4 Houston Police Officers In Video Beating Case Will Be Tried In Houston Against Attorney Objections

Houston, Texas

A Houston judge has decided the trials of four Houston police officers caught on videotape beating a suspect in custody will be held in Houston. This decision comes following objections from the attorneys for the officers, claiming the videotape makes it impossible for the officers to receive a fair trial. The first trial is scheduled for April.

The videotape shows Houston police officers beating, kicking and stomping then 15-year-old Chad Holley in March of last year. Four officers were fired for the incident and indicted for official oppression, a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of a year in jail.

The judge also noted that he had not heard testimony from any prospective juror that they could not be fair after seeing the video that saturated Houston media outlets when released by Quanell X in February.

"There are explanations for the officers' actions," attorney Dick DeGuerin said. "But those explanations fall by the wayside after watching those videos."

DeGuerin represents former HPD officer Andrew Blomberg, who was captured on the video for several seconds before assisting in another arrest. Blomberg is scheduled to be the first defendant to face trial. Trials are pending for Phil Bryan,Raad Hassan and Drew Ryser. Bryan and Hassan also were charged with violation of the civil rights of a prisoner, also a misdemeanor

Jasper Police Officer Allegedly Responsible for 28% of Department’s Use of Force Incidents Fired Over 2 Excessive Force Incidents This Month

Jasper, Texas

On Wednesday, KJAS News reported on the termination of Sergeant Gary Pullen from the Jasper Police Department. Pullen said Chief Rodney Pearson told him that his dismissal was due to a use of force situation on August 4th, but he believed that it was actually in retaliation for his racial discrimination complaint filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

On Friday, the Jasper Police Department issued a press release that detailed the reason behind Pullen's termination. The release also detailed the termination of a 911 dispatcher on the same day.

The press release was not sent to KJAS News, but it was sent to The Jasper Newsboy. The Newsboy has shared the press release with KJAS.

This is the press release:

On August 18, 2011 the Jasper Police Department elected to terminate Patrol Sergeant Gary Pullen, which occurred after examination of two uses of force incidents. One on August 4, 2011 and the other August 12, 2011. After investigation of both incidents it was determined that Sgt. Pullen used excessive/unnecessary force on arrested/detained subjects. One individual was laying face down with handcuffs behind him and pepper spray was applied because of verbal provocation. Another individual was attempting to swallow some narcotics and a flashlight was used like a prying tool to attempt to open the subject's mouth with resulted in injury. Several prior disciplinary incidents have occurred with Sgt. Pullen; one resulted in a one day suspension without pay and another with a three day suspension without pay. After examination of the prior use of force incidents it was discovered that Sgt. Pullen was involved in 28% of all use of force incidents in the departments last four years, which showed Sgt. Pullen on average involved in over five a year when the remainder of officers averaged less than one a year.

Over use of force by police officers is unacceptable behavior for the sworn oath of protecting and serving the citizens of our communities, state, and country.

Also on the same date, August 17, 2011, Jasper Police Department elected to terminate dispatcher Trisha Payne. This occurred after investigating the disappearance of files and cash for individuals who had been placed in jail paid their fines and were released during weekends and at night. The files were recovered but over $1,700 cash was taken. Prosecution of the ex-dispatcher will be forthcoming. Jasper Police Department will not tolerate such actions.

Former Harris County Deputy and His Wife Going to Prison for Bribery

George Wesley Ellington

A former Harris County sheriff's deputy has been sentenced Thursday to five years in federal prison for twice accepting $500 from an alleged drug dealer in exchange for protection and access to confidential information.

George Wesley Ellington, 39, pleaded guilty in April to extortion under color of official right, which occurs when a government employee uses his or her position to obtain payment from a victim.

Ellington's wife, Tania Katrisse Ellington, 31, was sentenced to a year and one day in federal prison for knowingly concealing her husband's criminal activities.

Both prison terms will be without the possibility of parole and will be followed by periods of supervised release, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas.

The sentences were the culmination of a joint investigation by the FBI and the Harris County Sheriff's Office, which found that George Ellington used his position to provide access to law enforcement computer records to a man he knew was dealing the drug Ecstasy.

He also provided security to the alleged dealer.

Houston Police Officer Fired for Hitting Detained Suspect on Tape

Houston, Texas

An update to a story involving a Houston Police Officer, Angela Horton, who was caught on tape punching a detained suspect. She has been terminated.

The Houston Police Department has given an officer her walking papers after she was seen taking a swing at a handcuffed suspect.

HPD Chief Charles McLelland announced Officer Angela Horton’s termination at a media briefing Thursday afternoon.
Horton was one of several officers attempting to end a high-speed chase back in July.

When the suspect was arrested, KTRK-13’s news helicopter caught images of Horton hitting the handcuffed man.

Hamlin Police Officer Terminated For Using Electronic Weapon on Friend Taken Into Custody

Hamlin, Texas

A Hamlin police officer, who was recently terminated after using his electronic weapon on a friend, was taken into custody by the Jones County Sheriff's Office Friday.

Officer Josh Coffee used an electronic weapon (taser) on a friend. Hamlin Police Chief Ray Mosley terminated Coffee, who then filed for a grievance panel to look into why he was terminated.

At the moment, officials with the Jones County Sheriff's Office are not providing any information on the reasoning behind taking the officer into custody or any charges that may be filed.

Police Officer in Laredo Sentenced to Prison for Helping Drug Trafficker Protect and Move Cocaine Shipment

Laredo, Texas

A federal judge sentenced a Laredo police officer to 6½ years in prison for helping a trafficker move and safeguard cocaine.

34-year-old Pedro Martinez III was sentenced by Judge George Kazen on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

Martinez had pleaded guilty to putting Guillermo Villarreal in touch with someone with a house where he could store cocaine. Villarreal is awaiting sentencing. Martinez also conspired with former Laredo police Officer Orlando Jesus Hale to ensure the safe passage of drug loads through the city in exchange for money. Hale was sentenced in April in a related case.

San Diego Police Officer Arrested for Aggravated Assault With a Deadly Weapon

San Diego, Texas

San Diego (Texas) reserve officer Randall Gipprich was arrested Tuesday night and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to officials.

Police said Gipprich’s ex-wife supposedly went to his residence in Benavides to pick up a vehicle he had borrowed. When his ex-wife confronted Gipprich, the two began to argue. At some point Gipprich allegedly drew his firearm stating “I’m going to kill you,” officials said.