Police Officer Involved Domestic Violence.
Lighting a candle of remembrance for those who've lost their lives to domestic violence behind the blue wall, for strength and wisdom to those still there, and a non-ending prayer for those who thought they had escaped but can't stop being afraid.
Melvin Neisner, who also is a former acting Vermont traffic court judge, was convicted in November 2008 of causing a motorcycle to hit his vehicle in September 2007 and then leaving the scene of the crash. He later told police his wife had been driving, and initially she was charged with hit-and-run...
Previous Post: [VT] Judge/ Atttorney Neisner who used wife Margaret as his scapegoat - is convicted - ...The reduction to the charges has a major impact on the potential punishment for Neisner, who will be sentenced at a later date.Instead of facing a maximum of 24 years in jail, Neisner now faces a maximum of eight years' imprisonment...
COURT CUTS PUNISHMENT FOR LAWYER IN HIT-AND-RUN The Burlington Free Press Thursday, December 30, 2010 [Excerpts] The Vermont Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a Killington lawyer should not have been convicted of both impeding a public officer and of giving false information to a police officer, and threw out his related jail sentence. Melvin Neisner, who also is a former acting Vermont traffic court judge, was convicted in November 2008 of causing a motorcycle to hit his vehicle in September 2007 and then leaving the scene of the crash. He later told police his wife had been driving, and initially she was charged with hit-and-run. In June, he was sentenced to 39 days in jail, but the term was put on hold pending his appeal to the Supreme Court. In a unanimous opinion written by Associate Justice Marilyn Skoglund, the high court found that trying and convicting Neisner of impeding an officer and lying to an officer violated his right not to be punished twice for the same crime — in this case, being dishonest with authorities... In a separate opinion Thursday, the Supreme Court changed the terms of Neisner’s professional punishment for misconduct. Initially he was suspended from practicing law for a year, ordered to serve the following year on probation, and during that time perform 500 hours of free legal work for the indigent. Justices ruled instead that Neisner should have his law license suspended for two years (back-dated to a preliminary suspension that began Jan. 9, 2009) and perform 200 hours of free — or pro-bono — legal work. [Full article here] [public official involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety dishonesty double jeapordy vermont state scapegoat teflon]
New Orleans police officer Jermaine Lacour has been reassigned and suspended without pay... Lacour, a three-year veteran, was booked with illegally discharging a weapon and causing domestic disturbance... In a prepared statement, Superintendent RonalSerpas said the NOPD has "zero tolerance for misconduct. Criminal allegations are serious and each individual will have their day in court. When an officer betrays the public's trust, swift and decisive actions will be taken. We will continue to build the public's trust with accountability, transparency and integrity."
Twittered After officer's arrest for dv, New Orleans Police Superintendent Ronal Serpas says NOPD has ZERO TOLERANCE for misconduct - http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2010/12/3_nopd_officers_arrested_suspe.html [police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety louisianna state professionalism leader]
...Columbus police officer Robert Valenzuela was indicted Tuesday morning after he allegedly sent his 24-year-old ex-girlfriend a picture of himself with the barrel of his duty weapon in his mouth...
MESILLA MARSHAL'S DEPUTY HAS BEEN FORMALLY CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED STALKING. Las Cruces Sun-News Posted: 12/29/2010 A former Mesilla marshal's deputy has been formally charged with aggravated stalking. Robert Valenzuela, 28, a Columbus, N.M., police officer, was indicted Tuesday morning after he allegedly sent his 24-year-old ex-girlfriend a picture of himself with the barrel of his duty weapon in his mouth. Ruidoso attorney J. Robert Beauvais claims Valenzuela had received more than 100 text messages from the woman in the weeks before he was charged. The sheriff's office had said Valenzuela was sending the woman unwanted text messages, showing up at her workplace and had sent her two disturbing images: a photo of a hand full of white pills, and one that appears to show Valenzuela with his lips around his Glock 19, finger just off the trigger, the sheriff's office said. [LINK]
LAST SEPTEMBER:
DOÑA ANA COUNTY SHERIFF’S ACADEMY TO GRADUATE 16 CADETS Doña Ana County News Sep 29, 2010 9/29/2010 10:52am [Excerpts] The Doña Ana County Sheriff's Department will graduate its 13th law-enforcement academy this Friday, April 11, at an invitation-only ceremony in the Doña Ana County Government Center... Robert Valenzuela of Mesilla Park will graduate and serve in the Mesilla Marshall’s Office... [Full article here]
FROM NOVEMBER:
FORMER MESILLA MARSHAL'S DEPUTY MAY SUE DASO Las Cruces Sun-News Posted: 11/03/2010 1:00 AM [Excerpts] A former Mesilla marshal's deputy facing a charge he stalked his ex-girlfriend has signaled his intent to sue the Doña Ana Sheriff's Office for publicizing the incident... The sheriff's office had said Valenzuela was sending the woman unwanted text messages, showing up at her workplace and had sent her two disturbing images: a photo of a hand full of white pills, and one that appears to show Valenzuela with his lips around his Glock 19, finger just off the trigger... Valenzuela graduated from the law enforcement academy in 2008, joining the Mesilla Marshals, and followed former Mesilla Marshal Vega to the Columbus Police Office in 2009. At the time, Valenzuela was pending a charge of drunken driving, which was dismissed in January on appeal... [Full article here]
COLUMBUS PD ASSIGNED NEW CHIEF The Deming Headlight Kevin Buey Nov 24, 2010. [Excerpts]...Mayor Eddie Espinoza, Monday, placed on paid administrative leave Chief Angelo Vega, Deputy Robert Valenzuela and Village Treasurer Imelda Aguayo... The Valenzuela case stems from a September accusation of stalking an ex-girlfriend. Valenzuela, with the Mesilla Marshal's Office before being hired by Vega -- himself, the former Mesilla Marshal -- was accused of leaving his former girlfriend text messages, repeatedly calling her and appearing uninvited at her workplace after their April parting. It was alleged in September that Valenzuela emailed the woman photos showing a hand with numerous pills and a man pointing a handgun into his mouth. Valenzuela also had a prior driving under the influence and careless driving caSe after a 2008 motorcycle accident, but it was dismissed. Vega said in September, following the allegation involving the ex-girlfriend, Valenzuela was on leave from the Columbus Police Department... [Full article here]
THIS MONTH, EARLIER:
VILLAGE OF COLUMBUS POLICE DISBANDED KTSM Tuesday, December 16, 2008 [Excerpts] The police department in Columbus, New Mexico is in disarray again. In fact, the problems are so bad, the entire police force has been disbanded... The mayor of Columbus refused to answer our questions about what happened to the police force. The building that used to house the Columbus police force is empty, has been stripped of its logos... [Full article here] [police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety lethal new mexico state teflon repeat hx]
...Westchester District Attorney Janet DiFiore wrote in a statement: “The court’s verdict spoke to the courage of credibility of Fumiko Bradley and her faith in the criminal justice system. The fact that (White Plains Mayor Adam Bradley) is an elected official had no bearing on the prosecution of this case and demonstrates that we will support victims of domestic violence no matter who the abuser may be.”... Marcia Pappas, president of the state chapter of the National Organization for Women, called the verdict “a great Christmas present for all the women of New York state”...
WHITE PLAINS MAYOR REFUSES TO STEP DOWN WCBS 880 Reporting Catherine Cioffi December 23, 2010 7:22 AM
A resolution expressing no confidence in White Plains mayor Adam Bradley and calling for his resignation passed the White Plains Common Council on Wednesday night.
The vote was 5-2, one of those two votes being the mayor’s.
Bradley, who has not returned calls for comment, read from a statement before the vote and maintained that he will not be stepping down.
Meanwhile, Common Council member David Buchwald, who voted for the resolution, says they wanted to give the mayor a chance to step down, but now, since he won’t, they will be taking legal steps to have him removed.
