A Texas Badge In Question

DPS Swat Sergeant and Certified Breath Test Operator Jose Osornio Ironically Busted for Drunk-Driving

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:42:00 +0000

Cedar Park, Texas

Here’s a case of irony for you. A sergeant with the Texas Department of Public Safety SWAT team, who just happens to be a certified DWI breath test operator, was suspended with pay this week after Cedar Park police arrested him for drunk-driving.

According to an arrest affidavit, police stopped 27-year-old Jose E. Osornio on Saturday in the 2500 block of Vista Oaks Drive after he violated various traffic codes.

Osornio told police that he came from a bar called the Wild West where he had two beers and was on his way to his friend’s home, though he could not tell police where his friend’s home was, the document said.

He admitted to closing the bar down at 2 a.m.

Osornio, who has been with DPS since 2008, was suspended Monday.

Police said in the affidavit that Osornio had watery, bloodshot eyes with dilated pupils and a strong alcohol odor coming from his breath. His attitude was described as cocky, the affidavit stated.

Osornio was released from the Travis County Jail later Saturday, according to jail records. His bail was set at $2,000.

Two Houston Police Officers Caught Beating Teen Suspect Sentenced To Probation

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 01 May 2013 03:00:00 +0000

Raad Hassan (l) Phil Bryan (r)

Houston, Texas

If you are a police officer needing to release aggression and maybe beat-up a teen suspect, while facing only minor consequences, you might look into the Houston Police Department.

Two Houston police officers accused of beating a black teenage burglary suspect during an arrest that was caught on video were each sentenced Wednesday to two years of probation as part of plea agreements.

Officers Raad Hassan, 43, and Phil Bryan, 47, each entered pleas of no contest to a misdemeanor charge of official oppression. The two men had been set to go to trial on Monday. If convicted at trial, each ex-officer had faced up to a year in jail.

State District Judge Ruben Guerrero accepted the former officers' pleas and sentenced them to two years of deferred adjudication, a form of probation. If the men complete their probations without getting into trouble, their convictions will be dismissed.

The beating of then-15-year-old Chad Holley prompted fierce public criticism of the Houston police department by community activists, who called it an example of police brutality against minorities.

Four officers were charged; one was acquitted last May and another officer's case is still pending.

Travis County DA Rosemary Lehmberg Issues DWI Apology from Jail

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:28:00 +0000

Austin, Texas

Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg took a few moments, while serving a 45-day jail sentence for drunk driving, to issue an apology letter.

To the citizens of Travis County:

I understand many have commented both in support of and against my returning to office. I would like to speak for myself and this is the only form of communication available to me at this time.

I apologize to all of you. There can be no anger directed at me – or disappointment in me – greater than my own. And, I neither believe nor expect that any words written or speech given can possibly convey the magnitude of the shame I feel for breaking the law and therefore, the trust with the people I serve and the community I love.

My sincere apologies to the arresting officers and to the entire law enforcement community with whom I have worked side-by-side for 37 years and for whom I have always had great respect. After my arrest, I failed to act properly and I failed to show the respect that those law enforcement professionals deserve. For my misbehavior and disrespect toward them, I am truly sorry. I appreciate greatly their patience, civility, and professionalism.

I also owe an apology to the staff at the Travis County Jail. Their jobs are always difficult, and some of my behavior that night made their jobs even more difficult. And, while I have received no special treatment while in jail, I have been treated with respect and courtesy.

My apologies to those who have supported me in the past and through this very difficult time. I have been fortunate to have the backing of both Republicans and Democrats. There is no room for partisanship in the District Attorney’s office.

And, most of all, my apologies to this community. My life, like yours, is full of victories and defeats, highs and lows, joy and sadness, shining moments and stunning mistakes. I think you know where this moment lies.

Last, my sincere apologies to the staff of the District Attorney’s office. I know this experience has created anxiety and concern, but I also know them to be dedicated public servants who consistently put their own needs aside to serve the greater good.

It was both my choice and responsibility to plead guilty and to accept the punishment meted out by the court before I took any other action. To do otherwise never occurred to me.

