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Officer-Involved Domestic Fatalities - 1 Officer-Involved Domestic Fatalities - 2 [WA] Tragedy Will Occur If They Don't Have ...

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Sunday, October 30, 2011

[WV] McDowell Deputy England charged with holding knife to his fearful dispatcher wife's neck

 HE IS OUT OF JAIL!

...[McDowell County Sheriff's Deputy Justin Ryan] England has been charged with brandishing a deadly weapon, domestic assault, possessing prohibited medication, stalking, disrupting government processes, trespassing and making harassing telephone calls. He was released on a $500 bond... [McDowell County 911 Dispatcher] Amanda England told State Police troopers that Justin England had a history of domestic violence and she was afraid... Justin England allegedly threw water and cigarette debris on his wife before holding a knife to her throat...
Sources: WVVA and West Virginia Gazette
[cop on dispatcher police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety lethal hx repeat west virginia state politics]

Saturday, October 29, 2011

[NJ] Detective's vengeful ex-girlfriend, Dana Thornton, indicted for crossing the line with fake Facebook page

...The indictment and court papers allege that [Dana] Thornton, after her dating relationship with Parsippany Detective Michael Lasalandra ended, created a Facebook page using his name and birth date, and posted photographs of him and comments. The alleged false comments, written as though Lasalandra was their author, disparage his lifestyle choices and career... She's been charged with identity theft for allegedly creating a fake Facebook page using her ex-boyfriend's name, photograph and personal information and sprinkling it with comments intended to disparage the man...

FACEBOOK HORROR STORIES
Forbes
10/28/2011
[Excerpt] ...Hell hath no fury like a female Facebook user scorned. After Cupid withdrew his arrow from the heart of a police detective, the New Jersey woman that he had been dating took to Facebook to inflict her revenge. Dana Thornton used photos of Michael Lasalandra to create a fake profile and then had him say awful things about “his lifestyle and career”... [Full article here]

JILTED WOMAN FACES 18 MONTHS IN PRISON AFTER BEING CHARGED WITH IDENTITY THEFT FOR 'CREATING FAKE FACEBOOK PROFILE OF HER EX-BOYFRIEND'
By John Stevens
28 October 2011
[Excerpts] It was supposed to be a prank to get back at her ex-boyfriend, but a New Jersey woman faces 18 months in prison as she goes on trial for identity theft after she allegedly created a fake Facebook profile of him. Lawyers for Dana Thornton, 41, say the state's identity theft law doesn't apply to the allegations, but prosecutors claim her actions harmed her ex-boyfriend's reputation. Authorities allege the Belleville resident created a Facebook page as if it was written by her former boyfriend, Parsippany police detective Michael Lasalandra, after they broke up. The profile included Mr Lasalandra's name, birth date and posted photographs of him and comments. The alleged postings that purported to be from Mr Lasalandra reportedly including disparaging remarks about his lifestyle choices and career... 'Under the New Jersey statute, there is no plain wording, commentary, memorandum or any evidence of legislative intent to show that impersonating someone online or by electronic means is a crime,' the defence motion said. But the Morris County Prosecutor's Office said in its court papers that the law generally states that impersonating another or assuming a false identity and acting in such an assumed character to obtain a benefit or to injure or defraud another is a crime... [Full article here]

FAKE FACEBOOK PAGE LEADS TO ID THEFT CHARGE
Los Angeles Times
Tina Susman in New York
October 27, 2011
[Excerpts] Facebook pages are not to be taken lightly, as a New Jersey woman has learned. She's been charged with identity theft for allegedly creating a fake Facebook page using her ex-boyfriend's name, photograph and personal information and sprinkling it with comments intended to disparage the man. She's now challenging New Jersey's identity theft laws by arguing that they don't apply to the alleged crime. Granted, a fake Facebook page isn't the most graceful way of bemoaning a bad breakup, and it probably didn't help that the ex is also a [Parsippany] police detective. But the angry former girlfriend, Dana Thornton, and her lawyer say she did nothing against the law, and they will seek to have the identity theft charge thrown out at a court hearing next week... Thornton, who is 41, faces up to 18 months in prison if convicted... In court papers, the Morris County prosecutor's office said that even if the law does not mention Facebook or other social media, it makes clear that assuming another person's identity to injure someone is illegal... Thornton's court date is set for Wednesday... [Full article here]

IS A FAKE FACEBOOK PAGE IDENTITY THEFT? EX-GIRLFRIEND OF COP SAYS 'NO': Morris County ID theft charge at issue in court
The Daily Record of Parsippany
Oct. 25, 2011
A Belleville woman is testing New Jersey’s law on identity theft by claiming it doesn’t apply to her alleged creation of a Facebook profile in the name of an ex-boyfriend who is a Parsippany police detective. Dana Thornton, 41, was indicted last year in Morris County on one count of fourth-degree identity theft, which is punishable upon conviction by up to 18 months in prison. The indictment and court papers allege that Thornton, after her dating relationship with Parsippany Detective Michael Lasalandra ended, created a Facebook page using his name and birth date, and posted photographs of him and comments. The alleged false comments, written as though Lasalandra was their author, disparage his lifestyle choices and career... [Full article here]

MORRIS COUNTY ID THEFT CHARGE AT ISSUE IN COURT
The Daily Record of Parsippany
Peggy Wright
Oct. 25, 2011
[Excerpts] A Belleville woman is testing New Jersey’s law on identity theft by claiming it doesn’t apply to her alleged creation of a Facebook profile in the name of an ex-boyfriend who is a Parsippany police detective. Dana Thornton, 41, was indicted last year in Morris County on one count of fourth-degree identity theft, which is punishable upon conviction by up to 18 months in prison. The indictment and court papers allege that Thornton, after her dating relationship with Parsippany Detective Michael Lasalandra ended, created a Facebook page using his name and birth date, and posted photographs of him and comments. The alleged false comments, written as though Lasalandra was their author, disparage his lifestyle choices and career. Lasalandra declined comment on the case Tuesday. Defense lawyer Richard M. Roberts has filed a motion to dismiss the indictment in state Superior Court, Morristown... “Most importantly, in New Jersey no courts have ever ruled that creating a profile of anyone online, without the individual’s consent, constitutes false impersonation,” the motion said... Morris County Assistant Prosecutor Peter Foy, who wrote a legal brief opposing dismissal, and Assistant Prosecutor Robert Schwartz, who will argue in court against dismissal, say the New Jersey law as written definitely applies. It doesn’t mention the Internet, but the law generally states that impersonating another or assuming a false identity and acting in such an assumed character to obtain a benefit or to injure or defraud another is a crime. In Thornton’s case, the state contends, her alleged victim’s character and reputation was injured by scurrilous comments posted on the fabricated Facebook page... The case now is set to be heard Nov. 2 in Morristown... [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public stalker stalking revenge safety female perp perpetrator new jersey state politics]

[OK] Officer Condreay, accused of beating stepdaughter, still on the job


A Mustang police officer [Blaine Thomason Condreay] accused of beating his 12-year-old stepdaughter is still receiving a paycheck despite a formal charge...  “I feel strongly that the staff of the department has the integrity to investigate their own,” [Mustang Police Chief Chuck Foley] said. “I don’t feel the need to bring in an outside agency for investigations of this nature..". 