There is even a report that Governor-Elect Andrew Cuomo could be called upon to intervene.
Bradley was convicted of domestic abuse earlier this month. [LINK]
WHITE PLAINS MAYOR ADAM BRADLEY RESPONSE TO THE COUNCIL'S 5 TO 2 VOTE: Today’s verdict is deeply disappointing, and one with which I disagree. From the beginning, I have been unequivocal in stating that the charges against me were false and unfounded, and that I did not in any way mistreat my wife. I still believe that the truth will ultimately come out in the judicial process, and it is for this reason that I will appeal. The legal basis for this appeal is strong and compelling, including but by no means limited to the following: Relevant and germane evidence from doctors and counselors that corroborate my testimony and show my wife’s testimony was untrue were not allowed into evidence or even considered in camera. Numerous relevant and material witnesses, including friends and neighbors of my wife, as well as our former au pair, who would have directly refuted allegations against me yet who were prohibited from testifying or were severely restricted in what they could say. Notes and testimony from CPS workers who visited our home and interviewed my daughter in the aftermath that portray a very different picture and were not considered in these proceedings. This trial represents a depravation of due process. It is my strong belief that when these and other facts that were ignored in this court are considered during the appellate process, this decision today will be rightly overturned and justice will ultimately prevail. Most importantly, the truth will come out. In the meantime I want to very clearly reiterate that, as I have done every day since I took office, I will continue to work as Mayor for the people of White Plains. My commitment to this city and my devotion to my duties as Mayor remain steadfast. The people of White Plains, and most importantly my children, have the right to know the truth of this matter. My two precious daughters, whom I love more than anything, are my greatest responsibility. I am innocent and I do not want them to have to live with a legacy of lies. To the many friends and residents in White Plains and beyond who have offered their prayers, love and support for my children and me during this ordeal, I offer my deepest heartfelt thanks. [LINK]
WHITE PLAINS MAYOR CONVICTED OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Salon (blog) December 10, 2010 [Excerpts] ...Since none of the convictions rise above a misdemeanor, [White Plains, N.Y. Mayor Adam] Bradley is not compelled by law to step down from office and, despite calls from several fellow Democrats on the City Council for him to resign, Bradley insists he will not do so. By law, only the governor of the state can force him from office, and since the current Governor, David Paterson, notoriously interfered with a domestic violence investigation involving his friend, I wouldn’t hold my breath. Bradley was charged with throwing hot tea on his wife Fumiko on January 11, slamming a door on her fingers twice on February 28, and then violating an order of protection by harassing her, even after she had indicated that she wanted the charges dropped. Emails sent from Fumiko to a friend indicated a history of verbal abuse; at one point, he told her that “she should go hang herself.” Testimony in the trial revealed that Bradley had a history of volatile relationships, calling the police on two previous girlfriends in order to have them evicted... Although Fumiko Bradley appeared to stand up well to a tough cross-examination after testifying to her version of the abuse, I felt that the most important witness for the prosecution was Alexandra Hofgaertner, Fumiko’s friend and neighbor, to whom Fumiko confided the details of the abuse through conversation and emails. It was Hofgaertner’s leaking of Fumiko’s emails to the press on March 25 that revealed the details of what went on in the Bradley home... I believe Bradley’s testimony opened up a can of worms for their case. As the mayor tried to convince the judge that his wife was the dangerous one, the prosecutors hammered him, asking him why, if she was so dangerous, he had never called the police on her when, in fact, he had called the police on two previous girlfriends. Unless Bradley is the world’s worst judge of women, his history of volatile relationships would appear to be a red flag about Bradley’s own character... The mayor described his wife as someone who went through bouts of rage and depression, and needed intensive therapy or medication. No evidence was presented to show she was emotionally unstable, took medication or went to therapy... In the end, though, we are left with a man who abused his wife and, when caught, chose to blame the victim by attacking her character in order to save his own political career... [Full article here]
MAYOR ADAM BRADLEY FOUND GUILTY OF HARASSMENT, CONTEMPT, ATTEMPTED ASSAULT; CLEARED ON OTHER COUNTS; VOWS APPEAL LoHud.com By Ben Rubin, Rebecca Baker and Richard Liebson December 9, 2010 [Excerpts] Mayor Adam Bradley was found guilty today of abusing his wife, convicted of attempted assault, criminal contempt and harassment in his domestic violence trial. Acting state Supreme Court Justice Susan Capeci acquitted him of assault and witness tampering... Five Common Council members — Benjamin Boykin, David Buchwald, Milagros Lecuona, Beth Smayda and Tom Roach — today called for the mayor to resign...Despite the verdict, the mayor was unwavering in repeating his innocence and refusing to resign, saying he would appeal all five convictions — two misdemeanors and three violations. His defense claimed that his wife abused him and fabricated her allegations when he tried to leave her. “I am innocent; of course I’m not going to step down. This will be reversed... This is also about my children, who I love more than anything. I’m going to prove my innocence. They know what was really happening in my house and I don’t want them to have a legacy of lies. The truth is really going to come out when the witnesses are allowed to testify and that will happen at a real trial”... The Bradleys, who have two young daughters, are divorcing after seven years together. He is scheduled to be sentenced March 17... Westchester District Attorney Janet DiFiore wrote in a statement: “The court’s verdict spoke to the courage of credibility of Fumiko Bradley and her faith in the criminal justice system. The fact that (Bradley) is an elected official had no bearing on the prosecution of this case and demonstrates that we will support victims of domestic violence no matter who the abuser may be.”... Marcia Pappas, president of the state chapter of the National Organization for Women, called the verdict “a great Christmas present for all the women of New York state.” Pappas, who led a demonstration against Bradley during one of the mayor’s early court appearances, said Capeci’s verdict “means that the system worked”... Until this year, Bradley has had a charmed political life... He championed children’s and women’s causes as an assemblyman, but his private relationships pointed to a problematic personal life... [Full article here]
WHITE PLAINS MAYOR CONVICTED OF ABUSING WIFE North Country Gazette Posted on Friday, 10 of December , 2010 at 10:46 pm [Excerpts] The mayor of the city of White Plains has been convicted of criminal contempt, attempted assault and harassment relating to domestic violence incidents which occurred over a period of time against his wife... On March 5, prosecutors said Bradley went to a residence in Scarsdale where the victim was with her two children. He approached the victim while she was alone and accused her of lying in the pending criminal action against him. Bradley claimed that she was the one who had attacked him, that he was defending himself and that the criminal case was going to result in him losing his career. He spoke in a loud voice that increasingly became louder, prosecutors said. He then told the victim that she should check herself into a mental hospital for five days. The victim asked him why and the defendant told her that in order to save him and his career she had to either go to a mental hospital and say she was crazy or say that she lied in her statement to the police and go to jail. In doing so, prosecutors said Bradley harassed the victim in direct violation of a temporary order of protection issued by the Court. On the evening of March 10 at the Fernwood Road residence, the victim was at home sleeping in her bedroom. Upon entering the home, Bradley awakened his wife and said “you did it, you lied; It’s your fault”... March 11, prosecutors said Bradley again tried to speak with his wife... Later that evening at approximately 5:30 p.m. the Bradley again started yelling his wife and blaming her for the criminal charges... March 25, while the victim was taking a shower, Bradley entered the bathroom shouting that he had received a telephone call that emails had come out and the defendant then screamed “It’s over, it’s over, you should hang yourself!”... April 2, prosecutors said Bradley entered the home holding a newspaper. The defendant walked over with the newspaper and hit the victim’s hand several times and said loudly, “you have to read it, you have to read it.” The victim felt frightened, asked the defendant to speak to her lawyer and ran... [Full article here] [public official involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety denial]
...The letter to Mr. Clay from Scranton Fire Chief Tom Davis said he would be suspended without pay because his alleged action adversely affected Mr. Clay's ability to do his job "effectively, efficiently and safely," "leads other employees to refuse to work with (Mr. Clay)" and "directly impacts on the city's reputation for public trust and safety"...
