The Constitution Protects Political Speech and Prohibits Government Officials from Retaliating Against Individuals Like William Who Exercise Their Rights TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. Williams lawsuit is in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, case number 1:22-cv-00992. The Institute for Justice is a 501(c)(3) organization; donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. In January 2013, police raided the home of a Cleveland drug dealer, saying in a search warrant that an informant had recently bought crack cocaine there. We had heightened senses to really get involved in this case because this is one of many times you had East Cleveland police using as a pretext theyre going to pull someone over because they said the car is reported stolen, said Kareem Henton, co-founder of the Cleveland Black Lives Matter chapter. EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - The day after news broke that two police officers were arrested in connection with a felony theft charge, residents and . In New Orleans, 10 officers were convicted for their role in protecting a cocaine supply warehouse containing 286 pounds of cocaine in 1994. They were just allegations and they proved to not withstand the test of investigations, King said of McDonalds alleged misconduct after reiterating we do not tolerate misconduct by our officers., Atlanta Black Star also sought comment from the city on the number of pending litigation cases it has stemming from the police department, and the city of East Cleveland responded by saying, The City of East Cleveland does not keep that information to document the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations and/or other activities of its office or offices., East Cleveland has a long-standing reputation of being in a state of a fiscal emergency for its handling of its finances, and according to an Office of Management and Budget report released April of 2022, the city is still at financial risk: In addition to the revenue challenges facing the City, there are a number of legal cases against the City which have exhausted appeals with outstanding damages to be paid by the City and additional cases currently in appeal. Brian Gerhard is East Cleveland's new police chief. figures show. If you have information about a crime, you can report this anonymously to Crimestoppers. Griffin hopes with more scrutiny under a consent decree, the East Cleveland Police Department can clean up its act. In what may be the largest and widest ranging police corruption investigation in the country in recent years, 44 officers from five law-enforcement agencies were charged today with taking money to protect cocaine trafficking operations in Cleveland and northern Ohio, Federal authorities said. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). The city of East Cleveland just gave him a little slap on the wrist where he was trying to get drugs out of the evidence room, Henton said of the alleged incident involving McDonald. 11, 2021 at 6:18 PM PDT. The rest either haven't been found or don't want to come forward. Within the NAACPs letter, other cases described include Arnold Black being beaten by East Cleveland police detective in 2012, that resulted Black being awarded $50 million dollars by a jury in a lawsuit he brought against the city. Consent decrees outline needed changes to use-of-force policies, officer training, transparency, and community engagement. On top of those injustices, there is a slim chance that any of them will be fully reimbursed, because the disgraced officers and their former employer don't have the money. About the Institute for Justice Eric Sandy is an award-winning Cleveland-based journalist. IJ defends the right of all Americans to own and enjoy their property free from unjust seizures, searches, and fines. The complaint was also suspect because sound trucks are a common way to campaign in East Cleveland. Activists want the same thing done in East Cleveland. In Washington, after the resignation of the police chief as his close friend and roommate was charged with extortion, city officials are looking into possible corruption in the department. Dozens of East Cleveland police are . McDonald is among several East Cleveland police officers named in the letter the Cleveland NAACP sent to the Justice Department. It has a population of 13,792 and is nearly 89 percent Black according to the latest Census data. Those with information are asked to call 216-583-5343 and give their name, phone . The statements of Officer Joye in the affidavit paint a picture of cocky, brazen officers who were willing to do almost anything for money. Predominantly black city black political figures involved in corruption in that City from the police to the business owners. East Clevelands Government Weaponized its Police to Punish a Political Opponent. ''What we're seeing is this pattern of greed and corrupt conduct, and it's happening all over the country, from the Southwest border to New England to California,'' Mr. Brekke said. But rather than respecting his basic rights, the city government, angered at its political competition, used its police and law departments to retaliate against William in the months leading up to the election. He had agreed to go to prison even though he didn't think his arrest was legitimate. Three cops who worked for the city of East Cleveland are in prison. Before this incident, he was one that had been involved in numerous incidents, Henton said. Also arrested today were eight other people seven of whom pretended to be law-enforcement officers to take part in the drug-security operation. But his lawyer, Terry Gilbert, had advised against it, reminding him that it would be his word against the officers'. Griffin says the East Cleveland Police Department has kept the Cleveland NAACP chapter busy with numerous complaints lodged against the department. 