There are three things I want you to know.

First and foremost, I take the offense of driving while intoxicated seriously.

There are hundreds of reasons that lead up to a single event in our lives – but no excuse for driving while intoxicated.

Secondly, upon my release, I will continue to seek professional help and guidance.

I know that I need help understanding and treating the cause of this behavior. For that reason, I am making arrangements for further professional assessments and pledge to follow all recommended treatment as soon as I have served my jail term.

And, third, I must deal with the civil issues facing me.

Some of that situation is out of my hands. But I can assure you I will address the issues in a forthright and honest manner.

As others have stated, I have never planned to seek a third term and will not. It is my hope to complete my term in office to complete the work we (my dedicated professional staff and I) started four years ago. I am proud of the work we have done from this office over the last 37 years and I hope to have the opportunity to continue that service.

I offer my deepest regret and most sincere apology and seek forgiveness from the people of Travis County.

Sincerely,

Rosemary Lehmberg

Video: Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg's Drunk, Wild Night in Austin

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 02:37:00 +0000

Austin, Texas

As you may recall, District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg was recently busted for drunk-driving in the Austin area.

It was around 9:45 p.m., Friday, April 12, when Travis County deputies pulled Lehmberg over, after a report about a suspected drunk driver.

According to her arrest affidavit, Lehmberg's eyes appeared watery and bloodshot, her speech was slurred and her body was seen swaying. Officers also indicated that Lehmberg had some issues with field sobriety tests.

As they say, however, a picture is worth a thousand words. And in this case, video is worth even more. The Travis County Attorney’s office has released footage from the night.

Austin lawyer Kerry O'Brien is filing suit against Lehmberg. He wants a judge to force her to resign.

"I don't want Ms. Lehmberg to be dragged through the public and embarrassed, but when you hold a position of power you have a responsibility," O'Brien said.

How do you feel? Why not take a look at the video.

Lehmberg is in the Travis County jail serving a 45-day sentence after pleading guilty to DWI.

Harris County Deputy Tommy Forgue Knows All About Wild Oats: Charged With Molesting Woman at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 01:33:00 +0000

Houston, Texas

Down at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, it wasn’t just the livestock gearing-up for a little breeding. If what authorities say is true, a deputy with the Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 5 was also looking to sow some wild oats.

That particular duputy, Tommy Forgue, is accused of molesting a woman who turned to him for help at during the event.

The 23-year-old woman was at the Barbecue Cookoff at Reliant Park back on Feb. 23, when she got separated from her family.

The woman said Deputy Tommy Forgue approached her in full uniform and offered “personal assistance.” He not only handed over his personal iPhone, but then offered to drive her around to her parent’s vehicle.

The woman said once she got into the constable’s unmarked vehicle he asked to see her breast. When she said "no," she said Forgue reached over and pulled her shirt down, exposing her nipple, and then began touching the side of her breast with his hand.

The woman said she was afraid he would sexually assault her further, so she texted her friend on his phone saying she needed help. At one point, she said she tried to get out the vehicle and he threatened to arrest her if she didn’t get back in.

Eventually, Forgue made it to the parking lot area where her parent’s vehicle was located and she called police, according to court documents.

Forgue admitted that he did provide transportation to the woman in his personal vehicle while acting as a peace officer, and that he told her that she could be arrested for public intoxication, but he denied making any sexual comments to the woman.

Forgue was charged with official oppression, a misdemeanor. The Houston Police Department is investigating the incident.

Tommy Forgue is a deputy in the patrol division, serving the department for nearly five years. He has since been placed on administrative leave.

Georgia Detective and Nutjob Scott Biumi Goes Berserk in McDonalds Drive-Thru

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 06:06:00 +0000

Forsyth County, Georgia

Not a Texas story, but an important one to show, demonstrating misconduct, excessive abuse and the need to really consider who really wears a badge.

A police officer who was waiting in the drive-thru line at a McDonald's restaurant in Forsyth County is accused of pulling a gun on the customer ahead of him because the officer was angry at having to wait for his food.