Chief Davis is a professional, a leader.
News from Dec. 16th and Dec. 24th:
SCRANTON FIREFIGHTER ALLEGEDLY SHOOTS GUN NEAR WIFE The Scranton Times Tribune By Denis J. O'Malley Published: December 16, 2010 [Excerpts] Police said a city firefighter shot a gun near his wife Tuesday night following an argument about their pending divorce. Elliott Clay, 41, 542 Theodore St., Apt. 2, allegedly had his revolver pointed at his wife, Linda Clay, during a conversation with her about problems in his life that he blamed on her[Excerpts] Mrs. Clay told police Mr. Clay became enraged when she asked him to stop and he fired two more rounds, each one getting closer to her... The incident began when Mrs. Clay said she received a call from her husband at about 7 p.m. asking where his revolver was. She told police she had hidden the weapon after previous violent incidents - one resulting in a protection-from-abuse order that was later dropped, according to the affidavit. While on the phone with his wife, Mr. Clay found the gun and told her he would shoot anyone who came through the door. Mrs. Clay advised her husband that she would be home at 8:30 p.m. and "did not want to be shot," according to the affidavit. After police established a perimeter around the residence Tuesday night, Officer Joseph Dombroski convinced Mr. Clay to exit the home, which he did without further incident... Clay claimed he accidently fired his weapon three times while cleaning it. Mr. Clay is currently in Lackawanna County Prison on $20,000 bail. He faces one felony count each of discharging a firearm into an occupied structure and terroristic threats, among other charges... [Full article here]
CITY SUSPENDS FIREFIGHTER ACCUSED OF SHOOTING GUN NEAR HIS WIFE The Scranton Times Tribune By Denis J. O'Malley Published: December 24, 2010 [Excerpts] The Scranton Fire Department released a letter Thursday confirming the suspension of a city firefighter accused of shooting a gun near his wife in their home. Police said Elliott Clay, 41, Apt. 2, 542 Theodore St., shot a gun near his wife three times the night of Dec. 14... The incident ultimately ended without injury after Mrs. Clay ran out the door and Scranton Police Officer Joseph Dombroski persuaded Mr. Clay to leave the home. The letter to Mr. Clay from Scranton Fire Chief Tom Davis said he would be suspended without pay because his alleged action adversely affected Mr. Clay's ability to do his job "effectively, efficiently and safely," "leads other employees to refuse to work with (Mr. Clay)" and "directly impacts on the city's reputation for public trust and safety." Chief Davis said he would have no comment on Mr. Clay's suspension until he could speak with city solicitor Paul Kelly and Mr. Clay has his preliminary hearing on the charges on Feb. 9... Chief Davis said he felt Mr. Clay's actions reflected poorly on the Fire Department. "It's not a good comment for the Fire Department. It's a total insult," Chief Davis said... [Full article here] [firefighter involved domestic violence fidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety lethal gun service weapon professionalism pennsylvania state jail]
After an internal investigation that allegedly took the Internal Affairs department TWO YEARS, Philadelphia police Officer Tyrone Wiggins was allowed to resign one day before he was arrested, which protects his pension.
Prosecutors said Wiggins targeted the victim when she was 10 and spent two years ingratiating himself with her family... Wiggins denied the charge and insisted that all he ever was to the young woman was a mentor, godfather and karate instructor... After he'd become like a "godfather" to the victim and her brother, the victim told jurors that Wiggins showed her a pornographic video then "exposed himself and had her perform a sex act on him"... [His attorney, Scott] Sigman said Wiggins was like a father to the woman...
Victim of Officer Wiggins, who herself is now a Philadelphia police officer: "I want to tell anyone who is a potential victim to come forward. There is hope, and there is someone who will believe you."
VIDEO:
...Ex-Philadelphia police officer Tyrone Wiggins was found guilty of sexually abusing a girl for six years... How in the world would the Philadelphia Police Department not know something was going on? And, why in the world would they wait nearly 3 years after hearing of the allegations to fire him? Why was Wiggins arrested the day after he retired? Even worse, Wiggins was allowed to work at a recreational center until a week before being arrested!... He ended his 23-year police career by retiring on Nov. 18, 2009, one day before his arrest. The department's Internal Affairs Bureau had been investigating the woman's allegations for two years... A Philadelphia police officer dabbed her eyes and withstood the urge to break down while telling a jury of how her childhood was polluted by a city police officer who forced her to engage in sex acts for more than eight years... the man who she says repeatedly raped and assaulted her over the span of eight years. That woman is now a 25-year-old city police officer...
VIDEO:
Prosecutors said Wiggins targeted the victim when she was 10 and spent two years ingratiating himself with her family... Wiggins denied the charge and insisted that all he ever was to the young woman was a mentor, godfather and karate instructor... After he'd become like a "godfather" to the victim and her brother, the victim told jurors that Wiggins showed her a pornographic video then "exposed himself and had her perform a sex act on him"... [His attorney, Scott] Sigman said Wiggins was like a father to the woman... She told the jury that Wiggins, a master teacher known as a "sensei," began raping her at age 12 and did not stop until she was a young adult... That little girl is now a 25-year-old Philadelphia Police officer... "He showed me a porno [video] in his living room," the woman said under questioning by Assistant District Attorney Mark Cipolletti, on the first day of Wiggins' rape trial. "He asked me did I like what I saw. I didn't say anything," she said, sobbing... Wiggins, who retired from the department one day before his November 2009 arrest, showed no reaction to the verdict, nor did his wife. However, the victim, now 25 and a Philadelphia police officer, began crying as soon as the first guilty sounded. By the end, her shoulders shook. Wiggins faces up to 40 years in prison... [His attorney, Scott] Sigman told the jury that Wiggins was a good husband to his wife of 24 years, a good father to his daughter and three sons, and a hero police officer who took a bullet in the line of duty in 1994. He said that no DNA evidence or witnesses exist to support the woman's rape claims and that any physical injuries she suffered were the result of her participating in karate with Wiggins, not from his beating her... Common Pleas Judge Sandy L.V. Byrd revoked Wiggins' bail and ordered him jailed until sentencing on March 25...
Prosecutor: "He abused the trust of the badge. He abused and betrayed his fellow officers and, most importantly, he groomed a girl from a very young age and betrayed her trust. Now, finally, he is being punished for what he did."
