To see this display larger, go here. I'll be adjusting the date monthly so it will remain on the top of the blog. Sadly, it will continue to be updated.
Officer Involved Domestic Violence Network
Email me updates (or whatever)
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Keeping this display of officer-involved domestic violence fatalities on top from now on...
To see this display larger, go here. I'll be adjusting the date monthly so it will remain on the top of the blog. Sadly, it will continue to be updated.
Officer Involved Domestic Violence Network
Email me updates (or whatever)
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
[KY] Despite wife's recant, Police Chief Herron prosecuted, pled guilty to lesser domestic charges, and "resigns"
...Once the issue went to court, Herron’s wife accompanied him and stated that there had been no physical assault and that it was all a ploy by the children. By the end of that particular court session, local citizens and officials assumed that the issue would end up with charges being dropped. Regardless, the investigation ensued...PREVIOUS POST:
[KY] Mayor suspends Police Chief Herron - Their children say they saw Herron choking mom - ...[Their] son showed deputies a text from his mother saying Donald had assaulted her and broken things in the kitchen. The children also said they witnessed Donald with his hand around Dorothy's neck...
KY. POLICE CHIEF RESIGNS AFTER HARASSMENT PLEA
wave3
Feb 06, 2010
MORTON'S GAP, KY. - A western Kentucky police chief has resigned after pleading guilty to harassment with physical contact during a domestic dispute with his wife. The Messenger in Madisonville reported that 50-year-old Donald Jay Herron pleaded guilty Thursday in Hopkins County Circuit Court and resigned his position later that day. Hopkins County Attorney Todd P'Pool said Herron's wife, Dorothy, wanted the charge to be dimissed following the Dec. 2 incident, but his office decided to an amended charge of harassment with physical contact.
MORTON'S GAP BEGINS SEARCH FOR NEW POLICE CHIEF
WFIE
By Cory Stark
Posted by Sarah Harlan
Feb 08, 2010
[Excerpts] The former Morton's Gap Police Chief Donald Herron, who has been charged with fourth degree assault, has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge and has resigned as chief. Now, the search begins for Herron's replacement. Reporter: "Are you confident that you will be reinstated as Morton's Gap police chief?" "After the charges are dropped, yes," Herron said. That was the answer 50-year-old Donald Jay Herron gave three weeks ago, but last week, Herron pleaded guilty to physically harassing his wife. That plea led to his resignation. "We just gave the option to resign or be terminated," council member Chris Phelps said... While the city is without a police chief, Kentucky State Police and the Hopkins County Sheriff's Department will help patrol the area. Officials said Herron received 30 days of suspended jail time on the condition that he has no abusive contact with his wife. http://www.14wfie.com/global/story.asp?s=11953585
MORTONS GAP POLICE CHIEF PLEADS GUILTY
iSurf News
J. L. Graham
06 February 2010
Local officials were stunned Thursday, FEB 4, to find that Morton’s Gap Police Chief Donald Herron has pled guilty to an abuse related charge... Once the issue went to court, Herron’s wife accompanied him and stated that there had been no physical assault and that it was all a ploy by the children. By the end of that particular court session, local citizens and officials assumed that the issue would end up with charges being dropped. Regardless, the investigation ensued... [Full article here]
SINCE THE LAST POST:
CHIEF HERRON'S WIFE DENIES ABUSE
INSIDE 14WFIE.com
By Cory Stark
Posted by Noah Stubbs
Posted: Jan 14, 2010
Chief Donald Jay Herron was accused of assaulting his wife last month, but his wife maintains it didn't happen. Dorthy Herron stayed by her husband's side as he was in court facing charges of assaulting her. She says it never happened. "There was no domestic violence," Dorthy Herron said. "This is a vendetta against my husband and myself with my children." The police report says Dorothy told the same story to deputies the night of the alleged incident on December 2, 2009. That same night, deputies viewed a text message sent from Dorothy's cell phone to her son saying that her husband had assaulted her and broken things in the kitchen..."I do feel that in the end this will be dropped," Dorthy Herron said... [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety top cop official recant recanted state of kentucky]
[WI] Sheriff David Clarke sued for conspiring to keep Deputy Thomas Hutchins on force who shot 2 during a domestic rampage and...
Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke
Victims of a 2008 shooting by an off-duty sheriff's deputy during a domestic incident claim Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. and two top staff members conspired to keep the [Thomas Hutchins] on the force and were negligent in letting him have a department weapon when they were aware of the man's ongoing domestic violence issues...
Previous posts:
- [WI] Deputy Hutchins, who shot his girlfriend & 12 year old neighbor who helped her, has a violent history - ...MARY HUTCHINS CLAIMED THAT HER EX-HUSBAND HAD THREATENED HER FOR FOUR YEARS AND SAID HE'D MAKE HER SEE HER MOTHER, WHO DIED IN 2004...."DEPUTY THOMAS HUTCHINS THREATENED TO TAKE MY LIFE... HE DOESN'T CARE, HE WILL KILL ME"... HE EVEN RIPPED THE PHONE OUT OF THE WALL..."YOU TAKE MY JOB, I'LL TAKE YOUR LIFE"... THEN HE POINTED HIS GLOCK HANDGUN AT HER AND STATED, "YOU TAKE MY JOB, I'LL TAKE YOUR LIFE," ACCORDING TO THE COMPLAINT. HE FIRED TWICE, THE COMPLAINT SAYS. SHE FELT PAIN IN HER FACE AND RAN...
- [WI] Shot in the face, Deputy Hutchins' girlfriend leaps from window, before 12 year Karess Patton also shot - ...The girlfriend -- still trying to flee the deputy -- jumped out of an upstairs window to the pavement below and continued to run through a number of yards before getting help from another neighbor...
- [WI] Then-Deputy Hutchins gets 20 years for shooting girlfriend and 12 year old girl - ...[Former Milwaukee County Sheriff's Deputy Thomas] Hutchins' attorney, Bridget Boyle, said Hutchins fired several shots at the door lock because he wanted to see if [his then-girlfriend Petria] Dent was all right. Dent, who was in the courtroom gallery responded loudly: "He shot me in the face! What does she mean he wanted to see if I was OK?...
Journal Sentinel
By Bruce Vielmetti
Posted: Feb. 7, 2010
[Excerpts] Victims of a 2008 shooting by an off-duty sheriff's deputy during a domestic incident claim Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. and two top staff members conspired to keep the man on the force and were negligent in letting him have a department weapon when they were aware of the man's ongoing domestic violence issues. The lawsuit, filed Friday in Milwaukee County Circuit Court, seeks damages for two people who suffered gunshot wounds and for several children who were present during the outburst by former corrections deputy Thomas D. Hutchins. A judge on Friday granted a temporary restraining order to prevent Hutchins or his agents from spending or moving any possible assets that he may own or control. Hutchins, 41, is serving 20 years after pleading no contest to two counts of intentional first-degree reckless injury and one count of endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon. On Dec. 15, 2008, Hutchins shot his girlfriend in the face, then followed her to a neighbor's home and fired several shots through a locked door, injuring a 12-year-old girl. He used a sheriff's office-issue .40 caliber handgun... The lawsuit claims the children who witnessed the rampage "have and will likely continue to suffer repeated and severe bouts of mental anguish and psychological repercussions"... Clarke could not be reached for comment on the lawsuit... [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety lethal litigation sued lawsuit state of wisconsin brotherhood blue wall]
[SC] Cowpens Officer Clark arrested for criminal domestic violence with a loaded beer can
SC POLICE OFFICER CHARGED WITH HITTING GIRLFRIEND
WBTV
Feb 8, 2010
A South Carolina police officer has been arrested and accused of hitting his girlfriend with a can of beer... Cowpens police officer Carl Preston Clark was arrested early Saturday and charged with criminal domestic violence. An arrest warrant states Clark struck his 39-year-old girlfriend in the chest with a can of beer. She walked to the police department and said struck her and called her names... [Full article here]
COWPENS OFFICER CHARGED WITH ASSAULTING GIRLFRIEND
Spartanburg Herald Journal
Craig Peters
February 7, 2010
A Cowpens police officer was arrested early Saturday after he was accused of hitting his girlfriend with a "loaded" beer can... An arrest warrant states Clark caused "physical harm and injury to" his 39-year-old girlfriend "by hitting her in her left breast with a loaded can of beer, under circumstances that reasonably created fear of imminent peril to the victim." The victim said she walked to the nearby Cowpens Police Department after a disturbance at a Cemetery Street residence. The victim said she wanted Clark removed from the residence because he was calling her names and threw a beer at her, hitting her in the chest... Clark was booked at the Spartanburg County jail about 5:45 a.m. on Saturday and released about 2:25 p.m. on Saturday on $2,130 bond. [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety state of south carolina]
[NV] Cops Kids Falling - Yet another officer's child shot at home with daddy's gun
CHILD OF METRO OFFICER ACCIDENTALLY SHOT
KTNV Las Vegas
Feb 8, 2010
[Excerpts] The child of a Las Vegas Metro officer was accidentally shot near the officer's home in Moapa and is critically hurt... Arriving officers and investigators determined the child, who is the son of an L.V.M.P.D. Officer, was put to bed in the parent's bedroom. The child got out of bed and discovered a handgun in a nearby night-stand, The weapon discharged, striking the juvenile in the arm and abdomen. Responding medical units transported the juvenile to University Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition. Metro's Abuse and Neglect Detail responded, and is continuing the investigation... Following the determination of the Clark County District Attorney's Office, Metro's Internal Affairs Division will review the case to determine if any internal policies were violated. [Full article here]
VEGAS OFFICER’S SON CRITICAL AFTER HOME SHOOTING
The Associated Press
Monday, Feb. 8, 2010 12:27 p.m.
[Excerpts] Authorities say the son of a Las Vegas police officer was hospitalized in critical condition after shooting himself with a handgun at home. Police released little information... Department officials didn't immediately respond to questions about the boy's age; the officer's identity, age and service with the department; whether the officer remains on active duty; and whether the gun was a personal or service weapon.... [Full article here]
RELATED POSTS:
[CA] [MO] Within 3 days two preschool sons of law enforcement officers shoot and kill themselves.
