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Monday, November 29, 2010

[MD] Montgomery Co. Officer Phillips AGAIN accused of threatening to kill his wife

...[Montgomery County Police Officer Gregory Wallace] Phillips' "history of violence and controlling conduct created fear in his wife. In addition, Phillips has used a [unloaded] Taser in effort to discipline 4-year-old," the judge wrote in his ruling, which extended an Oct. 25 protective order...

MONTGOMERY COP TWICE ORDERED TO STAY AWAY FROM WIFE, KIDS
Washington Examiner
Hayley Peterson
11/29/10 9:05 PM
[Excerpts] A Montgomery County police officer has been ordered to stay away from his wife and children - for a second time - after his estranged wife says he threatened her with a gun and pointed a Taser at their 4-year-old daughter. Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Craven banished Officer Gregory Wallace Phillips from his house, wife and two kids - including his 4-year-old's day care center - for two months ending Jan. 10. Phillips' "history of violence and controlling conduct created fear in [his wife, Christen Geiler]. In addition, [Phillips] has used a [unloaded] Taser in effort to discipline 4-year-old," the judge wrote in his ruling, which extended an Oct. 25 protective order... A Montgomery County police forensic psychologist interviewed the child regarding the Taser incident... The order prohibits Phillips from carrying his gun, so the Montgomery County Police Department has assigned him to "administrative duty"... This is the second time Phillips has been ordered to stay away from his family. In September 2005, a Montgomery County District Court judge demanded that he leave the couple's home and stay away from Geiler for roughly one year. The court ruled that Geiler needed protection after Phillips "called [Geiler] and told her that he was going to kill her and the parties' unborn baby"... "Phillips has a history of violence," the document continued. Geiler, who works in the New Media and Web Policy department at the National Institutes of Health, says Phillips "has put me in handcuffs in the kitchen in front of my daughters [and] I would cry and ask - beg him to stop. He always laughed"... [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety maryland state terroristic threatening repeat hx teflon lethal child abuse children]

[MA] Firefighter Trammell who shot girlfriend determined to not be dangerous, allowed bail


A Boston firefighter [Larry Trammell] told police he didn’t look to see if his girlfriend had left their bed when he grabbed his unlicensed revolver and fired it from 2 to 3 feet away at someone he thought was a burglar... “Mr. Trammell initially told us he had shot her accidentally as he thought she was a burglar climbing in the window,” the report said. “The bathroom window and bedroom windows on the east side of the home were checked by this officer and found to be locked,” Officer Andrew Kalp wrote in the report. “The victim stated, ‘I can’t believe you shot me and I’m going to die'” ...



BOSTON FIREFIGHTER ON LEAVE FROM JOB AFTER SHOOTING GIRLFRIEND AT BROCKTON HOME
The Enterprise
By Maria Papadopoulos
Enterprise staff writer
Nov 18, 2010 @ 05:08 PM
[Excerpts] A Boston firefighter has been placed on administrative leave with pay after he told police he shot his 66-year-old girlfriend inside their Brockton home after mistaking her for an intruder early Thursday morning, police said. Larry Trammell, 56, of West Elm Street, called police after he shot his girlfriend around 12:40 a.m. Thursday with a revolver that he was not licensed to carry, said Detective Capt. Emanuel Gomes. “When he awoke, he heard some noises and thought the house was being burglarized,” Gomes said. “He had a firearm in the house, and he grabbed the firearm and fired one round”... The victim, who suffered a single gunshot wound, was taken with serious injuries to Good Samaritan Medical Center, then transferred to Boston Medical Center. Her condition was “serious but stable” at 3 p.m. Thursday... The victim was able to make statements to officers after the shooting “that it didn’t appear that this was intentional”... Trammell was charged with assault and battery with dangerous weapon, a firearm; unlawful possession of ammunition; unlawful carrying of a firearm, and unlawful discharge of a firearm. He was arraigned in Brockton District Court on Thursday and was held without bail until Monday... [Full article here]

BOSTON FIREFIGHTER FACES DANGEROUSNESS HEARING MONDAY
The Enterprise
By Amanda Reed
Posted Nov 20, 2010 @ 06:00 AM
[Excerpts] A Boston firefighter told police he didn’t look to see if his girlfriend had left their bed early Thursday morning when he grabbed his unlicensed revolver and fired it from 2 to 3 feet away at someone he thought was a burglar. The “burglar” was his 66-year-old girlfriend, whom he shot in the torso and then called 911 to summon police, according to a police report filed by Brockton police... The victim, who suffered a single gunshot wound, was taken with serious injuries to Good Samaritan Medical Center, then transferred to Boston Medical Center. Her last-known condition was critical but stable on Friday morning... When police arrived at the suspect’s home early Thursday morning, they found his girlfriend of 24 years lying on the bedroom floor just inside the doorway with “blood on her shirt,” according to a police report filed in Brockton District Court. “Mr. Trammell initially told us he had shot her accidentally as he thought she was a burglar climbing in the window,” the report said. “The bathroom window and bedroom windows on the east side of the home were checked by this officer and found to be locked,” Officer Andrew Kalp wrote in the report. “The victim stated, ‘I can’t believe you shot me and I’m going to die,’” Kalp wrote... He told police that a noise he thought was coming from the bathroom woke him. Trammell told police he “did not look to see if his girlfriend was in bed and grabbed his gun that he keeps next to his bed on the floor. “He got out of bed and began to walk to the doorway leading out of his room to the hallway. He stated that he took one step out of the bedroom in the hallway and confronted the person just inside the bathroom. He stated that he yelled and shot the person one time from approximately two to three feet away,” the police report said... The report said Trammell “exposed the victim’s torso” and used a pad that police gave him to apply pressure to her wound... [Full article here]

BAIL SET FOR BOSTON FIREFIGHTER CHARGED IN BROCKTON SHOOTING
The Enterprise
By Amanda Reed
Nov 22, 2010
[Excerpts] A Boston firefighter who shot his girlfriend early Thursday morning in his Brockton home was being held on $5,000 cash bail after a brief court hearing Monday morning. At the hearing, prosecutor Jessica Healy said that evidence gathered in an interview between investigators and the victim led prosecutors to drop 56-year-old Larry Trammell’s dangerousness hearing and set bail Monday morning in Brockton District Court. Police were able to interview the 66-year-old victim at a Boston hospital Friday evening as she recovered from surgery, Healy said. Information from that interview moved prosecutors to seek dismissal of Trammell’s dangerousness hearing Monday morning. If found by the judge to be dangerous, the suspect could have been held without bail until further court proceedings. He had been held in jail pending Monday’s hearing...The police report said she was his girlfriend of 24 years. According to city records, she owns the home in which he was living and where the shooting occurred... [Full article here]
[involved domestic violence lethal deadly public safety personnel workers fire department massachussetts]

Sunday, November 28, 2010

[PA] Little Gavin reportedly killed self with dad's service weapon

Gavin Thompson

...Liberty police were called to the home just before noon after 911 received a hang-up call from the address. Police called county homicide detectives when they realized the boy's father was a fellow officer...

FUND ESTABLISHED FOR FAMILY OF LIBERTY BOY WHO SHOT, KILLED HIMSELF
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Sunday, November 28, 2010
A fund has been established for the family of a Port Vue police officer whose 4-year-old son died from a gunshot Friday after he got a hold of his father's service weapon. Donations to the family of Officer John Thompson can be mailed or dropped off at the Copper & Glass Federal Credit Union, 531 Monongahela Ave., Glassport, PA 15045... [Full article here]

RELATED POSTS:
LIBERTY BOY, 4, KILLS HIMSELF WITH FATHER'S SERVICE WEAPON
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
By Sadie Gurman
November 27, 2010
[Excerpts] Detectives on Friday were trying to learn how the 4-year-old son of a Port Vue police officer got a hold of his father's service weapon and why it fired, killing the boy. Gavin Thompson, the son of Officer John Thompson, apparently got the .45-caliber handgun from the top shelf of a bedroom closet in their home... "John definitely had his weapon secured," Port Vue police Lieutenant Bryan Myers said. "How the child got the weapon, we don't know yet." He said the boy's death appears to be an "unfortunate accident"... Mr. Thompson, a five-year veteran of the Port Vue force, also has worked intermittently as a Liberty officer for more than 10 years, Liberty police Chief Luke Riley said. "He is a fine officer," said Mr. Myers, who described himself as a personal friend... Liberty police were called to the home just before noon after 911 received a hang-up call from the address. Police called county homicide detectives when they realized the boy's father was a fellow officer, Mr. Riley said. Gavin was one of five young siblings... The boy's sister ran outside and sought help from a man who was visiting his own young grandchildren who live across the street. "She said, 'Something happened, and Dad said to get some help,'" said the man, a former Port Authority police officer who asked not to be identified. He rushed into the house and found the boy lying on the floor in his father's arms. The man performed CPR on Gavin before paramedics arrived... "The other police officers were consoling him," said Amy Lockhart, who lives next door... "How could it be so accessible to him?" she said. "He's 4"... [Full article here]

AUTHORITIES PROBE DEATH OF POLICE OFFICER'S SON
Daily News
By Michael DiVittorio
November 27, 2010
[Excerpts] ...Liberty police Chief Luke Riley said Gavin Thompson, 5, son of officer John Thompson who is on the police force in Liberty and Port Vue, was transported to UPMC McKeesport Friday afternoon with a bullet wound to his upper body after the boy apparently shot himself with his father’s service pistol. Gavin was pronounced dead at the hospital later that day. Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office declined to release information about the boy by presstime. “Distraught does not begin to cover it,” Riley said after responding to the call for the shooting incident shortly after noon at Thompson’s home along F Street in Liberty. Allegheny County police Superintendent Charles Moffatt also went to the scene... Riley said Thompson has been put on administrative leave. It was not immediately clear how the boy found his father’s weapon, or whether it was secured at the time... [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv abuse law enforcement public safety fatality fatalities lethal negligence child abuse endangerment protection children toddler baby boy son homicide accident accidental gun lock toddler preschooler gun culture, pennsylvania state]

[FL] Chief Sweatt to Anna Beach while she was still alive: If you pursue this, Officer Bomia will lose his job.


