Problems in Patchogues 5th Precinct
DJ
Check out the link for more.
http://www.nypdnews.com/copsbusted91902.html
4 Cops Arrested
Charges include supplying cocaine or steroids to one another
By Samuel Bruchey and Zachary R. Dowdy
STAFF WRITERS
September 19, 2002
More police officers may have known or taken part in the illegal drug activity
of four police officers arrested this week on charges of using, buying or
selling cocaine or steroids, authorities said today.
“Additional police officers may be charged as well, either criminally or
administratively,” Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota said at a
news conference in Brentwood.
Spota said the investigation of the four officers included the use of
surveillance and wiretaps.
Four police officers - part of a group of Suffolk County friends who skiied,
partied and worked out together - have been arrested in connection with buying,
using or selling cocaine or anabolic steroids, police, prosecutors and sources
said yesterday.
The men, one Suffolk, one New York City and two state police officers, were
arrested over the past two days in the culmination of an investigation that
began two years ago, sources said.
Two of the officers, Thomas Foley, 30, a Suffolk County police officer
currently on medical leave, and Robert Grettler, 34, a New York Police
Department sergeant, were arraigned yesterday in First District Court in
Central Islip after being arrested Tuesday outside their homes in Suffolk
County, according to sources and court records.
Yesterday Foley's brother, James Foley, 25, and Michael Christy, both New York
State troopers stationed on Long Island, were also arrested and are expected to
be arraigned today on conspiracy charges relating to steroids, sources said.
As many as 10 civilians, three of whom were arraigned yesterday, were part of
the group that supplied one another with cocaine or anabolic steroids, sources
said.
Thomas Foley, a 7-year veteran of the department who in 1999 earned a Cop of
the Month distinction, was charged with third-degree criminal sale of a
controlled substance, a Class B felony, and conspiracy in the fifth-degree, a
Class A misdemeanor.
Grettler, a 12-year veteran of the force who works in the Warrants section, was
charged with two counts of second-degree criminal sale of a controlled
substance, a Class A felony. Sources said Grettler is on modified duty because
of a pending charge in Suffolk County of domestic violence.
Both were being held at the Suffolk County jail in lieu of $350,000 bail.
Suffolk County Police Commissioner John Gallagher confirmed that Foley had been
arrested, and suspended without pay, but declined to comment further.
Sources gave this account of the investigation:
In the winter of 2000, several Suffolk County police officers complained to the
department's Internal Affairs bureau that Foley and other officers from
different police departments had used cocaine during a ski vacation in upstate
New York.
In December of that year, an anonymous civilian also filed a complaint that
Foley, a former patrol officer in the Fourth Precinct, had been using cocaine.
Within the past year, Suffolk police officials reached out to the Internal
Affairs bureau of the NYPD to supply undercover investigators who Foley would
not recognize. As many as 12 officers became involved.
Ultimately, Foley, of 7 Harmon Place in Hauppauge, and Grettler, of 1700 Race
Ave. in Medford, were arrested outside their homes on Tuesday. Both were held
overnight at the Fifth Precinct in Patchogue.
A neighbor who spoke with Newsday on the condition of anonymity said the Foleys
are a quiet, intelligent and close-knit family. Thomas Foley, the neighbor
said, had attended Penn State University and never showed any signs of drug
use.
At Grettler's home, his cousin - who identified herself only as Marie - said he
wouldn't do anything contrary to being a good person, let alone a police
officer. "Ever since he's been a cop, he's had nothing but promotions," she
said. She also said he has three children all under age 8, and that his father
was an NYPD detective.
Also arrested and arraigned yesterday on either criminal sale or conspiracy
charges were Thomas Newman, 29, of 4 Mallard Path, Coram; Jason Gassick, 24, of
27 Michael Ave., Bellport; and Christopher Munizzi, whose address and age were
not immediately available.
Newman, who was charged with one count each of fourth- and fifth-degree
conspiracy, was released on $20,000 bail.
Newman's attorney, Robert H. Montefusco of Riverhead, said his client owns a
World Gym in Ronkonkoma and has led an exemplary life."It seems to me that my
client is caught up in an investigation of police officers that possibly
involves corruption," he said.
