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Topic: IT'S TIME FOR A NEW SHERIFF! Taxpayers get the bill!
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

People are talking about the three "super lawyers" behind the battle against Pickell.
Post Tue Jun 28, 2016 6:00 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Campaign sign debacle in local sheriff race

Posted: Aug 01, 2012 10:33 PM CDT
Updated: Aug 29, 2012 10:41 PM CDT
By Andrew Keller, Multimedia JournalistCONNECT


FLINT, MI (WNEM) -
Primary day is just days away, and some candidates in the Genesee County sheriff's race are calling foul because they are claiming somebody's messing with their campaign signs.

Dan Allen and Tim Johnson are both on the Democratic ticket to win the Democratic nomination for November's Genesee County sheriff election. They're up against incumbent Sheriff Robert Pickell. They say there have been some questionable things happen to some of their campaign signs.

Allen said some of his signs have been covered with Pickell signs. The sign fits perfectly over Allen's sign, and TV5 saw evidence of the foul play.


"It's just a process, and when something like this goes on, it just changes the mood of everybody, just changes the mood of everybody," said Allen.

Johnson claims some of his signs have went missing entirely.

"In the beginning, like I said, we laughed about it, but when we had to reorder signs and we had to spend another $1,500 on signage, it wasn't funny anymore, because now it's beginning to hurt," said Johnson.

Neither of the men would point fingers, but Paul Margaris, owner of Paul's Coney Island in Flint, said he caught two men trying to steal a Johnson sign from the front of his business. He says that person told him they were paid to take the campaign sign down.

"Me and my cook, we chased them, we got the signs, and I asked why they were doing that, that's private property, you ain't got no business on private property, they said, 'My boss paid me enough to do this,'" said Margaris.

LOCAL HEADLINES


Read more: http://www.cbs46.com/story/19174469/campaign-sign-debacle-in-genesee-co-sheriff-race#ixzz4CtFwxxzM


Could there have been a grudge against Margaris for 4 years?
Post Tue Jun 28, 2016 11:00 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

11/19/2015
Coney Island owner files suit against county
By Bill Petzold
810-452-2645 • bpetzold@mihomepaper.com
BURTON — The attorney for a Burton restaurateur has filed a civil lawsuit against Genesee County and a county law enforcement official alleging that he is the target of a “shakedown.”

Attorney Tom Pabst, who represents Apostolos “Paul” Margaris, owner of Paul’s Coney Island, 2280 Center Rd. in Burton, filed a lawsuit claiming that Genesee County Undersheriff Christopher Swanson and others “targeted businessman Paul Margaris in order to squeeze money from him in a shakedown and/or extortionist plots/schemes/plans/agreements/ conspiracies.” Genesee County is also named as a defendant.

The lawsuit seeks damages in excess of $100,000 for five counts, including fraud, emotional distress, discrimination and civil conspiracy.

The lawsuit states the defendants “enlisted the help of a dope addict and a dope pusher” as they “pretended to set up a pseudo ‘sting’ operation to further their real extortion and shakdown plots.”

The lawsuit stems from an incident in July. According to reports, Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell said his office received information from the owner of Starlite Coney Island that an employee at the restaurant was stealing meat from the restaurant and selling it out of his vehicle to Margaris.

Pickell said his office began investigating and set up a sting operation to observe Margaris purchasing the stolen meat stamped with Starlite’s name.

Media reports stated that the owner of Starlite, Kosta Popoff, confirmed that he asked the sheriff to help secure restitution payments rather than seek criminal charges.

According to the lawsuit, however, it was outside of the sheriff’s office’s authority to handle an agreement and collect the money to settle the incident outside of a court of law. Pabst cited Michigan Compiled Law section 750.213 – Malicious threats to extort money.

The lawsuit claims “the defendants and their confederates made material misrepresentations of fact … to extort money from” Margolis by “misrepresenting that by paying $5,000, the first demand, then $3,000, the second demand, and finally $1,800, Paul Margaris, Plaintiff, could buy his way out of being prosecuted for a crime.”

The lawsuit continues that the defendants “were going to arrest Paul Margaris, Plantiff, and take him to jail if he didn’t pay the $1,800 right then on August 5, 2015, having police and/or Sheriff’s cars circling the restaurant to further intimidate (Margaris) into paying the money, which he did.”

Attached to the lawsuit is a Genesee County Sheriff’s Office case report labeled Exhibit 1 with a handwritten note, “Suspect and victim agreed to $1,800 settlement so not to pursue criminal or civil action” dated August 5, 2015 and appears to be signed by Swanson.

“They didn’t have the right to do what they did … go to a private citizen and demand money,” Pabst told the Burton View. “It’s not up to the sheriff to decide. … What is he, a debt collector with a sheriff’s badge and a gun?”

Pickell said instead of filing a lawsuit, Margaris should be happy that his office was able to find a solution that didn’t involve criminal charges.

“I can’t believe that a guy can steal meat, buy stolen meat, keep it out of refrigeration all night long, buy it from a drug dealer the next morning, make a complete and full confession that his wife knew, that he knew it was stolen (and then file a lawsuit),” Pickell said. “I work it out through the Consumer Protection Bureau … and (Margaris) didn’t even pay for it all, we found like seven more boxes of stolen meat in his fridge. I don’t want to comment on the lawsuit other than to say this kind of a lawsuit is what honorable lawyers even have trouble with because it gives them all a bad name.

“Can you believe that we give the guy a break and now he’s suing? In his pleadings, Attorney Pabst says the money (received from Margaris) was split among the confederates -- who are the confederates? Kosta Popov, owner of Starlite Coney Island says he got all $1,800. Both (Popov and Margaris) have receipts for that money. People just can’t get their heads around this kind of a lawsuit.”

The Burton View
Post Tue Jun 28, 2016 11:04 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Genesee County demands repayment from the state

Updated: Mon 3:21 PM, Mar 21, 2016
By: Randy Conat - Email

Genesee County expenses

Genesee County Board of Commissioners demands reimbursement for money spent on Flint water emergency
Since last fall, Genesee County has spent nearly $1.2 million that was not in the budget on the Flint water crisis. It is demanding reimbursement from the state.

FLINT (WJRT) - (03/21/16) - The Genesee County Board of Commissioners is demanding the state reimburse the county for the money it spent responding to the Flint water emergency. Since last fall, Genesee County has spent nearly $1.2 million that was not in the budget on the crisis.

The Board of Commissioners is sending a letter to Governor Rick Snyder, saying it's adamant the county be repaid. If not, there could be lay offs and a lower bond rating.

Much of the money was spent by the Sheriff's Department, which laid out nearly $440,000 for the Emergency Operations Center and the distribution of thousands of bottles of water and water filters to homes throughout Flint.

The Genesee County Health Department has spent nearly $600,000 dealing with the crisis, including countless meetings with state and city officials and providing extensive blood testing and screenings.

All that money has been paid out of the county's general fund, which was already stretched thin. The county is preparing to issue $60 million in bonds to finance the construction of a new water treatment plant. If the county's budget isn't in good shape, it could have to pay a higher interest rate, which could cost county taxpayers more money.

"It's insurmountable, long term consequences if that happens. That's why it's important that the state, that they pay this back because we can't afford to let our bond rating go down," said Jamie Curtis, Genesee County Board of Commissioners chairperson.

"We stood up and took the bull by the horns and it's cost us over a million dollars. And there's a concern that some people will have to be laid off because of the failure of the state of Michigan to act," said Sheriff Robert Pickell.

