Marine suspected of murdering toddler now in civilian hands

A New River Marine accused of killing a toddler last month in California has been transferred from base to the Onslow County Jail.

Joshua Kruzik, 21, is awaiting extradition on charges of murder and injury to a child resulting in death. He is accused of killing 18-month-old Audrey Allen, the daughter of Marines he was staying with while training at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms.

“Pursuant to an arrest warrant issued in San Bernardino County, Calif., and in accordance with Marine Corps policy, we transferred custody of Cpl. Kruzik to the Onslow County Sheriff’s Department,” New River spokeswoman 1st Lt. Kristin Dalton said. “There, he will be processed for extradition to California where he will face criminal charges brought by local authorities.”

While Kruzik is “in the hands of civilian authorities,” he has not been discharged from the Marine Corps, Dalton said, clearing up an erroneous report from California authorities that Kruzik had been dishonorably discharged.

Rodeo Boys kill yet another in unnecessary high-speed chase over minor traffic infraction

[ The idea that a living, breathing human being can be effectively assassinated over a traffic code violation, stinks in a most vile fashion.  Mr. Grossich’s Facebook memorial page address is http://www.facebook.com/people/Gary-Grossich/100001806082821 Search “high-speed chases” on this site for stats and other info. ]

A 22-year-old Bloomington motorcyclist who was killed last night in a Fontana crash is believed to be the rider who twice evaded police shortly before the wreck, investigators say.

Gary Grossich died at the scene of the 8:29 p.m. Monday accident along Jurupa Avenue east of Pacific, according to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department deputy coroners.

Five minutes earlier, an officer had spotted a motorcyclist driving with his headlight off — a traffic violation — along Tamarind Avenue near Jurupa Avenue and made a U-turn to chase him, but the biker sped away, said Sgt. Billy Green.

A few minutes later, a second officer radioed that he was chasing a motorcyclist west along Jurupa Avenue, Green said. That officer, too, lost sight of the bike.

Soon afterward, a third officer found the wreckage of a black 1998 Suzuki GSXR and Grossich’s body, Green said.

San Bernardino County Sheriff Candidates to Participate in June 1 Forum in Big Bear

The California Statewide Direct Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, June 8, and those voters who plan to request a vote-by-mail ballot have until June 1 to do so. In addition to five statewide measures on the June 8 ballot, San Bernardino County voters will have opportunity to vote for the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (currently Dr. Gary Thomas) and County Sheriff.

Current Sheriff for the County Rod Hoops, who in February 2009 assumed the role of outgoing Sheriff Gary Penrod, will be in Big Bear on June 1st to participate alongside Sheriff candidates and Deputy Sheriffs Paul Schrader and Mark Averbeck in a forum hosted by the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce and the Democratic Club of Big Bear Valley.

The Tuesday, June 1st candidates forum, to be held at the Municipal Water District offices at 40524 Lakeview Drive at 6:30pm, is also scheduled to include candidate for Tax Collector Ensen Mason, running against incumbent Larry Walker, and both candidates for County Assessor, current Assessor appointee Dennis Draeger and Alfred Castorena Palazzo. The San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters office can be reached at 387-8300 or via sbcrov.com.

Bill Cranfill, former Redlands police officer, charged with child molestation

A retired Redlands Police Department lieutenant jailed in a 2008 molestation probe posted $100,000 bail over the weekend and was given a July court date.

Billy Lee Cranfill, 55, of Redlands, had been held on suspicion of lewd acts with a minor under 14 years old. San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department detectives arrested him Thursday at the University of Redlands, where he worked as interim public safety director.

A girl reported the alleged abuse, from April 2008, to a counselor on Wednesday. Detectives said Cranfill, who retired last December after 32 years with Redlands police, knew the girl, but released few other details.

Prosecutors have received the case to determine if charges will be filed. If so, Cranfill is scheduled to be arraigned July 19, records show.

Ex-cop in molestation case wins disability retirement

Head of U of R security charged in molestation case

Derry’s controversial team—continued

See also:

Derry buys more police protection

Another Nazi Pig Comes to Town: San Bernardino County supervisor hires controversial activist

Last week, The Alpenhorn News revealed that Third District Supervisor Neil Derry had appointed Wanda Nowicki to his staff as an administrative analyst, even though her background check had revealed a criminal history.

At the time, the fact that Nowicki had no special background to qualify for the position raised skepticism. Revelations regarding her criminal background were further exacerbated when documents obtained by The Alpenhorn News revealed that Jim Erwin, Derry’s chief of staff at the time of Nowicki’s appointment, had advised the Director of Human Resources not to share or disclose the contents and findings of her criminal background check to anyone.

Information about Nowicki’s criminal background once again called into question many of Derry’s choices to fill key staff positions. It began when he named Erwin as his chief of staff. He made this choice despite Erwin’s reputation within the county as a polarizing and controversial figure.

Erwin is infamous for his alleged 2004 affair with ex-county labor negotiator Elizabeth Sanchez who lost her job when she admitted to being romantically involved with Erwin, who at the time was the leader and chief negotiator for the San Bernardino County Safety Employees Benefit Association (SEBA). The affair is alleged to have occurred at the same time the two negotiated from opposite sides, a new labor contract between SEBA and the county.

Sanchez was promoted to the position of director of human resources. However, rumors about the affair were well known. When initially confronted about it by the county’s chief administrative officer, she denied it but ultimately admitted to the relationship a short time later and was asked to resign. There was no apparent consequence for Erwin’s involvement.

Superior Court Judge candidate Ed Montgomery endorses Paul Schrader for sheriff of San Bernardino County

It is my privilege and honor to endorse candidate Paul Schrader for the office of Sheriff in San Bernardino County.

Our community will be well served by many of Paul’s proposals and recommendations once he takes office. San Bernardino has suffered too long without an election for sheriff. It is time to move forward in the 21st century and address new technology and systems to better protect our citizens. There needs to be cooperation and understanding between our law enforcement officials and the citizens they are protecting.

Paul and his family have been out in the neighborhoods attending events and knocking on doors to get the word out about his commitment to San Bernardino County. Paul’s door will remain open to our community once he is in office. His commitment to a fresh start in San Bernardino County through public accountability and cooperation is the real deal.

