Mar 13, 2013 11:55 AM
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A search early last year found that the Southampton Town Police Street Crime Unit office at police headquarters in Hampton Bays was littered with drugs—cocaine, marijuana and prescription pills—plus paraphernalia and money, all unsecured and unregistered as evidence in ongoing undercover drug investigations and prosecutions.
Former Southampton Town Police Chief William Wilson Jr., speaking for the first time since his retirement late last year, in an interview last week discussed his discovery in early 2012 of the overall condition of the unit’s office—including unsecured narcotics in desks and cabinets and cash strewn about—that sparked an internal investigation. A subsequent search uncovered 37 items that were then turned over to the Suffolk County Crime Lab, and many of them were later confirmed by testing to be controlled substances. The unit’s office was... more
Former Southampton Town Police Chief William Wilson Jr., speaking for the first time since his retirement late last year, in an interview last week discussed his discovery in early 2012 of the overall condition of the unit’s office—including unsecured narcotics in desks and cabinets and cash strewn about—that sparked an internal investigation. A subsequent search uncovered 37 items that were then turned over to the Suffolk County Crime Lab, and many of them were later confirmed by testing to be controlled substances. The unit’s office was... more
It is unconscionable what the town board, Chief Pearce & Lt Kiernan appeared to have done. They should be open to personal liability and not covered by the town's insurance.
Thank you to former Chief Wilson for speaking out.
The ball is now in the court of the Town Board, and the initial quotes above do not exactly inspire confidence.
These cracks in the dam suggest more to come IMO.
Good.
Former Chief Wilson has set a sterling example here for the new "Top Cop" on the beat. May others follow his courageous lead.
The Town Board elections are this fall, and some changes should be expected. Even those members ...more who are not up for reelection will consider resigning, as the "heat in the kitchen" is about to rise.
"Get out while the getting is good" may become a new operative phrase here?
BTW tomorrow will mark the EIGHT month since Sister Walsh was mowed down.
Thanks for the reminder.
Sooner or later we MAY get to the bottom of things?
Plus other insiders who posted in the Gagnon article.
If that is true, then knoing his first duty is to the citizenry, why cover up anything, ergo, besmirching his badge and sworn duty.
I have no evidence that what he is saying is false.
Do you have any that it is true?
Gagnon article?
Numerous times you attempted to infer that he should have taken some action or was somehow culpable.
You just can't have it both ways.
Judge by his actions at each turn? So I can disappoint ...more one day and shine the next?
Yes, you are human aren't you?
Just askin' logical questions about items hidden behind The Blue Wall . . .
Regarding Wilson's credibility, you said above, "Now you accept his words as credible?" Do you not see an implication here?
But then there is always "Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me"
I believe we would be best off with a wait and see attitude. Chief Pearce deserves his time to reorganize and lead the department which has been "leaderless" since 1989.
He was part of what you are calling a leaderless administration. He was the head of the Street Crimes Unit while these events took root as well as while they unfolded, where was his leadership in bringing this to light?
"If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem." He apparently has been part of the problem for a long time.
He should recognize that the SHT PD has a credibility problem here, and that he must do something new to move forward. The same old same old will not be well received IMO.
He is going to need new funding and cooperation from the Board, and from the public. Silence will assure failure in his ...more efforts to turn this ship onto a new course.
The DA's office actions corroborate Wilson's statements and if you have facts that prove otherwise I for one am for the truth getting flushed out.
I wished the actions of the Town Board, Chief Pearce, LT Kiernan and the rest of the parties involved instilled ...more any morsel of confidence in them so I could be skeptical of these revelations.
Hiding behind The Blue Wall of Silence is fast becoming an historic relic of a previous way of doing business.
Those who remain silent before The Wall crumbles will have a hard time untangling themselves from the debris.
Better for Chief Pearce to anticipate this and get ahead of the curve for his own sake IMO. [not "Pierce" as above -- apologies for the typo]
We missed all your comments! Welcome back from Atlanta!
Chief Pearce was commanding officer of the Street Crimes Unit but had no knowledge or it didn't matter because "the unit was winding down"? Really, Chief Pearce... we should not look at you too? How much did you know or ignore?
"In a phone interview on Thursday, Chief Pearce confirmed that he held that position ...more then, but he stressed that the unit was winding down that fall and claimed that the detectives had moved into the Street Crime Unit’s office prior to the room’s lockdown by then-Chief Wilson. Mr. Wilson said, however, that just the detective sergeant and a secretary had moved into the office, and that was in September 2012."
“I wasn’t hiding anything.” He also photographed the office and included them with the information provided. “We handled it like a homicide scene,” Chief Wilson said.
Chief Wilson's and Chief Pearce's statements sound conflicting... I think that Chief Wilson has the credibility here.
"Chief Pearce said some crack residue had been found in the office, as well as over-the-counter painkillers, like Advil, and that the office was filled with prop drugs—used for teaching demonstration. He said that to the best of his knowledge there were no loose drugs within the office."
Sounds like Chief Pearce is trying to minimize this and deflect away from him. "to the best of my knowledge" You are the supervisor, you should have the best knowledge. Where there is smoke, there is fire and I think we have a wildfire on our hands.
Town Councilman Chris Nuzzi said on Thursday, “Chief Wilson seems to have shared more details with you than he ever did with us. We’re obviously concerned, and we’ll treat all of this seriously.”