MUSTANG POLICE OFFICER ARRESTED
mustangpaper.com
By Jon Watje
October 28, 2011
[Excerpts] A Mustang police officer was arrested and charged with Domestic Abuse [and Child Abuse]. Blaine Thomason Condreay, an 11 ½ year veteran of the Mustang Police Department, surrendered himself to the Canadian County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, Oct. 21 after a warrant was issued for his arrest the same day... [Mustang Police Chief Chuck] Foley said Condreay is still working at the department... Foley said an investigation into Condreay is underway on whether he will stay with the department. “I feel strongly that the staff of the department has the integrity to investigate their own,” he said. “I don’t feel the need to bring in an outside agency for investigations of this nature. I think if a thorough investigation was done over a period of time, things will fall where they will fall. We have to do what we have to do. We are going to do the right thing regardless... This does not reflect his career as a police officer,” he said. “Police officers are all humans, they all have their different relationships, situations, emotions and so on. Sometimes what they do outside of work affects their work. He’s been an upstanding member of this department for a long time and I hope he is allowed to continue to be based on the outcome of this case.” [Full article here]

MUSTANG POLICE OFFICER ACCUSED OF BEATING STEPDAUGHTER: Blaine Thomason Condreay Faces Charge Of Domestic Abuse
KOCO
October 28, 2011
[Excerpts] A Mustang police officer accused of beating his 12-year-old stepdaughter is still receiving a paycheck despite a formal charge. Blaine Thomason Condreay, of Mustang, is facing one count of domestic abuse. Condreay, who is an 11-year veteran with the Mustang Police Department, is accused of spanking his stepdaughter with a wooden paddle... Investigators said the paddling caused extensive bruising, pain and marks to the victim's lower back and back of her thigh. It was also inscribed with the words peace maker, which was specifically made for Condreay, investigators said... In December 2009, the victim told investigators that she got in trouble for stealing a $20 bill from her mother's purse, according to the affidavit. She was spanked nine times with the wooden paddle, according to the affidavit. She told police that "she could not sit for days." The girl's older brother witnessed the incident... At one point, the girl screamed so loud that neighbors began turning on their lights. The witness claims he heard the officer tell the girl "if she screamed like that again, he would hit her harder." A second incident occurred this year ... Investigators say the 12-year-old girl said she was punished because she did not clean her room. According to the affidavit, Condreay spanked her so hard that it left the words "peace maker" spelled backwards across her lower back... [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety children child abuse beat oklahoma state politics]

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

[MA] JUDGE APPROVES: Allegations that Police Lt. Moynihan choked and pounded his ex and assaulted her child - is a PRIVATE matter.

2 years later and Springfield Police Lieutenant Robert P. Moynihan had still not been brought to account for the 2009 accusations that he punched his girlfriend in the head three times, choking her once she was fallen to the floor, and that he knocked her 13 year old daughter into a wall. 
PREVIOUS POST:-
[MA] Lt. Moynihan accused of PUNCHING girlfriend in the head 3 times and pushing her daughter into a wall - Lt. Moynihan was KNOCKED OUT last year in a fight with a MALE officer. He's not so hot man-to-man. He was formerly accused of BITING a student. Is that how you make arrests? And the Chief's office doesn't seem to know the status of that case, OR how Moynihan was handled while this same girlfriend had a restraining order against him. Maybe it's time to pull all the info together... To Moyihan's lawyer, who says punching the girlfriend is a "personal matter," - read a book. It is absolutely a public matter...;
The clock moves slow. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. And now in 2011 there is mom and daughter coming to the judge through their lawyer saying that they do not WANT Lt. Moynihan to have to face trial on his three counts of domestic assault and battery charges.
...Both mother and daughter answered “Yes” when [Judge Philip] Beattie asked them if they had voluntarily signed the agreement to handle the matter privately... Ruling over the objection of the prosecution, Judge Philip A. Beattie on Monday allowed Moynihan and the alleged victims to settle the matter themselves...
In 2009, when police arrived the house reflected the violence - broken chairs, disarray, black scuff marks where there don't belong, the girlfriend's left ear was red and not hearing with it well. No surprises here - the girlfriend (after being put on hold for 2 years) seems to think her best bet now is to not cooperate with the charges, and plead the fifth. Is she tired? Is she afraid? Is she threatened? Is she hoping that's she safe now? Is she offering a trade-off for peace? Whatever her reasons are, they won't be released to us - and not even prosecutors are allowed to know. So if she is afraid, it's nobody's business. What a rotten position to put domestic violence victims in - givnig them the option to sign an agreement to WORK IT OUT PRIVATELY WITH THE SAME PERSON THAT (allegedly) BEAT YOU BOTH UP! Yup. That's the solution here. So the charges are DISMISSED - like it never happened.

It doesn't matter that choking someone (a woman, at that) is strangling them. If you STRANGLE me, I get the idea that you are trying to KILL me.

...States are targeting choking incidents because when an abuser tries to strangle someone in a domestic assault, it is a leading indicator that he will escalate his attacks and eventually kill his victim... A 2008 study in the Journal of Emergency Medicine found 43% of women who were murdered in domestic assaults and 45% who were victims of attempted murder had been choked in the past year by their male partners... [USA TODAY]
If these "dismissed" charges are true, Moynihan is LETHAL AND LOOSE. Three (alleged) punches to her head? That could have killed her also. It doesn't matter that this grown-*ss TACTICALLY TRAINED man assaulted a CHILD either. No outrage Springfield? IT DOESN'T MATTER that this man, lieutenant, of the police department could possibly have done these things - THAT (allegedly) OUT OF CONTROL - and he will still be allowed to be let loose on the public, dress up like a trusted public servant, carry a city weapon (and ammo), and retain sworn powers of arrest? If the citizens of Springfield aren't outraged, if they aren't filling the council chambers, and picketing - then they will get the police department that they deserve. And get your wallets out, because your liability for civil lawsuits regarding this cop just blew through the roof. If he chokes someone, shoots someone, or kills someone - Springfield will pick up the tab, and lives could be snuffed or devastated. Isn't it in the best interest of the commonwealth to KNOW if these are actual or alleged crimes?

No one has the right to do what Moynihan is accused of doing. It's not a personal or private matter, and the alleged CRIMES should be prosecuted with or without these weary victims. IF he did what he was accused of, then bet this: Anyone else he beats up will see how this was handled and KNOW that it's useless to call the police about it.

My prayers go out to this mom and daughter.

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT HEARING MONDAY COULD END ASSAULT CASE ...
MassLive.com
August 20, 2011
[Excerpts] The fate of the domestic assault and battery case against a veteran city police lieutenant may be decided Monday if a Springfield District Court judge agrees to allow the parties to settle the matter among themselves... Signed statements given Oct. 7, 2009 by [the ex girlfriend] and her daughter describe a violent series of events at the hands of Moynihan that included punching and choking the mother and shoving the teen, according to court records. The two now do not want the case to go to trial, according to the request signed by their lawyer, Thomas J. Rooke, who, along with Moynihan’s lawyer, Michael O. Jennings, will ask the judge on Monday to let the parties settle the matter themselves. Hampden District Attorney Mark G. Mastroianni said Friday he expects to object to that request, but the decision belongs to the judge. “A judge can allow this over the objection of the commonwealth,” he said... In a police report on the incident, Capt. Cheryl C. Claprood wrote that when police got to [the ex girlfriend]’s home, Moynihan was gone, and there were broken kitchen chairs strewn on the floor and black scuff marks on the kitchen floor and washing machine. Claprood said [the ex girlfriend] said she was not hearing properly from her left ear, which was red... “I was on the floor, by the washing machine, and he was choking me,” she told police that night. The case against Moynihan changed June 30, when Rooke said [the ex girlfriend] wanted to assert her Fifth Amendment rights. Judge Robert A. Gordon talked privately with [the ex girlfriend], and ruled she didn’t have to testify against Moynihan... Handwritten docket entries from that day state, “Commonwealth cannot proceed on counts one and two – dismissed”... [Full article here]