I hope you will join me in voting for change for San Bernardino County on June 8, 2010.

Putting our Families and Children First,

Ed Montgomery
Candidate for Superior Court Judge, Seat #29

Sheriff Hopeful Schrader Pushing Department Reform

Paul Schrader says he is running for San Bernardino County sheriff because he believes “I can do a better job than what is being done now.”

In expanding on that point, Schrader said, “I am more qualified because I have a diverse background in law enforcement. I’ve worked as a supervisor in specialty positions in law enforcement including supervisor of the Los Angeles County sheriff’s legal unit, audit unit, risk analysis unit, as supervisor of operations, in the sheriff’s headquarters in Los Angeles and as a street deputy. I have a widely diverse background. I am from someplace else and have a perspective that can be utilized here. I am able to look at a department, do the basic jobs of an auditor and risk analysis teams to see what needs to be cut, where we need to reallocate funding and if we need to move manpower I can tell where we need to do that. Because I come from outside of the San Bernardino County sheriff’s department, I have a fresh pair of eyes to look at the overall structure of the department and bring a fresh start to the department.”

Schrader is challenging the incumbent, Rod Hoops, who was appointed to the post in 2009 after former sheriff Gary Penrod resigned. There is another candidate in the race, San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy Mark Averbeck.

Already, Schrader said, he has come to some conclusions about the need for reform and reorganization in the department.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Captain investigated

See also:   iepolitics: SB County: Update on Sheriff’s training records investigation

Criminal charges are being reviewed for a retired San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department captain accused of falsifying certifications to raise his salary and selling doctored training records to other employees.

Details of the alleged scheme have not been released. The captain, whose wife works at the sheriff’s training academy, has not been identified because it is a personnel matter.

Sheriff Rod Hoops said he launched an investigation after first learning of the allegations in September. When the captain was confronted, he chose to retire and pay back roughly $16,000 rather than be placed on administrative leave.

The possible corruption has shamed many within the department and raised concerns of a cover-up, which Hoops has denied.

Sheriff candidate Paul Schrader’s blog

Paul Schrader, candidate  for sheriff of San Bernardino County, now has a blog at http://sheriffpaul.wordpress.com

Paul Schrader: Community Responsibility- San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department

My name is Paul Schrader, and I am running for the position of Sheriff-Coroner of San Bernardino County. My campaign is based on what we call the Fresh Start Initiative. My goal is to bring a Fresh Start to San Bernardino County that the citizens can be proud of, participate in, and see concrete, forward-looking solutions to the problems we face.

Community Responsibility- A Sheriff’s Department that accepts its responsibility to the community, and works with the community to improve
conditions for all.

The other day I was in Chino Hills. I was talking with a guy by the name of John. He said he would like to see the Department executives reaching out to the community, finding out what needs and concerns they have.  He said when he has tried to reach anyone of any rank, he is directed to a patrol deputy.  He is frustrated.

While in Victor Valley I talked to Helen. She had a few of her friends with her. She said she wanted a group to help bring the Department and community together. She said the Department said she could volunteer. She tried to call the Sheriff’s Office and was redirected to a patrol deputy. She does not want to be a volunteer, she would love to be part of a community group that could partner with the Department. She is frustrated.

I hear this throughout the county. Deputies are being utilized to answer questions that should go through Department executives. Our deputies are trying to provide law enforcement services and need tools to do the job even better.

I will have community groups in every area of the county. We will meet and work together, ensuring they are getting service needed in their area. I will be available to citizens. This is being done in Departments all over the State.

San Manuel tribal member files lawsuit against former San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputy

A lawyer for a San Manuel tribal member has filed a civil lawsuit in federal court against a former San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department deputy who allegedly tried to extort him two years ago for cash and vehicles.The lawsuit for Ray Carr Green III, which was filed Feb. 19 in U.S. District Court, in Riverside, alleges that former deputy John Thomas Laurent knew that the plaintiff received a substantial income from tribal casino operations in San Bernardino and had a history of drug use.

Laurent reportedly violated Green’s civil rights on two occasions in January 2008 when he sought $80,000 and a Ford F-250 pickup from Green using threats of arrest and incarceration, according to the complaint for damages.

San Bernardino-based lawyer Emile Mark Mullick said Monday that prosecutors had already tried to pursue criminal charges against Laurent. Mullick was concerned about Laurent using his authority as a deputy to extort Green, he said.

“It was done under the color of law,” Mullick said. “He was using that authority in violation of the Fourth Amendment.”

Corrections Officer Pleads Not Guilty to Theft from Target Store

A state corrections officer pleaded not guilty Thursday to grand theft charges, which stem from allegations that she took property from a Target store in December and didn’t pay for it.Tonya Denice Henderson entered the plea during a scheduled appearance in Victorville Superior Court, according to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office. She returns to court March 30.

Authorities allege Henderson, who was wearing her state uniform and had her 6-year-old son with her, walked out of a Target store on Palmdale Road in Victorville with about $2,800 worth of merchandise.

The criminal complaint, filed by prosecutors, lists a television set, a carpet cleaner and Xbox 360 video-game system among the items taken.

San Bernardino County sheriff says deputies will not ask immigration status on the street

In a department address Thursday, San Bernardino County’s sheriff reaffirmed positions on two hot-button topics, saying deputies would enforce medical marijuana laws though he feels they’re “greatly flawed,” and only broach someone’s immigration status inside jails.

Rod Hoops delivered a wide-ranging state of the department address, his first since being appointed last February, to a roomful of county leaders and sheriff’s staff. A theme was cost-saving measures he has already taken, and ones still in the works.

That’s when he noted the cooperation with U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement, which recently resulted in a new three-year agreement to help identify illegal immigrants booked into county jails.

Officials have said the program helps cut the long-term cost of housing such suspects. Jail staff is trained to screen inmates for their immigration status, and if applicable, refer them to ICE for possible deportation.

“We will not target anyone from a specific country, and our department does not enforce immigration laws,” Hoops said, emphasizing that screenings only take place in jails, not in contact deputies have on the street.

