Archive
Person found shot at Hickory Mall Nashville www.privateofficer.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn.Nov 20 2011 – One person was injured in a shooting at Hickory Hollow Mall Friday night.
Police were called out the parking lot of Sears at Hickory Hollow Mall around 9:30 p.m. Friday night.
When Police arrived on scene they found one man who had been shot. The victim was taken to Vanderbilt Medical Center for treatment.
Police have not released the victim’s name or age.
Officials said it was unclear why the victim was shot. No suspect had been located.
California man dies in Iraq while working private security www.privateofficer.com
But the body of Sean R. Ferguson, who died Nov. 12 in Baghdad, will not be at the service, which starts at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4000 W. Caldwell Ave., Visalia.
His body should arrive by plane at Dover Air Force Base, Del., just a few minutes before the start of the memorial at the church.
Ferguson is the son of Tulare County Superior Court Judge Darryl Ferguson and his wife, Raelynn, a teacher at Cottonwood Creek Elementary School in Visalia.
Ralph Jordan, a Visalia lawyer acting as a spokesman for Ferguson’s family, said Sean — whose body had a military escort to the U.S. even though he medically retired from the Army in 2009 — will remain on the East coast and will be buried Dec. 14 at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
Ferguson, 29, joined the Army in 2001. While in the Army, a sniper’s bullet hit his hand in 2005 in Iraq and then-Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld personally presented the hospitalized soldier with a Purple Heart.
Since leaving the service, Ferguson remained in Iraq, providing security for U.S. State Department employees.
Jordan said Friday that Ferguson’s family was told by the U.S. consul in Iraq that he died of “natural causes,” but no word had been provided yet on the what killed him.
Saturday’s memorial service is open to the public, and overflow parking will be available in the business park east of the church.
Middle school tutor arrested on sex crimes www.privateofficer.com
Columbus County Schools Superintendent Alan Faulk asys Locklear, who has been suspended with pay, is an Indian tutor and assistant football coach at Hallsboro Middle School, where the 12-year-old victim is a student. Faulk said Locklear also served as boys basketball coach at the school last year.
Investigators say the incident happened Wednesday evening away from school. Locklear is out of jail under $10,000 secure bond.
Source:wway
Chandler teacher arrested for sexual abuse www.privateofficer.com
Fifty-one-year-old Ricardo Moreno was arrested on suspicion of two counts of sexual abuse for allegedly touching two female students at Basha High School while they were on campus.
The alleged incident occurred Nov. 9, but school administration did not learn of it until a 16-year-old student reported it Thursday.
Chandler police Detective Seth Tyler says Moreno was released from custody Friday. A case report was forwarded to the county attorney for review.
It’s unclear whether Moreno has a lawyer yet.
Chandler Unified School District officials say Moreno is on administrative leave pending the outcome of the police investigation. He’s in his first year at Basha and teaches sports medicine classes.
Source:A/P
University of Louisville Manager accused of $96,000 theft www.privateofficer.com
Kerry D. Johnson was fired Oct. 6 from her $61,800-a-year job as business manager at the U of L athletic ticket office after she was named the sole suspect in the theft of $96,228 from the U of L Athletic Association, according to university records and police incident reports .
University police have turned over the case to Commonwealth Attorney Dave Stengel’s office and expect charges to be filed, assistant U of L police chief Kenny Brown said.
The Johnson investigation comes after a string of incidents involving university employees misappropriating money.
The university had already taken steps to shore up controls, such as retraining higher-level employees on procedures. In addition, a task force appointed by U of L President James Ramsey is expected to issue recommendations soon for further controls focusing largely on the use of university credit cards, U of L spokesman Mark Hebert said.
Hebert the latest incident with the athletic department is disappointing, but it has not prompted additional reform efforts.
“It’s unacceptable that a handful of our more than 6,000 employees have violated the public trust,” he said in a prepared statement. “But when anyone at U of L violates that trust, we will catch them, fire them and prosecute them, just as we’ve been doing.”
Johnson was fired from her job at the U of L ticket office three months after she was indicted by a Jefferson County grand jury on a felony charge of trafficking in the pain-reliever hydrocodone, a controlled substance.
On April 15, law enforcement officers watched as Steven R. Allen carried a small cardboard box filled with cash out of Johnson’s office at the U of L Student Activities Center on Floyd Street and bought $2,750 worth of Loratab pills in the parking lot of a nearby McDonald’s, according to Jefferson Circuit Court records.