I highly doubt that Chief WIlson held back details Mr Nuzzi. When fellow Board members are making public comments that promotions are "premature" and "alluded to privileged personnel information that was not made public and which might have had an impact on the appointment." It shows that you had knowledge! When the DA's office releases felons, you as a caretaker of the town should be sitting up and taking notice!
“As to what we needed to do to address whatever issues there were that have led to this, I’ve got three words for you: Chief Robert Pearce,” Mr. Malone said.
Thank you Mr Malone... I will leave you with 3 words, "You Screwed Southampton"
And that their secrecy was probably self-serving, to say the least.
Time to air ALL the dirty laundry, folks.
Time to LEAD as if your careers depend on it!
(Because they do . . . )
Whistle blowers have to put up with lots of flack from people who may have hidden personal agendas to discredit the messenger.
Well-done Mr. Wilson, and reporters Reynolds and Wright.
There is usually a hidden message there.
What did CaptainSig say about the next Town Board election process? Be careful of which horse you hitch up to the wagon?
"“When we were deliberating on who to appoint chief after Chief [James] Overton retired, there were some of us who felt strongly about bringing in an agent for change, and I think we did that,” she said, referring to the April 2011 retirement of Chief Overton and subsequent Town Board selection of Chief Wilson, who took office in early May of that year. “The history between then and now has ...more been complicated. But I trust that we continue to work toward change, and it is our responsibility as commissioners to make sure that happens.”"
Deceiving the public and soft-peddling the past year is NOT going to cut it.
LEAD!
Or step aside.
It is probably not a coincidence that Bill Jones is hosting a public forum on budget issues, tomorrow is it? 10 AM at Pierson HS?
5/5/11 "Board Appoints Wilson" 5/5/11 start date of 5/16/11
5/12/11 Police records are shredded for "housekeeping" by Capt Tenaglia. Ex-Chief James Overton & Ex-Town Supervisor Linda Kabot just happen to stop in and leave with files - 5/12/11
5/13/11 Capt Tenaglia orders "extremely sensitive records" that "represent every confidential personnel police investigation ...more from the police department from the years 1990-2009,” nearly the entire span of the Overton-Tenaglia administration." to be transferred to Town Hall. In the end Chief Wilson never has access to the records. "he memo was signed by Captain Tenaglia, as well as Sergeant Michael Joyce, who escorted the records;; Town Management Services Administrator Russell Kratoville, who received them;; and Town Clerk Sundy Schermeyer, who transported them." - "No Records Missing, Tenaglia Says" 5/17/12
Dec '11 - Chief Wilson "was made aware that Officer Sickles had developed a “chemical dependency issue.”" - cited in above article
Dec'11 Attempts are made by Town Board to oust Chief Wilson
"Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst said this week, an intermediary delivered a message in December from “GOP leadership,” offering a deal in which Town Board members would agree to swap votes: the Republican board members would support the supervisor’s reappointment of then-Town Comptroller Tamara Wright, in exchange for Ms. Throne- Holst agreeing to oust the chief"
"Chief Wilson this week confirmed reports that he had been offered a financial incentive—he declined to say how much—by Town Management Services Administrator Russell Kratoville to leave the post he had just been appointed to last spring. He said the figure was purely an incentive and did not represent earned or accrued time." - "Who Sought To Oust Police Chief?" 3/29/12
2/7/12 - Town Settles wrongful death lawsuit of Tony Bradway who died in the custody of the Street Crimes Unit - LT Kiernan & Officer Sickles - "Town Settles For $70,000" 5/17/12
3/8/12 - DA's Office starts official Probe in the the shredded and transferred "extremely sensitive records"
"Many officials have been unwilling to comment so far, and those who have offered little insight into the investigation."
"Captain Tenaglia, whose retirement took effect on February 29, said last month he did not know about an investigation. He did not return requests for comment on Tuesday."
"Lt. Pearce said this week that he had no knowledge of the investigation, although he did say, regarding police records from the transition, “I believe that everything was referred over to the town clerk’s office, and as far as I know there are no missing documents.”"
"Councilman Chris Nuzzi said he was not sure what he could divulge regarding the investigation;; he said he would consult with his fellow board members to see if there was an official statement, but he did not return subsequent requests for comment" - "Probe Of Police, Sources Say" 3/8/12
uh,oh
3/15/12 - Then LT Pearce receives his promotion to Captain at hands of Nuzzi, Malone & Scalera.
"“That sounds like some kind of political deal to me,” the chief said following Tuesday’s vote. “I didn’t recommend it.”"