A local immigration advocate said later that his longstanding worry with the program still exists: that it often results in the deportation of individuals arrested for relatively minor offenses.

“Continuing the agreement undermines the trust in the community,” Emilio Amaya, executive director of the San Bernardino Community Service Center, said later by phone. “It gives argument to people who say they’re afraid to come forward and report crimes.”

Supervisors order surveillance sweeps for ‘bugs’

SAN BERNARDINO – County supervisors spent $22,500 last month to sweep their offices and other parts of the government center for secret recording devices and other hidden surveillance equipment.

The first sweep of the fourth and fifth floors of the county building occurred Jan. 23, and the purchase order provides for four more sweeps at undisclosed future dates.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Gary Ovitt, who requested the counter-surveillance, declined a request for an interview Friday. But a county spokesman insisted the sweeps had nothing to do with an ongoing government corruption scandal that has implicated the offices of Ovitt, Paul Biane and former supervisor Bill Postmus.

“This is something the county periodically does and the county was doing this long before there was a (District Attorney’s) investigation,” David Wert said.

In all, Wert said, the county has spent $42,865 on sweeps in recent years but refused to disclose when previous sweeps occurred.

Last week, District Attorney Michael A. Ramos and state Attorney General Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown Jr., announced criminal charges against Postmus and former assistant assessor Jim Erwin in a wide-ranging corruption case.

Court documents also allege Biane and Ovitt’s chief of staff Mark Kirk – identified as John Does – accepted $100,000 bribes to secure a $102 million settlement payment for developer Colonies Partners LP of Rancho Cucamonga.

A little brain food for the perpetually Recovering City of Big Bear Lake Council and other prostitutes of the Prison-Industrial Complex

Sheriff’s deputy accused in off duty death threat faces new charge

Download: Arrest declarationINDIO – A San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department deputy facing criminal charges for allegedly holding a gun to a man’s head while off duty has been charged with an additional felony for allegedly bringing his service weapon to court on his trial date.

Richard Charles Heverly, 43, of La Verne arrived last week at the Larson Justice Center in Indio in full uniform, with his duty belt and service weapon, according to an arrest declaration written by the bailiff in the courtroom.

His trial date was postponed, and a new court date was set for Monday. Prior to the Monday court appearance, prosecutors filed criminal charges against Heverly for unlawful possession of a weapon in a public building.

When Heverly returned to the court, he was arrested on the gun charges. He was released from custody after posting $20,000 bail.

Heverly appeared in court on Wednesday to be arraigned on the new charge, but the hearing was postponed to Feb. 9. A jury trial in Heverly’s prior case is also set for that date.

Heverly remains employed by the Sheriff’s Department and is assigned to work at West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga, sheriff’s spokeswoman Arden Wiltshire said.

See also:

Trial date postponed in sheriff’s deputy’s assault case

Court May 19 for San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy Heverly, charged with assault

Sheriff’s deputy must stand trial for alleged death threat, judge rules

Preliminary Hearing for San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Richard Heverly is Postponed

Sheriff’s deputy accused of death threats, gun charges returns to work

Back in court: Sheriff’s depupty accused of assault, threats while off duty

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputy Richard Heverly

Authorities say Marine’s wife was strangled

Kalyn Denise O’Barr-Poteat	Patrick Poteat

SAN DIEGO – Investigators say they now know how the young wife of a Marine Corps Air Station Miramar soldier was murdered, but they still don’t know why.

San Diego Homicide detectives said 18-year-old Kalyn Denise O’Barr-Poteat was strangled to death with some sort of cord or rope.

Police said her husband, Lance Cpl Patrick Poteat is the killer. They say he called a friend Tuesday and asked him to call 911. He wanted police to check his apartment in the Mira Mesa neighborhood of San Diego. When officers went to the home on Tuesday, they found the young woman’s body of his wife.

Two Fort Irwin soldiers ordered held in Barstow woman’s death

Two U.S. Army soldiers were ordered Monday held over for trial in the death of 29-year-old Sandi Lee Duncan, a former soldier.

Melvin Lee Satcher and Phillip Ryan Franke appeared for a preliminary hearing in Victorville Superior Court, where a judge heard witness testimony and determined that sufficient evidence existed to hold over the two men for trial on murder charges in Duncan’s death.

Satcher, 23, and Franke, 22, return to court Feb. 3 to enter a formal plea on the charges, according to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department detectives say the men killed Duncan, of Barstow, on Sept. 21 and dumped her body at the corner of Stoddard Wells Road and Dale Evans Parkway in Apple Valley.

Duncan and Satcher were both stationed together at Fort Irwin Military Reservation and attended classes at Barstow Community College.

Don Keith wins SEBA endorsement for 63rd Assembly District

Rancho Cucamonga mayor and California’s 63rd State Assembly District Republican candidate Dr. Donald J. Kurth, Jr. has been endorsed by the influential San Bernardino County Safety Employees Benefit Association.  SEBA represents San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department deputies and many other county public safety officers.

“SEBA members are pleased to announce our endorsement of Mayor Don Kurth for the 63^rd Assembly District,” said association president William Abernathie. “He has been a true champion for public safety.”

“Sheriff’s deputies and safety employees can count on Mayor Kurth for effective leadership in the fight against crime. He will stand tall for our local communities at the state capitol,” declared Abernathie.

“It is such an honor to receive the support of those who put their lives on the line to protect our communities from criminals,” stated Kurth. “SEBA is one of the sought after endorsements in the Inland Empire. Their support is a huge step forward for my campaign.”

Don Kurth is the elected mayor of Rancho Cucamonga, the largest city wholly located within the 63rd District. He has also served as a city councilman and Cucamonga Water District Trustee. A Physician and former local Chamber of Commerce president, Dr. Kurth currently owns a local Urgent Care Medical Clinic and serves on the faculty at the Loma Linda University Medical Center. He is also the incoming National President of the American Society of Addiction Medicine. Don is married to Dee Matreyek.

Paul Schrader announces candidacy for San Bernardino County Sheriff

PRESS RELEASE January 19, 2010

ELECT PAUL SCHRADER FOR A “FRESH START”

Paul Schrader has announced his candidacy for sheriff of San Bernardino County in the June 2010 election.

