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Disabled Man Wants Deputy Charged
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Published: February 14, 2008
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TAMPA - An apology from Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee came Wednesday with a promise to investigate a jail deputy who dumped a disabled man out of a wheelchair and the supervisors who did nothing to intervene.
Brian Sterner
The man, Brian Sterner, said an apology is a good start - but he also wants the deputy charged with a felony for battery of a disabled person.
A woman who answered the telephone at the home of the deputy, Charlette Marshall-Jones, said: "I feel positive. When I know I'm not wrong, I feel that way. ... I do believe the truth will come out, but I can't offer more than that."
On Jan. 29, video cameras in the Orient Road Jail booking room recorded the deputy raising a wheelchair and tipping Sterner onto the floor. Sterner was brought to the jail on a warrant stemming from a traffic violation.
An internal affairs investigation is reviewing the actions of Marshall-Jones and three of her supervisors: Cpl. Steve Dickey, 45, Cpl. Decondra Williams, 36, and Sgt. Gary Hinson, 51. Marshall-Jones was suspended without pay, and the supervisors were suspended with pay.
Photo from jail video
Gee, who had apologized to Sterner's attorney a day earlier, issued a written statement of regret.
"I am personally embarrassed and shocked by the horrific treatment Mr. Sterner received," Gee said. "I cannot and will not even try to offer an explanation for what is seen on the video."
Gee said the incident was not caused by a lack of training. Marshall-Jones has 22 years on the job.
"It represents aberrant behavior that is totally out of context with policies, practices and standards of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office," he said.
"I offer my personal apology to Mr. Sterner for the treatment that he received while being processed through Central Booking," Gee said.
Last year, more than 72,000 inmates were processed at the booking center, and more than 230 of them came to jail in wheelchairs, Gee said.
Sterner, 32, of Riverview, appeared Wednesday on NBC's "Today" show with his attorney, John Trevena.
He suggested that the state attorney's office get involved in the case.
"And then the attorney general could get involved, and then Governor Charlie Crist could get involved, and then somebody else that leads this country could get involved," Sterner said. "Because it's not about one deputy; it's not about a sheriff; and it's not about a governor."
Crist said he found the incident "terribly disturbing."
"It goes beyond a pale by any compassionate person's standard I'm sure, and I wonder if there may be a civil rights issue to it," he said. "We're looking into it."
Dickey, who is seen on the video smiling afterward, declined to talk about the investigation.
"All I can say is I was not there during the incident," he said. "I did not view the incident."
Dickey is president of the Hillsborough detention deputies' chapter of the West Florida Police Benevolent Association, the union that represents deputies.
'Unequivocal Evidence'
Sterner has been without the use of his legs since a wrestling accident in 1994, he said. He has no feeling below his sternum and has partial use of his arms. Trevena says his client is classified as quadriplegic.
Sterner drives a Mini Cooper outfitted with hand controls. On Oct. 25, Tampa police ticketed him, saying he blocked an intersection, court records show. He later was charged with the third-degree felony of fleeing to elude an officer in connection with the same incident.
Deputies arrested Sterner on Jan. 29 on a warrant from Tampa police at his home in Riverview. He posted bail and was freed Feb. 3.
Sterner said he told Marshall-Jones at the jail that he couldn't walk, but she didn't believe him and ordered him to stand.
The video shows Sterner landed on his ribs and then rolled over on his back while his pockets were checked.
Sterner said he thought he had suffered two cracked ribs, but it turned out to be bruising, Trevena said. An X-ray showed no fractures.
"I think these types of things occur fairly routinely, and it's only when you have unequivocal evidence like this that something can happen about it," Trevena said on the "Today" show.
Sterner said the incident isn't about race or a wheelchair.
"Just like Rodney King got beat on the street and I got thrown out of my wheelchair, it happens to people every day," Sterner said. "It's just now there's cameras that catch it."
Trevena said he wants Marshall-Jones charged with felony battery, and for her supervisors to be disciplined and undergo mandatory retraining.
Prosecutors have consulted with sheriff's detectives and are awaiting the completion of the internal affairs investigation before a determination on any charges is made, Hillsborough County Assistant State Attorney Pam Bondi said.
