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Oklahoma police officer dies during training www.privateofficer.com
OKLAHOMA CITY OK June 29 2012 - A Jenks police officer died Wednesday morning in an Oklahoma City hospital after falling ill the day before at Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics training, authorities said.
Juan Legarreta, 27, had been with the Jenks Police Department about a year, Police Chief Cameron Arthur said.
The state Medical Examiner’s Office will determine a cause of death, spokeswoman Amy Elliott said.
“Great officer, fabulous officer,” said Arthur, adding that Legarreta was fluent in English and Spanish. “He could shift gears really well, deal with the public. He was kind of a natural, a real people person. It’s just a shocking and devastating loss.”
Applying for a job with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, Legarretta was part of a small group of applicants taking a physical fitness Tuesday, said Mark Woodward, spokesman with the OBNDD.
Legarretta told an instructor he wasn’t feeling well and was taken indoors, never improving after being transported to the hospital, Woodward said.
“It’s just very, very sad,” he said.
Source:www.tulsaworld.com
Former cheerleading coach accused of sexual abuse found guilty www.privateofficer.com
HENRICO, Va. June 29 2012 A former Henrico cheerleading coach accused of sexually abusing five girls over the span of a decade has been found guilty on 11 counts of indecent liberties with a minor.
Maurice “Moe” Jerralds, also a former gymnastic coach at USA Gym from 1999-2010,was charged with 12 counts of taking indecent liberties with a minor, and one charge was dropped yesterday.
Jerralds waived his right to a jury trial, so a judge decided the verdict and will handle the sentencing.
Jerralds has been taken into custody. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 12.
Source: WTVR
In South Carolina, you can get arrested for what? www.privateofficer.com
SOUTH CAROLINA June 29 2012 - Imagine finding yourself behind bars for something you didn’t even know was illegal. It may not require as much imagination as you think.
One man in the Pee Dee found himself behind bars last week for having a few beers and knocking over a few items in his own home, not a crime by most perspectives, by nevertheless, he was facing charges.
The police report says the man was sitting inside his home watching a basketball game when his wife got home. The report claims he got mad at her, and he was visibly drunk, but he never touched her. The man did admit to yelling and moving several objects out of the way.
The man was eventually handcuffed and booked on disorderly house charges, which are still pending.
A disorderly house charge, according to online legal records, applies when the conduct of its inhabitants is such as to become a public nuisance, or the suspect is accused of maintaining a brothel. The police report in this arrest did not indicate either of those conditions would apply.
If that’s not the most outrageous thing you’ve ever heard, wait until you hear about these other laws still on the books in South Carolina.
SECTION 16-15-50: Seduction under promise of marriage.
This law states that any male living in the state of South Carolina that promises to marry an unwed woman must follow through on that promise. Failure to fulfill that promise makes him guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable if convicted with a fine or up to one year in prison.
SECTION 53-1-40: Unlawful to work on Sunday.
This law plainly states that on the first day of the week, you must refrain from work unless your work is for charity or necessity. That law contains a clause for those in Charleston County that consider their Sabbath to be on the seventh day of the week, Saturday.
Horses may not be kept in bathtubs.
This one is pretty self-explanatory.
SECTION 20-7-8915: Playing pinball machines.
It is unlawful for a minor under the age of eighteen to play a pinball machine. Really, that’s what it says.
Myrtle Beach has its own set of laws that some may find questionable.
SECTION 5-13: Persons may not change clothes in a gas station without permission of the owner.
This law says you cannot, without the express permission of the owner or proprietor, use a public restroom to change from your bathing suit into an outfit or vice versa.
Another Myrtle Beach law: It is illegal to urinate in the waters of any park.
This law mentions specifically Chapin Memorial Park, saying it is unlawful to pollute the waters by either willfully of negligently discharging liquid or solids pollutants into the park waters. The punishment for such actions in unspecified.
Myrtle Beach isn’t the only South Carolina city with some questionable city ordinances. Greenville is also on the list.
The drinking age on Furman University campus is 60 years old. The private, liberal arts college was originally a “dry campus,” but recently, condos were built on the property for senior citizens, so drinking was allowed, but only for the senior citizens.
Also joining the list is Lancaster County. It is illegal to dance in public in Lancaster.
This law comes from the peninsula of Charleston, and bears no explanation for its origin: The Fire Department may blow up your house.
And Fountain Inn rounds out the list with this doozy…Horses are to wear pants at all times
Source: WMBF
Baltimore Co. Officer Charged With Manslaughter In Teen’s Death www.privateofficer.com
TOWSON, Md. June 29 2012 A Baltimore County officer makes his first court appearance after he’s indicted on manslaughter charges in the death of 17-year-old Christopher Brown.