Flemming & ATH ask to hold off sating it was “premature.” She alluded to privileged personnel information that was not made public - "Board Bucks Chief" 3/15/12
3/22/12 Officer Kevin Gwinn states he received a threatening anonymous letter, "“Kevin, just wanted to remind you about the retirement law that requires town board approval for police officers to stay past 20 years of service. Isn’t it true that you have more than 20 years of service? In these uncertain times shouldn’t you be careful about ‘going after’ people like Nuzzi, Malone, Kiernan or any one else for that matter? Just food for thought. Sleep well," "Officer Reports Threat" 4/12/12
5/3/12 - Chief WIlson is denied access to those sensitive personnel files which may or may not reveal prior problems with the Street Crimes Unit and LT Kiernan. - "Chief Tries, Fails To Get Documents" 5/3/12
5/3/12 - "Town Police Lieutenant James Kiernan, the former supervisor of the Street Crime Unit, was suspended by the Town Board, pending the outcome of 32 disciplinary charges the chief filed against him." - "Town Cops Probe Old Arrests" 5/24/12
5/10/12 - "D.A. SEIZES RECORDS"
5/31/12 - DA releases to felons from prison because of "Credibility Issues" with the Street Crimes Unit that was supervised by Robert Pearce, James Kiernan and had a drug addicted Officer Sickles. - "Two Are Released From Prison" 5/31/12
7/12/12 - Another lawsuit filed against town citing corruption in the Street Crimes Unit - "Lawsuit Targets Town Police" 7/12/12
7/12/12 - Officer Sickles is suspended and town hire firm Bracewell & Guiliani to represent them against the DA's office - "Town Suspends Another Drug Cop"
7/12/12
10/10/12 - Town retains firm Devitt & Spellman to represent town for lawsuit filed by 3 felon who had charges droppped because of Street Crimes Unit. - " Charges Dropped Against Third Felon In Wake Of Investigation Of Southampton Town Police Officers Mar 7, 2013"
10/25/12 - The town "settles" the 32 disciplinary charges against LT Kiernan and allows him to return to work as head of the Patrol Division - not fired, no demotion and put in charge - "Lieutenant Is Headed Back To Work"
11/8/12 - Chief Wilson resigns - "Embattled Chief Abruptly Steps Down" 11/8/12
11/29/12 - Town names the supervisor of LT Kiernan Chief of Police -"It’s Official: Pearce Named Chief" 11/29/12
IMO, the Police Dept. deserves better from the people. Some of the men
you have "bad mouthed" do not deserve your comments -- I question your motives! I am very tired of people
defaming our men and women out on the front lines! And, by the way,
remember all orders come from the Commander in Chief of the SH Town
Board!
With everyone in the Town who is supposed to police the police responsible for the current mess, it would be foolish to expect them to remedy it. It is time to clean the ...more Augean Stables. It is time for complicit Town Board members to step down and to disband the STPD.
I am not naive enough to believe that there are not behind the scenes politics involving the unions. That said, I must say that when you scour the 27east archives you will find that the PBA has been asking for someone to look into the department going back to 2000. There may have been requests prior, but from what I can see there is a 13 year history the PBA ...more looking to expose improprieties.
http://www.27east.com/news/article.cfm/General-Interest-Southampton/455485/Town-Settles-Discrimination-Charges-With-Officer?message=posted
Ships with no one at the helm usually founder on the rocks.
Say, did you hear the one about the ship lost at sea?
"Found her on the rocks!"
Have a good weekend.
That statement that should be cause for concern. Unless, you read this article...
"Cops: Town Police Clerk Stole Cash From Coworker - posted 8/22/12
A clerk at Southampton Town Police headquarters in Hampton Bays was arrested at her workplace on Friday after police said she stole money from a colleague.
A fellow employee realized on Wednesday, August 15, that $150 was missing from her pocketbook ...more shortly after she cashed her paycheck. She noticed the theft while working at headquarters and reported the theft to detectives, according to Detective Sergeant Lisa Costa."
Ok, maybe drugs and money should be properly secured.
Chief WIlson's statements seem pretty specific about number of items found and confirmed to be drugs. Chief Pearce thinks it is some residue and Advil? Again come the "Best of my knowledge" incompetent or lying, you make the call.
"Former Police Chief William Wilson Jr., speaking for the first time since his retirement late last year, this week discussed his discovery, in early 2012, of the overall condition ...more of the room. A subsequent search uncovered 37 items that were then turned over to the Suffolk County district attorney’s office, and many of them were later confirmed by testing to be controlled substances."
"Current Police Chief Robert Pearce was the division head in charge of investigations, a position that directly oversaw the Street Crime Unit, when Chief Wilson disbanded it in 2011.... Chief Pearce said some crack residue had been found in the office, as well as over-the-counter painkillers, like Advil, and that the office was filled with prop drugs—used for teaching demonstration. He said that to the best of his knowledge there were no loose drugs within the office."
And I agree with OU812. That's why I have my handy Android...
This tangled web has brought disgrace to the men and women who served with pride and dignity through the tenure of three chiefs and even some of whom might have turned in their papers when Capt Red Carlson was at the helm.
Not for one moment did those eras represent Hawaii Five-O perfection... However, the news of the day was not be littered with the current staggering headlines day after day.
Five or six town supervisors, scores of counsel people, Republican,Democrats, ...more Independents,.....
Town Police Brass...
Investigators...
Truth,facts, evidence, cannot have vaporized!!!!!!
Those who hold one or more of the puzzle pieces must step forward or be brought forward to clean up this sore infested wound.
For those who have served professionally and those who are doing so.. No less should be accepted.
An educated guess would put the number of calls answered over the past twenty five years no less than 700,000 !!! With no acknowledgement.. No applause.. And rare recognition... Regrettably, this current chapter disgraces all the good done by those who truly cared.
I urge Board members who take their safeguarding and fiduciary duties seriously to contact Academi and other private security contractors to see if they would be interested in bidding on a ...more Town contract.
Their lack of respect for the positions they hold and the people (no guys, not your committeemen) they represent is unbelievable. The house needs to be swept out from Hampton Road to Hampton Bays.