Parker Police Chief Charles Sweatt was told that officer Mark Bomia was being abusive to his girlfriend, Anna Marie Beach, but when she called him about it he told her that if she pursued the matter Bomia would be fired...


Previous post:
[FL] Slain Anna Beach didn't want her ex, Officer Bomia, to lose his job - A Parker police officer charged with murder was on duty and in uniform when his ex-girlfriend was killed... The officer, Mark Allen Bomia, 43, of Southport, shot and strangled 35-year-old Anna Beach... Beach’s family members and neighbors, said Bomia had been stalking her for weeks...

WITNESS: PARKER POLICE AWARE OF ABUSE BEFORE SLAYING

News Herald
S. Brady Calhoun
November 28, 2010 12:01 AM

PARKER — Parker Police Chief Charles Sweatt was told that officer Mark Bomia was being abusive to his girlfriend, Anna Beach, but when she called him about it he told her that if she pursued the matter Bomia would be fired, according to a statement from Beach’s co-worker and friend.

That sworn testimony is included in discovery documents obtained by The News Herald from the State Attorney’s Office. What is not included in the material is much of Bomia’s statement to investigators, which was heavily redacted by prosecutors despite having been provided to the defense via discovery, an exchange of information that usually allows it to be available to the media.

The documents also reveal that Parker Police Lt. Dennis Hutto came to the home Bomia and Beach shared after an altercation between the two earlier this year, according to a statement he gave to sheriff’s investigators. Hutto told Beach that in the future she should call the Sheriff’s Office about her problems with Bomia. He also told Bomia that if he were charged with domestic violence, he would be fired.

If Hutto wrote an incident report about it, though, it was not produced in response to repeated News Herald public records requests to the Parker Police Department, nor is there any indication of such a report in the state’s discovery material.

Bay County sheriff’s investigators say Bomia killed Beach on Sept. 30 while on duty and in uniform. After shooting her in the head and strangling her, authorities said they believe he hid the body in the woods behind her home.

He is charged with an open count of murder and is being held without bond in the Bay County Jail. The State Attorney’s Office has not yet determined if they will seek first-degree murder or a lesser count of murder against Bomia.

COURT RECORDS

Despite repeated requests for incident reports about the January incident between Bomia, Beach and, according to testimony, Hutto, Parker officials have released none of the reports. Also, Parker police did not release reports requested by the News Herald about the homicide. Detective Aaron Wilson was the initial case agent but handed it over to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office once it became possible a Parker officer was responsible for the slaying.

Over the past two months, repeated calls to the Parker Police Department in an attempt to reach Sweatt have not been returned. A call made to the agency Wednesday was not returned. Also, City Attorney Tim Sloan has not responded to an e-mail sent to him Wednesday.

The decision to redact Bomia’s statements, State Attorney Glenn Hess said, is based on an exemption provided in Florida’s public records laws related to confessions. Hess said the decision is made on a case-by-case basis by the prosecutor in charge, which in this case is Larry Basford.

BOMIA’S STATEMENTS

Despite the heavily edited nature of the statements, there are several new pieces of information about Bomia’s state of mind and actions before, during and after the slaying.

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office previously revealed that Bomia confessed to shooting Beach while she was sitting in her living room. Bomia told them that she reached for something and spun around with it in her hands. He added that he reacted quickly and shot her. Documents do not disclose what Bomia thought she was reaching for.

Shortly before he was arrested, Bomia called Steele Boys Bail Bonds, according to owner Jerry Steele. Steele said Wednesday that the man who called him told him that the police were trying to pin a kidnapping, maybe even a murder, on him and wanted to know how the bond process worked and what kind of bond he could expect for those charged.

In an Oct. 5 exchange with investigator Jeremy Mathis, Steele said the person who called him identified himself as Mark “Bo … Bo … Bonita, Bomita, something like that.”

“Okay. How about Bomia?” Mathis replied.

“Bomia, yeah, yeah.”

Steele added that Bomia identified himself as an officer. After he was arrested, Bomia seemed confident he would get a low bond, Mathis wrote in an investigative report. However, Steele told Bomia that someone charged with murder usually does not get a bond, Steele said Wednesday.

During the investigation Bomia stopped an interrogation by telling the officers that he wanted to speak with an attorney. They let him leave and Bomia later told them that he had, indeed, contacted an attorney who told him not to speak with the police.

However, Bomia returned to the Sheriff’s Office and confessed to killing Beach despite the attorney’s objections. But Bomia’s explanation for why he decided to talk to investigators was redacted by the State Attorney’s Office.

Other witnesses close to Bomia indicated that he had been having financial trouble because of his child support payments. Bomia also seemed distraught after he was kicked out of Beach’s home, the documents reveal.

Bomia frequently complained that he feared that Beach was going to get back into a relationship with her husband, according to friends and relatives. Beach and her husband were separated and dated other people but never divorced.

One witness in the documents, Tammy Bevis, a close friend and co-worker of Beach, described an argument she observed between Bomia and Beach. In a statement to investigators made in October, she said that when she and Beach returned home from a night out at a local bar, Bomia tossed a gun at Beach and said, “just (expletive) kill me you stupid (expletive); that’s what you’re doing anyway, slowly.”

She added that Bomia had gone to the bar and watched Beach talk to another man. After they broke up, the stalking continued, according to Beach’s family members, friends and neighbors who said that Bomia often drove past her house in his police car while on duty. They added that he texted her any time her husband visited her home and that, at least once, he crept into her home while she asleep.

While they were separated, Bomia tried to enlist Beach’s mother, Karen Himebaugh, in an attempt to win her back, Himebaugh said. After Himebaugh declined, he sent her a text message stating that he would give her $500 if she could convince Beach to reconcile, according to the documents.

PARKER ALLEGATIONS

On Oct. 4, after Bomia was arrested, Sweatt and members of the Bay County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference. “There was no outward sign from this office prior to this incident that something like this could possibly happen,” Sweatt said at the time.

He added that while officers were aware Beach and Bomia had verbal altercations, they never had been informed Bomia had been physically abusive.

Bevis’ statement contradicts Sweatt’s assertion. In a statement made under oath Oct. 6, Bevis said Bomia had been physically abusive toward Beach for months. She added that Beach called the Parker Police Department at least three times about the abuse.

“They got into an altercation, he hit her, she called Parker Police Department and of course was put through to Chief Sweatt,” Bevis told investigators in October. “She said the chief said once again to her, this is like the third time she’s called, and for the third time she was told, you know, ‘If I follow proper procedure I’m going to have to fire him.’ ”

Reached Wednesday, Bevis said Bomia stalked and abused Beach multiple times during and after their relationship, but he also held a trump card over her head. Bomia had two children from his first wife and was paying child support. If Beach filed a formal complaint against him and he was fired, those children would suffer, Bevis said.

“Anna had a big heart for children,” Bevis said Wednesday. “She wouldn’t dare do that to the kids.”

Although Beach declined to file a formal complaint, Parker officers still knew what was going on, Bevis said. According to statements made by Beach’s children, Bomia punched Beach in the face in January and choked her 16-year-old son. Beach kicked Bomia out of her house at that time. `

Lt. Dennis Hutto responded to the home shortly after the incident. Hutto explained his actions to BCSO investigators in October.

According to his statement, Hutto told Beach that if it was a “physical type thing, uh, he’s an officer with our department and you know we will stand by to make sure that there’s nothing that will happen to you, but we would like the sheriff’s department or another agency to handle it because no matter what we would do, it would be considered wrong …”

Hutto also spoke to Bomia about the incident, he said.

“If there’s allegations made against you as a, for domestic violence, at that point you can no longer carry your firearm. If you can’t carry your firearm, you no longer have arrest powers and you, you won’t be working here,” Hutto said.

He added that Bomia and Beach then separated but that “shortly” after the incident he saw them together at Wal-Mart.

“He knew and every other officer on that force knew what was going on. There was physical evidence there,” Bevis said Wednesday. “They’re not going to do anything to one of their own.”

http://www.panamacity.com/articles/parker-88911-newsherald-killing-police.html

[IL] Chicago cop only suspended for holding gun to 1st wife's head to be tried for killing next wife, Irma Rodiriguez

Beautiful Irma Rodriguez


...Irma Rodriguez had more than a sneaking suspicion her husband might harm her, family members said. "She said if she disappeared, 'You know who did it. You know who to go after. It's Norberto,'" her sister Norma Tirado said...