In court, Officer James Laboard held his head down as he asked to be released. The judge ordered his release on his own recognizance. There was no bail set or any other conditions because the judge did not believe Laboard was a danger. A number of fellow officers also came to testify on his behalf.
But moments before that, both the police chief and state’s attorney held a press conference about the charges at the Baltimore County Circuit Court.
After increasing pressure from the victim’s family, police made the announcement Wednesday afternoon.
Officer Laboard will face charges in connection with Brown’s death. They include manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter. Both are felonies and can land him in jail for 10 years.
“The job of police officers as we all know is one of the most difficult there is. Every day we as officers have to make split-second decisions, life and death decisions–including the decision whether or not to use force,” said Baltimore County Police Chief Jim Johnson.
Police say exactly two weeks ago, Brown was walking with other young people in his neighborhood in Randallstown. Someone threw a rock at Laboard’s door. He then chased down the group, cornering the teenager in a bush. The teen refused to come out, so police say Laboard pulled him out. And in the altercation that followed, Brown died.
The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide by asphyxiation.
The police chief says evidence from a sweeping investigation reveal Laboard stepped outside the scope of his employment, saying officer’s are not above the law they are empowered to enforce.
“The fact that Laboard was an off-duty police officer had no bearing on the time it took to evaluate the evidence and to move this case forward to the grand jury,” said Scott Shellenberger, Baltimore County state’s attorney.
One of the key questions of this case is whether Laboard was acting in the capacity as a police officer. He was off duty when the incident happened.
Brown’s family say the motive was rage and anger.
“I’ve extended my sorrow, the agency’s sorrow over the death of her son. I’ve assured her a complete and thorough investigation, which has been conducted,” Johnson said.
Laboard’s attorney told us he could not comment, but the law firm sent out a statement, saying they wish the people of Baltimore County would not judge the officer and they look forward to presenting his side of the story.
For the victim’s family there is disappointment and anger that more serious charges weren’t brought against Officer Laboard.
Brown’s mother had a public response to the closed grand jury proceedings. The off-duty police officer behind her son’s death was charged with manslaughter instead of murder.
“This was definitely what I thought they were goina do, to rush something along, to quiet up everybody and to say ‘well, you know what? Let’s give him something,’” she said.
If we separate the fact that he is an officer and we look at purely just the actions, this is murder no matter how you slice it,” said Russell Neverdon, family’s lawyer.
Brown’s family wants to see the evidence presented to the grand jury.
“That’s what I don’t like. This whole setup I don’t like,” said Brown’s mother.
The fact more serious charges weren’t brought has left the family with little trust that justice will be found in Baltimore County.
“You found him. You grabbed him. You assaulted him. And at this point if they’re trying to suggest that this is an involuntary manslaughter, then Christopher justifiably resisted an unlawful arrest, and you killed him,” Neverdon said.
The family wants to see this case moved up to the federal level and plans to petition the U.S. Justice Department.
Source: WJZ
11 Year old girl electrocuted at Florida time share resort www.privateofficer.com
Orange County Fla June 29 2012 An 11-year-old girl who died while playing mini golf at a southwest Orange County time share was electrocuted, the Orange-Osceola Medical Examiner ruled this morning.
The autopsy conducted this morning determined 11-year-old Ashton Jojo, of Latham, N.Y. died of an accidental electrocution died while playing miniature golf.
Ashton Jojo died at Florida Hospital Celebration Health Wednesday afternoon after she was rushed there from the Orange Lake Resort on Irlo Bronson Highway.
The child was vacationing with her family. She celebrated her birthday Friday.
Ashton was playing miniature golf at the resort about 2 p.m. when her golf ball went into a small pond about 2 feet deep. She cried out in distress as she retrieved the ball, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Another resort guest at the resort, Christopher Burges of Alabama, heard Ashton’s screams and tried to rescue her. Burges was also injured and unable to save the girl. Detectives were looking into a number of possible causes, including electrocution.
Ashton was with her mother, father, and at least one brother, who also was checked out at the hospital but apparently was not injured, said Deputy Ginette Rodriguez, a sheriff’s spokeswoman.
A spokeswoman for Orange Lake Resort, Vice President of Corporate Communications Stacey Sutherland, would not comment.
The resort is at 8505 W. U.S. Highway 192, west of the Central Florida Beltway.
Source:tribune.com
Deluth police lieutenant tapped to be new campus police chief www.privateofficer.com
Deluth MN June 29 2012 A likeable leader and lieutenant in the Duluth Police Department is taking his law enforcement skills to the University of Minnesota Duluth to serve as director of police on the 12,000-student campus.