The officer in question is Detective Sgt. Scott Biumi, 48, of the DeKalb County Police Department. Biumi is charged with felony aggravated assault on the customer.

Biumi will have his police certification suspended.

"This flies in the face of decency and police professionalism and you can quote me on that!" said Ken Vance, the Executive Director of Georgia's Peace Officer Standards and Training Council. "His certification will be suspended immediately."

DeKalb County Police Chief Cedric Alexander placed Biumi on administrative leave with pay while the case is investigated.

Chief Alexander said Biumi has been on the force for more than 20 years. He began employment with DeKalb County Police in March of 1988. Over his 24 year history with the department he received more than 17 hundred hours of training, including a course in 2012 on 'ethics and professionalism.'

Dallas Police Officer Nicole Thomas Suspended After Drunk Driving Arrest

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 05:39:00 +0000

Dallas, Texas

A Dallas police officer has been suspended with pay after she was arrested for drunk driving in Seagoville.

Officer Nicole Thomas of the southeast division has been placed on administrative leave.

Thomas was arrested in March after fleeing the scene of an accident. It was later confirmed her blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit.

The Supreme Court Rules Against Police Officer Taking Blood Sample Without Warrant from Alleged Drunk Driver

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 05:28:00 +0000

Washington, D.C.

A man charged with drunk driving successfully won his case at the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, with the justices concluding police should have first obtained a warrant before conducting a blood test against his will, shortly after arrest.

The issue before the court involved the balancing test between timely gathering of accurate evidence and privacy interests.

In this case, the high court struck down Missouri's guidelines giving police broad discretion to forego getting a judge's prior approval before executing a search.

"We hold that in drunk-driving investigations, the natural dissipation of alcohol in the bloodstream does not constitute an exigency in every case sufficient to justify conducting a blood test without a warrant," said Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

Law enforcement wants flexibility to conduct such "searches"-- saying alcohol dissipates over time and that delays getting a magistrate to sign off on a blood sample can mean justice denied.

However, according to civil rights advocates, these kinds of "invasive" medical procedures are unnecessary and unconstitutional, absent any extraordinary circumstances negating the warrant requirement.

The case involves Tyler McNeely, 25, who was stopped in the middle of the night two years ago near Cape Girardeau, Missouri, for speeding. He failed four field sobriety tests administered by highway patrolman Mark Winder.

McNeely then refused a portable Breathalyzer test on the scene, and was placed under arrest. The corporal then transported the suspect to a local hospital when McNeely said he would not consent to a breath test at jail.

Ignoring the man’s objections, the officer ordered a blood test.

The Fourth Amendment protects "the right of the people to be secure in their person ... against unreasonable searches and seizure," and that "no warrants shall issue, except under probable cause."

The high court's guiding standard has long been "reasonableness" and the justices here again said the warrant requirement can be suspended under exigent circumstances, such as the risk of endangering lives or destruction of evidence.

But the court has also said state intrusions into one's own body generally require prior review and approval by a judge.

The decision will likely mean police may be required to adopt more extensive guidelines on its testing policies, narrowing the emergency exceptions to the warrant requirement.

Is Nueces County Deputy Constable Ben Zapata, Jr. a Wife Beater? Authorities Say Yes

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 16:17:00 +0000

Robstown, Texas

A Nueces County deputy constable had the opportunity to be a guest at the jail on Monday, after his arrest on retaliation charges is out on bond. Robstown Police say he assaulted his common-law wife on Saturday.

The deputy constable has been identified as 54-year-old Ben Zapata, Jr. He was arrested Monday at his home in the 500 block of Iowa.

According to the arrest affidavit, a warrant was issued after Zapata’s common-law wife Oralia Cuellar said he punched her in the mouth and dragged her by her hair on Saturday. The woman, according to investigators, confronted him about coming home from work in a bad mood on Saturday.

Zapata is facing retaliation charges because he was allegedly harassing her as she filed assault charges against him. According to court documents, while Cuellar was at the Robstown Police Department, Zapata called her 56 times in the hour that she was talking to detectives.

