HEADLINE: Veteran Police Dept. employee charged with embezzling evidence

A long-time civilian worker with the Norfolk Police Department is under arrest-- charged with embezzlement. Lynwood Munson was charged late last week. Police say the 19-year police force worker was stealing confiscated items from the evidence collection room. Norfolk PD Lynwood Munson, Jr.

According to a Norfolk Police Department incident report obtained by 13News, on the morning of June 12th, more than $2400 went missing from the Police Department evidence room. Late last week, 43-year-old Lynwood Munson, Jr., a civilian employee of the department, was charged with five counts of embezzlement, four of which are felonies.

Police say Munson had been with the department nearly 20 years, and was an operations officer. As part of his job, he oversaw evidence, everything from drugs and personal property to cash.

According to the incident report, investigators say Munson stole five envelopes of cash ranging from $144 to $1100. The total amount missing is $2428.80. According to sources within the department, Munson was well liked.  He worked the front desk at Police Operation for years before being promoted to Operations Officer, dealing with property and evidence.

In fact, Munson had just been promoted again before charges were filed. News of this arrest has shocked those who worked with Munson.   He resigned from his job after being arrested. Thursday, 13 News went to Munson's Virginia Beach home. He did not answer the door or our repeated calls for comment. Munson is out of jail on $25,000 bond. He is scheduled to be back in court next week.

HEADLINE: La Salle's new sheriff trying to rebuild confidence

COTULLA -- With the specter of impropriety hanging over it -- in the form of an investigation into how drugs were stolen from an evidence room -- the La Salle County Sheriff's Office has a new boss and new regulations in an effort to rebuild the community's trust. County commissioners appointed Victor Villarreal as sheriff on Oct. 1, and on his first day he implemented a long list of new policies and procedures for the department.  Everything from discipline to sexual harassment to grooming was addressed, Villarreal said.  "Everything has to be clear," he said. "We want integrity first. We can't even have the appearance of having anything wrong. "That strict view is part of the fallout from the missing drugs fiasco that shook this rural South Texas county. 

The district attorney's office is investigating the disappearance of two packages of cocaine from the evidence room that was under the watch of former Sheriff Robbie Thomas. Thomas discovered in February that drugs were missing, but didn't tell commissioners until June. The investigation followed, and a grand jury is still hearing testimony in the case. Under pressure, Thomas retired his badge in September. The incident appears to have severed trust between the community and the Sheriff's Department. One deputy was even berated by a speeder he pulled over, Villarreal said. The annoyed motorist asked the deputy why he was stopping people if the department couldn't police itself. "It's very important for the public to trust us again, and that's happening little by little," Villarreal said. Four veteran deputies who left the Sheriff's Department years ago returned when Villarreal took over, filling the gap left by deputies who resigned in the wake of the scandal. The changes at the department may also repair some broken bonds with other law enforcement elements. 

Assistant District Attorney Leslie Carranza said she was forced to dismiss at least 10 drug cases that were initiated under Thomas and some of his deputies. "There were some serious credibility issues with those individuals, and I would not feel comfortable putting them on the stand and advocating for them as my witnesses," she said. Still, the former sheriff retains some popularity. "I think you got about a 50-50 split in Cotulla between those who had lost faith in the Sheriff's Department and those who are still complete backers of Robbie," County Commissioner Chris Hinojosa III said. The grand jury has been hearing evidence on the missing drugs since late summer, and could act as soon as next Monday, Carranza said. Villarreal has 14 years of law enforcement experience and served as a justice of the peace, assistant sheriff and chief jailer. Regardless of the investigation's outcome, public perception of his department is improving, he said. "It's not the same business as usual. The deputies have noticed a difference," Villarreal said.

mcastillo@express-news.net

HEADLINE: Officer resigns, probe under way

GALION -- A Galion police lieutenant has re-signed and an internal investigation is underway. Galion Police Chief Brian Saterfield confirmed that Police Lt. Andy Foss submitted his resignation Wednesday afternoon.   "All I can say is that there is an ongoing investigation," Saterfield said. He would neither confirm nor deny questions regarding alleged missing evidence from the department's property room.  Foss had been with the department for 10 years.

City Manager Dave Oles said the chief notified him that Foss had resigned and an investigation would follow, but had no other information.

HEADLINE: Cop charged with stealing $11K

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I was floored and heartbroken.  FREELAND - Mayor Tim Martin hoped to see officer Bryan Sullivan climb up the ranks of the borough police force.  Sullivan had been the department's officer-in-charge for a while, thanks to the endorsement he got from the mayor. And Martin had Sullivan lined up to attend a supervisor's class with the intention of pushing Sullivan up to the rank of sergeant, lieutenant, and eventually, chief.