[LA] Another law enforcement officer's toddler gets ahold of daddy's gun
Make it stop
I don't run searches for shot children of officers - these are just some I have run across while looking up domestic violence issues. Living in a gun culture takes extra precautions. If you live with someone who arrogantly or negligently refuse to lock up their firearms and you have children - it's time to make a choice.
OHIO - 2 1/2 YEARS OLD
Police: Toddler shot to death with father's gun
Canton Repository, Ohio
Friday, November 14, 2008
The toddler son of a Minerva police officer fatally shot himself in the chest after getting hold of a 9mm handgun, investigators said...
CALIFORNIA - 4 YEARS OLD
Son of officer shot himself with service pistol
Record-Searchlight, CA
By Ryan Sabalow
Thursday, November 13, 2008
...The 4-year-old son of a Redding police officer was able to climb high enough inside his father's closet to grab his service pistol, fatally shooting himself with the loaded handgun, investigators said Wednesday...
MISSOURI - 2 YEARS OLD
Son of sheriff's deputy dies in shooting accident
News-Leader.com, MO
Ashley Wiehle
November 11, 2008
The Stone County Sheriff's Department is still reeling from the shocking death of a 2-year-old who accidentally shot himself this weekend. He was the son of a Stone County sheriff's deputy...
LOUISIANNA - 3 YEARS OLD
RAYVILLE 3-YEAR-OLD KILLS COUSIN WITH GUN OF HIS FATHER, A POLICE OFFICER
By The Associated Press, NOLA.com
December 31, 2009, 8:32PM
The Richland Parish sheriff says an off-duty police officer's 3-year-old son apparently shot and killed a 3-year-old cousin with his father's gun...
And kids are set up to live with lifelong guilt before they can even write their name...
POLICE OFFICER SHOT BY TODDLER
The Orange County Register
Published: Dec. 9, 2009
...[Los Angeles police officer]'s son found his service-revolver, a Glock 21, while riding unrestrained in the back seat of the family's Ford Ranger pickup truck in Anaheim and shot him in the back...
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv abuse law enforcement public safety fatality fatalities lethal negligence child protection children girl boy son daughter murder accident accidental gun lock toddler preschooler gun culture, california, missouri, louisiana, ohio, las vegas jacob foor hunter anthony rhoads jared bledsoe]
Saturday, February 6, 2010
[MA] Fired after bloodying wife and breaking her teeth, ex-police officer Joshua Gerard pleads guilty
KUDOS to the City of New Bedford and to their Police Department for handling this professionally. I hope the city has been as attentive to the safety of the victim if she was receptive to being helped.
FORMER NEW BEDFORD POLICE OFFICER PLEADS GUILTY TO ASSAULTING WIFE AT SEEKONK SPEEDWAY
South Coast Today
By Brian Fraga
February 05, 2010
A former New Bedford police officer pleaded guilty this week to punching and kicking his wife at the Seekonk Speedway in August 2008. Joshua Gerard, 31, received a two-year suspended jail sentence Tuesday in Taunton District Court. The case was scheduled to go to trial but Gerard instead pleaded guilty to one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Gerard was ordered to attend anger management counseling and not abuse his wife. Assistant District Attorney Katie Rayburn wanted Gerard to serve one year in the House of Correction, with an additional year suspended... The city fired Gerard in December 2008 following an internal Police Department investigation that sustained the domestic violence allegations against him... Gerard's wife called 911 asking for help because her husband had kicked her [at the Seekonk Speedway]. Prosecutors said Gerard's voice was heard in the background telling his wife to hang up the phone. The call ended abruptly after what sounded like a struggle over the phone. Meanwhile, prosecutors said a witness in a nearby car heard a woman screaming. The witness said Gerard punched the victim, grabbed her by the back of her head and slammed her face against the steering wheel of their car. Several police officers at the event ran to the Speedway parking lot, where they saw the victim bleeding from her face and with two cracked teeth. Gerard was seen running from the parking lot... [Full article here]
A Few Months Ago:
CITY MOVES TO FIRE 2 POLICE OFFICERS FACING DOMESTIC ASSAULT CHARGES
Standard-Times, South Coast Today
By Brian Fraga
November 18, 2008 6:00 AM
The city has moved to fire two police officers facing domestic assault charge... Following internal investigations, police sustained domestic assault and battery allegations against officers Edson Santos, 25, and Joshua Gerard, 30. Both have been recommended for termination.
"The mayor has notified both officers of his decision to terminate them as New Bedford police officers and their cases are now pending termination hearings mandated by state law," New Bedford police spokesman Lt. Jeffrey P. Silva said... Lt. Silva said the internal investigations into the officers' alleged transgressions were submitted to Police Chief Ronald E. Teachman for his review and disciplinary recommendation, which were then forwarded to Mayor Scott W. Lang... City Council President Jane Gonsalves, who pressed for disciplinary action, was pleased.
"I feel strongly it's overdue," she said. "The longer these kind of things stagnate, a cloud settles over the reputation of the Police Department"... Officers Santos and Gerard have both been criminally charged and their cases are pending in Taunton District Court. They are currently suspended from the Police Department... [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety massachusetts state professionall]
[CA] The wife of a retired police officer, Cheryl Ross Wynn, was murdered in their home
I was waiting a couple of days to see if anything came to light, but no. Not yet. Hugs to all of Cheryl's people.
Detectives continue to investigate the stabbing death of a 48-year-old woman [Cheryl Ross Wynn]... Wynn's husband told officers that he came home and found his wife on the bedroom floor... Wynn's husband is a retired police officer who works as a private investigator... Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Aaron Towner at (714) 744-7456...
DETECTIVES INVESTIGATE SLAYING OF EX-LAWMAN'S WIFE IN UPSCALE ORANGE COUNTY NEIGHBORHOOD
Los Angeles Times
Robert J. Lopez
February 2, 2010, 7:20 am
[Excerpts] Detectives are investigating a homicide in an upscale Orange neighborhood, where a 48-year-old woman - the wife of a former law enforcement official - was stabbed to death after returning home from a party... Cheryl Rose Wynn was in her home on the 1200 block of North Palo Loma Place at about 6:30 p.m. Sunday when she was found by her husband, who called 911... Wynn died at the scene... KABC-TV reported that Wynn's husband - described by neighbors as a retired Orange County law enforcement official - found her and called authorities... [Full article here]
MAN FINDS WIFE FATALLY STABBED IN THEIR O.C. HOME
ORANGE, Calif. (CBS)
Feb 1, 2010 5:13 pm US/Pacific
[Excerpts] Police are still investigating the stabbing death of a woman in her home in the city of Orange Sunday. Cheryl Rose Wynn's body was found by her husband on the floor of their home at 6:30 p.m... "Although there were no signs of forced entry, it's still very possible it was a burglary," Sgt. Dan Adams said... "We're looking into a whole bunch of different things," he said. "We don't have any leads. This one's not going to be an easy one to solve"... One neighbor said he saw Wynn's husband run out the house shouting, "She's been stabbed, she's been stabbed!"... [Full article here]
WOMAN'S SLAYING LEAVES ORANGE POLICE BAFFLED
KPCC
Feb. 1, 2010
[Excerpt] The couple have three adult children and a grandchild, Channel 9 reported. Neighbors told the news station that the couple had marital problems last year and that Cheryl Wynn had moved out, but returned last September. The two went to a party Sunday night, and Wynn came home an hour earlier than her husband, according to Channel 9. Adams said he could not confirm or deny the details in KCAL's report. [Full article here]
WOMAN FOUND STABBED TO DEATH IN ORANGE HOME
KABC
Robert Holguin
Monday, February 01, 2010
A woman was stabbed to death in her home, and her husband, a retired cop, says he found the body. Police say the body of 48-year-old Cheryl Rose Wynn was found by her husband... Police say there were no signs of forced entry at the home, but they say it's possible that Wynn may have interrupted a burglary. "Shocked and sad and kind of scared a little bit too," said Linda Hartman, a neighbor who lives in the house behind the victim's home. Hartman said Cheryl Wynn and her husband have lived in the neighborhood for more than 12 years... [Full article here]
WOMAN STABBED TO DEATH IN UPSCALE ORANGE HOME
KTLA News
ebruary 2, 2010
...Homicide detectives have interviewed Wynn's husband but have not identified any suspects in the case nor determined a motive for the crime, Adams said. "Although there were no signs of forced entry, it's still very possible it was a burglary," [Orange police Sgt. Dan] Adams said. "We don't know if all the doors had been locked." The Wynns live in a "quiet neighborhood" where crime is unusual, Adams added. Investigators are looking into several possible motives, Adams said, adding that, "this one's not going to be an easy one to solve." Anyone with information regarding the homicide is asked to call Orange police Det. Aaron Towner at 714-744-7456.... [Full article here]
WOMAN'S KILLING REMAINS A MYSTERY
Orange County Register
By Denisse Salazar com and Kimberly Edds
Published: Feb. 2, 2010
Detectives continue to investigate the stabbing death of a 48-year-old woman who was found in a pool of blood inside her two-story home... Wynn's husband told officers that he came home and found his wife on the bedroom floor and bleeding, [Orange police Sgt. Dan] Adams said... "He is cooperating with our investigation," Adams said. "Nothing has been ruled out at this point."... "I hope that it wasn't a random act because it's scary to think someone is out there attacking people like that," said Vanessa Schultz, who has lived in the neighborhood for nearly 10 years... Adams said no one in the area noticed suspicious activity or suspicious people around the time of the killing. "There is a possibility that she may have come home and interrupted a burglary or it could have been a home invasion." Adams said. "There was no one else at the home so we are trying to figure it out." The knife used to stab Wynn has not been recovered, Adams said. Neighbors said the couple lived in their well-manicured home for more than a decade and were private people. Schultz said she saw Wynn and her husband, Steve, walking their dog about two weeks ago. She said other times she would see Wynn with her grandchild. Wynn worked for The Boeing Company for 24 years. She was a procurement agent in the company's supplier management group based in Cypress, said spokeswoman Cindy Wall. "This is a shocking tragedy," Wall said. "Our heartfelt condolences go out to Cheryl's family and friends." Wall said counselors are available to help Wynn's coworkers cope with the loss... [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety fatality fatalities murder california unsolved unresolved]
[PA] Listening to Rosa Torres-Sadler on BlogTalkRadio regarding her civil case against a PA State Trooper for domestic violence
I was sent the link last night and am listening to the interview now. What a strong voice Rosa is!