Mr. Schrader has 27 years of law enforcement experience at city, county and federal levels. He currently works as a Deputy Sheriff Bonus One with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.

Raised in Arkansas, Paul Schrader was taught that hard work and dedication pay off. He was active in his community as a Boy Scout and a law enforcement Explorer. He worked with youth in bike safety programs and as a camp adviser.

After graduating from high school, Mr. Schrader enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was sent to San Diego boot camp. He then became part of 1st Marines as an infantryman.

Two years later, he joined the military police, and was then assigned to work as an undercover narcotics operative at the Naval Investigative Intelligence Service (NIS).

Paul continued his career in law enforcement for the next 25 years working in city, county and federal positions in the jails as a supervisor, logistics team member, patrol member, legal unit supervisor, audit team supervisor, risk analysis team  supervisor, film/media relations/operations supervisor and on a merger team of two agencies as a supervisor. He has completed 50 units toward his degree in Administration of Justice. He is continuing his education.

Paul has taken several training classes throughout his career and received several law enforcement awards.

A dedicated family man, Paul Schrader, 47, and his wife Judith Bell Schrader have been married for 21 years and live in Rancho Cucamonga. They have five children: Abby, Anna, Amy, Amber and April. Paul has a strong family investment to keep San Bernardino County safe.

Paul was elected as President for 2 years, then Vice-President, in his home owners association.  Paul was able to maintain a budget, and never raise dues in a community of 540 homes. During this past year, Paul has appeared on the TV show “NBC the Filter with Fred Roggin” as a political contributor. Paul and his family are active in their church, Water of Life in Fontana. They go with the church several times a year to help feed the homeless at “skid row” in Los Angeles. He is also active at the Church’s new food warehouse in Fontana, helping feed the poor.

Paul Schrader is committed to bringing a fresh start to the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, by drawing from his years of public service experience, along with training, innovation and technology. Paul will inspire the sworn staff and professional staff to enforce the law in a fair manner and defend the rights of all. He is dedicated to make San Bernardino County a safe place to live, work and raise a family, by promoting strong law enforcement and public partnerships that will enhance the quality of life within our communities.

I, Paul Schrader, approve this press release. My e-mail address is SheriffPaul@Charter.Net

For more information on upcoming events, go to my Facebook page:

“Elect Paul Schrader for Sheriff.” My website www.sheriffpaul.net will be coming soon.

Thanks,

Paul Schrader

Miramar Marine Held for Murder of his Wife

SAN DIEGO — The body of an 18-year-old woman was found inside a Mira Mesa apartment Tuesday morning, and a 21-year-old Marine believed to be her husband was arrested less than four hours later in San Bernardino County on suspicion of murder, authorities said.

San Diego police found the body shortly before 9 a.m. in the one-bedroom, second-story apartment on Hillery Drive near Westonhill Drive, said homicide Lt. Kevin Rooney.

Rooney said the body did not show obvious signs of trauma.

“The cause of death was not obvious, although several things in the apartment suggested it was a murder,” Rooney said, adding that he could not elaborate.

The suspect, Lance Cpl. Patrick Poteat, was arrested at 12:35 p.m. Tuesday by San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department deputies, who stopped him as he was driving in Yucca Valley.

Poteat is a telephone and computer repairman at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, a base spokesman said. He had not been deployed and had no previous duty stations.

Yucca Valley is about 30 miles from Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, but it is not yet known where Poteat was headed, Rooney said. Records showed he previously lived in Twentynine Palms and Jackson, Ga.

Uniformed corrections officer shoplifts with nearly $3,000

VICTORVILLE • Authorities arrested a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation employee for shoplifting nearly $3,000 in merchandise from Target while in her uniform and with her 6-year-old son, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Victorville station officials said.

Tonya Henderson, 40, stole several large-ticket items from the Target on Palmdale and Amargosa roads Tuesday, Arden Wiltshire, spokeswoman for the Sheriff’s Department said. She was arrested for commercial burglary.

“I do not recall ever having an incident like this occurring involving a corrections officer,” Wiltshire said.

Henderson was arrested and booked into West Valley Detention Center and her child was turned over to Child Protective Services, Wiltshire said.

Hoo-ruh!

YUCCA VALLEY— Ten people, including two juveniles and three Marines, were arrested last week after local narcotics agents busted a partygoer who sold Ecstasy to an undercover agent at a home here.

After getting a tip about possible narcotics sales at a residence on the 7100 block of Grand Avenue, officers obtained a search warrant.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, officers showed up at the residence where Andrew James Profita, 20, and his sister Christina Marie Profita, 19, both live.

The Profitas were arrested for illegal sales of Ecstasy.

At the home, officers report they made contact with 14 other people and found scales, pay sheets, over an ounce of marijuana and approximately 117 Ecstasy pills.

Officers also seized nearly $1,200 in cash, $900 of which belonged to Andrew Profita, the sheriff’s department reports.

Richard Arther Bell, 18, who police believe is responsible for the residence, was arrested for conspiracy, while four other unnamed suspects were arrested for being under the influence of narcotics.

Citations were issued to two 17-year-olds and a 14-year-old, who were later released to their parents.

The three Marines were turned over to military police.

The sheriff’s department reports the incident is not the first complaint of the drug being dispersed.

Officers have gotten reports of students at Yucca Valley High School possessing Ecstasy and selling it to other students.

According to court records, Andrew and Christina Profita pleaded not guilty to felony drug charges  Dec. 10. Bail was set at $100,000. Richard Bell pleaded not guilty to one felony and one misdemeanor drug charge. He was released Dec. 11 after posting bail.

[ BBOP Comment:  Other freedom fighters taken as prisoners of war include Corey Vincent Lombardi, Steven Lee Houser and Thomas Michael Ryan III.

Early disposition hearing set for all except Houser and Ryan at  12/21/2009 at 8:30 AM in Department M1.

Preliminary Hearing set for 12/23/2009 same department.

Houser and Ryan are set for arraignment on 02/16/2010 at 8:30 AM in Department M1A

Since “our” anonymous “troops” will be absent, please show up to support the war!

And don’t forget to join and support...]

