Florida deputies shoot man they mistook for car thief.

Florida deputies shoot man they mistook for car thief.

Bastards

Let's now, 8 cops doing dress up at an average cost of 70K, this photo cost the taxpayer $300.00

The business of government does not call for an honor guard by the local cops. Again, the Fairfax County Police have to much money and not enough to do.

Idiots at work

Fired NYPD cop sues to get pension back, cites race for unequal treatment

Veteran NYPD officer Daniel King filed a lawsuit in Manhattan Supreme Court seeking restitution of his pension, arguing his benefits were taken away because he is black.

Fiered NYPD officer Daniel King, who is black, filed a lawsuit that seeks restitution of his pension and unspecified damages. He claims that many white officers terminated under similar circumstances were allowed to keep their retirement nest eggs.

A former Manhattan cop who was fired after he pleaded guilty to writing a false summons is suing the NYPD and the city to get his pension back, arguing his benefits were taken away because he’s black.

King, 49, was busted in February 2012 for ticketing an undercover cop for drinking in public when the detective in fact had no alcohol on him.

As part of the settlement of his administrative case with the NYPD, King says in his lawsuit that he agreed to retire but only after he ascertained that he would still qualify for his pension.

Cleveland police officer suspended

A Cleveland Police officer has been placed on “administrative relief of duty” after a complaint was filed against him. According to Evie West, information officer for Cleveland Police Department, Ross Wooten is the suspended officer.

In July 2006, Ross was charged with two counts of official misconduct. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was in charge of the case in which Wooten allegedly engaged in sexual relations with two “suspects,” according to then-TBI information officer Jennifer Johnson and Cleveland Daily Banner archives.

Johnson said the investigation began in March 2006 after the “two suspects complained that Wooten engaged in sexual relations with them in November 2005.”

Texas Cops Go To Wrong House, Kill Elderly Man, Blame Bad Lighting

 Two rookie cops responding to a burglary call accidentally went to the wrong Fort Worth house and ended up shooting the homeowner due to "poor lighting," a police affidavit claims.

Despite being sent to investigate a possible break-in at 409 Havenwood Lane, Officers B.B. Hanlon and R.P. Hoeppner "inadvertently began searching" [PDF] across the street at 404 Havenwood instead.

The early morning hours of May 28th provided little natural light for the officers, and the affidavit says there was "no lighting around the home" of 72-year-old Jerry Waller and his wife Kathy, "and the officers had only the use of their flashlights."

Facts get a bit murky after that.

The officers allege that they encountered Waller standing outside his garage with a .38-caliber handgun, and identified themselves. They insist they only shot Waller after he pointed the gun at them.

But Waller's family tells a different story.

"My father never stepped outside of his garage," Waller's son Chris told the Star-Telegram shortly after the shooting. "He was shot multiple times in the chest only a few steps away from the doorway to his kitchen."

The only facts not in dispute are that Waller was shot six times in his own home by two police officers who shouldn't have been on his property to begin with.

"Married 46 years, and then somebody gets a little trigger-happy and away they go," Kathy told WFAA back in May.

According to her version of events, Jerry stepped outside after noticing suspicious bright lights shining outside their bedroom window.

She said she heard some yelling, followed almost immediately by gunshots.

A police department spokesperson said an internal investigation was ongoing. Meanwhile, both Hanlon and Hoeppner have resumed full-time duty.

Second officer arrested in 'fake cop' robberies

A second officer, a 17-year veteran from Saint Clair Shores, has been arrested accused of robbing unsuspecting drivers at gunpoint.

On Saturday, Fox 2 also reported a Detroit police sergeant was arrested at the 12th precinct. A tip sent to Fox 2 helped lead to the arrests. We forwarded a photo from one scene to Detroit Police. They recognized one of their own in the photo.

More information is expected Monday during a press conference scheduled for Monday at 3 p.m.

The first incident took place at a Citgo gas station near French and I-94 on Detroit's east side last Sunday. The clerk says two white men in a black Ford F-150 with police lights allegedly pistol-whipped customers pumping gas. The men stole cash and cell phones from their victims. A warning went out to be on the lookout for "fake cops" but it turns out those officers were not fake after all. It appears the sergeant in this case was driving his personal vehicle.

There were at least two reports of men posing as police officers and robbing unsuspecting drivers at gunpoint. The men had police badges, bullet proof vests and guns. They looked very official and police considered them armed and dangerous.

A second incident happened near Harper and 3 Mile Drive. A man says he was pulled over by three men in a unmarked Crown Victoria. The man was searched and while he answered questions, his wallet and CDs were stolen.

So, what can you do? Even police say you have permission not to stop if you don't believe a real police officer is trying to pull you over. Instead, call 911 and ask the dispatcher for assistance. If all else fails, drive to the nearest precinct.

Pinetops Cop Convicted In College Student's Death

 A Pinetops part-time police officer has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the 2010 shooting of a fellow student at Mid-Atlantic Christian University.The Pasquotank County jury deliberated slightly less than three hours Tuesday before returning the verdict in the trial of 26-year-old Christopher Amyx, who was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Wellton police officer suspended amid excessive force allegation

A Wellton police officer has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of two separate internal investigations regarding an allegation of use of excessive force.

“As per our departmental policy, the use of force by members of law enforcement is a matter of critical concern both to the public and the law enforcement community and we believe that we have taken the necessary steps to preserve that trust regardless of the outcome of either investigation,” said Lt. Cannon Ball, of the Wellton Police Department, speaking for the chief.

The officer, who is on paid administrative leave as per the department's policy, has been identified as officer Juan Saenz.

Fort Collins police officer charged in crash with cyclist

FORT COLLINS, Colo. - A Fort Collins police officer has been charged with a traffic infraction after a collision with a woman on a bike. Police said Officer William Biberos was on-duty in a marked patrol car when he collided with a bicyclist at a driveway entrance into the King Soopers store at 2602 S. Timberline Rd. just after midnight on June 6.Officer Biberos was cited for failing to yield the right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, according to the Larimer County District Attorney’s Office.

Pittsburgh settles civil rights, wrongful arrest claim with city man for $100K

A western Pennsylvania man and Pittsburgh police have agreed to a  $100,000 settlement in a civil case in which the plaintiff claimed he was wrongfully arrested by city cops after making critical remarks to the officers, who were in plainclothes and driving an unmarked vehicle at the time of the arrest.

Birmingham police officer charged with robbery "betrayed the public trust," chief says

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - A Birmingham police officer robbed the same citizen twice in four days, and now is in jail and without his job.