With brand names such as Loratab and Vicodin, hydrocodone is the most frequently prescribed opiate in the United States, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Legitimately used for pain relief and cough suppression, the drug is nearly as potent as morphine and often abused with alcohol, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency.
Allen, who is also charged in the case, told officers he bought pills on Johnson’s behalf weekly, including the 500 Loratabs he purchased that day in a controlled buy set up by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the DEA.
Allen then allowed officers to record a phone call in which he tried to arrange a way to get the pills to Johnson, according to a report from the Kentuckiana Criminal Interdiction Unit, a component of the sheriff’s office.
Johnson, 48, of Charlestown, Ind., and Allen, 39, of Louisville’s Portland neighborhood, are negotiating plea deals with the Commonwealth Attorney’s office on the drug charges, according to court records.
But Gary Stewart, Johnson’s attorney, said a deal with prosecutors on the drug charges might be delayed if new charges are filed against Johnson in the theft investigation.
“We were working something out when this other issue arose,” he said. “We need to wait and see what becomes of that (theft) investigation.”
He declined to say anything more or to make Johnson available for an interview.
Leland Hulbert, spokesman for the Commonwealth Attorney’s office, confirmed that prosecutors have received the ticket-office theft case and are “investigating it for possible charges.”
Johnson’s Oct. 6 termination letter from U of L says she failed to follow university rules related to “cash handling” and “timely cash deposits” and that she “engaged in substandard and inaccurate record keeping.”
Brown declined to explain how police think the alleged theft — which occurred between July 8, 2010, and Aug. 31, 2011, according to police incident reports — took place.
“Basically, money comes in, and money goes out,” Brown said. “And there’s people responsible for taking that money and making sure its in a secure place, and then ultimately put in an account some place.”
Athletics officials discovered the alleged theft “through an internal review that began in late August,” Athletics Association spokesman Kenny Klein said in a prepared statement. “No evidence exists at this time to support that more than one person is involved.”
The athletics department would have no further comment, the statement said.
Johnson’s termination letter also says she “admitted involvement in a drug transaction” — violating her employment contract by putting the university in a negative light.
Johnson joined U of L in 1995 as a $17,284-a-year program assistant at the Speed School of Engineering, then moved to the School of Medicine, the Bursar’s office and the College of Education, according to university records.
She joined the athletic department in 2006 as program coordinator in the ticket office for $46,000 a year.
U of L’s problems with employee theft first came to light in 2008 with the case of Robert Felner, U of L’s former education dean, who is serving a 63-month prison sentence.
Felner pleaded guilty last year in U.S. District Court in Louisville to fraud, money laundering and tax evasion in the theft of $2.3 million from U of L and two other institutions.
Most recently, a university audit completed in August accused a former senior program coordinator in the College of Business of stealing more than $463,000 from the Equine Industry Program. That case has been turned over to the U.S. Attorney’s office, but no charges have been filed.
Source:courier-journal.com
Orlando police officer arrested for buying oxycodone while on duty www.privateofficer.com
ORLANDO Fla Nov 20 2011 An Orlando police officer was arrested for buying oxycodone while on duty.
In a press conference late Friday night, Orlando Police Chief Paul Rooney said a tip led them to investigate Patrol Officer Jaime Bridges.
“It is with great displeasure that I stand before you tonight and announce that one of our own Orlando police officers has been arrested for the purchase of oxycodone while on duty,” said Rooney.
Rooney said the 11-year veteran of the department was arrested after a controlled buy involving Bridges.
“You look at what’s going on in the nation, and I’m not making any excuses, but with the prescription drug abuse, it’s hit home,“ said Rooney.
Bridges is charged with two felonies, including official misconduct.
She has been suspended with pay.
Source:13News
Opa-Locka Police Captain charged in deadly armored car ambush www.privateofficer.com
MIAMI Fla Nov 20 2011 – A police officer accused of covering up a crime appeared in federal court Friday and was denied bond.
During the hearing, as the indictment against Opa-Locka Police Captain Arthur Balom, 44, and seven others was unsealed, new disturbing details came to light about Balom’s alleged role in a deadly armored car ambush.
