[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."

Video:


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]

[OK] Oklahoma City Officer and Common Law Wife Arrested for Domestic Charges

DISPUTE PROMPTS ARRESTS OF OKLAHOMA CITY OFFICER, WOMAN
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]

[OH] Fired, rehired regardless of protection order violation, then allowed-to-resign ex-officer Young gets to plea bargain away 2 felonies

A former Marion police officer [Mark Young] pleaded guilty to one count related to the misuse of the law enforcement automated data system... The other two counts were dismissed in a plea agreement... 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... Marion Municipal Court records show Young was convicted of the misdemeanor charge... Arbitration following his termination lead to his reinstatement with the department about six months after his was fired... Internal affairs investigations are kept for only five years and removed from personnel files after two...

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]

[PA] Ex-Marine, Philadelphia Police Officer Michael Minor brutal DV assault and terroristic threatening charges

A PHILADELPHIA COP WAS ARRESTED YESTERDAY FOR ALLEGEDLY BEATING HIS GIRLFRIEND AND THREATENING TO KILL HER FAMILY... OFFICER MICHAEL MINOR, 36, A TWO-YEAR MEMBER OF THE FORCE ASSIGNED TO THE 12TH DISTRICT, IN SOUTHWEST PHILADELPHIA, WAS CHARGED WITH SIMPLE ASSAULT, HARASSMENT AND MAKING TERRORISTIC THREATS... COURT RECORDS SHOW THAT MINOR WAS ARRESTED IN 2003 FOR SIMPLE ASSAULT, POSSESSING INSTRUMENTS OF CRIME AND RELATED OFFENSES, BUT HE WAS CLEARED OF THE CHARGES...



COP ACCUSED OF ASSAULTING GIRLFRIEND
Philadelphia Officer Being Placed On Desk Duty
MyFox Philadelphia
Jan. 27, 2010
[Excerpt] A Philadelphia police officer is off the street after allegedly beating his girlfriend Delaware County. Upper Darby police said they arrested 36-year-old Officer Michael Minor on Tuesday night. He's accused of assaulting his girlfriend on Clover Lane. Police said the woman told them Minor also threatened to come back and shoot her family... [Full article here]

PHILA. OFFICER CHARGED WITH ASSAULTING GIRLFRIEND
Philadelphia Inquirer
By Kristin E. Holmes kholmes@phillynews.com
Jan. 28, 2010
[Excerpts] A Philadelphia police officer was arrested yesterday on charges that he assaulted his girlfriend and threatened to "shoot the family" during an altercation at the couple's Upper Darby home. Michael Minor Jr., 36, a Philadelphia officer for two years, was charged with assault, terrorist threats, and harassment. Bail was set at $50,000, and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for Feb. 5. Minor, who also has a home in Southwest Philadelphia, has been put on paid administrative duty pending an investigation, Philadelphia police said in a statement. They declined to comment further... Minor's girlfriend, 26, told police that she had been hit in the face and dragged off the couch onto the floor. The alleged altercation happened while the couple's two young children were in the home... Minor left before police arrived. His girlfriend told authorities that he had threatened to come back and "shoot the family"... Michael J. Chitwood, Upper Darby police superintendent, said domestic-violence cases were exacerbated when they involved officers because police are expected to protect the community. Minor's girlfriend had swelling on the right side of her head, scratches on a shoulder, and bruises on her neck... She told hospital staff that she had been "assaulted, choked, punched in the face multiple times, and kicked by her son's father"... He earlier worked as an officer for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections... [Full article here]

PHILLY POLICE OFFICER FACES ASSAULT CHARGES
Delaware County Daily Times
Linda Reilly
Thursday, January 28, 2010
[Excerpts] ...Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood reported Officer Randy Desrosiers and Sgt. Anthony Vaughn responded to a 911 call for an alleged domestic assault 1:45 a.m. Wednesday at the Clover Lane residence... The Philadelphia Police Department was contacted and Upper Darby Capt. George Rhoades and Philadelphia Internal Affairs officers went to Minor’s Philadelphia address, where his mother resides. “He was not there, so they went to Clover Lane and he was arrested there (at approximately 2 p.m.). Philadelphia police (were) right with us. They assisted us all the way through”... Chitwood was not aware of any previous calls for assistance to the Minor household. “When a police officer is involved, it’s exacerbated because police officers defend life and property,” Chitwood said. “We’re held to a higher standard. He was handled the same way any other accused would be handled.” According to Rhoades, because a police officer was involved, the detective division stepped in to investigate. “What was most troubling was that he threatened to come back and shoot the family,” Rhoades said. “There were no firearms found at the home in Upper Darby. The weapons were at his sister’s house (next door to the mother’s) in Philadelphia. Internal affairs retrieved the guns.” Magisterial District Judge Ann Berardocco arraigned Minor on charges of simple assault, terroristic threats and harassment and he was detained in lieu of posting 10 percent of $50,000 bail. Berardocco specified that Minor have no contact with the victim and not be within a one-block radius of her home pending a preliminary hearing Feb. 5 before Magisterial District Judge Christopher Mattox. Minor will be assigned to desk duty when he is released from county prison, according to police officials. [Full article here]

CITY COP FACES DOMESTIC-ABUSE CHARGES
Philadelphia Daily News
By William Bender & David Gambacorta
benderw@phillynews.com 215-854-5255
Thu, Jan. 28, 2010
[Excerpts] A Philadelphia cop was arrested yesterday for allegedly beating his girlfriend and threatening to kill her family during an early-morning domestic dispute in Upper Darby. Officer Michael Minor, 36, a two-year member of the force assigned to the 12th District, in Southwest Philadelphia, was charged with simple assault, harassment and making terroristic threats... Gerald Stanshine, a lawyer with the Fraternal Order of Police, said he hadn't yet spoken to Minor, but had questions about what happened inside the girlfriend's house. "I understand that the complainant's story changed from what she told the police to what she told hospital personnel, and I believe she invited him back into her house this afternoon," Stanshine said before Minor's arraignment last night. "So I have my doubts about what actually occurred." Minor, an ex-Marine and former corrections officer, is expected to be placed on desk duty pending a review of his case... Court records show that Minor was arrested in 2003 for simple assault, possessing instruments of crime and related offenses, but he was cleared of the charges. [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety lethal pennsylvania state repeat hx]

[SC] Fearful, Officer Petrone's wife and kids heard the shot

...Police said that on Sunday [Horry County Police Officer Nick] Petrone grabbed a loaded [.380 caliber Smith and Wesson] semi-automatic handgun and fired a shot while friends were at his home, making his wife afraid for her life... she and all of her children report hearing a gunshot, and she called 911 for help... 