Curtis says while state representatives and senators from the area are siding with Genesee County, Republican legislators have not indicated they are willing to reimburse the county.
Post Tue Jun 28, 2016 11:16 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Much of the money was spent by the Sheriff's Department, which laid out nearly $440,000 for the Emergency Operations Center and the distribution of thousands of bottles of water and water filters to homes throughout Flint. ...



"We stood up and took the bull by the horns and it's cost us over a million dollars. And there's a concern that some people will have to be laid off because of the failure of the state of Michigan to act," said Sheriff Robert Pickell.
Post Tue Jun 28, 2016 11:18 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Federal appeals court says excessive force lawsuit against Genesee County sheriff's deputies can move forward


Court of Appeals hearing on Davis v Pickell
Attorneys argue in front of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals on whether or not Genesee County Sheriffs deputies are immune from allegations that they beat an inmate at the Genesee County Jail.

Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com By Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com
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on April 16, 2014 at 6:00 AM, updated April 16, 2014 at 7:41 AM

FLINT, MI -- A federal appeals court has refused to overturn a lower court's ruling that allows an excessive force lawsuit against four Genesee County Sheriff's deputies to move forward.

The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday, April 8, that the four deputies are not eligible for governmental immunity in a lawsuit filed by an inmate who claims he was beaten and pepper sprayed after being lodged at the Genesee County Jail for suspicion of drunken driving.

Fernando Davis filed the lawsuit in March 2011 claiming he was severely injured when multiple deputies allegedly beat him and sprayed him with pepper spray inside the jail after being transported there March 24, 2009, by the Michigan State Police.

The deputies claim that Davis was resisting them and they had to respond accordingly to obtain compliance, according to arguments made by their attorneys in the case.

Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell declined to comment on the allegations or the court's ruling, citing the pending litigation.

Attorney H. William Reising, who represents the deputies, said he does not plan to challenge the appeals court's ruling.

The appeals court refused to overturn a decision by Detroit U.S. District Judge David M. Lawson stating that jurors could rule in Davis' favor after watching security footage of the attack.

"The videotape tends to support (Davis') version of the events, or at least it can be viewed that way," Lawson wrote in his March 26, 2013, ruling on a summary disposition motion brought by the deputies.

Attorneys representing Davis and the deputies have differing views on what the low-quality, silent security video shows.

Davis' attorneys, from Pleasant Ridge-based Romano Law, claim that the video shows their client complying with the deputies' orders to remove his shoes after being placed in a single-inmate safety cell before he is beaten by the deputies.

But the deputies' attorneys, from the Plunkett Cooney law firm, say that the video shows Davis acting agitated and kicking a shoe at a deputy.

Lawson, in his ruling, said he didn't necessarily agree with either side's interpretation of the video.

"In fact, the video contradicts the accounts of both the plaintiff and the defendants, but the court finds that a jury reasonably could conclude upon viewing it that the deputies did engage in conscience-shocking conduct and committed an assault and battery on the plaintiff," Lawson wrote.

Lawson ruled that the shoe in question does appear to be moving very close to the floor before the deputies rush the cell, but that it does not appear to be "flying," as the deputies' suggest. He added that it is not apparent at all from the video that the shoe was thrown or kicked with any substantial force or that it struck anything.

He wrote that footage from an in-cell camera was ambiguous because it shows Davis making a movement with his leg, but it did not appear to be especially dramatic or forceful. Lawson ruled that the video could reasonably be interpreted to show either a "flip" or "drop" of the shoe just as well as a "kick."

"If you review the video, you will see a compliant detainee," Davis' attorney David Blake told the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals when the case was argued March 20.

Blake said that his client has had multiple surgeries to correct injuries from the incident and that he is undergoing treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Davis is seeking money to cover his medical bills as well as punitive damages against the deputies.

Reising said he is confident in the legality of the deputies' actions and he is ready to take the case to trial.

Genesee County Commissioners met in a closed session Wednesday, April 9, to discuss the case. Reising declined to comment on the specifics of the discussion.

"I still stand by the premise the deputies acted accordingly," Reising said.

There is no trial date scheduled in the case.

The county is currently facing a dozen lawsuits stemming from allegations of excessive force at the jail and Flint city lockup.





MonkeyBusiness Apr 17, 2014
"The county is currently facing a dozen lawsuits stemming from allegations of excessive force at the jail and Flint city lockup." here is the next big one that is going to cost tons of money:

US District Court-Eastern District of Michigan Southern Division,
Case No. 13-13543 Sgt. J. Boulton vs. Christopher Swanson, Matthew Rule, Diane Nims, Genesee County and Genesee County Sheriffs Department.

Acting on behalf of Genesee County-Plunkett Cooney: H. William Reising (P19343)
Post Sat Jul 02, 2016 9:14 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Genesee County pays $630,000 to settle excessive force jail lawsuit

Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com By Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com
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on September 03, 2014 at 2:30 PM, updated September 03, 2014 at 3:01 PM


370
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FLINT, MI -- Genesee County has agreed to pay $630,000 to settle an excessive force lawsuit stemming from an incident between an inmate and multiple deputies at the county jail.

Jail inmate Fernando Davis filed the lawsuit claiming he was beaten and pepper sprayed after being lodged at the Genesee County Jail for suspicion of drunken driving. He was represented by attorney David Blake of the Pleasant Ridge-based Romano Law firm.

U.S. District Court records show the case was dismissed Aug. 27 after the settlement was reached.

Davis filed the lawsuit in March 2011 claiming he was severely injured when multiple deputies allegedly beat him and sprayed him with pepper spray inside the jail after being transported there March 24, 2009, by the Michigan State Police.

Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell said he was upset with the county's decision to settle the case.

"I'm thoroughly upset with that decision," said Pickell. "I think this one should have gone to trial."

Jamie Curtis, chairman of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners, could not be reached for comment on the settlement.

The deputies claim that Davis was resisting them and they had to respond accordingly to obtain compliance, according to arguments made by their attorneys in the case.

Jail surveillance video recorded the altercation at the center of the legal battle, which allegedly began after a shoe Davis was wearing was sent in the direction of deputies.

Pickell said the silent surveillance video was captured by motion-activated cameras and does not thoroughly show why the deputies responded the way they did.

"The video doesn't run the whole time," Pickell said. "You don't get the whole picture."

Pickell said Davis was causing trouble inside of the jail and the deputies reacted appropriately. None of the deputies involved in the case were disciplined, according to the sheriff.

"I'm thoroughly upset with that decision." -Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell
"They didn't get reprimanded because they didn't do anything wrong," Pickell said.

The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati ruled in April that it would not overturn a March 26, 2013, decision by Detroit U.S. District Judge David M. Lawson who ruled that the case should not be dismissed because jurors could rule in Davis' favor after watching the security footage. However, Lawson said in his ruling that he didn't necessarily agree with either side's interpretation of the video.

A report by Detroit U.S. District Magistrate Judge R. Steven Whalen, which was used by both Lawson and the appeals court in their rulings, says that the video shows Davis inside the cell. Davis then appears to gesture and walks toward the cell door. As he approaches the door, the deputies enter and grab Davis.

Davis is taken to the ground and a scuffle ensues, according to Whalen. Whalen writes that one deputy can be seen either removing Davis' jacket or punching him. It then appears as if Davis is pepper sprayed, according to Whalen.