A federal judge denied Balom’s bond, saying he poses a danger to the community. Defense Attorney Michael Cornley said, “I’m a little disappointed the court did not release him today. I think he is a fine man. I think a lot of these charges are a result of him not totally cooperating with the federal government.”
A two-year investigation ended the Police Captain cuffed. He and several other men were placed in handcuffs Thursday for allegedly being involved in a drug ring.
The FBI carried out evidence from the Opa-Locka Police Department, including the captain’s personnel file. North Miami Beach City Manager Bryan Finnie said, “Today is a sad day for the City of Opa-Locka. As you know, it appears that one of our officers was indicted and arrested on conspiracy charges. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, and we are shocked and dismayed and very concerned about the outcome.”
But the alleged corruption does not stop there. Some members of this alleged drug ring were already arrested, accused of taking part in a Brinks armored truck robbery in Miramar last year, including accused ring-leader Toriano Johnson. In that robbery, 48-year-old Alejandro Arencibia was shot and killed.
In federal court Friday, the U.S. District attorney’s office claimed Balom not only aided and abetted drug deals, but that he also provided Johnson, his friend and partner in crime, information that helped Johnson elude police for more than a year. Possibly most shocking, the prosecution claims, Balom sold several bulletproof vests to Toriano, one of which may have been used during the armored truck heist.
Balom’s family left federal court after hearing that he will remain behind bars until his trial. Balom’s attorney said his client was only doing his job. “The evidence is going to show that, at one time, he was involved in a crime task force, and he was asked, asked to have contact with these people.”
The prosecution says this is only the first wave of indictments and more arrests are coming. Balom will be back in federal court on Nov. 28 for his arraignment.
Source:www.wsvn.com
Security spot men ripping off copper wire www.privateofficer.com
At 10:26 p.m. Thursday, the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office was called to Omega Nachiq at the Port of New Iberia after security guards observed three suspects stealing spools of copper wire from the business.
After officers arrived Paul Duhon of Milton and Steven Broussard of Maurice were apprehended near the fence where the spools of wire were located.
Duhon was charged with theft over $500, criminal damage to property and unauthorized entry into a place of business, and Broussard was charged with theft over $500, unauthorized entry into a place of business and possession of burglary tools.
Both men were booked into the Iberia Parish Jail. Detectives are looking into a third suspect possibly being involved in the burglary.
Sacramento International Airport security find gun in carry on luggage www.privateofficer.com
Sacramento CA Nov 20 2011 A man was arrested at Sacramento International Airport Saturday after routine X-ray screening revealed a loaded handgun in his carry-on, Transportation Security Administration officials said.
The man, booked on a Southwest flight to Tampa, told security he forgot the unregistered .40-caliber Glock G23 was in his bag.
There were 10 rounds of ammunition with the weapon.
“A majority of people who attempt to bring firearms indicate that they forgot,” said Ann Davis, a TSA spokeswoman.
Since January, the agency has confiscated more than 1,080 weapons nationwide, Davis said.
The man, who was not identified, was turned over to Sacramento County Sheriff’s officials for arrest.
In addition to local charges, he may face a fine of up to $11,000.
Weapons may be brought through the airport if they are unloaded, in a proper case and declared to the airline, according to the TSA.
Source:sacbee.com
Women charged with kidnapping elderly Walmart shopper www.privateofficer.com
EMMETT TOWNSHIP, Mich.Nov 20 2011 – The Emmett Township Department of Public Safety says they have arrested a 37-year-old woman from Battle Creek after an alleged kidnapping and robbery in a WalMart parking lot.
Police say a 72-year-old Battle Creek woman was approached by the 37-year-old suspect in the parking lot of the WalMart on B Drive North in Emmett Township.
Police say the suspect asked the victim for a ride and the victim allowed the suspect into her car, but once inside the suspect allegedly informed the victim that she had a gun and stuck the weapon into her side.
Police say the suspect then allegedly demanded money from the elderly victim and told her to drive. The suspect forced the victim to drive around to different areas of Battle Creek until she got out of the vehicle in the area of Capital Avenue and Janoah Street.
The victim then fled the area and contacted police. She was not injured.
Public Safety Officers, with the assistance of WalMart security and a sheriff’s deputy were able to identify the suspect with surveillance footage obtained from the store.
The suspect was spotted by a sheriff’s deputy and taken into custody without incident.