The police came when she called, they took Officer Petrone into protective custody which was the best thing to do, they investigated on scene by asking questions and believed what they were told by family members. I am thankful for their response. I believe Officer Petrone's wife that this was out of character, and yet think how it only takes once. I can only hang my head when thinking of the families that are no more.

I believe police officers should never get drunk. Their weapon is too central to their everyday lives, like a third arm.

I can't say out loud everything I'm thinking, but I'm adding this family to my prayers.

HORRY COUNTY POLICE OFFICER ARRESTED AT SC HOME
Lake Wylie Pilot, The Associated Press
Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010
[Excerpts] LORIS, S.C. - Authorities say a South Carolina police officer was charged with criminal domestic violence after firing a gun and threatening his wife in their coastal home. Investigators say 40-year-old Horry County police officer Nick Petrone was arrested Sunday after he became angry with his wife because she wouldn't hang out with his friends, breaking bar stools in his garage and damaging the door... Petrone has been suspended from the force without pay... [Full article here]

HORRY COUNTY OFFICER ARRESTED
carolinalive.com
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
[Excerpts] The Horry County Police Department has arrested Patrol Officer Nick Petrone for Criminal Domestic Violence... His wife told police she became worried and went upstairs to hide Petrone's service weapon. She said Petrone followed her upstairs and removed a different gun from his night stand... She told police she had heard Petrone say he "couldn't live like this." She called 9-1-1 and police arrived. Officers say they found Petrone sitting behind the bushes in his yard. They located the gun in his pocket. Officers say Petrone denied making threats to harm himself or his wife. He told them he never fired the weapon. A warrant was issued for his arrest, and he is being booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Conway... [Full article here] 

HORRY POLICE OFFICER JAILED
Domestic violence charges follow argument
The Sun News
By Aliana Ramo
Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010
[Excerpts] An Horry County police officer was arrested on criminal domestic violence charges after being accused of firing a shot during an argument with his wife. Patrol Officer Nick Petrone was booked into J. Reuben Long Detention Center Wednesday, and a bond hearing for him is pending... Police said that on Sunday Petrone grabbed a loaded semi-automatic handgun and fired a shot while friends were at his home, making his wife afraid for her life... An incident report said that Petrone was put in emergency protective custody immediately after the incident and was taken Sunday to Conway Medical Center to be evaluated. Police said Petrone and his wife argued after she went inside to cook dinner, while he was drinking and hanging out in the garage with friends. She told officers that Petrone became upset because she wasn't hanging out, and tried to talk her into coming back outside... After she told him to, "Just stop," Petrone allegedly went to the garage and began breaking bar stools and messing up the light over the pool table... The woman told officers that Sunday's behavior was out of character for her husband... Petrone said he only damaged his property, but did not break any laws... When interviewed, the children said they heard a gunshot... [Full article here] 

HORRY COUNTY POLICE OFFICER ARRESTED FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Continuous News, scnow.com
January 27, 2010
[Excerpts] The Horry County Police Department arrested one of its own Wednesday. Horry County Patrol Officer Nick Petrone is being held at J. Reuben Long Detention Center for a criminal domestic violence charge... Petrone eventually started breaking bar stools, a light, and a table in the garage, according to the victim. Police report when they arrived on scene, the garage was in "disarray." The victim said she got scared and took her children upstairs to hide Petrone’s patrol-issued handgun, but he followed her upstairs before she had a chance to do so. Petrone then took the .380 caliber Smith and Wesson semi-automatic pistol and went downstairs. The victim said it sounded like she heard Petrone leave the house, so she and children started to go downstairs. That’s when she and all of her children report hearing a gunshot, and she called 911 for help... Police took Petrone into protective custody and transported him to the emergency room at Conway Medical Center where he was evaluated... [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety lethal weapon fear]

[CA] Unnamed Los Angeles County female deputy stabbed while off-duty

I dont' know what this is. Just keeping an eye on it.

OFF-DUTY L.A. COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPUTY STABBED IN HIGHLAND PARK FIGHT THAT ERUPTS INTO MELEE
latimesblogs.latimes.com
Richard Winton
January 27, 2010, 9:50 am
An off-duty Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy got into a fistfight in Highland Park that turned into a melee, leaving her with stab wounds and another combatant with gunshot wounds, authorities said today. The deputy, who was on medical leave from the sheriff's department, was in stable condition at a hospital following the fight that broke out about 1:20 a.m. Tuesday, a sheriff's department spokesman said. The fight between the woman, identified by the sheriff's department as an off-duty deputy, and another woman broke out outside the Cave bar at 60th and Figueroa streets. "Two people got in a fistfight, but it turned into a huge melee, where one person got shot and one person got stabbed," said LAPD Officer Bruce Borihanh. The other woman also was in stable condition, he said. Investigators did not know who fired the gunshots or wielded the knife, he said. At least two people were arrested in connection with the melee, Borihanh said. He said police learned of the altercation when one of the injured sought assistance at a nearby L.A. city fire station. Sources familiar with the investigation said the stabbing and shooting were related to a party in the area. Authorities did not release the deputy's name. [LINK]

LOS ANGELES TIMES
January 27, 2010, 7:16 p.m.
[Excerpts] ...In a separate incident, a Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy on medical leave got into a fight near a Highland Park bar and was stabbed... In the second off-duty incident, which occurred about 1:20 a.m. Wednesday at Figueroa Street and Avenue 59, an unidentified female sheriff's deputy and another woman got into a fight in a parking lot near the Little Cave bar. The fight grew to involve other people and the deputy was allegedly stabbed by a male companion of the woman she had been fighting. A male friend of the deputy then allegedly shot the man, LAPD Capt. Bill Murphy said. Both men were arrested, Murphy said. The deputy, who was not arrested, is in stable condition.
Source: 2 LAPD Metro Division Officers Arrested In Off-Duty Assault], Los Angeles Times, By Richard Winton and Hector Becerra, January 27, 2010
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety lethal female california state]

[CA] LAPD Officers Valdez and Fitzgerald pistol whip bystander who noticed Valdez's domestic, public argument

Los Angeles Police "Elite" Officers/Assault Suspects Patrick Fitzgerald and Brandon Valdez belong to one of LAPD's special Metropolitan Division field platoons assigned to handle blatantly violent crime areas. 