Cuellar sent him a text message telling him that was enough and that he was harassing her. And this isn’t the first incident of abuse, according to court documents. According to the affidavit, Cuellar says Zapata threatened her and says “I might as well kill you now and get it over with” she says that’s when he walked out of the home and acted as though he had a gun in his hand. Lt. Gilbert Gomez of Robstown P.D. says punishment or termination with the Precinct 5 Constables will be assessed by that department.

LT. Gomez said Cuellar was pretty “banged-up.” Detectives also witnessed the dozens of phone calls that came from “Ben” while they were taking the woman’s statement.

Travis County DA Rosemary Lehmberg Found the Vodka: Arrested on Drunk-Driving Charge

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 09:50:00 +0000

Austin, Texas

The Travis County District Attorney, Rosemary Lehmberg, has a better understanding of life on the other side of the law. That is because, according to police, she spent some time in the slammer on Saturday morning, after being arrested on a drunk-driving charge.

It was a 911 call by a motorist that alerted authorities to search for a vehicle weaving and crossing into oncoming traffic.

After her arrest, Lehmberg was released on $3,000 bond.

An arrest affidavit wasn’t clear on whether or not Lehmberg was subjected to a breath test. She told deputies that she consumed two vodka drinks earlier in the evening.

The affidavit did, however, indicated that Lehmberg's speech was slurred and mumbled and her walking was "staggering and unsure."

Easter Bunny Stopped By California Highway Patrol for Failure To Wear Helmet

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 05:17:00 +0000

The Easter Bunny was stopped by the California Highway Patrol Saturday morning after he was spotted driving without a helmet.

According to police, an officer was patrolling highway 8 when he observed a giant rabbit on a motorcycle traveling the highway near San Diego. The officer initiated a stop after noting that the rabbit wasn't wearing a helmet. The dispatch call actually said,“I’m stopping the Easter Bunny.”

The man inside the costume told the officer that he was headed for a charity event. The officer did not cite the rabbit, but issued a warning for failing to wear a helmet. The officer also noted that the costume posed a visual impairment.

The department stated that they had pulled over several motorist dressed in Santa suits before, but couldn't remember a time they had nabbed an Easter Bunny traveling on a motor cycle.

Huntsville Police Officer Christopher Myers Arrested for Physically Assaulting Man in Handcuffs

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 16:47:00 +0000

Huntsville, Texas

A Huntsville police officer was arrested Thursday by the Texas Rangers after being indicted by a Walker County grand jury Wednesday.

29-year-old Christopher Lee Myers of Willis was jailed in Montgomery County Thursday morning around 11 a.m. and charged with Official Oppression for allegedly mistreating a person who was in his custody.

Court documents indicate Myers physically assaulted Eldon Jacob Fuller while he was in handcuffs on August 10, 2012.

Myers had been an officer for a little more than four years, serving most of it with the Huntsville Police Department. His last day on the job with Huntsville Police is listed as March 8. Myers' TCLEOSE service record shows no previous disciplinary actions.

If convicted, Myers faces up to a year in prison and up to a $4,000 fine. After posting a $1,000 bond, he was release from jail.

Grapevine Police Officer and Pedophile Philip Woolery Pleads Guilty to Child Porn Charges

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 05:38:00 +0000

Pedophile Philip Woolery - Grapevine Police Officer

Fort Worth, Texas

A Grapevine police officer confirmed that he is indeed a pedophile, by pleading guilty in federal court to one count of production and one count of possession of child pornography, authorities said.

46-year-old Philip Woolery, who entered the guilty plea on Wednesday, faces between 15 and 40 years in federal prison, a $500,000 fine and a lifetime of supervised release. Sentencing is set for Sept. 17 in U.S. District Judge Terry R. Means’ court.

A single father of a child, Woolery was a 17-year veteran of the Grapevine Police Department at the time of his arrest. He was fired on Nov. 11, according to Grapevine police, which had no further comment.