'Outstanding Employee'
Marshall-Jones has been suspended twice before without pay, according to her personnel record.
In 1988, she improperly conducted an inmate head count and was suspended for six days, according to documents. Two years later, she was suspended for one day for failing to complete a fire safety and sanitation inspection.
Her file also contains at least 13 commendation letters praising her service from various residents and other county workers. In November 2003, she and the rest of the booking room staff were named employees of the month.
Her last evaluation was written by Hinson two weeks before the wheelchair incident.
In it, the sergeant notes that Marshall-Jones is an "outstanding employee" who handles inmates well.
Maj. Robert Lucas, who commands the Orient Road Jail, included the following comment in the same review:
"Deputy Marshall-Jones knows her job and does it well. She is a quality employee in every regard."
News Channel 8 reporters Krista Klaus and Mike Vasilinda and Tribune reporter Josh Poltilove contributed to this report. Reporter Mike Wells can be reached at mwells@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7839.
Reader Comments
Posted by ( bdog ) on February 14, 2008 at 1:23 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I see nothing ! Nothing ! What a dickey
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Posted by ( RobKay ) on February 14, 2008 at 1:36 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Brian's being kind. The supervisors should also be charged. They certainly cannot deny being aware of the incident. I'd guess they are aware of many many more. This just happens to be one a reporter caught them at. If this is the way employees of the month and quality employees treat people you can just imagine what goes on there that we never hear about. Don't let the deputy be the scape goat for all the supervisor's short commings. This is not an isolated incident, it is an example of business as usual resulting from poor management.
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Posted by ( NEDLY ) on February 14, 2008 at 5:29 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
A quality employee in every reguard in the eyes of who, the ones that smiled and didn't do anything when did dumped this man out of his wheelchair.
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Posted by ( rlattajr ) on February 14, 2008 at 6:01 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Suspended with pay. That is a vacation. There should be terminations. The deputy who turned the man over, the one who though it was so funny and the one who stood by and watched.
Had the roles somehow been reversed I am sure the civilian would have immediately been tasered and as many charges as possible would have been filed. There would not have been a " let us investigate and review the video response". That man would have been put under the jail and with a ridiculous high bail.
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Posted by ( SKR ) on February 14, 2008 at 6:53 a.m.
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Posted by ( jagaka2 ) on February 14, 2008 at 7:06 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
The arrest of Ms. Jones and resignation of David Gee are taking way too long.
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Posted by ( cuca ) on February 14, 2008 at 7:09 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I know the deputy was wrong throwing him out of the weelchair but he's not saint. Ask the neighbors around about their complaints about his behavior. He was going to jail for a reason not to visit.
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Posted by ( SKR ) on February 14, 2008 at 7:14 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
cuca... it doesn't matter what the neighbors say about him and it doesn't matter why he was brought in... this was totally uncalled for. What I wonder is why they are filling up the jail with traffic violators when I know of several child molesters that have been charged time and time again and they are out walking the streets looking for their next victim. Are we messed up in this country or what?!!!
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Posted by ( jagaka2 ) on February 14, 2008 at 7:27 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
SKR is completely correct. Jails are overcrowded with nonviolent nonthreatening "offenders" (traffic violations) but they release sex offenders and haunt them and violate their civil rights for the rest of their lives. Totally screwed up.
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Posted by ( Garbanzo ) on February 14, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Sheriff quote from CNN article, "this behavior is not indicative of the HSCO". WRONG!! It's one thing that a deputy dumped this poor guy onto the floor but it is QUITE ANOTHER when THREE supervisors just watched it happen and did NOTHING. That lack of reaction on their part shows quite clearly that this behavior was nothing out of the ordinary. SOMETHING IS VERY, VERY WRONG HERE!!
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Posted by ( runner2008 ) on February 14, 2008 at 8:17 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Yes this country is messed up that's obvious! What responsibility does the guy in the wheelchair accept? No the sheriff absolutely did not show any self control, but frankly the disrespect this "victim" showed the police is appauling. He should be brought up on charges as well! Both are to blame here. He should have just been wheeled into a cell and locked up until he cooled off, but I'm sure some right would have been violated there, but atleast he wouldn't have been dumped.