Former Chicago police officer Norberto "Bert" Rodriguez is charged with first-degree murder and concealment of a homicide in the death of his estranged wife Irma Rodriguez. [Photo small on purpose.]

HISTORY OF VIOLENCE
...[Chicago Police Officer Norberto "Bert" Rodriguez] was suspended from his job as a police officer for 10 days in 1992 after pointing a gun at the head of his wife at the time, Maria... In 1997, Rodriguez was charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting Irma in the hand during an argument... A 911 phone call just before the shot was fired recorded Norberto Rodriguez saying, "You're dead," records show. He was acquitted, but the incident cost him his job on the Chicago police force... Irma Rodriguez supported her husband at the police review board hearing and said the shooting was an accident. In 2001, Irma Rodriguez claimed her husband threatened to "shoot me again "and dragged her out of the house and down the stairs by her legs," according to her petition for an order of protection. The order lasted three weeks...

IRMA RODRIGUEZ WAS LEAVING
After years of alleged abuse, Irma Rodriguez was planning to leave her husband after their son's eighth-grade graduation ceremony... Irma Rodriguez disappeared two nights before the June 2, 2009, ceremony... She and her husband, a former Chicago police officer, were going through a contentious divorce and were due for another court appearance on June 2... Prosecutors also alleged in court that bank records show that Irma Rodriguez had withdrawn the majority of the funds in the family bank account and that Norberto Rodriguez had learned of this withdrawal shortly before her murder...

THANK YOU TO ALL THE LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL WHO WORKED TOWARD FINDING THE TRUTH FOR IRMA, HER FAMILY, AND LEGAL JUSTICE:
...Oak Forest Police Chief Greg Anderson described the police investigation as "relentless"... State's Attorney Anita Alvarez said the 18-month investigation into the woman's slaying was a collaborative effort among her office, Oak Forest police, the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force and the U.S. Secret Service...

EX-CHICAGO POLICEMAN CHARGED IN ESTRANGED WIFE'S SLAYING: Couple were due in court day after her body was found in 2009
Chicago Tribune
By Kristen Schorsch
November 23, 2010
[Excerpts] During their 13-year marriage, a former Chicago police officer allegedly shot his wife, threatened to kill her and dragged her out of their home and down the stairs by her legs... But Irma Rodriguez, a south suburban Oak Forest mother of three, never followed through on the charges against her husband. She'd had enough, though, in 2007, when she filed for a divorce against Norberto Rodriguez, citing mental cruelty and irreconcilable differences. The couple were due in court the day after Irma Rodriguez's body was found... On Tuesday, nearly a year and a half after Irma Rodriguez's death, her husband was charged with her killing. Norberto "Bert" Rodriguez... The news was bittersweet for relatives of Irma... "I never had any doubt that this would happen," said a tearful Norma Tirado, Irma's sister. "We're happy, but we know there's a lot more that we're going to hear that's probably going to tear us apart." Tirado and her husband gained custody of Irma and Norberto's son Gabriel, 15. The Tirados have an order of protection against Norberto Rodriguez... "Gabriel is fearful because he believes that his father brutally murdered his mother"... It's not clear what led police to charge Norberto Rodriguez... [Full article here]


HUSBAND CHARGED IN OAK FOREST WOMAN'S MURDER
Southtown Star
By Michael Drakulich
November 23, 2010
[Excerpts] A first-degree murder charge was filed Tuesday against the husband of an Oak Forest woman... Norberto Rodriguez, 51, also was charged with concealment of a homicide in the murder of his estranged wife Irma Rodriguez... The charges end an 18-month investigation... Norberto Rodriguez, a former Chicago police officer, was arrested Monday by Oak Forest police at the request of the state's attorney's office... She and Norberto were days away from finalizing their divorce. The two had a tumultuous and sometimes violent 15-year marriage. In 1997, Norberto Rodriguez was charged with attempted first-degree murder after an argument in which he was accused of shooting Irma in the hand. He was acquitted of the charges but lost his police job in December 1998. In 2001, Irma filed an order of protection against her husband, saying he physically abused her during an altercation, and also sought protection for her daughter from a previous marriage and her son with Norberto. A judge granted the order, but Irma terminated it three weeks later... He later pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of heroin with intent to sell it and was sentenced to 52 months in federal prison. Irma's family said she kept the family together as best she could while Norberto was in prison and frequently visited him. When he was released in January 2007, family members said Norberto proclaimed himself a changed man. But soon afterward, he became violent again, they said, prompting Irma to file for divorce in September 2007. [Full article here]


MURDER CHARGES BRING RELIEF TO VICTIM'S FAMILY
Southtown Star
By Michael Drakulich
November 24, 2010
[Excerpts] Norma Tirado doesn't know what happened during the past six months that resulted in the Cook County state's attorney filing charges against a man suspected of killing her sister, Irma Rodriguez. Frankly, she doesn't care. Tirado and the rest of her family are just relieved police have someone in custody, she said. Irma's estranged husband... "There is always going to be a pain in your heart," Tirado said. "But we kept praying, and we knew that this was going to happen some day"... A mere six months ago, in June, Tirado met with prosecutors to check the progress on her sister's case. Prosecutors had been reviewing the case after receiving evidence collected by Oak Forest police. But on a scale of 1 to 10, they told Tirado the strength of the case at the time was a 2... Tirado said she was in tears after the meeting... But that changed on Monday, when the state's attorney's office informed Tirado that Norberto Rodriguez had been arrested, she said. Exactly what evidence led to him being charged was not disclosed to Tirado... [Of Irma's children] "They are relieved," Tirado said of Irma's children. "There have been some tears. Not of joy. Of relief. My mother is the happiest she's been in a long time"... Family members vowed to be in court if and when the case goes to trial. [Full article here]


EX-CHICAGO COP CHARGED IN ESTRANGED WIFE'S SLAYING
Chicago Breaking News
By Kristen Schorsch
November 23, 2010 8:19 PM
[Excerpts] ...Irma and Norberto's volatile relationship is detailed in police, court and prison records. In 1997, Norberto Rodriguez was charged with trying to kill his wife after allegedly shooting her in the hand over an argument about flowers he got from another woman for his birthday. A 911 phone call just before the shot was fired recorded Norberto Rodriguez saying, "You're dead," records show. He was acquitted, but the incident cost him his job on the Chicago police force, where he worked for about a decade. Irma Rodriguez supported her husband at the police review board hearing and said the shooting was an accident. In 2001, Irma Rodriguez claimed her husband threatened to "shoot me again "and dragged her out of the house and down the stairs by her legs," according to her petition for an order of protection. The order lasted three weeks. Relatives said Irma Rodriguez visited her husband and brought him home in 2007 from federal prison in Terre Haute, Ind. Norberto Rodriguez spent nearly three years behind bars after being convicted of transporting 4 kilograms of heroin from Los Angeles to Chicago. She filed for divorce the same year. [Full article here]

EX-COP ORDERED HELD ON $5M BAIL IN WIFE'S SLAYING
Chicago Breaking News
By Kristen Schorsch
November 24, 2010
[Excerpts] ...At his bond hearing this morning, prosecutors said the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force used his cell phone records to find his wife's body and car. And the week before she went missing and was found dead, she told her family, "If I show up missing, you know what to do," they said. An autopsy showed she died of multiple gun shot wounds... A bullet recovered from her body matched bullet fragments recovered from the garage of the couple's home and were fired from the same gun... [Full article here]



BAIL SET AT $5M FOR EX-COP ACCUSED OF KILLING WIFE
suntimes.com, SouthtownStar
By Michael Drakulich
November 25, 2010
[Excerpts]
Fifteen-year-old Gabriel Rodriguez stood in the lobby of the Markham courthouse Wednesday and told onlookers he hopes his former Chicago Police officer father is convicted of his mother's murder. "I miss her," Gabriel Rodriguez said of Irma Rodriguez, 45. "I think about her every day"... Days leading up to her disappearance, Irma Rodriguez withdrew $4,000 from the couple's bank account, planning to move out of their home right after Gabriel graduated from eighth grade... Circuit Court Judge Douglas J. Simpson ordered Norberto Rodriguez held in lieu of $5 million bail on first-degree murder and concealment of a homicide charges. "This is an extremely tragic case involving the senseless murder of a victim of domestic violence who was struggling to break away from a relationship with a violent man who had attacked her in the past," State's Attorney Anita Alvarez said. As the days counted down to the finalization of the couple's divorce in 2009, Irma Rodriguez had more than a sneaking suspicion her husband might harm her, family members said. "She said if she disappeared, 'You know who did it. You know who to go after. It's Norberto,'" her sister Norma Tirado said... [Full article here]