The deputies then exit the cell and leave Davis face-down on the floor. About 50 minutes after the incident, deputies enter the cell and escort Davis out. Whalen writes that what appears to be blood can be seen left in the cell's toilet.

Lawson ruled that the shoe in question does appear to be moving very close to the floor before the deputies rush the cell, but that it does not appear to be "flying," as the deputies' suggest. He added that it is not apparent at all from the video that the shoe was thrown or kicked with any substantial force or that it struck anything.

He wrote that footage from an in-cell camera was ambiguous because it shows Davis making a movement with his leg, but it did not appear to be especially dramatic or forceful. Lawson ruled that the video could reasonably be interpreted to show either a "flip" or "drop" of the shoe just as well as a "kick."

Davis' attorney has said his client had multiple surgeries to correct injuries from the incident and that he is undergoing treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Pickell said the settlement shows that the county is "waiving the white flag" to attorneys who have filed lawsuits against it. The sheriff added that no lawsuits against his department have gone to trial since he was appointed in 1999.

"The taxpayers' money is being wasted," said Pickell, adding that he has requested a meeting with the county's corporation counsel and risk managers to express his concerns over the frequency of lawsuit settlements.

Celeste Bell, the county's corporation counsel, said the county's self-insured retention will cover $350,000, including the county's expenses associated with the case. The county's excess insurance carrier will cover the rest of the settlement.

Bell said none of the county's general fund will be used to pay the settlement.
Post Sat Jul 02, 2016 10:04 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Attorney claims charges against Genesee County sheriff's deputy are retaliation for lawsuit

Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com By Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com

on November 04, 2014 at 7:00 AM, updated November 04, 2014 at 7:07 AM


FLINT, MI -- An attorney for a Genesee County sheriff's deputy facing an assault charge said he believes the criminal case against his client is retaliation for a lawsuit he filed against the sheriff's department.

Gerald Joseph Parks was arraigned Tuesday, Oct. 28, in Flint District Court on a common law offense, misuse of a dangerous weapon and assault and battery after he allegedly assaulted an inmate in July 2012 while working at the Genesee County Jail. Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell said the common law offense stems from misconduct while in office.

"I think it's directly related to his civil case," said attorney Scott P. Batey. Batey is representing Parks in his lawsuit against the sheriff's department.

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Parks filed a lawsuit against the department in November 2013 on claims he was retaliated against, and eventually forced to retire after more than 30 years of service, for testimony he gave during an April 2012 union collective bargaining-related arbitration hearing. His testimony was critical of the department's administration.

The county in its response to the lawsuit denied any wrongdoing.

Pickell denied that the charges against Parks were in retaliation for the lawsuit and called Batey's accusation "lawyer talk."

The sheriff said he is obligated by law to bring a case forward when he knows a crime has been committed. He added that Batey has yet to review all of the evidence his staff collected during the investigation.

Batey said he would seek to file an amended complaint in the lawsuit, adding Parks' arrest and recent charges.

Pickell said his office began investigating Parks after a computer disk containing security video of the alleged assault was discovered by another deputy.

The incident happened in 2012, according to Pickell.

Pickell declined to identify the inmate involved in the incident, but he said he was lodged at the Genesee County Jail after his bond was not posted in a pending case. The inmate is no longer in the jail, he said.

The deputy who discovered the alleged attack was looking for a blank disc and discovered the recorded security video, according to Pickell.

The sheriff said the inmate, who was allegedly pepper sprayed during the incident, was not hospitalized for his injuries.

The inmate has not filed a lawsuit against the county over the incident, according to Pickell.

Attorney Jay Clothier, who is representing Parks in the criminal case, declined to comment on the allegations.

"We look forward to our day in court," Clothier said after the charges were filed. "We'll let our talking happen in court."

Parks is due back in court Nov. 18. He was free on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond. His charges carry a maximum punishment of five years in prison.



Genesee County Jail overcrowding emergency is over, sheriff says

.
cowboyzist. Nov 4, 2014
the question is, who hid the security footage in the first place?

Kaye1974 Nov 4, 2014
It was not not hid It was fairly easily found by person looking for a tape. If he watched the whole thing he probably saw other deputies pepper spraying inmates. Why was this one the only one charged? The County Jail, 4 the most, only takes serious

felons or drunks. Both of these types can be unruly, undisciplined, under the influence, and disrespectful of authority. And, of course, they don't want to be in jail. Deputies are assigned a hard job of keeping the piece of hundreds of these types of people. Parks used spray on an unruly, assaulting subject who knew he was in the wrong. That's why he made no complaint, nor a lawsuit. You notice he had no injuries. Parks used the least force necessary. He did not use his fist, night stick, radio, taser, , etc. If the investigation in 2012 cleared Parks, if the Feds would not issue a warrant for insufficient evidence, how and why did the Sheriff get the Pros. Office to do it? Oh yeah, I forgot, a lawsuit..


Blue407 Nov 4, 2014
The Feds did not charge Parks, yet our County Prosecutor did. What is wrong with this picture?

doinit4me Nov 4, 2014
Where to begin! For Bob and his henchman, Swanson, this is standard operating procedure. Look at the trail of mistreated sheriffs deputies who dared to speak up against the administration. Joe was not openly critical of the department in public, he spoke up in negotiations. Mr. Parks served the GCSD admirably for 30 years and as a Union rep it was his duty to advocate for his members while knowing, because he has seen this type of retaliatory action before, that he was putting his career in jeopardy. Sounds like a stand up guy to me who deserves all the support the law enforcement community can muster. Anyone who knows Joe or worked with him knows that this is pure hogwash, especially if they know Bob and Chris too.

The criminal case will never happen, too many secrets would be exposed, and the civil case will be quietly settled in a few years at the taxpayers expense. The shame of it all is that Joe was treated so poorly by the very people he protected all those years.



pinchme55 Nov 4, 2014
@doinit4me You are correct on every point. I'm sure Joe appreciates your support.


john Nov 4, 2014
Sounds like Pikell has lost control of the department.


burtonguy Nov 4, 2014
The disk was "accidentally" discovered after two years with no complaint from the prisoner and against a former deputy suing the sheriff's department. How stupid does Pickell think people are to say this is not retaliation? To prove what happens in the jail, all current disks and all future recorded activity should be monitored by a neutral third party for illegal activity in the jail by guards and inmates.

WeAreAllBozosOnThisBus Nov 4, 2014
@burtonguy Today's word , boys and girls, is "vindictive." Can you say "vindictive?"



FlagShareLikeReply
WeAreAllBozosOnThisBus Nov 4, 2014
@fuigb3 " But we are all better served when our guardians follow the rules that we charge them with enforcing". Yes, but is Bob following the rules or making them up as he goes along. That is what is being discussed in this blog.


uhtoh7 Nov 5, 2014
@Blue407 he was for 20 years...and he was a detective for 12 years before Swanson became US and booted him back to Corrections. The most highly decorated officer we have ever had but Swanson believed in the theory of "Testilying" instead of the truth and kicked Parks out, couldn't control him. He kicked 5 Detectives back to Corrections so he could put his "yes men" in there.


ic23b Nov 4, 2014
@burtonguy Makes me wonder if the deputy was just looking for a blank disc wouldn't of he known it was a used disc the moment he put it in and unless the "abuse" was the very first thing on the disc why would he keep watching it. Also it has never been said what the inmate might of done to require the deputy to pepper spray him.