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Posted by ( MyNameIsJob ) on February 14, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Being a "great" employee doesn't constitute a get out of jail free card for something that the common citizen would be charged with immediately.
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Posted by ( scottfwtx ) on February 14, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Why isn't the deputy in jail yet?
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Posted by ( gina1108 ) on February 14, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
runner2008, please explain to me how a paralyzed man showed disrespect to the police.
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Posted by ( NotPlayin ) on February 14, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
For that Deputy to even feel that it was okay to do something like that speaks volume. It just proves that that is the norm for them. Some of them take their authority way too far!!
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Posted by ( njnrj ) on February 14, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I wonder where Jessie and the Rev. Al stand on this one? Oh that's right the prisoner is white and the deputy is the African American so this must be OK by them.
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Posted by ( TheBaptistEvangelist ) on February 14, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Yes, it is obvious that since there was no reaction out of the ordinary from the other deputies who witnessed this, that this is normal behavior. Deputy Jones should be terminated immediately. There is nothing to investigate. The video is CLEAR. There is absolutely no justification for this whatsoever.
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Posted by ( aposadaw ) on February 14, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I agree that this deputy should be fired and then be arrested for battery on a handicap person, but I don't agree with the statement that the entire agency is to blame for a few unethical employees. Punish those involved, but do not blame the men and women that do go out and do a good job protecting our county.
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Posted by ( NotPlayin ) on February 14, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
njnrj, Who cares where Jessie and Rev. Al is! Grow up and move on from the race thing...there are lots more people involved in this story now besides the two of them.
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Posted by ( 6ftunder ) on February 14, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
RODNEY KING IS A CRIMINAL. Stop acting like he's a saint. When he got beaten, it was because he ran from the police and EVERYONE knows never to do that. He also resisted arres. Also, a no-no! And he's had several incidents with the law since. He is not innocent of anything.
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Posted by ( CConrad ) on February 14, 2008 at 8:55 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
This pisses me off! That fat pig of an officer needs to be put in jail, After being dumped on the floor of course. I hope he sues the hell out of the Sheriff's office. He deserves every penny he gets. And for this pathetic officer to say she did nothing wrong plainly shows what an inhumane pig she is. I hope she's reading this. How would you like it if someone you loved was treated like this? Most of those officers have a god complex, and think their above the law. This obviously happens all the time. Time to show them they are NOT above the law. Also, this guy is not a criminal.. even if he was, no one deserves to be treated this way. I hope they hog tie her, and throw her down a flight of stairs, and then sit around and laugh at her. Karma... she'll get hers. Will be interesting to see how this plays out.
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Posted by ( MyNameIsJob ) on February 14, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
6ftunder I agree. A few months ago I read he got shot on a street corner in his neighborhood, most likely black on black crime. I don't know whats worse getting beat by some cops of all races or being a victim of someone attempting I guess you could call it racial genocide.
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Posted by ( mandii_liz ) on February 14, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
What I want to know, if this happened on January 29th, why is he just now seeking "justice"?
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Posted by ( gina1108 ) on February 14, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
mandii_liz, from what i understand he has been trying to get this taken care of but nobody would believe his story. the video just went public so now he gets the attention he deserved weeks ago.
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Posted by ( DonnaStillwell ) on February 14, 2008 at 9:06 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by ( RedRose111 ) on February 14, 2008 at 9:07 a.m.
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Posted by ( notarrogant08 ) on February 14, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
OTHER STATES ISSUE TICKETS, FOR DRIVING ON SUSPENSION,OR EXPIRED TAGS. NOT IN TAMPA.250 BAIL PLUS 200 TO GET YOUR CAR BACK AND A GOOD 10 HOURS OF PROCESSING BEFORE YOUR RELEASED.THEN THEY TAKE 20 BUCKS FROM YOU FOR CONING TO JAIL! FIRE ALL 3 OF THEM!!!!!!!!