Child Protective Services took custody of Woolery’s child shortly after his arrest with the hopes of placing the child with relatives.

Woolery has been in custody since being arrested by investigators with the Postal Inspection Service in October 2012 at his home in Crowley.

Woolery admitted that he had used his digital camera to record a minor male engaging in sexually explicit conduct in a swimming pool, according to a news release issued by United States Attorney Sarah R. Saldana with the Northern District of Texas.

Woolery also admitted that he possessed a laptop computer that contained a sexually explicit image of a nude minor male and that he used that computer to search for child porn websites.

The investigation began in October 2010 when inspectors received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that a company was offering child pornography videos for sale over the Internet. The company’s records, which included a customer database of orders, were seized. Woolery’s home address and e-mail were connected to a Jan.1, 2010, purchase order.

Former Houston Police Officer Harold Clayton Busted Again for DWI After Crashing Into Business, Fleeing

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 03:16:00 +0000

Houston, Texas

The other day, a story made the news in Houston, involving a drunk driver who fled the scene after crashing into a lighting company in northwest Harris County Thursday night.

The driver was eventually tracked down and what a surprise, he turned out to be a former Houston police officer.

Harold Clayton Jr., a former officer with the Houston Police Department, was charged with DWI and failure to stop and give information.

Clayton, driving a Chevy Tahoe, crashed into The Lighting Gallery located in the 6200 block of FM 1960, sending bricks and glass flying everywhere. A witness who saw the crash followed Clayton to the Promenade Apartments in the 5900 block of W FM 1960 and alerted authorities.

As with many other Houston police officers who we’ve written about, Clayton has a rather interesting history. This is his third DWI charge in the last six years. He was arrested and charged with DWI in 2008, while he was still a member of the police force. That case was dismissed.

Clayton retired in 2009. He was arrested again on DWI charges early this year in February.

Houston Police Officer Stacey Suro Not the Only Naked Embarrassment With a Badge

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 01:58:00 +0000

Stacey Suro

Houston police officer Stacey Suro, while gaining national and international exposure following her nude modeling scandal, is not the first police officer to face the problem. She simply put Texas on the map, along with the other police department embarrassments.

Stacey Suro

The problem is not isolated to the United States. In 2007, Australian Constable Melissa Scannell took a photo for her boyfriend, while in uniform, exposing her breasts. That photo somehow surfaced around the station, landing in fellow officer’s email inboxes.

Melissa Scannell

Back in 2010, it was the Albany Police Department in Albany, Oregon facing a dark cloud of embarrassment at the hands of an officer.

That officer, Anthony Rose, sent some nude pictures to a love interest while on duty. And yes, the photos surfaced on the Internet.

Anthony Rose

The Albany Police Department said that Rose didn't break any laws by sending the photos to his then girlfriend, but he had violated the department’s conduct code. Carter said Rose was disciplined in-house.

Rose is still employed as a police officer with Albany.

In February, in Tucson, Arizona, Lt. Diane Lopez was demoted to Sergeant after explicit photos and videos surfaced. They have not been available on the Internet, so you simply have to use your imagination.

Diane Lopez

Tuscon Assistant Chief Kathleen Robinson wrote the following about the Diana Lopez matter:

“Lopez used extremely poor judgment in sending these images undermining her credibility as a commander. Her actions have negatively affected not only her reputation, but the reputation and mission of the Tucson Police Department.”

Houston Police Officer Dan Todd Charged With Stalking

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 17:55:00 +0000

Accused Stalker Dan Todd

Houston, Texas

A veteran Houston police officer, Dan Todd, is off the job and facing a felony charge of stalking.

A district court judge has also barred the 57-year-old accused stalker from entering two police department buildings, and the police union.

Todd must also stay away from his ex-wife, a Houston police sergeant, and his teenage daughter.

According to court documents, Todd, over a several month period in 2012 and 2013, followed, harassed, and caused fear among his family members.

"The complainant believed the defendant was acting strangely and was concerned for her safety," the probable cause affidavit reads.