The suspect is currently being held at the Calhoun County Jail facing several charges. Her name is being withheld pending arraignment
Source:WWMT.com
Michigan man gets jail time for having sex with horse www.privateofficer.com
John Robert Mester has been in counseling ever since he was accused in June of having sexual intercourse with a horse on his neighbor’s property.
A psychiatrist, a psychologist and a social worker have taken an interest in his case, Mester’s attorney, Robert Hackett, told Clinton County Circuit Judge Randy Tahvonen during a sentence hearing Monday.
Mester, who pleaded guilty in September to attempted sodomy – a felony charge – acknowledged that he needs help.
“I know I have some psychological issues,” he told Tahvonen. “I know my actions are (in)excusable.”
Tahvonen sentenced the 62-year-old Riley Township man to 90 days in jail and five years of probation. He also ordered Mester to pay more than $4,200 in restitution to his neighbor, Cindy Heistand, who runs a horse boarding business on her property.
Heistand said she lost at least one boarder after that boarder saw Mester roaming her horse pasture. Although the boarder didn’t witness anything, the boarder apparently knew that Mester a decade ago had been accused of having sexual intercourse with a pony in Olive Township.
In that case, he pleaded no contest to attempted animal torture and was sentenced to 30 days in jail.
Hackett said in court he was surprised Mester did not undergo counseling after the previous conviction.
Hackett declined to comment after the hearing.
Heistand, who has run the boarding business since about 2002, said after the hearing she could never have imagined dealing with a such a problem.
“It’s just absurd,” Heistand said.
Mester initially was charged with bestiality – which under state law is punishable by up to 15 years in prison – as well as indecent exposure.
A surveillance video in June captured Mester on Heistand’s horse pasture, overturning a bucket behind a thoroughbred mare, standing on the bucket and apparently engaging in a sexual act.
Heistand set up the surveillance camera because boarders expressed concern about a man seen roaming the pasture and feeding the horses.
Since being charged, Mester’s wife has supported him, Hackett said.
“She has been by his side this entire time – albeit a very embarrassing situation,” Hackett told Tahvonen.
As he was being led out of the courtroom by deputies, Mester – who walks with an extreme limp that Hackett said was the result of an 1988 diving accident – paused for a kiss from his wife.
Source:LANSING STATE JOURNAL
WVA shoplifting incident leads police to deceased man www.privateofficer.com
CABELL COUNTY, W.Va. Nov 20 2011 – A call to respond to alleged shoplifting quickly turned into an unexpected death case for local deputies.
It happened about 5 p.m. Thursday at the Kmart along U.S. 60 in the East Pea Ridge area.
Two alleged shoplifters — Jamie Adkins and Charles Woodyard, both of South Point, Ohio, were arrested for allegedly stealing $300 in clothing.
“We know one individual has a lengthy history of shoplifting, and his charge will be a felony,” Cabell County Sheriff Tom McComas said.
Adkins is charged with second-offense shoplifting. But McComas said the car Adkins and Woodyard arrived in contained a much different problem.
“They came to check the vehicle they were in, and inside we found a male and female, McComas said. “The male was unresponsive, not breathing.”
McComas said both people were transported for treatment. The woman was treated and released, and the man died. His name is withheld until family is notified.
The woman was not charged.
“It’s clear there was some drug activity going on in the car,” McComas said. “That’s a reasonable inference — to make the death a drug-related death.”
The man’s body has been sent to the Medical Examiners Office in Charleston.
We’re told Adkins posted bail, but Woodyard remained in the Western Regional Jail late Friday.
Verizon employee charged with theft of phones www.privateofficer.com
MERRIMACK NH Nov 20 2011 – Merrimack Police have charged a former Verizon employee with stealing phones worth more than $1,500.
Andrew Saulnier, 24, of 26 Barksdale Ave., Londonderry, turned himself in to police on Wednesday and was charged with theft by unauthorized taking, police said.
Police were contacted on Oct. 14 when the theft of several cellphones worth more than $1,500 combined was reported by the Verizon Go store at 7 Continental Boulevard in Merrimack, police said.
Detectives investigated and determined that Saulnier, who worked at the store, was responsible for the thefts, police said.
Saulnier was released on $5,000 personal recognizance and is scheduled to be arraigned at 9th Circuit Court – District Division – Merrimack on Dec. 13.
Source:nashuatelegraph.com