DOMESTIC ASSAULT CHARGES AGAINST SPRINGFIELD POLICE LT. ROBERT MOYNIHAN DISMISSED
The Republican
By Buffy Spencer
August 22, 2011
[Excerpts] City police Lt. Robert P. Moynihan will no longer have to report to Springfield District Court as a criminal defendant in a domestic assault and battery case that has been continued repeatedly over the past 22 months. Ruling over the objection of the prosecution, Judge Philip A. Beattie on Monday allowed Moynihan and the alleged victims to settle the matter themselves. Beattie's ruling dismisses the criminal charges against Moynihan, who was charged in 2009 with assaulting his girlfriend at the time... and her 13-year-old daughter... Both mother and daughter answered “Yes” when Beattie asked them if they had voluntarily signed the agreement to handle the matter privately. Assistant District Attorney Cary Szafranski asked Beattie to have a third party speak to the daughter to make sure this is what she wants; Beattie did not do that... Judge Robert A. Gordon talked privately with [the ex girlfriend], and ruled she didn’t have to testify against Moynihan. The Fifth Amendment privilege protects people from having to incriminate themselves. Mastroianni said the reasons given for claiming the privilege aren’t released or told to prosecutors. Although the court docket said Gordon dismissed the two counts of domestic assault and battery that named [the ex girlfriend] as the victim, Moynihan’s lawyer said he thinks that was a recording error and those charges were not actually dismissed in June... Moynihan has been free on his own recognizance throughout the domestic assault case and is on full duty as a lieutenant on the day shift. [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety lethal strangulation teflon fear child abuse massachusetts politics]

[MI] The 1993 staged suicide / stolen life of Trooper's wife Kimberly Thompson Wright

Former Michigan State Police Trooper Douglas Wright was arrested and charged in 2002 for the May 1, 1993 alleged-SUICIDE of his estranged wife, Kimberly Thompson Wright - a Flint Michigan Police dispatcher. "Because of his history as a law enforcement officer, investigators initially believed him." The investigation was reopened shortly after Genesee County got a new sheriff and undersheriff. Wright had also worked as an officer in the Holly and Gaines Michigan police departments. He was arrested in Florida where he had moved, was convicted in 2003, and is currently serving a 25 to 50 year sentence in prison. 

Please also see post "TROOPER DOUGLAS WRIGHT" on the Michigan Officer Involved Domestic Violence Project [MIOIDV Project]:
Trooper Douglas Wright - Murdered ex-wife Kim Thompson
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/1993/05/trooper-douglas-wright.html

On the night of May 1, 1993, police in Fenton, Michigan are called to the home of Kimberly Wright. The cause? A reported suicide. But, what officials find when they arrive on the scene is confounding. Kimberly’s estranged husband, a former state trooper, has completely contaminated the scene. The victim’s body has been moved, the weapon cleaned and other evidence packed away....

EX-OFFICER CHARGED WITH MURDER ; SUICIDE FINDING ON WIFE REVERSED:
South Florida Sun - Sentinel
August 06, 2002
[Excerpts] A former Michigan state trooper was arrested at his Boynton Beach home on Monday in connection with the fatal shooting of his estranged wife more than nine years ago in Michigan. Douglas J. Wright, 50, was arrested without incident on charges of murder and using a firearm. He was taken to Palm Beach County Jail and is to appear in court today. Police received a 911 call from Wright on May 1, 1993, saying that Kimberly Thompson Wright had shot herself in the chest at her home in Fenton, Mich... Investigators dismissed the case as a suicide although investigators remained suspicious because "many things about the case didn't seem right," said Capt. Mike Compeau said. The case was reopened in 1999 after a new sheriff took over in Genesee County... Investigators found Thompson Wright's body in the basement of her house, the gun away from her body. The 9mm SIG belonged to Wright... Wright told officials that he moved the weapon after the shooting because he was afraid it would incriminate him... Wright and Thompson Wright, who worked as a dispatcher for the Flint, Mich., Police Department, were in the process of a contested divorce. Wright was a trooper for the Michigan State Police for 14 years before losing that job in 1989... He remained in law enforcement with the Holly and Gaines police departments in Michigan, then moved to Boynton Beach with his son in 1994. Because of his history as a law enforcement officer, investigators initially believed him...

FORMER TROOPER ARRESTED IN WIFE'S DEATH
Palm Beach Post
6 Aug 2002
[Excerpts] When police found Kimberly Thompson Wright dead in her Michigan home from a bullet through her chest, it looked like suicide. Her husband Douglas, a former Michigan State Police trooper, told detectives that she shot herself. The two had been in the midst of ending their nine-year marriage before Kimberly Wright's death May 1, 1993... Douglas James Wright was arrested at his Boynton Beach home early Monday on a Michigan warrant for homicide and felony possession of a firearm. Detective Sgt. David Dwyre of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office in Michigan said Monday at a police headquarters news conference that Douglas Wright had staged the suicide and "altered the crime scene" in the finished basement of Kimberly Wright's home. "He told me he cleaned up the room because he was afraid of being dragged through the coals," the detective said... Kimberly Wright's brother, Jeffrey Thompson of Rochester, N.H., said that he was too taken aback by the arrest to talk about it. He said he was unsure whether his sister's death was a homicide or suicide...

FORMER MICHIGAN TROOPER LIVING IN PALM BEACH CHARGED WITH WIFE'S 1993 DEATH
The Associated Press
Friday, August 9, 2002
[Excerpts] A former Michigan state police trooper who had been living in Palm Beach County, Fla., was jailed without bond Friday after being charged in the 1993 shooting death of his estranged wife. Douglas J. Wright, 50, was arrested Monday on murder and weapons charges at his home in Boynton Beach, Fla. Two Genesee County sheriff's detectives brought him to Flint late Wednesday. Wright was arraigned Thursday in the shooting death of Kimberly Thompson Wright, 34... Police said Wright, who had separated from his wife, called 911 to report that she had shot herself. Investigators called the circumstances unusual and searched the house with specialized equipment, but no charges were brought. The investigation was reopened in 1999, shortly after Sheriff Robert J. Pickell and Undersheriff James Gage took office. Gage had been Wright's supervisor at the Flint state police post. Detective Sgt. David Dwyer re-interviewed witnesses and spoke with Wright in Florida before bringing the case to prosecutors in April...

MAN GUILTY OF KILLING HIS WIFE
Palm Beach Post
30 May 2003: 3.
The probe into a deadly shooting 10 years ago in a Michigan basement, which took a dramatic turn in Boynton Beach last year, has ended in a conviction. Douglas Wright, 51, a former Boynton Beach resident who served as a Michigan state trooper for 15 years, was convicted Wednesday of killing his 34-year-old wife in May 1993... When a new sheriff took office in Genesee County, Mich., detectives began to reinvestigate. They uncovered mistakes in the original investigation, including the failure to conduct a test to determine whether Wright had fired a gun that night and allowing him to change clothes... About a year ago, detectives flew to Boynton Beach, where Wright had moved with his son. Investigators obtained incriminating statements from him during questioning, according to reports in The Flint Journal. In August, they returned with a Michigan warrant for homicide, arrested Wright and got him extradited to Michigan, where he was tried and convicted. The jury deliberated 14 hours. Wright faces a life sentence.