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Posted by ( notarrogant08 ) on February 14, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
WHY WAS MY COMMENT REMOVED ITS ALL TRUE
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Posted by ( ATHOUGHT ) on February 14, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
WELL LETS TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT THE ENTIRE SITUATION,NO THE MAN IN THE WHEELCHAIR IS NOT INNOCENT,AND YES THE GUARD IS GUILTY,ALL PERSONS INVOLVED NEED TO BE ?.BUT THIS DOES BRING UP THE FACT AND ISSUES OF WERE ARE ALL THE CONTINOUS REPORTING AND BUIDING BURNING AND NOT TO MENTION HATE CRIME COMPLAINTS HMMMMMMMMMMMMM.
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Posted by ( captjim333 ) on February 14, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Disgusting. Is she in jail yet?
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Posted by ( truthseeker ) on February 14, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
"condemnation without investigation dooms one to everlasting ignorance" Sure it looks bad and deputy was certainly out of line. What about tape of salleyport..did anything happen there? If he got xrayed at facility where are reports? Too many unanswered questions right now. Sheriff should not be final determining voice in this investigation.
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Posted by ( CeliaG ) on February 14, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I agree Redrose. The majority of these officers are like this and it goes unreported. Unfortunately, Hillsborough county is not the only place it happens. It happens all over, everyday. If only the people could see what goes on where there is no cameras. This is disgusting. I'd love to find jones somewhere, where there is NOT a camera. Fire this waste of a human being.
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Posted by ( KM13 ) on February 14, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
LOL at the people who truly think Gee should resign over this. That is rather funny.
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Posted by ( DarthVandall ) on February 14, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
This comment removed by site staff.
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Posted by ( nataS ) on February 14, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Just like punishments are more severe when somebody injures a cop, the punishments for cops who abuse their power should be more severe.
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Posted by ( DarthVandall ) on February 14, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
well
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Posted by ( gina1108 ) on February 14, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Wow, it seems like someone has it against all the regular posters on the site. If you're going to remove all of the posts, you may as well disable posting altogether. I think I might have to go somewhere else to read my news.
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Posted by ( captjim333 ) on February 14, 2008 at 9:48 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by ( specialtimes ) on February 14, 2008 at 9:49 a.m.
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Posted by ( Shadow59 ) on February 14, 2008 at 9:49 a.m.
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Posted by ( captjim333 ) on February 14, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
ok TBO. you let some joker shut you down>
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Posted by ( captjim333 ) on February 14, 2008 at 9:59 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by ( aposadaw ) on February 14, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I really do not see what was wrong with
my last post that was deleted. I do think the deputy should be charged, but HSCO and the Sheriff should not be looked apon as the bad guys. There are many good men and woman that wear the badge that do not act like this deputy.
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Posted by ( aposadaw ) on February 14, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
actually it is felony battery of disabled person
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Posted by ( SKR ) on February 14, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
The media once again trying to control the news and the distort the truth. I had my earlier remark removed, no bad words were in it, because I don't use bad words... once again the truth is being denied.
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Posted by ( subaqueous ) on February 14, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Seems there is no rhyme or reason for deleting posts. Why the arbitrary action TBO?
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Posted by ( captjim333 ) on February 14, 2008 at 10:07 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by ( SKR ) on February 14, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
whoever is deleting all the comments... you win, I am finished. Can't figure out who is controling the tribune. Oh I know you won't post this, but I wanted to send it anyway. Have a Jesus filled day!
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Posted by ( captjim333 ) on February 14, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
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Posted by ( LongGone ) on February 14, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
As this indeed was a sad incident that Mr. Sterner endured, it should have never came to head as it did.
I am truly curious when the tape will come out in reference to the Felony Eluding and Fleeing charge. Did the crime actually dictate him being incarcerated in the first place?
Was there another case of abuse of power with the TPD?
I have close friends who have worked either as road deputies and detention deputies. The major issue I saw once they started their positions, they became power hungry. They wanted everyone around them and in public to know what powers they carry, even off duty.
Maybe general counseling for all employees would make an impact on their personal and professional life to maybe give them a sense of balance again.
There is a great deal of stress that goes with these positions. With your life on the line daily, maybe there is no outlet for employees to release the burdens of their job?
One final thought....
I'm almost sure that it's not in the curriculum on how to verbally and mentally to abuse inmates? Where and when is this being taught and by whom?