NORBERTO RODRIGUEZ, FORMER CHICAGO COP, HELD ON $5M BOND FOR WIFE'S MURDER
Sun-Times Media Wire
24 Nov 2010, 1:09 PM CST
[Excerpts] ...On Wednesday, Rodriguez was ordered held on $5 million bond and a preliminary hearing was set for Dec. 17 in Markham, state's attorney's office spokesman Andy Conklin said... Prosecutors said Irma Rodriguez disappeared from her home on May 32, 2009. Neighbors reported hearing "popping sounds" from the home the evening she disappeared, and told police the couple had argued repeatedly. Several calls to police for domestic violence complaints were made against Norberto Rodriguez, a release from the state's attorney's office said. Telephone records placed Irma Rodriguez at her home and Norberto Rodriguez near the home within the timeframe she was shot and killed in her garage, where bullet fragments and other forensic evidence was recovered... [Full article here]

EX-COP'S BAIL SET AT $5 MILLION IN '09 MURDER CASE: Victim was planning to leave husband after years of alleged abuse
Chicago Tribune
By Kristen Schorsch
November 24, 2010
After years of alleged abuse, Irma Rodriguez was planning to leave her husband after their son's eighth-grade graduation ceremony, a Cook County prosecutor said Wednesday ... But Irma Rodriguez disappeared two nights before the June 2, 2009, ceremony. Her body was found June 1 in the trunk of her car... She and her husband, a former Chicago police officer, were going through a contentious divorce and were due for another court appearance on June 2... At the brief court hearing, Norberto Rodriguez remained silent and glanced at about a dozen of his wife's relatives and friends. Irma and Norberto's son, Gabriel, 15, was in the front row. "I always pray that he will be convicted," Gabriel Rodriguez said after the hearing. Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez thanked Irma Rodriguez's relatives for their patience... [Full article here]

COOK COUNTY STATE'S ATTORNEY ANNOUNCES CHARGES IN 2009 MURDER OF OAK FOREST WOMAN
eNews Park Forest
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
[Excerpts] ..."This is an extremely tragic case involving the senseless murder of a victim of domestic violence who was struggling to break away from a relationship with a violent man who had attacked her in the past," said [Cook County State's Attorney Anita] Alvarez. "For all of its tragedy, the charges in this case would not have come about without the dedication of Oak Forest police and all of the investigators who never gave up in seeking justice for Irma Rodriguez." Oak Forest Police Chief Gregory Anderson said his department and the community as a whole was significantly affected by the death of Irma Rodriguez and has been deeply committed to the ongoing investigation. "The Oak Forest Police Department and law enforcement as a whole is motivated to protect victims and prosecute offenders of domestic violence whenever possible. As in this case, it is up to us to speak for victims that are unable to speak for themselves," Anderson said. According to prosecutors, Irma Rodriguez disappeared from the Oak Forest residence that she shared with Norberto Rodriguez, Norberto's mother who suffered from dementia, and two of her children in the evening hours of May 31, 2009... According to prosecutors, there were no signs of forced entry or property missing from the Rodriguez residence... In addition, neighbors also reported and police reports confirm that the couple had argued repeatedly and that there had been numerous calls to police by Irma Rodriguez for domestic violence complaints against the defendant... Prosecutors also alleged in court that bank records show that Irma Rodriguez had withdrawn the majority of the funds in the family bank account and that Norberto Rodriguez had learned of this withdrawal shortly before her murder... [Full article here]

PROSECUTORS: EX-COP KILLED WIFE AS SHE PLANNED TO LEAVE HIM
Chicago Tribune
Kristen Schorsch kschorsch@tribune.com
November 24, 2010 6:39 PM
[Excerpts] After years of alleged abuse, Irma Rodriguez was planning to leave her estranged husband after their son's eighth grade graduation ceremony. Days before, she withdrew $4,000 from the family bank account, leaving only $800 for her estranged husband, Norberto "Bert" Rodriguez, Tom Driscoll, an assistant Cook County state's attorney, said in court this morning. Irma Rodriguez's estranged husband would have learned about the withdrawal on May 31, Driscoll said. She disappeared that night... The week before she disappeared and was found dead, she told her family, "If I show up missing, you know what to do"... At a brief court hearing this morning, Norberto Rodriguez remained silent with his hands behind his back. He glanced at his wife's relatives and friends, who filled nearly four pews in the courtroom, after a judge set bail. "I'd just like to thank the police ... for arresting him and hopefully that he's convicted and to move on cause this is really horrible," Gabriel Rodriguez, 15, the Rodriguez's son, said after the hearing. "I miss her," he said of his mother. "I think about her every day, and I always pray that he will be convicted." His sister, Monica Medina, 18, said she was thankful for the charges against her stepfather, but added, "I don't want to get my hopes up until he's behind bars." Irma Rodriguez's son, Martin Medina, Jr., 26, said he was happy the murder might finally be solved. "I'm just overwhelmed," he said. "I'm happy for (Irma) of course." Alvarez thanked Irma Rodriguez's family for their patience. "This is a very tragic case involving the senseless murder of a victim of a domestic violence who was struggling to break away from a relationship that was violent," Alvarez said. "Sadly the disappearance of Irma Rodriguez and the terror of her murder was felt first by her children, who notified police after becoming concerned that their mother was missing from their home and not responding to their cell phone." Waiting for physical evidence to be analyzed contributed to the investigation taking more than a year, Alvarez said. Oak Forest police chief Greg Anderson described the police investigation as "relentless." He said police received results as recently as last week from evidence tested at the state crime lab, adding that police have made several trips back and forth to the crime lab to have evidence tested... Norberto Rodriguez is on parole for his federal conviction, Driscoll said. He added that in 1992, Norberto Rodriguez was suspended from the Chicago police department for 10 days after placing a gun to his first wife's head. He was charged with two counts of aggravated assault, but the case was dismissed, Driscoll said. [Full article here]

15 year old Gabriel, of his mother Irma Rodriguez "I miss her."

BOND SET FOR EX-COP IN WIFE'S MURDER
abclocal.go.com
Stacey Baca
November 24, 2010
[Excerpts] ...[Of domestic violence, Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez] says it's not a private issue or a shameful issue; it's a community issue that we must all be aware of, an issue, prosecutors say, Irma Rodriguez lived with for several years. Just 15 years old, Gabriel Rodriguez vows to move forward, even though his father, Norberto Rodriguez, is being held on a $5 million bond and is accused of killing his mother. "I just don't know how, but I will move on towards my mom and try to feel better and try to get better," said Gabriel. "But there is no sense of healing towards my father." "It is bittersweet knowing that he'll be spending his Thanksgiving in jail, but we'll be missing Irma for Thanksgiving as well," said Norma Tirado, victim's sister... "Why would you do it? I really do want to know, and I'll probably never get to know," said Martin Medina, victim's son... "I miss my mother so much," said Gabriel. "It's complete shock. And I'm just grateful he's put behind bars and we have a sense that we're all safe." ... "It's sad that it had to be like this. We're all going to cope and get through it together. That's what we do," said Monica Medina, victim's daughter... [Full article here]

OAK FOREST WOMAN SHOT IN HER OWN GARAGE, PROSECUTOR SAYS
Southtown Star
By Michael Drakulich
November 25, 2010
[Excerpts] Fifteen-year-old Gabriel Rodriguez walked up to a podium in the lobby of a courthouse Wednesday, looking a little unsure of himself, after attending the bail hearing for the man accused of killing his mother last year in Oak Forest. In a barely audible voice, Gabriel thanked police for their hard work and told the onlookers he hopes the man charged - his father, former Chicago police officer Norberto Rodriguez - is convicted. "I miss her," Gabriel Rodriguez said of his mother at the news conference. "I think about her every day"... State's Attorney Anita Alvarez said the 18-month investigation into the woman's slaying was a collaborative effort among her office, Oak Forest police, the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force and the U.S. Secret Service ... He had a history of violent behavior. Assistant State's Attorney Tom Driscoll said Norberto was suspended from his job as a police officer for 10 days in 1992 after pointing a gun at the head of his wife at the time, Maria Ojeda. The couple were going through a divorce, Driscoll said. In 1997, Rodriguez was charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting Irma in the hand during an argument. He later was acquitted but lost his job as a Chicago cop as a result ... Greg Anderson, who took over as Oak Forest police chief last January, said it took 18 months to bring charges in the case because his department wanted to be thorough and correct. Oak Forest police worked with 20 to 30 officers from the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force during the course of the investigation ... Gabriel and Monica Medina, who was Irma's daughter from a previous marriage, came home about 8:30 p.m. May 31, 2009. Their mother was not home and was not answering her phone. Norberto was not home, either. Norberto's mother, who suffers from a brain injury and dementia, had been left home alone. Food had been left on the stove, and Irma had left the house without her sandals and her purse, which her children found unusual, Driscoll said. Norberto came home at 9:15 p.m., saying he'd gone for a walk in the neighborhood. After checking with friends and family members, Irma's children called police and reported her missing about 10:20 p.m... Investigators recovered bullet fragments... police also recovered from the home several speed loaders used to load a revolver. However, he said the murder weapon has not been recovered... Anderson thinks it will take about two years to set a trial date. [Full article here]


[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety fatality fatalities lethal murder illinois state delayed justice cpd repeat hx teflon monster]

Saturday, November 27, 2010

[NC] Officer Jedele, who killed his female friend's ex-husband, get's life in prison

...Upon [Donald Bradley Smithwick's] disappearance, hundreds of law enforcement officers and search and rescue personnel from several different agencies scoured the area of the Eden House Bridge (US 17) spanning the Chowan River between Bertie and Chowan counties...