...The incident began when [Los Angeles Police Officer Brandon] Valdez got into an argument with his girlfriend... Witnesses told police that the officer took issue with a bystander who was watching the altercation while talking on his cellphone, and struck the bystander in the face... Valdez "pulled out a handgun and began hitting the victim in the head"... both off-duty officers chased him and tackled him, and continued to attack... LAPD Officer Brandon Valdez, 29, and LAPD Officer Patrick Fitzgerald, 38, were arrested... the victim was hospitalized with head trauma...

2 OFF-DUTY LAPD OFFICERS ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY PISTOL-WHIPPING MAN IN WHITTIER [UPDATED]
Los Angeles Times
January 27, 2010, 8:37 am
[Excerpt] Two off-duty Los Angeles Police Department officers have been arrested for allegedly pistol-whipping a man during a fight in Whittier, authorities said this morning. One of the officers apparently got into an argument with his girlfriend about 8 p.m. Tuesday outside a Panera Bread restaurant in the 15600 block of Whittwood Lane, the Whittier Police Department said in a statement. Witnesses told police the officer took issue with a bystander, who was watching the altercation while talking on his cellphone, and struck the man in the face. A fight ensued, during which one of the officers allegedly pulled out a handgun and began hitting the victim in the head, the statement said. The victim was able to break free, but both off-duty officers chased after him and tackled him to the ground, where the assault continued... [Full article here]

2 LAPD METRO DIVISION OFFICERS ARRESTED IN OFF-DUTY ASSAULT
Argument with girlfriend escalated to attack on bystander, who was beaten by officers, officials say. Two men are charged in a brawl that began with a fight between female deputy and another woman.
Los Angeles Times
By Richard Winton and Hector Becerra
January 27, 2010, 7:16 p.m.
[Excerpts] Two off-duty Los Angeles Police Department officers were arrested for allegedly attacking and pistol-whipping a man in Whittier on Tuesday night. In a separate incident, a Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy on medical leave got into a fight near a Highland Park bar and was stabbed... LAPD Officer Brandon Valdez, 29, and LAPD Officer Patrick Fitzgerald, 38, were arrested Tuesday night by Whittier police on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon after the victim was hospitalized with head trauma. The elite LAPD Metro Division officers, who have been with the department since 2002, were immediately placed on administrative leave. "The victim suffered serious injuries to his head as a result of assault," Whittier Officer Mike Dekowski said... The incident began when Valdez got into an argument with his girlfriend about 8 p.m. Tuesday outside a Panera Bread restaurant... The victim eventually escaped by running into a nearby Target store, just as Whittier police took the LAPD officers into custody... Valdez was featured prominently in a November 2007 Times front page story on the work of gang beat officers in South Los Angeles. Valdez displayed a mild manner and polite personality... In the second off-duty incident, which occurred about 1:20 a.m. Wednesday at Figueroa Street and Avenue 59, an unidentified female sheriff's deputy and another woman got into a fight in a parking lot near the Little Cave bar. The fight grew to involve other people and the deputy was allegedly stabbed by a male companion of the woman she had been fighting. A male friend of the deputy then allegedly shot the man, LAPD Capt. Bill Murphy said. Both men were arrested, Murphy said. The deputy, who was not arrested, is in stable condition. [Full article here]

2 OFF-DUTY LAPD OFFICERS HELD IN PISTOL-WHIPPING
The Associated Press
Published: Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010 - 12:36 pm
[Excerpts] ...Whittier police say 29-year-old Brandon Valdez and 38-year-old Patrick Fitzgerald were booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon Tuesday night after the off-duty incident. They were released Wednesday on $30,000 bail each. The LAPD says they are on administrative leave pending an investigation. Whittier Lt. Carlos Solorza says the officers had been drinking and were outside a cafe when one began arguing with his girlfriend... Solorza says the unnamed officer thought a 31-year-old bystander was paying too much attention to the squabble and pistol-whipped him. The man was treated for head injuries. [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety lethal alcohol california state birds of a feather psychological evaluation drug and alcohol testing]

[NC] Ex-Lt. Michelle Pollard (who told 2 different stories about her husband's death) found guilty of obstruction

The relationship that Former Pitt County Sheriffs Department lieutenant Michelle Pollard has with this blog is not her current obstruction case - in which she was found guilty today. It is her having two completely different stories to explain the death of her husband Stacey Pollard. The website for her husband - a voice for him, is here: justice4stacey.com.

Michelle Pollard was found guilty this afternoon on a felony charge of obstructing justice and a misdemeanor count of willful failure to discharge duties... The former Pitt County Sheriff's lieutenant cried after the judge denied her appeal for bond in Pitt County Superior Court. "I didn't intend to impede any investigation," Pollard said before she was sentenced by Judge William R. Pittman of Raleigh. "I had no idea there was an investigation and I never read the actual report"... 

Gina Wooten referring to Pollard:
“She told me the truth gets you nowhere...”

Previous posts:

• [NC] Will there ever be charges in the death of then-deputy's husband, Stacey Pollard? - ...Michelle Pollard’s husband [Stacey Pollard] drowned in their pool in 2005 and last year his mother, Barbara Pollard, filed a wrongful death lawsuit with the state courts against Michelle Pollard...
• [NC] Deceased Stacey Pollard's wife - "resigned" Pitt County Sheriff's Lieutenat Michelle Pollard - gets her obstruction case delayed - ...A former Pitt Co Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant [Michelle Pollard] was in court Wednesday on charges of obstruction of justice and willful fail to discharge duties of her office...