01 Mar 2023 23:44:01 SEARCH FOR REPORTS: Search by Report Number: Accident Incident: Search by Report Date: Search by Street Name: Search by Last Name: . Government officials using the police to punish political opponents is a core violation of the First Amendment. After paying a fee to the city, William recovered his van from the tow lot only to discover that it had been severely damaged and would require thousands of dollars in repairs. There is no official record of group exonerations, and researchers believe that in some police corruption scandals, authorities don't bother to identify tainted convictions or tell victims they could be cleared. In 2013, a neighbor complained about a foul order, East Cleveland police attend a search warrant a discovered a . Congratulations to 22 student officers who have passed out from their initial learning phase of the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA). First, that individual government officialsthe mayor, police chief, law director, assistant law director, and the policeviolated Williams rights. Scroll to read more Cleveland News articles. That wasnt the end of Williams trouble with the city. Within the NAACPs letter, other cases described include Arnold Black being beaten by East Cleveland police detective in 2012, that resulted Black being awarded $50 million dollars by a jury in a lawsuit he brought against the city. What a consent decree does is it puts the city on charge saying, you have to clean this up and allows the federal government to have a say on whats going on, on the local government, Griffin said. IE 11 is not supported. The impact is profound. Its clear East Cleveland wont be able to clean itself up, said Chris McNeal, an attorney and chief legal officer for the Cleveland Black Lives Matter chapter. In many cases, not only has the police department involved been forced to overhaul its operations, but arrests made by the corrupt officers have been tainted and criminal convictions they helped secure have been overturned. East Cleveland, Ohio 44112 Hours: M-F 8am - 5pm Contact us: 216-681-5020. in Cleveland. Now they were all eligible to have their cases dismissed. Cases against 22 alleged drug dealers have been dismissed. She says anytime the department is made aware of any alleged misconduct from one of its officers, it launches an internal investigation and if criminal wrongdoing is suspected, outside law enforcement agencies are brought in to investigate which can include the local sheriffs office up to the FBI. Griffin says the DOJ has not responded to the Cleveland NAACP regarding its letter sent to the department in February. In Chicago, in two unrelated cases in the last year, 10 officers in two police districts were charged with robbing and extorting money and narcotics from drug dealers. East Clevelands retaliatory tactics go beyond depriving William of his rights. On Friday, civil rights advocate Mariah Crenshaw accused East Cleveland officials of corruption within the administration and police department. "As any forger knows, the way to create convincing fakes is to make them look like the real thing," the report's authors wrote. Senators from Ohio and Pennsylvania say they're introducing a bipartisan rail safety bill that's intended to prevent future train catastrophes like the Feb. 3 Norfolk Southern derailment . Sign up to receive IJ's biweekly digital magazine, Liberty & Law, along with breaking updates about our fight to protect the rights of all Americans. From 1994 to 1997, 508 officers in 47 cities have been convicted in Federal corruption cases, F.B.I. Second, thatthrough policy or customthe city of East Cleveland violated Williams rights as well. Cleveland Police's problems date back to the late 1990s when a major investigation, called Operation Lancet, was launched into allegations of corruption surrounding the controversial Detective . AMSTERDAM, Ohio - In the days after they ousted their police chief, the leaders of this town realized that the real mess . The Cleveland Black Lives Matter chapter was helpful in drawing attention to the shooting of Belmonte, by Larry McDonald, an East Cleveland police sergeant. She says anytime the department is made aware of any alleged misconduct from one of its officers, it launches an internal investigation and if criminal wrongdoing is suspected, outside law enforcement agencies are brought in to investigate which can include the local sheriffs office up to the FBI. I call him Pac Man because thats what everybody on the street calls him, McNeal said of Vincent Belmonte, 19, who was killed by an East Cleveland police officer on Jan. 5, 2021. I call him Pac Man because thats what everybody on the street calls him, McNeal said of Vincent Belmonte, 19, who was killed by an East Cleveland police officer on Jan. 5, 2021. "the three-oh") was