News excerpts are from Dec. 2009 through this month's conviction:
RETIRED PHILLY COP CHARGED WITH RAPING GIRL FOR YEARS: Man began as girl's karate instructor and allegedly became her attacker over a span of eight years Philadelphia Daily News By Vince Lattanzio Dec 23, 2009 [Excerpts] Allegations of rape, physical and psychological abuse and now a police cover up have been raised against the case involving a former Philadelphia cop. Tyrone Wiggins faces charges of rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and statutory sexual assault for allegedly abusing a girl over an eight-year period. The 50-year-old former Philly police officer and karate instructor met the girl in 1995 at the Olney Recreation Center - where he operates a karate academy. Two years later, the girl says Wiggins drove her to Fairmount Park and demanded oral sex... The girl, who's now 24-years-old, alleges that first encounter grew into eight years of sexual assault and abuse. Court documents say the girl was forced to perform oral sex, was anally raped and physically beaten. In 2005, the then 20-year-old told police Wiggins began to punch her, court documents said. She finally came forward to Internal Affairs investigators after a co-worker found out about the attacks. "The allegation was made in '06, it went to the D.A. in '07 and an arrest was made a few weeks ago," Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey said Tuesday. Wiggins was arrested in November, a day after he retired from the police force... The alleged victim apparently joined the police force after telling her story to investigators... After his arrest, the man continued to operate his karate classes at the Olney center, because the police department failed to notify the city recreation department... The department faced allegations of a cover up after they failed to notify the press about Wiggins' arrest... "It's my mistake not getting it out in a press release," Ramsey said. "There was no effort to hide it in any way."... [Full article here]
COP CHARGED WITH REPEATEDLY RAPING GIRL myfoxphilly.com December 23, 2009 [Excerpts] A retired Philadelphia police officer is charged with repeatedly raping a young girl. According to detectives, 50-year-old Tyrone Wiggins raped the girl over the course of eight years, starting when she was 12... Due to what the police department calls an 'oversight,’ Wiggins remained as a volunteer at the Olney Rec Center, where he met his alleged victim, until last week. [Full article here]
PHILADELPHIA POLICE DEPARTMENT NEEDS FACELIFT AFTER FRANK TEPPER AND TYRONE WIGGINS INCIDENTS Philly2Philly By Dennis Bakay January 6, 2010 [Excerpts] The Philadelphia Police Department has itself in a public relations quandry. One of the stories got swept under the rug and the media should be ashamed for not putting on the full court press... Let's turn to the first story, which is receiving very little media attention, which involves one Tyrone Wiggins. This is an officer who has recently been charged for sexual crimes of a horrific nature, which took place over an 8-year period. What is an absolute disgrace is that this officer wasn't arrested until the day after he retired from the police force. Tell me this doesn't stink of impropriety. How in the world would the Philadelphia Police Department not know something was going on? And, why in the world would they wait nearly 3 years after hearing of the allegations to fire him? Why was Wiggins arrested the day after he retired? Even worse, Wiggins was allowed to work at a recreational center until a week before being arrested! The Phila PD claims this was an "oversight." And, mind you this is the recreational center where Wiggins met the young woman 8 years ago!... This is speculation on my part, but it would stand to reason the police department knew it was going on for quite some time and didn't want to deal with the embarrassment and humiliation of having to arrest one of it's own rank and file for such a horrific crime. Charles Ramsey claimed that the matter was brought to their attention in '06, it went to the D.A. in '07 and he was finally arrested recently. So, basically they waited until the problem in the form of Tyrone Wiggins retired. There should be a full investigation into the entire department from the top on down by the Feds. This isn't just embarrassing; it's outrageous and criminal. The Phila PD enabled this rapist to continue his crimes while they "investigated"... [Full article here]
PHILLY OFFICER DERIC LEWIS FACES CHARGES The Philadelphia Tribune Written by Larry Miller Tuesday, 30 November 2010 16:26 FACEBOOK: [Excerpts] ...In an unrelated criminal investigation involving a Philadelphia police officer, jury selection began Monday in the case of an alleging an officer had raped her when she was 12-years-old. Former Officer Tyrone Wiggins is charged with rape, statutory rape and related offenses in a case of sexual assaults against a child that continued into adulthood. According to reports, the victim met Wiggins at the Olney Recreation Center where he instructed students in the martial art of karate. After slowly gaining the victim’s trust, Wiggins allegedly began a series of sexual assaults that continued for eight years. In 2007 the victim reported the crimes to the police and after a lengthy investigation that took 2-years by the Philadelphia district attorney, Wiggins, was arrested in November 2009. “I’ve asked for a thorough investigation into this,” said City Councilwoman Marian Tasco in a previous interview. The alleged crimes happened in Tasco’s district and she said she was very concerned that Wiggins wasn’t removed from the force immediately. “Wiggins should have been removed from the center immediately and it’s still not known what other incidents there were or could be in the future... Wiggins should not have been around any children.” [Full article here]
CITY COP TO TESTIFY AGAINST FORMER COP IN RAPE CASE Philadelphia Daily News By Mensah M. Dean Nov. 30, 2010 [Excerpts] A Philadelphia woman has waited since she was 12 to face in court the man who she says repeatedly raped and assaulted her over the span of eight years. That woman is now a 25-year-old city police officer, the same job Tyrone Wiggins - her alleged rapist - held during the years of his alleged crimes. This morning, Wiggins, 51, is to stand trial in Common Pleas Court on charges of rape, corruption of a minor, aggravated indecent assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and related counts... The investigation was launched when the woman told authorities how Wiggins had befriended her family when she was 10 and she began taking karate lessons from him at the Olney Recreation Center. She told of how - when she was 12 - Wiggins allegedly began raping her regularly at the recreation center, at her home, at his house on Chew Avenue near Front Street, in hotels and in his van in Fairmount Park. She told of how - when she was 18 - he allegedly began to beat her, even causing an eye to swell shut. Wiggins warned that if she told anyone, he would go to jail, but not before hurting her, the woman testified... Wiggins, his wife and his two children stood nearby in the eighth-floor hallway of the Criminal Justice Center... Wiggins could face 25 to 50 years in prison if convicted of all charges. [Assistant District Attorney Mark] Cipolletti said the evidence would show that Wiggins took the young woman "under his wing" when she was his 10-year-old karate student and that he "groomed her over a period of years until she was about 12, when he started to have sex with her." Wiggins' alleged sexual involvement with the girl lasted through her teen years, and, as she became a young adult, he added physical violence to the relationship, Cipolletti said. The beatings led the young woman to break off the relationship, get a protection-from-abuse order against Wiggins and start talking with police... [Full article here]
PLAINTIFF: AFTER SHOWING A 'PORNO,' CITY COP BEGAN VIOLATING ME Philadelphia Daily News By Mensah M. Dean Dec. 1, 2010 [Excerpts] A Philadelphia police officer dabbed her eyes and withstood the urge to break down yesterday while telling a jury of how her childhood was polluted by a city police officer who forced her to engage in sex acts for more than eight years. Tyrone Wiggins, 51, began the attacks when she was a 12-year-old sixth-grader at Benjamin Rush Middle School, the now-25-year-old officer testified. "He showed me a porno [video] in his living room," the woman said under questioning by Assistant District Attorney Mark Cipolletti, on the first day of Wiggins' rape trial. "He asked me did I like what I saw. I didn't say anything" she said, sobbing... Wiggins has pleaded not guilty to a battery of charges... He first touched her inappropriately at age 12, she said, when he drove her from his job at the 39th Police District building in Nicetown to a secluded spot in Fairmount Park. "He took out his penis. He told me to jerk it," she said... "He cried and told me, 'Don't tell anybody,'" the woman said. [His attorney, Scott] Sigman told the jury that Wiggins was a good husband to his wife of 24 years, a good father to his daughter and three sons, and a hero police officer who took a bullet in the line of duty in 1994. He said that no DNA evidence or witnesses exist to support the woman's rape claims and that any physical injuries she suffered were the result of her participating in karate with Wiggins, not from his beating her. Sigman said Wiggins was like a father to the woman and vouched for her when she applied to the Police Academy. But she turned on him, Sigman said, when he learned that she had lied to the department about not having sold drugs in the past. Sigman said that Wiggins told her to tell the truth about her drug past and that he had given the department an audio tape he'd made in 2003 of his chastising her about drug dealing. After that, Sigman said, she took out a protection-from-abuse order on Wiggins and shortly thereafter accused him of raping her repeatedly over eight years. [Full article here]