GENESEE COUNTY UNDERSHERIFF JIM GAGE RETIRES AFTER MORE THAN 40 YEARS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT, 12 WITH SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
Flint Journal
By David Harris
July 02, 2011, 3:00 PM
[Excerpts] ...After five years with the Detroit Police Department, [Jim] Gage joined the state police in 1967 where he served in various positions until 1996... In 2001, Gage’s prodding helped reopen a mystery surrounding Douglas Wright, a former state trooper whom Gage had supervised during his time with the state police. Wright’s wife was found dead in 1993 in their Fenton Township apartment and the death was originally ruled as a suicide. The sheriff’s department reopened the case in 2001 and Wright was eventually tried and convicted two years later of second-degree murder. He is currently serving a 25-50 year sentence in prison. “It was so satisfying to me,” said Gage...
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety lethal fatality fatalities alleged suicide said suicide staged murder michigan state politics]

[CA] NO! Ex-State Prison Officer Rodriguez can NOT have a new trial.

NO - Imprisoned former-Salinas Valley California State Prison Officer Timothy Rodriguez, guilty of trying to hire a hit man to kill his ex-girlfriend, can NOT have a new trial. 


Stay put.

NO NEW TRIAL FOR PRISON GUARD WHO ORDERED HIT ON EX-GIRLFRIEND
Monterey Herald, Salinas Bureau
By Virginia Hennessey
10/25/2011
[Excerpts] A former Soledad correctional officer has lost his bid for a new trial on charges he hired a "hit man" to kill his ex-girlfriend. The 6th District Court of Appeal in San Jose upheld the attempted murder conviction of Timothy Rodriguez, saying his actions went beyond preparation to actually putting his plan in action... Rodriguez identified the intended victim, led her would-be killer to her Monterey house, described her car and how he wanted the crime committed, and gave the assassin a down payment and the PIN for the victim's credit card, which he was to use to get the rest of his fee. "You're going to pay me with her (expletive) money?" asked the man, who turned out to be Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement officer... Rodriguez, 40, was sentenced to seven years to life... [Full article here]

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EXCERPTS FROM ARTICLES SINCE THE LAST POST:

UNDERCOVER AGENT TESTIFIES IN SALINAS MURDER-FOR-HIRE CASE: Undercover agent testifies correctional officer wanted his ex-girlfriend killed
thecalifornian.com
Jul. 12, 2010
[Excerpts] ...Steven Somers, a Monterey County deputy district attorney, in presenting his case, called to the stand witnesses including the woman Timothy Rodriguez is accused of trying to have killed and an undercover agent who posed as the hitman. Somers also played in court the recordings of Rodriguez working out a potential deal with a confidential informant and the “hitman” in the murder-for-hire plot... [Doe] testified, upon questioning by one of the defense lawyers, that Rodriguez treated her well and was not abusive during their relationship. Doe said she had moved twice since she last spoke to Rodriguez and doesn’t know how the defendant knew where she lived... Rodriguez took the stand and testified that he asked at least five times for a lawyer – requests that were repeatedly ignored... It is unclear whether Rodriguez is still employed as a correctional officer... Steven Somers, a county deputy district attorney, played a recording in court that documents a conversation between Rodriguez, Rivera and a confidential informant. The tape includes Rodriguez taking Rivera and the informant to the home of the woman and detailing how he wanted her killed — one bullet in the head and another in the chest. Rodriguez also explains to the agent the woman's routine upon arriving home from work with her 3-year-old son, how Rivera would be paid and escape routes once the plan was carried out. According to the tape, Rivera was told he could get at least another $1,500 if he took the woman's wallet... While Rivera questions Rodriguez on why he wanted the woman killed, the defendant doesn't reveal his reasons, other than to say "it needs to be done."... [Full article here]

TRIAL RESUMES TODAY FOR EX-SALINAS VALLEY STATE PRISON CORRECTIONAL OFFICER
thecalifornian.com
Jul. 14, 2010
[Excerpts] A Monterey County judge issued a guilty verdict this afternoon for a former Salinas Valley State Prison correctional officer accused of trying to hire a hitman to kill a ex-love interest. Superior Court Judge Russell Scott found Timothy Rodriguez guilty of attempted, premeditated and deliberate murder and solicitation of murder... An alleged victim in a murder-for-hire case testified Tuesday that she had no idea a former love interest wanted her dead until after he was arrested. The woman, identified as Jane Doe in court, took the stand... Doe, an employee of the prison, testified Tuesday that she was "pretty shaken up" emotionally when she learned of the plot... ... [Full article here]

EX-SALINAS VALLEY STATE PRISON CORRECTIONAL OFFICER FOUND GUILTY IN MURDER-FOR-HIRE PLOT
The Salinas Californian
By Sunita Vijayan
July 15, 2010
[Excerpts] A judge convicted an ex-Salinas Valley State Prison correctional officer in a murder-for-hire case Wednesday, saying the defendant put a "significant amount of planning" into a plot to kill a woman he had dated. Monterey County Superior Court Judge Russell Scott found Timothy Rodriguez guilty of attempted first-degree murder and solicitation of murder, following nearly two days of testimony in a bench trial. "There is no doubt that the defendant intended to have this victim killed," said Scott... [Full article here]

EX-PRISON GUARD GETS LIFE IN MURDER-FOR-HIRE: Timothy Rodriguez Was Prison Guard At Salinas Valley State Prison
KSBW
August 27, 2010
[Excerpt] A former prison guard found guilty of trying to hire a hit man to kill his ex-girlfriend was sentenced to life in prison... When asked by an agent posing as an undercover officer why Rodriguez wanted the woman killed, he said that it needed to be done... [Full article here]

FROM A  SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 HEARING DISCUSSING BAIL:

THE COURT:  The Court has received, reviewed, and considered the bail motion as written.

MR. HERNANDEZ:  Yeah.  And I'm not going to belabor the motion, but, your Honor, the two million dollar bail in this case is excessive.  It's excessive to the point it's unattainable and it might as well be no bail.  It's clearly unreasonable, and by the -- guaranteed under the Constitution, Mr. Rodriguez should have reasonable bail. It should be determined on Mr. Rodriguez's flight risk.  There should be an individualized hearing.

Mr. Rodriguez was born in Monterey County, raised in Monterey County, all of his roots are in Monterey County.  He's never worked anywhere else besides Monterey County.  He's 38 years old.  There's never been a problem with law enforcement or any other allegation of misconduct in his life.  He's been a single father for eleven years.  His son is currently enrolled in a private school.  He's had sole custody and sole responsibility for that child.  He's lead a very responsible life.

He's not a flight risk.  His family is in town, his friends are in town.  He has no connections really anywhere besides Monterey County.  He's deeply rooted here, your Honor. So as the bail motion notes, we'd be asking for it to be considerably lowered to a hundred thousand dollars.

MR. SOMERS:  Well, your Honor, the defendant does -- there are allegations that the defendant has committed other criminal acts.  They're included in the discovery given to the Defense.

He was engaged in a conspiracy, in a plot to smuggling drugs and cell phones into the prisons, and did so with at least two different gang members who were prisoners. One of those gang members, who was a CI in this case, he was contacted to commit murder for him.  They talked back and forth, and there was trust because of the smuggling that had been going on.