***Note to Bill Wright, Marietta Seamen, Ed Walsh & Gordon Herr -
Get your dogs on a leash! ...more If they are on one and pulling you down the road I suggest you cut them free. They and your parties will become unelectable***
HHS lives in his own special world. He doesnt bother with facts, except for those that he makes up on his own. He won't respond because he is only entitled to two posts a day, because he will not spring for a subscription. Yet he will complain about 27east's policies re: same.
His goal in life is to be Commissioner of a force of Nepalese Gendarmes wearing pith helmets, patrolling the streets of the Hamptons, working for minumum wage and living in tents in the woods. There will be ...more no more DWI arrrests as HHS does not believe they are legal.
I am aware of no statute, local or state, that would prevent the Town from contracting with a private firm for p.d. services. Governmental entities contract with private security services all the time and several states currently have large forces of private corrections officers guarding state prisoners. I don't see what the difference is between the states of California and Texas contracting for private security and the Town of Southampton so doing. (Not of course, ...more that that would stop the AFSCME and other public employee unions, the cops and their unions, and everyone who wants to protect the honey pot of civil service exclusivity from legally contesting the move. But the savings that the Town would realize from the replacement of a civil service force with a sworn contract force would quickly reimburse its litigation expense. Moreover, absent an existing statutory or state constitutional prohibition of such a solution, the Town would eventually win in court. From then on, we would save millions every year AND we would be protected by a force whose continued employment actually depended on their doing an acceptable job [rather than there being no alternative.])
to But I'm a Blank!:
Actually, I don't subscribe because the Press cannot guarantee the confidentiality of its subscriber list. I checked.
Frankly, having the streets of Southampton patrolled by Gurkhas would be infinitely preferable to the status quo but federal law WOULD probably prohibit that. In any case, “I” would refuse the position of Chief in that force unless I were provided a Town elephant.
The bottom line is that the rot begins with those who control the Town Board. Just listen to their neanderthal comments. It's a small town local yokel Mafia ...more that runs this town and the two headed monster is the Town Board and the STPD. We all have known that for a long time haven't we.
And that happens because a majority or near majority of homeowners are uninvolved part time residents.
In this environment, the inmates run the asylum.
Put 'em all under oath.
Dig deep.
A real mess!
The ball is firmly in the courts of the Town Board and Chief Pearce.
Let's see who starts telling the Truth this week, and who balks and complains about people looking for the Truth.
"By their actions ye shall know them."
How are the tax payers going to react when the 4th felon that was released from jail files his law suit against the town? I find it appalling that our town board members are quiet... nevertheless it was expected.
"The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis."
-Dante Alighieri
"Resolution 2013-309
Category: Personnel
Sponsors: Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst
Department: Personnel
Promote Police Officer ...more William Kiernan to Rank of Sergeant in Southampton Town
Police Department RESOLVED, based on the recommendation of the Chief of Police, Police Officer William Kiernan be and hereby is promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the Southampton Town Police Department from Suffolk County Department of Civil Service Promotional Certification of Eligibles No. 13EL046, at an annual salary of $128,898.83 effective March 16, 2013; and be it further" from town website for 3/12/13 meeting
Here we go again....
http://www.southamptontownny.gov/filestorage/72/837/839/tbmeetag.pdf
OU812- You were close but missed the mark a little. Bill Wright only moves when Marietta Seaman pulls his strings, but it is Ed Morris and John LaValle that give her the marching orders. Chris Nuzzi got some protection because he is best friends with Ed Morris' son but John LaValle is getting very tired of using up favors with DA Spota, especially after Brookhaven and losing leverage in Spota's cross endorsement by helping Nuzzi with Kiernan's issues. Spota has his last term locked up so when Nuzzi and Malone get summoned to DA's Government Corruption for a "talk" again they might not have any lifelines left.
This will be a fun week because it is just the tip of the iceberg.
Surely not personal knowledge.
Would be interested in learning the source and integrity of what you portray as gospel fact.
Once you have explained that source you can explain your source of knowledge with regard to the District Attorney.
This stuff is just so fascinating, fiction is sometimes so much nicer ...more to publish than fact.
Sometimes fiction is much nicer than fact. Believe me, don't believe me I really do not care. The fact of the matter is that all the people I mentioned know that it is the truth, they just trying to figure out how much is going to come out and how much proof there is. The flood gates are open and it is all coming out.
You won't need a Ouiji Board because you will be able to read about it everywhere.
As for the truth of Chief Wilsons's we will all know if indictments result. Until then its anybody's guess
So keep making fictional accusations
As for Geppetto I am not defending or accusing anyone simply asking for facts to back up assertions. You not too big on facts either so.
You all have fun jerking yourselves sodas.
Grandma would have called you ...more all yentas
As suggested above, "Question authority, and then see who gripes the most?"
It not questioning authority, that is an important thing to do, especially considering those currently in authority. It is doing so with facts, not innuendo or opinion expressed as fact. It is all about credibility, and without facts there is little or no credibility.
It is the lack of facts in many, if not most, of the posts here that deprive those reading them any real opportunity to understand ...more how little those in power care about them.