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Posted by ( captjim333 ) on February 14, 2008 at 10:15 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by ( Shadow59 ) on February 14, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
My last post was totally harmless and it was still deleted.
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Posted by ( captjim333 ) on February 14, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
LOOKS LIKE SOMEONE IS PLAYING A GAME LIKE THEY DO WITH A VIROUS ON THE COMPUTER.
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Posted by ( KM13 ) on February 14, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
this is annoying... I'm out.
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Posted by ( LongGone ) on February 14, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Let's see....I'm going to post paragraph by paragraph to why my post was deleted.
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Posted by ( LongGone ) on February 14, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
As this indeed was a sad incident that Mr. Sterner endured, it should have never came to head as it did.
I am truly curious when the tape will come out in reference to the Felony Eluding and Fleeing charge. Did the crime actually dictate him being incarcerated in the first place?
Was there another case of abuse of power with the TPD?
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Posted by ( Leena ) on February 14, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Is there as 18 over place I can go to read the comments removed? lol
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Posted by ( LongGone ) on February 14, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I have close friends who have worked either as road deputies and detention deputies. The major issue I saw once they started their positions, they became power hungry. They wanted everyone around them and in public to know what powers they carry, even off duty.
Maybe general counseling for all employees would make an impact on their personal and professional life to maybe give them a sense of balance again.
There is a great deal of stress that goes with these positions. With your life on the line daily, maybe there is no outlet for employees to release the burdens of their job?
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Posted by ( LongGone ) on February 14, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
One final thought....
I'm almost sure that it's not in the curriculum on how to verbally and mentally to abuse inmates? Where and when is this being taught and by whom?
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Posted by ( jagaka2 ) on February 14, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Has TBO begun censoring comments or is there something wrong with my computer!
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Posted by ( alashley ) on February 14, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
The thought police are out infull force today
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Posted by ( ron ) on February 14, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Here is what I do not get. If this video showed the average Joe doing this, he would of been arrested on the spot as the law enforcement does its investigation. So, why did this same procedure not occure here?
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Posted by ( KM13 ) on February 14, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Because you cannot just fire a law enforcement officer... they are protected by the Civil Service. You have to present a case first... and in order to do that, you have to do a full investigation... regardless of how blatently obvious the video looks.
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Posted by ( mbail64 ) on February 14, 2008 at 10:44 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by ( denmar ) on February 14, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I posted a comment yesterday and not 5 seconds later, it was deleted. It contained no profanity or offensive words. There's no way someone read it that fast and posted it for removal. I think the post-deletion is a glitch here, folks.
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Posted by ( ATHOUGHT ) on February 14, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
very well put suiciderisk
all is true
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Posted by ( Brenda ) on February 14, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
No reason for Gee to resign. He has promised to take action and based on the outcome we will all know whether he handles this with honor or otherwise.
Firing of Gee or his resignation is not different than if a nurse purposefully allowed a patient to die when there was no indication he/she was capable...and the hosipital administrator had to take the fall too.
I think it's awful this happened, but the guy in the wheelchair needs to be sure he is not bitter or it will hurt him alot more in the end than the humiliation and bruises he received. The lady cop will have to live with loosing her career over a stupid decision. If her conscious doesn't bother her, nothing we can do for her anyway because the punishment will not chnage her attitude.
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Posted by ( ToeCutter ) on February 14, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
You watch she will get an early retirement and all benefits to get her to resign and this will be swept under the carpet.
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Posted by ( ToeCutter ) on February 14, 2008 at 11:12 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by ( eagle ) on February 14, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
all these removed statements is CRAP!! Let the public state their mind, we are all adults on here...
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Posted by ( eagle ) on February 14, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
ToeCutter, I agree with you, we will hear nothing more about this and the deputy will keep all her benefits, maybe even her job..typical...
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Posted by ( DanPalmer ) on February 14, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
This guy is a troublemaker and a clown! He was poppin' off and got dumped! Big deal...a couple of bruised ribs? How many cops get a couple bruised ribs dealing with scum like this everyday???
Scold the deputy and superiors and get on with life!