Thumbs up to all law enforcement and court personnel involved in the capture and prosecution of Raymond Jedele and his accomplice Janet Harrell.

PREVIOUS POSTS:
  • [NC] SMITHWICK MISSING - ex-wife & her police officer boyfriend under arrest - ...WAVY.com did a little digging into Jedele's job history. We're told he worked for the town of Hertford as a police officer and then the Kill Devil Hills Police Department. He also did a stint with Blackwater USA in Moyock before joining the Kitty Hawk Police Department... Police believe a taser was used to subdue Smithwick as he left his home... [Tactical]
  • [NC] Now-fired Officer Jedele could face death penalty - ...Former Kitty Hawk police officer could face the death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder related to the October kidnapping and death of Donald Bradley Smithwick. Raymond Christian Jedele, 38, of Kill Devil Hills faces charges of first-degree kidnapping, first-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon...
GUILTY PLEAS IN AHOSKIE MAN'S MURDER
witn.com
Nov 24, 2010
A former police officer charged with a murder in Ahoskie in 2007 has pled guilty to the crime. Raymond Jedele of Kill Devil Hills was charged with the murder of Brad Smithwick of Ahoskie in October 2007. A court clerk says Jedele pled guilty to the murder in court in Hertford County on Tuesday. Janet Harrell, Smithwick's ex-wife, pled guilty to second degree murder. Jedele was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Harrell was sentenced to 157 months to 198 months behind bars. Police launched a massive search for Smithwick after he didn't show up for work and police found blood in the bed of his truck. His body was found five days after his disappearance in the woods near Edenton. Jedele used to be a police officer in Kitty Hawk. He was charged with kidnapping before Smithwick's body was discovered. [LINK]

SMITHWICK MURDERERS ACCEPT PLEA ARRANGEMENT
The Roanoke-Chowan News Herald
November 23, 2010
[Excerpts] A scheduled day here Tuesday of pre-trial motions took an unexpected turn. Raymond Christian Jedele of Kill Devil Hills pled guilty to first degree murder while his accomplice, Janet Denise Harrell of Edenton, entered a plea of second degree murder. They stood charged with the October, 2007 kidnapping and murder of Donald Bradley Smithwick of Ahoskie, but agreed, through their attorneys, to accept plea arrangements. Their trial had been scheduled for Jan. 10, 2011 in Hertford County Superior Court. There, Jedele was facing capital murder charges, meaning he could have been sentenced to death if convicted ... Smithwick, then age 33 of Colony Avenue, was kidnapped from his Ahoskie home early in the morning of Oct. 4, 2007 as he left for his job ... a taser weapon was used to subdue, bound and kidnap Smithwick ... Upon his disappearance, hundreds of law enforcement officers and search and rescue personnel from several different agencies scoured the area of the Eden House Bridge (US 17) spanning the Chowan River between Bertie and Chowan counties... [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety fatality fatalities lethal murder north carolina state jail gypsy cop hop tactical professional]

Thursday, November 25, 2010

[FL] Officer Olenchak's wife: "He's telling me how my life is going to be ruined ... If I report him he can't be a police officer anymore."

Davie Police Officer
Stephen Kenneth Olenchak

...Davie police recorded a cell phone conversation between Olenchak and the victim. During the tearful exchange, Olenchak apologizes and asks her to keep things secret. "Don't tell. You don't tell anybody. Don't tell anybody. Nobody has to know … And I promise I will spend the whole rest of my life making it up to you." Olenchak's wife told police he begged her not to go to the authorities. "He's telling me how my life is going to be ruined ... If I report him he can't be a police officer anymore. … He said just forget about this. He says make it go away"...


PREVIOUS POST:
[FL] Officer Olenchak accused of raping a FAMILY MEMBER next to his drugged "zombie" wife

FROM EARLIER THIS MONTH:

DAVIE POLICE OFFICER HEADING TO TRIAL ON RAPE CHARGES: Stephen Olenchak could get 30 years in prison if convicted
Sun Sentinel
By Susannah Bryan
November 15, 2010
[Excerpts]...[Davie Police Officer Stephen] Olenchak allegedly raped a female family member while his wife and 4-year-old son slept next to them in the same bed... Olenchak's trial is set to begin on Tuesday before Broward Circuit Judge Stanton Kaplan. If convicted of both counts of sexual battery, Olenchak could face up to 30 years in prison. Olenchak, 36, has pleaded not guilty. A 13-year veteran, he has been suspended without pay... Olenchak's wife and the alleged victim both say he drugged them that night... During the alleged sexual assault, Olenchak's wife got up and went to the bathroom but, the alleged victim said, "She was like a zombie." Four days later, she told Olenchak's wife what happened. On the day of his arrest, March 26, 2009, Davie police recorded a cell phone conversation between Olenchak and the victim. During the tearful exchange, Olenchak apologizes and asks her to keep things secret. "Don't tell. You don't tell anybody. Don't tell anybody. Nobody has to know … And I promise I will spend the whole rest of my life making it up to you." Olenchak's wife told police he begged her not to go to the authorities. "He's telling me how my life is going to be ruined ... If I report him he can't be a police officer anymore. … He said just forget about this. He says make it go away." In the conversation recorded by police, he told his wife: "It is like a nightmare, like I can't wake up. I just want a chance to make it better. I just want a chance to make it better." Olenchak's wife, who told police she used to call him her "perfect" Prince Charming, filed for divorce three weeks later... [Full article here]

WOMAN WHO ACCUSED DAVIE POLICE OFFICER OF RAPE TESTIFIES IN HIS TRIAL
Orlando Sentinel
By Robert Nolin
November 17, 2010
The long-haired, baby-faced woman furrowed her brow and stammered at times Wednesday as she described how a beloved family member and Davie police officer drugged and forced himself upon her while his wife and young son slept in the same bed ... The woman's searing account came during the start of trial for Stephen Olenchak, 36, who is charged with two counts of sexual battery for the March 22, 2009, assault on a female family member. A 13-year police veteran, Olenchak has been suspended without pay from his $74,000-a-year job ... Four days later the woman told [Mrs.=] Olenchak what had happened. She delayed telling anyone about it, she said, because "I was confused. I didn't know what would happen to my life." The woman said she listened in on a phone conversation between the Olenchaks. "He said, 'I'm so sorry I did this. Please, please forgive me,'" she recounted. Both women later taped more phone calls with Olenchak in which he incriminated himself further, the young woman testified. He was arrested March 26, 2009... [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety florida state poison child abuse incest family sex rape rapist asshole]

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

[MS] Warren County FAST-TRACKED the case of Deputy Sheriff London Williams' incest "because he was a lawman"


...A Warren County Circuit Court Judge sentenced the former Deputy Sheriff to 10 years in prison for having sex with his natural daughter...

FORMER DEPUTY SENTENCED FOR INCEST

wlbt.com
By Marsha Thompson
Nov 19, 2010
[Excerpts] ...You have a career law enforcement officer, charged with sexual battery and incest. Starting Friday London Williams will find out what it's like to behind the bars that he helped put so many other criminals behind. A Warren County Circuit Court Judge sentenced the former Deputy Sheriff to 10 years in prison for having sex with his natural daughter. 3 years were suspended. This case has presented prosecutorial problems in the legal system. Two cases that London Williams investigated as a Deputy Sheriff have been dismissed... The incident happened in May. Because he was a lawman the case was fast tracked by the Warren County District Attorney. Williams never apologized for his actions in court. The District Attorney says Williams always maintained that sex with his 20 year old daughter was consensual. As Smith told us,"consensual is not a defense to incest." [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety professionalism mississippi state thumbs up]

Monday, November 22, 2010

[MT] Stolen life: Mother, teacher, sister, daughter, friend - Shelly Kay Clapshaw Mahoney

...Great Falls police say the shooting deaths of a Montana Air National Guard commander and his wife were the result of a murder-suicide... Before going to work full-time at Montana Air National Guard, Don Mahoney was an officer with the Great Falls Police Department... Shelly possessed a great sense of humor and a wry/ironic wit as her family, friends, workmates and students can all attest to. She was fun and funny: a great storyteller, mimic, and a big tease...