Not anymore.  Sullivan resigned from the force Wednesday after state police at Hazleton said he stole more than $11,000 in drug money from the evidence room of the borough's police department.  Sullivan, 31, of Drifton, was arraigned Thursday before District Judge Gerald Feissner on charges of theft, receiving stolen property, tampering with evidence, and obstructing administration of law. He was released on bail. A preliminary hearing is set for Nov. 16.  Martin said he didn't learn of the theft until Wednesday.  'I was floored and heartbroken,' said Martin, who claimed he became friends with Sullivan over the years. 'I think it went into anger now.'

According to arrest papers:  State police were contacted in September by the Collier County Sheriff's Office in Naples, Fla. Sullivan had applied for a job with the department, and during an interview, admitted to stealing $1,500 from an impounded vehicle while he was on duty.  State Police Sgt. Brian Tobin reviewed all search warrants filed at Feissner's office, which covers Freeland police.  He came across a warrant with Sullivan as the arresting officer issued March 10. The warrant stemmed from a traffic stop in which officers seized thousands of dollars and marijuana.  Tobin interviewed Sullivan about the seizure. Sullivan said he put the seized money into the department's evidence room and, over several months, occasionally took $100 or $200.

Sullivan said he took a total of $2,000, but state police said more than $11,000 was missing.  They searched Freeland's evidence room for the rest of the cash. It could not be found.  State police and Sullivan approached Martin Wednesday. He said Sullivan resigned, apologized, and burst into tears. Gambling might have had a role in the theft, the mayor said.  Martin said borough officials will have an emergency meeting at 5:30 p.m. today at the ambulance building to accept Sullivan's resignation and 'see what direction we go' with the police department.

Until then, Butler Township police will cover Freeland, Martin said. Sullivan had worked for the department since September 2001. Martin wants to reassure the community that all the money donated to the police association for its harvest dance is safe.  Martin said he appreciates the donations and will ensure that money is 'spent how it is supposed to be spent.'

HEADLINE: Westport police officer arrested

WESTPORT - For the second time in three days, a local police department arrested one of its officers for alleged misconduct on the job.

Westport police yesterday arrested Detective Walter Broadhurst, 37, of 25 Sunnyside Drive, Shelton, for allegedly entering a home without permission, lying about the incident and stealing cash from a co-worker's purse.

While interviewing Broadhurst after the purse theft, police say they caught him with a key that previously had opened the department's evidence and property room, where about $17,000 and an undisclosed quantity of drugs were found to have been stolen in July. Chief Alfred Fiore said Broadhurst was not issued the key nor was he authorized to have it.

"Today's a very sad day for the Westport Police Department," Fiore said yesterday during a news conference with First Selectman Gordon Joseloff at department headquarters.

But, Fiore expressed pride in the rest of his officers and said the department will survive the incident. "There are 69 fine other individuals who exemplify exactly what a police officer should be," the chief said.

Broadhurst's attorney could not be reached for comment yesterday. Broadhurst was arrested two days after Norwalk police charged one of its officers, Ray DeCamillo, with inappropriately touching a female motorist during a July traffic stop. Yesterday's arrest stems from incidents that police say occurred last week.

State police are investigating the disappearance of the drugs and money from the evidence room at the request of the Westport Police Department.  State police Sgt. Michael DeCesare of the Western District Major Crime Squad yesterday confirmed the unit is conducting a probe at the Westport Police Department but would not comment further.

Broadhurst, who joined the department in 1999 and became a detective two years ago, was suspended with pay Nov. 7, Fiore said. He said that at the close of business yesterday, Broadhurst would be suspended without pay pending the termination process.

Fiore said Broadhurst was seen Nov. 6 in a Westport house he was not authorized to enter. He has no connection to the home, which he entered unbeknownst to anyone at the police department, the chief said. Broadhurst subsequently filed a falsified police report stating he was not in the house, Fiore said.

On Nov. 7, Broadhurst was caught on video camera taking $20 from another detective's purse while she was out of the room, according to a department statement. Broadhurst was interviewed by Westport police and allegedly tried to dispose of the $20 bill.

During the interview, police found the old evidence room key in Broadhurst's possession, according to the statement. Fiore said "there was no indication that there was this type of problem" with Broadhurst in the past.