Previous Post:
[PA] Domestic violence victim Rosa Torres-Sadler's letter to Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor - ...I’ve lived in fear for many years but I believe in our justice system and will not give-up...
Rosa's website: SURVIVOR
Show Name:
Civil Case Against PA State Trooper - Highlighting Rosa Torres-Sadler A Survivor and Successor
ON BLOGTALK RADIO
Program Name Women Empowerment
Host Name: Lori Finnila (She did a wonderful job interviewing!)
Date 1/19/2010 10:00 AM
Length - 1 hr
[Excerpts] Brand new show highlighting Rosa Torres-Sadler's life, who has a case in Civil Court against a PA State Trooper for Domestic Violence. She has been abused by not one but by two police officers resulting in both of her eyes being serious wounded. She was left on the ground by herself wounded, bleeding and pleading for help to have to walk 15 minutes to get herself to a hospital to find she will never see the same again. She courageously fought a seemingly endless system for years to get justice in this case. She writes to leave her strength and legacy of herself to her children... She is an advocate and a fighter with tremendous perseverance that fights for all and rallies with many causes and constantly fights and prays for other abused wives and girlfriends of police officers who are still here and some that are not. Please come listen to her truthful chilling words of her account...
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety pennsylvania state police trooper anthony suber]
[Excerpts] Brand new show highlighting Rosa Torres-Sadler's life, who has a case in Civil Court against a PA State Trooper for Domestic Violence. She has been abused by not one but by two police officers resulting in both of her eyes being serious wounded. She was left on the ground by herself wounded, bleeding and pleading for help to have to walk 15 minutes to get herself to a hospital to find she will never see the same again. She courageously fought a seemingly endless system for years to get justice in this case. She writes to leave her strength and legacy of herself to her children... She is an advocate and a fighter with tremendous perseverance that fights for all and rallies with many causes and constantly fights and prays for other abused wives and girlfriends of police officers who are still here and some that are not. Please come listen to her truthful chilling words of her account...
[SC] Not letting Molly Wrazen's death die - The 11-year-old who heard a woman screaming for help couldn't be accessed by investigators (?)
POOF?
WEBSITE FOR MOLLY:
Who murdered Molly Wrazen in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina?
Previous posts:
- SC Officer Hembree's fiance Molly Wrazen murdered [43 comments] - November 3, 2003, Mt. Pleasant Narcotics Police Officer Justin Hembree's 911 call started like this: "I just walked in my apartment," he said quickly. "She's got a bullet in her chest apparently, there's a hole in her chest, there's a gun beside her, and she's not breathing"...
- [SC] Don't write-off the death of Officer Hembree's girlfriend just yet - “It seems to be somewhat illogical to say we’re closing the case and to say at the same time there are so many unanswered questions”... The county coroner refused to go along with police findings and held a rare coroner’s inquest to determine how Wrazen died. A jury ruled Wrazen was murdered...
- Blogger looks for lessons in Molly Wrazen's life and death - ...people who love you do not belittle you, demean you, physically man-handle you, hurt you or put you down...
Below is an article from 2006. It's old yeah, but a commenter on an earlier post last night mentioned the 11year old and I think that good enough reason to make a whole new post (this one) for Molly.
There is someone who is upset that we don't drop the whole thing.
Too bad.
TOPIC: INSIDE THE WRAZEN CASE FILES
Documents shed light on probe, add to mysteries
The Post and Courier
By Tony Bartelme and Glenn Smith
Published on 09/19/06[Excerpts] ...This investigation was more thorough than the one immediately after Wrazen's death. In that one, SLED agents failed to interview witnesses and failed to properly gather forensic evidence. It was botched so badly that SLED Chief Robert Stewart fired the agent assigned to the case and reprimanded two supervisors. But the second investigation, like the first, still failed to answer the most puzzling questions in the case: Why would Wrazen, a popular 28-year-old pharmacist, kill herself while making extensive plans to move and find a new job? Why was she buying thousands of prescription painkilling pills off the Internet in the months before her death? The second investigation did turn up intriguing leads. At one point, agents learned that an 11-year-old boy coming back from school supposedly heard a woman screaming "help" from the apartment building where Wrazen died. But when agents finally caught up with the boy's mother, she said the child had moved out of state and couldn't remember details of that day... Tests after Wrazen's death showed no signs of painkillers in her system. Her bank accounts showed no unusual deposits. So the question remains: If she wasn't using the painkillers and wasn't profiting from them, why was she buying them? During the second investigation, agents also scrutinized Hembree's movements the day of Wrazen's death. Hembree, a narcotics officer with the Mount Pleasant Police Department, said he left for work at about 10:30 a.m. and didn't return until about 6 p.m. and found Wrazen. His supervisors vouched for his whereabouts, as did his partner, Michael Lynch. Lynch told investigators that Hembree acted no differently that day than any other. If Hembree had been involved in a homicide, "I think I would have noticed that in one second," he told investigators. Lynch took a polygraph test, and an examiner found no signs of deception. Then, Lisa Mills, a manager at Hembree's apartment complex, told investigators that Hembree paid his rent in person on the afternoon of Wrazen's death, a statement that contradicted comments from Hembree and his partner. Mills also remembered that Hembree was less talkative than usual and had his head down. She said that a few days later, after Wrazen's death, Hembree came in again and pointedly told her that he was on a stakeout that day. "It bothered me because I knew he had been on property that day because he handed me his check, and I had talked to him, and he had given me a totally different story." But, several months later, Mills told investigators that it was possible that Hembree paid his rent the morning of Wrazen's death, not in the afternoon... Several friends and colleagues told investigators they were concerned about Hembree's behavior toward Wrazen, and that he used his position as a police officer to control her... But many of Hembree's friends and family painted a much different picture of the couple. They said the two were happy together... Two months before Wrazen's death, she and Hembree went to Florida to get married... Just two hours before the ceremony, however, they called off the wedding... After returning to South Carolina, Wrazen began making plans to go back to Florida. Without telling Hembree, she leased an apartment near Jacksonville and had several job interviews... Investigators learned that during the trip to Florida, Wrazen stopped at a hospital to buy painkillers. Hembree said he had no idea this happened... [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety fatality fatalities murder suicide south carolina state coverup unsolved unresolved]
[OH] Columbus Police Officer Richard Evans RE-ARRESTED wearing GPS. It's cop-on-cop AGAIN, with different female police officer ex.
Previous post:
[OH] Columbus Police Officer Richard Evans arrested for cop-on-cop domestic violence...[Columbus police officer] is charged with aggravated menacing, menacing by stalking, domestic violence and two counts of violating a protection order...
Video says the girlfriend who was victim of this more recent crime also is a police officer. I have removed the names of the girlfriend and wife.
POLICE OFFICER HIT WITH BURGLARY CHARGE, AFTER DOMESTIC-VIOLENCE CHARGE LAST MONTH
The Columbus Dispatch
By Theodore Decker
Friday, February 5, 2010 8:08 PM
[Excerpts] A Columbus police officer who was arrested last month on domestic-violence charges involving his ex-wife is back in jail after breaking into an ex-girlfriend's house in Plain City, police there say. Richard L. Evans, 41, of 250 East St. in Sunbury is now charged with burglary. Plain City police said Evans' 37-year-old ex-girlfriend, [DH], called them Tuesday night to say that he had broken into her home while she was away and was hiding in her bedroom when she returned.... Sgt. Rich Weiner, a Columbus Police Division spokesman, said Evans has been using personal time since the charges were filed in Delaware County and has not returned to work. He was charged Jan. 11 with aggravated menacing, menacing by stalking, domestic violence and two counts of violating a protection order following a confrontation with his ex-wife, Delaware deputies said. A judge ordered the 17-year Police Division veteran to wear a GPS monitor, not have any weapons and stay away from his ex-wife, [LE], who also is a Columbus police officer.... Because of the new charge, the prosecutor in Delaware County took steps on Thursday to revoke his bail, court records show. He remained jailed yesterday in the Tri-County Regional Jail in Mechanicsburg. The police internal affairs bureau will investigate both incidents after the criminal cases are resolved... [Full article here]
OFFICER ARRESTED TWICE IN A MONTH
abc6onyourside.com
February 4 2010
[Excerpts] A Columbus police officer is finding himself on the wrong side of the law - for the second time. Recently, Officer Richard Evans racked up his second run in with the law in less than a month... Officers arrested Evans at his home in Delaware on Wednesday. He was still wearing his electronic monitoring bracelet obtained because he’d just bonded out of the Delaware County Jail on a previous offense. He was arraigned in January 2010 in Delaware County for stalking his ex-wife, who is also a Columbus police officer. This time, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office executed the warrant for his arrest on a burglary charge. Police in Plain City say Evans broke into his ex-girlfriend’s house, hid in a bedroom and waited for her to come home. When she arrived, she discovered Evans hiding in the dark and called 911 from outside of her home. The following is an excerpt from the 911 call: Caller: "I was not expecting to come home and have someone in my house I can tell you that right now." Caller: "I deal with this crap all night long and at work, and I got three kids"... Authorities stripped him of his Columbus Division of Police badge and his gun for the last two months pending an internal investigation.... [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety ohio state cop on cop repeat hx lethal]
Friday, February 5, 2010
[KY] Trying to bring good out of the murder of Amanda Ross by ex-State Representative Steve Nunn
Hopefully there will be a wrongful death lawsuit... in behalf of those like Amanda who are still living.