POLLARD FOUND GUILTY
WNCT
By Arthur Mondale
January 27, 2010 [Excerpts] Late today a jury convicted a former Pitt County Sheriffs Department lieutenant of obstruction of justice by interfering in a drug investigation. It didn’t take the jury long to convict Michelle Pollard in a case that also a former Pitt County Detention Center officer. Less than 20 minutes after the judge took the bench—with no jurors present—Pollard’s attorney Maynard Harrell rested the defense, refusing to present any evidence to jurors. In closing arguments, Harrell argued against the credibility of Gina Wooten’s testimony and the evidence presented which included cell phone logs between Michelle Pollard and Gina Wooten... But in the end, former sheriff’s deputy Michelle Pollard would be shackled in handcuffs found guilty of felonious obstruction of justice and guilty of willfully failing to execute duties. The judge sentenced Pollard to 6 to 8 months behind bars. Pollard’s attorney Maynard Harrell says they will appeal but more than likely she will have served her time before it’s heard. http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/local/article/michelle_pollard_due_in_court/100268/

UPDATE: PROSECUTION RESTS IN POLLARD CASE
The Daily Reflector
By Ginger Livingston
Monday, January 25, 2010
[Excerpts] A jury heard from seven witnesses today who corroborated testimony that a former deputy tipped off a suspected drug dealer about an impending bust. After one day of state’s evidence, Pitt County District Attorney Clark Everett rested his case. Suspected dealer Gina Wooten told the jury that then Lt. Michelle Pollard of the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office alerted her to an ongoing drug investigation involving Wooten. Wooten took the stand in the first day of testimony against Pollard, 39, a former gang investigator indicted in July on one count each of obstructing justice and willful failure to discharge duties. Testimony from Wooten’s ex-boyfriend, a Pitt County deputy and the the father of her child, from narcotics officers and other witnesses supported Wooten’s account of events... While instructing the jurors to avoid newspaper and television coverage about the trial, Superior Court Judge William R. Pittman said they shouldn’t do Internet searches for information about Pollard. Harrell also asked jurors if they knew or had heard of Greenville attorney David Sutton, who is representing Stacey Pollard’s family in a civil lawsuit against the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office and Michelle Pollard. The suit claims the sheriff’s office mishandled the investigation. It was tossed out of federal court but was re-filed in state court and is pending. In the spring, the N.C. Sheriffs’ Education and Training Standards Commission found probable cause to revoke Pollard’s law enforcement certification after investigating charges that she exposed her breasts on at least two occasions and smoked marijuana on three occasions, once with a suspected drug dealer. Pollard denied the charges and filed an appeal. That hearing is scheduled for March 15. Sheriff Mac Manning was in the courtroom Monday... Pitt County Attorney Janis Gallagher and assistant attorney Lisa Overton also were in court. Gallagher said whenever county employees are subpoenaed to appear in court, and several Pitt County deputies are expected to testify this week, she or Overton attends the session to ensure personnel confidentiality isn’t violated... [Full article here]

FORMER DEPUTY FOUND GUILTY, TAKEN TO JAIL
The Daily Reflector
By Michael Abramowitz
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
[Excerpts] Michelle Pollard was found guilty this afternoon on a felony charge of obstructing justice and a misdemeanor count of willful failure to discharge duties. A jury returned the verdict at 3:45. She was sentenced to 6-8 months in jail and led out of court in handcuffs. The sentence was the maximum for those charges and a first-time offender. The former Pitt County Sheriff's lieutenant cried after the judge denied her appeal for bond in Pitt County Superior Court. "I didn't intend to impede any investigation," Pollard said before she was sentenced by Judge William R. Pittman of Raleigh. "I had no idea there was an investigation and I never read the actual report"... Suspected dealer Gina Wooten told the jury that Pollard alerted her to an ongoing drug investigation and warned her not to cooperate with any investigations. At the time, Pollard was a lieutenant with the sheriff’s office. “She told me the truth gets you nowhere, just to lawyer up and don’t talk with investigators,” Wooten told the jury... Pollard accessed restricted records about the investigation and told [Deputy Shannon] Stewart [who has a child with Wooten] that he had to warn Wooten, according to Stewart’s testimony... Pollard called Wooten the next day to warn her, according to testimony... [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence law enforcement fatality fatalities murder accused north carolina unsolved unresolved repeat hx]

[NY] STILL-A-COP??? Schenectady police officer John Lewis arrested SIXTH time -

EXCERPTS FROM BELOW:

...[Schenectady police officer John] Lewis says he went to Ellis Hospital to seek medical treatment, which would be a permissible condition of his suspended license. But prosecutors aren't buying it... Lewis was drunk, with an open can of beer in the vehicle and he refused two blood tests...

...In the past two years, Lewis has been arrested a half-dozen times on assorted domestic and drunken-driving charges...

...Lewis was charged with third degree stalking and second degree aggravated harassment for allegedly threatening his wife... both in person and over the phone, allegedly telling her he would kill her and whoever she was with...

...Lewis already is scheduled to go on trial next month on charges stemming from an earlier drunken-driving arrest. He also pleaded not guilty to a 10-count indictment last month charging him with eavesdropping, stalking, aggravated harassment, computer trespass, computer tampering and tampering with a witness - accused of using a former girlfriend's computer to hack into his ex-wife's e-mail accounts.

...[December 2009] Lewis suffered a knife wound to the chest while he was in Williamstown, Mass., after his current girlfriend allegedly stabbed him during a domestic dispute - 

No charges were filed...

...Lewis also is facing charges stemming from a fight with his brother, also a police officer, before damaging their mother's home...

...His attorney also disputed the prosecutor's contention that Lewis has since April 2008 failed to appear in City Court 15 times for domestic-related incidents...

...Given the allegations against Lewis you might be wondering why he still has a job tonight. The city's position is that a certain law gives Public Safety Commissioner Wayne Bennett the power to single-handedly terminate officers. But in July a State Supreme Court Justice ruled that discipline must be handled according to the union's collective bargaining agreement. That provides for an arbitrator. The court also ruled that disciplinary hearings should not be held in public...