the cocaine capital of . His secret recordings caught one of the officers shaking him down for $3,000 during a traffic stop. But, as it turns out, the officers lied in the police report and to prosecutors while defending their illegal search. The citizens of this county deserve better.. He'd told his lawyer he wanted to go to trial. Police corruption in Ohio led to the exoneration of dozens of low-level drug suspects and undermined a community's fight against drug crime. The man in the video said to be McDonald is heard telling another officer, Im going to take this weed home, and say look, look, baby, look what daddy brought you.. Before McDonald could ask for identifying information, Belmonte fled the traffic stop, leading to a chase. Atlanta Black Star brought the allegations of alleged police misconduct to the East Cleveland Police Department, and East Cleveland Police Commander, Dominique King says the NAACPs letter comes as a surprise. . Early 1900s. Police Athletic/Activities League East Cleveland PAL P.O. Subscribe now to get the latest news delivered right to your inbox. In two separate cases this week, top U.S. cops are facing stiff repercussions for criminal behavior. Group exonerations rarely attract much attention outside of the communities where they occur. Despite its recent troubles, however, William loves the city. We are sending a stern warning that public corruption of any kind will not be tolerated in this county. And in Indianapolis, the F.B.I. Also what we're seeing is cops as criminals engaging in very significant violence to support their criminal goals.''. Breaking news from IJ, including case updates. Malone is the last of three former East Cleveland police officers sent to prison for their roles in the conspiracy. For an optimal experience visit . IJ is a registered trademark of the Institute for Justice. Mr. Brekke said he believed there had never been a police corruption case involving officers from so many different agencies. IJ is dedicated to protecting fundamental free speech rights and to fighting judge-made rules that make it extremely difficult to hold government officials accountable for violating the Constitution. Antonio Malone, 34, of Cleveland, was sentenced to 71 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $23,000 in restitution. Cleveland Police Chief Scott Gardner has been indicted on theft charges, and former Tracy City . Eventually, the city got its way. CLEVELAND, Ohio A Cleveland police officer on Thursday fatally shot a 25-year-old man charged in a homicide, officials said. More than 40 percent of its 17,843 residents live in poverty, almost all of them black. He is grateful to be released, but he lost two years of freedom. The sting operation began in October 1996 when an FBI . Onunwor was sentenced to nine years in federal prison in September 2004. . Crews were dispatched to a fire at the AJ Rose Manufacturing Co. in the 3100 block of West 38th Street at 9:05 a.m., Lt. Mike Norman said. But the drug dealer had surveillance cameras that proved the officers were lying. The community reacted to the shooting with protests led by the Cleveland Black Lives Matter chapter. It is a surprise they would not voice their concerns with us to allow us to explain to them our process in dealing with any alleged misconduct from our officers, King said. Stop handing more money over to the police. Gilbert recalled. He learned of the officers' arrest by watching the news in prison. For a single day arrest, I don't recall anything even close.''. Blackshaw, out of prison for more than a year, says he's trying to start a commercial cleaning business. He maintains he did not have any drugs on him when he was busted. The First Amendment is the foundation of our free and democratic society. "What I saw in this case is a legitimate reason for these folks to have these feelings toward law enforcement," said Assistant U.S. Attorney Ed Feran, who prosecuted the East Cleveland officers. Without being held to account, East Cleveland will serve as a model to local governments that want to punish political enemies. He and Gowdys campaign manager would regularly drive the truck around the city in the months leading up to the election, occasionally as part of a larger caravan of supporters in cars. It's also developed a reputation for political corruption and severe police misconduct. What we're seeing now is the insidious aspect caused by the drug problem. But parking the van out of town meant adding an hour of commuting time every time the Gowdy campaign wanted to host a campaign event. Officer Joye, who was dismissed, was asked by the undercover agent if the other officers involved were trustworthy. The indictment included charges that the officers had arrested an alleged drug dealer identified as K.B. Other incidents highlighted include East Cleveland police officers Torris Moore, Antonio Malone and Eric Jones all were sentenced to prison in 2016 for keeping thousands of dollars from alleged drug dealers, much of it seized through illegal searches and fabricated reports according to the Justice Department. Griffin says the NAACP was influential in the Justice Department stepping in to oversee the Cleveland Police Department in 2015 after a Department of Justice investigation found Cleveland Police engages in a pattern or practice of using excessive force violating the Fourth