The defendant keeps -- has no address on record with CDC.  The agency he worked for did not know where he lived. He had a P.O. Box.  The cell phone they had for him was one of those throw-away cell phones where you don't have to register a name or an address, and so his cell phone was never registered in his name or address.  When CDC IA started looking into him, they couldn't find him.  They didn't know where he was.  It was only through a lot of efforts that they were able to ultimately find out, and I think they had to follow him to find out actually where he lived.

He set up this meeting with ultimately it turned out to be an undercover officer, but he didn't know that, to kill a co-worker and a former -- someone he dated years before.  He told -- he had planned this out to order -- tell the CI, on tape, that he wanted a revolver used because he didn't wanted to leave shell casings.  He wanted one to her chest, one to her head, presumably to make sure she was dead.  He wanted her purse stolen.  He wanted the Blackberry brought to him as proof that she was dead.

He had stalked her for weeks.  He knew her comings and goings.  He knew her address, even though she never provided it to him.  We found Internet research as to where she lived.  He knew that her husband was out of home and that she gets home -- the time she gets home and the time she goes to work, and suggested that that would be a good time to get her because, you know, you know when she's coming and going, and she has her three year-old -- she's putting her three year-old into the car seat.  So he was basically, without saying it, telling this undercover agent that he wanted her murdered in the presence of her three year-old son.

When he was -- after he was arrested and confronted with this, his biggest concern -- his two biggest concerns that he expresses to the officer are one, he didn't want to be in general population; and two, he was going to miss the Pittsburgh Steelers game and he had just bought a big screen TV.  His attitude towards the whole thing, in all the discussions, both when he didn't know he was being taped and when he was talking to the agents and knew he was being taped, was cold, heartless; never any expressions of remorse or concerns.  His only response to multiple questions of why he would want her killed was she needed to die.

The victim is living in terror, your Honor.  I've met with her several times.  We've worked to change her identity and move her.  She's no longer at her old address.  Her one solace is that the defendant is behind bars.  She's contemplated leaving the state or leaving the country because she doesn't know how many other people he might have tried to hire to do so, and I can't tell her he hasn't.

Your Honor, one of the considerations, A, is flight risk.  And the defendant has been told through his attorney weeks ago that the People's only position in this case is the defendant must serve life for attempted murder, so he knows that, that it's win at trial, when everything is on tape, or serve life in prison.

He also -- he also is a flight risk because the Mexican border is very close.  He could be across that border. I don't know what kind of ties he has to the gangs inside the prison.  We haven't been able to determine that, but he may have support from them in getting to where he has to go.  I'm not sure about that.  I hope he doesn't.  I don't think he does.  But we have a person who is not that connected to the community when his employer doesn't know what his address is. He may have family here, but they didn't believe that he was capable of this.  He is a flight risk.  There really is no reason for him to stay if he's let out.

Defense counsel's papers say he doesn't have -- we took his passport, but as everyone knows you can cross the Mexican border without anyone even knowing your name.  No one checks your passport, there is no controls going that direction.

And another consideration, which Defense Counsel's never mentions in there, is public safety.  And someone like the defendant, who is capable of this kind of cold, cold-blooded action to have a woman killed who did nothing to him, in front of her three year-old I would argue to the Court his obsession may cause him to just go out and get her now, himself.  I just don't know anymore dangerous of an individual than this.  This wasn't prompted by anger, and this took months to put together.  There were phone calls for months as he planned, plotted, and set up her murder, did Internet research and scoped her place out.

So there's a lot of reasons, your Honor, to keep this bail exactly where it is, and the number one is so he won't get out.

THE COURT:  All right.  Bail remain as set.  And the identities that we discussed previously would not be disclosed publicly.  They're to remain nonpublic.

MR. SOMERS:  Thank you, your Honor.

THE COURT:  For both the victim and the witness.

MR. HERNANDEZ:  Thank you.
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety lethal cop on cop contract killing attempt california murder state politics]

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

[SC] Cherokee County Sheriff fires Lt. Wyatt within a few hours of domestic violence report

Cherokee County SC Sheriff's Lt. Christopher Wyatt reportedly beat up his wife Sunday morning and by 11:30 a.m. - just a couple of hours later -  Wyatt was fired. Leaders lead. The leader of that department is Sheriff Steve Mueller:

..."His service record was exemplary and his arrest comes as a shock to his peers and this administration. However, due to the nature of the charges and his role as a public servant who is sworn to protect and serve, he has been terminated from employment with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office"... Mueller thanked Gaffney police department officers and Chief Rick Turner for their professionalism and diligence in conducting the investigation...

Accountability is always restrengthening to see, and zero tolerance seems so clear, but for the family - especially the victims - the danger is not resolved. They are all in my prayers and my hope is that the department offers her options of guarded safety.

It's a painful decision to have to make, but this sheriff makes his department shine by making the right decision, regardless.

CHEROKEE CO. DEPUTY ARRESTED ON CRIMINAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHARGES
WSPA
October 23, 2011
[Excerpts] On Sunday morning the Gaffney City Police Department was dispatched to the home of Christopher Paul Wyatt, a deputy of the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, on a criminal domestic violence incident call involving his wife. Lieutenant Christopher Paul Wyatt was arrested and booked into the Cherokee County Detention Center for criminal domestic violence, high Aggravated in Nature... The Sheriff's Office says his service record was exemplary and his arrest comes as a shock to his peers and this administration. However due to the nature of the charges and his role as a public servant who is sworn to protect and serve he has been terminated from employment with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office as of 11:30am on October 23, 2011... [Full article here]

CHEROKEE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPUTY FIRED AFTER HIS ARREST ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHARGES
The Associated Press  
October 24, 2011
[Excerpts] ...[Cherokee County] Sheriff Steve Mueller says 32-year-old Lt. Christopher Paul Wyatt of Gaffney was charged with aggravated criminal domestic violence after police were called to his home Sunday morning. The sheriff's office says deputies also responded and took Wyatt's guns and badge... [Full article here]

DEPUTY: 'I MESSED UP;' ARRESTED, FIRED - Christopher Wyatt Charged With Criminal Domestic Violence
POSTED: 4:54 pm EDT October 23, 2011
UPDATED: 11:00 am EDT October 24, 2011
[Excerpts] The Cherokee County sheriff fired a deputy over the weekend after the deputy was accused of beating his wife, according to a report. Gaffney police arrested Christopher Paul Wyatt, 35, at his home about 8:30 a.m. Sunday... The police report said that the wife's mother reported the assault. Officers said when they talked to the deputy's wife, Amy Wyatt, 31, she told them that she had confronted her husband about him having an affair. She said her husband then hit her in the head several times and grabbed her by the throat and tried to choke her. Amy Wyatt said that her husband continued to assault her, knocking her into a wall and onto the floor, continuing to hit her while she was down. She said at that point, their 7-year-old daughter came into the room and pleaded with her father to stop. Wyatt said her husband yelled at the child to go back to her room. She said then her husband got a towel and tried to tend to her injuries, telling her, "I'm only human." Police said that Christopher Wyatt had left before they arrived. Amy Wyatt was transported to Upstate Carolina Medical Center. An officer was able to reach Wyatt on his cellphone and told him to meet officers at the Gaffney Police Department. Officers took possession of Wyatt's personal firearms, and the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office took his service weapon, badge and patrol vehicle. According to the report, when officers met Wyatt at the police department, he said, "I messed up. Do what you have to do"... [Full article here]