Police Chief A.C. today announced the arrest of 27-year-old T'Derek Trimayne Luster on charges of robbery and ethics violations. The chief said Luster resigned today just before he was to go before top police officials to answer to the administrative charges. He is charged with two counts of each charge and will be held in the Jefferson County Jail with bond set at $1 million.

""We're extremely disappointed by the actions of this former officer. As the leader of this department, I will not tolerate illegal behavior by any of our personnel,'' Roper said. "Luster betrayed the public trust which is critical to successful police community relations."

Luster was assigned to the evening shift at the city's West Precinct. He joined the department in December 2008. His brother is also a Birmingham officer, and remains on the force.

The robberies happened in the pre-dawn hours last week while Luster was off duty. The first took place on July 13 at 1:30 a.m. on 51st between Terrace M and Court M. The second happened July 17 at 3:30 a.m. in the 5100 block of Terrace M.

The chief said the male victim was robbed of cash, but authorities declined to say how much. The officer and the victim appear to be acquainted in some way. "It's our understanding that they did operate in similar circles,'' Roper said. "We have not been able to identify the specific relationship yet."

It wasn't disclosed whether Luster was in uniform when the robberies happened. Asked if the officer was armed, Roper said, "We wouldn't say a weapon was used but the fact that he was a police officer, we would say that implies force even if not intended,'' he said.

Roper said police officials were notified of the victim's claims on July 17. Detectives launched parallel investigations - criminal and administrative. The officer was put on administrative duty pending the outcome of both. "We wanted to keep an eye on him,'' he said.

Police officials said they are thankful the victim felt comfortable and confident coming forward with allegations against an officer. "I appreciate the fact that the victim recognized the fact that this illegal behavior would not be tolerated by the Birmingham Police Department,'' Roper said. "So he trusted us to investigate and bring this suspect to justice. We will not tolerate crime or corruption from anyone at any time."

Asked if any other police officers are under investigation in connection with Luster case, Roper said, "Since this is an ongoing investigation, I really can't respond to that question,'' he said. "We will simply say we will follow the evidence wherever it leads."

The announcement of Luster's arrest came just hours after another former Birmingham police officer was sentenced to 100 years in prison on arson convictions related to six fires last year in Warrior and Ensley.

Curtis Thornton, 28, was found guilty June 13 of four counts of second-degree arson and one count each of attempted second-degree arson and first-degree criminal mischief in four fires in Warrior and two fires in western Birmingham during April and May 2012.

Roper said officer ethics is so important to him that he personally teaches the ethics class to all new recruits. "They hear from me what the expectations are and what the code of ethics means to this department,'' he said. "That way no one can say they were confused about the accountability and the expectations."

The majority of his officers, he said, heed the warnings. "I do understand some people have a tendency to stereotype all police officers based on the action of a few, but the bottom line is we do a good job of policing ourselves," he said. "So when somebody loses their way, it's disappointing to us but we also keep heart in the fact 99 percent of our officers are doing the right thing."

Spokane officer suspended for link with prostitute

A Spokane police officer has been suspended for two months without pay after an internal investigation found he had been associating off duty with a woman who used meth and was involved in prostitution and burglary. Chief Frank Straub says the investigation also found that Officer Darrell Quarles conducted an unauthorized records search to check on a criminal investigation of the woman.

St. Paul's 2012 bill for police misconduct suits: $1 million

Last year, the city of St. Paul paid the largest amount in lawsuits alleging police misconduct -- about $1 million in total costs -- in at least 17 years.

One case, settled for $400,000, involved a woman left with serious burns when St. Paul police used a flash-bang distraction device while executing a search warrant at her home.

In another case, a man who ran from police wound up with a skull fracture, gashes on his head that required 21 staples to close and burns to his face caused by chemical spray. The city settled his lawsuit, which alleged that officers used excessive force, for $249,000.

Thomas Smith has been police chief since 2010. John Harrington preceded him, beginning his six-year term in 2004. Lawsuits are sometimes resolved years after the incidents that triggered them.

Of the eight lawsuits alleging police misconduct that the city settled last year, half the incidents occurred during Smith's tenure as chief and the other half occurred during Harrington's time as chief, a Pioneer Press analysis found. In those eight cases, total costs -- settlement amounts, city attorney staff time and court costs -- were almost $800,000 in the Smith cases and more than $230,000 in the Harrington cases.

The recent large payouts have been to people with significant injuries, said City Attorney Sara Grewing. But she said larger conclusions shouldn't be drawn from the recent cases because the decision to settle a lawsuit is "based on what's in the best interest of the city in terms of dollars and cents."

"In my office, we look at these cases through the eyes of a future jury and a future judge," Grewing said. "And what they see and how they view the case is very different than the judgment calls that a police officer makes at 2:00 in the morning in the middle of the city."

But more people in the community are calling for greater accountability for police officers, saying they'd like to see the money the city spends on settlements used for other needs.

"There's got to be a way of holding an officer accountable for what they do and not put their misdeeds on the backs of taxpayers of St. Paul," said Jeff Martin, president of the St. Paul NAACP. "There's got to be some equity in the system -- if you're an officer who cost the city some money, you should be held to a higher standard, whether that's losing your job or maybe some of your pension."

Last year's settlements also came during a time when other incidents brought scrutiny to the St. Paul police department. Among them:

-- Problems at the department's crime lab came to light.

-- A YouTube video that showed an officer kick a man during an arrest drew widespread attention, and a recently released squad car video shows another officer pepper-spraying the handcuffed man.

-- The city paid $385,000 to settle a lawsuit from a woman who alleged police employees violated her privacy by inappropriately looking up her private driver's license information.

-- Photos surfaced that showed two male officers dressed in hijabs, head coverings traditionally worn by Muslim women, at Halloween parties.

Smith said that there were difficult months last year but that most of this year has been better. As each issue arose, he publicly vowed to address them. And he stressed that the department had strong community relationships before these issues came up and it still does.

Grewing said the amount paid to settle cases claiming police misconduct last year was the largest since at least 1995, the period for which her office had records.

The Pioneer Press analyzed lawsuits alleging St. Paul police misconduct or excessive force that were settled from 2004 to the present; three of the four largest settlements stemmed from incidents during Smith's tenure.

Smith points out that the three cases arose soon after he took over the department in June 2010, and he said he's made changes since then.

After becoming chief, Smith said, he increased the amount of use-of-force training and improved it -- not because of lawsuits, but to keep officers and the public safe. The department also made policy changes, including regarding its use of Tasers.

Police in St. Paul make thousands of arrests a year "and very few of these cases" lead to lawsuits, Smith said.