COP ON TRIAL FOR RAPE SAYS THAT 'VICTIM' IS JUST A VENGEFUL INGRATE Philadelphia Daily News By Mensah M. Dean Dec. 9, 2010 [Excerpts] Tyrone Wiggins, the former Philadelphia cop on trial for allegedly raping a girl over an eight-year period, yesterday denied the charge and insisted that all he ever was to the young woman was a mentor, godfather and karate instructor... Wiggins sought to cast the victim - now a 25-year-old Philadelphia cop - as an ingrate bent on revenge. Wiggins said the woman made up the rape story only when her application to become a police officer was put on hold in January 2006, after he told department officials that she had once sold drugs. The woman testified that she had never sold drugs... Wiggins said that he told her to stop selling cocaine and other drugs in 2003 and that he even made an audio tape of him lecturing her about the dangers of drug dealing... [Full article here]
EX-PHILLY OFFICER CONVICTED OF SEX ASSAULT 6abc.com Tuesday, December 14, 2010 [Excerpts] A Philadelphia jury has convicted a former city police officer of sexually assaulting a girl over an eight-year period. Jurors in Common Pleas Court on Monday convicted 51-year-old Tyrone Wiggins of four sexual assault charges but acquitted him of rape. He will be sentenced March 25... The alleged victim is now 25 and a member of the Philadelphia police department. She broke into deep sobs after the verdict... [Full article here]
[Mixed Verdict] EX -COP CONVICTED OF INDECENT ASSAULT myfoxphilly.com Tuesday, December 14, 2010 [Excerpts] A mixed verdict was handed down today for a former Philadelphia police officer, accused of raping a girl over several years. Jurors convicted 51 year-old Tyrone Wiggins of aggravated indecent assault and corrupting a minor, but acquitted him of rape charges... The sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 25, 2011. Wiggins’ bail was revoked and he was taken into custody. [Full article here]
EX-PHILLY COP GUILTY OF SEXUALLY ASSAULTING GIRL FOR YEARS: The victim, who's now a Philly police officer, broke down and cried when the verdict was read Philadelphia Daily News By Karen Araiza Dec 15, 2010 [Excerpts] Ex-Philadelphia police officer Tyrone Wiggins was found guilty Tuesday of sexually abusing a girl for six years. The abuse began when she was 12. That little girl is now a 25-year-old Philadelphia Police officer. Wiggins, 51, claimed that the victim had a history of dealing drugs that he tried to get her to admit to when she was entering the force. He claimed her rape allegations were retaliation... Wiggins taught karate to thousands of kids... The victim was one of his students. Prosecutors said Wiggins targeted the victim when she was 10 and spent two years ingratiating himself with her family. After he'd become like a "godfather" to the victim and her brother, the victim told jurors that Wiggins showed her a pornographic video then "exposed himself and had her perform a sex act on him" the paper reports. She testified that within a year, they were having sexual intercourse... Wiggins, who retired from the department one day before his November 2009 arrest, showed no reaction to the verdict, nor did his wife. However, the victim, now 25 and a Philadelphia police officer, began crying as soon as the first guilty sounded. By the end, her shoulders shook. Wiggins faces up to 40 years in prison. "I want to tell anyone who is a potential victim to come forward," the victim said after the trial. "There is hope, and there is someone who will believe you." [Full article here]
HONORED COP GUILTY IN LONG-TERM SEXUAL ASSAULT OF YOUNG WOMAN Philadelphia Daily News By Mensah M. Dean Wed, Dec. 15, 2010 [Excerpts] Tyrone Wiggins, a former Philadelphia cop... was found not guilty of raping a person under the age of 13, possibly because the jury could not pinpoint if the rapes began that early, said Assistant District Attorney Mark Cipolletti, who prosecuted the case. Common Pleas Judge Sandy L.V. Byrd revoked Wiggins' bail and ordered him jailed until sentencing on March 25... The woman - now a 25-year-old Philadelphia police officer - tearfully testified that she met Wiggins at age 10, when she began taking karate lessons from him at the Olney Recreation Center. She told the jury that Wiggins, a master teacher known as a "sensei," began raping her at age 12 and did not stop until she was a young adult. He began beating her during the end of the sordid relationship... "He abused the trust of the badge," [Assistant District Attorney Mark] Cipolletti said. "He abused and betrayed his fellow officers and, most importantly, he groomed a girl from a very young age and betrayed her trust. Now, finally, he is being punished for what he did." The woman came forward and told authorities what Wiggins had done, Cipolletti said, after she came to terms with what had happened, and received encouragement from family and friends... A decision on whether Wiggins' convictions will result in the forfeiture of his police pension will be made by the city pension board after the city Law Department provides the board with an opinion, said Francis Bielli, executive director of the Philadelphia Board of Pensions and Retirement. [Full article here]
ONLINE COMMENTS
...why was this officer allowed to retire before being charged. sound fishy that he was investigated for 2 yrs then retires 2 days before being arrested...
...because he gets to keep his pension this way. It has been happening in Philly for years in every departmant, after an investigation they are told to retire or if they are arrested while still working they will lose the pension...
...It's not fair to punish his wife and children for his crimes. I have no problem with them receiving his pension. He's going to be in jail for a long time anyway...
...Have you ever been raped? It is something that makes you feel ashamed to be alive, let alone have the courage to stand up to the attacker. It takes adults DECADES to get over something like that, so I wouldn't expect a child to be able to confidently acuse a supposed mentor of something like that. She probably used the "application on hold" as the last straw that he was in fact destroying her life, and, with the help of family, finally was able to admit what happened...
...Why is it that when a cop or any official is convicted of a crime they want to use there years of service to show how good their life was? They did the crimes that they were convicted of while on that job... [police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety custodial trust abuse of power pennsylvania child porn sex sexual abuse state jail]
...[Florida Department of Corrections Officer, Lt.] Clyde [William] Hamilton, Jr., 55, is charged with sexually molesting two of his family members over a 5-year period... DOC records show that three days after the abuse was reported, Hamilton resigned from Franklin Correctional Institution due to "unforeseen circumstances." Hamilton returned to retirement status... Hamilton committed himself to the hospital because he was suicidal and made several plans to commit suicide...
WAKULLA CO. CORRECTIONS OFFICER FACING CHILD MOLESTATION CHARGES WTXL by: Russell Motley Last Update: 12/21 [Excerpt] A Wakulla County corrections officer has found himself on the other side of the law. Clyde Hamilton, Jr., 55, is charged with sexually molesting two of his family members over a 5-year period. Hamilton was arrested after a 3-month investigation. Investigators said two of Hamilton's family members, who were not yet teenagers at the time, claimed they were repeatedly molested... [Full article here]
FORMER FLA. DOC OFFICER IS JAILED ON CHARGES OF CHILD MOLESTATION tallahassee.com By Amanda Curcio December 22. 2010 [Excerpts] A former Florida Department of Corrections officer remains behind bars after he was arrested by Wakulla County deputies on child molestation charges earlier this month. Clyde William Hamilton, the 55-year-old former DOC lieutenant, was arrested Dec. 13 and charged with raping a 15-year-old girl and indecently exposing himself to another young girl... He is being held in the Wakulla County Jail without bail on two counts of lewd and lascivious behavior and a sexual battery charge... DOC records show that three days after the abuse was reported, Hamilton resigned from Franklin Correctional Institution due to "unforeseen circumstances." Hamilton worked for more than 30 years with the department and returned to retirement status... Hamilton committed himself to the hospital because he was suicidal and made several plans to commit suicide, the report stated. Hamilton later told deputies that he grew depressed after the allegations were made... [Full article here]
FORMER DOC EMPLOYEE ARRESTED FOR CHILD MOLESTATION wctv.tv Jerry Askin 12-21-2010 ...They say several times Hamilton masturbated in front of them and tried to touch their private parts with his penis. Hamilton denied all the allegations and said the young girls were lying. He later stated he had a tendency of touching himself in public. Hamilton's wife told investigators he became very depressed after he was questioned about these allegations. Reports show she even found a suicide note from her husband. Hamilton is now being held at the Wakulla County Jail without bond... Hamilton was a Correctional Officer Lieutenant at the Franklin Correctional Institute for more than 20 years... [Full article here] [police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety florida state sex sexual assault children child abuse incest incestious suicide suicidal]
Jacksonville Sheriff's Officer Kevin Meyer has died from the damages done to him by his suicide attempt on December 2nd. Officer Meyer was under investigation.
From news: ...Those who knew him, say Meyer was a devoted officer and father to two children, who will now grow up without him. "This is gonna be really hard on them. They loved their dad"... [police officer involved violence law enforcement public safety fatality fatalities florida probe state suicide suicidal carbon monoxide poisoning]
...Fort Myers Police Department has fired an officer after he was arrested on charges of domestic violence, violated an injunction and misused his department-issued cell phone...
