Monthly Archives: September 2013

Masked DEA Agents Raid Innocent Women, Refuse To Reveal Identities

"According to the Burleys' accounts, the officers who raided their home were clad in black. Some wore balaclava masks or face shields that hid all but their eyes. Others pulled their hats down low to shield their identities. They had also obscured their names and badge numbers. Once the Burleys' house had been thoroughly searched, both women asked the officers for their names. After holding an impromptu meeting, the officers told the Burleys that they wouldn't divulge any information that could identify them individually. Instead, they told the women that they had just been raided by 'Team 11.' The women weren't given a search warrant." Continue reading →

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Man shot, paralyzed by police after traffic stop mis-identification

"A police affidavit filed in the criminal case against Mr. Ford accused him of refusing to get out of the car, then putting the car in drive as two officers tried to pull him out and as Officer Derbish entered from the passenger's side. In the affidavit, police also accused Mr. Ford of trying to push Officer Derbish out of the car while it was moving rapidly. Police wrote that that's why Officer Derbish shot Mr. Ford. Officer Derbish shot Mr. Ford four times, according to the complaint, shattering one lower back vertebra and damaging two others, and injuring his thigh and chest. He has no feeling below the waist and isn't expected to regain the ability to walk, according to Mr. Rabner." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingMan shot, paralyzed by police after traffic stop mis-identification

Man shot, paralyzed by police after traffic stop mis-identification

"A police affidavit filed in the criminal case against Mr. Ford accused him of refusing to get out of the car, then putting the car in drive as two officers tried to pull him out and as Officer Derbish entered from the passenger's side. In the affidavit, police also accused Mr. Ford of trying to push Officer Derbish out of the car while it was moving rapidly. Police wrote that that's why Officer Derbish shot Mr. Ford. Officer Derbish shot Mr. Ford four times, according to the complaint, shattering one lower back vertebra and damaging two others, and injuring his thigh and chest. He has no feeling below the waist and isn't expected to regain the ability to walk, according to Mr. Rabner." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingMan shot, paralyzed by police after traffic stop mis-identification

Police Chief Indicted in Federal Court For Helping Meth Traffickers

"Normangee's police chief has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly aiding drug traffickers. According to investigators, Chief Jody Navarro is accused of using a law enforcement computer system to aid meth traffickers. A criminal complaint filed against the 40-year-old in May 2013 alleged Navarro ran a background check on a name supplied to him by a suspected meth dealer. On August 27th undercover agents with the Department of Public Safety raided suspected meth dealer 25-year-old Josh Troy Thomas' home in the 200 block of Church Street. Navarro was on duty and was arrested as he pulled up to the scene." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingPolice Chief Indicted in Federal Court For Helping Meth Traffickers

Police Chief Indicted in Federal Court For Helping Meth Traffickers

"Normangee's police chief has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly aiding drug traffickers. According to investigators, Chief Jody Navarro is accused of using a law enforcement computer system to aid meth traffickers. A criminal complaint filed against the 40-year-old in May 2013 alleged Navarro ran a background check on a name supplied to him by a suspected meth dealer. On August 27th undercover agents with the Department of Public Safety raided suspected meth dealer 25-year-old Josh Troy Thomas' home in the 200 block of Church Street. Navarro was on duty and was arrested as he pulled up to the scene." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingPolice Chief Indicted in Federal Court For Helping Meth Traffickers

Bumper Stickers Could Land Michigan Drivers In Jail

"Bumper stickers often say a lot about the person driving the car — but slapping one on your car could also be considered a crime. If you have a bumper sticker from any organization, association, fraternity, lodge, group or club displayed on your car, you could be breaking the law. Michigan law currently says if you’re not a member of the group that you’re promoting, you could be found guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $100 fine. In 1979, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled the law was unconstitutional. However, despite the court’s ruling, the language remains part of Michigan Compiled Law." Continue reading →

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California becomes first state in nation to regulate ride-sharing

"Under the proposal, the PUC would have jurisdiction over ride-sharing under a new category of businesses called transportation network companies. The agency would also issue licenses to the services. The decision is expected to preempt efforts by California cities to oversee or even ban ride-sharing under their authority to license taxi cab firms. Regulators would require drivers to undergo criminal background checks, receive driver training, follow a zero-tolerance policy on drugs and alcohol and carry insurance policies with a minimum of $1 million in liability coverage." Continue reading →

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Genetic modification blamed for rejected Washington alfalfa crop

"Authorities were investigating a new suspected case of crop contamination on Thursday – the second in the Pacific northwest in five months – after samples of hay tested positive for genetically modified traits. The investigation was ordered after a farmer in Washington state reported that his alfalfa shipments had been rejected for export after testing positive for genetic modification. Results were expected as early as Friday. If confirmed, it would be the second known case of GM contamination in a major American crop since May, when university scientists confirmed the presence of a banned GM wheat growing in a farmer’s field in Oregon." Continue reading →

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