Scott Drewlo, a 17-year Duluth police officer who was working as administrative affairs commander after serving as major crimes bureau commander, was hired over 15 other applicants. He will assume leadership of the 11-officer university department on July 9, holding the title of captain at an annual salary of $105,000.
“While I’m saddened at the prospect of leaving my city of Duluth friends and colleagues, I am excited to face the challenges and opportunities afforded by such a professional police agency,” Drewlo said. “I am also looking forward to maintaining the strong partnerships that I enjoyed at DPD with our community agency partners. It will be an honor to serve the university and surrounding Duluth communities.”
Drewlo, 49, lives in Barnum. He is a native of the Chisago Lakes area and a Marine Corps veteran. He’s held several important positions within the Duluth department. He worked as a field training officer, patrol sergeant, as a member of the tactical response team, where he was a counter-sniper, and as supervisor of the crime scenes investigation unit before assuming his two most recent supervisory posts.
“Scott is a leader,” Duluth Police Chief Gordon Ramsay said. “He was a Marine and he lives a lot of Marine values such as putting people first. People who work for Scott really like working for him. He’s a good guy. He has well-rounded experience running our major crimes (division) and as an administrative lieutenant. He’s been our right-hand guy on many of our technological advances and other projects.”
Drewlo replaces Anne Peterson, who retired as director of campus police after a 25-year career last June. Sgt. Sean Huls has been serving as interim director. Huls has been promoted to lieutenant for “his remarkably strong performance in handling the interim director duties,’’ said John King, UMD interim vice chancellor for finance and operations.
Drewlo has a bachelor’s degree from St. Cloud State University with a double major in sociology and social work. He spent the first four years of his law enforcement career working for the Minnesota Department of Corrections in St. Cloud and Moose Lake.
The new law enforcement leader was asked to describe his management style. “I guess I would say cooperative,” he said. “I like team building. I like trying to get different officers and crews and partners in the community to kind of pitch in and see what their part of the team is. I like to foster working partnerships with the community. My plan would be to engage the community around the campus in keeping with Chancellor (Lendley) Black’s strategic plan to engage the community and have responsible students.”
Judith Karon, director of UMD’s Department of Human Resources and Equal Opportunity, said Drewlo’s hiring is a “perfect fit between his talents and insights and our campus needs.”
Drewlo is an instructor at the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College law enforcement program. He serves on the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association Board of Directors.
“His teaching experience at Fond du Lac College gives him a recognition and understanding of critical campus issues related to student health and safety,” Karon said. “Scott was able to articulate the importance of providing a welcoming environment on our campus and supporting our campus diversity initiatives.”
Source:Deluth News Tribune
Woman arrested for speed trap sign www.privateofficer.com
HOUSTON TX June 29 2012 - A college student said a police officer was unfairly stopping cars on a roadway for speeding.
She took matters into her own hands and made a sign to warn drivers of a speed trap. Instead of saving people from tickets, she was sent to jail.
When riding her bike home from the grocery store last week, Natalie Plummer was arrested, she said, for holding up a sign and trying to warn drivers about what she saw as a speed trap.
“I went to jail and I had to get bailed out,” Plummer said.
She shot video of police pulling cars over.
Plummer said she was on the sidewalk the entire time, although the Houston Police Department said she was in the street.
She tells us the officer sped over to her, not expecting what happened next.
“Jumped out of the car and started pulling on my back pack and started pulling me around and said ‘give me that, give me that.’ And I was like what are you doing?” Plummer said.
She said the officer told her she was obstructing justice and that she could serve up to five years in prison for doing so.
He then took her to jail.
She said her bike and phones fell out of the trunk of his vehicle on the way, damaging both.
But she wasn’t booked on obstruction, rather for walking in the roadway where sidewalks are provided, something a legal analyst, Joel Androphy, said is fancy police work.
“If she was in the middle of the street, then they can’t get her for putting the sign up. They can’t get her for warning anybody, but they could get her for obstructing traffic,” Androphy said.
An HPD spokesperson insists it’s a good arrest, claiming “it is an arrestable offense. It was the officer’s decision to arrest her.”
Plummer is meeting with an attorney.
She said this whole thing is really about police trying to keep her from letting people know officers were giving out tickets ahead.
“I feel like a lot of times our First Amendment rights get violated,” Plummer said.
Source:KTRK/CNN
Man eats dog while on synthetic drugs www.privateofficer.com
WACO, TX June 29 2012 (CNN) – Police arrested a man charged with eating his family’s dog while the canine was still alive.