GPS TECHNOLOGY COULD HELP SAVE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS
tristatehomepage.com
Friday, Feb 5, 2010 @07:05pm CST
Domestic abuse victims in Kentucky could have a new tool to protect them from their attackers. Lawmakers are considering requiring certain domestic abuse offenders to wear GPS units, warning police if the suspect gets too close to the victim . The law was inspired by the murder of Amanda Ross, whose alleged killer, former state lawmaker Steve Nunn, had a protective order filed against him when Ross was murdered. [LINK]
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE BILL PROMPTS QUESTIONS
Louisville Courier-Journal
Deborah Yetter, Stephenie Steitzer
February 4, 2010
[Excerpts] A bill meant to protect victims of domestic violence by requiring some people accused of abuse to wear a monitoring device encountered a host of questions in a Senate committee Thursday after sailing through the House. Eight judges from around Kentucky expressed concerns about various aspects of House Bill 1 — also called “Amanda’s Bill” for Amanda Ross, a Lexington woman slain last year [by former Representative Steve Nunn] — at a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee... All of the judges who spoke Thursday said they support better domestic violence protection but questioned provisions of HB 1, including the cost, the technology and whether it is constitutional to require someone who hasn’t been charged with a crime to wear a monitor... The bill also allows counties to seek bids from private companies to provide the Global Positioning System equipment, with the offenders who wear the devices paying the costs. But Clay Family Court Judge Gene Clark said most people from his Eastern Kentucky region accused of domestic violence are impoverished and would have no way to pay the daily fee. And Clark said that in many parts of Eastern Kentucky, cell phones and GPS devices don’t work. Clark said he would be reluctant to order a GPS device that might not protect the victim. “The worst thing we could do is give them an illusion of security,’’ he said... [Full article here]
MOTHER ENDORSES AMANDA'S BILL ON TV
Diana Ross Says Law Would Save Others
By Ashlee Clark - aclark@herald-leader.com
Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010
[Excerpts] ...[Diana] Ross had been quiet in the four months since her daughter, Amanda Ross, was gunned down outside her downtown Lexington townhome... But Diana Ross decided to come forward as a bill named in honor of her daughter works its way through the state legislature. House Bill 1, known as Amanda's Bill, would allow judges to electronically track the whereabouts of people accused of domestic violence. The House Judiciary Committee unanimously approved Amanda's Bill on Thursday. The full House is expected to vote Tuesday. Amanda Ross had sought and received a domestic-violence protective order against former Rep. Steve Nunn, a former Republican gubernatorial candidate who has been charged with murder. He has pleaded not guilty. Diana Ross said her daughter would be alive if HB1 were in place Sept. 11, the day Amanda Ross was shot to death. "She wouldn't have walked out that door," Ross said. Amanda's Bill already has brought more attention to domestic violence, Diana Ross said. She has received letters and cards from victims who support the measure and offer their condolences... Amanda's Bill is among the many measures friends and family members have taken to help keep the memory of Amanda Ross alive, her mother said. The Sayre School, which Amanda Ross had attended, wants to start a domestic violence awareness program, Ross said. A group of Amanda Ross's friends plans to build a Habitat for Humanity house in her name. And loved ones raised $4,000 over the holidays for the Bluegrass Domestic Violence Program... If Amanda's Bill is made law, "Amanda didn't die in vain," Ross said. "At least one good thing will come out of something terrible. "I'd hate to think that we went through all this hard work and it didn't pass, and then next month some woman was murdered. If it just saves one woman's life in 2010, then that will be worth it"... [Full article here]
Articles from last year:
...After months of trying to use the legal system to protect herself from her former fiancé [Steve Nunn], 29-year-old Amanda Ross was found shot to death early Friday outside her home in downtown Lexington... In the days after their altercation, Ross stated in court that Nunn had contacted a friend of hers in an attempt to get her to drop an emergency protective order against him "so he would not lose his job"... In July, Ross reiterated her fear of Nunn, asking a judge to hold Nunn in contempt of the domestic violence order of protection [NOT GRANTED] ... Ross wrote on her Facebook page that “Steve and I just didn’t work out. I did what I thought I needed to do. It’s all done with now, so I just need to focus on moving forward and finding happiness!”... Al Smith: “Amanda Ross might still be alive if the assessment for addiction problems had led to a successful intervention for treatment of alcoholism... More than a few of us knew Steve was troubled. But neither we, nor he, apparently, did enough to address it”... Dale Emmons: "She was not a timid person... She was not a person you could walk all over. She did everything she could to protect herself"... “We are horrified by these tragic events,” Jennie Nunn Penn, Steve Nunn’s sister, told The State Journal. “Words cannot describe our family’s sadness. Our deepest sympathies go out to Amanda’s family”...
STEVE NUNN PLACED ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE AFTER DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COMPLAINT
Lexington Herald-Leader (KY)
Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009
[Excerpts] Former state lawmaker and gubernatorial candidate Steve Nunn has been placed on unpaid administrative leave from his state job after a Lexington woman accused him of domestic violence. Nunn is deputy secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, which oversees the state's domestic violence programs... A day earlier, Amanda Ross filed a domestic violence petition that claimed Nunn "hit me four times in my face, broke a lamp, scratched the hallway wall (and was) verbally abusive"... Ross said she called police "because this has happened many times before"... Nunn, the son of former Gov. Louie B. Nunn, also serves as the cabinet's acting commissioner of the Department for Mental Health, Development Disabilities and Addiction Services. [Full article here]
NUNN - RESIGNS CABINET POSITION
Judge issues restraining order
Lexington Herald-Leader (KY)
Steve Lannen
March 5, 2009
[Excerpts] Former gubernatorial candidate Steve Nunn Wednesday resigned his position as deputy secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, according to Gov. Steve Beshear's office... Earlier in the day, a Fayette County judge ordered Nunn to have no contact with his former fiancée for one year because of a domestic violence incident last month... The former Republican state lawmaker and gubernatorial candidate will be arraigned next week on charges of criminal mischief and fourth-degree assault, his attorney said... Nunn and Amanda Ross began dating in September 2007 and he moved into her home near downtown Lexington in March 2008. He moved out in October, shortly after they were engaged, because the "relationship had deteriorated," Nunn said... Ross alleged that Nunn struck her four times in the face and threw her against a hallway lamp, breaking it. She said he then threw a cup of bourbon in her face... Nunn disputed Ross' assertion that he threw her into the lamp. Rather, he said, Ross threw him into a lamp and then made him vacuum up the mess... The judge said he wasn't sure it mattered who did what, but said there was evidence that Nunn had struck Ross, and it was enough to enter the domestic violence order..." [Full article here]
FORMER CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR TO FACE ARRAIGNMENT
Lexington Herald-Leader (KY)
Steve Lannen
March 10, 2009
[Excerpts] A former gubernatorial candidate and state employee will be arraigned Wednesday on charges related to a domestic-violence incident last month... [Steve] Nunn, whose former office oversees the state's domestic violence programs, resigned March 4... In the days after their altercation, Ross stated in court that Nunn had contacted a friend of hers in an attempt to get her to drop an emergency protective order against him "so he would not lose his job." The judge ordered the Republican former legislator to have no contact with his former fiancée for one year... [Full article here]
COURT DOCUMENTS DETAIL VIOLENT END TO RELATIONSHIP
In the months leading up to her death, court documents indicate a history of abuse between 29 year old Amanda Ross and 56 year old Stephen Nunn.
WKYT
Dave Spencer
Sep 11, 2009
[Excerpts] 29 Year old Amanda Ross filed a protective order back in February. But says she was abused by her former finance Stephen Nunn many times before that... Ross told police they were arguing when he took it to the next level hitting Ross four times in the face leaving red marks and bruising... The 56 year old would never be arrested, however just ordered to appear in court. When he did appear, Nunn admitted to hitting the 29 year old Ross, causing multiple injuries... With the criminal charges still looming on the horizon the body of Ross was found outside her apartment, the same apartment where the allegations of abuse were first reported. Nunn was scheduled to appear in court this November to answer to charges outlined in the protective order. [Full article here]
STEVE NUNN, FORMER GOP LAWMAKER, FOUND INJURED HOURS AFTER EX-FIANCEE'S DEATH
AP/Huffington Post
09-11-09
[Excerpts] State police charged a former GOP lawmaker on Friday with violating a protective order after his former girlfriend was found shot to death in downtown Lexington. Steve Nunn, who was being treated at The Medical Center of Bowling Green for undisclosed injuries, has not been charged with the slaying... Nunn was found Friday morning in a Barren County cemetery, about 130 miles southwest of the scene of the shooting, and transported to the Bowling Green hospital to be treated for what he described as self-inflicted injuries... Amanda Ross was fatally shot in Lexington at 6:36 a.m. Friday. The cause of death was listed as a gunshot wound and the death was being investigated as a homicide. [Full article here]
ROSS'S FRIENDS MOURN LOSS OF BRIGHT, CHEERFUL WOMAN
Kentucky.com
Cheryl Truman
Valarie Honeycutt Spears
Sep 11, 2009
[Excerpts] Amanda Ceaberry Lee Ross was a warm and vivacious woman — someone who liked animals, soccer, Ernest Hemingway, and keeping up with friends from her 1998 graduating class at Sayre School, friends say. Ross was born Oct. 10, 1979, in Fleming County and moved with her family to Lexington in the mid 1980s when her late father, Terrell Ross, founded the investment banking firm of Ross, Sinclaire & Associates. State Rep. Bob Damron, a Nicholasville Democrat who works at the firm Ross's father founded, said Ross "had a good mathematical mind and a good business mind"... After Ross graduated from Boston University in 2002 with a degree in business administration and finance, she went to work for her father's company... Ross worked for the Kentucky Department of Insurance as director of financial standards and examination. She was appointed to that job in February 2008... Ross was excited that she recently was elected to the board of the Lexington Humane Society... Jim Deckard, the attorney who represented Ross in the domestic violence case in Fayette County, called Ross "a sweet and beautiful person, full of life and amazing promise." Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear issued a statement Friday calling Ross's death "an indescribable tragedy"... [Full article here]
CLOSE RELATIONSHIP DISSOLVED AFTER VIOLENT INCIDENT
courier-journal
By Stephenie Steitzer
September 11, 2009
[Excerpts] Amanda Ross and Steve Nunn liked to be seen together around Lexington, going to Keeneland and Legends baseball games, friends say... The couple became engaged Oct. 10, after dating less than a year... But according to Ross’ Facebook page, the engagement was short lived. On Nov. 18, Ross noted on her page that she was no longer in a relationship and commented that “we are working through things.” [Ross’ close friend Dale] Emmons said Ross told him that Nunn had pushed and slapped her on one or two occasions before a Feb. 17, 2009 domestic-violence incident, during which Nunn was charged with a misdemeanor domestic violence assault against Ross... Three days after the February incident, Ross wrote on her Facebook page that “Steve and I just didn’t work out. I did what I thought I needed to do. It’s all done with now, so I just need to focus on moving forward and finding happiness!” In March, a Fayette County judge ordered Nunn to have no contact for a year with Ross because of the incident. “There’s no question Amanda was afraid of Steve Nunn,” Emmons said. “She told me that; she told other people that”... “This is such a terrible and senseless tragedy,” [Ross’ attorney, Jim Deckard] said. “Amanda was a sweet and beautiful person, full of life and amazing promise. The impact of this loss to her family and friends is enormous”... [Full article here]
...[Barren County Sheriff Chris] Eaton said Nunn initially told the sheriff that he had shot himself, but "he does not have a gunshot wound whatsoever"...