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department selects the Crown Pointe Technologies FTO System

Crown Pointe Technologies, a leading technology firm focused on public safety training systems and based in Portland, Oregon, was selected to implement its FTO (Field Training Officer) System at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in San Bernardino County, California.

The Crown Pointe FTO System was specifically designed to simplify the complex data entry, reporting, and management requirements of an FTO training program. By providing easy to use integrated tools, participants in the process can save significant time and costs by eliminating Excel spreadsheets and paper documents most often used to maintain daily updated training records. The ability to interactively create, edit, spell-check, evaluate, print, secure, report on, and archive FTO saves significant officer time and costs.

63rd District: You need to know Paul Chabot

Paul Chabot,  who is running for California’s 63rd State Assembly District, recently participated in a debate over drug legalization, which included former judge James “Jim” P. Gray of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition and Ethan Nadelmann of the Drug Policy Alliance.

Chabot was damaged in childhood by incompetent parenting and by the war on drugs. While compassion and support for the handicapped is honorable, outright patronization and exaggerated, unreal flattery is an insult.

The military, the criminal justice system and many religious cults go a step further and recruit from sources such as Alcoholics Anonymous, where a couple of percent of forced participants who actually are handicaps (euphemistically called “addicts“), buy into the concept of helplessness and are anxious to turn the control of their minds and bodies over to a “higher power.”  Chabot has been a subject of their nurturing since age 12.

These are the people sought by the recruiters.  They will do what rational people will not.  Note that 1 in 8 combat troops needs alcohol counseling.  Note the escalated activity by law enforcement to round them up during “wartime.”

Chabot has already proven his helplessness and mindless obedience to both the prison- and military-industrial complexes.  The next step for such victims is abandonment – or “promotion” to public office for one final round of exploitation.

If he is abandoned now, further damage to himself and his family might be avoided.  Even if this was not the case, society cannot accept the threat he will represent to all of us if he is patronized into a political career as a windfall cut-out for his handlers.

Do you want another “leader” who cannot handle his alcohol and/or drugs?  A leader whose goal is to punish all normal, healthy people for his disease and weakness?  It is time to take control of government away from the vulgar, self-serving military– and prison-industrial complexes and put them back under our control where they belong.  Have they not disgraced us all enough?  Listen to the debate…

Listen to the debate here.

His “testimonial-fired” personal website is here.

His political website is here.

His “bio” is here.

San Bernardino Police Hold Sister Hostage, Threaten Children in Attempt to Coerce Burglar

SAN BERNARDINO – Wylena Andrews landed in jail, she says, because police wanted her brother for burglarizing a sergeant’s house.

When they couldn’t find him, they took Andrews as a bargaining chip and threatened to haul her siblings off to Child Protective Services unless her brother turned himself in.

“I kept saying I hadn’t done anything, but they put me in the cell and that’s where I stayed,” Andrews, 30, recalled of the day San Bernardino Police Department officers charged into her family’s Fontana home in 2006. “I fell asleep crying. I was just devastated. They basically played me and acted like it was all a big joke.”

Andrews claims that in holding her against her will without probable cause, police violated her civil rights. She blames San Bernardino police Sgt. Brad Lawrence, whose tumultuous career has landed him in the middle of several internal and criminal investigations over the years.

See also:

San Bernardino Police Sgt. Bradley Lawrence

Investigation into “on ice” allegations against San Bernardino police sergeant reopened

iePolitics Commentary: Sheriff Hoops, Part 2

Sheriff Rod Hoops let’s continue from my last posting.

I do not want our readers to think that misconduct such as the credentials falsification issue with Sheriff’s Captain Bart Gray is nothing but an aberration.

It is actually the opposite. In other words it happens quite frequently.

Not only are special accommodations made for ranking employees when caught committing crimes, so are their family members. More often than not.

And to be fair to you, I acknowledge that this pattern and practice is nothing you designed or created. You are simply picking up where others have left off, and carrying on the culture and traditions of the department.

Maybe people will realize this is why some are appointed Sheriff within the ranks versus the County seeking outside applicants.

From cop to politician

San Bernardino County Sheriff Rod Hoops has spent a career in law enforcement, but now he’s running for elective office and it’s a new ball game for him.

“I don’t really like that part of the job,” he told the San Bernardino County Democratic Club on Friday, Nov. 13. Even though his personality had to be a factor in his elevation from deputy to sheriff, he said he does not relish the thought of real campaigning, and said his appearance at the club was not a part of his campaign for reelection.

He started with a brief autobiography: Born to an unwed teenager, raised partly by his grandparents and partly by his mother and an alcoholic stepfather, he followed the love of his life from Nebraska to San Diego, where he decided to stay until he landed as job as deputy sheriff in San Bernardino in 1978.

“I didn’t even know where San Bernardino was,” he smiled.

Hoops Backing Away From Penrod

Sheriff Rod Hoops this week took the first discernable step toward making a break with the Gary Penrod political machine that dominated the sheriff’s office for nearly a decade-and-a-half and which designated him as his predecessor’s replacement.

Quietly but nevertheless firmly, Hoops is looking to withdraw from circulation the hundreds of honorary sheriff’s badges Penrod issued to his friends, associates and campaign supporters.

Hoops was chosen by the board of supervisors to succeed Gary Penrod as sheriff last January after Penrod decided to retire in the middle of his fourth elected term as sheriff. The board selected Hoops at least in part on the strength of Penrod’s recommendation of Hoops as his successor.

Penrod was first elected sheriff in 1994 and was thrice reelected without having to face an opponent in the 1998, 2002 or 2006 elections.

While Penrod remained relatively popular in San Bernardino County, there were developments toward the end of his tenure that gave indication the politically charmed existence he led was about to draw to a close. In particular, Penrod last December testified as a defense witness in the public corruption trial of former Orange County sheriff Mike Carona.

Carona, a once-widely respected law enforcement figure who was considered a potential future candidate for California governor, stood accused by federal prosecutors of accepting illegal campaign contributions, as well as bribes, in exchange for public and private favors. He would eventually be acquitted of those charges but was convicted of witness tampering.

