Category Archives: Sheriff’s Department

VVDP: Hesperia residents, deputies, business come together to aid family

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Editor’s Note: See a nice story too!

December 27, 2011 10:12 AM

HESPERIA • For one Hesperia family, the Christmas spirit is alive an well. After a real-life Grinch made off with the family’s Christmas gifts Friday night, several people, including Hesperia San Bernardino County Sheriff’s station deputies and SuperTarget officials, came together to make sure the family had a happy holiday.

“It was great to see people come together,” said Sgt. Doug Hubbard on Christmas Eve.

On Friday night, deputies Jeff Woulfe and Scott LaFond were called out to the 11300 block of Balsam Avenue for a burglary call. Several witnesses reported seeing a man leaving the home carrying several bags, according to a news release. The man left the area in a 1990s light blue Honda with a dent on the fender.

What the man was carrying was the family’s Christmas gifts including a PS3 console, DVD movies, toys and all of the mother’s jewelry, officials said.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

iePolitics: We were full of $#% once again

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Remember this story:  DUI Cops  Well here is the followup:  DUI Cops II

Then of course, there is this story:  Bad Cops  I noted that once the DR Nos. were provided , ya’ll shut up very quickly.  I wonder what the Sheriff’s brass would find if the did a search of how many personnel looked up those DRs.  So far, after reading the reports not a single person has come in here to say all the cops involved did a great job, they are heroes and we should cut them some slack, or that we are making something out of nothing despite the fact that someone lost his life possibly due to shoddy cop work.  So where are all the naysayers?  We are waiting for you to defend your brothers.

iePolitics: So you move a lighter . . .

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And you get criminally charged and lose your job.  But you don’t follow-up on a case where the perp has been identified as a Mexican Mafia hit man, and the perp comes back two weeks later and murders someone, and nothing happens to you.  Here is the case.  Here is one of Daily Press stories.

Jorge Adrian Gonzalez was caught on video tape in an armed robbery early last year.  He was ID’d before detectives arrived.  It was determined he was a hit man for the Mexican Mafia.  It was also determined he returned to the Los Angeles area.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: Our law enforcement at work, Part II

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I was leaving my house earlier today, and as I was locking up my gate, the truck and trailer belonging to the two gangbanger types that cut the lock off my fence and tried to clean me out drove by the house.  The truck and trailer are very distinctive so I recognize them each time I see them.  One of these days I will be in the right spot at the right time with camera in hand to snap a photo and post it to the blog.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: Executive changes at the Sheriff’s Department?

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Please excuse my spelling (or misspelling) on these names, but we are hearing that around March of next year Bill Abernaathy (not the SEBA guy, but the other one) will be retiring.  McMahon (McMann or something) will become Undersheriff and Ronnie Cochran will become Assistant Sheriff. The idea is to put McMahon in place to become the next new Sheriff and Cochran Undersheriff.  A 50+ year tradition will continue unless the voters get in the way.

iePolitics: A reminder

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This evening I had to do something I have not had to do many times.  I forwarded a comment from the blog to the Sheriff’s Department.  (No, I did not allow the comment to post so you will never know what it said or who said it.)  If you use the blog to commit a crime, you lose your right to privacy and I WILL REPORT IT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT.  I am not going to tolerate such postings.  This is one of the reasons why the blog is on moderate.

For those who claim captains are too busy to answer email, Sheriff Hoops responded to me within an hour even though I told him a response was not necessary.  Thank you Sheriff Hoops.

And for the naysayers, no, I did not ask the sheriff to take action.  However, just in case the commentor has the ability to carry through, I wanted to be sure law enforcement knew the action was being suggested.

Again, please keep this as a safe community for everyone to express their thoughts.  Don’t do stupid stuff.

iePolitics: Trying to decipher the new 800 MHz proposal

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As we have mentioned here before, there seems to be a lot of dissention on the Fifth Floor, particularly between Supervisors Derry and Mitzelfelt versus the other three.  Part of that dissention seems to stem from the fact the CEO Greg Devereaux controls the votes of Supervisors Rutherford, Ovitt and Gonzales and attempts to push through whatever he can.  One such issue is the proposal to upgrade the county’s 800 MHz system.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: Another reason or two

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A couple of days ago I was driving down Apple Valley Road.  In front of me was a truck with two untethered dogs in the bed, one of which was trying to get the courage to jump out.  At the first stop signal I snapped a few pics because I thought it would make a good story for my new column.  I wanted quotes as to the law and how both animal control and the cops would handle such an incident if they witnessed it.  I will give you that answer when the story is published.