CHEROKEE CO. DEPUTY FIRED AFTER ARREST
FOX Carolina
By Anjelica Partridge, Associate Producer 
Posted: Oct 23, 2011 5:18 PM PST
Updated: Oct 24, 2011 10:05 AM PST
[Excerpts] ...Cherokee County Sheriff Steve Mueller said Wyatt's arrest comes as a shock, but because of the nature of the charges, he has been fired from the department. According to an officer's incident report, Wyatt was accused of having an affair and proceeded to beat the victim several times in the head and attempted to choke her... Wyatt was arrested and taken to the Cherokee County Detention Center... [Full article here]

CHEROKEE COUNTY DEPUTY FIRED AFTER BEING CHARGED WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Spartanburg Herald-Journal
By Jenny Arnold
Published: Sunday, October 23, 2011 at 5:38 p.m.
Modified: Monday, October 24, 2011 at 12:01 p.m.
[Excerpts] ...[Cherokee County sheriff's deputy Christopher Paul] Wyatt was a lieutenant at the sheriff's office. According to a news release from the Cherokee sheriff's office, Gaffney Police Department officers were called to Wyatt's home about 7:30 a.m. Sunday. [Cherokee County Sheriff Steve] Mueller said he was notified about the incident almost immediately, from a deputy who heard the call on police radio. Deputies responded to the home, taking possession of Wyatt's gun and credentials, Mueller said... For the past two years, Wyatt served as the sheriff's office's training coordinator... [Wyatt's wife] had an injury to her hand, marks on the back of her shoulder and wounds on the back of her head, which Mueller said indicated to him that she was in a defensive position during the incident... "It comes as a huge surprise to all of us," Mueller said. "His service record was exemplary and his arrest comes as a shock to his peers and this administration. However, due to the nature of the charges and his role as a public servant who is sworn to protect and serve, he has been terminated from employment with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office"... Mueller thanked Gaffney police department officers and Chief Rick Turner for their professionalism and diligence in conducting the investigation.  [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety brutal professional leaders lead south carolina state politics]

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

[WI] Lawsuit addressing Deputy Peterson's domestic violence massacre likely going to Supreme Court


The families of six young people gunned down by a rogue sheriff's deputy in one of the most horrific mass shootings in Wisconsin history can't challenge the county's decision to hire him, a state appeals court ruled Tuesday. Forest County Sheriff's Deputy Tyler Peterson showed up at a party at his ex-girlfriend's apartment in Crandon in October 2007. He got into an argument with her, left the apartment and returned with his county-issued assault rifle...

Victims of Forest County Sheriff's Deputy / Crandon Police Officer Tyler Peterson:


One survivor: Charles Neitzel

WISCONSIN APPEALS COURT REFUSES TO ALLOW FAMILIES TO CHALLENGE ROGUE POLICE OFFICER'S HIRING
Associated Press
Todd Richmond 
October 18, 2011

MADISON, Wis. — The families of six young people gunned down by a rogue sheriff's deputy in one of the most horrific mass shootings in Wisconsin history can't challenge the county's decision to hire him, a state appeals court ruled Tuesday.

Forest County Sheriff's Deputy Tyler Peterson showed up at a party at his ex-girlfriend's apartment in Crandon in October 2007. He got into an argument with her, left the apartment and returned with his county-issued assault rifle.

He opened fire and killed six people in less than a minute. Peterson shot Charles Neitzel three times but Neitzel survived by playing dead. Peterson, who was 20 at the time, later killed himself.

Neitzel and the families of four of the other victims filed a multi-million dollar wrongful death lawsuit in 2008 against the county and the city of Crandon, which employed Peterson as a part-time police officer.

They claimed law enforcement officials knew Peterson had mental problems and a history of violence and wrongly gave him access to weapons.

Oneida County Circuit Judge Mark Mangerson handled the case for Forest County Judge Leon Stenz, who recused himself from the proceedings. Stenz was the district attorney in Forest County when the shootings occurred.

Mangerson ultimately dismissed the families' claims last year, ruling the county and city were immune from such a lawsuit. He ruled that Wisconsin law protects government subdivisions from liability when they make discretionary decisions, including the hiring of employees.

The families dismissed the city from their appeal but continued to pursue the case against the county, making a broad argument that government immunity should be limited.

The 3rd District Court of Appeals disagreed, noting in a concise three-page decision that the state Supreme Court has repeatedly stated that government bodies are immune from lawsuits when they make discretionary decisions.

The families' attorney, James A. Olson, told The Associated Press in an email that he expected the appeals court to uphold the dismissal because only the state Supreme Court can change the immunity doctrine. He said he anticipates the families will ask the high court to take the case.

Previous entries:
Bradley Schultz 20, Lindsey Stahl, 14 Lianna Thomas 17 Katrina McCorkle 18 Aaron Smith, 20 police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety lethal fatality fatalities murder suicide massacre double triple homicide wisconsin state politics]

[LA] Sheriff's candidate Mike Tregre vows to not ignore officer-involved domestic violence like Sheriff Jones did

St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana


"...When I told Sheriff Wayne Jones that one of his deputies was abusing me, he refused to take action, he refused to help me. In fact, he politely escorted me out the door. I brought an overwelming amount of evidence to Sheriff Jones. I showed him medical reports and played voice mail messages where I was being threatened. I went a second time to see Sheriff Jones.
Again, he said he was not going to take any action against his lieutenant. I asked if I could see Internal Affairs and he said no, everything had to go through him. I left sobbing and terrified because when you go to the highest ranking officer who is governing all these other officers, and he discounts you completely, you feel hopeless... I felt hopeless. I was raped and beaten and he put a 9 mm Glock to my head threatening to kill me. 
I decided once and for all that I had to take action, and I reported my terror to the State Police. My abuser, Sheriff Jones' lieutenant, was indicted for aggravated rape and arrested... I lived to tell my story. But I still can't believe Sheriff Jones refused to protect me. Now, I'm taking action to protect you from Sheriff Jones."

UPDATE:
"I was head of Internal Affairs at that time, and I was NEVER made aware this investigation was active or ongoing - until I saw it in the media"..

ST. JOHN SHERIFF RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION AGAINST ONE OF HIS TOP DEPUTIES
wwltv.com, Eyewitness News 
Paul Murphy
October 19, 2011
[Excerpts] This Saturday, one of the big elections in the River Parishes is the race for Sheriff in St. John Parish. It pits a longtime incumbent against one of his former top deputies. Wayne Jones has been sheriff for the past 16 years... His opponent Mike Tregre is a 23-year veteran and former spokesman for the department. "I know the ins and outs of St. John Sheriff's Office... One thorny topic during the campaign is a video put out by Tregre, featuring a woman who claims one of the sheriff's former top lieutenants beat his girlfriend and Jones failed to take action. "I was head of internal affairs at the time and I was never was made aware that this investigation was active or ongoing until I saw it in the media," said Tregre. Sheriff Jones says his department investigated the matter which is seven years old. "This officer pleaded guilty to a felony, served time in jail, and the person who is in the commercial, Mrs. Mutz agreed to the plea," said Jones. "The sheriff provided court records to back up the claim. Sheriff Jones says he still considers Tregre a friend. "He's a nice person, doesn't have the administrative experience I have as far running a department of 300 people and a $26 million budget," said Jones. "Crime is up in St. John Parish," said Tregre. "The morale is down at the St. John Sheriff's office."... [Full article here]

[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety lethal louisiana teflon corruption sex sexual assault st. john the baptist parish louisiana state politics "Tracey's Story"]

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

[WA] Police say they saw SPD Domestic Violence Unit Sgt. Murray assault girlfriend in public

...Until today, [Seattle Police Sgt. Ronald] Murray was a member of the Seattle Police Domestic Violence Unit...  "A few of our officers saw Mr. Murray dragging the female victim by the upper part of her jacket and hair through the gravel parking lot," [Chelan County Det. Sgt. Jerry Moore] told seattlepi.com. "Numerous witnesses as well as officers saw the assault take place"... Deputies noted the woman was intoxicated but did not indicate whether Murray, 55, was believed to be intoxicated. The arresting deputy noted that Murray said he knew he was wrong and had no excuse for his behavior... Police sources say the victim in this case also works for the department...  "She was literally being dragged"...