Michael Daniel, 22 of Waco, TX, was arrested after family members called police to their home on June 14. They claimed Daniel assaulted people at home, chased a neighbor and started barking and growling.
Witnesses said Daniel then grabbed his family’s dog, beat and strangled it, and started to eat it.
The dog died at home.
Daniel is believed to have ingested “K-2,” a synthetic drug, before the attack.
He was taken to the hospital and now faces a felony charge for animal cruelty.
Albany Co. Sheriff stops attack on security guard www.privateofficer.com
ALBANY NY June 29 2012 – The Albany County Sheriff’s Office arrested 29-year-old Jason Neiles of Watervliet on Wednesday for an assault on a parking lot security guard.
The Sheriff’s Office said that Neiles, who appeared intoxicated, was walking on Pine Street near the Albany County Court of Appeals. Neiles then reportedly yelled obscenities at a passing motorcyclist and began to assault a 65-year-old parking lot attendant. Sheriff Craig Apple was nearby and quickly intervened to take Neiles into custody.
Neiles was charged with 2nd Degree Assault, a Class D Felony, and Resisting Arrest.
The victim was transported to Albany Memorial Hospital to be treated for multiple abrasions and contusions to his face and head.Albany Co. Sheriff stops attack on security guard.
Craigslist scammer caught trying to rent out South Portland Housing Authority units www.privateofficer.com
SOUTH PORTLAND ME June 29 2012– A homeless woman from Portland is in jail, accused of trying to rent apartments belonging to the South Portland Housing Authority by listing them on Craigslist and collecting deposits from prospective tenants.
According to Lt. Frank Clark of the South Portland Police Department, Lisa Hinerman, 26, was arrested at about 9:45 a.m. Thursday following a sting operation at a hotel on Riverside Street in Portland. Hinerman had agreed to meet a person whom she had scammed the previous day, but instead found police laying in wait.
South Portland Police received two complaints Wednesday from people who said they gave Hinerman cash deposits for an apartment in a multi-unit building on Grandview Avenue, but later, “believed that they had been duped.” Hinerman had passed herself off as the person responsible for renting the units, which actually are owned by the South Portland Housing Authority.
“The ad in this case has since been removed,” wrote Clark in a press release. “This is a good reminder of the potential illegitimate uses and pitfalls of sites such as Craigslist. As beneficial as these sites can be, unfortunately there are always some people who will use any means to pray on others.”
The two victims game Hinerman a combined $1,800.
“It is also believed that other potential victims may have visited the property,” said Clark, asking that anyone with information on additional losses contact the South Portland Police Department at 799-5511 ext. 7254.
Hinerman, who has a “lengthy criminal history,” has been charged with two felony counts of theft by deception. She also had an outstanding warrant for her arrest due to probation revocation related to other, prior theft charges.
The case will be referred to the District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution. “Additional charges are likely,” said Clark.
Source:keepmecurrent.com
Families of girls stabbed in Snohomish HS bathroom sue www.privateofficer.com
Lawyers claim the Snohomish School District, Fairfax Hospital and the parents of the 16-year-old assailant could have prevented the attack that critically injured April Lutz and Bekah Staudacher.
The attacker, who has not been publicly named, pleaded guilty to attempted murder and assault in March. She will spend the next 13 years in jail.
Prosecutors in that case filed court documents claiming she had homicidal and suicidal thoughts, and made them known to medical and school officials.
The teen was expelled for a time from Snohomish High School, allegedly over an obsession and murderous threats, states the families’ lawsuit. She was admitted to Fairfax Hospital, but was allowed to return to school one week later.
“Both the school and Fairfax Hospital fell asleep at the wheel when they allowed an unstable person, known to harbor violent impulses, to have free reign on campus,” said attorney Sim Osborn. “The defendants failed to act to protect students and the public.”
Lutz was stabbed more than 20 times in the attack. One wound narrowly missed a vital artery in her heart. Staudacher received deep slashes to her back and arms and was recorded on surveillance camera screaming for help as she fled the bathroom.
Source:King5
Supreme Court struck down Medal of Honor federal law www.privateofficer.com
WASHINGTON DC June 29 2012 (AP) – The Supreme Court has struck down a federal law making it a crime to lie about having received the Medal of Honor and other prized military awards.
The court voted 6-3 Thursday in favor of Xavier Alvarez, a former local elected official in California who falsely claimed he was a decorated war veteran.
Alvarez had pleaded guilty to violating a 2006 law that was adopted with the nation at war in Afghanistan and Iraq and aimed at people making phony claims of heroism in battle.