"She's scared. She's got legitimate fear and from what I've learned she has reason to have that fear," said Mark Montgomery, attorney for Sgt. Marsha Hausman Todd.

Todd’s most recent assignment was Bush Intercontinental Airport, the same place where he was arrested while on duty on March 5.

Stalking is a third degree felony punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and a jail term of between 2 and 10 years.

Houston Police Officer Stacey Suro Learns Her Fate Following Nude Modeling Scandal

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 04:03:00 +0000

Houston, Texas

Remember the name Stacey Suro? Well, she was a Sergeant with the Houston Police Department, who landed in the hot seat last October over some semi-nude and nude modeling photos. Many of the photos depicted Suro in fetish and bondage situations. WAS A SERGEANT is the important words here, as we now know the outcome of an investigation into her modeling life.

Chief Charles McClelland recommended demotion, an offer Suro decided to accept. She will now become a regular officer, but will not be allowed to patrol the streets. Instead, she’ll be watching over the property room. Officials say they believe the demotion will also mean a cut in pay for the 20-year veteran.

The decision follows a five month internal affairs investigation after she posted photos on ModelMayhem.com.

The investigation into Suro's online activity started last September. Sources said that's when HPD learned Suro had posted nearly 100 pictures. Our story from October (With Photos)

The Photo Collection

Ft. Bend County Sheriff’s Investigator and Boozer Moses Perez Charged With Intoxicated Manslaughter

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 04:29:00 +0000

Moses Perez

Katy, Texas

A former investigator with the Ft. Bend County Sheriff’s Office has been accused of driving a motorcycle while intoxicated in a wreck that killed his colleague. And both his and her Facebook Pages seem to suggest the two were more than colleagues.

Fort Bend County sheriff's deputies have charged Moses Perez with intoxicated manslaughter with a vehicle, following an internal affairs investigation.

The crash happened in Katy back in October of last year. Investigator Shelley Nicodemus, 45, was a passenger on the motorcycle when it crashed on the feeder road of Interstate 10 near Pin Oak Road.

Detectives said Perez appeared to have hit a curb, causing the motorcycle to skid.

Nicodemus' body was found about 30 feet from the motorcycle, investigators said. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Shelley Nicodemus

Perez was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital. He suffered head and back injuries.

According to deputies, the internal affairs investigation showed that Perez was in violation of sheriff’s office policy. That finding was followed by an order for termination at the sheriff’s office on Feb. 22.

As is often the case, Perez decided to retire from the sheriff’s office effective Feb. 22 in lieu of termination, deputies said.

On Monday, Perez was indicted by the Fort Bend County Grand Jury and turned himself in at the Fort Bend County Jail on Wednesday morning. He was released after posting bail on a $10,000 bond, deputies said.

Perez was a detective in the burglary and theft unit of the criminal investigations division. He had been with the sheriff's office in various assignments since July 2, 1990.

Nicodemus worked in the special crimes unit and the criminal investigation division. She had been with the sheriff's office for about 20 years.

Moses Perez Facebook

Shelley Nicodemus Facebook

East Texas Sheriff Ron Clinton Jailed over Corruption, Theft, Abuse of Power and Fraud

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 01:00:00 +0000

Sheriff Ron Clinton being sworn in

Carthage, Texas

The sheriff of an East Texas county has been arrested in a public corruption investigation involving alleged theft, abuse of power and fraud.

The Texas Rangers, along with the FBI arrested Panola County Sheriff Ron Clinton, who took office in January.

According to Department of Public Safety Trooper Jean Dark, Clinton faces charges of tampering with a government record defraud/harm, abuse of official capacity and theft by a public servant.

He is currently out of jail on a $50,000 bond. Carthage is 160 miles southeast of Dallas.

Dallas Police ‘Gangsta’ Lt. Regina Smith’s Rap Song Not a Hit With Superiors

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 19:44:00 +0000

Dallas, Texas

A Dallas police lieutenant by day and a wannabe thug ‘gangsta’ after-hours has been suspended for performing a rap song under the moniker “Lucille Baller” that contains profanity and threatens violence.