The manager said Newman had owned the gym since 1996 and tanning salons called
Midnight Sun, one in Hauppauge, the other in Bohemia.
Gassick, who was charged with one count each of second- and third-degree
criminal sale of a controlled substance, was being held at the Suffolk jail in
lieu of $70,000 bail. Munizzi was charged with three counts of second-degree
criminal sale of a controlled substance, along with one count each of fourth-
and fifth-degree conspiracy. He was released on $20,000 cash bail. Gassick
could not be reached for comment. Munizzi declined to comment.
During the arraignment yesterday, Assistant District Attorney Edward Heilig
said the men were involved in a "network," a criminal enterprise that engaged
in "hand to hand sales" of cocaine and steroids.
Heilig said additional arrests are forthcoming and that Foley may face
additional charges.
Foley's attorney, Eric Naiburg, said the bail request was excessive and added
that his client has "never been in any way on the wrong side of the law."
"Why set $350,000 bail for a man who's led an exemplary life?" Naiburg said.
Heilig, however, countered that while an officer Foley "violated the trust that
was placed in him by the citizens of this county."
Staff writers Andrew Smith, Nedra Rhone, Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Rocco
Parascandola and Theresa Vargas contributed to this story.
Copyright © 2002, Newsday, Inc.
"The gravest abuse of power - and the gravest threats to personal liberty and
security - are those in which the very individuals to whom we look for the
preservation of law and order turn out to be the predators."
geb
Too bad it wasn't to serve and protect... anyone but themselves, that is.
"DJ" <inthed...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20040210185414...@mb-m01.aol.com...
DJ
>Too bad it wasn't to serve and protect... anyone but themselves, that is.
It is to bad. I've heard that there is a lot going on in that precinct.
FUQIT
> It is to bad. I've heard that there is a lot
> going on in that precinct.
Correction: It is *too* bad. ; )
Cpk197
>From: FUQ...@webtv.net (FUQIT)
>Date: 2/10/04 8:26 PM Eastern Standard Time
>Message-id: <4542-402...@storefull-3274.bay.webtv.net>
>
>
>> It is to bad. I've heard that there is a lot
>> going on in that precinct.
>
>Correction: It is *too* bad. ; )
And of course that is coming from Larry Butts the sister, you know Fuqit the
one who goes around correcting Grammatical and spelling errors when one can't
get it right themselves?
ROFLMAO!
Dennis
CPK197
DJ
>
> I see. When you run out of copbashing stories, why not go back
>a few years and recycle some oldies but goodies?
Oh...Is there a time limit on articles? Someone should have told me....BTW,
There is a limitless supply of articles that are current. I posted that one
because I found it interesting. = )
DJ
>one who goes around correcting Grammatical and spelling errors when one can't
>get it right themselves?
>ROFLMAO!
>
> Dennis
> CPK197
Go look for a "ronbeery" in progress, oh educated one. = )
Morf
>
> It seems that the 5th precinct in Patchgues has some real problem officers.
> Check out the link for more.
>
> http://www.nypdnews.com/copsbusted91902.html
>
> 4 Cops Arrested
> Charges include supplying cocaine or steroids to one another
>
> By Samuel Bruchey and Zachary R. Dowdy
> STAFF WRITERS
>
> September 19, 2002
>
> More police officers may have known or taken part in the illegal drug activity
> of four police officers arrested this week on charges of using, buying or
> selling cocaine or steroids, authorities said today.
I wonder if these are the cops who shot the little Amherst boy?
Morf
>
> On 10 Feb 2004 23:54:14 GMT, inthed...@aol.com (DJ) mumbled
> incoherently:
>
> >September 19, 2002
>
> I see. When you run out of copbashing stories, why not go back
> a few years and recycle some oldies but goodies?
DJ, quick, yank your pole, ya cought a big one!
Looks like an Amherst.
>
> Ken (NY)
> Chairman,
> Department Of Redundancy Department
> ___________________________________
> email:
> http://www.geocities.com/bluesguy68/email.htm
>
> "Kerry and Clark now represent the two
> major wings of the Democratic Party --
> the Kennedy wing and the Clinton wing.