The court, in a judgment written by Justice Anthony Kennedy, ordered that his conviction be thrown out.
Houston moving company worker fondled-took pictures of 5-year-old www.privateofficer.com
HOUSTON TX June 29 2012 - Prosecutors accuse moving company worker Justin Summers of fondling and photographing the 5-year-old daughter of a couple he was helping to move, CBS affiliate KHOU reports.
Summers, 24, is accused of approaching the girl last March, while she was playing a game in an upstairs bedroom of a West University Place home.
“An employee of the moving company, which was called ‘A Better Tripp Moving and Storage,’ had lifted up the juvenile child’s skirt, had removed or pulled down her underpants and began photographing and, it turns out, actually began touching the child,” said Officer Phil Clark, spokesman for the West University Place Police Department.
Allegations didn’t come until this month when the girl’s 7-year-old brother told his mother. Police said the boy was in the room and saw the crime happen.
Investigators said they obtained a search warrant for Summers’ phone and found two videos showing the girl in her underwear. Prosecutors charged him with promoting child pornography and indecency with a child.
“I’m dumbfounded,” said David Tripp, the owner of the moving company. “If these charges are legitimate charges, it’s horrific.”
Tripp said he knew Summers since he was in junior high school who passed through criminal background checks before he was hired. Summers’ father was the company’s operations manager.
“I feel horrible about it, if he’s convicted,” Tripp said.
Summers has been in “thousands of homes” since he was hired and quit his job a few weeks ago, Tripp said.
West University Police encourages anyone who knows about similar crimes to contact them, as they worry the suspect may have victimized other children.
Source:CBS
Erie County Sheriff’s Department employee pleads guilty in jail incident www.privateofficer.com
Buffalo, N.Y. June 29 2012 – U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced Thursday that 40-year-old Thomas Thompson of Grand Island pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder to deprivation of rights under color of law.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison, a $100,000 fine or both.
According to a news release:
Assistant U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross, who is handling the case, stated that on January 18, 2010, the defendant, a Sergeant with the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, recruited other deputies to assist him in the search of a cell at the Erie County Holding Center. Thompson was following up on an anonymous report of illegal narcotics in a unit that housed the victim.
After arriving at the victim’s cell, the defendant asked which inmate had the illegal narcotics. Thompson and other deputies was told by the victim that an inmate across the hall had the drugs but a search of that inmate’s cell did not turn up any drugs. Thompson and the other deputies then returned to the victim’s cell and told the victim that because he had lied and did not assist with finding the illegal narcotics, the victim had to take a shot to the gut. Thompson then told the victim to pick a deputy to deliver the shot. The victim pointed to a deputy who then proceeded to punch the victim.
“As a guard at the jail – a Sergeant no less – Thomas Thompson was charged with keeping order inside the Erie County Holding Center,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “Instead, he summoned a small group of deputies working under him to participate in what amounted to an organized attack on an inmate involving excessive force. The pre-meditated behavior exhibited by this defendant is something our Office takes very seriously and will not tolerate.”
Sentencing is scheduled for September 27
Source: WKBW
One soldier dead, 2 others wounded at Fort Bragg www.privateofficer.com
FORT BRAGG, N.C.June 29 2012 – One soldier from the 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade was killed and two others wounded following a shooting incident at Fort Bragg.
Officials said during a unit safety brief, a soldier shot another member of the unit and then turned the weapon on himself. The shooter was injured and is now in custody. A third soldier, who was in the area, was also slightly wounded in the shooting.
“This is a tragedy for our community. We don’t yet know the reasons for the shooting, but are working with the unit and the affected families to help them through this difficult period,” said Col. Kevin Arata, XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg Public Affairs Officer. “Our prayers are with those who have been affected by this terrible incident.”
The shooting happened near the corner of Letterman and Armistead Streets.
Special Agents from the Army Criminal Investigation Command are investigating.
The names of those involved have not yet been released.
Source: WTVD
Four D.C. police officers indicted in nightclub beating www.privateofficer.com
Washington DC June 29 2012 Four D.C. police officers were indicted Wednesday in connection with an assault outside a Northwest Washington nightclub last June in which a District Heights man was beaten so severely he lost an eye, according to officials and the man’s lawyer.
The officers, who were off-duty at the time of the June 10, 2011 fight, were involved in the incident outside the Lotus nightclub in the 1400 block of K Street, police officials said in a statement released late Wednesday night.
During the brawl, two club patrons were embroiled in a fight with several individuals, some thought to be bouncers at the club, police said. One of the patrons, Walter Blair II, 24, of District Heights, was taken to a hospital for treatment but lost his right eye as a result of the fight, his attorney, Ronald Karp, said last year.