Blue407
Blue407 Nov 4, 2014
@burtonguy The Sheriff's Department and other agencies issue pepper spray to their Officers to use. Parks alleged use of the pepper spray two years ago must have been within policy or the Sheriff would have disciplined or charged him then. Parks was required leave a use of force report at the time of the alleged incident.

If you take the Sheriff's word on what happened. He is admitting negligence on the part of his Supervisory staff who did not catch this alleged assault and battery when it occurred two years ago. The Inmate obviously did not make a complaint. This is obvious retaliation. The Sheriff does not care because it is not his money. As County taxpayers it is ours. We should be outraged at his arrogance.
Post Sat Jul 02, 2016 10:49 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Attorney claims charges against Genesee County sheriff's deputy are retaliation for lawsuit

Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com By Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com

on November 04, 2014 at 7:00 AM, updated November 04, 2014 at 7:07 AM


FLINT, MI -- An attorney for a Genesee County sheriff's deputy facing an assault charge said he believes the criminal case against his client is retaliation for a lawsuit he filed against the sheriff's department.

Gerald Joseph Parks was arraigned Tuesday, Oct. 28, in Flint District Court on a common law offense, misuse of a dangerous weapon and assault and battery after he allegedly assaulted an inmate in July 2012 while working at the Genesee County Jail. Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell said the common law offense stems from misconduct while in office.

"I think it's directly related to his civil case," said attorney Scott P. Batey. Batey is representing Parks in his lawsuit against the sheriff's department.

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Parks filed a lawsuit against the department in November 2013 on claims he was retaliated against, and eventually forced to retire after more than 30 years of service, for testimony he gave during an April 2012 union collective bargaining-related arbitration hearing. His testimony was critical of the department's administration.

The county in its response to the lawsuit denied any wrongdoing.

Pickell denied that the charges against Parks were in retaliation for the lawsuit and called Batey's accusation "lawyer talk."

The sheriff said he is obligated by law to bring a case forward when he knows a crime has been committed. He added that Batey has yet to review all of the evidence his staff collected during the investigation.

Batey said he would seek to file an amended complaint in the lawsuit, adding Parks' arrest and recent charges.

Pickell said his office began investigating Parks after a computer disk containing security video of the alleged assault was discovered by another deputy.

The incident happened in 2012, according to Pickell.

Pickell declined to identify the inmate involved in the incident, but he said he was lodged at the Genesee County Jail after his bond was not posted in a pending case. The inmate is no longer in the jail, he said.

The deputy who discovered the alleged attack was looking for a blank disc and discovered the recorded security video, according to Pickell.

The sheriff said the inmate, who was allegedly pepper sprayed during the incident, was not hospitalized for his injuries.

The inmate has not filed a lawsuit against the county over the incident, according to Pickell.

Attorney Jay Clothier, who is representing Parks in the criminal case, declined to comment on the allegations.

"We look forward to our day in court," Clothier said after the charges were filed. "We'll let our talking happen in court."

Parks is due back in court Nov. 18. He was free on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond. His charges carry a maximum punishment of five years in prison.



Genesee County Jail overcrowding emergency is over, sheriff says

.
cowboyzist. Nov 4, 2014
the question is, who hid the security footage in the first place?

Kaye1974 Nov 4, 2014
It was not not hid It was fairly easily found by person looking for a tape. If he watched the whole thing he probably saw other deputies pepper spraying inmates. Why was this one the only one charged? The County Jail, 4 the most, only takes serious

felons or drunks. Both of these types can be unruly, undisciplined, under the influence, and disrespectful of authority. And, of course, they don't want to be in jail. Deputies are assigned a hard job of keeping the piece of hundreds of these types of people. Parks used spray on an unruly, assaulting subject who knew he was in the wrong. That's why he made no complaint, nor a lawsuit. You notice he had no injuries. Parks used the least force necessary. He did not use his fist, night stick, radio, taser, , etc. If the investigation in 2012 cleared Parks, if the Feds would not issue a warrant for insufficient evidence, how and why did the Sheriff get the Pros. Office to do it? Oh yeah, I forgot, a lawsuit..


Blue407 Nov 4, 2014
The Feds did not charge Parks, yet our County Prosecutor did. What is wrong with this picture?

doinit4me Nov 4, 2014
Where to begin! For Bob and his henchman, Swanson, this is standard operating procedure. Look at the trail of mistreated sheriffs deputies who dared to speak up against the administration. Joe was not openly critical of the department in public, he spoke up in negotiations. Mr. Parks served the GCSD admirably for 30 years and as a Union rep it was his duty to advocate for his members while knowing, because he has seen this type of retaliatory action before, that he was putting his career in jeopardy. Sounds like a stand up guy to me who deserves all the support the law enforcement community can muster. Anyone who knows Joe or worked with him knows that this is pure hogwash, especially if they know Bob and Chris too.

The criminal case will never happen, too many secrets would be exposed, and the civil case will be quietly settled in a few years at the taxpayers expense. The shame of it all is that Joe was treated so poorly by the very people he protected all those years.



pinchme55 Nov 4, 2014
@doinit4me You are correct on every point. I'm sure Joe appreciates your support.


john Nov 4, 2014
Sounds like Pikell has lost control of the department.


burtonguy Nov 4, 2014
The disk was "accidentally" discovered after two years with no complaint from the prisoner and against a former deputy suing the sheriff's department. How stupid does Pickell think people are to say this is not retaliation? To prove what happens in the jail, all current disks and all future recorded activity should be monitored by a neutral third party for illegal activity in the jail by guards and inmates.

WeAreAllBozosOnThisBus Nov 4, 2014
@burtonguy Today's word , boys and girls, is "vindictive." Can you say "vindictive?"



FlagShareLikeReply
WeAreAllBozosOnThisBus Nov 4, 2014
@fuigb3 " But we are all better served when our guardians follow the rules that we charge them with enforcing". Yes, but is Bob following the rules or making them up as he goes along. That is what is being discussed in this blog.


uhtoh7 Nov 5, 2014
@Blue407 he was for 20 years...and he was a detective for 12 years before Swanson became US and booted him back to Corrections. The most highly decorated officer we have ever had but Swanson believed in the theory of "Testilying" instead of the truth and kicked Parks out, couldn't control him. He kicked 5 Detectives back to Corrections so he could put his "yes men" in there.


ic23b Nov 4, 2014
@burtonguy Makes me wonder if the deputy was just looking for a blank disc wouldn't of he known it was a used disc the moment he put it in and unless the "abuse" was the very first thing on the disc why would he keep watching it. Also it has never been said what the inmate might of done to require the deputy to pepper spray him.



Blue407
Blue407 Nov 4, 2014
@burtonguy The Sheriff's Department and other agencies issue pepper spray to their Officers to use. Parks alleged use of the pepper spray two years ago must have been within policy or the Sheriff would have disciplined or charged him then. Parks was required leave a use of force report at the time of the alleged incident.

If you take the Sheriff's word on what happened. He is admitting negligence on the part of his Supervisory staff who did not catch this alleged assault and battery when it occurred two years ago. The Inmate obviously did not make a complaint. This is obvious retaliation. The Sheriff does not care because it is not his money. As County taxpayers it is ours. We should be outraged at his arrogance.
Post Sat Jul 02, 2016 10:49 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Attorney claims charges against Genesee County sheriff's deputy are retaliation for lawsuit

Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com By Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com

on November 04, 2014 at 7:00 AM, updated November 04, 2014 at 7:07 AM


FLINT, MI -- An attorney for a Genesee County sheriff's deputy facing an assault charge said he believes the criminal case against his client is retaliation for a lawsuit he filed against the sheriff's department.