NUNN SLITS WRISTS AFTER EX-FIANCÉE SLAIN
Son of former governor found at parents' graves
Lexington Herald-Leader (KY)-
Ashlee Clark Aclark@Herald-leader.com,
Bill Estep bestep@herald-leader.com,
and Amy Wilson
September 12, 2009
[Excerpts] After months of trying to use the legal system to protect herself from her former fiancé, 29-year-old Amanda Ross was found shot to death early Friday outside her home in downtown Lexington. Hours later, the man she feared, former state representative and one-time gubernatorial candidate Steve Nunn, was taken into police custody at the edge of the Hart County cemetery where his parents are buried. Nunn had slit his wrists after placing mementos on his parents' graves, officers said. Nunn was charged with six counts of wanton endangerment of a police officer after police say he fired a .38-caliber handgun when officers began arriving at the cemetery... There were no witnesses to the early-morning shooting, though neighbors in Ross's gated townhome complex said they heard five shots fired and heard Ross scream... After finding Ross, police had issued an alert to other police agencies for Nunn, who is the son of the late Gov. Louie B. Nunn and was a candidate for governor in 2003... Troopers decided to try the cemetery by Cosby United Methodist Church near the Barren County-Hart County line, where Nunn's parents are buried. About 10 a.m. Central time, near the late first lady's grave, Hodges said the two troopers saw a holster. They spread out, soon spying Nunn 30 or 40 yards away, down a slight incline, at the edge of the cemetery. Nunn had a handgun, which they asked him to put down. At some point, Hodges said, Nunn fired the weapon, though not at them. He immediately threw down his weapon... [Barren County Sheriff Chris] Eaton said Nunn initially told the sheriff that he had shot himself, but "he does not have a gunshot wound whatsoever," said Eaton... Family and friends say Ross feared for her safety after an incident of domestic violence. Late Friday night, her family released a statement: "Words cannot express the sorrow and emptiness that we all feel. We hope that this travesty will demonstrate that domestic violence can happen to anyone at anytime. And, as a family, we plan to fight for those victims, like Amanda, that cannot fight for themselves"... Ross noted in her Feb. 18 domestic violence complaint: "I called police because this has happened many times before." The assault and criminal mischief charges originally filed in February had deeply embarrassed Nunn, effectively ending his political career and forced him to resign his job as Gov. Steve Beshear's deputy secretary for Health and Family Services. That job included oversight duties for domestic violence programs. In July, Ross reiterated her fear of Nunn, asking a judge to hold Nunn in contempt of the domestic violence order of protection. According to court documents, Ross alleged that Nunn had violated the restraining order by publishing "tampered photographs" of her. Attorneys for Nunn and Ross came to an agreement Aug. 3 that required Nunn to return all of his pictures of Ross and to "take affirmative steps to secure the destruction of any photographs outside of his possession but provided by him to a third party," according to court documents. Many who know Nunn say that his personal problems began to spiral out of control after he resigned his state post in March. Nunn entered an Alford plea - he admitted no guilt, but acknowledged there is enough evidence to produce a guilty verdict - on Aug. 3 in Fayette County to a misdemeanor domestic violence assault charge. "We were all concerned with the incident that cost him his job at the cabinet," said Sheila Schuster, an advocate for the mentally disabled and mentally ill - issues Nunn worked on as a legislator in Frankfort. "We all hoped at that time that he was getting the help that he needed." Nunn was scheduled to return to court on this matter in November. Emmons, a confidante to Ross, said the young professional woman didn't scare easily, but she was afraid of Nunn. "She was not a timid person," he said. "She was not a person you could walk all over. She did everything she could to protect herself" Herald-Leader reporters Ryan Alessi, Jack Brammer, Beverly Fortune, Jennifer Hewlett, Linda Johnson, Beth Musgrave, Valarie Honeycutt Spears and Cheryl Truman contributed to this report... [Full article here]
FRIENDS WERE CONCERNED ABOUT NUNN
Louisville Courier-Journal
Tom Loftus, Joseph Gerth
September 12, 2009
[Excerpts] Several friends of former Kentucky lawmaker and gubernatorial candidate Steve Nunn say they grew increasingly concerned about his well-being since he lost his job in the Beshear administration last March for domestic assault against his former fiancée. Jimmy Bewley, a golf pro at Barren River State Park who said he's been friends with Nunn for 45 years, said those concerns prompted him and another friend to meet Nunn for dinner Thursday evening in Glasgow, saying he had heard that Nunn was under stress and that “things weren't right ... We went to dinner with him to make sure he was OK,” said Bewley, who was joined by Dr. Phillip Bale, a family practice physician in Glasgow who also is friends with Nunn. Bewley wouldn't detail his concerns about Nunn. But he said Nunn, the 56-year-old son of former Gov. Louie B. Nunn, “seemed fine” during the meal... By Friday morning, Nunn was being sought by police in connection with the 6:30 a.m. shooting death of 29-year-old Amanda Ross outside her Lexington townhome... His only sister, Jennie Lou Penn, of Frankfort, said: “We're all horrified over these tragic events and our hearts and prayers go out to the Ross family. And that's all I can say right now.” Ross was a graduate of Lexington's Sayre School who went on to earn a bachelor's degree at Boston University. She worked for seven years as a financial analyst at the Kentucky investment banking firm founded by her father, the late Terrell Ross. In February 2008 she was hired in a non-merit job as division director within the Beshear administration's Department of Insurance... [Full article here]
NUNN HAD A DRINKING PROBLEM
State-Journal.com
Kevin Wheatley
September 12, 2009
[Excerpts] Steve Nunn, while revered for programs for the mentally ill, the poor and disabled and domestic violence, has his own demons with alcohol abuse, according to people close to the former state representative and one-time gubernatorial candidate. Al Smith, former host of KET’s “Comment on Kentucky” and Nunn's friend, said Nunn was ordered to seek an alcohol-addiction assessment as part of a Fayette County court judgment Aug. 3... One high-ranking official who worked with Nunn when he was a deputy cabinet secretary told The State Journal, “I tried to help Steve get his drinking under control... More than a few of us knew Steve was troubled. But neither we, nor he, apparently, did enough to address it.” Smith added, “Amanda Ross might still be alive if the assessment for addiction problems had led to a successful intervention for treatment of alcoholism - and Steve Nunn and his family might have been spared the grim days ahead” and serious legal troubles... Friends and colleagues say Nunn is “sweet” and “compassionate” although he’s in police custody and his former fiancée was found shot to death. “He was a wonderful fellow,” said Franklin County Republican Party Chairman Stuart Victor... Former first lady Judi Patton offered similar sentiments about Nunn. “My heart is broken for my dear friend... Steve was the one representative who stood up with me consistently when we worked so hard on legislation for the protection of women and children. That’s what makes today’s event so devastating to me”... Ross was the director of financial standards for the Department of Insurance... After the judge’s order, Nunn resigned as deputy secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services... [Full article here] [Full article here]
EX-WIFE: NUNN WAS DEEPLY DEPRESSED OVER CAREER, PERSONAL TROUBLES
kentucky.com
By Valarie Honeycutt Spears
Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2009
[Excerpts] Former state Rep. Steve Nunn realized in recent weeks that a domestic violence charge filed by ex-fiancée Amanda Ross had permanently damaged his career, ex-wife Tracey Damron said Monday. Nunn took to his bed for two days last month after he entered an Alford plea — he admitted no guilt but acknowledged there was enough evidence to produce a guilty verdict — in the domestic violence case, said Damron, who has remained close with her former husband and has spoken to him several times in recent days. "He wanted his day in court," she said. "He felt like he had sold out." Nunn's outlook grew worse after an alleged visit last week to Gov. Steve Beshear's office. Nunn, who was forced to resign his job as Beshear's deputy secretary for Health and Family Services after the domestic violence allegations became public in March, told Damron that his friends in Beshear's administration treated him "like he had the plague."... Jay Blanton, a spokesman for Beshear, said Nunn and the governor did not meet last week. Blanton also said he was not aware that Nunn asked anyone for a meeting with Beshear... She called Ross a "beautiful, wonderful girl"... Damron said she asked Nunn after he had been taken into custody by police why he didn't tell someone of his increasing despair. "I couldn't," she said he replied... [Full article here]
[public official involved domestic violence intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse fatality fatalities murder legislation kentucky state]
[IL] "Class aims to make police officers more sensitive and compassionate to their surroundings..."