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Posted by ( alashley ) on February 14, 2008 at 11:24 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
DanPalmer is definitely a cop.
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Posted by ( DanPalmer ) on February 14, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I love the way the attorney and bloggers say "this happens everyday". If it happened everyday, the tapes are available, show us!!!
When you get arrested, act like a jerk, you get treated like a jerk!
Everyone wants equal treatment until they get equal treatment, then they want special treatment!
No harm, no foul!
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Posted by ( MarleneThompson50 ) on February 14, 2008 at 11:29 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Whatever happened to "freedom of the press or freedom of speach?"
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Posted by ( MarleneThompson50 ) on February 14, 2008 at 11:29 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
oops! Speech......just had my eyes dialated........sorry.
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Posted by ( DanPalmer ) on February 14, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Not a cop, sorry, just a guy with a logical mind that sees through the bull!
I have lots of friends who are cops and have had a few friends lose their lives on the job.
I have a suggestion...YOU go and do that job a while!
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Posted by ( Aquaholic ) on February 14, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Maj. Robert Lucas says "she's a quality employee in every regard" How can you call her "quality" after watching the video, Major must be high quality too!
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Posted by ( JulieAnn81 ) on February 14, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I don't understand where people are getting that this was racially motivated. I've seen "if this were a black person dumped out of a wheelchair by a white person Al and Jesse would be all over it" Well you are right about that but Al and Jesse make those situations into racially motivated situations.
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Posted by ( JulieAnn81 ) on February 14, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
BTW, just because a cop has a rough job and has seen things that may have disturbed him or her does not give them the right to treat people this way. They chose that job. What a "good" example you are making of yourself when you treat someone like this woman treated Brian Sterner.
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Posted by ( alashley ) on February 14, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Oh do tell us DanPalmer, what could this disabled man do that would warrant such treatment at the hands of his jailers?
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Posted by ( DanPalmer ) on February 14, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
The sheep are bleating...
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Posted by ( alashley ) on February 14, 2008 at 11:47 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by ( DoodleBugg ) on February 14, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I think (DanPalmer) has a little crush on a certain "Quadriplegic Abuser" ...
It is Valentines Day....and what better way to show your love...."Standing" (see story) behind his widdle schnookums
in her time of need.....
You better get ready to stand in line to put put money in her canteen account at the State Pen.......
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Posted by ( DoodleBugg ) on February 14, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
THAT'S RIGHT!!..............
I SAID PUT TWICE...
CAUSE I MEANT IT!!!!
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Posted by ( cwasher ) on February 14, 2008 at 11:54 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Where are the stories and investigations about the incidents that aren't caught on tape. When it is their word versus yours, they still believe the cops word. I tried to become a police officer and due to Florida's Standards for police work I am ineligible. But... they let these morons have and keep their jobs. All police agencies are corrupt and only care about their funding.
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Posted by ( bigpete ) on February 14, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Dan they took the job and are trained. What crap or bs are you seeing through when someone dumps a quad on the floor. Oh her life was at risk???? I also have friends who are cops and none of them think well of what happened to this guy. Come on Dan are you for real??? This is just one thing that got out to the public, and I am sure more happens than we even can imagine. This guy was in a wheelchair and got DUMPED!!! ARE YOU BLIND!!!!!!
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Posted by ( ATHOUGHT ) on February 14, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
julieann81,there must be somthing to it then,but on the other hand results are made by those who stick together
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Posted by ( eagle ) on February 14, 2008 at 12:02 p.m.
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Posted by ( alashley ) on February 14, 2008 at 12:08 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
After watching the video one has to come away with the feeling that this is business as usual in the booking department. While it might be a broad stroke to say this is charachteristic of all law enforcement, the video does indicate a systemic problem regarding the rights and dignity of citizens. Half a dozen officers act as though nothing is out of the ordinary here. For God's sake there is a disabled man on the floor having his pockets rifled through. Either this shows a culture of intimidation in the booking department, or they have developed a fool proof way of determining whether a person is able to stand.
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Posted by ( alashley ) on February 14, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Honestly, if you take away the uniforms it looks like a mugging. This is barbaric. I am still waiting for DanPalmer to paint the scenario that makes everyone suddenly say "Oh he deserves to be treated in this manner."
