[WA] Tacoma Police Officer Joseph now free of any felony DV gun or threat charges

...[Tacoma police officer] Aaron James Joseph – once charged with second-degree assault and felony harassment – now faces a single misdemeanor count of harassment...


Previous Post:
[WA] FREE TO ROAM: Tacoma's Police Officer Joseph - accused of assaulting wife and threatening a copy-cat murder-suicide - is free on bail - A Tacoma police officer accused of pointing a gun at his wife’s head and threatening to kill her and one of his colleagues pleaded not guilty Friday to two felonies. Aaron James Joseph, 27, was allowed to remain free on the $15,000 bail he posted... “It will be like Braim (sic). I will do you and then me,” she wrote in her petition... Tacoma police chief David Brame fatally shot his wife, Crystal, then himself...

PIERCE PROSECUTOR DISMISSES FELONY CHARGES AGAINST TACOMA POLICE OFFICER
Tacoma: She says evidence supports him
News Tribune
Adam Lynn
05/21/10
[Excerpts] Pierce County prosecutors have dismissed felony charges against a Tacoma police officer accused of pointing a gun at his wife and threatening to kill one of his colleagues. Aaron James Joseph – once charged with second-degree assault and felony harassment – now faces a single misdemeanor count of harassment, according to court records. Joseph, 27, can have that charge dismissed if he stays out of trouble for six months and pays related fines and fees, his attorney, Michael Schwartz, said Thursday... Deputy prosecutor Jennifer Hernandez wrote in court documents filed last week that she doesn’t believe she can prove the charges at trial. There is evidence Joseph’s wife contacted him “a number of times” in violation of a court order – issued when the criminal case was filed – prohibiting him from contacting her, Hernandez wrote. “Additionally, the state believes a jury would likely also hear evidence that the two victims in the state’s case had an affair during the pendency of this case,” the deputy prosecutor wrote... Joseph, suspended after his arrest last summer, remains on paid administrative leave from the police department while Internal Affairs conducts an investigation into the case... [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety lethal washington state teflon suicidal homicidal]

[WA] Tacoma Police News Release on domestic double-murder suicide committed by Pierce County Sheriff's Deputy Allen Myron

May 20th, 2010

"Over the last three days, Tacoma Police Detectives have been continuing the investigation into the murder of Monty and Susan Multanen and the subsequent suicide case involving Allen Myron. Over that span the detectives have interviewed the remaining witnesses in the case. The following is information is a summary of the incidents that occurred just before 1848 hours on 5-14-10.

Allen Myron's youngest daughter was taking a nap in a bedroom of the mother-in-law apartment above the detached garage when she was awakened by the sounds of two gunshots outside the building. She proceeded to the doorway of the bedroom and from that location she observed Allen Myron shoot her grandmother, Susan Multanen, in the chest with a handgun from close range. The shot caused her to fall to the floor. While Susan Multanen was down Allen Myron made several statements to her accusing her and her husband of interfering in his relationship with his wife. Allen Myron, who was still armed, instructed his daughter to leave the apartment with him.

Both Allen Myron and his daughter walked down the stairs and upon exiting the building the daughter saw her grandfather lying in the driveway. While standing near the driveway Allen Myron then began telling his daughter that the incident was her mother's fault for not returning his phone and text calls, for refusing to speak with him at the hospital Thursday night, and her grandparents' fault for involving themselves in his relationship with her mother. He then told his daughter to go into the main house and he followed her inside. Once inside he directed her to the upstairs master bedroom and from that location she witnessed him attempting to contact his wife. He then said that he was going to commit suicide and instructed her to go to the basement and lock herself in a room and she complied.

During this time Susan Multanen exited the mother-in-law apartment and made her way through the woods around the house to a neighbor's house where she collapsed in the yard. The neighbor saw her lying in the yard and summoned medical help. Ms. Multanen was airlifted to Harborview Trauma Center in Seattle, Washington, and expired at the hospital.