Penrod testified he was never overly concerned with fund raising but acknowledged that in San Bernardino County those given honorary deputy or reserve deputy sheriff status are oftentimes his campaign contributors. Penrod said he perceived no problems in such arrangements.

Penrod’s testimony on behalf of Carona in which he maintained that providing special deputy status to those willing to bankroll his political campaigns was an acceptable way of running a law enforcement agency antagonized federal prosecutors. The following month, Penrod abruptly announced his retirement.

This week Hoops issued a directive to his deputies. According to that directive, if during routine operations such as incident investigations or traffic stops deputies encounter anyone who brandishes a special deputy or posse badge issued by Penrod, those badges are to be immediately confiscated.

Grants to Fund County Drug Courts

San Bernardino County Superior Court will utilize two grants totaling $1,099,830 to fund its drug court operations.

Court officials, under the direction of presiding judge James M. McGuire, will use one grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and another Bureau of Justice Assistance Grant to carry forth the programs, which are designed to steer drug offenders onto a course of sobriety while alleviating the court system, the prison system and ancillary agencies of the burden of dealing with non-violent offenders whose only offenses against the state involve the use or possession of narcotics.

The lion’s share of the grant money, $899,982, will be put up by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to be used in augmenting therapeutic drug treatment services for all nine of the drug courts located in the county. That money will be made available to adult defendants for the purposes of outpatient treatment, therapy and drug testing, along with employment training and counseling.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance Grant in the amount of $199,848 will be applied only to female defendants at the Rancho Cucamonga District Drug Court who qualify for assistance in the area of therapeutic treatment for abuse and trauma, medical services and training.

Sheriff Hopefuls Offer Differing Law Enforcement Philosophieschallenger,

SAN BERNARDINO— The two declared candidates for sheriff in next year’s election faced off October 7 in a forum sponsored by the Safety Employees Benefit Association, the union representing the sheriff’s department’s deputies.

Sheriff Rod Hoops, the incumbent, like his challenger, deputy Mark Averbeck, has never actually faced the voters. Hoops was appointed sheriff by the board of supervisors in January after he was endorsed by former sheriff Gary Penrod, who retired two years into his fourth term as sheriff on February 1.

Thus, Hoops is the flag bearer for the political machine that has controlled the sheriff’s office in San Bernardino County going back to 1954. Penrod, who was first elected in 1994, was endorsed by his predecessor, Dick Williams, who was elected sheriff in 1990 with the endorsement of his predecessor, Floyd Tidwell. Tidwell, who served two terms, was handpicked by Frank Bland, who was first elected in 1954 and was then reelected five times. The same political machine that Bland controlled has now been inherited by Hoops. That machine carries with it tremendous political fund raising capability, such that Hoops already has a several hundred thousand dollar advantage over any challengers in terms of money banked in his campaign war chest.

Intrigue, Mystery Attend Former Sheriff’s Sergeant’s Case

Intrigue and mystery surround a case involving a former San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department sergeant who was placed on administrative leave earlier this year in the aftermath of allegations that he had sexual relations with an underage girl.

The sergeant has now resigned and the department has handed the case off to federal authorities. Nevertheless, questions remain over whether he was actually guilty of everything he has been accused of, if he was perhaps set up by department higher-ups because the former sheriff coveted his wife or whether a devastating betrayal of her marriage vows by his wife, who is also a sheriff’s department employee, perhaps motivated the sergeant to engage in the action he did.

The department’s move against sergeant Randy Beavers was significant enough from the consideration that someone of his status would find himself caught up in a criminal probe. The nature of the alleged criminal activity, statutory rape, added a note of gravity to the matter. As details relating to the circumstance have oozed out, the situation has taken on the character of a full blown scandal that could erode even further the reputation of former sheriff Gary Penrod, who abruptly retired as sheriff in January, midway through his fourth elected term in office.

The investigation into Beavers and his activity, the Sentinel has learned, entailed the seizing and examining of Beaver’s computer. Upon analysis, hundreds of pornographic images, including ones investigators deemed to be child pornography, were determined to have been downloaded onto that computer.

No charges pertaining to either sex with a minor or the possession of child pornography have been filed against Beavers, and as of this week he is not the subject of any criminal complaint in San Bernardino County.

Suspect whose beating by San Bernardino police was caught on videotape is released from custody

SAN BERNARDINO – The barbershop owner who was the subject of a videotaped beating by San Bernardino Police Department officers was released from custody Friday, according to the lawyer who is representing his longtime girlfriend. Darren Johnson, 43, who was struck repeatedly with a baton while being arrested at a 7-Eleven on Monday night, was at home recovering as of Saturday, said Gary Wenkle Smith, a San Bernardino attorney.

Smith said San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department deputies went into Johnson’s room at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton on Friday and told him since no charges had been filed by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office that he was being released from custody.

Sheriff’s spokeswoman Cindy Beavers said that if time is up for someone in custody and the district attorney has not filed charges, it’s the Sheriff’s Department’s responsibility to release the person.

Because of the extent of Johnson’s injuries, including a broken right hand and bruises and cuts from head to toe, he remained in the hospital Friday night and was taken home by Smith on Saturday morning, the lawyer said.

Deputy whose gun killed mother, son resigns

A sheriff’s deputy whose service weapon was used last month to kill a mother and son in Ontario has resigned, authorities confirmed Wednesday.

Andrew Gressley, 25, was placed on paid administrative leave on Aug. 27 while sheriff’s officials investigated how his department-issued Glock .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol ended up in the hands of a parolee and suspected killer.

Details of the internal affairs investigation have been scarce because it is a personnel issue, but officials have confirmed the suspected killer was Gressley’s girlfriend’s brother.

They have also said the deputy’s gun was stolen from his vehicle or home hours before 25-year-old Joey Demello is believed to have killed two people with it.

Ontario police say Demello broke into an East Chaparral Street home early Aug.22 and fatally shot 21-year-old Anthony Raygoza, who was dating Demello’s ex-girlfriend. Demello is suspected of then shooting and killing Raygoza’s 47-year-old mother, Daniela, when she emerged from her bedroom to investigate the noise.

Demello then kidnapped his ex-girlfriend and later committed suicide in Needles, authorities said.