Video:


Previous entries:

• [NY] Fired, reinstated Officer Lewis arrested for assault on his wife
• [NY] Fired, reinstated, arrested Officer Lewis arrested a 2nd time in 2 months
• [NY] Fired, reinstated, then twice arrested Officer Lewis CLEARED of dv charges
• [NY] Fired, reinstated Officer Lewis arrested 3rd time - after alleged death threats
• [NY] Officer Lewis arrested 4th time - (How much will it take?)
• [NY] Cop-on-cop domestic violence is FIFTH ARREST in 9 months for STILL-A-COP John Lewis
• [NY] Fire Officer Lewis? We'll believe it when we see it. 
• [NY] Fired, reinstated, ARRESTED FIVE TIMES, suspended Officer Lewis is rejecting the plea deal

SCHENECTADY COP JOHN LEWIS CHALKS UP ARREST #6
The North Country Gazette
24 of January , 2010
[Excerpts] The charges continue to pile up against suspended Schenectady police officer John Lewis, now in the Schenectady County Jail without bail. Lewis, 40, indicted last month for allegedly using an ex-girlfriend’s computer to hack into his wife’s computer to read her emails, was arrested Saturday night following an auto accident in the parking lot of Ellis Hospital. Police reports say officers responded to the hospital parking lot about 6 p.m. Saturday for the report of an intoxicated male, Lewis, who had left the emergency room and struck a vehicle in the parking lot. Lewis had left the scene by the time police arrived but was located a short time later... Last month, Lewis suffered a knife would to the chest while he was in Williamstown, Mass., after his current girlfriend allegedly stabbed him during a domestic dispute. He was treated and at the North Adams Regional Hospital emergency room and released. No charges were filed... The latest arrest is Lewis’ sixth in the last year. He was indicted last month by a Schenectady County grand jury and charged with 10 counts including eavesdropping, computer trespass, aggravated harassment and stalking... Last January, Lewis was charged with fourth degree criminal mischief for allegedly destroying a kitchen table at an Oregon Ave. home during a domestic dispute involving his mother and brother who is a police officer in the City of Albany. In November, Lewis was charged with third degree stalking and second degree aggravated harassment for allegedly threatening his wife... both in person and over the phone, allegedly telling her he would kill her and whoever she was with. Lewis pleaded not guilty in that case... Lewis was charged with driving while intoxicated last December following an automobile accident... Lewis, a 15-year veteran of the Schenectady Police Department, had been arrested in May 2008 after his ex-wife accused him of grabbing and pushing her during an argument about custody of their three-year-old son. A charge of harassment against him was dismissed by City Court Judge Guido Loyola and he was acquitted of the assault charge in June 2008 following a jury trial... In 1998, Lewis had been fired from the police agency for using a racial slur in the presence of three people including a black YWCA counselor who was working at the police department. An arbitrator ruled he had been fired in the absence of sufficient cause and he was reinstated... [Full article here]

SUSPENDED COP HELD AFTER DWI
Schenectady's John Lewis held after police say he fled after his car hit vehicle in parking lot
Albany Times Union
By Kenneth C. Crowe II
January 25, 2010
[Excerpts] A suspended city police officer is behind held without bail in Schenectady County Jail after he allegedly drove his car into a vehicle at a parking lot at Ellis Hospital on Saturday night. John Lewis was arrested Saturday night and charged with first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Lewis was arraigned before Schenectady City Court Judge Christine Clark and sent to jail without bail... Lewis already is scheduled to go on trial next month on charges stemming from an earlier drunken-driving arrest. He also pleaded not guilty to a 10-count indictment last month charging him with eavesdropping, stalking, aggravated harassment, computer trespass, computer tampering and tampering with a witness. In that case, Lewis is accused of using a former girlfriend's computer to hack into his ex-wife's e-mail accounts. Earlier this month, prosecutors dropped a contempt charge against Lewis stemming from his alleged violation of an order barring him from contact with his ex-wife. Lewis also is facing charges stemming from a fight with his brother, also a police officer, before damaging their mother's home. Last month, he suffered a stab wound in Massachusetts, allegedly at the hands of his girlfriend. Lewis also faces internal disciplinary charges... Lewis has not worked in uniform since March 2008. That year, a judge acquitted Lewis of harassment. Prosecutors had argued he fought with his ex-wife over custody of their son. Lewis has filed a notice of claim, contending the city conspired with Alison Lewis to get him fired. [Full article here]

SUSPENDED SCHENECTADY POLICE OFFICER ARRESTED AGAIN
CBS6Albany.com
Evan Frost
January 25, 2010
[Excerpts] ...Officer Lewis is currently on unpaid suspension, and is facing termination from the Police Department. The termination hearing for Officer Lewis has been completed and the department is awaiting the decision of the arbitrator. [Full article here]

SCHENECTADY POLICE OFFICER WILL STAY BEHIND BARS
fox23news.com
January 25, 2010
[Excerpts] A suspended Schenectady police officer will be spending more time behind bars. A judge has revoked Officer John Lewis' bail following his DUI arrest over the weekend. Officer Lewis had his right hand in a splint and appeared to be limping as he made two court appearances this morning. In city court, bail was set at $25,000 cash and $50,000 bond for three charges relating to incidents police say happened Saturday evening. They include aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle in the first degree, driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of a property damage accident at Ellis Hospital. Officer Lewis says he went to Ellis Hospital to seek medical treatment, which would be a permissible condition of his suspended license. But prosecutors aren't buying it. They say Lewis was drunk, with an open can of beer in the vehicle and that he refused two blood tests while there... Judge [Karen] Drago revoked bail, saying it has nothing to do with the merits of this latest case, but rather because she had warned Lewis just a few weeks ago that if he didn't stay out of trouble, he'd stay in jail... Lewis has pleaded not guilty to the recent indictment, which includes allegations of stalking and harassment... [Full article here]