After the daughter went to the basement a family friend (who was staying at the house) came home. He did not observe any signs of the prior shootings. He entered the basement through a lower door and was contacted by Myron's daughter who [told] him that her father was threatening suicide but she didn't initially tell him about the shooting. The family friend and the daughter then went upstairs and the family friend spoke to Allen Myron who was holding a shotgun. Allen Myron told the family friend and his daughter to go to the basement of the house and they complied.

The first deputy who arrived on scene contacted Allen Myron by phone and continued talking with him. At some point, the deputies convinced Allen Myron to allow his daughter and the other male in the house to leave. Deputies negotiated with Allen Myron over a period of about two and half hours. During the course of the negotiations Allen Myron talked about a variety of topics and complained about his unhappiness with the Pierce County Sheriff's department but his main focus was how his marriage was deteriorating and how his in laws had negatively influenced his wife against him.

Later, deputies surrounding the house heard what sounded to be a muffled gun shot. Tacoma Police then relieved the deputies around the house and assumed the incident. Entry and search of the residence by the Tacoma Police SWAT team revealed Allen Myron dead of apparent suicide by gunshot in a bedroom. Four weapons - a shotgun, a rifle and two handguns were located on or about Allen Myron's person.

The investigation revealed that Allen Myron took steps to conceal the crime, including hiding his father-in-law's body in the garage and hosing down the driveway where Monty Multanen had been.

The investigation revealed on Thursday evening Sara Myron contacted Allen Myron's immediate supervisor to express concern about his behavior at the hospital earlier in the evening. On Friday afternoon his lieutenant called Sara Myron to follow up on her call the precious evening. The lieutenant put her in contact with a PCSD domestic violence detective who she made contact with at approximately 5:30PM Friday evening. After talking they set up an appointment for Monday morning to further discuss the situation. She told TPD detectives that in none of her contacts with PCSD personnel did she ever inform them of a suicide attempt by Allen in December of 2009 or additional suicide threats either verbally or written. She also informed TPD detectives that he had never assaulted her, made threats to harm her or anyone else and she did not feel he was dangerous.

Tacoma Police are awaiting the release of ballistic evidence recovered by the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office from Susan and Monty Multanen as well as Allen Myron. This evidence will then be submitted it to the Washington State Patrol Crime lab for comparison with ballistic evidence and weapons recovered from the scene.

Additionally, Tacoma Police are awaiting the release of copies of all 911 calls and law enforcement radio traffic from the LESA Communications Center.

The investigation is ongoing to include the forensic analysis of computers and multiple mobile communications devices recovered during the investigation."
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety fatality fatalities lethal murder WASHINGTON state SUICIDE SHERIFF PAUL PASTOR]

I apologize for not being active but nobody's perfect

Sometimes people ask me how I do it - dealing with so many deaths and fearful situations, and I'm not sure what the answer is except that I'm supposed to. Occasionally I drop my head or take a day or two away, then regain my composure and come right back.

This is the first post in almost 2 weeks though. That has never happened before. A friend threw me for a loop. I can't say much without identifying her - but let's just say she was one of the shiniest examples of survival. She - and a chain of helpers along her way - went to great lengths for her and her chldren to make a new life - but then she hooked up with a new boyfriend - a police officer in the news accused of domestic violence. She is someone who knows everything, and not only escaped her previous officer-involved domestic violence situation - but had seen hundreds of cases alongside me. I met her quite awhile ago when she was a wreck and I saw how far she's come, how hard she's worked.

Never put people on a pedestal. It's good for no one. I know that but sometimes I slip. We are all human.

I'm a day wiser.

I will always love her but in the details the trust has been damaged. She has yelled - and even screeched - at me for the first time in our friendship, and has accused me of being AGAINST her and biased - frustrated that I can't be as sure as she is of his innocence as she explains the list of each accusation away. Why can't I know as she does that her new boyfriends' ex, the alleged victim, is lying?

He knew she was a survivor of officer-involved domestic violence before they ever spoke.

I will always be there if she needs me down the road. 

Thank to those who have encouraged me to not quit.