My reasons for posting this is two-fold.  First, I emailed Gina Whiteside, head of animal control for Apple Valley; the captain of the Apple Valley Sheriff’s Station; and Brian Cronin, head of animal control for the county of San Bernardino.  Ms. Whiteside provided me with a lengthy response after hours and indicated that she had also forwarded my email to the captain for further response.  I heard from Brian Cronin the next day.  Two days later and nothing has been received from the Sheriff’s Department.

I am a member of the public who made an inquiry both as a private citizen and as a member of the media.  The Sheriff’s Department has blown me off once again.  The only way I get their attention is to write bad cop stories or when they come across me in the middle of nowhere late at night.  So let it be.

The second reason for this post is a pic that was posted on Facebook.  DO NOT look at the next page if you get upset easily. It is an example of why there will always be animal welfare stories on this blog.  Continue reading →

iePolitics: Can anyone confirm, deny, or clairfy

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A lot of my readers are like me and that is we have been around the county for a very long time.  One such reader called me today with a story prompted by the Penman memo.  Does anyone have additional information?  Here is the story:

Some of you may remember the old US Festival (Wikipedia:  The US Festivals (US pronounced like the pronoun, not as initials) were two early 1980s music and culture festivals sponsored by Steve Wozniak, formerly of Apple Computer. The first was held Labor Day weekend in September 1982 and the second was Memorial Day weekend in May 1983. Wozniak paid for the bulldozing and construction of a new open-air field venue as well as the construction of an enormous state-of-the-art temporary stage at Glen Helen Regional Park near Devore, San Bernardino, California.)

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iePolitics: Hey, I got waived at tonight!

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And it was even by one of those Apple Valley deputies!!!

I was sitting here trying to get the two Examiner.com articles written.  I have no idea why three units showed up as I had been sitting here a while and didn’t see anything happen.  Maybe they all wanted yogurt.  Anyway, needless to say, having three units parked behind my truck got my attention.  Only one walked by and he waived.  I supposed we could say progress has been made or we could say he had no clue.  Either way, it’s better than being pulled over out in the middle of nowhere.

iePolitics: CAO and BOS declare war on cops

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For those who did not notice the county’s proposal for a new contract with SEBA, here are the county’s proposals:

This correspondence shall serve as the County’s written request to commence negotiations and the following shall constitute the County’s written proposals:

1. Benefit Plan: Eliminate Benefit Plan contributions and replace with Medical Premium Subsidy. Clarify/amend language to conform to County policy, practice, plan documents and/or applicable law and regulations as appropriate.

2. Other benefit provisions such as Dependant Care Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance, Merit Advancements, Reemployment, Retirement Medical Trust, etc:  Clarify/amend language to conform to County policy, practice, plan documents and/or applicable law and regulations as appropriate.

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iePolitics: Can anyone explain this?

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First we hear about the POST scandal.  After months of Sheriff Hoops claiming it had been resolved and then claiming the situation was under investigation, the information was submitted to the Grand Jury.  Indictments were issued for seven SBSD employees.  Next, we hear that I/A’s were taking place.  Now from what we have been told, I/A has completely cleared the Lieutenant and he is back to work.

What does this say exactly?  I mean either those conducting the first investigation or those conducting the second must have been totally incompetent.  How can one SBSD investigation suggest that someone should be indicted by the Grand Jury and the second clear the individual completely?  And what about the pending criminal charges?

Mountain News: Firearms Defendant Kills Himself

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Editor’s Note:  The story below, but especially the suicide letter, is compelling.  It says a lot about both where this state is headed with gun control measures and our Sheriff’s Department and the arrogant and hostile attitude towards citizens who exercise their constitutional rights.  I’ve seen the attitude too often displayed by some of our county’s “finest” and can say I have personally experience quite a few times myself.  Yes, I am going so far as to say these cops contributed to his death.

Posted: Thursday, September 29, 2011 7:59 am

By Glenn Barr, Reporter | 3 comments

Felony weapons charges against a Running Springs man were dismissed on Sept. 20 in a San Bernardino Superior courtroom after the deputy district attorney prosecuting him informed the judge the defendant had committed suicide.

Randall Jay Rusciolelli, 47, sent a typewritten letter announcing his intentions to The Mountain News shortly before shooting himself in the head on Sept. 19. The letter said he intended to kill himself while seated “under my favorite tree.”