SUSPENDED OFFICER IN JAIL WITHOUT BAIL
Albany Times Union
By Paul Nelson
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
[Excerpts] John Lewis' latest brush with the law over the weekend has landed the suspended cop behind bars after a judge rescinded bail resulting from an earlier criminal matter stemming from a domestic altercation. Schenectady County Court Judge Karen Drago on Monday reminded Lewis, 40, about her warnings last month during a bail hearing that he stay out of trouble and not leave New York in the aftermath of a clash in the Berskshires involving his new girlfriend. "I was hurt and needed to get to the hospital," Lewis explained to Drago regarding allegations that he fled the scene Saturday night after a drunken-driving, hit-and-run accident in the parking lot of Ellis Hospital... Assistant District Attorney Michael Tiffany revealed that authorities discovered an open can of beer in Lewis' 1988 BMW on Saturday. The officer had twice refused a chemical test, and prosecutors had video evidence. "The defendant showed a repeated refusal to follow the court's instructions," Tiffany said in asking the $20,000 bond Lewis posted Dec. 23 be revoked. Earlier Monday in City Court, Judge Guido Loyola set bail during Lewis' arraignment on the latest incidents at $25,000 cash. He is scheduled Thursday for a preliminary hearing on that matter. Schenectady County Sheriff Dominic Dagostino said Monday afternoon that jail officials would need to complete the prisoner intake process before determining if Lewis would be housed with the general population. In the past two years, Lewis has been arrested a half-dozen times on assorted domestic and drunken-driving charges... Lewis also is facing charges stemming from a fight with his brother, also a police officer, before damaging their mother's home. Last month, he suffered a stab wound in Massachusetts, allegedly at the hands of his girlfriend... Lewis has filed a notice of claim contending the city conspired with Alison Lewis to get him fired. Lewis' battles with the department date back to 1998, when an arbitrator reversed his firing over his use of a racial slur at the police station... [Full article here]

Video:


INFORMATION FROM CBS6ALBANY.COM, VIDEO 2:

- First Lewis was accused then acquitted of grabbing and pushing his now ex wife.

- The judge issued a protection order which Lewis allegedly violated. That charge was dropped.

- Arrested again for allegedly threatening to KILL his ex-wife.

- Then charged with driving drunk and hitting a parked car.

- Charged with destroying a kitchen table while fighting with his brother.

- In December Lewis made headlines back to back, pleading not guilty to a 10-count indictment and then the next day being stabbed in the chest during a domestic with his new girlfriend.

- He's facing 3 new charges from the latest incident: driving without a license, driving drunk, and leaving the scene of an accident.

- Now he is being held without bail, but whether he keeps or loses his job is ultimately up to the arbitration process.

- In 1998 when the city tried to fire Lewis, through arbitration he was ordered reinstated.

- Now Lewis awaits arbitration again, at least one criminal trial, and the outcome of his own lawsuit alleging his ex wife and the police department conspired against him to get him fired.

Desk anchor:

Schenectady Police Spokesperson Eric Clifford issued a news release indicating that there would be no comment on when or where Lewis was arrested last night. We also tried to reach attorneys for Officer John Lewis and the police union (unsuccessfully). Given the allegations against Lewis you might be wondering why he still has a job tonight. The city's position is that a certain law gives Public Safety Commissioner Wayne Bennett the power to single-handedly terminate officers. But in July a State Supreme Court Justice ruled that discipline must be handled according to the union's collective bargaining agreement. That provides for an arbitrator. The court also ruled that disciplinary hearings should not be held in public.

SINCE THE LAST BLOG POST:


SCHENECTADY’S COMMISH STARTING NEW HEARINGS FOR COP DISCIPLINE
Albany Times Union
Mike Goodwin
February 26, 2009
[Excerpts] Shortly after taking over as Schenectady’s top cop, Public Safety Commissioner Wayne Bennett announced he was going to take advantage of a court ruling that allows him to preside over all police discipline cases. In the past, the city and police union used an outside arbitrator. But Bennett, with the backing of Mayor Brian Stratton, said the law gave him the power to serve as judge in internal disciplinary matters... [Full article here]

SCHENECTADY COP SUSPENDED WITHOUT PAY IN WAKE OF CRIMINAL INDICTMENT
CBS 6 Staff
Michelle Kim
December 15, 2009
[Excerpts] A suspended Schenectady police officer has been indicted on felony charges of eavesdropping, computer trespass, computer tampering, harassment and stalking in connection with a series of incidents between November 2008 and November 2009. As a result of the indictment, Officer John Lewis has been suspended from the department for a period of 30 days without pay, said Sgt. Eric Clifford. Lewis was arrested on five charges last year, including: physically harassing his ex-wife (he was acquitted), violating an order of protection, threatening to kill his ex-wife and anybody she dated, driving drunk and hitting a parked car, and criminal mischief stemming from an allegedly drunken bar fight with his brother... [Full article here]

SCHENECTADY COP SUSPENDED AGAIN FOR ALLEGED E-MAIL HACKING
Albany Times Union
By Paul Nelson
December 15, 2009
[Excerpts] In the middle of his disciplinary hearings, embattled city cop John Lewis has been indicted by a grand jury for allegedly hacking into his former wife's personal e-mail account and threatening her. The 10-count indictment charges him with eavesdropping, stalking, aggravated harassment, computer trespass, computer tampering and tampering with a witness. The alleged computer hacking took place on Halsey Drive on Nov. 3 and 4, 2008 and four days later on Plymouth Avenue... The grand jury report alleges Lewis intended to "harass, annoy or alarm" his former wife Alison Lewis, causing her to "fear physical injury." He allegedly used his girlfriend's computer for the hacking, according to people familiar with the investigation. As a result of the indictment, Lewis, whom police brass have publicly said they want to fire, will again be suspended 30 days without pay... Lewis was already facing charges for allegedly harassing his ex-wife, driving drunk and getting into a physical fight with his police officer brother before he damaged their mother's home. His attorney, Michael Horan has said John Lewis was receiving treatment for substance abuse. Last year, a judge acquitted Lewis of harassment. Prosecutors had argued he fought with his then-wife over custody of their 3-year-old son. Lewis, who is 40 and has been on the force since 1994, has filed a notice of claim, contending the city conspired with [his ex-wife] to get him fired and that senior police officers have created a hostile work environment and tried to publicly embarrass him... [Full article here]

