Police Accountability Report: Episode 74 – LRN.fm
Story 1
Deputy Law Enforcement Officer Indicted in SC Bicyclist’s Death
http://www2.wbtw.com/news/2012/dec/12/deputy-law-enforcement-officer-indicted-sc-bicycli-ar-5160153/
Jeffery Thomas of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina will face one count of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.
Thomas was charged in August for leaving the scene of a crash after Charleston deputies say he struck and killed bicyclist Matthew Denton, who was from James Island.
Deputies say Thomas, age 46, hit Denton while traveling on Riverland Drive. According to deputies, after striking the bicycle, Thomas got out and checked on the bicyclist, then left the scene traveling to West Ashley and returned to James Island approximately 30 to 40 minutes later.
Denton was pronounced dead where the wreck happened.
At the time of the crash, Thomas was a Deputy Law Enforcement Officer (DLEO) with the SC Department of Natural Resources.
The case was dismissed back in September, but Thomas will head to trial after all.
Andy Denton, the victim’s brother, says this helps them in their search for answers, but nothing will bring back his brother.
Story #2
Washington State Trooper Charged With Failing to Report Child Abuse Allegations Against His Father
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/W/WA_FAILURE_TO_REPORT_WAOL-?SITE=PAREA&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
In other news, a Washington state trooper is facing charges he failed to immediately report child-abuse allegations against his father.
The News Tribune of Tacoma reported Wednesday that Pierce County prosecutors have accused 25-year-old Trooper Justin Hamrick of two counts of failing to comply with mandatory reporting laws. He’s been summoned to Superior Court for arraignment on December 24th.
Investigators say Hamrick learned in June 2011 that his father, Scott Hamrick, had been abusing two adopted daughters at the family home in Eatonville, but didn’t report it for nearly three weeks.
Scott Hamrick, a lieutenant with a local fire district, later committed suicide.
Justin Hamrick does not appear to have a listed telephone number, and the reporting newspaper said it was unable to reach his attorney.
Prosecutor Mark Lindquist says law enforcement officers are bound by law to to immediately report any allegations of child abuse or neglect.
Story #3
Coxsackie police officer arrested for pointing loaded handgun at acquaintance
http://saratogian.com/articles/2012/12/10/news/doc50c64756c00db817443096.txt
In New York, a Coxsackie police officer was arrested for pointing a loaded handgun at an acquaintance on North Pearl Street on Sunday morning.
According to Albany police spokesman Steven Smith, officers responded to North Pearl Street and Sheridan Avenue for reports of a man with a handgun.
When officers arrived they found Kenneth Rosimini, 45, of Revena, with a loaded .380 caliber handgun in his back pocket.
He was off duty at the time but was arrested for criminal possession of a weapon and menacing. He was arraigned in Albany City Court and bail was set at $5,000.
Story #4
Calif. officers conspired to dismiss traffic ticket against woman who promised booze booty
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/6e8d1afa913b4cd18aa45f0431a6156b/CA–Officers-Convicted
Two Southern California police officers are facing a year in jail for conspiring to dismiss a woman’s speeding ticket after she promised to send booze.
The motorist works in the alcohol industry.
Prosecutors say in a news release that 44-year-old Huntington Beach police Officer Erik Michal Krause and 47-year-old Garden Grove police Officer Michael John Zannitto were convicted Wednesday of misdemeanor conspiracy to obstruct justice.
Forcing somebody to pay money for driving at a speed that surpasses an arbitrary limit without harming anyone doesn’t exactly sound like justice either, though.
They will be sentenced next month.
Krause ticketed the woman for speeding near a bus 13 months ago and, later that month, Zannitto met her at Knott’s Berry Farm while off duty.
Zannitto told her he could have the citation dismissed and she promised free alcohol in exchange.
Zannitto called Krause, who promised to take care of the ticket.
Are these really the type of actions you want to continue paying for?
That’s this week’s Police Accountability Report brought to you by CopBlock.org.
Until next week, stay safe and remember that badges don’t grant extra rights.