> One drowns you after the extramarital
> affair; the other one calls you a stalker."
> -Ann Coulter
>
> Q: What the hardest thing about rollerblading?
> A: Telling your parents you’re gay.
>
> spammers can send mail to u...@ftc.gov
DJ
They could be. <lol>
DJ
>>
>> On 10 Feb 2004 23:54:14 GMT, inthed...@aol.com (DJ) mumbled
>> incoherently:
>>
>> >September 19, 2002
>>
>> I see. When you run out of copbashing stories, why not go back
>> a few years and recycle some oldies but goodies?
>
>
>DJ, quick, yank your pole, ya cought a big one!
>
>Looks like an Amherst.
>
A rocky spotted Amherst? Wow, I never caught one of those before.
Law Dawg
precinct."
"I've heard"? from who? Dawg
"Those who constantly whine and complain about the police are those who
have usually been to court on more than one occasion."
Duncan
FUQIT
Re: Problems in Patchogues 5th Precinct
> Feb 11, 2004, 8:31pm (CST+1) From:
> LawDa...@webtv.net (Law Dawg)
> "I've heard"? from who? Dawg
You know.... Those voices that only she can hear. "If you build it,
they will come."
LMAO@TSB
FUQIT
Re: Problems in Patchogues 5th Precinct
> Group: alt.thebird.copwatch Date: Wed,
> inthed...@aol.com (DJ)
> Oh...Is there a time limit on articles?
> Someone should have told me....BTW,
> There is a limitless supply of articles
> that are current. I posted that one
> because I found it interesting. = )
Nah..... There's no time limit on articles. Somebody should have told me
too. ; ) I find this article interesting. Is it ok if I post it? It's
over 5 years old, but I never get tired of reading it. Enjoy!!!
lol.... ;)
Investigation launched into fatal shooting Family of slain man claims
there was by ANN POTEMPA The Daily Herald on Thursday, December 31
LEHI - Two police officers are under investigation after shooting and
killing a man in rural Lehi Tuesday night. David J. Walker, 25, died
from at least one gunshot wound to the chest at 8:07 p.m. Tuesday at
American Fork Hospital. Officers shot Walker after he led them on a
chase throughout northern Utah County in a vehicle he had stolen from
his parents Monday night. Walker's mother - who witnessed the shooting -
said the system "is screwing us over" and police weren't justified in
using lethal force. Two versions Debbie Walker said her suicidal son was
holding only a razor blade when he was gunned down in front of her home.
"It was obvious he was going to kill himself," she said. "It didn't have
to escalate to this. There was no confrontation. I can't lie and say
they were justified. What they did was wrong." But police have a
different view of what took place Tuesday night. "The fact both officers
reacted the same way lends some credence to the idea there was a
perceived threat," said Lt. Ron Fernstedt of the Utah County Sheriff's
Office. Just before the shooting, he said, Walker wheeled around with
his arms outstretched and hands clasped around an object officers
thought was a gun. Later, Fernstedt said, investigators discovered
Walker was holding a knife with a 2-inch blade. "He turned toward them
(police officers) in a two-handed shooting stance," Fernstedt said. "The
officers made a one-second decision that we will argue about for
months." A criminal record Sgt. Harold Peterson, who has worked for 15
years with the Orem Department of Public Safety, and detective John
Clayton, an officer for two and a half years with the Pleasant Grove
Department of Public Safety, are under investigation for the shooting.
Investigations are being conducted by the Utah County Sheriff's Office,
as well as the Orem and Pleasant Grove police departments. Clayton has
been temporarily assigned to detective work in the police office, said
Pleasant Grove Capt. Tom Paul. Peterson, meanwhile, is on paid
administrative leave while the incident is investigated, said Orem Chief
Michael Larsen. Larsen said Tuesday night's chase wasn't Walker's first
brush with the law. "The Orem Department of Public Safety has had
several encounters through the years with Mr. Walker," Larsen said. "He
is known to officers in my department." Walker pleaded guilty to theft
in 1995 and 1997. He divorced his second wife, Tandi Sleight, earlier
this year, but Sleight filed a protective order against Walker in 1997.