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Posted by ( KM13 ) on February 14, 2008 at 12:14 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
OK- I ABSOLUTELY agree that the dumping was wrong...
BUT... it is standard procedure to put a person who is in a wheelchair on the floor to search them. I'm positive that they are taught to do it much more gently... but the fact is that you cannot properly search somebody if they are sitting down and the deputies obviously aren't going to hold the guy up.
SO- while I do know that some of the deputies watched this woman DUMP the guy... maybe some of the ones who are walking into the screen while he was already on the ground didn't see that part. Maybe they just saw him being searched and thought it was business as usual...
Just trying to throw out a different perspective...
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Posted by ( frishbb ) on February 14, 2008 at 12:14 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
It is the fault of Hillsborough community college for having a sub-standard training academy for corrections and police. None of the directors or deans have ANY CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION OR EXPERIENCE!!!!
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Posted by ( DennyPCrane ) on February 14, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
RedRose111, you are not telling the whole story. People do not get locked up for 30 days for a first time DUI. The standard sentence is probation, a license suspension, a fine and some community service work. This is a policy of all the traffic courts in Hills. County. All you do is sign a form and you are on your way.
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Posted by ( DennyPCrane ) on February 14, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
frishbb all of the law enforcement courses and firefighter courses are taught by current or retired police officers, lawyers and firefighters. This occurrance is the fault of one person and that person is the deputy who dumped the man out of the chair. She and she only is at fault. You cannot condenm a whole system or department for the actions of one individual. Remember, it is not the badge that did this it is the person behind it.
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Posted by ( frishbb ) on February 14, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
bigpete said--- " they took the job and are trained". ... That's the problem...... They are NOT trained if they went through HILLSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE'S CORRECTIONS ACADEMY!!!!! Their so called Criminal Justice Institute is a joke lead by a person who never worked in corrections or police!!!!
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Posted by ( alashley ) on February 14, 2008 at 12:32 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
KM13
Good point. However, there are 3 officers standing close enough that they couldn't possibly miss this. To me that shows an utter disregard for this mans basic human rights on the part of all 4 of them. They didn't bat an eye.
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Posted by ( Aquaholic ) on February 14, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Why wouldn't they have already arrested her? Was the video not enough evidence, it's enough to make me want to kick the crap out her myself!!
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Posted by ( alashley ) on February 14, 2008 at 12:37 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Auqaholic you'd better get in line, there is no shortage of like minded people out there. There are some though that insist she is really a very nice woman. Don't know where they got that idea, but I am not buying it.
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Posted by ( KM13 ) on February 14, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
frishbb-
While the HCSO academy is held at HCC, it is not the same as the regular HCC police academy. In order to be hired by HCSO, you HAVE to go through their academy...
And I have to ask... do you personally know ALL of the instructors in the academy well enough to know that NONE of them have ANY Criminal Justice Education or Experience?? Thats a pretty sure statement you are making... you might want to be sure of your facts before you say stuff.
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Posted by ( frishbb ) on February 14, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Yes ALASHLEY yes.... And hence my point about poor, inadequate AND substandard training at the CRIMINAL JUSTICE INSTITUTE AT HILLSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE YBOR CITY CAMPUS.
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Posted by ( KM13 ) on February 14, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
you are absolutely right... the pay as you go training is a joke. thanks!
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Posted by ( hassle64 ) on February 14, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
This is just a mess!!! She needs to be fired!!!! No EXCUSE for what she did!!!!
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Posted by ( JasonRye ) on February 14, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
This is for DanPalmer... a quad is not able to break their fall. I cared for a quad, and he fell backwards IN his wheelchair and broke his neck. What was done to his guy was, essentially, attempted murder. He could have easily died. THAT's why it's a big deal.
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Posted by ( SKR ) on February 14, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
tbo just sent me an email to say they are having problems and are trying to restore all the accidently deleted comments.
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Posted by ( alashley ) on February 14, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Me too! Good for them.