A total of nine people were indicted after more than a year-long investigation by the D.C. police department’s internal affairs division, officials said.
Police did not release specific information about the charges. No police officials could be reached for comment at the department’s public information office late Wednesday.
Detectives recovered security-video footage of the fight and confirmed the identities of three officers, all of the 1st District. They were identified as Kenneth McRavin, Thaddeus Modlin and Nikeith Goins, police said.
The fourth officer who was indicted is Yolonda Lampkin, also of the 1st District, officials said.
It was unclear what role the officers allegedly played in the incident
Source:Washington Post
NC man charged in murder of 16-month-old son www.privateofficer.com
FAYETTEVILLE NC June 29 2012 – Investigators have charged a Cumberland County man with killing his 16-month-old son.
Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said 31-year old Evans Aine II, of 2716 Edwards Avenue was taken into custody Thursday afternoon.
He is charged with second-degree murder and felony child abuse.
Investigators said Aine struck and killed Kaeden Demus on June 11.
A medical examiner’s report determined the child died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head.
Source: WTVD
Delay could cost University of Michigan $500,000 www.privateofficer.com
ANN ARBOR MI June 29 2012 - Investigations related to a six-month delay in reporting to police the discovery of suspected child pornography on a computer flash drive in a University of Michigan hospital lounge could exceed $500,000 in costs.
The estimate for an ongoing external investigation and a separate review of hospital security procedures was made in documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by AnnArbor.com, which published details on Thursday.
The school is paying international law firm Latham & Watkins a maximum of $395,000 to complete the review.
According to the obtained documents, Chicago-based trial lawyer Zachary Fardon is being billed at $725 per hour to lead the review. Other firm associates are being billed at between $595 and $540 an hour, according to a contract, and an unnamed partner is also being billed at $725 an hour. Firm paralegals are being billed at between $180 and $280 an hour.
Other costs associated with the review will be paid to Margolis Healy & Associates, which is conducting a separate assessment of hospital security, and to Fred White Jr., who serves as liaison between U-M and the outside firms.
The U-M Board of Regents ordered an external investigation in February.
Reviewers are trying to determine the circumstances leading to the reporting lapse that allowed 37-year-old Stephen Jenson to work with children for an additional six months after a medical resident discovered a thumb drive with documents containing his name and child pornography in the Pediatric Emergency Department
An internal investigation into the delay determined a hospital attorney was aware of the discovery in May — but decided after a month that there wasn’t enough evidence to tell police.
Security at the university-affiliated hospital didn’t report the case to university police until Nov. 21. After police were notified, they searched Jenson’s home and removed his computer. He was arrested days later and charged by Washtenaw County prosecutors with four counts of possessing child sexually abusive material.
Then, in early February, the federal government charged Jenson with receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography.
Police say they found 97 images and four videos of suspected child porn on Jenson’s electronic devices. Investigators believe the alleged illegal conduct occurred between Jan. 2011 and Dec. 2, 2011.
If convicted in the federal case, Jenson faces a minimum of five years in prison.
Source: WWJ/AP
Ohio Target employee accused of stealing gift cards www.privateofficer.com
Police in Springfield said a Target employee was arrested for allegedly stealing gift cards.
Ayesha Roberts, 22, worked as a cashier at the Target store on First Street. According to police reports, Roberts would ring up customer’s coupons, which was allow them to get a gift card.
However, instead of giving the customer the gift card, police said Roberts would keep them for herself. According to police, Roberts allegedly stole $65 worth on Monday.
She as arrested on a theft charge. She was also wanted on a warrant for an assault case.
Source:whiotv.com
Jersey City shoplifter arrested 50 times, steals again www.privateofficer.com
Jersey City NJ June 29 2012 A Jersey City woman charged with shoplifting at Macy’s in the Newport Centre Mall in Jersey City last week has 27 prior convictions for the offense and Tuesday’s arrest was her 50th, officials said.
Bail was set at $20,000 with a 10 percent option when Pamela Miller, 53, of Dales Avenue, made her first court appearance on the charge on Wednesday.
Miller tried to steal eight shirts worth $360, three headphones worth $300, a shoulder bag worth $108, two cushion sets worth $200 and jewelry worth $100, the complaint says. She attempted to conceal the items and leave the store with them, the complaint says.
Miller has nine aliases and was in state prison from Aug. 22, 2001 to March 11, 2003 and Aug. 15, 2003 to Oct. 3, 2003 for robbery, corrections records say. She also has criminal convictions for another robbery count, court officials said.