PREVIOUS POST: [FL] Officer Martinez arrested, accused of domestic battery by strangulation and... - ...[N.J.] reported the officer slapped her, then got on top of her on the couch and started choking her. She says he let her go, then said, "Look what you made me do, you pushed my buttons"... [N.J.] says Martinez then put her in a choke hold and lifted her off the floor, and she began to lose consciousness... [Martinez] allegedly said he didn't do what [N.J.] had said he did and then invoked his right to remain silent...
FORT MYERS POLICE OFFICER FIRED AFTER ARREST ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHARGES news-press.com Evangelia Ganosellis December 22, 2010
The Fort Myers Police Department has fired an officer after he was arrested on charges of domestic violence, violated an injunction and misused his department-issued cell phone.
Joseph Martinez, 38, was terminated Dec. 13 — about three months after his initial arrest.
According to an internal affairs report, Martinez, an officer with the juvenile arrest and monitoring unit, was arrested Sept. 23 after allegedly striking and strangling his ex-girlfriend, [N.J.].
Martinez was placed on administrative leave after his arrest.
On Oct. 5, [N.J.] was granted an injunction for protection against Martinez.
Less than a week later, Martinez violated the injunction by calling and sending five text messages to [N.J.].
Martinez was again arrested Oct. 25 on a contempt of court charge.
According to the internal affairs report, Martinez also sent more than 1,000 personal text messages from his department-issued cell phone from Aug. 8 to Sept. 23.
Article since the last post:
FORT MYERS POLICE OFFICER ALLEGEDLY CHOKES, BEATS EX-GIRLFRIEND news-press.com By MARK S. KRZOS September 25, 2010
A Fort Myers police officer is on administrative leave after he was charged with beating and strangling a former girlfriend.
Officer Joseph Martinez, 38, faces charges of domestic battery by strangulation and domestic violence battery.
According to the arrest report, Martinez, a seven-year department veteran, is accused by his ex-girlfriend, [N.J.], of pulling her by the hair, dragging her from the kitchen to the living room, pushing her down on the couch, slapping her across the face and choking her.
Martinez then allegedly said, “Look what you made me do. You pushed my buttons,” [N.J.] told investigators.
The arguing between the couple continued and ended after Martinez placed [N.J.] in a choke hold and then left the apartment, [N.J.] said.
The report states the two have been in an on-and-off relationship for two years and lived together for six months — but not consecutively. She also told investigators the relationship ended two weeks ago.
The fight erupted when she went to Martinez’s apartment to give him a check for the water bill. [N.J.] said Martinez wouldn’t answer the door and she texted him for 15 minutes until he finally answered.
“This is not the conduct that we would expect from one of our officers,” said Fort Myers Police Chief Doug Baker.
State law and department policy require due process, he said.
Martinez will remain on leave pending the outcome of a criminal investigation and an internal affairs investigation by the department’s Professional Standards Bureau.
Martinez was arrested at police headquarters and then transported to the Lee County Jail. As with any other criminal investigation, the case has been forwarded to the state attorney’s office.
Martinez’s record with the department includes a 2007 incident where he shot and killed unarmed Ernest Weston after Weston allegedly shot Margaret Scott. A grand jury found the shooting was justified.
His record with the department also shows that in September 2004, he was suspended for 20 hours and given six months probation after he left a hurricane shelter where he was stationed without permission.
After arriving late for two off-duty details in September and October 2004, he was ordered to not participate in any off-duty details for 90 days.
In February 2005, he was found to have violated the agency’s pursuit policy by disobeying orders to terminate a pursuit. He received counseling for that incident.
He also received counseling and training for missing two court dates in November 2005 and was counseled again for missing a yearly physical exam in October 2008.
Milay Duenas, 30, a paralegal at a local law firm and another former girlfriend of Martinez, said she believes he was pushed over the edge by [N.J.].
Duenas said [N.J.] was stalking and harassing Martinez throughout their six-month relationship.
“She would show up at my door crying and begging to have him back,” Duenas said. “She would knock on his door for hours.”
Duenas also said she broke off her relationship with Martinez because she feared [N.J.]’s actions could jeopardize the safety of Duenas’ 3-year-old child.
“He never showed any violence toward me at all,” Duenas said. “I don’t want to see his career go down because of this woman.”
[N.J.] refused to comment about Duenas’ allegations. [police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety lethal florida state]
IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW MANY WORDS THE PROSECUTOR DOES OR DOESN'T USE, THIS WAS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. ONE OF HEADS HE BANGED WAS THAT OF HIS POLICE OFFICER EX-GIRLFRIEND. AND IF ASSAULT OF FEMALE OFFICERS CAN BE ADDRESSED WITH SUCH A CASUAL LEGAL RESPONSE, WHAT CHANCE DOES A NON-COP DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIM HAVE? IT'S DEPRESSING AND DISCOURAGING. ...Before leaving the bar, Miller reportedly approached his ex, and the other officer, and asked them, "Why the fuck are you in my neighborhood?" Then he grabbed the two women by their necks and slammed their heads together... Miller denied slamming their heads together -- even though there were witnesses saying he had... Miller's been charged with three counts of assault and two counts of disorderly conduct...
MESA OFFICER RECEIVES PROBATION IN SCOTTSDALE BAR ASSAULT Arizona Republic by Nathan Gonzalez Dec. 21, 2010 [Excerpts] A 15-year Mesa police veteran was sentenced to one-year of probation after admitting to assaulting two women inside a Scottsdale bar. On Dec. 9, Steven Miller accepted a plea agreement in Scottsdale Municipal Court where he pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count each of assault and disorderly conduct, said Scottsdale City Prosecutor Caron Close. Miller was placed on one year of unsupervised probation and ordered to pay $646 in restitution to his two victims. He must also complete anger management and alcohol-abuse programs... The victims, one of whom is an ex-girlfriend, told Scottsdale police that as Miller was getting ready to leave, he approached them and slammed their heads together... [Full article here]
FROM OCTOBER NEWS:
MESA COP CHARGED WITH ASSAULT AFTER SLAMMING TWO FEMALE OFFICERS' HEADS TOGETHER AT SCOTTSDALE BAR Phoenix New Times By James King Mon., Oct. 18 2010 @ 9:27AM [Excerpts] In our ongoing series about overzealous Valley cops with anger issues, a Mesa police officer has been charged with assault after allegedly slamming two female officers' heads together at a bar in Scottsdale. One of the female cops reportedly is one of Officer Steven Miller's ex-girlfriends... The incident happened on September 12, at Flicka's, where Miller, a 15-year veteran of the department's organized crime division, had gone with his current girlfriend. According to court documents first obtained by the Arizona Republic, Miller and his girlfriend walked into Flicka's, where they saw Miller's ex-girlfriend and another woman, both off-duty Mesa officers. Miller and the female officer broke up about a year ago, and the breakup had not gone well, she told police. When Miller's current girlfriend went to the bathroom, Miller approached the victims. He asked his ex, who had just had surgery, how she was doing. She said fine and that was the extent of the conversation... the current girlfriend said she was uncomfortable and wanted to leave... Before leaving the bar, Miller reportedly approached his ex, and the other officer, and asked them, "Why the fuck are you in my neighborhood?" Then he grabbed the two women by their necks and slammed their heads together... Miller denied slamming their heads together -- even though there were witnesses saying he had... Miller's been charged with three counts of assault and two counts of disorderly conduct... [Full article here]