"Regardless of what happens with officers -- whether it happens with lawsuits, complaints or whatever -- I never want to take away their flexibility to defend themselves and the public," Smith said. He said he doesn't want his officers to "worry that they're going to be sued."

Martin said that Smith, who leads the department of more than 600 officers, probably inherited problematic officers from past administrations but must figure out how to handle them.

"We need a more collaborative method that shows us the cops are clean, they're respectful, they're very professional," he said. "You don't need thugs with badges. When you have these people and they come to your attention, the chief should be fighting to fire them," which means going up against the St. Paul Police Federation when the union appeals discipline the chief has imposed.

A COST OF DOING BUSINESS?

The St. Paul Police Federation sees too much finger-pointing at police over the settlement costs.

"These officers have seconds to decide life-and-death situations," union president Dave Titus said. "Attorneys and city management who have very little concept of police tactics can sit back for months and months to debate what we did, and officers had the luxury of seconds."

A St. Paul city attorney's list of the largest settlements in 2012 showed 10 cases stemmed from the police department, four from public works, one from the water department and one from the city council. The largest non-police case was a trip-and-fall case against public works, settled for $33,000.

St. Paul lawyers Paul Applebaum and Andrew Irlbeck represented three people who obtained settlements in St. Paul police misconduct lawsuits in the past 14 months.

Applebaum, who has been representing people with police misconduct claims since 1995, said he's seen more cases with people who have more serious injuries, in particular in St. Paul. He doesn't know whether that's a sign that more people are coming forward than in the past or if more serious cases are occurring.

Irlbeck said cities see "police misconduct and the money that goes along with it as the cost of doing business rather than a problem that can be solved on the political or policy-making end."

"It just seems to be a cost they're going to shoulder and blame it on lawyers and greedy plaintiffs," he said, "when in reality it's a failure of policy."

Smith disagreed, saying police evaluate what happens when there are lawsuits or excessive-force complaints or when the department otherwise becomes aware of concerns.

"We want to look to make sure we have followed our training, our policies and procedures, and we want to make sure that if there are things that we can improve upon, that we do that," he said.

Irlbeck said police departments tend not to impose serious discipline on officers accused in lawsuits. He thinks that's partially because if a city pays a settlement and fires the officer involved, it appears to be admitting guilt.

Smith said that's not the case -- if officers are found to have violated department policy, discipline could follow.

"I hold people accountable," he said, but he noted that a city settlement of a lawsuit doesn't mean an officer did anything wrong.

Vaughn Larry, a community organizer and crime-prevention coordinator with the Aurora St. Anthony Neighborhood Development Corp., said he and other residents hear little about the Police-Civilian Internal Affairs Review Commission, which has not posted an annual report online since 2009.

The board, which consists of five community members and two police officers, reviews complaints against officers and makes recommendations to the police chief about whether disciplinary action is warranted.

"I thought they did away with that thing," Larry said of the board. "They were saying that it's not needed. But I do believe we should have some say."

The board, still in existence, is called upon to meet with the community three times a year, said Howie Padilla, St. Paul police spokesman. If there are complaints that the board hasn't given enough information to the community, they haven't reached the chief's office, he said.

Smith regularly meets with community groups, and the Rev. Runney Patterson, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church on St. Paul's East Side, said he and other leaders have met with the chief.

"If you ask me if relations with the police department are better or worse, I think the (police settlement) numbers speak for themselves," Patterson said. "Things have not really gotten any better. There have been some concerns from our community, the African-American community. When things continue to happen over and over again, it makes you really wonder if people really want these things to get better."

Smith said the police department's relationship with the community is strong. He says the department has won awards for domestic-violence and auto-theft work, used social media to engage people, and holds community outreach events. Serious crime in St. Paul has been down this year, Smith said; he credits police prevention and intervention work.

"We're going to have challenges," Smith said, "but we try to change our direction to make sure that we're doing the right thing by the community because truly they're our No. 1 priority for service in the city."

ATTORNEY FEES A FACTOR

St. Paul is self-insured and settlement costs come out of the city's tort liability fund. In theory, the money that pays for settlements could be used for anything else in the general fund.

But city council President Kathy Lantry said the reality is that in years when money has been left in the tort liability fund the city council has not used it to for other budget items. That's because "settlements don't have a timeline, so we have to keep money available," Lantry said.

The tort liability fund has grown in recent years, from a budgeted $270,000 in 2011 to $319,500 in 2012 to $719,500 this year.

The Pioneer Press' analysis of lawsuits included settlement amounts, city attorney staff time and court costs. Grewing, the city attorney, said she disagreed with the inclusion of staff time in the total because those salaries would have been paid to assistant city attorneys anyway.

Between 2004 and now, there were 79 lawsuits alleging St. Paul police misconduct or excessive force that were resolved, according to the city attorney's office. Forty-two of those lawsuits were settled. Seventeen lawsuits resulted in a judgment in favor of the city, 18 were dismissed, and two were closed.

Titus questioned why some cases are being settled and said the city attorney's office should be more aggressive in defending the city.

But Grewing said her office must decide cases in the best interests of the city as a whole. The rising cost of attorney fees is always a factor, Grewing said.

"If a jury would find that a city is even liable for a dollar of damages, then that (plaintiff's) lawyer is entitled to a reasonable amount of attorney's fees," she said. If someone suing the city has significant injuries, Grewing said, and "we know a jury's going to find in the plaintiff's favor ... if we're looking at a $300,000 attorney's-fee bill, we make that calculation."

Lantry said it's important to look at settlements in the context of other cities.

How does St. Paul compare with Minneapolis? In 2011, Minneapolis paid an average of about $239,000 in 17 lawsuits with an officer-conduct-related claim, compared with an average of about $70,000 in five cases claiming misconduct in St. Paul. In 2012, Minneapolis paid an average of about $46,000 in 16 cases, while St. Paul's average was more than $113,000 for eight cases.

While St. Paul's two largest settlements in cases alleging police misconduct have each been $400,000, Minneapolis agreed in May to pay $3 million to settle a lawsuit filed by the family of a man who died after an altercation with police in 2010. A record-setting settlement came in 2007, when Minneapolis paid $4.5 million to an officer who was working undercover when another officer mistook him for an assailant and shot him.

A 'VIDEO WORLD'

St. Paul doesn't admit liability when it settles a lawsuit

"A lot of the settlements are risk assessment: What are the chances we can win? What will the jury say? How will the public view the case?" Lantry said. Lantry, who attends all settlement conferences, said she's never left one feeling the officers were clearly in the wrong.