She made her first appearance on the new charge in Central Judicial Processing court in Jersey City via video link from Hudson County jail in Kearny.
Kevin Ryan, a spokesman for Newport Centre Mall, said it is up to individual stores to take measures to prevent shoplifting.
Asked about steps Macy’s takes to track and recognize shoplifters, the store’s security manager said, “We collect information and do in-store reports.”
Source:NJ.com
Toronto security officer stabbed www.privateofficer.com
Toronto Canada June 29 2012
Three suspects are behind bars after a security guard patrolling an underground parking lot near the Eaton Centre was stabbed by thieves who were allegedly found breaking into high-end vehicles.
The unidentified guard was rushed to hospital from the Yonge-Dundas Square and is suffering from non life-threatening injuries, police said.
Const. Tony Vella said two suspects were arrested nearby and a third was found trying to escape.
Police believe the guard may have stumbled on the alleged thieves on the fourth-floor of the parking lot while making his rounds.
“The victim was stabbed a number of times to his body,” Vella said. “A knife was found in the vicinity.”
Vella said the parking lot is relatively safe and vehicle break-ins regularly occur across the city.
“We were able to make a quick arrest due to the good work of our officers,” Vella said. “We are still searching the garage and talking to witnesses.”
Following the stabbing there was a delay as cars tried to exit the lot, with police asking questions and canvassing the area for clues.
Parts of nearby streets were closed to motorists as police probed the 3 p.m. stabbing.
Some area residents claim the thieves may have been searching for gold or precious stones purchased from merchants in the area and left inside vehicles for safe keeping.
Earlier this month, Torontonians were shocked when shots rang out in the Eaton Centre’s food court, in a shooting that left two men dead and injured five others, including a 13-year-old boy.
Source:Toronto Sun
Man who allegedly punched Rochester officer after relative died is Tasered, charged www.privateofficer.com
ROCHESTER NY June 29 2012 — While police were investigating the death of a 12-year-old Rochester boy Tuesday morning, they arrested the boy’s relative, who they say caused a disturbance at the hospital and assaulted a police officer.
Kris Kimber, 47, of 83 Crown Point Road in Gonic, was Tasered by police Tuesday after he allegedly punched a police officer and a Frisbie Memorial Hospital security officer in the face.
The incident occurred after Kimber’s relative, a 12-year-old boy, was found unconscious and not breathing at a Crown Point Road home on Tuesday. After first responders administered life saving measures, the boy was transported to Frisbie Memorial Hospital for further treatment. The boy was later pronounced dead at the hospital, according to an affidavit by Police Officer Rachel Ricker.
Police Capt. Paul Toussaint said an autopsy of the boy’s body was being conducted on Wednesday, to determine the cause of death. At this time, his death does not appear to be suspicious.
While police were investigating the boy’s death at the hospital on Tuesday, Kimber arrived to the hospital and began making a disturbance, said Toussaint.
The man started screaming, and according to the affidavit, “Kimber’s behavior became extremely aggressive as he ripped open the exam room doors, off their tracks.”
When a hospital security guard placed his hand on Kimber’s arm, Kimber turned around and punched him in the face, police say.
“Mr. Kimber threw punches at the crowd attacking everyone standing next to him and punched (a Rochester police officer) in the face causing swelling to his chin,” Ricker wrote in the affidavit. “During this violent encounter there were at least three nurses huddled at the back of the room crying as if they had become trapped.”
According to Toussaint, neither the police officer nor the security guard suffered injuries as a result of the incident.
After Kimber allegedly assaulted the officer and guard, another police officer deployed a Taser on Kimber, in an effort to stop him from being violent toward others in the vicinity, states the affidavit. Toussaint said he had no information on whether Kimber received medical treatment or a checkup after being Tasered. The Taser was deployed one time, after which Kimber was handcuffed.
The affidavit states after Kimber was able to calm down, officers took off his handcuffs to allowed him to grieve with his family.
After the incident, Kimber was charged with two counts of simple assault, as well as resisting arrest, criminal threatening, and criminal contempt. While the disorderly conduct charge is a violation-level offense, the other charges are all Class A misdemeanors.
The criminal threatening charge came after Kimber allegedly told another police officer he would kick him in the face if he touches the deceased boy. The alleged threat occurred as Kimber was exiting the hospital.
On Wednesday, Toussaint said he did not know the motive behind Kimber’s actions on Tuesday.
“I don’t know what his motivation was for doing any of the things he did there. I’m sure he was upset about the death of a relative,” said Toussaint. “He did not appear to be intoxicated.”