Amendment. Anyone can read what you share. Anyone with information regarding the killing of Curtis Bobbitt is asked to immediately call Cleveland police detectives at (216) 623-5464 or Crime Stoppers of Cuyahoga County at (216) 252-7463. The median household income is $19,592. In the 1990s, Harlem's 30th Precinct (a.k.a. Here, its obvious that the City of East Cleveland, its police and law department officials selectively targeted William with obscure local ordinances, all because he spoke out for a change in the government. East Cleveland is a city in Cuyahoga County, . IJ is in court nationwide defending individual liberty. The FBI first stationed agents in Cleveland during its earliest days as an organization. IJ stands for the idea that every child deserves a chance at a great education and that all parents, regardless of means, should enjoy the freedom to direct their childrens education. Officer Joye, the affidavit said, recruited 24 other officers and a deputy from the Sheriff's Department, and 18 from four regional police departments -- seven from Cleveland, three from Cleveland Heights, six from East Cleveland and two from Brooklyn -- to help out in the deals. But whether they get any award remains to be seen. He now contributes jam band features every now and then. Nobody wants to get caught. The election comes two months after East Cleveland officers Brian Stoll, 31, and Tyler Mundson, 30, were indicted on theft in office and tampering with evidence on Sept. 2. Represented by the Institute for Justice (IJ), his lawsuit is part of IJs long tradition of protecting free speech. The Rampart scandal in Los Angeles in the late 1990s led to at least 150 tossed cases. According to an Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation report, McDonald pulled Belmonte over after hearing the 19-year-olds loud muffler. If you have any information about this matter or other potentially criminal matters involving the East Cleveland Police Department, please contact 216.583.5343 leaving . Moore, Malone and Jones removed a portion of the cash before causing the remainder to be secured in the East Cleveland Police Department's evidence room. He denied the allegations. Blackshaw did not know his case was under investigation. Jon Schuppe is an enterprise reporter for NBC News, based in New York. Donors, Candidates Sue to Overturn Restrictive Campaign Finance Law: Minnesota Regulation Dishes Out First Amendment Rights on a First-Come, First-Served Basis. According to Cleveland.com: More than 50 Cleveland firefighters responded Wednesday morning to a large blaze with multiple explosions in a warehouse in the city's Clark-Fulton neighborhood. Mike DeWine suffered injury while in East Palestine, Mayfield Heights man convicted of murdering neighbor and her 8-year-old daughter, Climate activist Erin Brockovich returns to East Palestine, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor announces new Cryptocurrency operation, Sentencing for man convicted of 2019 murder of Ashtabula County business owner, Rail worker union representative alleges Norfolk Southern put workers in danger, Closed Captioning/Audio Description Problems. He previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy against rights and one count of Hobbs Act conspiracy. That same year, the City of Cleveland started the process of purchasing the old hospital building to serve as "a new detention home for girls and headquarters" for the newly. All Images; This Just In; Flickr Commons; Occupy Wall Street Flickr; Cover Art; USGS Maps; Top. We do all of this because of our fundamental belief that following the Constitution means being held accountable for violating it. It is a surprise they would not voice their concerns with us to allow us to explain to them our process in dealing with any alleged misconduct from our officers, King said. Local counsel is IJ Attorney Brian Morris. He called home and an aunt told him she'd already talked to his lawyer. We have seen so much corruption, weve seen lawsuit after lawsuit filed against the city, said Kayla Griffin, first vice president of the Cleveland chapter of the NAACP. And they cited William for noise pollution, despite his obtaining a permit to broadcast campaign messages from his van throughout East Cleveland. [The administration] is uncaring and unresponsive towards myself and other residents." said Dawn Jones, a resident of East Cleveland and supporter of the recall. William got a lawyer to defend himself from the noise complaint. East Cleveland Police Chief Scott Gardner appears in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court on Sept. 21, 2022, to answer to theft in office and other charges that accuse him of failing to properly pay taxes for several years. Each of the defendants, like Blackshaw, had pleaded guilty. Eric Sandy But Williams campaign activity attracted the citys ire. Activists want the same thing done in East Cleveland. Too conspiracies are spreading online. "Neither of us ever dreamed that these cops could be crooked enough to steal money and lie about it, and even if they did, who would believe Kenneth Blackshaw?" Working with the county public defender's office, they've only been able to dismiss convictions for 22 people, Torres said. In response to the allegations of corruption and police misconduct, the NAACP sent a letter to the Department of Justice requesting