Continue reading →

iePolitics: Here is the question . . .

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Will this deputy be put back on active duty before the criminal case is dispo’d like what has happened with one of the POST defendants?

County deputy held after alleged domestic dispute in Beaumont

Posted: 09/18/2011 05:17:28 PM PDT

 

San Bernardino Police SWAT team apprehend a domestic violence suspect along Big Canyon Court in San Bernardino September 18, 2011. Authorities say a San Bernardino County Sheriff deputy physically abused his girlfriend in Beaumont before fleeing the scene. He later barricaded himself for three hours in his mother’s home in north San Bernardino. (Courtesy Photo)

SAN BERNARDINO – A San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy was being held Sunday after an alleged domestic dispute in Beaumont, authorities said.

“One of our deputies, assigned to the jail, was involved in a domestic issue in Beaumont,” Sheriff Rod Hoops said.

“Beaumont got a warrant on him. He then went to San Bernardino, where he surrendered to San Bernardino police.”

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iePolitics: Yet another SBSD screw up

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Mike Ramos and Rod Hoops

Some may remember when iePolitics broke the story about the lack of supervisorial decision-making at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department during the Baby Wyatt incident.  Well the results of that same sergeant’s decision-making capabilitiesmade headlines once again.

Response time in Hesperia attempted murder investigated

Officials: First unit dispatched 41 minutes after first call
July 22, 2011 3:39 PM
Staff Writer

HESPERIA • San Bernardino County Sheriff’s officials have launched an investigation to answer why it took about 40 minutes to dispatch a deputy to a home where a mother and daughter were savagely attacked in front of the victim’s two young children, authorities said Friday.

“There is currently an administrative investigation taking place to see what happened,” Cindy Bachman, spokeswoman for the sheriff’s department, said. “We’re concerned about the dispatch time.”

To read the rest of the story, click here.

The reason for delay is not really such a big secret. You see a whole briefing room witnessed it.

Continue reading →

VVDP: Look at all the love they found

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Editor’s Note:  Detractors take note . . . this is a positive story about an Explorer Scout.

August 07, 2011 12:04 PM

Staff Writer

APPLE VALLEY • For many, their workplace becomes a home away from home and their co-workers become like a second family. That is especially true in the case of law enforcement. So when the staff at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Apple Valley station learned one of their longest-serving sergeants was ill, they rallied around him.

A few months ago, Sgt. Randy Gwaltney was feeling ill. After going to the doctor, he and his wife, Tammi Gwaltney received devastating news. He had stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: From a reader . . . murder by Sheriff’s deputies?

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This was sent to me today:

I am writing to make you aware, if you are not already, of another Southern Californian who was killed by the police. On May 10th 2011 Allen Kephart of Crest Park CA (near Lake Arrowhead) died during a traffic stop after being slammed to the ground face down and repeatedly shot with a taser gun by at least 3 but as many as five cops. The San Bernardino Sheriff’s dept. says he ran a stop sign, then failed to pull over and then became combative with the deputy. Witnesses tell a different story. Witnesses also say that the police confiscated video footage. Allen was NOT in ANY WAY a criminal, nor was he ever at any time in his life violent. He was a law abiding, patriotic, and very active member of this community. Please find linked a youtube video that was released THE VERY DAY that Kelly Thomas was beaten in Fullerton that was produced by REASON TV that details the circumstances and facts regarding this incident.

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iePolitics: Explorer scout defendant back in custody

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This morning San Bernardino County Superior Court Judge John Martin raised bail on Nathan Gastineau due to his postings on Facebook.  He is quoted as writing:

The facts are that my reputation has been destroyed, my job has been nuked, and my best friend is in jail. . . . A philosopher once said ‘When faced with untenable alternatives you should consider your imperative.’

War is our imperative. And if right now victory seems like an impossibility, then we have something else to reach for: revenge, payback. So we will fight. Because in the end it’s the only alternative my enemy has left us. I say let’s make them understand that as long as I still have a breath in me, that this war, that they started, will not be over. Thank you everyone for the support.