Sheriff’s Lt. Rick Ells said the only information he could divulge is that Gressley “has tendered his resignation.” Gressley had worked in county jails since being hired in 2005.

stacia.glenn@inlandnewspapers.com, (909) 386-3887

See: Deputy’s gun used in Ontario double slaying, suicide

Deputy declares intention to run for San Bernardino County Sheriff

A 24-year San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy has announced his candidacy for sheriff in the June 2010 election.

Mark Averbeck, 47, of Redlands, will appear at a question-and-answer session sponsored by the Safety Employees Benefit Association, the union representing county law enforcement employees, at 6 p.m. Oct. 7 at the San Bernardino Hilton.

Averback works in the transportation division at West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga and previously spent more than 17 years as a patrol deputy in Yucaipa and San Bernardino.

Sheriff Rod Hoops, who was appointed in February to fill out the remainder of former Sheriff Gary Penrod’s term, has indicated that he intends to run for a full-term.

See Good ol’ Boys

Police use of Tasers faulted

Three people have died after being shocked with Tasers since deputies throughout the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department began using the so-called less-lethal weapons a year and a half ago.

Authorities said all three men behaved as if they had a mental problem or were under the influence of drugs. Jonathan Nelson, of Rancho Cucamonga, was just 27 when he died July 30.

Critics of Tasers say people with mental problems or on drugs have a higher risk of dying if the weapons are used on them, especially when they receive multiple or prolonged shocks. Yet people who are mentally impaired are also more likely to be subdued with a stun gun, some studies suggest.

Deputy’s gun used in Ontario double slaying, suicide

A service weapon belonging to a San Bernardino County Sheriff‘s deputy was used in Saturday’s double slaying of a mother and son by a parolee who then shot himself to death, authorities confirmed Monday.

Sheriff’s officials said the details of how a parolee managed to acquire Deputy Andrew Gressley’s department-issued Glock .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol remain unknown.

“The gun was stolen,” said Lt. Rick Ells, adding that he was unsure whether it was taken in a residential or vehicle burglary.

Investigators declined to say whether the deputy reported his gun stolen.

Trial date postponed in sheriff’s deputy’s assault case

INDIO — An off-duty San Bernardino County Sheriff‘s deputy accused of assaulting a tow-druck driver with a handgun appeared in court this morning, and his trial date was postponed more than two months.

Richard Charles Heverly, of La Verne, is now set to stand trial Oct. 28 in Indio Superior Court on four felony charges, according to online minutes from today’s hearing.

At a preliminary hearing in February, a Blythe tow-truck driver accused Heverly, 33, of handcuffing him, drilling a handgun into his ear and threatening to kill him.

On Aug. 10 last year, the driver blocked a portion of the 10 Freeway about 50 miles east of Indio when he came across a smoking big rig.

Heverly was parked nearby, wearing shorts and a white tank top, when the tow-truck driver blocked the right lane of the freeway, the man testified.

Heverly allegedly threatened the driver after the driver ignored Heverly’s demands that he move his truck, the tow-truck driver testified.

See more here.

Sheriff’s deputy being investigated following DUI arrest

A San Bernardino County sheriff‘s deputy was arrested Sunday on suspicion of drunken driving in Hesperia.

Deputy Charles Lovell, who works at one of the department’s jail sites, was held at the sheriff’s Hesperia station and released with a citation, said sheriff’s Sgt. Dave Phelps.

Lovell was driving near the intersection of Mariposa Road and Eucalyptus Street close to 11 p.m. when he lost control of his vehicle on some curves in the road. He continued driving a short distance until he was pulled over.

The Sheriff’s Department is conducting an administrative investigation into Lovell’s arrest. Phelps did not release whether Lovell was placed on leave.

San Bernardino County broadens inmate screening for deportation

Two flat-screen televisions loom large in a small booking office at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

Federally trained San Bernardino County sheriff‘s employees use the screens to patch into other jails, some nearly 100 miles away, to identify inmates eligible for deportation.

For the past seven months, the Sheriff’s Department has used the $100,000 video-conferencing system to expand its collaborative program with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, established three years ago at West Valley.

Instead of only using eight ICE-trained sheriff’s custody specialists to interview potential criminal illegal immigrants booked into the Rancho Cucamonga jail, the video setup allows the same work to be done at jails in San Bernardino, Barstow, Joshua Tree and Victorville.

“We had the capabilities to go out there before, but we were losing time,” said sheriff’s Sgt. Sarkis Ohannessian, who oversees the 287(g) program, named for a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act that allows local agencies to enforce immigration laws under federal supervision.

“The entire interview is conducted from the screen,” Ohannessian said.

Check out (“Spirit of the Law”) Nancy K. Bohl (Penrod’s wife) for yourself, and see where your tax money is going

California Peer Support Association

2009 Annual Conference and Training

Conference Schedule

WEDNESDAY, September 16, 2009

See also:

Hoops pays back the Good Ol’ Boys

Raymond S. G. Pryke v. Gary Penrod, County of San Bernardino, B. Chambers, Dino Defazio and Does, filed June 23, 2009

Raymond Pryke ordered to pay sanctions, costs in libel lawsuit by Penrod’s wife

Deputy pleads not guilty in Vicodin sting

A San Bernardino County sheriff‘s deputy has been charged with drug possession after a hidden camera showed him pocketing 71 Vicodin pills during a hotel-room sting in Redlands.Jeffery Karp, 36, who has worked for the Sheriff’s Department since July 1999, pleaded not guilty Thursday in San Bernardino Superior Court to one count of possessing a controlled substance. He was charged June 9.

Sheriff’s officials would not specify if Karp is on paid administrative leave or if he has been fired.

“I can only say he’s not working at this time,” said sheriff’s Lt. Rick Ells.

Karp’s attorney did not return a call for comment Monday.

The investigation began in late 2008 when a sergeant alleged that Karp and other employees from the sheriff’s Fontana station were engaged in on-duty misconduct. Detectives said they discovered Karp and five other employees used department computers to set up the exchange of the prescription pain medication.

The Sheriff’s Department did not confirm whether any other employees have been arrested or disciplined in the case.