The city attorney's office sends memos to all city departments at the conclusion of lawsuits, which include recommendations for any changes. Grewing said they're confidential under attorney-client privilege, so she can't specify what suggestions have been made, but sometimes they recommend changes to training.

All Minnesota officers must undergo annual training in the use of force. St. Paul police have always had more training than required and have had even more in recent years, said Cmdr. Mary Nash, who heads the department's training unit.

Included in this year's training for all St. Paul police was diversity awareness and a class called Law Enforcement Active Diffusion Strategies.

About 50 percent of the class teaches officers to verbally defuse tense situations, said Kevin Dillon, who created the class. Dillon, a retired Wethersfield, Conn., police lieutenant, said the class stresses good communication.

"We believe this will reduce the litigation aspect as well," Dillon said. "Most of the time people sue because of the way they're treated, not because of mistakes that are made."

Though the focus of the class is "reinforcing that calm breeds calm," Nash said that's not always possible.

"Keep in mind that police encounter more resistance and defiance today than probably ever before," said Nash, a St. Paul police officer for almost 25 years.

She pointed to national statistics of officers killed and assaulted. Around the country, 47 law enforcement officers were "feloniously killed in the line of duty" in 2012, compared with 72 officers in 2011 and 56 officers in 2010, according to the FBI. There was a 2.4 percent increase nationally in assaults on officers from 2010 to 2011.

Also, in today's "video world," when almost everyone has a camera on their cellphone, police find that people may be more likely to "bait" officers to get a reaction on video, Nash said. But part of recent training taught officers "that people can and will film us but not to get sucked into a confrontation," Nash said. "Get caught doing the right thing -- respect breeds respect."

One recent case captured on video in St. Paul: last August's arrest of Eric Hightower. In a bystander's video, posted to YouTube, an officer kicked Hightower while he was on the ground.

A newly released squad car video shows an officer, Matthew Gorans, using pepper spray on Hightower while he was handcuffed in the back of a squad car. Prosecutors who reviewed the case and declined to file charges against either officer said Hightower was resisting getting into the squad car and Gorans was working to get him in.

Gorans was also involved in the 2010 arrest of a man that led to a lawsuit settled last year for $249,000; Smith disciplined him for using excessive force in that case.

After an internal affairs investigation into Hightower's arrest, sources say Smith decided to fire Gorans. But Gorans remains listed as an officer and is appealing Smith's decision.

Seamus Mahoney, Hightower's attorney, said he's planning to file a federal lawsuit in the case shortly.

"Having seen the video and knowing the outcome of the internal affairs report, clearly even the department recognizes the officers were in the wrong in the way they treated Mr. Hightower so liability is clear," Mahoney said. "The issue will just be what the damages are."

Grewing said she couldn't comment on a lawsuit she hasn't seen.

Mara H. Gottfried can be reached at mgottfried@pioneerpress.com or 651-228-5262. Follow her at twitter.com/MaraGottfried or twitter.com/ppUsualSuspects. MaryJo Webster can be reached at mwebster@pioneerpress. com or 651-228-5507. Follow her at twitter.com/mndatamine. Frederick Melo can be reached at fmelo@pioneerpress.com or 651-228-2172. Follow him at twitter.com/FrederickMelo.

LAWSUITS AGAINST THE ST. PAUL POLICE DEPARTMENT

Search lawsuits alleging police misconduct by either the year closed or the disposition (settled, judgement for city, etc). Or simply click "Search" button to see all cases. The graphic that appears will display the average costs per year for only the cases that are displayed.

The former Chief of Police of Crestview, Brian Mitchell, was arrested Thursday on one count of official misconduct.

These charges allege that Mitchell, while Chief, either falsified or caused to be falsified various documents related to the hiring of Joseph Floyd.

Mitchell was released on a 5,000 dollar bond.

City OKs $10 million payment over coerced confession

Hours after the Chicago City Council signed off on a $10 million payout to settle his lawsuit, a somber Eric Caine stood in his lawyer's Near West Side office Wednesday surrounded by relatives of other alleged victims of police misconduct.

Caine didn't crack a smile. He said the money could never erase the 25 years he spent behind bars for a crime he did not commit. But he hoped his case brought attention to the plight of other men languishing in prison despite valid claims of police wrongdoing.

"They know they're innocent, but they have little or no way to prove it, and they struggle to get anybody to hear their cries to help them," Caine said in a low voice.

Caine's case was the latest in a series of lawsuit settlements involving disgraced former police Cmdr. Jon Burge and detectives under his command that have brought the tab to nearly $70 million when legal fees are counted.

Caine's attorney, Jon Loevy, used Wednesday's news conference to sound a warning that even as cases involving Burge and his men get resolved, there are scores of others involving other Chicago detectives who "made cases regardless of guilt or innocence."

Loevy said that while the city has been forced to come to terms with Burge's wrongdoing, the tendency is to resist acknowledging that the problem of police misconduct was systemic.

"There are obviously a small number of police officers where there are great clusters of accusations that improper tactics were used and wrongful convictions occurred," Loevy said. "The city would have us believe that if we just take care of the Jon Burge cases, the problem will go away. Not so."

Among the names mentioned Wednesday was Kenneth Boudreau, who worked under Burge and was featured in a 2001 Tribune series that found Boudreau had helped obtain confessions from more than a dozen defendants in murder cases in which the charges later were dismissed or the defendant was acquitted at trial.

The lawyers also mentioned Ray Guevara, a now-retired West Side homicide detective who over the years has been accused of beating suspects into confessions, falsely translating statements of Spanish-speaking suspects and threatening witnesses with criminal charges if they did not say what he wanted them to say.

In 2009, a federal jury awarded $21 million to Juan Johnson after finding Guevara intimidated and threatened witnesses to get them to testify against Johnson, who spent more than 11 years in prison until he was acquitted in a retrial.

Two inmates, Armando Serrano and Jose Montanez, are vying for a new trial after the main witness in their 1993 murder case recanted and accused Guevara of intimidating him into making a statement. At a hearing this year, Guevara took the stand and invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination when asked about the alleged frame-up. The case is pending.

At Wednesday's news conference, Maria Rodriguez stood with tears in her eyes as she held up a photo of her son, Ricardo, who she says was framed by Guevara for murder. After 18 years in prison, her son is still hopeful his claims will be heard, she said.

Caine, 47, said he falsely confessed to the 1986 murders of an elderly couple, Vincent and Rafaela Sanchez, after two detectives working for Burge threatened and punched him, rupturing his eardrum, as he sat handcuffed to a chair in a South Side police station.