Gerald Joseph Parks was arraigned Tuesday, Oct. 28, in Flint District Court on a common law offense, misuse of a dangerous weapon and assault and battery after he allegedly assaulted an inmate in July 2012 while working at the Genesee County Jail. Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell said the common law offense stems from misconduct while in office.

"I think it's directly related to his civil case," said attorney Scott P. Batey. Batey is representing Parks in his lawsuit against the sheriff's department.

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Parks filed a lawsuit against the department in November 2013 on claims he was retaliated against, and eventually forced to retire after more than 30 years of service, for testimony he gave during an April 2012 union collective bargaining-related arbitration hearing. His testimony was critical of the department's administration.

The county in its response to the lawsuit denied any wrongdoing.

Pickell denied that the charges against Parks were in retaliation for the lawsuit and called Batey's accusation "lawyer talk."

The sheriff said he is obligated by law to bring a case forward when he knows a crime has been committed. He added that Batey has yet to review all of the evidence his staff collected during the investigation.

Batey said he would seek to file an amended complaint in the lawsuit, adding Parks' arrest and recent charges.

Pickell said his office began investigating Parks after a computer disk containing security video of the alleged assault was discovered by another deputy.

The incident happened in 2012, according to Pickell.

Pickell declined to identify the inmate involved in the incident, but he said he was lodged at the Genesee County Jail after his bond was not posted in a pending case. The inmate is no longer in the jail, he said.

The deputy who discovered the alleged attack was looking for a blank disc and discovered the recorded security video, according to Pickell.

The sheriff said the inmate, who was allegedly pepper sprayed during the incident, was not hospitalized for his injuries.

The inmate has not filed a lawsuit against the county over the incident, according to Pickell.

Attorney Jay Clothier, who is representing Parks in the criminal case, declined to comment on the allegations.

"We look forward to our day in court," Clothier said after the charges were filed. "We'll let our talking happen in court."

Parks is due back in court Nov. 18. He was free on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond. His charges carry a maximum punishment of five years in prison.



Genesee County Jail overcrowding emergency is over, sheriff says

.
cowboyzist. Nov 4, 2014
the question is, who hid the security footage in the first place?

Kaye1974 Nov 4, 2014
It was not not hid It was fairly easily found by person looking for a tape. If he watched the whole thing he probably saw other deputies pepper spraying inmates. Why was this one the only one charged? The County Jail, 4 the most, only takes serious

felons or drunks. Both of these types can be unruly, undisciplined, under the influence, and disrespectful of authority. And, of course, they don't want to be in jail. Deputies are assigned a hard job of keeping the piece of hundreds of these types of people. Parks used spray on an unruly, assaulting subject who knew he was in the wrong. That's why he made no complaint, nor a lawsuit. You notice he had no injuries. Parks used the least force necessary. He did not use his fist, night stick, radio, taser, , etc. If the investigation in 2012 cleared Parks, if the Feds would not issue a warrant for insufficient evidence, how and why did the Sheriff get the Pros. Office to do it? Oh yeah, I forgot, a lawsuit..


Blue407 Nov 4, 2014
The Feds did not charge Parks, yet our County Prosecutor did. What is wrong with this picture?

doinit4me Nov 4, 2014
Where to begin! For Bob and his henchman, Swanson, this is standard operating procedure. Look at the trail of mistreated sheriffs deputies who dared to speak up against the administration. Joe was not openly critical of the department in public, he spoke up in negotiations. Mr. Parks served the GCSD admirably for 30 years and as a Union rep it was his duty to advocate for his members while knowing, because he has seen this type of retaliatory action before, that he was putting his career in jeopardy. Sounds like a stand up guy to me who deserves all the support the law enforcement community can muster. Anyone who knows Joe or worked with him knows that this is pure hogwash, especially if they know Bob and Chris too.

The criminal case will never happen, too many secrets would be exposed, and the civil case will be quietly settled in a few years at the taxpayers expense. The shame of it all is that Joe was treated so poorly by the very people he protected all those years.



pinchme55 Nov 4, 2014
@doinit4me You are correct on every point. I'm sure Joe appreciates your support.


john Nov 4, 2014
Sounds like Pikell has lost control of the department.


burtonguy Nov 4, 2014
The disk was "accidentally" discovered after two years with no complaint from the prisoner and against a former deputy suing the sheriff's department. How stupid does Pickell think people are to say this is not retaliation? To prove what happens in the jail, all current disks and all future recorded activity should be monitored by a neutral third party for illegal activity in the jail by guards and inmates.

WeAreAllBozosOnThisBus Nov 4, 2014
@burtonguy Today's word , boys and girls, is "vindictive." Can you say "vindictive?"



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WeAreAllBozosOnThisBus Nov 4, 2014
@fuigb3 " But we are all better served when our guardians follow the rules that we charge them with enforcing". Yes, but is Bob following the rules or making them up as he goes along. That is what is being discussed in this blog.


uhtoh7 Nov 5, 2014
@Blue407 he was for 20 years...and he was a detective for 12 years before Swanson became US and booted him back to Corrections. The most highly decorated officer we have ever had but Swanson believed in the theory of "Testilying" instead of the truth and kicked Parks out, couldn't control him. He kicked 5 Detectives back to Corrections so he could put his "yes men" in there.


ic23b Nov 4, 2014
@burtonguy Makes me wonder if the deputy was just looking for a blank disc wouldn't of he known it was a used disc the moment he put it in and unless the "abuse" was the very first thing on the disc why would he keep watching it. Also it has never been said what the inmate might of done to require the deputy to pepper spray him.



Blue407
Blue407 Nov 4, 2014
@burtonguy The Sheriff's Department and other agencies issue pepper spray to their Officers to use. Parks alleged use of the pepper spray two years ago must have been within policy or the Sheriff would have disciplined or charged him then. Parks was required leave a use of force report at the time of the alleged incident.

If you take the Sheriff's word on what happened. He is admitting negligence on the part of his Supervisory staff who did not catch this alleged assault and battery when it occurred two years ago. The Inmate obviously did not make a complaint. This is obvious retaliation. The Sheriff does not care because it is not his money. As County taxpayers it is ours. We should be outraged at his arrogance.
Post Sat Jul 02, 2016 10:49 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

The latest publication of New Sheriff in Town discusses this arest and conviction



By Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com
Follow on Twitter
on February 12, 2013 at 7:30 AM, updated February 12, 2013 at 7:37 AM

Genesee County Sheriff
FLINT, MI -- Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell says he didn't originally think a former lieutenant with his department showed a pattern of sexually deviant behavior, but now he isn't so sure.

Michael Chatterson, 43, of Milford, was arraigned Jan. 15 by Flint District Judge Nathaniel Perry III on one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct and three counts of stalking following an investigation by the sheriff’s department.

A review of Chatterson’s personnel record with Genesee County, obtained by MLive-The Flint Journal through a Freedom of Information Act request, shows he received numerous commendations and glowing performance reviews during his time with sheriff’s department.
But the records also detail previous indiscretions that department leaders felt at the time were isolated incidents.

Pickell said Chatterson, who oversaw the sheriff's paramedic program, was fired after he allegedly sexually assaulted a subordinate deputy when he touched her inappropriately in his office.