Don't think I'm trying to change my friend. She has the right to make her own decisions. I said my piece until I was sure my input didn't matter and now I have a right to lay my boundaries. She belongs to God. Personal relationships aren't as important to me as the bigger issue for victims, and maybe on the day I'm laid to rest no one will be there because I am so damn mean. :) But my life is full, God is good, and nothing has been in vain.

A sense of humor will get me through the harder days. I'll just whisper, "Isn't it ironic?"

Here's to tomorrow - and the day after that....

[US] Retired FBI Agent Preciado-Nuño out on bail, trial delayed 3 times, in murder of son's girlfriend Kimberly Long

 ...Incredibly, [Edward] Preciado-Nuño is awaiting trial from the comfort of his home, having posted a low $250,000.00 dollar bond...


PREVIOUS POST:
[US] Kimberly Long killed by boyfriend's retired FBI father


EX-FBI AGENT EDWARD PRECIADO-NUÑO BRUTALLY MURDERS A WOMAN, FREE ON BAIL, TRIAL DELAYED THREE TIMES
LA Homeland Security Examiner
Julia Davis
May 14, 12:07 PM
[Excerpts] Former FBI Agent from San Diego, Edward Preciado-Nuño, brutally murdered a 31year-old mother of four, Kimberly Ann Long, by beating her to death with a claw hammer. Most defendants in similar scenarios would be denied, languishing in prison until their trial date. Incredibly, [Edward] Preciado-Nuño is awaiting trial from the comfort of his home, having posted a low $250,000.00 dollar bond. Edward Preciado-Nuño is a brother of Oscar Preciado – former Port Director for the San Ysidro Port of Entry (the largest and busiest land border crossing in the United States). Oscar Preciado still works at the same Port of Entry as a Special Project Manager for the Department of Homeland Security’s Bureau of Customs and Border Protection. After Edward Preciado-Nuño murdered Kimberly Long, Oscar Preciado traveled to Las Vegas in a show of support for his brother... Preciado-Nuño’s trial was originally scheduled for July 28, 2009, but has been delayed three times... Kimberly Long and Jeffrey Preciado have gotten into a fight several days before her murder...  Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Abbi Silver said she "smelled a rat" when she looked over the paperwork. "There are some really weird facts in this case"... Long's 9-year-old son and the couple's 10-month-old son were at home when their mother was murdered. It is unclear whether either child witnessed the grisly scene...Kimberly’s close friend, Francesca Velgos, didn't believe Preciado-Nuño’s claim that Long attacked him. She said that Kimberly, a 31-year-old mother of four, was a non-confrontational, peaceful person. Kimberly’s disposition and physical strength does not match Preciado-Nuño’s claim that she attacked him with a hammer. "She couldn't even open a jar of pickles," Velgos said... Media requests have been granted and the cameras will be allowed in the courtroom during the trial that is now set to commence on December 6, 2010 at 1:30 PM... [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety fatality fatalities preferential treatment murder Kimberly Ann Long]

[NM] Loving Detective Jones for sticking with the suspicious death of Tera Chavez

...[Valencia County] Sheriff Rene Rivera said in writing that the case will not be actively investigated until new leads or tips come in... Until Monday, the Valencia County Sheriff's Department made the case the main priority for Detective Aaron Jones... Jones said, "I am livid because the people that made the decision have limited to no knowledge about the case. They ought to be ashamed of themselves." Also, a statement from the New Mexico Insurance Fraud Bureau on Monday stated that it "has an ongoing and active investigation into this case and is not at all influenced by the sheriff's decision"...

PREVIOUS POSTS:

• [NM] NOT in any news search results: Shooting of cop's wife Tera Chavez - An Albuquerque Police Department officer was put on leave today after medical investigators determined his wife's death may not be a suicide after all. Tera Chavez was found dead next to her husband's department-issued handgun, a 9 mm Glock... Tera Chavez, 26, was found shot in the head. A small amount of marijuana was found with her...
• [NM] Wrongful death lawsuit filed for officer's wife, Tera Andrea Chavez - ...Multiple APD officers showed up at the Chavezes' home in Valencia County the evening of Oct. 21, 2007, after the Valencia department reported the death to the agency as a "courtesy," the lawsuit states. It alleges that the officers spent nearly three hours in the crime scene, during which time they flushed blood evidence, removed bloody bedding and pieces of the mattress that Tera Chavez was on when she died.
• [NM] (Wife-murder suspect APD Officer Levi Chavez has "taken the Fifth" in 285 of the 309 questions asked him?) - ...Her husband's police-issued 9-millimeter gun was next to her body... A lawsuit filed by the victim’s family states that officer Chavez changed his wife’s life insurance policy to include a pay-out clause for suicide which became active weeks before her death... Officer Chavez denies knowing anything about the stash [of marijuana] and you can guess who he threw under the bus... I am Tera's twin brother and I am following this story through the internet and family because I am currently deployed in Iraq. I have a few comments conserning this awful event..."

TARGET 7: TERA CHAVEZ CASE ON HOLD - APD Officer Wife's Death Case Turns Cold
KOAT
POSTED: 10:42 pm MDT May 10, 2010
UPDATED: 11:59 pm MDT May 10, 2010

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The mystery behind the death of the wife of an Albuquerque Police Department officer has taken a turn.

Tera Chavez died from a gunshot wound in her Valencia County home in October 2007. At one time, investigators focused on her husband.

Sheriff Rene Rivera said in writing that the case will not be actively investigated until new leads or tips come in.

"The tips, they stopped," Rivera said.

Rivera said for that reason Monday afternoon he made a difficult decision.

"The thing is, we are not closing the case to where it is never going to be opened again," Rivera said. "This case is going to be on a stand still until we get further information or tips or so on."

The case began Oct. 21, 2007.

Chavez, a mother of two, was found dead in her home. Her husband, Albuquerque police officer Levi Chavez, told a 911 operator that evening that he made the discovery and it was a suicide.

A deeper investigation ruled the cause of death undetermined and made detectives turn their attention to Levi Chavez.

"He was considered a person of interest," Rivera said.

APD placed Chavez on paid leave for more than a year. Currently, he is on administrative duty working at the west side animal shelter.

Until Monday, the Valencia County Sheriff's Department made the case the main priority for Detective Aaron Jones.

"It is just that right now, Detective Jones really doesn't have anything to go on to further the investigation. That's why the case, at this point, is closed pending further investigation," Rivera said. "His reaction is, you know, 'I worked so hard on it just to be shutdown.'"

The sheriff said if a good lead comes in Jones will follow it.

"I want Tera's mom and dad to know how and why Tera died," Rivera said. "At this point, we can not give that closure to them."

The sheriff emphasized the case is at a standstill until more leads come in.

Jones said, "I am livid because the people that made the decision have limited to no knowledge about the case. They ought to be ashamed of themselves." Also, a statement from the New Mexico Insurance Fraud Bureau on Monday stated that it "has an ongoing and active investigation into this case and is not at all influenced by the sheriff's decision."

District Attorney Lemuel Martinez said a couple hours before Rivera's news he received some reports and evidence from Jones, but his office is waiting for more before they can prosecute the case in court.

The sheriff said his information will be forwarded to APD by May 14.

A spokesperson for APD's chief said Target 7 broke the news to them.

Once APD does receive the information they will immediately start an internal affairs investigation and once that investigation is complete.

The findings will be delivered to Schultz who will take appropriate action, if any.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call 505-866-2400.



TARGET 7: MOVEMENT MADE IN TERA CHAVEZ CASE: Valencia County Sheriff Weighs In On Case
KOAT
POSTED: 11:01 pm MDT May 11, 2010
UPDATED: 9:44 am MDT May 12, 2010

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The high-profile Tera Chavez case was at a standstill, but now the Valencia County sheriff has much more to say.

"It wasn't right, but it happened," Sheriff Rene Rivera said.

Rivera spoke about the night of Oct. 21, 2007.

"I think that the guards were let down, being that it was the wife of a fellow officer, and I believe that is what tainted a lot of the crime scene," Rivera said.

In a press release issued Tuesday morning, Rivera claims Albuquerque police officers and command staff came into the home of fellow officer Levi Chavez.