A judge threw out Caine's confession in early 2011, and prosecutors dismissed the indictment after determining they could not go forward without the tainted confession as evidence.

Burge is serving a 41/2 year sentence on a federal conviction for lying in a lawsuit about his knowledge of police torture.

Caine said Wednesday that he still struggles day to day because of his ordeal, but he always had faith he would be vindicated.

"I'm better today than I was yesterday, I can tell you that."

What cops cost us

Voorhees pays $60,000 to settle police false arrest/malicious prosecution suit

On June 15, 2011, the Township of Voorhees (Camden County NJ) agreed to pay $60,000 to a local man who sued members of the Voorhees Police Department for allegedly arresting him without probable cause because he "needed an education."

In his suit, Michael Sebastian, Jr. said that on June 12, 2007, the day after he was arrested for contempt of court after having been found guilty of a traffic violation, he needed police assistance regarding an attempted burglary at his home.  The officers who responded, Carlos Garcia-Lazar and Anthony Rusterucci, questioned him as to what he would do if he found an intruder in his home.  After Sebastian responded that he would use all necessary force, including deadly force, the officers allegedly told him that use of force wouldn't be appropriate if the intruder was a police officer serving a warrant.  Sebastian said that he explained to the officers that he did not mean that he would use force against an officer, rather that he understood the question to be limited to illegal, unidentified intruders.

According to the complaint, the two officers consulted with Lieutenant Francis Bialeki and Sergeant Robert Woolston who caused a warrant to be issued charging Sebastian with "making a terroristic threat to kill a township official."  Thereafter, about a dozen police officers came to Sebastian's home, arrested him and took him to the police station where he was allegedly denied access to an attorney and detained and questioned for five hours.  Sebastian claimed that Officer Richard Monahan told him that that the arrest was precipitated by his actions in the municipal court the previous day.

Monahan alleged that the Camden County Prosecutor's Office declined to indict him for the terroristic threats charge and that the matter was returned to municipal court for disposition.  The municipal court ultimately dismissed the charges after police officers failed to appear to testify on the State's behalf.

Also named in the suit were Voorhees Police Officers Daniel Starks and Lance Klein.

Cop Dog Killers: Pet dog shot by Crestview Police Officer

Cop Dog Killers: Pet dog shot by Crestview Police Officer: A pet dog shot to death by a Crestview Police Officer.A lot of people in the community want to know why it happened. The police departmen...

Arrest of San Marcos cops

SAN MARCOS — The spectacle of police here arresting two of their own has generated kudos from a watchdog group, surprise from residents and disgust from Police Chief Howard Williams.

The cases of Cpl. John A. Palermo, accused of assaulting a pedestrian who happened to walk by a traffic stop, and Patrolman David K. Amerson, charged with prescription fraud, mark the first times in Williams' 10-year tenure as chief that he's jailed a member of his 97-officer force.

The charge of aggravated assault by a public servant against Palermo stems from a downtown traffic stop he made at 1:10 a.m. May 29, during which, Williams said, Alexis Alpha, 22, walked by without looking or speaking to the motorist or Palermo.

Palermo summoned Alpha back “in reference to her walking near his traffic stop,” according to an affidavit.

An argument erupted as Palermo sought identification from Alpha, and as it escalated, Alpha used a crude epithet and Palermo grabbed her, slammed her to the pavement and sat atop her while applying handcuffs, the affidavit states.

After being treated at a hospital for broken teeth and a concussion, Alpha was charged with public intoxication, resisting arrest and obstruction and was booked into Hays County Jail.

Cops and the women they abuse: Abused women

Cops and the women they abuse: Abused women: The NYPD Internal Affairs Bureaus investigating death The NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau is investigating the death of Kyam Livingston in B...

vacation time for cops

Cop suspended for 4 days…in other words gets a weeks vacation

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A St. Petersburg police officer has been suspended after video showed him dragging an inmate into the Pinellas County Jail by her shirt.

Officer Christopher Goodwin, 47, received a four-day suspension, according to a memo released by the St. Petersburg Police Department. The incident happened on April 13. According to the department, Goodwin arrested Debra Leibrock for disorderly intoxication and trespassing.

When they arrived at the jail, video shows Leibrock getting out of the car, and sitting on the ground. Goodwin then grabs the back of her shirt and drags her across the floor of the parking area into the jail. According to the memo, Goodwin admitted his actions were inappropriate, and said there "many other options for him to deal with a passive resistant prisoner."

Las Vegas police officer suspended following shooting…in other words cops gets a week off for shooting a man

Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- A Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer was suspended for shooting a man in the leg, back in November.

That officer will be suspended for 40-hours without pay, and has to undergo an extensive training program made just for him.

Officer Jacquar Roston was the only officer to respond to a domestic violence call, between a woman and her boyfriend.Roston asked the woman to get out of the car. Moments later, police said the officer saw the man putting his hands underneath his seat and saw a shiny, metal object.That's when police said the officer shot the man in the leg. Turns out, the suspect did not have a weapon.

"Officer Roston was wrong in his perception in what the passenger had in his hand, for he only had his hat. However, what you may not be aware of is what Roston observed the male passenger doing when he was reaching under the seat. The passenger was attempting to hide some marijuana," said Sheriff Gillespie.

Todays sexual assault charges against your police: cop sent to prison for Maryland crimes

Todays sexual assault charges against your police: cop sent to prison for Maryland crimes: Ricky Bostic, 44, of the Petaluma Police Department was involved in the death of a suspect who was shocked with a Taser in 2005 while fight...

Todays sexual assault charges against your police: Aug. 5 trial for cop in two rapes

Todays sexual assault charges against your police: Aug. 5 trial for cop in two rapes: A jury trial for Garden Grove police officer accused of raping two women has been scheduled for Monday, Aug. 5. The trial will begin at ...

The epidemic of mentally unstable cops in America: Newport News police officer facing indecent exposu...

The epidemic of mentally unstable cops in America: Newport News police officer facing indecent exposu...: Newport News chief terminates cop following charges he exposed himself in home's doorway NEWPORT NEWS — A Newport News police offic...

This Week's Charge of Child Molestation by your Local Police: Girlfriend helped Brooklyn cop make child porn: Fe...

This Week's Charge of Child Molestation by your Local Police: Girlfriend helped Brooklyn cop make child porn: Fe...: The girlfriend of a Brooklyn cop  charged with making child pornography has been charged herself with being his pervy co-producer, author...

This Week's Charge of Child Molestation by your Local Police: Officer, wife charged with child pornography waive...