abc7chicago.com
Theresa Gutierrez
Thursday, February 04, 2010
[Excerpts] Some Chicago police officers doubling as photographers have captured images of poverty in the city while they are on the job. Their work is on display in a new exhibit. Fourteen Chicago police officers took 28 photographs depicting poverty and the rarely captured lives of Chicago's homeless population. They are also students in Adler's master in police psychology program. Lt. Patty Casey came up with the idea for the class project... Adler school instructor Frank Gruba McCallister says the class aims to make police officers more sensitive and compassionate to their surroundings... "Taking this class has helped me to become a better police officer for the citizens of Chicago,a better husband to my wife, a better father to my children and an overall better person..." said Sgt. Bill Bradley, Chicago police officer... [Full article here]
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
[SC] Conway Police Officer Gore arrested after he-said, she-said, she-said domestic incident
WMBF
Feb 02, 2010
A Conway Police officer has been suspended without pay pending an investigation into criminal domestic violence. Jeffrey Charles Gore, 40, of Loris, was booked shortly before 2 p.m. Sunday into J. Reuben Long Detention Center on charges of criminal domestic violence. He was arrested about three hours later on $500 bond. Gore is a senior master police officer... [City Administrator Bill] Graham says Gore is suspended until the case is resolved and an internal investigation is complete... Officers noted the woman had marks on her neck, which looked link finger marks, and bruise on her knee. She also complained of pain to both sides of her ribs and her elbow. [Full article here]
CONWAY POLICE OFFICER SUSPENDED WITHOUT PAY FOLLOWING ARREST
The Myrtle Beach Sun News
Tonya Root - troot@thesunnews.com
Feb. 02, 2010
...According to an Horry County police report, Gore called officers to his home at 12:20 p.m. Saturday to report a 33-year-old woman, who is his former girlfriend, had pushed her way into his home. Gore told officers that he tried to keep the woman away from a 21-year-old woman, who was inside the home, according to the report. Gore said he stepped between the women when the older woman tried to attack the other woman. Gore said the woman struck him in the face with her fist and that she threw a glass threw his window during the incident, according to the report. The younger woman told police she heard Gore yell at the woman to leave and he was holding the woman back when she went into the room. The younger woman told police the woman hit Gore trying to get away and she went and hid in a closet to get away from the woman... The 33-year-old woman told police, who met with her after the incident, that she went to the house to get some of her things and went she got inside she saw Gore in bed with the younger woman, according to the report. The woman said Gore got mad, grabbed her and threw her to the floor before she ran out of the house... Officers noted the woman had injuries to her neck and left knee, according to the report. She was examined by EMS, but refused to go to the hospital. [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety south carolina]
Monday, February 1, 2010
[SC] Officer Wardley fired after investigation shows he caused woman's facial injuries
The State
Noelle Phillips
Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott has fired a court security officer. Julius Wardley, 61, was involved Wednesday in a fight with a woman. He was charged with criminal domestic violence and booked at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center... Deputies had been called to Providence Hospital Northeast, where they found the woman. She had injuries to her face. An investigation found Wardley had caused the injuries during a fight. [LINK]
EX-DEPUTY ARRESTED, ACCUSED OF HITTING WOMAN
WLTX.com
James Gilbert
Jan 27, 2010
Investigators with the Richland County Sheriff's Department say Judicial Services Officer Julius R. Wardley was arrested Wednesday after deputies say he assaulted a female victim... Sheriff Leon Lott ordered an investigation, and deputies found that Wardley had assaulted the victim during an altercation. Lott says Wardley was terminated after the investigation. Wardley was detained at the Richland County jail but the jail's website no longer lists him as a detainee. [LINK]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety south carolina state mum]
[WA] CHANGE EX-STATE TROOPER RONDA REYNOLDS' DEATH RULING FROM SUICIDE - OR ELSE!
Previous posts:
- [WA] Mother of former Trooper Ronda Reynolds never gave up
- [WA] Newschannel continues to push for truth on ex-trooper Reynolds' death
- [WA] UNPRECEDENTED LEGAL MOVE IN THE SO-CALLED SUICIDE OF EX TROOPER RONDA REYNOLDS
A Thurston County judge Friday ordered Lewis County Coroner Terry Wilson to come up with another cause of death for Ronda Reynolds, a state trooper who was found dead of a gunshot wound in her home in 1998.
Seattle Times
By Nancy Bartley
January 29, 2010 at 8:13 PM
[Excerpts] A Thurston County judge Friday ordered Lewis County Coroner Terry Wilson to come up with another cause of death for Ronda Reynolds, a state trooper who was found dead of a gunshot wound in her home in 1998. Reynolds' mother, Barb Thompson, has argued that her daughter's death was not a suicide and sued to have Wilson's cause-of-death determination overruled. In November, a Lewis County jury agreed. Friday's hearing was at Wilson's request. John Justice, his attorney, asked that Judge Richard Hicks strike from an earlier ruling his wording that Reynolds' death was "definitely not suicide," as well as written comments by a juror who speculated on the case being a homicide. Hicks agreed to strike the juror's comments but refused to change his own earlier wording. Hicks again ordered Wilson to come up with another cause of death for Reynolds within 10 days, saying the coroner had been "arbitrary and capricious" in ruling her death to be a suicide... Hicks' order Friday does not force Wilson to find Reynolds' death was a homicide, as Thompson hoped... Thompson said she was disappointed but vowed to continue to fight for a homicide designation on Reynolds' death certificate. "Her death certainly wasn't natural or accidental and it's not a suicide or undetermined. So what do you have?" Thompson said... If the coroner "comes up with 'undetermined' (a finding most often used for badly decomposed bodies) we'll be back in court all over again," said Royce Ferguson, Thompson's attorney... Reynolds had been married less than a year to a Toledo elementary-school teacher and was preparing to leave him the next day and fly home to her mother in Spokane when she was found shot, curled up in the closet, wrapped in an electric blanket... Reynolds' husband, Ron Reynolds, told police his wife had threatened suicide and had shot herself. He has never been considered a suspect in the case... [Full article here]
JUDGE ORDERS CORONER TO CHANGE RULING ON STATE TROOPER'S DEATH
seattlepi.com, KOMO-TV STAFF
Last updated 9:48 a.m. PT
[Excerpts] A judge has given the Lewis County coroner 10 days to remove the word "suicide" from the death certificate of former Washington state trooper - or else. "Fail not to obey at your own peril," says a court order issued Friday by Thurston County Superior Court Judge Richard Hicks. In 1998, trooper Ronda E. Reynolds was found dead in her home of a single gunshot to the head. Lewis County Coroner Terry Wilson ruled her death as a suicide at the time. But in 2008, a KOMO investigation highlighted evidence and opinions from experts who believed that Reynolds did not take her own life. In November 2009, after reviewing the evidence, a jury unanimously decided that coroner Wilson was wrong when he called the death a suicide... The judge's latest order requires Wilson to "reconsider all of the information and evidence available" and issue a new cause of death within 10 days."The jury found that your determination of 'suicide' is inaccurate," the judge's order says... Jury forewoman Angel Hubbard said everyone on the jury thought the cause of death was homicide. "I can say unanimously for all of us - we even talked about that - that we definitely felt it would not, it should not be undetermined, but (move) more towards homicide," said Hubbard... [Full article here]
[OH] Officer Rhodes arrested for choking assault of wife in front of their children
Lowell police officer Robert Rhodes was arrested for assaulting his wife and is in the Washington County Jail:
...According to officer's statements, Mrs. Rhodes claimed her husband was intoxicated and choked her in front of their children while she was seated in the driver's seat of their vehicle while it was parked outside their residence. Investigating officers said the woman had marks on her neck consistent with her account. Robert Rhodes was charged with domestic violence and transported to the Washington County Jail... [LINK]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety ohio state child abuse]
Sunday, January 31, 2010
[TX] Freeport knows ex-Bryan Police Chief Tyrone Morrow's history and still want him for top cop. "It was a personal thing."
(WATCH THE FLIP-FLOP OF BRYAN CITY MANAGER DAVID WATKINS - WHAT HE SAID SIX MONTHS AGO IN CONTRAST TO WHAT HE SAYS NOW.)
PREVIOUS POSTS:
- [TX] The black eyes and "unconfirmed" broken nose of Chief Morrow's wife Cindy are from sex. (Is ANYone believing that?) - The domestic violence recant of Bryan Police Chief Ty Morrow's wife Cindy & the just-recently revealed domestic call to City Manager David Watkins home that occurred two and half months ago. Watkins says he can be objective though, and transparent in the investigation of Chief Morrow... "It's unfortunate that a private matter has been made public because of my position at the police department," Morrow said...
- [TX] The clock is ticking down on Police Chief Tyrone Morrow's "private matter" - "...According to the Civil Service code, a city has to take action, if any, against someone within six months of an incident, and we're about three weeks from that point..." [Morrow's wife] "I am fearful that nothing will be done due to my husbands previous standing within our community. I have separated and filed for divorce... I bring this forward as an opportunity to share with you the extreme distress my family suffered for an extended period of time."