POLICE SAY AIR NATIONAL GUARD COMMANDER KILLED WIFE, HIMSELF
missoulian.com
November 16, 2010
[Excerpts] Great Falls police say the shooting deaths of a Montana Air National Guard commander and his wife were the result of a murder-suicide. Autopsies have determined that 44-year-old Lt. Col. Don Mahoney shot his 40-year-old wife, Shelly Mahoney, before turning the shotgun on himself... Don Mahoney was the maintenance squad commander for MANG and was a Great Falls police officer from 1997 to 2000. His wife taught fourth grade at Great Falls' Mountain View Elementary School since 2005. The couple's three children and other family members were at the home during the shooting. [Full article here]

MT ANG RELEASES STATEMENT ABOUT DEATH OF MAHONEY
KRTV, Great Falls
Nov 12, 2010
[Excerpts] The Montana Air National Guard released a statement on Friday regarding the death of Lieutenant Colonel Don Mahoney and his wife Shelly... Commander, Lt. Col. Don Mahoney and his wife Shelly died last night... “We are all in shock from this tragic event and still cannot fathom that this could happen”, said the 120th Fighter Wing Commander, Col. Pete Hronek. “Our focus at this time is on the family and to the many members that Lt. Col. Mahoney affected over his many years of service at the Montana Air National Guard. To fully support the family and members of the MTANG, the 120th Fighter Wing dining facility is open with support from chaplains, counselors and family support agencies. The dining facility will be open until 5:30 p.m. tonight. Colonel Hronek has also cancelled flying on Monday of next week. “We are deeply saddened by this loss and our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Lt. Colonel Mahoney and Shelly – especially their three children” said Col. Hronek. Colonel Mahoney was a former Army Air Borne Ranger and 120 Fighter Wing Security Forces Commander ... [Full article here]

MAHONEY DEATHS INVESTIGATED, COMMUNITY REACTS
KRTV, Great Falls
Nov 12, 2010 7:03 PM
[Excerpts] Police have released new details surrounding the deaths of Donald and Shelly Mahoney of Great Falls. On Thursday night, a family member called police to the Mahoney house at 3209 12th Street NE with a report of a domestic disturbance at 7:45 pm ... police entered the home and discovered two bodies in a bedroom. Authorities have not yet released who is responsible for the deaths, nor the type of weapon or weapons used ... Before going to work full-time at Montana Air National Guard, Don Mahoney was an officer with the Great Falls Police Department... [Full article here]

GFPS OFFERS ADVICE, COUNSELING AFTER TEACHER'S DEATH
KRTV, Great Falls
Nov 12, 2010
[Excerpts] The Great Falls Public School District is working to help students, families, and staff members in the wake of the death of teacher Shelly Mahoney... Superintendent Cheryl Crawley issued a statement on behalf of the school district’s staff and board, and says that they "...extend heartfelt condolences to the children and families of Shelly and Don Mahoney.” Crawley also stated that “this is a tragedy for the family, School District and Great Falls”... Mahoney was hired as a substitute teacher in 2004, and went full time in 2005 at Mountain View and was teaching fourth grade at the time of her death. Crawley said that Mahoney will be greatly missed by her students, the Mountain View teachers, and the entire School District staff... In addition, families of Mountain View students were sent a letter and a handout to assist them in helping their children understand and cope with the tragedy... [Full article here]

TWO DEAD IN GREAT FALLS AFTER DOMESTIC VIOLENCE REPORT
KBZK.com / KRTV News
Posted: Nov 12, 2010 2:12 PM by
[Excerpts] ...Initial reports indicate that Donald and Shelly Mahoney were involved in a domestic dispute at their home at 3209 12th Street NE on Thursday evening. Police were called to the home just before 8 p.m., with at least six patrol cars responding to the scene... ... [Full article here]

CASE CLOSED IN MAHONEY DEATH INVESTIGATION
By KFBB News Team
Story Published: Nov 15, 2010 at 5:34 PM MST
[Excerpts] ...Police say after investigating the scene and autopsy results, it has been determined that Don Mahoney fired a shotgun during a domestic dispute, killing his wife, Shelly Mahoney, before turning the gun on himself... [Full article here]

SHELLY MAHONEY
Published in Great Falls Tribune from November 14 to November 15, 2010
Visit Guest Book
[Excerpts] Shelly (Clapshaw) Mahoney, 40, of Great Falls, died of a gunshot wound Thursday at her residence. Funeral Liturgy for her and her husband, Donald Mahoney, is noon Wednesday at St. Ann's Cathedral, with inurnment in Mount Olivet Cemetery... Shelly Kay Clapshaw Mahoney, a mother of three boys and a fourth-grade teacher at Mountain View School, died tragically at her home, Thursday, November 11. Shelly was born May 30, 1970, in Great Falls, Mont., to Bob and Sandy Clapshaw... Shelly possessed a great sense of humor and a wry/ironic wit as her family, friends, workmates and students can all attest to. She was fun and funny: a great storyteller, mimic, and a big tease. Shelly was a devoted, dedicated, and involved mother, with a highly developed ability to juggle numerous (often competing) obligations and commitments. She managed a constant "blizzard" of family, school, sports and church activities ... Shelly's untimely death leaves a stunned and devastated legion of family, friends, and associates. She is survived by her three sons... her mother... her sister... An account has been set up at Wells Fargo "For the Benefit of the Children of Don and Shelly Mahoney." Memorials for Shelly may be made in this name and sent to Wells Fargo, 21 3rd St N, Great Falls, MT 59401. Condolences may be posted online at www.schniderfuneralhome.com and/or www.gftribune.com/obituaries. [Full article here]

DONALD JOHN MAHONEY
Visit Guest Book
[Excerpts] Lt. Col. Donald John Mahoney, 44, of Great Falls, a maintenance squadron commander with the Montana Air National Guard, died of a gunshot wound Thursday at his home... He was a very caring father, husband, brother, son and uncle; always putting family first... [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety fatality fatalities montana state]

[FL] Did Jacksonville Police facilitate Officer Michael Williams feeling invincible? (Domestic violence, etc., etc.)


...As an officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, 22 citizen complaints and two in-house complaints have been filed against Williams... He has received seven formal counseling sessions... He was suspended for 10 days in October 2009... At the time he was warned he would be terminated for a reoccurrence... He was suspended again for 10 days in February after similar complaints were sustained against him in an in-house complaint...

Sounds like Jacksonville Police were trying to create a monster that thought he could do anything and still keep his job. Looks like he had every reason to think that. Was it a social experiment? Were provisions made for his domestic victims and vulnerable citizens that encountered him unaware?

JACKSONVILLE OFFICER FINDS HIMSELF ON OTHER END OF LAW IN CLAY

jacksonville.com
By Dana Treen
November 19, 2010 - 4:42pm

A Jacksonville police officer on voluntary leave without pay is in the Clay County jail on charges of violating an injunction for protection against domestic violence.

Michael E. Williams, 53, whose address is in Clay County, was arrested in Hillsborough County on two counts of violating the injunction. Williams was last assigned to the tele-serve office at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office before taking the leave Oct. 5. He was hired by the Sheriff’s Office in October 1994.

According to information from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, an arrest warrant for Williams was issued Nov. 10. Williams is charged with two counts of violating a temporary injunction against domestic violence issued Oct. 18.

He was seen driving in the victim’s neighborhood in late October and in early November became confrontational at a court hearing that was to finalize the injunction, witnesses told investigators.

He was being held without bail on one charge and on $200,000 bail on the other, according to court records.

Information detailing why the injunction was initially issued was not available.

As an officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, 22 citizen complaints and two in-house complaints have been filed against Williams, according to his personnel files. He has received seven formal counseling sessions, the records show.

He was suspended for 10 days in October 2009 after a citizen complaint accused him of improper actions, unbecoming conduct and a charge of repeated infractions. At the time he was warned he would be terminated for a reoccurrence.

He was suspended again for 10 days in February after similar complaints were sustained against him in an in-house complaint.

Williams remained on leave from the department Friday. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office does not comment on ongoing investigations, spokesman Mike McCall said.
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety florida state teflon hx repeat]

Sunday, November 21, 2010

[PA] Pittsburgh Police Officer Dwayne Ausbrooks arrested on domestic assault charge

...Police said [TK] told them he pulled the car over, jumped on her, bent her fingers and arm back and bruised her upper lip. [TK]’s pinky finger was cut and her shoulder was injured, according to the criminal complaint...

USING POLICE PHYSICAL TAKE-DOWN TACTICS ON FAMILY AND LOVERS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED THE SAME AS AN OFFICER USING HIS OR HER CITY OR COUNTY ISSUED SERVICE WEAPON DURING A DOMESTIC CONFLICT.