MESA OFFICER FACES CHARGES IN ASSAULT AT SCOTTSDALE BAR The Arizona Republic by Nathan Gonzalez Oct. 17, 2010 09:20 PM [Excerpts] A Mesa police officer faces charges related to domestic violence after he is accused of grabbing two fellow off-duty female police officers by the neck and slamming their heads together in a Scottsdale bar. Officer Steven Miller, a 15-year police veteran assigned to Mesa's Organized Crime Section, declined to comment about the case... Scottsdale City Prosecutor Caron Close said the charges are misdemeanors, but some are related to domestic violence because one of the women he's accused of assaulting is his ex-girlfriend... Miller's ex-girlfriend and another woman, both off-duty Mesa officers, were in the bar when Miller came in with his current girlfriend. Police said Miller's ex-girlfriend told them that "she and Steve separated about a year ago and he did not take it well." When Miller's current girlfriend went to the restroom, police said, Miller walked over to speak with the ex-girlfriend, who had undergone surgery a month earlier to implant a pacemaker... Minutes later, the girlfriend returned from the restroom and joined Miller at the bar. After about 30 minutes, she stated "she felt uncomfortable given the situation and decided it was best to leave Flicka's," which is a regular hangout for Miller. The victims told police that's when Miller approached them, grabbed them from behind the neck and said, "Why the (expletive) are you in my neighborhood?" the report states. He then slammed their heads together. The ex-girlfriend "was feeling a substantial amount of pain in her neck from Steve grabbing her as well as discomfort in her chest," the report states. "She could tell Steve had been drinking alcohol at the time of the assault." Miller denied assaulting the women, although it was witnessed by others in the bar, the report states... [Full article here]
MESA OFFICER REASSIGNED DURING ASSAULT PROBE East Valley Tribune Mike Sakal Monday, October 18, 2010 Updated: 4:25 pm, Tue Oct 19, 2010 [Excerpt] ...Miller has been reassigned to the evidence unit while the internal investigation is conducted to determine whether he violated any departmental policies, according to detective Mike Melendez, a Mesa police spokesman. It was not immediately known whether Miller had been disciplined in the past. [Full article here] [police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety lethal preferential treatment arizona state hand slap cop on cop]
BARROW CO. DEPUTY CHARGED IN DOMESTIC DISPUTE accessnorthga.com By Katie Highsmith December 20th 2010 [Excerpts] ...a Barrow County deputy sheriff is charged in connection with a domestic dispute. Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith said Deputy Andrew Deutsch was arrested Saturday following a physical dispute with his wife. "We want people to know that we will not turn a blind eye to it even if it's one of our employees because if anything, they know the law and they know that it's against the law," Smith said. "At this time, he's no longer employed with the sheriff's office"... [Full article here]
BARROW COUNTY DEPUTY ANDREW JOHN DEUTSCH CHARGED, FIRED AFTER BATTERY ARREST gadailynews.com/ Published 12/21/2010 [Excerpts] A Barrow County sheriff's deputy is charged with terroristic threats and false imprisonment after officers responded to a domestic call at his home, and the sheriff says he's been fired. Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith said Monday that 34-year-old Andrew John Deutsch also faces other charges, including battery and violation of oath of office stemming from the altercation early Saturday... The sheriff says deputies arrested Deutsch when they saw bruises and other marks on his wife's body. Smith says Deutsch was taken to the Hall County jail and was released Monday after posting a $19,000 bond. [Full article here] [police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety georgia state alcohol drunk professionalism]
BRASELTON POLICE OFFICER FROM FLOWERY BRANCH ARRESTED: Man charged with battery, cruelty to children gainesvilletimes.com From staff reports December 13, 2010 4:21 p.m. A Flowery Branch man and Braselton police officer was charged Sunday with battery and third degree cruelty to children, according to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office... "A preliminary investigation by a domestic violence officer found that Raymond Rutledge, 36, had pushed an adult and child down onto a bed," [spokesman for the sheriff’s office Col. Jeff Strickland] said. "He’s employed by Braselton police and was off duty during that time." Rutledge was released from Hall County Jail Monday afternoon on $5,000 bond. "We have put him on administrative leave until we get through with the internal investigation," said Braselton Police Chief Terry Escho... [Full article here] [police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety georgia state]
...The woman said she was afraid that Valdez was going to hurt her more when they got back to his place in Pojoaque. She said he had hurt her in the past and then showed the arresting officer her bruises...
PUEBLO POLICE OFFICER ARRESTED, SF POLICE SAY KOAT December 21, 2010 A Pojoaque police officer was arrested over the weekend, Santa Fe police confirmed Monday afternoon. Officers arrested Kevin Valdez after reports of domestic violence. Police said Valdez's girlfriends had bruises on her arms from previous incidents and feared for her life. The Pojoaque Pueblo Police Chief and Governor declined to comment on the story Monday. [LINK]
PUEBLO OFFICER ACCUSED OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Albuquerque Journal By Vic Vela December 21, 2010 [Excerpts] A Pojoaque Pueblo police officer was arrested on a domestic violence charge in Santa Fe early Sunday. Kevin Valdez, 26, was taken to jail after his girlfriend showed the arresting officer bruises on her arms and said she was afraid of him, according to Santa Fe police Sgt. Louis Carlo... As the Santa Fe cop began walking toward the vehicle, the woman "literally ran toward him, crying." "She said, 'Thank you, thank you for helping me!' " Carlos said. The woman said she was afraid that Valdez was going to hurt her more when they got back to his place in Pojoaque. She said he had hurt her in the past and then showed the arresting officer her bruises, Carlos said. Valdez was booked into the Santa Fe County jail on a single count of assault on a household member... [Full article here] [police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety fatality new mexico fear afraid professionalism]
The witness who tried to help Jones' girlfriend as she was being assaulted says his life was threatened. The father of the assaulted woman says she has tried to get a protection order. Jones has a wife and kids. Nobody's safe. And despite photographs and a witness, this deputy chief was not arrested.
Video:
COCOA'S DEPUTY POLICE CHIEF SUSPENDED Florida Today By Rebecca Basu December 21, 2010 [Excerpts] Cocoa’s deputy police chief is on paid leave following an alleged assault in Melbourne this past weekend. Cocoa Deputy Chief of Police Bobby Jones was suspended Monday pending the outcome of an investigation, Cocoa police spokeswoman Barbara Matthews said today. Melbourne police responded to a call of dating violence at 4 a.m. on Saturday in the downtown area that involved Jones, according to a police report. Jordan Kramer, an attorney who represents Jones, said in a statement: "My client vehemently denies the allegation against him and we will aggressively fight to defend his reputation as a respected police officer and member of the community. Deputy Chief Jones is a 19-year veteran of the Cocoa Police Department with an impecable service record and appreciates the support of his friends, family members, and fellow officers."... [Full article here]
DEPUTY POLICE CHIEF SUSPENDED OVER BATTERY CASE WFTV.com News December 21, 2010 [Excerpts] The Cocoa deputy police chief has been suspended, WFTV learned Tuesday. Deputy Chief Bobby Jones is under investigation for what's being called "dating violence." Jones has been placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation. Police said Jones, the second highest ranking officer in Cocoa,got into a violent fight with his 22- year-old girlfriend. A report from the Melbourne Police Department says an officer was called to an intersection near the Mainstreet Pub in Melbourne around 4:00am Saturday. Melbourne police said they have not arrested Jones because the State Attorney's Office needs to look at the evidence first. However, police are recommending criminal charges. "She was saying, 'Stop! I don't want to go with you. You're crazy, you're hurting me. Let me go!'" witness Scott Damsgaard said. Damsgaard says he could hear the victim screaming from a block away the night 38-year-old Jones allegedly battered his girlfriend... Damsgaard ran toward the screams only to see the alleged battery in progress. "He was manhandling her. He grabbed her by the hair and the arm and he was dragging her to the car and I watched all this part," he said... He said he tried to intervene and that's when Jones allegedly threatened his life. "He starts approaching me and he's like, 'You need to stand back or I'll kill you. I'll "f" you up,'" Damsgaard said. The woman's father spoke with WFTV. He said the family considers Jones dangerous and violent. The victim's father said his daughter has requested a restraining order in the case. He believes the relationship has been going on since October, despite the fact that Jones is married with three children. "It's an ongoing investigation. I do know that there was going to be some follow up to be done with the victim in reference to this case," Melbourne Police Commander Ron Bell said. Jones is on paid suspension and said the department cannot comment on Melbourne police's investigation... [Full article here]