the federal agency step in to oversee the East Cleveland Police Department by obtaining a consent decree. Two former East Cleveland police officers who were indicted by a grand jury for allegedly tampering with records and insurance fraud appeared in court on Wed. Listen to IJ attorneys and guests discuss the freedom, justice, and the law. In Philadelphia, more than 800 people have had their convictions dismissed. As part of the plea agreement, Von Harris, 53, and Demarkco Johnson, 29, also permanently forfeited their OPOTA certification. In some, the officers cited the use of confidential informants without proving their existence. NASA Images; Solar System Collection; Ames Research Center; Software. The city of East Cleveland just gave him a little slap on the wrist where he was trying to get drugs out of the evidence room, Henton said of the alleged incident involving McDonald. Search. Despite its recent troubles, however, William loves the city. McDonald was also the focus of a WOIO investigation where he was allegedly caught on bodycam video asking for marijuana seized in a traffic stop. The victims often have criminal records and, if not for the corrupt methods that led to their convictions, may actually have been guilty of a crime. But because the entire process was corroded, the cases could no longer be defended in court. Search for your desired report using one of the four search methods below. On June 13, 2018, Harris and Johnson, in police uniform, provided an individual with falsified police reports in exchange for two cash payments of $200 outside of the East Cleveland Police Department. Video taken from a witness on East 152nd Street in East Cleveland Wednesday afternoon is making its rounds on social media. All in all, undercover agents videotaped or audio-taped 16 drug deals from November 1996 until six days ago in which at least some of the officers participated, involving up to 50 kilograms of what they believed to be cocaine, Mr. Harp said. CUYAHOGA COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO) - Two former East Cleveland police officers convicted of accepting bribes in the summer of 2018 were scheduled to be sentenced in Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Wednesday afternoon; however, it was continued until March 30. Call free on 0800 085 0000 or REPORT . Thats why the First Amendment safeguards peoples rights to participate in the political process, to criticize government officials and to advocate for political change. Also pictured is his defense attorney Allison Hibbard.Cory Shaffer, cleveland.com. A woman walks past a closed business in East Cleveland, Ohio. . In February, 1998, a federal grand jury indicted 53 Cleveland area people as a result of an FBI sting operation where federal agents posed as drug kingpins and hired police, county jail guards, a deputy sheriff, and several "law enforcement imposters" to protect large drug shipments. Later that day, the three officers met . From there, investigators uncovered more frame-ups and thefts. He is trying to recoup all that he lost, including $100,000 the cops took from his home in an illegal search. When William and his attorney went to court to resolve the complaint, no judge was presentbut the assistant law director was. The BCI report says Belmonte ran between a pair of houses to jump a fence, but became caught on the fence, thats when McDonald claimed he saw Belmonte reach for his gun and fatally shot Belmonte. Atlanta Black Star is a narrative company. The corruption cases are unsettling at a time when police departments should be experiencing a heroic heyday, as crime in cities across the country is going down and many cities, including Cleveland, are experiencing a renaissance as people feel it is safer to spend time there. Supporters of the recall share these complaints about corruption in East Cleveland. They claimed this was for violating a city noise ordinance, even though William had a permit signed by the police chief specifically to use a sound truck to campaign. But the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office had just formed a Conviction Integrity Unit, which helped make sure all of the convictions were vacated. The others Willie Warner-Sims, Alfonzo Cole, Tyler Mundson, Brian Stoll, Von Harris and Demarkco Johnson are expected to appear for hearings in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court in the coming weeks. He The shooting happened about 8:30 a.m. on East 134th Street near Beachwood Avenue in the city's Union-Miles neighborhood. The community is urged to call 216-583-5343 with any information. In response to the allegations of corruption and police misconduct, the NAACP sent a letter to the Department of Justice requesting the federal agency step in to oversee the East Cleveland Police Department by obtaining a consent decree. Founded in 1991, the Institute for Justice is the national law firm for liberty. After the FBI got tipped-off in early 2013, agents had the drug dealer who caught officers lying about buying crack at his house wear a wire. "For drug cases, that means arresting mostly black suspects.". The Litigation Team King went on to defend the police department which has 46 full-time employees, and its process for handling officer misconduct, at least under its current leadership. 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