To catch Karp, deputies on Feb. 11 set up a room for a fake drug dealer at the Ayres hotel in Redlands. Karp was asked to help process the “evidence.”

He was caught on camera removing Vicodin pills from a cigar box in the room and putting them in his raid vest, according to a criminal report. He did not account for the pills in his evidence paperwork.

Karp admitted stealing the pills and said he also solicited fellow employees for prescription pain medication, according to investigators.

He told deputies “he was under a physician’s care and received a prescription for methadone to assist him cure a self-described addiction to pain medications,” according to investigators.

He admitted to having a longtime addiction to Vicodin and that he stole the pills while on duty, investigators said.

Suspect dies after being “tased and restrained” by Fontana Police

FONTANA – A suspected methamphetamine addict died Monday morning after being Tased and restrained by Fontana police who had responded to his home at the request of the man’s family.Shawn Darrell Iinuma’s family called 9-1-1 dispatchers about 1:15 a.m. to report that he had been using meth for several days straight and was acting strangely.

Police and paramedics responded to his home in the 7500 block of Cherimoya.

Iinuma became violent and struggled with officials, Fontana police Sgt. Jeff Decker said.

Officers eventually Tased Iinuma and put him in handcuffs.

“After being restrained, he stopped breathing,” Decker said in a written statement.

Paramedics administered CPR and rushed him to the Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department will conduct an investigation, as is standard procedure with an in-custody death.

Iinuma had apparently stayed awake for several days while using meth, police said.

He has past convictions of possessing a controlled substance, being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and evading a police officer’s vehicle, according to San Bernardino Superior Court records.

See also: Fontana police officer shoots, kills man in Ontario parking lot

Sheriff’s deputy responds to suicide call by killing victim

A suicidal man armed with a knife was shot and killed late Sunday in Victorville during a brawl with a sheriff’s deputy.

The unidentified man died at the scene in the 14700 block of Cheyenne Place, San Bernardino County sheriff’s officials said.

Deputies came to the home at 10:40 p.m. to check on a man who threatened to commit suicide. Deputies discovered the man was a possible suspect in a child molestation investigation.

Sheriff’s deputies found the man hiding in a closet. He had suffered what deputies suspect were self-inflicted cuts from a knife.

A deputy and the man began fighting. Sheriff’s officials said the deputy feared for his safety, so he shot the man. The deputy was not injured in the incident.

Here another SBCS suicide case, with video

Police Terrorize Mobile Home Park in Pomona: Community Demands Justice

POMONA, June 17, 2009 – Residents of the Woodlawn Mobile Home Park in Pomona are demanding an explanation for the harassment of their community following a series of raids on the park. A June 11 police raid on the community was apparently done in preparation for a June 12 sheriff’s raid to serve a warrant, which terrorized the entire park. During the second raid, whole families with young children were forced to ground and terrified by the officers’ violent actions. At least five or more concussion grenades were thrown into the park by officers during the raid. Three men were reported arrested during the raid on unknown charges and there is no word where they are being held.

There is some uncertainty about which agencies are responsible for last Thursday night’s raid, but eyewitness accounts seem to indicate that a joint force of San Bernardino County Sheriff and possibly un-uniformed Pomona Police officers.

Residents of the park attended the Pomona City Council meeting on Monday, June 15 and addressed the council during the public comment period. One by one, approximately thirty residents, representing adults, the elderly, and children, explained what happened to them. Some became so emotionally overwhelmed that they were unable to continue.

From the Newswire: Pomona police department uses explosive devices in raid on mobile home park & Audio testimony of eyewitnesses: Despite police abuse, mobile home park community pursues redress by Rockero

San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy, Ricker Hunt, investigated for on-duty thefts

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is investigating one of its deputies on allegations he took wallets, jewelry and other items from people he arrested.

Last week, detectives searched Deputy Ricker Hunt’s Apple Valley home, his truck and his locker at the sheriff’s Adelanto Detention Center, where he is assigned, according to an affidavit returned Thursday to San Bernardino County Superior Court.

Found were a baggie with metal jewelry, a box with coins and a bracelet, a digital camera, credit cards and identification belonging to two men cited or arrested last August, wrote sheriff’s Sgt. Chris Fisher.

In Fisher’s affidavit seeking the warrant, the same items are described as previously seen at the deputy’s home after he cleaned out his desk when reassigned from the Apple Valley station to the jail.

Hunt, 49, could not be reached for comment Thursday. The 24-year department veteran has not been arrested or charged.

Sgt. Dave Phelps, a sheriff’s spokesman, said Hunt is not currently working but did not release any further information.

Court May 19 for San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy Heverly, charged with assault

A San Bernardino County sheriff‘s deputy accused of flashing his badge and holding a gun to a tow-truck driver’s head while off duty is scheduled to appear in court today for a hearing that will determine if the case is ready for trial.

Richard Heverly, 42, who works at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga, is charged with four felony counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm, assault by a public officer, criminal threats and false imprisonment.

Heverly, who is scheduled to appear in court today for a trial-readiness conference, is accused of holding a gun to Roger Gilstrap’s head last August 10 and threatening to kill him.

View Case File

See also:

Sheriff’s deputy must stand trial for alleged death threat, judge rules

Preliminary Hearing for San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Richard Heverly is Postponed

Sheriff’s deputy accused of death threats, gun charges returns to work

Back in court: Sheriff’s depupty accused of assault, threats while off duty

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputy Richard Heverly

Suit filed in killing by deputy

ADELANTO – The family of a man shot and killed last year by a sheriff’s deputy during a desert struggle filed a $10 million civil lawsuit Friday in U.S. Federal District Court in Riverside.

San Bernardino County sheriff‘s Deputy Joseph Janowicz was following up on a theft case Jan. 17 when he drove down Topaz Drive into a rural area. It was there that he found 35-year-old Donald James Hottinger.

Officials say the father of three was “uncooperative,” providing a false name and date of birth. The attorney who filed the lawsuit said Hottinger hadn’t committed a crime and the deputy should not have tried to detain him.

The shooting “was unjustified and they’ve tried to come up with an excuse to explain it,” said attorney Dale K. Galipo. “It adds insult to injury that the Sheriff’s Department tried to fabricate evidence in the way it happened.”