This Week's Charge of Child Molestation by your Local Police: Officer, wife charged with child pornography waive...: A Kannapolis police officer and his wife who are charged with possessing and distributing child pornography waived their detention hear...

Todays sexual assault charges against your police: Veteran Muscatine Officer Charged With Sexual Assa...

Todays sexual assault charges against your police: Veteran Muscatine Officer Charged With Sexual Assa...: A Muscatine police officer has been charged with sexual assault after an investigation into an incident that occurred while on duty. Acco...

Cops and the women they abuse: Bronx cop who allegedly flirted with woman he arre...

Cops and the women they abuse: Bronx cop who allegedly flirted with woman he arre...: An NYPD highway cop was arraigned on official misconduct charges Friday in connection with his romantic pursuit of a Bronx woman he had a...

The epidemic of mentally unstable cops in America: Wyoming cop arrested for pointing gun at Holland p...

The epidemic of mentally unstable cops in America: Wyoming cop arrested for pointing gun at Holland p...: HOLLAND, MI -- A 55-year-old man who allegedly pointed a handgun at officers late Thursday in downtown Holland is a former Wyoming pol...

Cop Dog Killers: Virginia police officer charged with starving reti...

Cop Dog Killers: Virginia police officer charged with starving reti...: Officer Brian Davis and his wife Jennifer have been charged with animal cruelty for neglecting their horse Amy. Amy was a retired polic...

Cop Dog Killers: Georgia officer suspended after police dog dies in...

Cop Dog Killers: Georgia officer suspended after police dog dies in...: WOODSTOCK, Ga. — A police dog handler was suspended and reassigned to traffic duty after his canine partner died while left in the office...

More drunk and drugged up cops…a national epidemic

Littleton cop from Parker arrested on drug charges

Littleton Police Officer Jeffrey Allan Johnston, 46, is facing charges that “The alleged drug activity was confined to his personal life and there is no indication or belief that any criminal misconduct occurred in relation to his work with the Littleton Police Department,” said Cooper.According to an FBI affidavit, on July 15, Johnston called a known drug dealer who has peddled his wares during parties at Johnston’s Parker home in the past. Johnston asked if he could buy between 40 and 50 ecstasy pills. The FBI then conducted a “controlled delivery” of 37 pills and 6 grams of ecstasy powder, for which Johnston paid $1,300. Following the exchange, Johnston was taken into custody and his home was searched.In the kitchen, agents found the fresh delivery and a Colt Officers Model .45-caliber pistol loaded with seven rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber. They also found suspected cocaine, suspected steroids, hundreds of suspected prescription pills, additional firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, empty pill pouches, a drug test kit and a scale.

Suspended Bergen Sheriff's officer accused of Westwood break-in due in court

Westwood police were called to the home around 4:30 a.m. on July 16.The woman said she did not recognize the officer, identified as 28-year-old Kevin Garrett. “He was high as a kite,” said Westwood Police Chief Frank Regino. “He was banging on the windows, banging on the doors. The homeowners were alarmed by this and called 911.”

TN officer and wife arrested on drug charges

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. A Murfreesboro Police Officer and his wife were arrested Monday night after authorities said they sold their television for prescription painkillers.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation arrested 43-year-old Andrew Messick and his wife 44-year-old Crystal Messick in a Walgreens parking lot. They were charged with simple possession and casual exchange of a controlled substance.

TBI agents had received information about the couple wanting to exchange a television for hydrocodone pills. They set up the exchange, and took them into custody.

The couple was booked into the Rutherford County Jail and released on bond.

Murfreesboro Police issued a statement saying they were aware of Messick's arrest. He has been decommissioned and relieved of all police authority.

Messick was a member of the Uniformed Division, Patrol Section, and has been with department since September 2010.

Feds Arrest Columbus Cop on Drug Charges

 COLUMBUS A robbery detective is behind bars after being arrested on federal drug and weapons charges.  F.B.I. agents took Columbus Division of Police officer Stevie Billups into custody on July 18 at Hollywood Casino after several months of surveillance.Agents said Billups was paid $3000 by a confidential informant to provide protection while the man claimed to participate in a heroin transaction worth tens-of-thousands of dollars.Billups participated in the crime to feed his gambling habit, according to investigators.

Officer’s case draws out-of-town interest

David Bisard 39, is the suspended Indianapolis police officer accused of driving drunk in his police car and plowing into two motorcycles stopped at a stoplight in 2010, killing one and injuring two others. He faces multiple charges from the crash, including reckless homicide, operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death and criminal recklessness. The case is set for a four-week jury trial in October.

Belle Plaine Cop Sentenced For DWI…think you would get the same deal?

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Belle Plaine police officer accused of driving under the influence in November 2012 while off-duty pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one gross misdemeanor count of DWI. Bryan Pasek’s second DWI charge and his speeding ticket for driving 96 mph in a 55 zone on Highway 169 at Park Boulevard were dismissed. Pasek had registered a 0.17 BAC at the time. His sentence includes two years of probation, a $700 fine, and 40 hours of community service. He was granted a stay of imposition, so as long as Pasek follows the terms of probation, his conviction will be discharged at the end of the probationary period, although a misdemeanor conviction will remain on his criminal record.

Former Arkansas State Trooper Arrested on Drug Charge

U.S. Attorney’s Office July 19, 2013

Eastern District of Arkansas (501) 340-2600

LITTLE ROCK, AR—Christopher R. Thyer, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas; Randall C. Coleman, Special Agent in Charge of the Little Rock Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Colonel Stan Witt, Director of the Arkansas State Police, announced that Sedrick Reed, age 43, and Lamont M. Johnson, age 45, both of Little Rock, were arrested and charged by federal complaint yesterday with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine. Both have an initial appearance scheduled for 2 p.m. today before United States Magistrate Judge J. Thomas Ray.
The complaint alleges that Reed, who at the time of the investigation was an Arkansas State Police (ASP) lieutenant with full oversight of the Troop A evidence vault, broke the evidence seal on a box of cocaine held in evidence and removed cocaine more than once for distribution. The investigation revealed that he was selling the cocaine to Johnson. The allegations in support of the criminal complaint are set forth in the complaint affidavit.
“It’s a very sad day when a law enforcement officer violates the public trust,” stated Thyer. “Thankfully, because of the integrity and leadership at the Arkansas State Police, information regarding Lt. Reed’s illegal actions was turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation to ferret out the dishonesty by one of their own. The ASP continued to provide cooperation throughout this investigation which has led to the charges Mr. Reed faces today.”
“Yesterday’s arrest was a result of the collaborative efforts of the ArkTrust Public Corruption Task Force,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Randall C. Coleman. “The allegations against Lieutenant Reed are among the most serious and important that we investigate. When we receive credible allegations of law enforcement corruption, we will follow the facts where they lead us, as we want Arkansans to continue to trust in the vast majority of officers who respect their oath and who are committed to public service.”
Colonel Witt stated, “We have worked alongside the FBI since the case was opened and regardless of where an investigation of this type may lead, even if it’s among our own ranks, the state police will always be accountable to the citizens and the laws they expect us to enforce.”
If convicted, both Reed and Johnson face not more than 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, or both with not less than three years’ supervised release.
The investigation was conducted by the ArkTrust Public Corruption Task Force led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Little Rock Police Department with full cooperation from the Arkansas State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Givens and Julie Peters are prosecuting this case for the United States.
The charges set forth in a complaint are merely allegations. A federal grand jury will decide whether to indict on these charges. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Former Marion Police Chief Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy Charge