Video

SPD DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFICER ALLEGEDLY DRAGGED GIRLFRIEND BY HAIR
KOMO
Oct 17, 2011
[Excerpts] An officer with the Seattle Police Department's domestic violence unit was arrested Saturday night for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend. The incident happened in Leavenworth where Sgt. Ronald Murray was attending an Octoberfest with his girlfriend, said Sgt. Jerry Moore with the Chelan County Sheriff's Office... "He was witnessed by two of our officers dragging the female by her hair and the upper portion of her jacket through a gravel parking lot," Moore said. "She was literally being dragged"... Murray was arrested and booked into the Chelan County Jail for investigation of fourth-degree assault, domestic violence. Murray later posted bail... [Full article here]

SEATTLE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INVESTIGATOR ARRESTED FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
wenatcheeworld.com
By Dee Riggs
Monday, October 17, 2011
[Excerpts] ... Untiil today, Murray was a member of the Seattle Police Domestic Violence Unit, according to a Seattle Police Department press release issued this afternoon. Murray, a 28-year police veteran, is being transferred to another department pending the outcome of the investigation, according to Detective Mark Jamieson with the Seattle Police Department’s public affairs office. He said Seattle officials have started a complaint process with the department’s Office of Professional Accountability... October is national Domestic Violence Awareness month, according to the Seattle Police Department press release.... [Full article here]

SPD DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERGEANT ARRESTED FOR DV ASSAULT: Incident happened at Octoberfest; no plea entered yet
Seattlepi.Com
By Casey Mcnerthney
Monday, October 17, 2011
[Excerpts] A Seattle police sergeant in the domestic violence unit was arrested at Octoberfest in Leavenworth after police say he dragged his girlfriend in front of Chelan County sheriff's deputies... Sgt. Ronald Lee Murray, 55, and his 44-year-old girlfriend were waiting for a shuttle bus... "A few of our officers saw Mr. Murray dragging the female victim by the upper part of her jacket and hair through the gravel parking lot," [Chelan County Det. Sgt. Jerry Moore] told seattlepi.com. "Numerous witnesses as well as officers saw the assault take place." The alleged assault came after the woman, also from Puyallup, was upset that Murray gave away $20 in beer tickets, according to police. She was described as being "clearly intoxicated," but there were not incident report notes on Murray's possible intoxication... Murray identified himself as a Seattle Police officer, was cooperative and "advised he knew he was in the wrong," according to the Sheriff's Office incident report... Moore said Murray has been charged with fourth-degree domestic violence assault and a no-contact order with the victim was issued after his arrest. Seattle police spokespeople did not name Murray or give details of the incident, but Det. Mark Jamieson said in a department statement the 28-year veteran "will receive an investigatory transfer pending the ongoing investigation... The department has initiated the Office of Professional Accountability (OPA) complaint process... The OPA will actively monitor the ongoing Chelan County criminal case for developments. Upon the conclusion of the criminal case, OPA will proceed with a separate administrative investigation into the employee's conduct"... [Full article here]


DOMESTIC VIOLENCE UNIT COP IS ARRESTED HIMSELF
Seattle Times
By Christine Clarridge
Originally published October 17, 2011
Page modified October 18, 2011
[Excerpts] A sergeant with the Seattle Police Department's Domestic Violence Unit [Ronald Lee Murray] was arrested over the weekend for investigation of domestic violence after an incident during Leavenworth's annual Oktoberfest... Chelan County sheriff's Detective Jerry Moore said two deputies were working at Oktoberfest late Friday when they saw a man dragging a woman by her hair and jacket through a gravel parking lot... Deputies noted the woman was intoxicated, according to Moore, but did not indicate whether Murray, 55, was believed to be intoxicated. The arresting deputy noted that Murray said he knew he was wrong and had no excuse for his behavior... Seattle police learned of the arrest early Sunday, according to a statement. The department has transferred the sergeant out of the Domestic Violence Unit, pending the criminal investigation, police said. A complaint process has been initiated with the department's Office of Professional Accountability (OPA). According to police, the OPA will begin a separate administrative investigation into the employee's conduct after the conclusion of the criminal case. [Full article here]


SPD DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERGEANT ARRESTED FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
publicola.com
Jonah Spangenthal-Lee
October 17, 2011
[Excerpts] ...Department sources say within the last week, Sgt. Murray taught a domestic violence training class to other officers on the difference between felony and misdemeanor domestic violence incidents... Police sources say the victim in this case also works for the department. We’re not providing any additional details about the victim or her position within SPD to protect her identity. [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety irony hypocracy washington state politics cop on cop]

Monday, October 17, 2011

[OK] Fired for alleged tactical DV assault Trooper Hanson cleared and wants job back

...Prosecutors allege that on April 6, [Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper Milton Dexter] Hanson grabbed Bertrand's arms, pushed her and - once she was on the ground - held her down by putting one of his hands on her neck. He then placed his other arm on one of the woman's arms to prevent her from moving... "The victim told us that she does not want to pursue the case"...

NEWS EXCERPTS FROM APRIL AND THIS MONTH:

OHP TROOPER ARRESTED IN ASSAULT CASE, PUT ON LEAVE

Tulsa World
David Harper
4/16/2011
[Excerpts] An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper has been placed on paid administrative leave after being arrested on a misdemeanor domestic assault and battery charge. Milton Dexter Hanson, 48, also was charged Friday in Tulsa County District Court with interference with an emergency phone call. Prosecutors allege that he took a phone away from Stephanie Bertra... Prosecutors allege that on April 6, Hanson grabbed Bertrand's arms, pushed her and - once she was on the ground - held her down by putting one of his hands on her neck. He then placed his other arm on one of the woman's arms to prevent her from moving, the charge allege... [Full article here]

FORMER STATE TROOPER IS CLEARED IN DOMESTIC CASE
Tulsa World
Bill Braun
10/12/2011
[Excerpts] A domestic assault and battery case against a man who recently lost his job as an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper has been dismissed. Milton Dexter Hanson, a veteran trooper, was charged with two misdemeanors - domestic assault and battery and interfering with an emergency phone call... Both counts were dismissed Monday. "The victim told us that she does not want to pursue the case," First Assistant District Attorney Doug Drummond said... Hanson was fired in September from his job as a trooper. He is appealing that termination order... [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety teflon noncooperation recant oklahoma politics]

Sunday, October 16, 2011

[OK] "Witnesses" back down from DV gun charges against Tulsa Police Detective Roger Smith

 The case was dismissed after witnesses chose not to move forward...

PREVIOUS POST:
[OK] Tulsa Police Det. Smith accused of armed domestic violence incident - Tulsa Police Department homicide detective Roger Smith said to have been involved in a domestic altercation that included pointing a gun at a man and spraying a woman in the face with pepper spray...