And Geppetto should understand his depends remark casts aspersions on many of our senior citizens. I have tough tough skin PBR, I have played in this game a long long time. it has become really dirt bag and vile.
i have proposed two solutions: (1) Make betrayal of the public trust by an elected or appointed official or party leader punishable by a minimum of 20 years in prison and (2) pass a local and statewide ethics codes that require any elected or appointed official to recuse her/himself from any determinations involving individuals, partnerships, corporations that have contributed to their campaign finance committee.
As for those police officers who put themselves on political committees, if you put a target on your back you are gonna take shots. Foolishness they should step down and remove an attack weapon against them and their party.
Now you think those of the opinions of a typical worker bee response, then as Marty Lang used to say to me, "God bless you".
I did take a shot at you and for one reason. You stated that I am not big on facts, which is false. You are using your name to discredit mine. If you could see past your nose and read some of my past posts, you would notice that I have never misrepresented any facts. In fact, I am the one that told you all, that there were more than 2 felons released by the DA's office. How I know this is my business. Maybe OU812 can create a timeline for you using 1920's vernacular (soda jerk). ...more Those that reap the benefit packages off the backs of the tax payers via public office or public service also have targets on their backs.
Unlike my posts under my name you chose, as is your right, to use an alias, therefore it would be quite difficult for me to use my name to discredit yours. Geppetto was a fine puppet maker. Pinocchio, well, he might have had some trouble at times discerning fact from fiction.
Opinion is fine, and I probably share more in common opinionwise with you than disagree, but opinion is not fact and fact requires either documentation ...more or personal presence. You ask us to take you on faith and base that faith on there having been more than two drug arrests erased. Perhaps you have personal knowledge, perhaps not, but your comments standing alone are insufficient to constitute either personal presence or documentation.
And you owe those senior citizens who require the use of depends an apology. i don't so you owe me nothing.
Put 'em all under oath.
It is simple people: work hard, don't lie and do what is right/proper for the residents that pay you (through taxes, not bribes - thought i should clarify that). That really is all we ask!
The Town Board is on the line.
http://www.27east.com/news/article.cfm/General-Interest-Southampton/455663/Charges-Dropped-Against-Third-Felon-In-Wake-Of-Investigation-Of-Southampton-Town-Police-Officers?message=posted
"Chief Pearce questioned what was claimed to have been found in the office. “I believe that the only thing that was found was some cocaine residue,” Chief Pearce said, adding that over-the-counter painkillers like Advil were found, too. The office, he said, was filled with prop drugs—used for teaching demonstrations.'
Chief Pearce and the Town Board reinstate LT Kiernan and put him in charge, unbelievable! He admitted to lying to internal affairs... he should not have a job! Chief Pearce was LT Kiernan's supervisor and was his SOA president, he had to have full knowledge of the facts (unless he is totally incompetent). The disgusting part is how many of our officials have there hands in this.
Once again, our police should ever be conducting themselves in a manner that they need a criminal attorney, not to mention have one on retainer for the whole union.
"Ray Perini, who is also the lawyer for the Southampton Town Police Superior Officers Association, the union for department brass." - Hearing Begins For Lieutenant 10/4/12
Great reporting!
Well done.
You must answer here, especially this from former Chief Wilson:
_____________________________________________
“You’re not covering this thing up, and you’re not making it go away,” he said, referring to the Town Board. “This is the very fundamental basis of the public’s trust in law enforcement. I spent too many years working to watch this kind of stuff go on. … This sounds crazy, ...more but the only way for me to continue in that was to resign my position, to retire. … It doesn’t mean that I agree to go sit, on a bunch of malfeasance, in a corner. That’s not going to happen. It boils down to right and wrong.”
____________________________
Silence will not do it IMO, especially with the election coming up.
A follow up by the reporter, or a question posed at a Town Board meeting, is the appropriate place for a response.
Anything else would reesult in pure hysteria.
Thank you for the clarification.
The plot thickens . . .
Wonder why more people do not come forward....
Were ...more all recreational drugs legal, most cases of p.d. corruption would never occur.
So police officers, by enforcing the laws of the State of New York, for which they are sworn to uphold, are criminals but the people that break the laws are "innocent" and "for no purpose"
Law abiding people= criminals.
Law breaking people = good guys.
I believe your logic hit a new low.
So the defense attorney's argument is that Lt Kiernan plead guilty to 4 charges but only admits to one? huh? and the one he admits to is assigning a driver to the drug addicted cop... oh, that makes me feel better! Did he have his gun while he was being chauffeured?
"Lt. Kiernan’s attorney, Mr. Perini, said the agreement stipulated that while a guilty plea was entered to the four disciplinary charges, the lieutenant was only admitting to failing to adequately document his assigning another officer to serve as driver for the officer in question while he was on duty."
"Chief Pearce said that, to the best of his knowledge, there were no loose drugs."
"Lt. Kiernan on Monday said all the drugs and evidence were handled properly and did not present a public safety concern."
The pictures speak a thousand words!
"Lt. Kiernan, meanwhile, and his attorney, Ray Perini, attacked Mr. Wilson for conducting a “smear campaign” against the lieutenant."
Smear campaign? How is it a smear campaign ...more - because the Chief, Lieutenant and the Town board were not successful in completing the coverup? If it was simply a smear campaign I do not believe that 2 felons would have been released from prison and other had charges dropped.
Expunge the record because of the absence of evidence? If there was no evidence and Lt Kiernan was innocent then why plead guilty and give up "73 days of sick, personal and vacation time as a penalty."
