Police Accountability Report: Episode 91 – LRN.fm

This week, a couple stories that should cause anyone critically thinking to see that those wearing badges aren’t always operating with the best intentions.

Story #1
Deputy Charged with Oppression After Groping Allegation
http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Deputy-charged-with-oppression-after-groping-4458304.php

For example, a woman who couldn’t find her family at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo said a deputy constable groped her after she turned to him for help. Then he threatened to arrest her, she said.
The officer, Precinct 5 Deputy Constable Tommy Forgue, was charged with misdemeanor official oppression.
The woman became separated from her relatives February 22nd at the rodeo’s popular barbecue cook-off.
She said Forgue stepped forward and introduced himself, according to a criminal complaint.
Forgue was in uniform, working a part-time security job at the rodeo.
Forgue said he would help locate the woman’s family. He offered the use of his cellphone and volunteered to drive her to her parent’s car, police said.
He then asked to see her breasts, a prosecutor said in court.
When she refused, Forgue pulled down the woman’s shirt and began to grope her, according to the complaint. She feared the sexual assaults would escalate and sent a friend a text message for help.
“At one point, (the woman) attempted to get out of the vehicle and (Forgue) threatened to arrest her if she didn’t get back into the vehicle,” according to the complaint.
Houston police questioned Forgue. He admitted driving her in his car and said he told the woman she could be arrested for public intoxication.
Forgue denied making any sexual advances to her.
Forgue is on administrative leave from his position as a patrol deputy, officials said. He is free on $1,000 bail.

Story #2
Former Indianapolis Police Officer Michael Rinehart Gets Home Detention in DWI Hit-and-Run Crash
http://www.theindychannel.com/news/local-news/former-indianapolis-police-officer-michael-rinehart-gets-home-detention-in-dwi-hit-and-run-crash

Also, a former Indianapolis police officer who had been drinking when he hit a construction worker and left the scene has been sentenced to home detention.
Michael Rinehart pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated in an agreement with the prosecutor’s office.
In June 2012, Rinehart sideswiped construction worker Billy Thompson with the side mirror of his pickup truck in a construction zone along 16th Street in Speedway.
Witnesses said they saw Rinehart pop his mirror back out and continue driving.
It was later revealed that, at the time of the incident, Rinehart was already on suspension from the police department for drinking while on duty.
Rinehart was sentenced this past Tuesday to 60 days on home detention. He must also pay restitution to Thompson.
Rinehart, who has been with the department since 1977, has since resigned.
Michael Rinehart injured a man while driving carelessly.
Michael did not stop to make sure Mr. Thompson was okay, nor did he voluntarily make an attempt to make right with his victim.
This man who harmed another person and avoided taking responsibility for his mistake is being court-ordered to stay in his home for 60 days, and to pay restitution to his victim, which he ought to have done voluntarily.
Meanwhile, millions of people around the world are jailed for years, decades, and in some cases even lifetimes, for so-called ‘crimes’ that have no victim… Does that seem right to you?
One thing is clear: The intent of man-made legislation is NOT to protect individuals or encourage peaceful co-existence.

That’s this week’s Police Accountability Report brought to you by CopBlock.org.
I hope you’ll take a moment to consider just what it is that you are paying for via taxation – and speak out against the corruption.
Until next week, stay safe and remember that badges don’t grant extra rights.