Lt. Regina Smith was placed on administrative leave in November but her disciplinary hearing wasn't held until Friday. Assistant Police Chief Cynthia Villarreal issued a five-day suspension.

Officials say that as owner of the Big Rush In music production company, Smith appeared in uniform on the company website. In one video she displays her service weapon while holding a bullet and "making inappropriate statements." Police officials say Smith "brought discredit to the department."

Smith was hired in 1988 and currently is assigned to the property crimes division.

Smith's attorney, Chris Livingston, told The Dallas Morning News that she's served the department with distinction for 25 years.

Madisonville Police Sergeant Jeffrey Covington Indicted in Public Corruption Case: The True Definition of a Dirty Cop

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:57:00 +0000

Madisonville, Texas

If you think a police officer would never tell a lie, or try to frame an innocent person, then you haven’t had the chance to meet Sgt. Jeffrey A. Covington.

A Madison County grand jury has indicted the local peace officer on public corruption and narcotics charges related to a disturbing scheme to plant methamphetamine on an innocent person. Jeffrey A. Covington, 37, is charged with delivery of a controlled substance, obstruction or retaliation, and official oppression.

The Texas Attorney General’s Office is prosecuting the case, after Madison County District Attorney Brian Risinger recused his office from the case.

Back in the summer of 2011, Covington allegedly attempted to recruit several narcotics informants to plant methamphetamine in the vehicle of an unsuspecting female. Court records reveal that the intended victim, Laura Covington, was the defendant’s ex-wife and had been engaged in a lengthy child custody battle with him.

According to state prosecutors, after the methamphetamine was planted in the victim’s vehicle, a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper was told that she used the vehicle to transport and distribute narcotics. Unaware of the defendant’s plot, the trooper later conducted a traffic stop and searched Ms. Covington’s vehicle. The search revealed the planted methamphetamine, which prompted the officer to arrest the victim and book her in the Madison County Jail for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. After taking over the case, Assistant Attorney General David Glickler formally notified Ms. Covington that the State would not pursue the case and the charge against her was dismissed.

Madisonville Police Chief Chuck May says, "I was surprised and dumbfounded and still at a loss for words after hearing of his indictments. Jeff was a good policeman and deserves his day in court, just like any other person would."

If convicted on the third-degree felony charge of obstruction or retaliation, Jeffrey Covington could face from two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The state jail felony charge of delivery subjects the defendant to a possible term of up to two years in a state jail and a fine not to exceed $10,000. The official oppression charge is a Class A misdemeanor.

It's kind of funny, to think that in 2011, Covington was named City Employee of the Year. Covington was named the city’s Employee of the Quarter during an April meeting of the Madisonville City Council. He was recommended by Madisonville Police Chief Gary Clendennen.

In his recommendation, Clendennen said Covington was chosen because he has had a “great impact on narcotics in this community, with and without the K9 unit.” Also, Clendennen said Covington has good working relationships with all co-workers. Also, said Clendennen, Covington treats all members of the community the same, without regard to age, sex, race or personal status. And Covington continues to keep up with all reports, citations and other paperwork as a part of his duties in the department, added the chief.

South Carolina Cop Mike Gavrilis Had Sex on the Brain

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 01:17:00 +0000

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Looks like Myrtle Beach Police Department will have to penetrate deep into Virginia to find editors for its cops.

South Carolina officer Mike Gavrilis responded to a Sunday report of theft from a motor vehicle, but his write-up of the incident -- obtained by The Smoking Gun -- suggests he had more than justice on his mind.

From the report:

Victim 1 stated, he opened the door and searched the vehicle and noticed Victim 2's purse had been stolen. The vehicle, bearing a vagina tag (WZY1047) was a black in color Chevy Silverado.

West Columbia Police Chief Michael Palmer Accused of Stealing Medication from Corpses and During Arrests

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 08:40:00 +0000

West Columbia, Texas

West Columbia is running without a police chief, at the moment, while the regular chief is spending some time behind bars.