Chavez's wife Tera died from a bullet wound fired from her husband's duty weapon.

Initially, it was called a suicide, but later a deeper investigation changed the cause of death to undetermined and investigators named Levi Chavez a person of interest.

The sheriff now said he regrets that the home was not treated as a crime scene from the start.

Levi Chavez' criminal defense lawyer David Serna claims back then the officers' presence was not said to be a problem.

"At the time, it was considered perfectly appropriate for law enforcement officers to comfort a fellow officer," said Serna.

More than 2 and a half years later, things are at a standstill, according to the sheriff.

On Monday, referring to the lead detective working the case, Rivera said, "He has put many, many hours of work into it, but right now I believe Det. Jones went as far as he could."

The lead detective, Aaron Jones, fired back in a statement saying he was "livid and the people who made the decision had little or no knowledge about the case."

Tuesday's statement said the case is not closed. The sheriff noted that his department has invested more than $10,000 for an expert to analyze evidence and that his office will continue to pursue leads as they come in.

Brad Hall, the attorney representing the estate of Tera Cordova Chavez said in a statement, "So much evidence was contaminated and lost at the crime scene, because of a blue culture and code when APD supervisors entered the crime scene."

The APD's response is, "APD did not destroy any evidence - officers were called by deputies to assist in grief counseling - and once the scene was fully investigated APD officers wanted to clean up the scene so the young children would not have to see the bloody aftermath of their mother's death."

The sheriff said Jones will have to complete and submit all reports in this case to the district attorney by Friday. The DA said the case is an active and ongoing one in his office.
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety fatality fatalities lethal murder new mexico state brotherhood blue wall]

From Tracey's heart: "When you come out of the dark..."

Tracey Mutz

Previous posts:

• [LA] Lt. Schaeffer accused of dv, rape, sex assault by 3 women
• [LA] Fired Deputy Schaeffer's victims have reason to fear
• A new eye on Louisiana Officer-Involved Domestic Violence
• [LA] DANGEROUS ex-Sheriff's Lt. Allan Wayne Schaeffer GETS PROBATION after he pleads DOWN to 2 BRUTAL felonies (against women).
• [LA] Ex-Sheriff's Lt. Allan Wayne Schaeffer, do you agree with these facts as stated by the District Attorney?

Reprinted with permission from Tracey's blog, Stop OIDV:


Being a victim of domestic violence is a horrible, life changing experience. When the abuser is a cop, the situation may be even more terrifying. They use their badges to threaten, manipulate and control others.

So many times, I was told, "no one will ever believe you"; "I could kill you and no one will ever know what happened to you"; "Nothing will ever happen to me, they will believe me over you"; "If you ever tell, I will hurt your children"; "If you report me, I will see to it that you lose your job and I will tell them you hit me first and I was defending myself".

What happened to me changed my life forever. What is happening to others experiencing similar horrors will change their lives forever. You can't go back and erase the past. However, you can move forward and realize that there can be life after abuse.

My abuser is now a twice convicted felon. It took a long time and yes, he got off easy. But, he will never work in law enforcement again. He will never be able to legally carry a weapon. His past will follow him all the remaining days of his life...he can't escape it- just as I can't erase what he did to me. It is with me for life.

If you are being abused by someone who wears a badge, get help immediately. Go outside of your local jurisdiction for help. Go to a law enforcement agency higher than the one that employs your abuser. Document everything and do not keep the documents in a place your abuser can find them. Your life is important. People will listen. You just have to insist they listen. If you are a victim, reply to this post and I will listen...and put you in touch with others who will also listen.

There CAN be life after abuse. When you come out of the dark, the sun will be so much brighter than any sunshine you've seen in your life. I lived for years afraid to leave my house. Now I open my front door look at the sky, thank God and smile.........LIFE IS GOOD!
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety louisiana state serial criminal teflon repeat hx ]

4 years ago today Anna was stolen

The bodies of Saginaw Texas Police Officer Mike Rodriguez and his wife, Anna were found inside their home... [More]