Somehow this is not surprising.  Not long after his arrest I noticed comments both on this blog and on Jim’s blog that were from Gastineau or one of his supporters attempting to out, intimidate, and disparage the Explorer.  I think I deleted all of them here.  I’m not sure what Jim did.  This is typical behavior for a predator and it appears to me that Gastineau is a typical pedophile.  We shall see.

iePolitics: “Stop sending letters to iePolitics”

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Apparently we ruffled a feather or two when we posted the letter about the tasing incident with Sergeant Emmons.  It seems the victim has made Group 1 on the promotion list and doesn’t want it found out that he lied to cover for Emmons.  He claims the issue has been investigated by Internal Affairs twice.  The problem is that those investigations did not include interviewing the witnesses who would tell a very different story.

So folks, you’ve heard it from a future SBSD supervisor.  STOP sending SBSD corruption tips.  It makes ‘em look like the liars they are.

iePolitics: An email from a reader

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Can anyone shed some light on what I have been sent so far?

Hello Sharon,
I notice you have a track record of exposing corruption.
I have a huge scandal to share with you, if you are interested, that involves San Bernardino County Sheriffs, a judge and public officials who are connected to someone involved in a highly publicized incident. In this case Sheriff Deputies framed a mentally ill man for a crime that was caused by a highly connected businessman and his employees. I have gathered much information from months of research to prove the scandal and connections to public officials.  If you would like to help take it a little further and expose it, I would like to meet with you and share some of my documents and the story. 
If you are interested, please contact me.

iePolitics: Here is part of the answer

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From www.indianrunner.net:

New Security Director at MCRS
Picture

Jose Troncoso has been named the new Security Director at the Morongo Casino. Mr Troncoso has 28 years experience in local and federal law enforcement as a U.S. Marshal and as a former North Las Vegas chief of police. Mr Troncoso  has an additional 9 years experience and corporate background most recently as the Station Casinos vice president of corporate Security & Surveillance.
We welcome Jose and wish him success. One has to wonder how someone like William Abernathie could have ever even been a consideration?

Continue reading →

Examiner.com: Top cops receive over $200,000 a year in retirement

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Editor’s Note:  Please read and leave comments on the story.  Naomi will thank you.

SAN BERNARDINO – In Bell-esque fashion, it was learned today that a significant number of San Bernardino County’s top cops receive over $200,000 a year in retirement benefits.  The highest paid retiree in San Bernardino County is a former undersheriff who grosses over $24,000 per month in benefits for an annual retirement benefit of $290,901.96.

The third highest earner is former assistant sheriff Mike Stodelle, who receives $254,640.36 per year.  He was recently indicted as part of the scandal involving San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department employees who falsified POST training records to obtain higher levels of pay.  He is currently charged with perjury and grand theft after the San Bernardino County Grand Jury indicted him and six others in the scheme.  Up to 63 additional employees are being handled administratively rather than criminally.  It is unknown how many of them are receiving retirement benefits.

iePolitics: Typical SBSD solution

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I was talking with a deputy today and the conversation reminded me of a conversation I was a part of many years ago when I worked for the courts.  The conversation took place with a few female bailiffs.  Now, I’m going to put the page break in right here.  Do not click to read more if you are prudish, faint of heart, or easily disgusted.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: So where are you now James Mills, Charbie, LE Observer, Grunt and Taylor?

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Some of you suggested I owed Beef an apology when we suggested he was not exactly being above board during the POST scandal, etc.  Hmm . . . so can you still say that Beef did not lie to all of you?  That he did what was best for SEBA members?  Or perhaps he cut a deal to take care of himself and screw all of you.  And he just about screwed you all over in a big way.  Fortunately, there are 23 members who saw through it.

Now I have a question for all SEBA members.  When you originally voted Beef in as SEBA president, did he tell you about his past and how he owed everything to Sheriff’s brass for even having a job?  I’m curious if rank-and-file who were not around in 1986 knew what they were voting for.

iePolitics: Promotions and Transfers

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For those who have not seen it, here is the promotions and transfer list:  Promotions and Transfers effective 081311

We just might have to go through these names and discuss the familial relationships and disciplines of the past.  It only supports our premise that one can commit any crime and still be promoted in the Sheriff’s Department as long as you are related to the right person and/or are screwing the right person and/or close, personal friends with the right person.

iePolitics: A complaint to Internal Affairs

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From what I have been told, the letter below with the blanks filled in was sent by certified mail to the Sheriff, SEBA, and Internal Affairs.

I am filing this complaint because members of the department are not treated the same during the discipline process. If you are a friend or relative to upper management things are over looked when comparing them to all other employees.