The sheriff said Chatterson is also accused of sexually harassing five female deputies, including allegedly asking one to watch a sexually explicit video he had made of himself.

"We had no clue that any of this was going on," said Pickell, noting investigators had to question everyone under Chatterson's command to expose his alleged harassment.

Chatterson was hired as a corrections officer in 1999 but quickly rose through the department’s ranks.

“Sgt. Chatterson handles subordinates in a fair and firm manner,” according to a 2005 performance review. “Employees feel comfortable confiding in him.”

He received multiple commendations, including two as recently as November 2012 for his work staffing the county’s emergency operations center during the severe flooding the county sustained in May and taking over the extensive emergency medical service command during a fire at Rosehaven senior citizen apartment complex in April.

Chatterson was also recognized for helping to develop a new way EMS service is dispatched in the county, helping develop a new data-management system and preventing an armed robbery at a Flint dry cleaner in 2009 despite not being a certified police officer.

Pickell and Undersheriff Christopher Swanson even spoke on his behalf in September 2012 to the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards in an attempt to enroll Chatterson in police academy.

Chatterson had previously sued MCOLES after it refused to allow him to enter the police academy because of a problem with his eye sight.

But Chatterson’s history with the department was not without blemish.

In 2005, Chatterson received a written discipline consultation after he failed to inform a superior officer that he had knowledge that another employee had a serious drinking problem despite informing a supervisor that he smelled alcohol on the on-duty jail employee.

In 2006, he was suspended for 10 days without pay after four incidents were reported involving female deputies, according to the personnel file.

According to the personnel file, Chatterson admitted to showing a female deputy a sexually explicit image of himself on July 1, 2004. He also admitted to making inappropriate comments about the pictures of himself to another female deputy around the same time.

In August 2004, Chatterson admitted to saving a naked photograph of himself on a Yahoo account that was accessed by an off-duty corrections deputy and around April 2005 he admitted to making comments about an on-duty female corrections deputy’s breasts.

In September 2006, Chatterson wrote a letter to then-Capt. Swanson to “defend his character” just prior to being suspended.

“… I am not condoning my actions, she agreed to look at the picture,” Chatterson wrote. “I don’t recall the day in question; however, I do recall offering to show her a photo. She was informed that it was a nude photo and her curiosity made her agree to see it.

“I am not some pervert that forces women to look at pictures of myself.”

He added that the female deputy was “not just some innocent victim” because she, too, made sexual comments.

“… I just let my male ego overstep the bounds of right and wrong on this particular day.”

Chatterson also questioned why the incident was being investigated years later, particularly since the problem was addressed a year prior and he was told the female deputy would not pursue the incident.

He was informed at the time of his suspension that he would be fired if he ever committed a similar offense. He was fired from the sheriff’s department following the most-recent allegations.

"The whole office of sheriff is embarrassed by his conduct," said Pickell.

Attorney Frank J. Manley, who represents Chatterson, said that the lieutenant’s job performance was exemplary.

“The glowing recommendations and good works are not surprising as he was very good at his job,” Manley said. “We’ll address the negatives in court.”

A preliminary examination in the case is scheduled for Feb. 27. Chatterson is currently free on a $25,000 personal recognizance bond.



Related Stories

Former Genesee County sheriff's lieutenant arraigned on charges he sexually assaulted female deputy

Deputies file sexual misconduct lawsuit against county, former Genesee County sheriff's lieutenant





Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com
Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com Apr 26, 2013
A notice of intent has been filed in the case to charge Chatterson with first-degree CSC. That carries a max of life in prison.



tigerguy24
tigerguy24 Feb 12, 2013
Something is wrong when a guy rises to level of Lt. and he is not even a certified police officer. He was heading up a dept. of paramedics ...all of whom are both police officers and paramedics......and he couldn't qualify to do their job! Something is wrong with a system where you can rise through the ranks based on test scores rather than certification and performance

RustyBedsprings
RustyBedsprings Feb 12, 2013
Wasn't the former Lt. a member of the "Team of Destiny"? A group of the current Undersheriff's Amway sales force.



ckyrfacts
ckyrfacts Feb 12, 2013
I thought it curious when uniformed deputies arrived and were on patrol in Flushing Township BEFORE the Flushing Township Board had voted to approve the contract. Gary, ----the FBI investigation into corruption in the Genesee District Court system some years ago---turned up quite a few sexual predators-----none of whom were prosecuted. In my opinion, "Birds of a feather ,often flock together".

webuildemuaw
webuildemuaw Feb 12, 2013
Hello. He is not an officer of the sheriff dept if he hasen't been through the MICOLES /MLEOTC training where are the county commissioners it is their job to make sure employes are fit ,trained for job.. PICKLE I can spell fine He was with BoB LEONARD remember him ,well he had a good teacher GO FIGURE.. Him and the former Traverse City Police Chief worked for Leonard way back when BOB Leonard robbed the county blind..........

midway54
midway54 Feb 12, 2013
First the buck stops with the Sheriff....Period. Why was this guy in charge of the Paramedic Division when he was not a certified police officer. Was he a licensed Paramedic? Why would the Sheriff and Under Sheriff go to MCOLES and ask for standards to be waived for this guy. Sheriff you should be embarrassed...you let the public down.




Getitrightthefirsttime
Getitrightthefirsttime Feb 12, 2013
To bad Genesse county doesn't rat out all the other so called leaders of the community of their improper discretions instead of trying so hard to cover them up and then acting surprised when the public finds out. There would be no one left to turn out the lights.

Phillip LaBarge
Phillip LaBarge Feb 12, 2013
The sheriff did not know what was going on under his nose and by people in power positions in his contral. Do you think he may be in over his head? Now he wants millions to run a special crime dog unit. Do you think he will do this badly as well alongs with all his other jobs and he double dipping in the retirement system thats has been going on for nearly 13 years? With near 50,000 outstanding warrents is the sheriff doinga good job?

burtonguy
burtonguy Feb 12, 2013
The voters elected someone eligible for a pension and due the same overall compensation package as anyone else elected sheriff. The voters are responsible for Pickell's great financial compensation. It simple: if you don't want someone who is receiving a pension from former employment working for you, don't vote for them. It does appear either Pickell's judgement of character or investigative powers of available documents are rather weak in the Chatterson case (and Swanson's, too)

ic23b
ic23b Feb 12, 2013
I for one cannot understand why voters keep reelecting Pickell and I don't believe for a moment that he doesn't know about the inappropriate and illegal things going on in his department. He is nothing but an elected thug grabbing all the taxpayers money he can get his hands on while under minding all crime fighting efforts that do not go through him and his office. When he is done he will be setting back laughing at us all while he collects exorbitant pensions.

burtonguy
burtonguy Feb 12, 2013
Swanson's case of trying to get Chatterson into the police academy with his employment record. The record was bad enough to be up for discharge with another occurance, so surely that should have went against any waiver chance. Pickell wants $3 million to go after new bad guys in the county, so the 50,000 old warrants with a full jail is a Pickell issue.




offdahook
offdahook Feb 12, 2013
With all the law enforcement agencies in Genesee County why is it that the sheriff department seems to get the majority of negative press in regards to employee issues? Could it be just a perception or is this agency really that mismanaged ?