The criminal contempt charge was brought because Kimber was out on $2,500 personal recognizance bail at the time of Tuesday’s incident.
Previously, Kimber was charged with three counts of disorderly conduct and one count of criminal trespass for offenses allegedly committed two weeks ago.
On June 12, Kimber allegedly yelled in proximity to the face of Superintendent of Schools Michael Hopkins at the School Department office on Wakefield Street, according to court documents. That same day, Kimber also allegedly yelled in Spaulding High School Principal Rob Seaward’s face, as well as disturbed employees at the public facility. The criminal trespass charge was brought because Kimber remained at the office despite being told to leave, according to the official complaint against him.
On Tuesday, Kimber allegedly violated bail conditions, set on Friday, by committing the offenses at the hospital.
After being arraigned at the Rochester Circuit Court Wednesday morning, Kimber’s bail was set at $2,500 cash, to be converted to personal recognizance if he is accepted by Strafford County Community Corrections program. Court officials said Wednesday afternoon that Kimber was accepted into the program, and his release was pending further paperwork from Community Corrections.
Trial for Kimber’s recent charges was scheduled for Sept. 6, at 1 p.m., at Rochester Circuit Court.
Source:fosters.com
Philadelphia shoplifter forgets four-year-old daughter at store www.privateofficer.com
NORTH PHILADELPHIA – June 29, 2012 — Police say a suspected shoplifter left something very important behind at the scene of the crime – her daughter.
News was on the scene when a young mother was taken into police custody. Her four-year-old daughter was handed off to relatives. Around 11 a.m. Tuesday, police say the 28-year-old woman was inside the rainbow clothing store in the 3600 block of Germantown Avenue, she had her 4-year-old daughter at her side, and police say she was definitely up to no good.
“Store employees reported to us that she was seen putting objects, clothing, into a bag and when they confronted her- she ran from the store,” according to Captain Frank Vanore of the Philadelphia Police. “Fled the store and left the child behind.”
Employees took the abandoned child aside and called police. Minutes went by as officers gathered information and contacted the Philadelphia Department of Human Services. Police say about a half hour after the woman fled the store without her daughter, she then came back looking to get her little girl.
“I don’t know what was going through somebody’s mind, but at some point she did go back and try to return to the child and at that point officers took her into custody,” Capt. Vanore told Action News.
People shopping on Germantown Avenue this afternoon were appalled that a mother might take her own child shoplifting and even more stunned that she would leave her behind.
Tyrone Howard of Northeast Philadelphia said, “I mean — then leave your child. That’s sad right there. How could you leave your child? That’s your child! Then come back – should never have brought her in the first place.”
“You don’t shoplift with children and then leave a child behind like that,” said Renee Howerton of Northeast Philadelphia. “That’s sad. She deserves to suffer.”
The girl’s mother remains in police custody. She is being processed right now at East Detectives. She is being charged with retail theft and child endangerment. The child is in the care of her grandmother.
Source: WPVI
Airport employee accused of stealing parking fees www.privateofficer.com
Fifty-eight-year-old John H. Henry III of West Monroe submitted his resignation Friday, said airport interim director Ron Phillips.
Henry was arrested Thursday on suspicion of felony theft and malfeasance in office after he reportedly stole about $3,000 in airport parking fees.
Phillips said Friday that the stolen funds were discovered through an evaluation of some of the airport’s documents.
The arrest affidavit stated the airport operations director told police that Henry stole the parking fees from the airport between June 1-20 by voiding transactions. The operations director was able to provide documentation through computer records of the transactions. The airport operations director is Steve Burdeaux, although his name does not appear in the arrest affidavit.
After Henry was advised of his rights on Thursday, he told police that he voided the transactions and kept the cash because he was having financial difficulties, the arrest affidavit states.
Henry was booked at Ouachita Correctional Center, but he posted his $6,000 bond and was released. He previously has been arrested on a count of inciting a felony on Aug. 24, 2005, according to OCC records.
Phillips said city officials would reserve further comments until the investigation is complete. He added that there are financial controls in place to prevent the more than $3,000 in stolen funds from affecting airport operations.
Source:thenewsstar.com
Niagara Falls Walmart employee charged with theft www.privateofficer.com
Store security personnel told police they had conducted an internal investigation and found that Latoya A. Mercado, 21, of Packard Court, had stolen money from the store once in May and on four other occasions in June, according to a city police report.
In an unrelated incident, police responded back to the store Sunday to investigate the theft of $200 from a Youngstown woman’s purse.
The victim told police she inadvertently left the purse in a store fitting room.
It was later found and turned in by a store employee but was missing money, according to a police report.
Source:Buffalonews.com