I was present during a briefing when Sergeant John Emmons initially upholstered his taser, pointed it at Deputy ____ _____ and shot him. The deputy reacted to the taser and fell to the ground.  I thought for sure all the deputies in the briefing would be questioned by Lieutenant Torres about the incident but no one was asked what happened. If I was questioned I would have told the story back then and not a year later. Continue reading →

iePolitics: Deputies vote to turn down Devereaux’s generous offer

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As indicated in a comment below and on the SEBA website, the lawsuit against SEBA was withdrawn and the votes were counted.  Fifty-five percent of the deputies eligible to vote cast a ballot.  I guess 45 percent don’t care what their paychecks look like it.  The measure lost.

Safety management voted to approve the contract concessions.  I do not know if they have a “me too” clause or not.  Maybe some can let us know.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: For those who keep asking “Who?”

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Some time ago I received a series of emails containing racist and sexual emails that had been distributed among and passed on by county figures and often on county computers.  I published one set but felt the others were too inflammatory.  Of course, among quite a few other emails, those emails “disappeared” from my inbox.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: Why “bad cop” stories rule

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Here is an email I sent to Cindy Bachman-Beavers eight days ago:

Cindy,
I came across this email in my span last night so it is almost two weeks old:
In the recent past much negativity has surrounded the SBSD explorer program.  This last weekend I had the pleasure of watching several posts from our department compete in the Ex-Con games I’m Las Vegas. What I saw were proud, responsible, polite and encouraging youth. These boys and girls deserve some good press. So please look into the fact that Highland station was 4th overall and Rancho station 1st overall.  All of our stations took home at least 1 trophy. Many stations took home multiple trophies. This is a valuable program for our youth and shouldn’t be tainted by the irresponsible actions of a few.  So if you could gather your facts and publish a nice news story that would he great. The hardworking and trustworthy advisors and explorers deserve it.
However, I would like to do a story.  I have lots of sources for the negative stuff but none really for the positive.  Can you provide me with some more information or an email address for someone who can?  Thank you.
Sharon

Continue reading →

iePolitics: SEBA Shenanigans

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I finally got internet access myself to try to sort this out.  I also cannot find a case in the court system.  The SEBA website, which seems to be lacking details on purpose, would suggest that the complaint was file with PERB, which does not explain information sent our way that a “judge ruled.”  I can only guess that wires got crossed but I don’t know that for sure.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: Congratulations to Buzz, or is it Woody?

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Mike Ramos and Rod Hoops

Editor’s Note:  The photo above is from Ramos’ Facebook page.  Even we would not stoop this low. See previous post.

Ramos to represent California in national group
Staff Report
Created: 06/29/2011 03:42:31 PM PDT

The Board of Directors for the National District Attorneys Association has unanimously voted in District Attorney Michael A. Ramos as its newest member.

Ramos will hold the position for one year, and he has been asked by NDAA President-elect Jan Scully to serve as co-chair of the committee for corrections and prison re-entry, according to a press statement released today by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.

“Because of my work as president of the CDAA with Governor Brown on AB 109 this past year, I have been noticed as an expert in this area,” said Ramos, who is serving in his third term as the county’s top prosecutor.

Read more: http://www.dailybulletin.com/news/ci_18378230#ixzz1Qp494eI2

iePolitics: Explorers

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I happened to check my spam tonight as I was looking for an email that someone told me that they had sent that never made it to my inbox.  While looking for it, “SBSD” caught my eye in another message.

So, to the person who sent me the email about the Explorers, asking me to do a story about Las Vegas, I just saw your email today.  If it is not too late, I will get a story written this week as soon as I finish up a huge project I’m working on.  If you have additional information, I would appreciate it.  I “unspammed” you so hopefully next time I will get your email in a timely manner.

iePolitics: The Explorer Scout in this instance

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Between lack of time and lack of internet access I have had to sit back as mostly cops have debated whether the Explorer Scout in the most recent incident is a victim or a little hussy.  I now have a minute so I am going to add my two cents.