VETERAN PITTSBURGH OFFICER CHARGED WITH ASSAULTING GIRLFRIEND
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
By Walter F. Roche Jr.
Monday, November 22, 2010
[Excerpts] A veteran Pittsburgh police officer who participated in a department program to strengthen families by improving communication has been charged with assaulting his girlfriend after they fought over a cell phone and a letter. Dwayne Ausbrooks, 48, was arrested Saturday and charged with simple assault... [Girlfriend TK] told police that Ausbrooks pulled the car over at Frankstown Avenue and Wheeler Street, and he "jumped from the driver seat and attacked me." She said he jumped on top of her and refused to get off. She said she fled from his car... According to the report, police officers observed that the woman was "visibly shaken" and had injuries to her hand and upper lip. Earlier this year, Ausbrooks was one of the police officers involved in the G.R.E.A.T. Family Program, a six-week community educational effort at the YMCA Homewood/Brushton branch. At the time Ausbrooks told a reporter, "This is about families strengthening families and ultimately strengthening the community"... A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 30... [Full article here]

PITTSBURGH POLICE OFFICER CHARGED WITH ASSAULT
By Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Sunday, November 21, 2010
[Excerpts] A Pittsburgh police officer has been charged with assaulting his girlfriend ... Dwayne Ausbrooks, 48, got into an argument with his girlfriend, [TK] ... Police said [TK] told them he pulled the car over, jumped on her, bent her fingers and arm back and bruised her upper lip. [TK]’s pinky finger was cut and her shoulder was injured, according to the criminal complaint... [Full article here]
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[NY] Police Union Local 812 President Officer Annis charged with assault of girlfriend and criminal mischief

CITY POLICE OFFICER CHARGED
Plattsburgh Press Republican
Andrea Vanvalkenburg
November 19, 2010
[Excerpts] A Plattsburgh City Police officer was arrested earlier this month in connection with an alleged domestic incident. Officer Robert Annis was arrested by his comrades about two weeks ago following a reported early morning incident at the home he shared with his girlfriend, Police Chief Desmond Racicot told the Press-Republican Friday... When officers arrived, the woman told police she was arguing with Annis when he damaged two pieces of her property and kicked her in the leg after she hit him... Based on the woman’s initial complaint, Annis was charged with misdemeanor charges of attempted third-degree assault and two counts of third-degree criminal mischief. “Due to the nature of (Annis’s) employment, the District Attorney’s Office was contacted immediately for oversight of the investigation,” Racicot said... It was unclear Friday evening when Annis is due to reappear in City Court to face the allegations. [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety new york state]

[WA] Yakima Co. Deputy Moore, accused of being an armed, violent, terroristic domestic sex perp monster by night, is supported by his fellow cops


Yakima County Deputy Sean Moore,
formerly a Wapato Police officer,
is a member of the department's
SWAT team...



FROM NEWS EXCERPTS BELOW,
RANGING FROM OCT 28 THROUGH NOV 20:

...The charges include first-degree assault, first-degree burglary, first-degree rape, all with a domestic violence enhancement, and a fourth charge of second-degree assault... She is a person the deputy knows well. And that woman claims Deputy Moore held a gun to her head, punched her in the face, and sexually assaulted her... The report said Moore pointed his duty pistol at her and asked the friend, "How would you like to see her die?"... If that wasn't bad enough, she says he was wearing his uniform, and was on duty... More than a half-dozen sheriff's deputies and Yakima police officers sat in the gallery during the [preliminary] hearing... they came to show support for Moore... Court records reviewed Friday showed that the woman Moore is accused of attacking obtained a temporary protection order against him in 1995. The woman alleged that Moore kicked her car when she tried to leave and had repeatedly assaulted her, among other incidents... Sheriff Ken Irwin said the protection order should have surfaced during Moore's background investigation before he was hired in 2003. But he said he had been out of the office and had not had a chance to review the deputy's personnel file. "I can't guarantee that that was addressed," he said... [Irwin] did not immediately recall whether the 1995 allegations were discussed with the woman...



SHERIFF'S DEPUTY ACCUSED OF RAPE, ASSAULT
KIMATV
By Ryan Simms
Oct 28, 2010 at 4:27 PM PST
[Excerpts] ...[Deputy Sean Moore] made his first appearance in court on charges of assault, burglary, and rape. "We are saddened that his family is going through such a situation," says Sheriff Ken Irwin. "We'll leave it at that." KIMA Action News uncovered shocking details in the police report. It all happened last weekend at a house in Selah. Out of respect for the victim, we will only say she is a person the deputy knows well. And that woman claims Deputy Moore held a gun to her head, punched her in the face, and sexually assaulted her. If that wasn't bad enough, she says he was wearing his uniform, and was on duty. In Selah, none of Deputy Moore's neighbors wanted to talk to Action News on camera, but they all told KIMA the same thing: that Deputy Moore was always friendly and outgoing. They say he never seemed capable of committing the crimes he's accused of doing... He's now on leave from the Sheriff's Office while Selah police continue their investigation. The Sheriff's Office wouldn't say if it's had previous issues with Deputy Moore. According to Selah police, a tracking device on Deputy Moore's patrol car did place him in the area during the time the woman said she was assaulted. His bail was set at $500,000. [Full article here]

...[DISTRICT COURT JUDGE JUDGE DON] ENGEL SAID HE WAS CONCERNED THAT EVIDENCE, INCLUDING TEXT MESSAGES, SUGGESTS MOORE WAS TRYING TO CONTROL THE WOMAN...

DEPUTY FACING MULTIPLE CHARGES AFTER REPORTED SEXUAL ASSAULT
By Yakima Herald-Republic
by Mark Morey
Oct. 28, 2010
[Excerpts] Bail of $500,000 was set Thursday for a Yakima County sheriff's deputy arrested Wednesday night after a woman reported he entered her home and sexually assaulted her while on duty. Deputy Sean Moore, 37, made a preliminary appearance Thursday in Superior Court, where he could face charges of first-degree assault, second-degree rape and first-degree burglary. In seeking the high bail, deputy prosecutor Susan Arb said Moore had apparently been trying to identify the woman's male friend who had been at the house. "The state is quite concerned for the safety of both victims," Arb said, describing the woman in particular as "truly frightened." The Sheriff's Office has started a separate internal investigation to determine whether Moore violated any department policies... Moore, a seven-year deputy who was working and in uniform at the time of the incident, and the woman were well known to one another, according to the Selah police report filed in court to support the arrest... According to the report, the woman told police that he entered her Selah home early Sunday while she and a friend were sleeping. The report said Moore pointed his duty pistol at her and asked the friend, "How would you like to see her die?" She said Moore demanded the friend leave as he repeatedly punched her in the back of the head, according to the report. Moore then got into his patrol car and told the other man, who had been walking to his truck, that he'd arrest him if he didn't accept a ride, the report said. The man refused and, according to the report, Moore drove away when the man said he would report the incident to the Sheriff's Office. The patrol car's GPS locator system shows that it was parked near the home when the woman said the incident took place, according to police. The friend stayed the night at the house because the woman said she feared for her life, the report said. The woman said Moore returned later in the morning after the friend had left. She said he again pointed the gun at her head and asked if she wanted to die, according to the report. She reported she was kicked, hit and choked before engaging in sex out of fear for her life, the report said. The report also said she told police there'd been numerous previous incidents of domestic violence... Selah police Chief Stacy Dwarshius said Selah police started hearing rumors of the Sunday incident on Monday from friends of the victims who were concerned that it had not been reported. Officers started trying to find the woman to make sure she was all right. The friend was the first to be located, on Tuesday evening, and the woman came to the police station Wednesday to give a statement, Dwarshius said. Moore turned himself in at the police station on Wednesday evening and was booked into jail... Moore is a member of the department's SWAT team... County Prosecuting Attorney Jim Hagarty said his office was arranging to transfer the case to prosecutors in another county to eliminate any potential for a conflict of interest. Hagarty repeatedly declined to say what distinguished the Moore case from allegations against a Yakima police officer accused of barging into a woman's home and assaulting her. Hagarty kept that case in his office, where it has been under review for months... [Full article here]

...SELAH POLICE CHIEF STACY DWARSHIUS SAID OFFICERS BELIEVE THEY HAVE SEIZED ALL OF MOORE'S KNOWN WEAPONS, INCLUDING SIX HANDGUNS, A DEPARTMENT-ISSUED RIFLE AND SHOTGUN AND SEVERAL OTHER RIFLES AND SHOTGUNS...

PROSECUTOR SEEKS HELP WITH OFFICER CASES
Yakima Herald-Republic
By Mark Morey
October 29, 2010 AT 10:43PM
[Excerpts] Yakima County Prosecuting Attorney Jim Hagarty said Friday he'll seek another prosecutor to review allegations against a Yakima police officer accused of groping a woman after barging into her home earlier this year. Meanwhile, he was also waiting on a request for another agency to handle pending charges against a Yakima County sheriff's deputy jailed after reports that he beat and sexually assaulted a woman. The state Attorney General's Office could agree to take both cases, or Hagarty might have to find a special prosecutor, perhaps from another county... He said that, in hindsight, it might have been best to transfer the case at the start... In the latest case involving a law officer, Hagarty has already said that he would look for another agency to handle the case of sheriff's Deputy Sean Moore. Moore was jailed Wednesday after Selah police investigated reports that he had entered a Selah home and assaulted a woman and a male friend while on duty and in uniform. The woman and Moore know one another. Moore remained in custody Friday on $500,000 bail on suspicion of rape, assault and burglary. He must be charged by Monday or be released. Hagarty said his office would make a preliminary charging decision if a special prosecutor had not been secured by then. Selah police said they were continuing to gather information in their case against Moore. Chief Stacy Dwarshius said officers believe they have seized all of Moore's known weapons, including six handguns, a department-issued rifle and shotgun and several other rifles and shotguns. Court records reviewed Friday showed that the woman Moore is accused of attacking obtained a temporary protection order against him in 1995. The woman alleged that Moore kicked her car when she tried to leave and had repeatedly assaulted her, among other incidents. A Yakima County court commissioner dropped the case when the woman did not show up for a hearing to request a permanent protection order. The woman this week told Selah police that Moore's behavior had become increasingly aggressive after he was involved in an on-duty shooting of a suspect in 2004. Sheriff Ken Irwin said the protection order should have surfaced during Moore's background investigation before he was hired in 2003. But he said he had been out of the office and had not had a chance to review the deputy's personnel file. "I can't guarantee that that was addressed," he said. [Full article here]

...DEPUTY PROSECUTOR SUSAN ARB SAID MOORE HAD APPARENTLY BEEN TRYING TO IDENTIFY THE WOMAN'S MALE FRIEND WHO HAD BEEN AT THE HOUSE. "THE STATE IS QUITE CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF BOTH VICTIMS," ARB SAID, DESCRIBING THE WOMAN IN PARTICULAR AS "TRULY FRIGHTENED"...