WOW55
WOW55 Feb 12, 2013
"Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell says he didn't originally think a former lieutenant with his department showed a pattern of sexually deviant behavior, BUT NOW HE ISN'T SO SURE." (Caps mine.) Really? In 2004, 2005, and 2006 he is involved with posting naked photos of himself on-line and "commenting" about them to female co-workers and is suspended for 10 days ... and in 2012 he is fired and then arraigned for second degree criminal sexual conduct and three counts of stalking. And Pickell never saw a pattern and he's still not convinced? This is the guy who wants to head a multi-million dollar task force to root out criminals in our community? Oh by ALL means let's put/keep this SUPER SLEUTH in charge! Where oh WHERE are qualified people to head our community law enforcement agencies? (Good article, Gary.)

truthseeker48433
truthseeker48433 Feb 13, 2013
The only reason Pickell even cares about this is because it has given him a 'blackeye'. I think he plans on turning over the Sheriff's seat to his sidekick Swanson anyways, so if he can manipulate his way through this all will be golden in his little world.

djfx
djfx Feb 12, 2013
"We had no clue that any of this was going on"...Pickell said, but then again, Pickell had no idea that double dipping his retirement fund was happening either.
Post Mon Jul 11, 2016 6:47 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Attorney claims charges against Genesee County sheriff's deputy are retaliation for lawsuit

Print Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com By Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com

on November 04, 2014 at 7:00 AM, updated November 04, 2014 at 7:07 AM


FLINT, MI -- An attorney for a Genesee County sheriff's deputy facing an assault charge said he believes the criminal case against his client is retaliation for a lawsuit he filed against the sheriff's department.

Gerald Joseph Parks was arraigned Tuesday, Oct. 28, in Flint District Court on a common law offense, misuse of a dangerous weapon and assault and battery after he allegedly assaulted an inmate in July 2012 while working at the Genesee County Jail. Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell said the common law offense stems from misconduct while in office.

"I think it's directly related to his civil case," said attorney Scott P. Batey. Batey is representing Parks in his lawsuit against the sheriff's department.

Parks filed a lawsuit against the department in November 2013 on claims he was retaliated against, and eventually forced to retire after more than 30 years of service, for testimony he gave during an April 2012 union collective bargaining-related arbitration hearing. His testimony was critical of the department's administration.

The county in its response to the lawsuit denied any wrongdoing.

Pickell denied that the charges against Parks were in retaliation for the lawsuit and called Batey's accusation "lawyer talk."

The sheriff said he is obligated by law to bring a case forward when he knows a crime has been committed. He added that Batey has yet to review all of the evidence his staff collected during the investigation.

Batey said he would seek to file an amended complaint in the lawsuit, adding Parks' arrest and recent charges.

Pickell said his office began investigating Parks after a computer disk containing security video of the alleged assault was discovered by another deputy.

The incident happened in 2012, according to Pickell.

Pickell declined to identify the inmate involved in the incident, but he said he was lodged at the Genesee County Jail after his bond was not posted in a pending case. The inmate is no longer in the jail, he said.

The deputy who discovered the alleged attack was looking for a blank disc and discovered the recorded security video, according to Pickell.

The sheriff said the inmate, who was allegedly pepper sprayed during the incident, was not hospitalized for his injuries.

The inmate has not filed a lawsuit against the county over the incident, according to Pickell.

Attorney Jay Clothier, who is representing Parks in the criminal case, declined to comment on the allegations.

"We look forward to our day in court," Clothier said after the charges were filed. "We'll let our talking happen in court."

Parks is due back in court Nov. 18. He was free on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond. His charges carry a maximum punishment of five years in prison.





kaye1974 Nov 5, 2014
Former Ranger shot someone unlawfully and only got probation so what should a correction officer get for spraying an assaulting prisoner? The shot guy complained and sued, the 2nd guy doesn't remember.


kaye1974 Nov 4, 2014
It was not not hid It was fairly easily found by person looking for a tape. If he watched the whole thing he probably saw other deputies pepper spraying inmates. Why was this one the only one charged? The County Jail, 4 the most, only takes serious

felons or drunks. Both of these types can be unruly, undisciplined, under the influence, and disrespectful of authority. And, of course, they don't want to be in jail. Deputies are assigned a hard job of keeping the piece of hundreds of these types of people. Parks used spray on an unruly, assaulting subject who knew he was in the wrong. That's why he made no complaint, nor a lawsuit. You notice he had no injuries. Parks used the least force necessary. He did not use his fist, night stick, radio, taser, , etc. If the investigation in 2012 cleared Parks, if the Feds would not issue a warrant for insufficient evidence, how and why did the Sheriff get the Pros. Office to do it? Oh yeah, I forgot, a lawsuit.



kaye1974 Nov 4, 2014
Wait until the citizens find out how much overtime money for them to accidently find the tape.Also how all witness statements stated Parks was in the right when he had to spray this guy who was high on drugs. Wouldnt u think he would even remember the incident if he was assaulted by Parks? They carried out an investigation back then and should have looked at tape in 2012. What happened before the spray? Parks must have been assaulted or the guy did something for Parks to spray him.


Blue407 Nov 4, 2014
The Feds did not charge Parks, yet our County Prosecutor did. What is wrong with this picture?


doinit4me Nov 4, 2014
Where to begin! For Bob and his henchman, Swanson, this is standard operating procedure. Look at the trail of mistreated sheriffs deputies who dared to speak up against the administration. Joe was not openly critical of the department in public, he spoke up in negotiations. Mr. Parks served the GCSD admirably for 30 years and as a Union rep it was his duty to advocate for his members while knowing, because he has seen this type of retaliatory action before, that he was putting his career in jeopardy. Sounds like a stand up guy to me who deserves all the support the law enforcement community can muster. Anyone who knows Joe or worked with him knows that this is pure hogwash, especially if they know Bob and Chris too.

The criminal case will never happen, too many secrets would be exposed, and the civil case will be quietly settled in a few years at the taxpayers expense. The shame of it all is that Joe was treated so poorly by the very people he protected all those years.



uhtoh7 Nov 5, 2014
@Blue407 he was for 20 years...and he was a detective for 12 years before Swanson became US and booted him back to Corrections. The most highly decorated officer we have ever had but Swanson believed in the theory of "Testilying" instead of the truth and kicked Parks out, couldn't control him. He kicked 5 Detectives back to Corrections so he could put his "yes men" in there.


ic23b Nov 4, 2014
@burtonguy Makes me wonder if the deputy was just looking for a blank disc wouldn't of he known it was a used disc the moment he put it in and unless the "abuse" was the very first thing on the disc why would he keep watching it. Also it has never been said what the inmate might of done to require the deputy to pepper spray him.


ic23b Nov 4, 2014
@burtonguy Seems like these used discs should be labeled with the dates they were used so if a inmate files a law suit against their treatment the Sheriff Dept could easily find proof instead of going through many unmarked discs.




Blue407 Nov 4, 2014
@burtonguy The Sheriff's Department and other agencies issue pepper spray to their Officers to use. Parks alleged use of the pepper spray two years ago must have been within policy or the Sheriff would have disciplined or charged him then. Parks was required leave a use of force report at the time of the alleged incident.

If you take the Sheriff's word on what happened. He is admitting negligence on the part of his Supervisory staff who did not catch this alleged assault and battery when it occurred two years ago. The Inmate obviously did not make a complaint. This is obvious retaliation. The Sheriff does not care because it is not his money. As County taxpayers it is ours. We should be outraged at his arrogance.
Post Mon Jul 11, 2016 3:57 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

"I think it's directly related to his civil case," said attorney Scott P. Batey. Batey is representing Parks in his lawsuit against the sheriff's department.