U.S. Attorney’s Office July 15, 2013

Western District of Virginia (540) 857-2250

ABINGDON, VA—United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy announced today that the former chief of police in Marion, Virginia pled guilty today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon to a charge involving the distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.
Michael Dean Roberts, a.k.a., “Fireball,” age 54, of Saltville, Virginia, entered a plea of guilty to a one-count nformation charging conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. Roberts faces a potential maximum sentence of up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a potential fine of $1,000,000.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Lee, Roberts was involved in the distribution of cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone between 2006 and June 2013, all while employed as the chief of police of the Marion, Virginia Police Department. As part of a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Virginia State Police; and the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, law enforcement officers utilized a confidential informant to obtain hydrocodone pills from Roberts on three separate occasions in May and June 2013.
The investigation determined that Roberts was involved in the distribution of at least 7,331 hydrocodone pills, 365 grams of methamphetamine, and small amounts of cocaine and oxycodone. The investigation further determined that Roberts used his position as chief of police to obtain some of these drugs from the Marion Police Department evidence room.
Sentencing has been set for October 9, 2013, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Virginia State Police; the Drug Enforcement Administration; and the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Lee is prosecuting the case for the United States.

Promote Carl Bigg

And now a word for Supreme Commander of Overhead and unneeded expense, Chief Rhoererer-er 

Just a while ago Carl Biggs’, a Fairfax County cop, was accused of with making up a report about his cruiser having been struck by a hit-and-run driver.  Biggs’ cruiser was the only car involved in the May crash in Annandale. His car hit a utility pole on Gallows Road.

Oh sure, I know what some people are saying “Another piece of lying white trash makes gets hired by the Fairfax County Police, fire him!”

But I say no, and trust me, I know a lot about white trash. I say we promote Carl Bigg to police chief and I say this for several reasons. The firstly reason is the guy acting a police chief wears a ridiculous hat. I don’t care if it does fit the shape of his head it’s still a ridiculous hat.

 Second firstly, promoting cops accused of having a complete contempt for the truth and for the law is what we do in Fairfax County.

Why look at me….and yes, we prefer the term little people….but anyway….when I was chief the police the cop murdered an eye doctor for gambling. And that wasn’t easy. First we had to set him up on the charges and then we had to call the SWAT team to shoot him dead…….do you have any idea how difficult it is to get the SWAT team to stop sitting around watching TV and eating pizza and actually go out and murder someone?

Then we gunned down a guy with mental health issues because he stole a plant. We won’t tolerate plant stealing.  

We set up an innocent man on child molestation charges even though we knew the witness against him was lying.

 After that we arrested a guy for not wearing clothes when he made coffee in his house….we actually had the time, money and man power to that.  

And it goes on and on but the point is despite that all that of this I was promoted to Chief of Axis powers or whatever I am, I forget. In competence pays and it pays very well here in Fairfax County.  

So for those reasons I say we promote Mr. Bigg to Chief of police…..the boy’s got potential.

The secret diary of Gerry Hyland: Here you go Gerry with a G, suck on this for a whi...

The secret diary of Gerry Hyland: Here you go Gerry with a G, suck on this for a whi...:   Every week we report on at least two or three children who are molested by police all across the United States. And those are just the ca...

Nicole Christian and questionable police work

  Every week we report on at least two or three children who are molested by police all across the United States. And those are just the cases that make it to the media. So with that in mind and recalling the Sean Lanigan case, we look at the Fairfax County cops arrest of a local swim instructor accused of inappropriately touching a child and have our doubts and if Fairfax County cop NICOLE CHRISTIAN is involved, than the police should drop all charges immediately because we have seen the results of her work. NICOLE CHRISTIAN is the cop who worked on the case the Sean Lanigan case.

Here’s a summary of what the Fairfax County Police did to Lanigan….and they got away with by the way.

Falsely Accused, Sean Lanigan Attempts to Reclaim His Life

By CHRISTINA CARON

After being exonerated of molestation charges last year, Virginia teacher Sean Lanigan said he felt "like someone lifted an elephant right off my back."

The courtroom erupted in cheers, and several people began to cry, including himself.

"I don't cry very often and I can say I shed a few tears in that moment when I was able to embrace my life," said Lanigan. "I thought, 'Ok, finally some justice was done, and I'm gonna get my life back.'"

But what seemed like the end was only another beginning.

Nearly a year after he was acquitted, the 43-year-old physical education teacher is still struggling to reclaim his reputation and repay 90 percent of his legal bills, especially now that he no longer has a fulltime job.

Last spring, Lanigan was in a different frame of mind, trying to find a way to explain to his children what he was going through.

In 2010, a 12-year-old female student falsely accused Lanigan of allegedly trying to lay on top of her in an equipment room.

One of Lanigan's three children is the same age as his accuser, and another is a year younger. 

"If you had asked me last May would I be standing in my shoes right now, still stressed out, seeing a therapist, worried about the situation, I would have said you're crazy," said Lanigan, who lives in Centreville, Va.

'I'm Going to Make Him Pay' 

Prior to being charged with two felonies, Lanigan had a sterling reputation at Centre Ridge Elementary School, where he worked for 13 years teaching elementary school P.E. He also coached a high school boys' soccer team and various club teams in the area.

Then in December 2009, after giving a verbal warning to a 12-year-old girl after she misbehaved on a school bus, the girl reportedly told her friends, "Mr. Lanigan's a jerk," according to court records reported by The Washington Post.

Then she said, "I'm going to make him pay."

The girl had been part of the Centre Ridge safety patrol team, a group of about 80 fifth and sixth graders whose job it is to make sure the other kids on the school bus are behaving.

