Mainstream News

Plainclothes deputy in unmarked car pulls gun; 5 officers attack and tase brothers

"The use of Tasers against two brothers in Algiers last year by Jefferson Parish deputies – a confrontation partially caught on a cell phone video – is now the subject of a federal civil rights lawsuit. Casey and Sean Warren filed the suit last week against Sheriff Newell Normand and seven deputies in connection with the Sept. 9 police stop that resulted in both men being hit with Tasers multiple times. In the lawsuit, the brothers claim they were victims of a host of civil rights violations, including excessive force, unlawful arrest and improper seizure. The lawsuit also notes that the deputies were outside of their jurisdiction when they followed Casey Warren to his home in Algiers." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingPlainclothes deputy in unmarked car pulls gun; 5 officers attack and tase brothers

Deputies punished for actions during 1:30 am wrong-address arrest

"Deputies went to a house in Ellenwood on July 26 to serve an arrest warrant. The family told CBS Atlanta News they were startled at 1:30 a.m. when deputies beat on their front door. Fearing for their safety, the family said they took their time to open the door. Once inside, an officer used excessive force and aggressive language, according to one family member. 'If the police come to your house and need to come in, whether you agree or not that they need to come into the home, you need to open the door,' said DeKalb County Sheriff Thomas Brown." Continue reading →

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New York Police Officer, Customs Officer Arrested For Trafficking Illegal Guns

"A New York Police Department officer and two of his brothers were arrested for allegedly trafficking high-powered firearms out of the United States and into the Philippines, federal law-enforcement officials announced on Friday. Rex Maralit, a 44-year-old officer assigned to police headquarters in Lower Manhattan, was arrested on charges of conspiring with his brothers to violate the Arms Export Control Act and engage in unlicensed firearms dealing, law-enforcement officials said. His brother, Wilfredo Maralit, 48, a Customs and Border Protection Officer at Los Angeles International Airport, was also arrested." Continue reading →

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Police fire officer accused of waving gun around during argument

"A Little Rock police officer has been fired after he allegedly displayed a gun at a bar in Fayetteville. Police spokeswoman Sgt. Cassandra Davis released Jeffrey Harris' termination letter on Thursday. The letter dated Wednesday says Harris drew his weapon and waved it at people at a bar in April. The letter says Harris also used profane language and made a 'racially derogatory statement during the incident.' Davis says Harris has 10 days to appeal his termination." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingPolice fire officer accused of waving gun around during argument

Tulsa police officer arrested for engaging in prostitution

"A Tulsa police officer has been arrested for engaging in prostitution within 1000 feet of a church and having a gun while committing a felony. From Tulsa police we've been able to determine the investigation into Turner was a lengthy one. And it came to head Thursday when documents show he made contact with an undercover female officer and solicited sex for $40. We even tried talking with residents at the Executive Inn. Most said the story makes them lose faith in police, but they didn't want to go on camera. Turner's second charge involving a firearm is because when he arrested in this room, he was searched and police found a loaded gun on the off duty officer." Continue reading →

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Video gambling ring arrests include councilman, police chief, ex-cops

"Mr. Melocchi's machines could be found in Allegheny, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties, the presentment said. Operating out of a location in an alley behind a Glassport coffee shop, Mr. Melocchi placed the devices in various businesses and allegedly struck deals with the owners to split gambling proceeds. Video gambling machines are illegal if patrons pay to play, use more chance than skill to win, and are paid off. Business owners told the grand jury that they earned between $75 and $1,000 a week from the devices." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingVideo gambling ring arrests include councilman, police chief, ex-cops

In Terrorism Fight, Government Finds a Surprising Ally: FedEx [2005]

"FedEx has opened the international portion of its databases, including credit-card details, to government officials. It has created a police force recognized by the state of Tennessee that works alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation. [..] Moreover, the company is setting up a system designed to send reports of suspicious activities directly to the Department of Homeland Security via a special computer link. At rival United Parcel Service Inc., spokesman David Bolger says the company won't disclose information about its customers' shipments unless required to do so by law or regulation. FedEx also has a seat on a regional terrorism task force which has access to sensitive data." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingIn Terrorism Fight, Government Finds a Surprising Ally: FedEx [2005]

Why Cash Costs the U.S. Economy Real Money

"With all the buzz about Bitcoin, PayPal (EBAY), Google Wallet (GOOG), and all the other innovations in digital currencies, it’s easy to forget that cash remains remarkably resilient. In part, that’s because the cost of using it is often hidden to the users themselves. Chakravorti, along with co-author Benjamin Mazzotta, says that’s especially true for those who don’t even have a bank account. The unbanked are four times more likely to pay fees to get their own money, yet are also more likely to trust cash and feel comfortable carrying around large amounts." Continue reading →

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Slovenia Liquidates, Backstops Two Banks to Stave Off Cyprus Fate

"Slovenia liquidated two of its smaller banks, Probanka d.d. and Factor Banka d.d., in a move described by Central Bank Governor Bostjan Jazbec as a preemptive action to avoid the fate of Cyprus. The cost of liquidation of Probanka and Factor Banka will be borne first by owners, followed by holders of subordinated debt, Finance Minister Uros Cufer said at the joint press conference with Jazbec yesterday. Even so, Slovenia will issue state guarantees of 490 million euros for Probanka and 540 million euros for Factor Banka 'that will ensure an unhindered liquidity and normal fulfillment of obligations of both banks to ordinary creditors,' Banka Slovenije said in an e-mailed statement." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingSlovenia Liquidates, Backstops Two Banks to Stave Off Cyprus Fate

Vancouver to see first Bitcoin ATMs installed

"According to The Canadian Press, Vancouver-based Bitcoiniacs is one of the first to pre-order five US$20,000 RoboCoin Bitcoin ATMs. The ATMs work by asking the user for a Bitcoin wallet identifier, usually in the form of a QR barcode. Money is then deposited into the machine, and after deducting a nominal transaction fee, the wallet is credited in Bitcoin. Bitcoiniacs' brick-and-mortar shop already deals with cash to Bitcoin transfers, but so far requires appointments to be booked to conduct such transactions. RoboCoin is competing directly with New Hampshire entrepreneurs Zach Harvey and Matt Whitlock, who are already accepting pre-orders for their own $5,000 Bitcoin ATM." Continue reading →

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