MORROW TO LEAD FREEPORT POLICE
The Eagle
By Matthew Watkins
matthew.watkins@theeagle.com
January 28, 2010 12:13 AM
[Excerpts] Former Bryan police chief Ty Morrow will be the new head of the Freeport Police Department, The Eagle has learned. He is expected to be sworn in Monday, more than seven months after he stepped down from the top spot in the Bryan Police Department following a long investigation into a family violence call made to his home. Freeport City Manager Jeff Pynes said the decision to hire him came after a background check that included interviews with Bryan city officials, an employee of KBTX-TV and the foreman of the grand jury that declined to bring charges against Morrow in relation to the November 2008 incident at his home. In the end, Pynes said, city officials determined that the breadth of Morrow's career and his accomplishments put him on the top of the list of 27 people who applied for the job - even after considering the turmoil that led to his resignation from the Bryan department. "In life, people are stronger leaders after they ...," Pynes said, pausing. "Life throws curve balls at people. Everybody deserves a second chance"... He became the first black chief of the Bryan Police Department in June 2007 and was placed on paid administrative leave in November 2008 after police were called to his house. His wife, Cindy Morrow, told two sergeants that she had been abused, including once in February 2008 when her husband broke her nose and gave her two black eyes. She publicly recanted that statement, but filed for divorce months later, citing cruel treatment from her husband. No criminal charges were filed against Morrow, but he resigned following a seven-month investigation that concluded that he violated two of the department's general orders. In August, Morrow said that he left Bryan on his own accord... [Full article here]
FREEPORT'S MEDIA REPORTS THE HIRING OF MORROW IN A DIFFERENT LIFE (SORT OF LIKE THE NEW WIFE WOULD):
PYNES PICKS FREEPORT POLICE CHIEF CANDIDATE
The Facts
By Nathaniel Lukefahr
January 28, 2010
[Excerpts] City Manager Jeff Pynes said Wednesday he will recommend Tyrone Morrow as the city’s next police chief to City Council next week, which would give Freeport its first African-American top cop. Morrow, a 29-year law enforcement veteran and former Bryan police chief, has three college degrees, numerous citations and a Congressional Medal of Valor for law enforcement community service... Morrow resigned as Bryan police chief in June after allegations he was involved in a 2008 domestic disturbance with his now-former wife... A Texas Attorney General’s Office investigation and a Brazos County grand jury cleared Morrow of criminal wrongdoing. Pynes weighed Morrow’s history for about two months, talking to the foreman of the grand jury that declined to bring charges against him, a television station employee in College Station and Bryan officials. The candidate’s credentials and leadership abilities made him “too strong to pass up,” Pynes said. “He had this issue there,” Pynes said. “But if you balance that on his untarnished history as a law enforcement officer, in all realms of the ranks, everyone that we’ve talked to says he’s a leader, knows what integrity is and walks the walk”... Councilman Jim Phillips said he interviewed Morrow by teleconference and supports Pynes’ recommendation. “I looked at all of his credentials and they’re impeccable,” Phillips said. “He is well-recommended and well-prepared for this job. I was very impressed, and he has the potential to be an outstanding police chief.” The past allegations do not concern Phillips. “It was personal thing,” he said. Bryan City Manager David Watkins, who hired Morrow in 2007, hailed him as a great police chief. “I’m a reference for him, I’m a believer in him and I’m a supporter of him,” Watkins said. “Did he make a mistake? Yeah, he made a mistake. But we’ve all made mistakes. Does he deserve to be a chief somewhere? Yeah, he does. He’s an extremely hard worker and I can tell you that, if you want to unite the community with the police department, there’s nobody out there better... I had the purists on one side saying you can’t bring him back, but on the other I had a tremendous amount of local leaders, ministers and priests, business people and apartment owners calling and saying he had turned the department around.” Morrow told the Eagle in August that he was not forced to resign. He did so “based on the totality of what happened.” “My leadership abilities were compromised, and a leader needs to know when to step aside for the betterance of the community,” Morrow told the Eagle... “Education was very important, and he is well-educated,” Freeport Mayor Larry McDonald said... Pynes said Morrow is “a police chief who is overqualified for Freeport”... Pynes said he plans to seek council’s blessing to hire Morrow during closed session Monday, but the decision is his to make. After the meeting, Pynes hopes residents will meet Morrow and make their own decision about his character... Nathaniel Lukefahr covers Freeport for The Facts. Contact him at 979-237-0151. [Full article here]
FROM JUNE OF 2009:
BRYAN POLICE CHIEF TY MORROW RESIGNS
Bryan Police Chief Ty Morrow announced his resignation Monday afternoon at a press conference.
KBTX
Ashlea Sigman sigman@kbtx.com
Jun 15, 2009
[Excerpts] Ty Morrow is now the Bryan Police Department's former chief. Morrow publicly resigned Monday following results of an internal affairs investigation. Officers were called to the Morrows' home in November after Ty and Cindy Morrow had a fight. An outside investigator found that Ty Morrow's actions violated two department procedures, including conduct unbecoming an officer and his personal conduct. City Manager David Watkins said the findings would likely compromise Morrow's ability to carry out discipline within the department, and that he and Morrow did not discuss the chief continuing his employment at Bryan PD. During a press conference at the Bryan Justice Center, during which he gave a tearful farewell, Morrow said he emphasized one main idea when he became chief. "I stressed that this department would be held accountable," said Morrow. Morrow said accountability is now leading him to step down. "I believe I have dishonored the uniform that the men and women here wear, and based on that I have made the decision that I will resign my position as Chief of Police and retire from the Bryan Police Department," said Morrow."I want to apologize to all of the citizens of Bryan." Morrow also apologized to the Bryan Police Department and other state and local agencies asked to look into the November incident. "For all the staff hours that they had to waste on this investigation," said Morrow... Morrow was sworn in as chief Sept. 11, 2007. He had been on administrative leave since late November. [Full article here]
MORROW RESIGNS FROM BPD
ABC40
by John Cuoco
Posted: Jun 15, 2009 6:47 PM PDT
Another local leader is out of a job Monday, seven months after placing himself on administrative leave, Bryan Police Chief Tyrone Morrow resigned Monday afternoon. "I have made the decision to resign my post as police Chief of the Bryan police department," Morrow said... "My personal conduct outside the department has compromised my ability to lead the Bryan police department, I have disgraced the uniformed these men and women wear," Morrow added. Morrow was cleared of any criminal wrongdoing in the incident by the state attorney general back in March. Then, an internal investigation ensued. Bryan officials won't go into the details of that report, but Bryan City Manager David Watkins said Monday it would be impossible for Morrow to re-join the department. The best thing he could do for Ty Morrow, the community, the organization would be to retire walk out with your head high and be proud of what you did," Watkins said of Morrow today... Watkins also said Morrow would remain on the city's payroll until October 4, 2009 as part of a severance package. Aside from his emotional goodbye, the now-former chief left Monday's press conference without answering any questions... In the meantime interim police chief Peter Scheets will remain managing the department. [Full article here]
TY MORROW'S RESIGNATION IS BEST FOR BRYAN
Eagle Editorial Board
Published Tuesday, June 16, 2009 6:05 AM
[Excerpts] The decision for Bryan Police Chief Ty Morrow to resign was tough - on Morrow, on the department and on the people of Bryan. Unfortunately, it was the right decision, really the only decision to be made in this matter. Had Morrow been allowed to return to his position, he would have had no moral credibility to lead the department at a time it badly needs leadership... Had Morrow been almost anybody else, his personal difficulties that came to light last November could have been kept private. When the wife of the police chief reports spousal abuse, it naturally becomes public knowledge and public concern. While some of the allegations came in the midst of a contentious divorce, some were made by Morrow's wife prior to filing to end the marriage... Morrow was investigated by the Texas Attorney General's Office... Also, a firm hired by the city conducted an internal affairs investigation. By all accounts, Morrow was settling into his position nicely... Until his personal live became public... It became increasingly clear that Morrow could not return to the department as chief. We are sad to see him leave, but it is for the good of the department and the citizens of Bryan.I We wish him nothing but the best... [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety texas state teflon cop hop gypsy cop recant ironic]
Saturday, January 30, 2010
[OK] Oklahoma City Officer and Common Law Wife Arrested for Domestic Charges
The Oklahoman
By Johnny Johnson
January 30, 2010
A first-year Oklahoma City police officer and his common-law wife were arrested Thursday after police received a 911 call about a domestic situation at Summit Ridge Apartments. Michael Charles Sumpter Jr., 23, was arrested on a complaint of domestic abuse in the presence of a minor. Kendra Nicole Hanley, 20, was arrested on complaints of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and domestic abuse in the presence of a minor... both had received injuries during a fight... Sumpter and Hanley were taken to jail and both posted bail. Sumpter remains on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of criminal and internal investigations... For one year after graduating from the Oklahoma City Police Academy, officers are labeled "probationary officers.” [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety oklahoma state female mutual]
[TX] Police Sgt. Boswell arrested for family violence. (How much violence is too much?)
Video:
How much violence is okay? When people start "falling" into walls, on to the floor, or across furniture in an angry situation there is some percentage of a chance of even an unintentional death - an abrupt hit to the head.. What percentage of the chance of accidental death is too high? 50%? 10%? 1%? No violence is okay - but the percentage question helped me to make a decision to be safe - NO percentage was okay. I'm just sharing that in case it impacts someone like it did me.
But here's the hopeful news for Bryan: Seems there may be a new way of doing things with the new police chief. In 2008 there was a domestic incident at the home of then-police chief Tyrone "Ty" Morrow AND at the home of Bryan City Manager David Watkins. No arrests. No charges. Overlapping investigations. Lots of controversy. The new chief says he can't speak to that because he wasn't around then. Time will tell. (Resigned Chief Morrow has just landed a new top cop job in Freeport, listing City Manager Watkins as a reference.)
BRYAN POLICE SERGEANT PLACED ON LEAVE
City of Bryan
Press Release
Friday, January 29, 2010
[Excerpt] Bryan Police Sgt. Brett Boswell was placed on administrative leave early Friday morning following his arrest for Family Violence by the Bryan Police Department. Both an internal investigation and criminal investigation are being conducted at this time. Sgt. Boswell has been employed by the Bryan Police Department for just over 13 years.