"Approximately ...more $139,000 is budgeted for Lt. Kiernan’s base salary". - "Town Police Lieutenant Is Suspended" 5/3/12
that should equal about $40,000 - Seems like an admittance of guilt to me
This statement would make be believe that there was an agreement with the board that this would happen
Chief Pearce
Lieutenant Kiernan
Chris Nuzzi
Christine Scalera
James Malone - "I have 3 words for you - Chief Robert Pearce" Looks like you will regret those 3 words
More needs to be revealed about ATH & Flemming, but resignations may be in order there. The board is complicit in this and even if the majority ruled I do not find enough on the record of them trying to protect the public interests.
Clean ...more House!
Chief Pearce, you were the supervisor. Did you ever go into that office? Just looking at those pictures I see no appearance of professionalism. Again, you are either lying or incompetent.
Equally damnable.
Pearce is playing the poor me patsy while Kiernan is looking to say Pearce was in the loop the whole time. The town board is wondering why they believed Kiernan and Pearce and did not do their own homework. Each of the board members have been "invited" to Hauppauge to have a "talk" with McPartland & Spota (ie: public corruption) for a WTF chat.
Spota knows that some people in Islip just joined the party... as people are starting to save themselves you may ...more be seeing the indictments sooner rather than later.
Most motorists arrested for DWI have not been driving drunk (i.e. in an irrational and uncoordinated manner.) They simply have .08% alcohol in their bloodstream. The breathalyzer law was passed, not because motorists with .08% are drunk, but because it was too difficult to convict anybody of drunk driving without it. So the legislators made an .08% reading synonymous with drunk driving by fiat, even though it isn't. The vast majority of DWI ...more arrests are actually of harmless drivers. Cops know this better than anyone. Their repeated subjection of innocent citizens to the degradation of handcuffing and incarceration without just cause is numbing to their ethical restraint.
Virtually everyone, at every level of law enforcement, will admit privately that the drug laws are crazy. They exacerbate the problem rather than mitigate it and assure the billion dollar incomes of the psychopathic homicidal maniacs who profit by it. Since cops quickly realize that they are actually being paid to support this pernicious, predatory establishment, is it any wonder that some decide to wet their beaks?
In the specific instance herein, there would be no scandal were recreational drugs legal. Nothing would have been covered up, there would be no accusations of mishandled evidence, and none of the arrests made by Officer Eric SIckles would have been voided as long as his recreational indulgence didn't impact the performance of his duty (any more than they would have been had he drunk a beer before his shift.)
How can we expect to have righteous police when so many of their duties are unconscionable? Those cops who are morally troubled are the ones who quit early on. Those whose consciences are malleable behave no better than one would expect (as this article demonstrates.)
The vast majority of accidents, wrong way drivers, and fatalites involve motorists with more than twice the "legal limit" in their blood. Most anytime you hear about a horrible incident in the news, it is either someone with an alleged .2% BAC in a blood/breath test or higher, and quite often they are a recidivist who has a "problem". The laws have become so Draconian you could possibly be charged with being "impaired" if you have two tap beers, during your hour lunchbreak before a traffic stop.
In too many cases across the nation, but not all if one falls into the "standard model" assumed by the test, a breathalyzer is just a number and not an accurate representation of impairment.
Here's some actual science for your review that "breathalyzers" are scientifically inaccurate technology in some cases, should you choose to accept it:
Lifestyle & Diet
Edible substances containing DS alcohol that are similar in chemical structure to ethanol can produce artificially high readings. Substances include everyday items such as Listerine, Altoids or spearmint chewing gum.
Lifestyle habits can also lead to breathalyzer errors. Lungs of smokers and tobacco chewers contain 30% more acetaldehyde levels than individuals who don’t smoke. On average, breathalyzer readings are higher for dieters who are following high-protein diets and diabetics whose bodies convert more acetone into isopropyl alcohol.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition may also raise mouth alcohol levels. GERD causes acid reflux which releases stomach liquids into the throat and mouth. If a person took their last drink one hour before being pulled over, but burped 5 minutes before taking the breathalyzer test, mouth alcohol levels will be proportionately higher than blood levels. A simple belch or burp can be a contributing factor to a high BAC, leading to a DWI or DUI charge.
Over the Counter Medicines
Many over the counter medicines contain a high percentage of alcohol. Medicine cabinet culprits that influence BAC levels include Nyquil, Vicks Formula 44D, Halls lozenges, Ambesol and toothache drops.
Elevated Body Temperatures
Recovering from the flu or just came from a backyard hot tub house party? If your core body temperature is higher than 98.6 degrees F, your BAC reading will be artificially higher. Temperature increases cause vapor pressure in your lungs to expel larger volumes of evaporated alcohol. Research shows that each degree above a normal body temperature of 98.6F can raise BAC readings up to 8 percent.
Industrial Chemicals
Something as innocent as painting your back deck or working for a dry cleaner may create chemical interferences in your BAC levels. Additionally, if you work in the construction or manufacturing industries, solvents used in gasoline, varnishes and glues can result in false BAC levels.
It is not necessarily the cover up of drugs or even an addiction issue that warrants our inspection, but it is the fact that the public can not trust those running the police department. How can we have "faith" in our police, if they are capable of manipulating anything outside the facts? Those involved need to be held accountable for their actions. Rogue supervision in the police department only does one thing, it takes away our ability to have justice for all.