Broadhurst was charged with tampering with evidence, second-degree forgery, second-degree criminal trespass and two counts of sixth-degree larceny. He was released on $10,000 bond. Fiore said the mood at the department yesterday was somber. "Everyone's sad," he said. "But they've all pulled together, and they know this is the right thing."

HEADLINE: Westport police officer arrested

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WESTPORT - For the second time in three days, a local police department arrested one of its officers for alleged misconduct on the job.  Westport police yesterday arrested Detective Walter Broadhurst, 37, of 25 Sunnyside Drive, Shelton, for allegedly entering a home without permission, lying about the incident and stealing cash from a co-worker's purse.

While interviewing Broadhurst after the purse theft, police say they caught him with a key that previously had opened the department's evidence and property room, where about $17,000 and an undisclosed quantity of drugs were found to have been stolen in July. Chief Alfred Fiore said Broadhurst was not issued the key nor was he authorized to have it. "Today's a very sad day for the Westport Police Department," Fiore said yesterday during a news conference with First Selectman Gordon Joseloff at department headquarters.

But, Fiore expressed pride in the rest of his officers and said the department will survive the incident. "There are 69 fine other individuals who exemplify exactly what a police officer should be," the chief said.  Broadhurst's attorney could not be reached for comment yesterday.  Broadhurst was arrested two days after Norwalk police charged one of its officers, Ray DeCamillo, with inappropriately touching a female motorist during a July traffic stop.  Yesterday's arrest stems from incidents that police say occurred last week.

State police are investigating the disappearance of the drugs and money from the evidence room at the request of the Westport Police Department.  State police Sgt. Michael DeCesare of the Western District Major Crime Squad yesterday confirmed the unit is conducting a probe at the Westport Police Department but would not comment further.  Broadhurst, who joined the department in 1999 and became a detective two years ago, was suspended with pay Nov. 7, Fiore said. He said that at the close of business yesterday, Broadhurst would be suspended without pay pending the termination process.

Fiore said Broadhurst was seen Nov. 6 in a Westport house he was not authorized to enter. He has no connection to the home, which he entered unbeknownst to anyone at the police department, the chief said.  Broadhurst subsequently filed a falsified police report stating he was not in the house, Fiore said.  On Nov. 7, Broadhurst was caught on video camera taking $20 from another detective's purse while she was out of the room, according to a department statement. Broadhurst was interviewed by Westport police and allegedly tried to dispose of the $20 bill.

During the interview, police found the old evidence room key in Broadhurst's possession, according to the statement. Fiore said "there was no indication that there was this type of problem" with Broadhurst in the past.  Broadhurst was charged with tampering with evidence, second-degree forgery, second-degree criminal trespass and two counts of sixth-degree larceny. He was released on $10,000 bond.  Fiore said the mood at the department yesterday was somber.  "Everyone's sad," he said. "But they've all pulled together, and they know this is the right thing."

HEADLINE: Judge sends ex-I.F. prosecutor to prison

Judge sends ex-I.F. prosecutor to prison for one to five years Kimball Mason won't get probation because he lied about destroying stolen weapons.

Kimball Mason, his wife and attorney listed several reasons Tuesday why the former city prosecutor shouldn't spend any more time behind bars for stealing guns from the Idaho Falls Police Department's evidence room.

• He could provide for his cash-strapped family.

• He learned his lesson and would never commit another crime.

• Incarcerating him further would lead to more threats from fellow inmates. But Senior District Judge William Woodland wasn't swayed.

But three days after his May 30 sentencing, IFPD detectives raided Mason's home and discovered at least nine guns that Mason told Mike Dillon, the attorney general's chief investigator, he had destroyed. This action prompted Rosenthal to file 13 new felonies against Mason - six for grand theft of guns and seven for forgery related to judges' signatures Mason allegedly replicated on court documents. Woodland revisited the original sentence Tuesday because back in May, he ""retained jurisdiction"" and allowed Mason to serve no more than six months at the minimum-security North Idaho Correctional Institution at Cottonwood.

Almost 90 percent of offenders sent to Cottonwood are released on probation once they complete those six months, according to the Idaho Department of corrections. But in Mason's case, the judge said prison time was warranted because the former attorney lied to state investigators. Woodland said he thought a maximum of five years was appropriate when he originally sentenced Mason, and the one-year minimum was "certainly on the lenient side." Woodland issued his ruling to a packed courtroom after listening to hours of testimony. Jim Archibald, Mason's attorney, argued that his client should be granted probation because he has paid $8,400 in restitution to the city for the guns, his law license has been revoked and his conduct did not cause physical harm to anyone. Mason himself took the stand and talked about how his life has been threatened several times since he's been incarcerated at the Bonneville County Jail, where he resides currently, and during his stint at Cottonwood. He cried when Woodland asked him whether he had any employment prospects if he were to be released and said a childhood friend had offered him a job doing construction.