ASSAULT, WEAPONS CHARGES AGAINST DETECTIVE DISMISSED
Tulsa World
10/12/2011
[Excerpts] Criminal charges against a Tulsa police detective have been dismissed in Osage County District Court. Homicide Detective Roger Smith, 51, was charged with domestic assault and battery and with pointing a weapon after a dispute in the 1900 block of West Newton Street, a Tulsa address that is in Osage County, on July 31, court records show. The case was dismissed Oct. 3 after witnesses chose not to move forward with the case... [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety lethal teflon noncooperation refused to cooperate fear oklahoma state politics]

[VT] Berlin Firefighter Erik Mears released after accused of long brutal attack on estranged wife


..."He pushed the door open and beat her for an hour and a half, choked her, slammed her head against the wall," said Maria West, the victim's older sister. She said her younger sister is fearful and in shock after the incident... The victim's family members say their brother-in-law had help from Megan Duffy...


FAMILY FEARS FOR VICTIM AFTER DOMESTIC ASSAULT
WCAX
By Kyle Midura midura@wcax.com
October 12, 2011
[Excerpts] A Vermont firefighter is facing charges, accused of attacking his estranged wife. Erik Mears allegedly admitted to police that he pulled the phone cord in their Berlin trailer Friday night to prevent his wife from calling for help. Amanda Mears turned to Facebook to get a frantic message out to her twin sister in Rhode Island. "He pushed the door open and beat her for an hour and a half, choked her, slammed her head against the wall," said Maria West, the victim's older sister. She said her younger sister is fearful and in shock after the incident. The victim's family members say their brother-in-law had help from Megan Duffy, 32. West says the pair "(told) Amanda not to worry, her boys would be taken care of once they disposed of her body"... the victim told officers the assault took place in front of the estranged couple's young children... Reports indicate Erik Mears had snorted pills and drank that night... A Berlin firefighter at the time of the alleged incident, he resigned shortly after prosecutors charged him with aggravated domestic assault and two misdemeanors. A substitute judge released him with no bail because it was his first offense. Monday, prosecutors will go back to court, arguing he should be held without bail. "I'm not happy that he was released from jail and he should still be in jail," said West. West said they're installing a new security system at the home. But, she added that they're uncomfortable with the fact that they'll have to leave their sister's side in order to return to their respective families and work. [Full article here]

BERLIN POLICE ARREST MAN ON DRUG CHARGES
Times Argus
By Jenna Pizzi
October 12, 2011
[Excerpts] A Berlin man was arrested on drug-related charges last month, according to Berlin Police Department. Erik Mears, 28, was arrested on charges of possession and dispensing a regulated drug on Sept. 29. Police would not say what kind of drug Mears was charged with possessing. The charges came as police were investigating a report of a possible domestic assault and learned Mears was in possession of the regulated drug. Mears is expected to appear in Washington County Criminal Court in early November. [Full article here]

FROM ONLINE COMMENTS:

...I think that something should be done this is absolutely ridiculous whats stopping him from killing her now? this is ridiculous that judge is out of control... IS THIS WHAT OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM HAS COME TOO? any other person wouldn't be out on no bail they have like a million dollars bail. thats wrong he could kill and just might. He was on drugs and whos to say he wont be or isnt right now. and hes livign in OUR home towns. Hes walking our streets. thats not a good thing.. just think about it...


...I think that the system failed this woman and her family. Letting this man out of jail is asking for a tragedy. Wake up people! This is the way that women die every day!!!...


...And, what about the female who was with Eric?...


...he should be locked up jus like anybody else would be hold him wit no bail do pass go go strait to jail...


...the judge who released him with no bail should be locked up!!!...

MEGAN DUFFY WAS ERIK MEARS' (alleged) ACCOMPLICE. 
I wonder how many druggie Megan Duffy's that attend crimes there are in tiny Vermont:

WOMEN BEHIND BARS
WCAX, Waterbury, Vermont
Darren Perron
June 20, 2007
[Excerpts] Megan Duffy can't wait to move out of this small room that she shares with four other women... The 28 year-old is nearing the end of her sentence for a third drunk driving offense and smuggling narcotics into jail. She calls the Dale Correctional Center home for now. "I miss my kids. I haven't seen them in two years. I miss my grandma," Duffy said, choking back tears... Corrections officials hope she'll also be a good, law-abiding citizen. [Full article here]

POLICE BREAK UP MAJOR BURGLARY RING - Court Documents: At Least 50 Homes Hit
WPTZ
By Matt Lawfer
May 6, 2010
[Excerpts] Police said they have broken up a major burglary ring in Washington and Orange counties. Prosecutors said 31-year-old Megan Duffy cut her hair and dyed it blond to avoid being caught by police. Duffy has pleaded not guilty to six burglary charges... She has a felony record including a DUI 3rd," said Washington County State's Attorney Tom Kelly. Police said Duffy even stole money from her own grandmother and traded it out of state in exchange for drugs. [Full article here]

HOMELESS WOMAN CHARGED IN RASH OF BURGLARIES: Police Say Woman Responsible For 50 Break-Ins
boston.com
May 10, 2010
[Excerpts] ...Prosecutors say Megan Duffy could ultimately be charged in as many as 50 break-ins... [Full article here]

RURAL NEIGHBORS FIGHT DUXBURY BURGLARY WAVE
stowetoday.com
Nathan Burgess
Aug 16, 2010.
[Excerpts] At about 2 in the morning, Louis Haslam of Duxbury heard voices in her house... she saw two shadowy figures bolting outside to a nearby van... The van was linked to Megan Duffy, a homeless woman connected to a number of burglaries in Vermont... [Full article here]

STATE VS. DUFFY, MEGAN
Court Calendar for Orange Criminal Division
5 Court Street · Chelsea, VT 05038
Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 1:30 PM  in Room 1
[Excerpts] 
451-10-10 Oecr/Criminal - Restitution Hearing
25-1-11 Oecr/Criminal - Sentencing Hearing
179-5-11 Oecr/Criminal - Sentencing Hearing
349-9-11 Oecr/Criminal - Status Conference
Atty(s): Sandra A. Nelson & William J. Porter
Cases heard by Harold E. Eaton, Jr.
[LINK]

Facebook: Erik Mears
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety lethal vermont politics alcohol drugs fear preferential]

Thursday, October 13, 2011

[MO] Officer Swann accused face-punch and tactical assault of his wife


FORMER POLICE OFFICER FACES DOMESTIC-ASSAULT CHARGE
KCStar.com
James Hart
10/12/2011
Jackson County prosecutors have filed a domestic-assault charge against a former Independence policeman, who is accused of punching and using a police restraint hold on a woman. Nathan C. Swann, 36, of Independence faces one count of second-degree domestic assault, court records stated. Prosecutors have asked for a $40,000 bond. [LINK]

FORMER INDEPENDENCE POLICE OFFICER CHARGED WITH DOMESTIC ASSAULT
The Blue Springs Examiner
By Jeff Martin
10/12/2011
A former Independence police officer has been charged with domestic assault of his wife. Nathan C. Swann, 36, of Independence, is accused of striking his wife in the eye and using a police choke hold on her in their home on Tuesday. The incident is alleged to have occurred in front of their young child. Court documents show that Swann, when confronted by police outside his home, apparently became angry when his wife informed him that they she had sold some video games to pay for food. When police arrived at the home, Swann refused to come out for about 10 minutes. He finally did without incident. The offense is a second-degree felony. Bond was set at $40,000. He was charged in Jackson County Court on Wednesday. [LINK]
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