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Posted by ( frishbb ) on February 14, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
km13- I stated that the DIRECTOR and DEAN do not have any criminal justice experience. THEY decide who teaches in the academy. AND BY THE WAY. ARE YOU AWARE THAT THE HCSO WILL NO LONGER HIRE ANYONE WHO COMPLETES THE HCC ACADEMY??
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Posted by ( KM13 ) on February 14, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
yes- if you read my post, you'd see that I already established that.
"While the HCSO academy is held at HCC, it is not the same as the regular HCC police academy. In order to be hired by HCSO, you HAVE to go through their academy..."
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Posted by ( SKR ) on February 14, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
tbo, please excuse those of us that thought you were deliberately deleting our comments. As for myself, all I can say is, I have seen it happen far too many times when the voice of those asking for justice is silenced. So, with that said, thank you for giving us this opportunity to share our outrage over this incident. Glad I checked back in.
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Posted by ( alashley ) on February 14, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Well said SKR.
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Posted by ( jnabna ) on February 14, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
suiciderisk...i hear you...you don't have to keep repeating yourself...over and over and over and over. you've been saying the same things, almost verbatim, on every related thread for three days. i understand your frustration and outrage...but geeze...maybe you need a hobby away from the keyboard?
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Posted by ( mamac ) on February 14, 2008 at 1:39 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Deputy should be charged with a hate crime - and the fact that she has been disciplined in the past says it all - she would be the first to scream racism if it happened to her - however, Sterner commenting that "somebody else that leads this country could get involved" shows his level of intelligence .. or rather lack of. he ain't no clean peach himself.
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Posted by ( frishbb ) on February 14, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Ok . We agree that Hillsborough Community Colleges Criminal Justice Institute is deplorable. I cannot blame the Sheriffs office from wanting to distance itself from the MESS that is HILLSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGES CRIMINAL JUSTICE INSTITUTE.
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Posted by ( alashley ) on February 14, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
SuicideRisk
You forgot that she is also such a nice woman.
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Posted by ( alashley ) on February 14, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
She doesn't think she has done anything wrong because her and her co-workers act like this all the time.
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Posted by ( alashley ) on February 14, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
SuicideRisk
I still think we should riot and burn our communities to the ground. Seems like the only sensible thing to do.
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Posted by ( r38687l2s2 ) on February 14, 2008 at 2:58 p.m.
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Posted by ( SKR ) on February 14, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I just came back in from my daily walk and I heard on my head-set that the Atty Gen is going to have Civil Violation charges brought against this woman. They also said this has the full support of the Tampa Sherriff's office.
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Posted by ( bayinlcfl ) on February 14, 2008 at 3:47 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I would sue cause this is now discrimation. battery on a handicapped person. not only should this person go to jail but also have 2 pay money.
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Posted by ( SKR ) on February 14, 2008 at 4 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Does anyone know what the penalty is if convicted of violating someone's Civil Rights?
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Posted by ( TheWhiskeyDiaries ) on February 14, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
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Posted by ( nykrfan ) on February 14, 2008 at 4:41 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
why does this criminal (who was definitely treated poorly and improperly) need to have his say on T.V. and expect this to go all the way up to C Crist? Just because it was with a cop? If it were you or me--we'd never get this much attention. Seems the scum always survive better than the rest
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Posted by ( sherri77 ) on February 14, 2008 at 5:01 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Does anyone find it odd that Gee apologized but Jones hasn't???
What's taking so long for some action on this situation????
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Posted by ( Vulcanized ) on February 14, 2008 at 5:07 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
"Can't we all just get along?"
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Posted by ( SKR ) on February 14, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
sherri77, the woman doesn't think she did anything wrong. That tells me she is a danger to anyone and everyone!
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Posted by ( foxytales ) on February 14, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
nykrfan,
Did you not read the article or listen to the news? This man was in jail for a TRAFFIC violation. Further, the fact that he was horribly abused by a sheriff while IN CUSTODY and unable to defend himself, or, for that matter cause trouble to said sheriff--what was he gonna do, run his mouth until her ears fall off? He only has minimal use of his hands, after all-- and you say he doesn't deserve to be heard? Ok, let's put you family member in his chair--they go to jail for some dumb charge, yes it happens, and then the sheriff who "had a bad day" decides that the "prisoner" does