Also, one would think that this entire situation is very demoralizing for the good, decent, and well-intentioned law enforcement officers everywhere.
Hopefully they will cross the Blue Line of Silence to police their own.
Try a search for "The Likelihood of Acetone Interference
in Breath Alcohol Measurement" and read the NHTSB report.
A person would need a body temperature of about 110 for a significant reading. most people are bed ridden at 102, not driving a car.
Also mouth alcohol would register as an incredibly high BAC ...more and when a breath sample is given, it would not mimic the "breath curve" that is blown by a person who has alcohol in their blood.
The previous comments seem to be a cut and paste from a DWI lawyer website rather than actual scientific research.
Almost everything you said is overcome by a waiting period of about 15 minutes between ingesting a substance, and partaking in a breathalyzer. Even given that, a "couple of tap beers"will not render a person impaired. I wont take your time to dispute each part, as that is the duty of a defense attorney, not the cop on the street.
HHS, would have us think tht a DWI is not a DWI unless he or SHE, is puking, falling down and incoherent. Afew too many result in a mild "buzz" and a slight ...more feeling of euphoria. Pergect characteristics to have when your neighbors 6 year old darts between a couple of parked cars. Reaction times slow. It is just that simple.
What is simple is the reason for the breathalyzer test. It is a grossly unconstitutional law instituted to assure convictions for DWI. The old standard, relying on manifest uncoordination and irrationality, was too difficult to prove. Setting a finite number gave jurors a "drunk test" that, as the test-taking beneficiaries of a public education, they could readily understand.
Except that most of those who are drunk under the new standard aren't drunk under ...more the old (the one that relied on actual performance rather than theory and hypothesis), and it is those motorists who ARE drunk according to the old standard (and NOT those whom the breathalyzer alone so designates) who cause the horrible accidents that resulted in the enactment of this bad law.
The habitual degradation of harmless citizens under this law assaults the moral concepts with which most new police officers enter the force. Once they have rationalized this abuse of their authority, others become easy.
Just have to wonder why no other attorney has considered this.
I mean, I know they are in the pocket of cops , providing job security for both, but there has to be a Don Quixote there somewhere.
"I do have to agree with HHS to a certain extent. There is a significant body of research that indicates a breath test can be anywhere from 15 to 40% inaccurate. Manufacturers even dictate that there is a margin of error with the technology, and the partition ratio because rarely are two sets of lungs and alveoli which are the same. The technology uses an assumed average molecular ratio and applies it to everyone unilaterally. Truth be told, ketones in ...more a diabetic's blood, or acetone in a dieter's blood can skew the test, as can other methyl molecules including one of the hottest new dietary supplements on the market raspberry ketones."
There are scant few constitutional rights attached to driving a car, which is a priveledge, not a right.
Just because it's the law, doesn't automatically make it valid, moral, or constitutional. Sometimes it take years, even decades to overcome societal convention, and often just the right person to doi it only comes along once in a generation.
Throne-Holst: " . . . we continue to work toward change . . . "
Nuzzi: " . . . we’ll treat all of this seriously . . . "
Malone: " . . . I’ve got three words for you: Chief Robert Pearce."
We are listening.
Show us that you deserve our faith and trust. You work for us, or have you forgotten that?
Speak TRUTH, and the whole truth, so help you God.
10. "Captain Tenaglia said. “There’s nothing to hide. There’s nothing going on. Southampton Town is a good police department. It’s an honest police department. It was then and it is now.” - No Records Missing, Tenaglia Says 5/17/12
Hmmm, something about hindsight being 20/20 but it seemed to be pretty clear then too
9. Southampton Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst said this week, an intermediary ...more delivered a message in December from “GOP leadership,” offering a deal in which Town Board members would agree to swap votes: the Republican board members would support the supervisor’s reappointment of then-Town Comptroller Tamara Wright, in exchange for Ms. Throne- Holst agreeing to oust the chief. - Who Sought To Oust Police Chief? 5/29/12
Just after the officer with a drug addiction came to light, what a quinky dink
8. Ms. Fleming said. “The disservice that this kind of political handling of this important position does to the town is real,” she said, adding that Chief Wilson is “doing a great job, given the obstacles.” The chief said he has found it difficult to run the department with “little to no support from a board majority.” -Who Sought To Oust Police Chief? 5/29/12
Glad he did a great job given the obstacles... ones next question would be, did you do anything to remedy the "disservice"?
7. "Last week, then-Lieutenant Robert Pearce—whom the Town Board promoted to captain on Monday— said that “everything” was turned over to Town Hall, and that he does not believe there were any missing documents. He could not explain exactly what was turned over, when or why". - PBA Wants Info On Police Records 3/15/12
What? Me? Who? Everything was turned over and nothing is missing, but I don't know what was turned over, when and by who. Stop asking me questions please!
6. “How is chasing down all of these rumors and innuendos and conspiracy theories productive to the morale of men and women who are putting their lives on the line on a daily basis?” Mr. Malone asked, stressing that he’s proud and grateful for the work of the officers. - -Who Sought To Oust Police Chief? 5/29/12
Yes, uncovering truth and corruption always brings down morale.