NO CRIMINAL CHARGES TO BE FILED IN SCHENECTADY POLICE OFFICER STABBING
CBS6Albany.com
Michelle Kim
December 17, 2009
[Excerpts] Police officer John Lewis was treated for a stab wound in Williamstown, Mass., the same day he was indicted on criminal charges and suspended from his job. The Williamstown Police Department said it responded to the North Adams Regional Hospital Emergency Department after getting a call about a man being treated for what appeared to be a knife wound to the chest area. Lewis told Williamstown police officers the wound was the result of an accident. He was treated and released from the hospital. Lewis was suspended without pay from the Schenectady Police Department for a period of 30 days... The suspension resulted from a criminal indictment unsealed against Lewis for a series of stalking and harassment incidents between November 2008 and November 2009. Williamstown Police said no charges will be filed in the stabbing. [Full article here]

SUSPENDED SCHENECTADY COP STABBED IN BERKSHIRES
Injuries are latest problem for officer already facing criminal and internal affairs charges
Albany Times Union
By Paul Nelson
December 17, 2009
[Excerpts] Suspended Schenectady police officer John Lewis suffered a stab wound following an unspecified accident in Massachusetts, according to police in the Berkshires. Williamstown police said that at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday they were summoned to the North Adams Regional Hospital's emergency room for a report of man being treated for a knife wound to the chest area... several sources familiar with the situation confirm that Lewis was stabbed by his current girlfriend... [Full article here]

COP'S BAIL SET AT $20G; RESIDENCY AT ISSUE
Troubled officer arraigned on charges of stalking an ex-girlfriend; put on leave
Albany Times Union
By Paul Nelson
December 23, 2009
[Excerpts] A spirited debate erupted between attorneys over where suspended Schenectady cop John Lewis lives during his arraignment on charges he allegedly harassed his former wife using his then-girlfriend's computer. His attorney, Michael Horan, told Schenectady County Judge Karen Drago Tuesday that Lewis, 40, lives with his mother at her Oregon Avenue home in the city. That is where he sees his young son several times a week under a visitation agreement with his ex-wife. Horan asked that bail be set between $2,000 and $2,500 for Lewis who is currently out on $500 bail from City Court. But the prosecutor, Christina Tremante-Pelham, countered that she had three domestic incident reports involving Lewis, and for two of them, he gave police his address at the home of his current girlfriend in Williamstown, Mass. The prosecutor requested bail be set at $20,000 cash and the same amount for bond. Lewis does not face charges in any of three alleged incidents this month and last month in Massachusetts... Horan argued that his client is still employed with the Schenectady Police... His attorney also disputed the prosecutor's contention that Lewis has since April 2008 failed to appear in City Court 15 times for domestic-related incidents. Tremante-Pelham pointed out that while some of those no-shows were because he was in treatment for substance abuse, he still continued to get re-arrested. In the end, Drago said she had "serious concerns" about Lewis' residency status and set bail at $20,000 cash... A bail bondsman posted the amount and Lewis walked out of court... [Full article here]

DA DROPS CHARGE AGAINST COP
With a contempt count behind him, John Lewis still faces DWI charges
Albany Times Union
By Paul Nelson
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
[Excerpts] The district attorney's office dropped a second-degree criminal contempt charge against suspended city cop John Lewis on Monday moments after a nonjury trial began. With that accusation now behind him, Lewis and his attorney must now decide if he will take his chances before the judge or a jury at trial next month on drunken-driving allegations. Outside court, Assistant District Attorney Christina Tremante-Pelham said Monday's decision to forego the trial before Judge Guido Loyola on charges of flouting a restraining order was in the "best interest" and "wishes" of the alleged victim who is Lewis' former wife... More recently, Lewis suffered a non-life-threatening stab wound in the Berkshires during a domestic dispute with a new girlfriend. The incident was days after he was indicted on 10 counts charging him with eavesdropping, stalking, aggravated harassment, computer trespass, computer tampering and tampering with a witness. The eavesdropping count stems from allegations that Lewis used an ex-girlfriend's computer on multiple days in November at two different locations to "harass, annoy or alarm" his former wife, causing her to "fear physical injury." Police disciplinary hearings that could result in Lewis being fired from the police force recently wrapped up and is now being considered before a hearing officer... [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety new york state alcohol driving under influence while intoxicated steve flamisch, cbs6albany.com repeat hx teflon lethal]

[OH] STILL-A-COP Willard Police Officer Joshua Dorsey accidentally shot himself they say

Willard Police Officer Joshua M. Dorsey was released this morning from Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo after accidentally shooting himself in the leg with his personal weapon Sunday...

Previous posts:

• [OH] Officer Dorsey charged with 2 counts of domestic violence - A Willard police officer has been restricted to administrative duties after being charged in a domestic situation...
• [OH] Officer Dorsey accused of attacking girlfriend and her 5 year old daughter spent 50 minutes in jail - ...The suspect is accused of holding a knife to his girlfriend's throat... reportedly pushed the woman's 5-year-old daughter, causing her to lose her balance and hit her head... knocking the same girl to the ground and screaming in her face... dumping a bucket of Pine Sol on his girlfriend's car, kicking her in the stomach and shoving her out of the house... 
• [OH] Accused of kicking wife in stomach and holding knife to her, Officer Dorsey fined $150 and has to take an anger class? -A Willard police officer accused of pressing a knife to the chin of his girlfriend and kicking her in the stomach was ordered on Tuesday to undergo anger management and fined $150...