Mason's wife, Chris, also testified that her husband's release would help the family get back on its feet so they wouldn't have to rely on family and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to pay their bills. When it was Rosenthal's turn to tell Woodland why Mason should go to prison, however, the prosecutor pulled no punches. He said it was highly likely that Mason would commit another crime, adding several times that he believed Mason was arrogant and once referred to him as a sociopath. He said the financial troubles Mason's family is facing aren't unique. "I would suggest that Mr. Mason's family is in no different position than hundreds of thousands of others in this state," he said. "Their loved ones put them in that position." Rosenthal also pointed out that just a few weeks prior to Mason's May 30 sentencing, he was seen hiding some of the stolen guns at his friend John Stosich's house in Idaho Falls. "I would suggest the family was aware of these guns going in and out of the house," he said. Afterward, Mason got to see his family members before being taken back to the Bonneville County Jail, where he will likely stay for now. Though Woodland ordered him to serve hard time, a Department of Corrections spokeswoman said it would be easier to keep Mason here because the state's prisons are overcrowded and there are more charges pending against him.

Cops and Courts reporter Phil Davidson can be reached at 542-6750.

Other developments besides ordering Kimball Mason to serve prison time, Senior District Judge William Woodland also made some other significant rulings in the cases against the former Idaho Falls prosecutor. They were:

• He denied a request by Mason's attorney, Jim Archibald, that 13 new felony charges filed against his client in September be dismissed. He also denied Archibald's request that his client be able to withdraw his guilty pleas for the original three felonies he was sentenced on in May.

 
• He granted Archibald's motion to move Mason's upcoming trial on the new charges to Pocatello. Woodland said it would be hard to find an unbiased jury in Bonneville County, It's scheduled to begin in February.

 
• Though he wouldn't allow Mason to withdraw his original guilty plea Tuesday, Woodland said he would consider it at a later date if Mason was acquitted of the new 13 charges. 

December 2005 The state's investigation goes public. Idaho Falls Mayor Linda Milam places Mason on administrative leave without pay. Mason resigns as city prosecutor the next month. 

March 20, 2006 As part of a plea agreement, state prosecutors file three felony charges against Mason (instead of the 19 they were prepared to file) for stealing guns from the IFPD's evidence room. In exchange, Mason agrees to come clean about 51 missing guns.

April 19Mason pleads guilty to two counts of grand theft and one count of falsifying a public document.

May 30 Mason is sentenced to one to five years in prison. Judge William H. Woodland ""retains jurisdiction"" and allows Mason to serve six months in a minimum-security prison.

June 2 Police raid Mason's home and find 37 guns, nine of which Mason stole and swore he had destroyed. Prosecutors launch a second investigation.

Sept. 6 State prosecutors file 13 new felony charges against Mason, seven for grand theft and six for forgery. They also ask Woodland to order Mason to serve the remainder of his maximum five-year sentence.

Oct. 11 Mason pleads not guilty to the 13 additional felony charges.

Oct. 26 Mason's attorney, Jim Archibald, asks Woodland to enforce the original plea deal, which he says barred the state from pursuing new charges, or let his client plead not guilty to the original charges.

Nov. 8 State prosecutors file a counter-argument, saying Mason was not protected from additional charges because he lied to investigators about the whereabouts of some of the guns.

Nov. 21 Woodland relinquishes his jurisdiction over Mason's original case and orders him to serve his one-to-five-year prison sentence. Woodland also denies Archibald's motion to permit his client to withdraw his guilty pleas in the original case and allows the new charges to move forward.

HEADLINE: Evidence room is a mess

How embarrassing it was to read in The New York Times the latest gaffe by our city's leaders. This time, on display for the world to see, our pathetic, totally out of control Orleans Parish evidence room. Evidence, mainly drugs, was lost because it wasn't stored properly in Ziploc bags. (Even criminals know you store cocaine, heroin, needles and crack in plastic bags!) Then, we hired workers who spoke little English to straighten out the mess. I laughed to keep from crying. Warren Spears, the clerk in charge of the evidence room, does nothing to dispel our incompetence. He's portrayed as someone not capable of managing a hot dog stand, yet there he is, the linchpin of our criminal justice system compounding the problem worse than Katrina could ever on her own. Thanks to all involved for the downfall of another institution. R. James Smith New Orleans