5. "Asked if there was any chance that sensitive police documents could have been changed, modified or sanitized in any way before they were moved to Town Hall, the captain (Tenaglia) replied, “No—not by me.” ... Sgt. Joyce, the department’s records retention officer in the Overton administration, said this week he has no comment on the issue before hanging up on a reporter." - No Records Missing, Tenaglia Says 5/17/12
As Tenaglia chuckles quietly at the reporters question thinking... I am smart enough not to shred them personally. That is why I have minions
4. "Chief Pearce said that, to the best of his knowledge, there were no loose drugs. “I believe that the only thing that was found was some cocaine residue,” he said this week, adding that over-the-counter painkillers like Advil were found, too. The office, he said, was filled with prop drugs—used for teaching demonstrations." - above article
ooops, I did not know that there were pictures that showed otherwise!
3. "Lt. Kiernan, meanwhile, and his attorney, Ray Perini, attacked Mr. Wilson for conducting a “smear campaign” against the lieutenant." yet...
"Lt. Kiernan, following a nearly six-month suspension, had pleaded guilty in October 2012 to four disciplinary charges that then-Chief Wilson had filed against him—the most egregious of which involved lying to Suffolk County Police Internal Affairs investigators regarding his supervision of the unit. He also admitted to failing to act immediately upon receiving a complaint that an officer in his unit was addicted to painkillers and, in fact, allowed the officer to continue on active duty." - above article
Who is conducting the smear campaign? Harder to point the finger when the facts are against you.
2. "Lt. Kiernan’s attorney, Mr. Perini, said the agreement stipulated that while a guilty plea was entered to the four disciplinary charges, the lieutenant was only admitting to failing to adequately document his assigning another officer to serve as driver for the officer in question while he was on duty." - above article
Oh, OK. That makes perfect sense. What else would you do when you find out one of your cops is so badly addicted to drugs that he can't drive.
and the #1 quote instilling faith in our town
1. “As to what we needed to do to address whatever issues there were that have led to this, I’ve got three words for you: Chief Robert Pearce,” Mr. Malone said. - above article
LMFAO - if this was in any other town it would be so much funnier.
The way you are looking at it a violent husband should sue a wife because her face broke his hand.
This opens the door for every defense attorney defending EVERY person arrested for EVERY drug offense made by ANY police ...more officer in this town to claim that the evidence was planted. After all , even the Chief of Police says this can easily be done. If I were a defense attny I would call Mr Wilson as a defense witness.
I would argue the contrary. The defense attorneys making these claims is what made the procedures necessary. Organizations, public or private, usually do not put procedures or policies in place until they have to. They do so in order to avoid liability and the liability usually comes out of case law.
Just remember that Nassau County's lab was shuttered for poor evidence handling procedures, criminals were released and charges on others were dropped.
The lawsuits are going to be ...more abundant not solely because there was a cop that had a drug problem - the lack of supervision, cover up with a supervisor lying to internal affairs and all the way to the town board where little effort was made to remedy the situation.
When you see big money payouts in lawsuits it is generally in the punitive damages which are obviously meant to punish wrongdoing. That is were we as residents will get hurt and that blame is on the people that let the problem go.
If the problem was adressed when it first presented itself the story would be done with very little damage. Hiding it, even now does nothing but make it worse... Our government and it's officials should never conduct themselves in a manner in which they have to lie to anyone.
OU812- again you miss my point. I'm certainly not defending the police dept sloppy procedures- however Mr Wilson states that he DID address the problem and took corrective action in Jan 2012, over a year ago. THAT is when I would expect public disclosure. Him spouting to the press now reeks of spite- he has gone ...more too far IMO , making speculations and inuendos (sp?) which are making the situation worse.
As far as Mr Keith goes I'm going to buy the paper because now Im curious- but I'll say this- if I could get the paper to publish a whole page of my rants I wouldn't be pecking away here!! LOL
Mr Kieth serves in what position "at the liberty of Southampton Planning Board?" When did the planning Board start making appointments?
Rome is burning?
Fiddle Fiddle Fiddle!
surveyed by SAMSHA.org anyone reading this can look the info up themselves. Wilson did the ...more right thing. Nothing can get in order before this drug issue is addressed.
I am with PBR - Chief Pearce and the Town Board should be speaking up and addressing these issues. Are they are not speaking because they can not answer the questions honestly without incriminating themselves?
The only way to regain the publics trust is for an outside agency to step in and the facts must be publicly aired - anything short of that and you are ...more asking for people to place faith were is was lost.
Malone is quoted elsewhere as saying he is undecided right now about whether to seek reelction. He might consider "getting out while the gettin' is good" IMO.
Coincidentally, today marks the 37th week since Sister Walsh was mowed down and left to die on the side of the road. The authorities still have not justified the 11-day delay in releasing the name and photo of the driver.
More great communication from those we pay to protect us (including the entire SH Town Board).
Up front...I am a card carrying flag waver for the STPD!!!!
However not without concern for those who might have, in some or any way have shamed this Dept .
Whether those wear a uniform, suit, tie, or skirt.. Should be held accountable.
But sadly, it appears that only 180 comments reflect this concern ( with 80. Of those being authored by OU812 ...more & PBR)... With a Southampton Town population in the many thousands ... Deafining silence prevails.
Those who are in the know... In addition to looking over their shoulder... Should not count on this whole thing going away.
We missed your comments welcome back from Atlanta!
There is a good reason there are so many redundant fail safes in our constitutional protections.