Officer Jason B. James
Bryan Police Department
Public Information Officer... [LINK]
BRYAN POLICE SERGEANT UNDER INVESTIGATION AFTER FAMILY VIOLENCE ARREST
abc40.com
by Mark Wiggins
Posted: Jan 29, 2010 10:22 AM PST
[Excerpts] A Bryan police sergeant remained in jail Friday morning following an arrest on a family violence charge in the early morning hours. According to the police report, officers responded to the home of 13-year veteran BPD Sgt. Brett Boswell around 12:51 a.m. in response to a domestic disturbance... Mrs. Boswell told officers the sergeant grabbed her and pushed her directly into the bedroom wall. During the struggle, they both lost balance, and Mrs. Boswell fell over a chair and onto the floor while against the closet door, causing her to injure her back... Boswell declined to speak with a criminal investigator sent to the scene and was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury: Family Violence. Mrs. Boswell told police she requested an emergency protective order. Bryan Police Department has placed Sgt. Boswell on administrative leave while both an internal investigation and a criminal investigation are underway. [Full article here]
BRYAN SERGEANT ARRESTED ON FAMILY VIOLENCE CHARGE
The Bryan-College Station Eagle
Published Friday, January 29, 2010 10:30 AM
Updated Friday, January 29, 2010 5:14 PM
[Excerpts] A Bryan police sergeant with 13 years experience remained behind bars Friday on a misdemeanor assault charge after officers responded to a family violence call at his home. Three police — two sergeants and an officer — responded to the call at 12:44 a.m. in the 3400 block of Spring Lane... Sgt. Kyle Halbert interviewed Brett Boswell, 37, on scene. Both parties agree on the following, according to the police report: ...Boswell followed her to another bedroom and refused to let her leave, blocking the doorway with his body and demanding they speak about the matter. From there, stories given by Boswell and his wife to responding officers are a bit different. His wife told police that she tried to push past him but he grabbed her and pushed her into the bedroom wall, according to the report. She struggled to get away, but the pair lost balance and fell to the ground; she fell over a chair and against the closet door, she said. Injuries to the victim listed in the report include a red and swollen left-hand impression on her right forearm, an abrasion on her right shoulder blade from falling on the ground, a swollen right middle finger and a red abrasion to the tricep area of her right arm. Boswell, the report states, had a scrape on the elbow and tricep of his right arm but said he did not know how he received the injuries...The police report concludes that Boswell was the aggressor and the injuries on his wife are consistent with her version of events. Boswell was placed under arrest and charged with assault causing bodily injury to a family member, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. An internal and a criminal investigation are underway, James said... [Full article here]
BRYAN POLICE SERGEANT ARRESTED ON FAMILY VIOLENCE CHARGE
A Bryan police sergeant has been placed on leave after his arrest early Friday morning, a day after his wife had filed for divorce.
KBTX
Steve Fullhart
12:25 PM Jan 29, 2010
[Excerpts] A Bryan police sergeant has been placed on leave after his arrest early Friday morning, a day after his wife had filed for divorce. Brett Boswell was still in Brazos County Jail late Friday morning. Bond was set at $5,000... He had been serving as a supervisor on a night patrol unit. Mrs. Boswell had filed for divorce from her husband Thursday, according to the county's online records... Mrs. Boswell told authorities she was pushed up against the wall by her husband, struggled to get away, only to slip off the wall. She said both lost their balance as a result and fell to the ground... Sgt. Boswell's story differs when it comes to what happened in the second bedroom. He told police his wife grabbed the collar of his shirt when she tried to leave the second bedroom, and they knocked over furniture and fell as a result... [Full article here]
SERGEANT ON LEAVE AFTER ARREST
The Bryan-College Station Eagle)
By MICHELLE CASADY
January 30, 2010 12:09 AM
[Excerpts] ..."It's really difficult to say how long he could be on leave," Chief Eric Buske said. "I've experienced several cases like this, and each one has different demands"... Buske said it's too early to be sure, but there may be an opportunity for Boswell to work in some limited-duty capacity while the internal and criminal investigations take place... Police had not responded to any calls at the Boswell home prior to Friday. Buske said it's standard procedure for a supervisor respond to a call involving a member of the department... The police report concludes that the injuries on his wife were consistent with her version of events... His wife requested an emergency protective order after her interview with police at the home. Buske said he couldn't address how the call was handled differently than two other family violence calls involving city leaders because he wasn't with the department at the time. In November 2008, police were called to the home of then-Bryan Police Chief Ty Morrow, who told them he handcuffed his wife after an argument had turned physical. His wife told police that she had been abused in the past and received a broken nose and black eyes. She publicly recanted that statement but filed for divorce months later, citing cruel treatment from her husband. Morrow was allowed to leave the home for the night and he was not arrested. A grand jury declined to file charges against him. A month prior, police responded to a family violence call at the home of Bryan City Manager David Watkins. No arrests were made and no charges were filed in that instance, either, leading some to question the swift action taken against Boswell. "I'm sure people are talking about it, but I wasn't here then and it wouldn't be appropriate to comment on those matters," said Buske, who took charge of the department in September. "We're just going to investigate this like we would with any citizen. Ultimately, he's innocent until proven guilty"... [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety texas state]
Thursday, January 28, 2010
[OH] Fired, rehired regardless of protection order violation, then allowed-to-resign ex-officer Young gets to plea bargain away 2 felonies
FORMER MARION POLICE OFFICER PLEADS GUILTY
Trial was to begin today
The Marion Star
By Jessica Cuffman jcuffman@marionstar.com
January 28, 2010
[EXCERPTS] A former Marion police officer pleaded guilty to one count related to the misuse of the law enforcement automated data system. Mark A. Young, 56, pleaded Wednesday in Marion County Common Pleas Court, said Assistant County Prosecutor Dave Stamolis. Young's trial on THREE counts of improper use of a telecommunications device, all fifth-degree felonies, was to begin today. He resigned in February, the same day he pleaded not guilty to the three charges. His trial had been continued multiple times since then because of unavailability of counsel and witnesses. He faces up to a year in prison and a $2,500 fine on the single charge. The other two counts were dismissed in a plea agreement... Prosecutor Brent Yager said his office did the plea agreement in large part because the incidents "all happened fairly close to one another in time." He said he doubted the "outcome would be any different" regarding the sentence had Young been convicted of all three charges... Yager said Young's being a police officer wasn't a factor in the prosecutor's handling of the case. "I think what you try to do is treat it like other cases," Yager said. "He broke the law. Should he be punished worse because he's a police officer? Maybe not, because being a police officer is why he had access to LEADS (the database). You really can't violate that section if you're not a police officer, and it's not a crime of violence or anything. We try to treat people equally." If sentenced to serve time, it wouldn't be Young's first stay behind bars. He was convicted of misdemeanor violation of a protection order after a fight with his estranged wife in December 1999. Young was fired the same month for using his badge to try to obtain information at a hotel about the estranged wife, who he suspected was there. An arbitrator later ruled Young should be reinstated as a police officer, though the city had found four violations of general rules of officer conduct. The arbitrator ruled three of the complaints were minor violations, not warranting termination. They included conduct unbecoming of an officer, abuse of official position and concealment of material facts. The city had filed a final grievance - that Young had committed a criminal violation. But the arbitrator ruled Young had not been found guilty in court before his termination. Before his February resignation, Young had signed a last-chance agreement after a series of conduct violations. Young was a police officer for about 19 years. He was paid $25.84 an hour and $53,747 a year... [Full article here]
From last year:
MARION POLICE OFFICER SUBJECT OF INVESTIGATION
Marion Star - Marion,OH,USA
12 February 2009
[EXCERPTS] Details of an investigation pending against a Marion Police Officer are not yet being released, said Maj. Randy Caryer, internal affairs commander. Ptl. Mark Young was placed on paid administrative leave Friday. Caryer declined to comment on why until the investigation is finished. Safety Director Tom Robbins said he was not permitted to discuss personnel matters until they came to a conclusion... The investigation follows an unrelated resignation of another officer... Young signed a last chance agreement with the department in April 2007, after three allegations of misconduct were founded. He had made false or misleading statements in connection with employment, permitted an unauthorized person to ride in a police cruiser and violated the code of ethics... Young had placed contraband for prisoners inside a vehicle taken to Marion Correctional Institution to be detailed and on returning from the prison transported an unauthorized civilian in a police cruiser for personal reasons. During the investigation, he then made inconsistent statements to investigators and further violated the code of ethics by not conducting his life so citizens would regard him as an example of honesty, integrity and morality. It was determined termination of employment would have been appropriate, according to the investigation file, and the last chance agreement was instituted... His employment at the department was terminated previously in December 1999 after it was found he had committed a code of conduct violation. That investigation accompanied a criminal charge of violation of a protection order. Young was arrested on Dec. 12, 1999, after an altercation outside a Marion bar with his wife. Five days later, former Safety/Service Director Dale Osborn initiated his termination. Marion Municipal Court records show Young was convicted of the misdemeanor charge and sentenced to 10 days in jail, five of which were suspended. Arbitration following his termination lead to his reinstatement with the department about six months after his was fired. He originally was hired in 1990. Internal affairs investigations are kept for only five years and removed from personnel files after two. As part of the April 2007 disciplinary action, Young was offered the option of signing the last chance agreement, a letter that termination would not ensue if he did not violate the terms of the agreement for two years. Those terms included no violations of general orders of the police department policy and procedure manual and service of a 120-hour suspension without grievance. Young also was involved in two other, unrelated internal affairs investigations conducted in 2007... In 2006, Young was suspended for two days, one each for two incidents... He also was given a written reprimand for engaging in profane language while on the job earlier that year... [Full article here]
POLICE OFFICER QUITS AFTER HE'S ACCUSED OF SNOOPING
Law-enforcement database
The Columbus Dispatch
By Dana Wilson dwilson@dispatch.com
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 3:13 AM
[EXCERPTS] A city police officer has resigned amid charges that he improperly used a state law-enforcement computer system while on duty. Mark A. Young, 55, of Marion, resigned Monday before a pre-disciplinary conference to discuss his alleged violations of police department policies, said Maj. Randy Caryer of the Marion Police Department. Young was indicted Thursday on three counts of unauthorized use of property. He is accused of misusing the Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS), a confidential law-enforcement database that tracks warrants and criminal histories. The investigation began Jan. 30 when another officer reported witnessing what he thought was a violation of LEADS rules the day before, Caryer said. He said an internal review showed that Young used LEADS to look up "people he shouldn't have." Young's past includes an arrest for violating a civil protection order during a divorce. He was fired by the police department but later reinstated after an arbitrator ruled in his favor, Caryer said. [LINK]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety ohio teflon hx repeat illegal rehire abuse of power]
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