Police Chief Michael Palmer was arrested on nine counts of tampering with evidence and possession of a controlled substance.

The accusations against Palmer are disturbing. Not only is he accused of taking prescription drugs from arrests, but he is also accused of stealing prescription pills and other medications during hospice death investigations dating back to March 2012.

Brazoria County prosecutors said some of Palmer's officers reported some of the alleged incidents.

Investigators said they plan to review every case that came out of the department over the past year. They are encouraging anyone with concerns about their cases to come forward.

A captain will lead the police department until further notice.

Houston Police Officer Victor Chris Busted Using Traffic Stops to Solicit Sexual Favors

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 06:09:00 +0000

Houston, Texas

A Houston police officer has disgraced the badge after he was busted making unwanted advances toward women and offering to fix traffic citations in exchange for sex, according to investigators.

Police officer douchebag Victor Chris was charged with two counts of official oppression.

HPD’s Internal Affairs Division began eyeballing Chris after receiving reports of his alleged unwanted sexual advances made during traffic stops.

According to court documents, Chris pulled over a woman in the 15200 block of Park Row near Highway 6 on May 14, 2012. The woman said Chris wrote her several traffic citations for an expired registration, expired inspection and failure to maintain financial responsibility. Chris then asked the woman if she would be interested in seeing him again, adding that he “hadn’t been with a white girl in a long time.” He then handed the woman the citations and let her go.

After the woman drove away, she received a call from a blocked phone number. It was Chris. He told her again that he “had not been with a white girl in a long time” and if she “made it worth his while,” then he would not show up to court and her tickets would be dismissed.

There were more complaints that followed.

Earlier this month, Internal Affairs set up a sting operation to see it they could catch him in the act.

An undercover female officer was sent to the area Chris was known to patrol and he allegedly took the bait.

Chris pulled the undercover cop over and issued her citations for an invalid license plate, failure to maintain financial responsibility and an expired registration. Before releasing her, he made the same offer of helping her to avoid paying the traffic fines, investigators said.

Investigators had enough evidence to shut him down and file formal charges.

Chris’ bond has been set at $4,000.

Is Former LAPD Cop Christopher Dorner Teaching a Valuable Lesson?

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 06:28:00 +0000

Alleged Cop Killer Christopher Dorner

Los Angeles, California

As the manhunt continues for Christopher Dorner, who has gone to war with the Los Angeles Police Department and killed 3 so far, an interesting scenario is beginning to unfold.

On popular social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter, Dorner has not only made headlines, but gained supporters it seems. On Facebook alone, there are a number of pages where supporters are given a voice.

"This is an intelligent man who has stared into the dark heart of corruption," Ruth Iorio, a 33-year-old LA screenwriter, wrote in one of the Facebook messages. "Now he's taking vengeance upon it, trying to turn the LAPD into the victims they have persecuted, including Kendrec McDade, Alisia Thomas and Kelly Thomas."

Another supporter, Edward D., 25, says he started the Facebook fan page "Christopher Dorner" to "wake up the citizens and force police departments to change their ways. If they learn from this, it shouldn't happen again." He continued, quoting President Kennedy, in a Facebook message, "'Those who make peaceful revolution impossible, will make violent revolution inevitable.' -JFK"

Numerous supporters on Twitter are calling the alleged murderer a "Dark Knight." One Facebook page calls him "the hero LA deserves, but not the one it needs right now ... He's a silent guardian, watchful protector against corruption, he's our Dark Knight."

Dorner, who claims he was fired by a racist, corrupt police force.

While Dorner’s story is playing out in the streets of Los Angeles and surrounding areas, one has to wonder about police departments all across the nation. In Texas alone, have we not heard those same words often? Brutality, Racism, Corruption, among others?

Many shudder at the thought of Dorner having supporters. However, I have learned to look closely for those tiny grains of truth in every situation, no matter how absurd they may seem on the surface.

Perhaps, we should read it again:

"'Those who make peaceful revolution impossible, will make violent revolution inevitable.' -JFK"