DEPUTY FACES FOUR CHARGES IN SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE
Yakima Herald-Republic
by David Lester
Monday, November 01, 2010 AT 10:27PM [Excerpts] Prosecutors on Monday filed four charges against a Yakima County sheriff's deputy accused of entering a woman's home last month and sexually assaulting her while he was on duty. Deputy Sean Moore, 37, is scheduled for arraignment in Yakima County Superior Court next week... The charges include first-degree assault, first-degree burglary, first-degree rape, all with a domestic violence enhancement, and a fourth charge of second-degree assault. The charges are based on events at the woman's Selah home Oct. 24. Moore, a deputy sheriff for seven years, and the woman knew each other for years, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in court... Prosecutor Jim Hagarty has been trying to find a prosecutor outside the county to handle the Moore case to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest. The state Attorney General's Office has declined to take over the case, citing staff shortages, Hagarty said Monday. "We will have to fall back and determine what other options we have. We don't have anything concrete at this time," he said. Hagarty has been able to transfer to the Benton County prosecutor the case of a Yakima police officer who is alleged to have groped a woman after barging into her home early this year... [Full article here]

...EVIDENCE INDICATES MOORE WAS TRYING TO TARGET THE WOMAN'S MALE FRIEND AND THE WOMAN BELIEVES MOORE WOULD TRY TO KILL HER IF HE'S RELEASED... [JUDGE DON] ENGEL SAID HE WAS CONCERNED THAT EVIDENCE, INCLUDING TEXT MESSAGES, SUGGESTS MOORE WAS TRYING TO CONTROL THE WOMAN...

LET JUSTICE TAKE ITS COURSE FOR ACCUSED OFFICERS
Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board
Nov. 14, 2010
The Yakima Valley right now is seeing two cases of serious allegations of crime by those committed to stopping crime, one involving a Yakima police officer and another a Yakima County sheriff's deputy. This is always a sensitive and difficult issue, but the public's trust in the criminal-justice system - from the police department to the county prosecutor to the courts - hinges on the cases being treated with transparency and fairness. Critics say that hasn't happened in the case of a Yakima police officer who is accused of barging into a woman's home and then groping her... The woman's lawyer, Bill Pickett, claims Hagarty was delaying because he wanted to curry favor with police officers in an election year, a claim Hagarty firmly rejects. But Hagarty could have deflected such allegations by moving more quickly on the case. Hagarty's approach seems to be an extension of his policy of personally handling cases involving attacks on officers. That's well and good, to show to officers that the prosecutor has their back, but pretty much everyone in law enforcement knows everyone else in Yakima County. Moving against somebody you know puts everyone in a difficult situation. In a second case, Hagarty from the start began looking for another agency to handle it. This one involves Yakima County sheriff's Deputy Sean Moore, who was jailed in late October after reports he had entered a Selah home, on duty and in uniform, and assaulted a woman he knew along with a male friend... [Full article here]

DEPUTY JAILED ON RAPE CHARGE WILL ASK FOR LOWER BAIL
Yakima Herald-Republic
By Mark Morey
Thursday, November 18, 2010 AT 11:23PM
[Excerpts] An attorney for Yakima County sheriff's Deputy Sean Moore says his client will plead innocent today to charges that he raped a woman while on duty. Moore, 37, is scheduled to be arraigned in Yakima County Superior Court in connection with an Oct. 24 incident in which he is accused of breaking into a Selah home and forcing the woman to perform a sex act. He's also accused of assaulting the woman and threatening her male friend at gunpoint earlier the same day at the house. Moore was on duty and in uniform when the first contact happened, according to the police report. Bellingham attorney Jeffrey Lustick, who represents Moore, said the seven-year deputy is prepared to take the case to trial... Lustick said he would ask for Moore's bail to be reduced, calling the amount excessive under the circumstances... Lustick said he would also ask that Yakima County prosecutors be ordered to recuse themselves... Sheriff Ken Irwin said a separate personnel investigation into the allegations against Moore is expected to continue for some time... Irwin also said Thursday that he had reviewed Moore's personnel file since the arrest and found no discipline against him. The woman Moore is accused of attacking sought a temporary protection order against him in 1995. The request was dropped when she did not show up for a subsequent court hearing. That situation was discussed with Moore as part of the background investigation before he was hired, including a standard polygraph examination and psychological review, Irwin said. "There were no issues that came up that would restrict him in any way in properly handling his job as a law enforcement officer," Irwin said, although he did not immediately recall whether the 1995 allegations were discussed with the woman... [Full article here]

NO BAIL REDUCTION IN RAPE CASE AS DEPUTY ARRAIGNED
Yakima Herald-Republic
By MARK MOREY
Friday, November 19, 2010
[Excerpts] A judge declined Friday to reduce bail for a Yakima County sheriff's deputy accused of raping a woman while on duty. Deputy Sean Moore's attorney argued that bail of $500,000 is excessive and effectively restricts Moore to solitary confinement in jail. The prosecutor objected, citing the serious nature of the charges. Evidence indicates Moore was trying to target the woman's male friend and the woman believes Moore would try to kill her if he's released, County Prosecutor Jim Hagarty said. Judge Don Engel, a District Court judge handling felony arraignments for the day, agreed to maintain the bail. Engel said he was concerned that evidence, including text messages, suggests Moore was trying to control the woman. During the same hearing, Moore entered innocent pleas to the rape, assault and burglary charges against him in connection with the Oct. 24 incident at the woman's Selah home.... More than a half-dozen sheriff's deputies and Yakima police officers sat in the gallery during the hearing, which lasted about an hour. Moore's Bellingham attorney, Jeffrey Lustick,said they came to show support for Moore... [Full article here]

COMMENT by phantom; "I hope the Yakima sheriffs and police officers left their uniforms at home when they came to show their support."

BAIL MAINTAINED FOR SHERIFF'S DEPUTY ACCUSED OF RAPE
Yakima Herald-Republic
Friday, November 19, 2010 AT 03:32PM
[Excerpts] Bail was maintained Friday at $500,000 for a Yakima County sheriff’s deputy accused of raping a woman while on duty. Deputy Sean Moore entered innocent pleas to the rape, assault and burglary charges... Bellingham attorney Jeffrey Lustick, who represents Moore, asked Judge Don Engel to reduce bail substantially or consider releasing Moore on his own recognizance or under electronic home monitoring... Lustick highlighted Moore’s years of service as a law enforcement officer and offered multiple letters of support from colleagues... Engel said he was concerned that evidence in the case, including text messages, suggests Moore was trying to control the victim. He left the $500,000 bail in place... [Full article here]

SEAN MOORE, YAKIMA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPUTY, TO PLEAD NOT GUILTY TO HOME INVASION RAPE
seattleweekly.com
By Curtis Cartier
Fri., Nov. 19 2010
[Excerpts] Prosecutors say Yakima County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Moore didn't even bother to change out of his uniform when he broke into a Selah home and raped a female acquaintance. Moore's lawyer says otherwise. But a history of domestic violence seems to suggest the deputy was very much capable of the crime. The 37-year-old deputy is accused of breaking into the woman's house on Oct. 24 and, in front of her friend, pulling out a gun and asking her "do you want to die?" After making the woman's friend leave, the alleged victim says Moore punched, kicked and choked her repeatedly. Then, she says, he raped her. Afterward, he apparently threatened her friend again outside the house. Then, the next day, he came back and pulled his gun on the woman yet again, positing the same query: "do you want to die?" The incident went unreported for some time until rumors among deputies inspired some to see how the woman was doing. She then told them the whole story... [Full article here]

YAKIMA SHERIFF'S DEPUTY CHARGED WITH RAPE
KOMO, Associated Press
Nov 20, 2010
[Excerpts] A Yakima County sheriff's deputy accused of breaking into a home and forcing a woman to perform a sex act has pleaded not guilty... [His lawyer Jeffrey] Lustick earlier told The Associated Press his client has a long history of public service and poses no danger to the community. "We have a defense to every one of these charges," the lawyer said. "We will prove his innocence at trial." Lustick declined to discuss what those defenses are pending the appointment of a special prosecutor in the case... Moore is being held in the Kittitas County Jail in Ellensburg. The deputy is on paid leave, and the Yakima County sheriff's office is conducting a separate personnel investigation. [Full article here]

COMMENT BY Just_Bob: According to Yakima coverage, the earlier alleged incident occurred during the middle of the night while he was on duty and in uniform. He allegedly broke in and rousted them from bed at gun point and ordered the guy to leave. I'm thinking "poses no danger to the community." is some kind of lawyer gibberish.
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