As head of the safety patrols, Lanigan received an email from a worried parent saying the girl was bullying kids and using inappropriate language. Lanigan warned the girl that her behavior was inappropriate.

Ten days later he says the girl's behavior continued, and another teacher spoke to her.

Then, in mid-January, the girl and a friend of hers began telling people that Lanigan had tried to lay on top of her in the equipment room, on a stack of blue tumbling mats, saying he would "treat her like a queen."

The friend claimed to have witnessed the whole thing.

The accuser's name is not being used by the media because she is a minor.

Soon, Lanigan would face 40 years in prison.

After the school principal found out about the accusations, the police were called in.

And on Jan. 20 of last year Lanigan was pulled out of class, brought to the principal's office and subsequently interrogated for two hours. For the first half hour, however, he wasn't even aware as to why he was there.

"Half hour into it [detective] Nicole Christian said, 'You have no idea why you're here do you?'" Lanigan recalled. "I said 'No I don't. Please explain to me. What is going on here?'"

That's when he says they told him what he was being accused of.

He says the conversation ended when they asked him to take a polygraph test at which point he said he would willingly take one, but he also wanted to see a lawyer.

"They said if I didn't do anything I shouldn't need to talk to a lawyer," he said.

Shortly afterward, they took his keys and his school badge.

On Jan. 29, he was charged with abduction and aggravated sexual battery and he went to jail where he stayed for four days until he was released on $50,000 bail.

When Lanigan was in jail, police released his booking photograph, age and home address.

"It is usual protocol, but was it necessary?" asked Bill Cummings, a close friend of Lanigan's who has known him for 14 years.

That's the question that many are asking now that Lanigan's name and image has been tarnished.

"I'm doing whatever I can to help him with this intolerable situation. It's disgraceful how he's been treated by Fairfax county schools," Cummings said.

The first few weeks Lanigan was out of jail the community showered him and his family with support -- they brought over dinners, gift cards and even volunteered to watch the kids so he and his wife could have a date night.

Lanigan was well-known in his housing development, a community called Virginia Run.

For several years he dressed up as Santa Claus during the holidays, and showed up at the community center on a flatbed driven by draft horses.

Neighbors would stuff pillows in his Santa suit to camouflage his fit physique. He even played the roles of Great Pumpkin and Easter bunny.

When people heard about the charges against him, they began writing and calling Fairfax, Va. state delegate Tim Hugo.

"I had mothers calling me who said, 'We trust this guy,'" Hugo said, who was amazed at the community's passionate response. "There's not a person who has a bad thing to say."

So many people contacted Hugo that he, in turn, contacted the Fairfax County School District, but he says they told him it was an internal matter and they would not discuss it.

"I think what they've done to Sean Lanigan is unconscionable," said Hugo, who worries other male teachers in the school district feel wary, even paranoid. "The guy's been railroaded."

The school district is currently embroiled in another controversy regarding the closure of Clifton Elementary School.

A Clifton resident recently accused the school board of using email to secretly ask one another whether or not they would vote to close the elementary school, allegedly violating the state's Open Meetings laws.

"Fairfax can never admit they're wrong," Hugo said.

Paul Regnier, the Fairfax schools spokesman, did not respond to an interview request made Monday by ABCNews.com.

The school did, however, issue a statement to The Washington Post on Monday evening. They said the decision to transfer Lanigan to another school was standard practice in "any case involving a serious disciplinary proceeding," and he could "seek reimbursement of his legal fees from his teachers association."

Regnier didn't give any specifics about that reimbursement other than to say the teachers association insures members for up to $35,000.

During the probable cause hearing, the accuser actually admitted that Lanigan never actually laid on top of her. But the case still went to a grand jury.

"Nobody wanted to be attached to dismissing a charge against someone who was alleged to have molested a child," said Cummings.

The accuser reportedly said during the trial that she had always hated Lanigan, according to The Post. She also admitted to a Facebook posting where she called it all "a joke."

Although Lanigan's trial lasted only four days in May and the jury only deliberated for about 10 minutes before deciding he wasn't guilty, Lanigan wasn't allowed to return to Centre Ridge.

Instead, he was transferred to South Lakes High School in Reston, Va., where he was paid a fulltime salary to work five days out of 10.

The decision to go to South Lakes wasn't his, he said, it was a "take it or leave it" situation.

As the months passed, he put up a strong front for himself, and his family.

"I don't talk very often -- I don't chat, I have thick skin," he explained. "There's a lot of people who don't realize how emotionally torn up I've been."

After the trial, "Everyone I talked to said 'I'm so happy your life is back to normal.' My life is not normal."

One of the first Google search results under Lanigan's name pulls up the website badbadteacher.com.

Lanigan says kids still run up to him, saying they miss him.

"Sometimes it brings me to tears," he said.

Then, to his dismay, in March the school district notified Lanigan they would only pay for $60,000 of his legal fees -- he incurred more than $120,000.

And last month, he was destaffed from South Lakes -- a decision based on seniority and enrollment numbers.

The school simply didn't have the enrollment to staff nine P.E. teachers.

His wife Karin is working part-time in order to help take care of their children who range in ages from 8 to 14. She left her fulltime position when Lanigan was transferred to Reston.

Despite all of these hardships, the Lanigan family doesn't plan on leaving the area -- both Lanigan and his wife were born and raised in Northern Virginia and their parents are still there too.

Uprooting, he says, would be a major disruption.

Until The Washington Post's Saturday article highlighting Lanigan's present-day difficulties, several families in their housing development had assumed the Lanigan family was doing O.K.

But Beth Tweddle, 50, a neighbor who has known the Lanigans for more than 10 years, said his inner circle knew better.

The pain of being falsely accused hadn't diminished: she watched as Lanigan lost weight, his trademark "booming" laugh fading away.

 "After the exoneration we heard that laugh again," said Tweddle. "It was so great a year ago for it to come back again. But it's been diminished."

When asked if he would consider suing the accuser's family, Lanigan said, "I just don't know." 

Right now, he says, his focus is on trying to get his money back and securing a job.

The Lanigan family has taken out loans to make ends meet, so they've set up a fund to help pay off the legal bills.

Lanigan is also picking up work as a soccer trainer at a soccer club.

"Hopefully," Tweddle said, "Sean's laugh will be back soon."

For now, Lanigan and his wife are staying strong. They celebrated their 16th anniversary last Friday, and Lanigan says they're closer than ever: "one strong, unified mind."

"We've always taught our kids right and wrong, and … there are people out there that are trying to make this thing right," he said.