Parks filed a lawsuit against the department in November 2013 on claims he was retaliated against, and eventually forced to retire after more than 30 years of service, for testimony he gave during an April 2012 union collective bargaining-related arbitration hearing. His testimony was critical of the department's administration.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yet Pickell vigorously defended the deputies who brutally assaulted an inmate and cost the county over $600,000.

Sure sounds like retaliation to me!
Post Mon Jul 11, 2016 4:02 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Lawyer spending $100K as part of attempt to unseat sheriff

Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com By Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com
Follow on Twitter
on July 14, 2016 at 8:00 AM, updated July 14, 2016 at 8:32 AM


Genesee County Elections Commission rejects language on recall of Sheriff Robert PickellGenesee County Sheriff Robert PickellFile photo

GENESEE COUNTY, MI – The race for the Genesee County Sheriff's Office is taking on presidential tones – at least in terms of the amount of money being used to try and secure the seat.

Local attorney Glen Lenhoff said Tuesday, July 12, that he has donated $100,000 to a political action committee aiming to unseat incumbent Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell in the upcoming August primary election.

The $100,000 is the same amount billionaire eBay founder Pierre Omidyar reportedly gave the NeverTrump PAC earlier this year to try and derail the now-Republican nominee's presidential aspirations.

Lenhoff's donation was made to the New Sheriff in Town super PAC, which was organized in April to take Pickell and his political machine head-on.

"This guy has got to go," Lenhoff said.

Pickell called the effort "B.S." and said Lenhoff and other attorneys involved in the super PAC are "out to take control of the sheriff's office."

Pickell has been sheriff since 1999 and has cruised to victory in his past re-election campaigns.

But this year has seen some local high-profile attorneys band together to keep Pickell from winning a fifth term.

As a super PAC, the New Sheriff in Town effort is allowed to raise unlimited amounts of money from individuals, corporations and unions to advocate for or against political candidates. It is prohibited, however, from directly donating or coordinating with any candidate.

The New Sheriff PAC is registered to the Mott Foundation Building offices of attorneys Frank J. Manley and Scott Bigger.

Manley and Bigger, who is listed in state campaign records as the PAC's treasurer, said their role with the committee is to keep the books and facilitate the committee's activities.

All three attorneys say the committee was formed to try and bring attention to what they believe are shortcomings with Pickell's performance as sheriff.

"The PAC is designed to give a voice to regular people, to have a real chance to evaluate the incumbent," Manley said.


Genesee County agrees to pay $500,000 to settle sexual misconduct lawsuit involving fired sheriff's lieutenant

The settlement comes after the four female deputies claimed they were the victims of repeated sexual misconduct by former Lt. Michael Chatterson, who is currently facing criminal charges over the allegations.

So far, the PAC has been responsible for a number of billboards around the area supporting Pickell's primary challenger Dan Allen, multiple likely voter mailings that target Pickell's record and a flurry of social media activity. Topics have included the sexual assault prosecution of former sheriff's office Lt. Michael Chatterson and the $129,000 Pickell received in pension overpayments from the county.

Lenhoff, a civil rights and employment law attorney, represented a group of female deputies who sued the Sheriff's Office over Chatterson's sexual misconduct. They settled the case for $500,000.

Manley declined to specify how much money the committee has raised to take on the sheriff. Campaign financial statements aren't due to the state until later this month.

Sheriff Robert Pickell has agreed to repay Genesee County $15,000 of more than $129,000 in benefits officials now say he was mistakenly given since 1999.

However, Pickell claims the group has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars from local attorneys to "buy" the position for their own personal reasons.

"They're not in this for Dan Allen," Pickell said of the PAC. "He's going to owe these people."
allen, dan.jpgDan AllenMLive.com File Photo

Allen said he has not been involved or consulted by any of the PAC's activities, and Manley said he isn't looking for anything except a change in leadership.

"Dan Allen owes us nothing," Manley said.

Pickell isn't a stranger to raising and spending large amounts of money during campaigns.

In 2012 when he squared off against Allen, county campaign records show Pickell's reelection committee spent nearly $160,000. It raised nearly $50,000 in donations from local residents and attorneys, including more than $3,000 from Manley's brother, attorney Michael Manley.

His most-recent campaign statements haven't yet been filed with the county clerk.

"This is a mean, vicious, very personal attack," Pickell said.

Matthew Krol is also running unopposed for the position in the Republican primary.
Post Thu Jul 14, 2016 11:03 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Jury awards $139k in sheriff's office whistleblower case

Print Email Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com By Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com

on July 19, 2016 at 5:52 PM, updated July 20, 2016 at 10:52 AM
FLINT, MI – A $139,000 jury verdict has left Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell and the fired deputy who sued his department each claiming victory.

A jury awarded the money to former Genesee County Sheriff deputy Joe Boulton Tuesday, July 19, for his whistleblowing claims following a roughly two-week trial.

But the jury did not give Boulton any money for his claims of sexual harassment.

Boulton filed the lawsuit in 2012 after he claimed he was demoted, stripped of his police certification and suspended following testimony he gave in an arbitration hearing that was unfavorable toward Pickell and his staff.

"What it shows is how horrible the sheriff in Genesee County is," Boulton's attorney, Scott Batey said. "This administration will go after anybody who disagrees with them."

Boulton served as a deputy for 17 years, including time as a detective in the department's elder abuse task force. He was demoted back to working in the jail before he was ultimately fired.

However, Pickell, who was called to testify in the case, claims the jury's verdict, which he said was much less than Boulton was seeking in the case, justified his department's actions.

"I look at it as a win," Pickell said. "It's a total victory as far as I'm concerned."

Jurors awarded Boulton $139,000 as part of his Whistleblower Protection Act claim against the sheriff's department.

However, the jury awarded Boulton no money as part of his sexual harassment claims against the former elder abuse director, Diane Nims.

Judge Joseph J. Farah dismissed a claim of religious discrimination against Undersheriff Christopher Swanson before it ever made it to the jury.

Pickell thanked the county's Board of Commissioners for letting the case go to a jury rather than agree to a settlement. Batey said the county should have been "ashamed" to take the case to trial, adding the case could have settled for $100,000.

The sheriff's department admitted that the suspension, demotion and removal of Boulton's police powers were done in part due to his "criticism of the Office of Genesee County Sheriff" -- a violation of department policy -- but claimed it was also because of an ongoing pattern of mistreatment of colleagues and prisoners, untruthfulness and insubordination, according to court records.

Boulton claimed that he testified during a 2012 arbitration hearing that Swanson did not testify truthfully about the department's training regimen.

Boulton was fired in August 2013 after sending a letter to Swanson's wife, according to a termination letter. The allegations in the letter were false, the department has claimed.





thegreenarcher
thegreenarcher 14 hours ago
What does it take to convince the voting public that Pickell's time is up. Just look at that picture of him. This is one of many cases that the county commission has paid for Pickell's ineptness and vindictiveness. The figure for payouts totals more than $1,000,000. Google any one of these and read what Federal judges have said about Pickell's operation. Check out: Fernando Davis v. Genesee County , Robert Pickell...check out Terry Everman v.Genesee County and Robert Pickell. These two cases should terrify the African-American community. Go to the county web site and read the case: Paul Margolis v. Swanson. What an abuse of police power.
Post Wed Jul 20, 2016 10:37 am 
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