The chase Fernstedt coordinated a press conference Wednesday morning to
discuss the shooting. Larsen, Paul and Sgt. Jerry Monson, the lead
investigator with the sheriff's office, explained how and why police
believe the shooting took place. Monson said sheriff's office
dispatchers received a call about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday regarding "an
individual who had called home to inform his parents that he was
suicidal and he intended to take his own life." Walker also made other
threats that concerned family members, Monson said. He said he couldn't
elaborate on the nature of those threats. Walker's sister called
dispatchers after Walker called the family at home. The sister knew the
phone number from which Walker had called; officers traced the call to
the Sinclair gas station at 175 E. 800 North, Orem. "She was concerned
that he may be suicidal, and family members may be in danger," Larsen
said. Police officers then responded to the Sinclair station, Monson
said. "At that time, the subject fled the area in a vehicle and a chase,
or pursuit, ensued," Monson said. Monson said the vehicle Walker was
driving, a yellow 1984 Subaru station wagon, had been reported stolen by
Walker's parents Monday night. The shooting The chase, which lasted
about 40 minutes, led through Orem's foothills, Pleasant Grove, American
Fork and county land south of Lehi, Monson said. The pursuit ended when
Walker drove to his parent's house, located at 7656 N. 7200 West.
"Police pursued him to that location, at which time he exited the
vehicle and fled on foot a short distance," Monson said. Officers chased
Walker on foot. Walker "turned around, brought up his hands together,
holding an object, which the officers said they believed was a gun,"
Monson said. "At that time, they did exchange fire. They did shoot at
the subject and hit him several times." Monson said he couldn't comment
on how many shots officers fired. "My understanding is both officers
fired shots, and it happened very quickly," Paul said. Ambulances
quickly arrived to transport Walker to the American Fork Hospital, where
he later died. Another side of the story Debbie Walker was at home with
her daughter and grandchildren when she heard sirens and saw her son
pull up outside her house. She said he stepped out of his car and into
the headlights of surrounding police cars. "He was
20-25 feet away from the police. He had a razor knife to his wrist," she
said. "The police shot him. After he fell to the ground, they shot him
again. They fired six shots. I was shouting to them, 'He doesn't have a
gun,'" Debbie Walker said. Debbie Walker said an hour passed after her
son was gunned down before police allowed her family to go to the
hospital. "We were told we couldn't touch him," she said. "We couldn't
kiss his cheek or hold him. We couldn't say good-bye to our son." Police
put the Walkers up in a hotel while they continued their investigation.
Debbie Walker said investigators were "tearing our house to bits looking
for evidence ... evidence of what, we don't know." Fernstedt said
officers were following normal procedures of securing a crime scene when
they held the Walkers for questioning and searched their home. "We tried
to accommodate them in every way possible. But it is an unfortunate
incident," Fernstedt said. Debbie Walker said her son was twice divorced
and was desperate when he stole the family's car. He left behind two
children. "He felt like there was no hope," she said. "He just got off
drugs, he wasn't able to see his children for Christmas, he didn't have
a place to live." Further investigation Details about the shooting are
still sketchy, and the Utah County Sheriff's Office and Utah County
Attorney's Office are investigating the incident. As of Wednesday,
Larsen and Paul didn't yet know what warnings their officers gave Walker
before shooting him. "My deadly force policy states that a warning
should be given if feasible and if possible," Larsen said. "At this
point, I do not know whether Sgt. Peterson gave verbal warnings or not."
Paul said his department has a similar policy. Paul reported that
officers who were in the area before the shooting did hear an exchange
of statements, but the details of the conversation are still unknown.
Sirens were left blaring on both police vehicles at the time of the
shooting, Monson said. "It was an unfortunate situation in the fact that
family members did witness this incident to a degree," Monson said.
"And, of course, they were understandably upset, emotionally upset." The
Associated Press contributed to this story.
This story appeared in The Daily Herald on 1998-12-31 12:00:00 on page
A1
http://www.harktheherald.com/archives/1998/comments.php?op=Reply&pid=0&sid=33262
DJ
>"It is to bad. I've heard that there is a lot going on in that
>precinct."
>
>"I've heard"? from who? Dawg
>
It's another mystery, Dawg.....