I told the story a time or two about being called into Deputy Chief Carr’s office over 25 years ago, being handed a tape and told to transcribe it verbatim.  He went on to say to keep it quiet because the Sheriff’s Department was going to keep the incident covered up.  That, of course, was the incident where William “Beef” Abernathy, James Dawson, Bob Swindle,  Ron Wimberly, and a couple of others were accused of having sex with an underage Explorer Scout at the Victorville Station.  I believe before all was said and done about six deputies and one civilian were arrested for a variety of sex crimes including rape and unlawful sexual intercourse.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: More yearbook

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The Sun is reporting that all but about ten yearbooks have been confiscated.  The Sheriff’s Department is returning the yearbooks once the picture is removed.  According to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department detective Jeremiah MacKay, “I’m sure we’ll be working with the district attorney to determine if they want to pursue anything on it.”  Enough said.

iePolitics: The yearbook photo

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Sergeant posted a link to a portion of the photo that someone is claiming to be THE yearbook photo.  I did not allow the link because if it is real, I’m sure the SBSD would then be charging me with the distribution of child pornography.

The photo is apparently found on a college website called www.barstoolu.com, although I’m not sure where as I could not find it on that site although that is where the link is from.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: Why do we need the Sheriff’s Department?

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This morning I had a very rude awakening.  I heard the dogs barking but was too groggy to care as I had not gotten to bed until after 2 a.m.  Then Naomi jumped up and practically threw herself through the glass door trying to get to what was out in my back yard, barking wildly, which is out of character for her.  So I got up to see what was going on, expecting to see that my neighbor’s five-pound Shih Tzu had crawled under my fence once again to come bark at me.

Instead in my back yard was a white truck and trailer and two people packing up their truck with my belongings from my back porch.  I had literally just jumped out of bed and had on nothing but a nightgown but I opened the door anyway and asked what they were doing.  Their response was, “We thought this house was vacant.”  My truck was parked on the other side of their truck and my dogs were quite loud.

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iePolitics: Sex in the yearbook, Part Two

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This came from one of our readers:

There are several different legal definitions of illegal pornography which are based on different theories.

Generally, pornography is that which the creator has created with the intent to arouse a sexual response in the observer. It can be an image or sound. Pornography need not depict a sexual act. The legal frame of reference is the intent of the producer, not the response of any viewer.

As Sharon correctly points out, some viewers are stimulated by fetishes of which the object’s producers have no knowledge: shoes, hamsters, surgical tubing, or the image of St. Sebastian pierced by arrows which Mishima claims immediately triggered his first orgasm at the age of 11. The law generally does not make a creator responsible for an observer’s independent sexual responses since the creator was not in control of nor did they attempt to influence the sexual response of the viewer.

Relatively recently, “child porn” has construed by courts not by the intent of the creator, and not even the harm done to the child depicted, but by the possible sexual response of any viewer, and in particular, any pedophile or potential pedophile.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: From a reader

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I received this email tonight:

Why has the District Attorney not made an evaluation and issued a statement about this?

Sheriff Deputies are most likely guilty of child abuse for needlessly terrorizing the students of this school.

Tell them to google “Robert Maplethorpe Rosie” to learn what Free Speech is about in this country.

If you find anyone who needs an expert attorney (out of county) to answer  inquiries from law enforcement, please post about that need on the blog.

I knew I recognized the name “Robert Maplethorpe,” but I wasn’t sure why.  So I Googled the phrase as the reader suggested.  I do not suggest most of you do the same thing.  I have to say I’m pretty open-minded but the photo bothered me a lot.

Continue reading →

SBSun: Child porn photo printed in Big Bear yearbook

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Editor’s Note:  I don’t know which is most stupid, the newspapers carrying this “crime” story or the Sheriff’s Department for investigating it and threatening people with “possession of child porn.”  Granted, I’d prefer teenagers not to be doing this, but the fact remains that 17-year-old boys have been poking 15-year-old girls since time began.  And, and this is a big AND, the fact that his hand was under her clothing is proof of little.  Unless she complained and told him to stop and he wouldn’t, this needs to be left to the parents to worry about.  We have been receiving regular tips about the mountain cops and their gestapo-like enforcement.  I think this ridiculous threat is proof positive that these guys have nothing better to do than harass mountain residents.
By Melissa Pinion-Whitt and Jesse B. Gill
Posted: 06/16/2011 12:49:53 PM PDT

 

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is recalling all copies of Big Bear High School’s 2011 yearbook after they discovered a photo in the book that can be construed as child pornography.Sheriff’s deputies launched an investigation June 14 after they saw the photo.

“A lieutenant said the photo printed in the yearbook was taken at a dance. The suspect and the victim are in the background of the photo and are not the intended focus of the photo,” said sheriff’s spokeswoman Cindy Bachman.

Bachman said it appears a 17-year-old boy has his hand inside the clothing of a 15-year-old girl.