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE - Willard cop shoots self
Norwalk Reflector
Monday January 25 2010, 10:46am
Willard Police Officer Joshua M. Dorsey was released this morning from Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo after accidentally shooting himself in the leg with his personal weapon Sunday. The incident happened about 9:55 p.m. in the police locker room as Dorsey was reporting for duty. "Officer Dorsey was removing his firearm and holster from his belt and the gun fired and struck Officer Dorsey in his right thigh, right calf and the top of his right foot. Officer Dorsey was the only person in the locker room at the time of the incident," Chief Joe Daniel said. Dorsey exited the locker room and reported the incident to Sgt. Steve Weiss. "The Willard rescue squad was summoned and first aid was administered to Officer Dorsey," Daniel said. After initially being taken to Mercy Willard Hospital, he later was transported to Mercy St. Vincent. [LINK]

ONLINE COMMENT EXCERPTS:

...And believe it or not this happened when he was on probation to get his job at the police station during these assault charges. IT takes a real man to knock down a 5 year old, and assult his ex girlfriend!!!! And Willard better look real close at him after all this!...

...Dont u have to have your finger on the trigger to fire? lol Oh my goodness - How can Willard call this officer one of there finest? This officer was also arrested for domestic violence...

...This does not sound right to me....something fishy is going on. This guy is only allowed to have ONE bullet and he has to keep it in his shirt pocket..."

[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety ohio state child abuse children karma]

[NJ] Suicide party search finds Sgt. Ryan. Rest in Peace now.

WOODCLIFF LAKE POLICE OFFICER FOUND DEAD IN ROCKLAND COUNTY
northjersey.com
Kimberly Redmond
January 16, 2010
[Excerpts] Rockland County authorities are investigating the death of a Woodcliff Lake Police sergeant that occurred this morning. Sgt. Frank Ryan, a 25-year veteran of the department, was found dead in Rockland County earlier today... According to a Breaking News Network (BNN) alert from this morning, authorities were conducting a suicidal party search when the victim was located in New York... [Full article here]
[police officer involved suicide law enforcement public safety fatality fatalities murder washington jail]

[NE] It's no surprise. Officer Heyenga's wife recants and doesn't show up for court

...Prosecutor Matt Kuhse has said Heyenga’s wife was choked to the point of losing consciousness, that capillaries in her eyes had burst... She wrote that her husband was drunk when, after a disagreement, he pinned her to the floor and choked her severely. “I was afraid of that I was going to die,” she wrote. But on Monday, Heyenga asked to dismiss the protection order... The wife wasn't in court, and court documents showed that she dismissed the protection order... The wife's attorney told KETV NewsWatch 7 that he hasn't heard from her in days. The attorney said he thinks she might be terrified...

Previous Posts:

• [NE] Wife of Officer Heyenga says her eyes rolled back in her head and she lost consciousness - ...Documents claim [Omaha Police Officer Sean] Heyenga wrapped both hands around [NM]'s neck and began strangling her until her eyes rolled back in her head and she lost consciousness... Officers wrote that [NM] had "visible marks," of strangulation, which were “photographed by the crime lab”... In court Friday afternoon, details emerged suggesting this isn't the first time Heyenga had attacked his wife... [NM] claims she has been too scared to come forward because Heyenga is a police officer... [A 12 year old child was there during the attack]  
• [NE] Officer Sean Heyenga will stand trial for felony domestic violence - strangulation and terroristic threatening of his wife - An Omaha police officer accused of choking his wife until she passed out will stand trial on assault charges...

OFFICER’S WIFE RECANTS STORY
Omaha World-Herald
By Juan Perez Jr.
January 14, 2010

The wife of an Omaha police officer has recanted her graphic account of an altercation between her and her husband just 24 days after she filed a complaint that said her husband had choked her to the point she lost consciousness in front of her kids.

She now says she grabbed his neck and squeezed before the two got in “a little arm grabbing struggle,” and that the children witnessed nothing.

Sean Heyenga, 40, was arrested in December at his home near 63rd and Blondo Streets. He later posted bond and appeared in court Thursday to contest two protection orders, one from his wife and a second from family members with temporary custody of his son — listed in that second order as a witness.

The Douglas County Attorney’s Office has filed a domestic assault charge against Heyenga, as well as one for making terroristic threats. If found guilty, he could lose his job.

Prosecutor Matt Kuhse has said Heyenga’s wife was choked to the point of losing consciousness, that capillaries in her eyes had burst. The two were fighting about children, authorities said, and both had been drinking.

The wife’s protection order filing from Dec. 18 detailed her first version of the alleged assault. She wrote that her husband was drunk when, after a disagreement, he pinned her to the floor and choked her severely.

“I was afraid of that I was going to die,” she wrote.

But on Monday, Heyenga asked to dismiss the protection order. She wrote that her husband had only grabbed her by the arm and wrapped one arm around her head while she struggled.

“He never threatened me and I never lost consciousness,” she wrote. “I was drunk and dizzy. The children saw nothing!”

“I am in no danger from Sean, nor have I ever been,” she said.

Heyenga has been with the department since June 2008, assigned to uniform patrol. He has been placed on administrative leave pending both criminal and internal investigations.

Earlier this week, Heyenga waived his preliminary hearing in the criminal case. [LINK]

WOMAN DROPS PROTECTION ORDER AGAINST OFFICER
Report: Woman Says Injuries Were Self-Inflicted
KETV
January 14, 2010

OMAHA, Neb. - The wife of an Omaha police officer accused of strangling her has withdrawn her protection order against him, saying her injuries were self-inflicted.

Sean Heyenga and his attorney were in court prepared to fight two possible protection orders. The second was filed by his former in-laws who have custody of his 12-year-old son. The boy attends a boarding school on the east coast.

The wife wasn't in court, and court documents showed that she dismissed the protection order.

In the dismissal report, the wife said she and Heyenga got into an "arm-grabbing struggle."

"I continued to fight, and in my thrashing around, I hurt my neck and told Sean he was hurting me," she said in the report.

She added that she never lost consciousness and he never threatened her.

"I was drunk and dizzy. The children saw nothing," she said in the report.

She concluded the report by saying that the arguments were never physical and that she had never been in danger of Heyenga.

The wife's attorney told KETV NewsWatch 7 that he hasn't heard from her in days. The attorney said he thinks she might be terrified.

Heyenga must wait to see how long the protection order barring his from his son will stand.

A judge has removed himself from the case, citing a conflict of interest. Another judge will continue the protection order hearing in a few weeks. [LINK]
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