Brugman's trial, Sutton actually brought a convicted drug smuggler whom Agent Brugman had arrested from his prison cell to testify against him.
Incredibly, Johnny Sutton did an interview on the Spanish language network Univision in which he stated he was making an example out of Agent Brugman.
In addition to his service as a Border Patrol agent, Brugman is a Coast Guard veteran. He spent 16 years of his life defending this nation. He is now free and actively telling his story in hopes that justice will soon come to Johnny Sutton.
-U.S. Border Patrol Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean were sentenced to11 and 12 year federal prison sentences respectively. Sutton charged these two men with assault with a deadly weapon, various firearms charges, and with violating a drug smuggler's civil rights.
In February 2005, Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean spotted a van headed across the border into the United States. The agents gave chase and one of them ended up in a scuffle with a Mexican drug smuggler known as Osbaldo Aldrete-Davilla. One of the agents saw a gun in the smuggler's hand and fired at him, before Aldrete-Davilla fled back across the border into Mexico. The smuggler was shot in the buttocks and was observed jumping into an awaiting vehicle on the Mexican side of the border.
The van driven by the smuggler was left behind along with 743 pounds of marijuana. A few months later, he was caught once again smuggling drugs into this country. While in custody, he was given immunity from prosecution in both cases in exchange for his testimony against Agents Ramos and Compean. In addition to immunity, the taxpayers assisted him with travel expenses and provided him with medical treatment at a U.S. Army facility in Texas. Once Aldrete-Davilla testified and completed his medical treatments, he promptly filed a $5 million lawsuit against the U.S. Border Patrol for violating his rights.
Sutton's office received a great deal of public criticism for his treatment and unfair prosecution of these two agents, while Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) led a Republican movement in Congress to pardon these two men. Of course, president Bush commuted the sentences of Ramos and Compean on his last day of office. However, the felony conviction remains on their records and the two men can no longer work in law enforcement.
-When Deputy Gilmer Hernandez made a routine traffic stop in April 2005, little did he know that this incident would lead to the loss of his freedom. It turned out that the driver was a human smuggler with several Mexican nationals hiding in the vehicle. After being approached, the driver hit the gas and tried to run over Dep. Hernandez. The deputy fired his weapon at the tires of the van, at which time a bullet fragment hit a woman who was hiding in the back of the vehicle, her injuries were limited to a scratch on the cheek. Another person in the van received a similar injury.
The shooting was investigated by the Edwards County Sheriff's Department, The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, as well as the Texas Department of Public Safety. All of the agencies deemed the action taken by Deputy Hernandez as justifiable. However, more than a year later, Sutton reopened the case and prosecuted Deputy Hernandez for violating the civil rights of the two injured illegal aliens. Hernandez served a one year sentence in a federal prison.
-Border Patrol Agent Noe Aleman and his wife adopted his wife's nieces from Mexico, after the girls' father died. The couple paid $40,000 in legal fees to adopt the girls ages 12, 13, and 15. Despite the steep fees, the attorney they hired was apparently incompetent and made several errors on the adoption and immigration forms. Agent Aleman himself pointed out these errors to immigration authorities and attempted to correct them. For his honesty, Agent Aleman was arrested and prosecuted by Sutton's office for alien smuggling. He received a one year sentence and was incarcerated in the same prison where Agent Ramos was initially held.
Noe Aleman served with the Border Patrol for 12 years and is highly respected for his aggressive pursuits of illegal aliens and drug smugglers alike. However, in an effort to defame Agent Aleman, Johnny Sutton even suggested that the real purpose for the adoption was so that Aleman could molest the little girls, who during the grand jury hearing were referred to by Sutton's assistant as "little whores!"
In 2007, Aleman told Jerome Coursi of WorldNetDaily: "I'm just another victim in George Bush, Alberto Gonzalez, and Johnny Sutton's was against Border Patrol agents."
The three girls were sent to an orphanage in Mexico, after being deported.
There is evidence in two of the aforementioned cases that the Mexican government became directly involved and influenced Sutton's office to prosecute the officers.
On March 4, 2005, the U.S. Consulate in Mexico contacted Sutton's office with information given by the Mexican government that they had a drug smuggler who had been shot by a Border Patrol Agent. The Department of Homeland Security began their investigation of Agents Ramos and Compean the very same day!
On April 18, 2005, Mexican Consul Jorge Ernesto Espejel Montes sent a letter to Sutton's office demanding that Deputy Gilmer Hernandez be prosecuted for injuring Maricela Rodriguez Garcia (the woman whose cheek was scratched while hiding in the smuggler's van). It was not until Sutton received this letter that his investigation of Dep. Hernandez began.
It would seem that the Justice Department receives their orders directly from the corrupt government of Mexico. Not only have several law enforcement officers been unfairly prosecuted for their efforts to protect this country from illegal aliens and drug smugglers, but the American people are being betrayed by this apparent arrangement between the U.S. and Mexican governments.
Source: Examiner.com
Waterbury surgeon faces charges of assaulting police officers www.privateofficer.com
Michael Ajemian, of 1592 Bucks Hill Road in Southbury, was arraigned in Bristol Superior Court Thursday on charges of third-degree assault, violation of a protective order, first-degree criminal trespassing, interfering with a 911 call, two counts of assault on an officer and interfering with police.
He was released after posting a $100,000 court-set bond Thursday, court officials said.
“(Ajemian) became the subject of an investigation after his ex-girlfriend came to the station with visible injuries to the head and body,” said Southington Police Sgt. Lowell DePalma. “She was worried he was still at her home and wanted police to check.”
The case is classified as a domestic violence investigation.
When officers arrived at the home, officer found Ajemian, 45, inside. As they approached Ajemian, officers said, he became combative and attacked an officer, kicking him and causing minor injuries. As two other officers attempted to get involved, a police report said he pushed a second officer down the stairs and had to be subdued using a Taser.
The officers suffered minor injuries, but are both expected to make full recoveries with no permanent damage, police said.
The arrest was the second in four months for Ajemian, who was charged in July with third-degree assault, second-degree unlawful restraint, disorderly conduct and interfering with police in a separate case with the same victim, according to court records. He was ordered at that time to cease all contact with the victim.
An 18-year board certified surgeon, Ajemian had earned a reputation as a talented doctor who had previously done work in both Waterbury and New Haven. He currently works out of a private surgical practice in Waterbury.
Court officials said Thursday afternoon that Ajemian is due back in Bristol Superior Court on Dec. 2.
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