COCOA DEPUTY CHIEF ON LEAVE: Jones has ties to domestic incident Florida Today By Rebecca Basu December 22, 2010 [Excerpts] Deputy Police Chief Bobby Jones, who has said he aspires to the top law enforcement job in the city, is on administrative leave pending an investigation into an alleged domestic assault last weekend in downtown Melbourne. No charges have been filed... One page of a three-page report was released that showed the victim was a 22-year-old woman, there was a witness to the incident, and photographic evidence was obtained in what police termed a "dating violence" call. "All the pertinent information to make an arrest wasn't gathered at that time," said Melbourne Cmdr. Ron Bell... After the investigation is concluded, it will be forwarded to Seminole County for prosecutors to review, officials said. Both Brevard and Seminole counties are in the 18th Judicial Circuit. According to a profile page on the city of Cocoa's website, Jones worked as a patrol officer, street crime officer, undercover agent, SWAT officer, department trainer and corporal. He became a lieutenant in 2004 and deputy chief in 2009, overseeing daily operations... A FLORIDA TODAY public records request found that Jones earned $82,000 in wages early in his career. During that time, internal affairs, state and federal agencies investigated Jones about non-sustained allegations that included police misconduct and drug use. Jones never was charged... According to a review of his personnel file, prior to 1999,while on administrative leave for 21/2 years Jones was suspended three times without pay for department violations... Cocoa Mayor Michael Blake said once the investigation has concluded, a decision about Jones would be left to Klayman and other top city officials... [Full article here] [police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety adultery preferential treatment florida state repeat hx word games terroristic]
PRESCOTT VALLEY POLICE OFFICER RESIGNS AFTER DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ARREST The Daily Courier By Lisa Irish 12/21/2010 10:00:00 PM [Excerpts] A Prescott Valley police officer resigned after Prescott police arrested him Wednesday on charges including assault per domestic violence after he told officers both he and his girlfriend physically fought and broke each other's property during an argument. Officers booked Ronald A. Raney, a 10-year veteran of the Prescott Valley Police Department, into the Yavapai County Jail in Camp Verde on charges of assault per domestic violence, criminal damage per domestic violence, disorderly conduct per domestic violence, and reckless disorderly conduct with a deadly weapon per domestic violence. "At the time of this incident, he was out on administrative leave for a prior incident," said Sgt. Brandon Bonney, spokesman for the Prescott Valley Police Department. "He no longer works for the department. The department was in the process of termination when he resigned"... The woman's mother called police the next morning and the woman spoke with officers, saying she did not want to press charges; however, in a domestic violence case, that is up to the District Attorney's Office, Reinhardt said. Officers found Raney, spoke with him, and arrested him. In the prior incident, about a year and a half ago, Raney was found guilty of trespassing at the home of another girlfriend, Bonney said. [Full article here] [police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety repeat hx arizona state allowed to resign lethal]
"Fatoumata Ntiamoah and Mohamed Zaine: May your souls rest in peace. You will be greatly missed." [Link]
Cobb County, Georgia - United States Customs and Border Protection Federal law enforcement officer Michael Ntiamoah has murdered his estranged wife Fatoumata and Mohamed Zaine. "...Neighbors said they heard nearly 30 shots, and watched as Ntiamoah chased his wife down the street shooting at her. She died in a neighbor's driveway..." [LINK] [police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety fatality fatalities lethal double murder state jail]
...[Petal Police Officer William] Brown worked for Ellisville Police from 2000 to 2004... He also had worked for New Augusta, Laurel and Richton police departments... [Petal Police Chief Lee] Shelbourn acknowledged that Brown is his second cousin... “At one time, he was a personal friend of mine...” [Ellisville Police Chief Bruce] Russell said... William Brown Jr., 34, was arrested on June 25 after an altercation at his estranged wife's home. Brown was charged with two counts of domestic abuse and one count of simple assault... Brown was arrested again by Jones County authorities on Friday on child molestation charges...
PETAL MISSISSIPPI POLICE OFFICER WILLIAM BROWN JR. RESIGNS AFTER CHILD MOLESTATION ARREST, CHARGES Hattiesburg American October 3, 2006 [Excerpts] Petal police officer William Brown Jr. resigned Monday evening following his arrest on child molestation charges, Mayor Carl Scott said. Petal’s Board of Aldermen voted unanimously to accept Brown’s resignation... Brown was not a prisoner in the Jones County Jail Monday morning, records show, and Jones County officials did not return phone calls seeking information...
PETAL MISSISSIPPI POLICE OFFICER WILLIAM BROWN JR., NOW CHARGED WITH CHILD MOLESTATION, HAS PRIOR ARRESTS FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE AND ASSAULT' Hattiesburg American October 3, 2006 [Excerpts] A Petal police officer who resigned Monday following his arrest on child molestation charges was previously arrested on unrelated charges in Ellisville. Ellisville Police Chief Bruce Russell said William Brown Jr., 34, was arrested on June 25 after an altercation at his estranged wife's home. Brown was charged with two counts of domestic abuse and one count of simple assault... Brown was arrested again by Jones County authorities on Friday on child molestation charges...
PETAL POLICE OFFICER WILLIAM H. BROWN, ARRESTED FOR CHILD MOLESTATION, CHRGED WITH DOMESTIC ABUSE AND ASSAULT OF ESTRANGED WIFE Hattiesburg American October 4, 2006 [Excerpts] A police officer who resigned from the Petal Police Department on Monday amid allegations of child molestation had been charged with several crimes stemming from an incident in late June, Ellisville Police Chief Bruce Russell said Tuesday. William H. Brown Jr., 34, was arrested June 27 on two counts of domestic abuse and one count of simple assault for an incident that occurred at his estranged wife’s home on June 25... In that incident, Brown visited the home where he allegedly assaulted one and struggled with two members of his wife’s family. The domestic abuse charges did not pertain to his wife. “It got a little out of hand and the police department got involved, but it wasn’t him kicking the door down and beating his wife,” Russell said. Brown filed counter charges against the others at the home, and all charges have been stayed by Ellisville City Judge David Lyons pending the settlement of the divorce case. Petal Police Chief Lee Shelbourn said he was aware of the domestic situation in Ellisville and had taken what he felt were appropriate disciplinary actions for a case that had not yet reached a conviction. Brown, Shelbourn said, was moved to an investigator position within the department shortly after the charges were filed. While it was neither a promotion nor a demotion, it gave Shelbourn an opportunity to keep a closer eye on the officer. “We put him under more scrutiny until this was resolved,” Shelbourn said. Shelbourn acknowledged that Brown is his second cousin but said the family relationship did not get the officer any preferential treatment. “My daughter works here too, and I would fire her if she messed up and she knows that,” Shelbourn said... Although he had only been with the Petal department since February, Brown has a lengthy career in law enforcement, Russell said. In fact, he worked with Russell in Ellisville from 2000 to 2004. Russell said he believed Brown also had worked for New Augusta, Laurel and Richton police departments. “At one time, he was a personal friend of mine, and you couldn’t ask for a better man to work side-by-side with,” Russell said. “But at the same time, nothing excuses touching a child. I’m not saying he did it or didn’t. That will come out in trial... As police officers and chiefs, you can do a thousand things right, but when an officer does one thing wrong, all those other things are forgotten,” he said. “From changing tires to working on cars to breaking up fights, if one person makes an allegation, it can all end.” [police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (ipv) abuse law enforcement public safety repeat hx teflon mississippi state child abuse sex gypsy cop hop]
Melvin Neisner, who also is a former acting Vermont traffic court judge, was convicted in November 2008 of causing a motorcycle to hit his vehicle in September 2007 and then leaving the scene of the crash. He later told police his wife had been driving, and initially she was charged with hit-and-run...
