Tulsa officer suspended after pub incident

[rwarn17588]

Anyone think this was sufficient punishment?  How easily would an average citizen have gotten out of this if this had been a police sting operation?  Due process my a$$, I think we need to hold law enforcement to a high standard.

...

He needs to face "layoff".

The irony about all this is a corporal on KRMG this morning said the FOP rejected the offer from the mayor because they didn't trust him.

Yet, the FOP continues to shield this apparent whackjob.

I'd say the feeling of a lack of trust is mutual.

[Conan71]

"You call me Francis, I'll kill you!!"

[GG]

His divorce makes for interesting reading.  I can honestly say I can't recall a public defender being appointed for minors in a divorce.  As well there's a court-appointed therapist for the kids.  This guy is sounding more and more like a total nut.  The soon to be ex filed for an EPO on Monday.  Can't say I blame her.  Hmmm alimony to be paid from 40% of his future overtime earnings.  Sounds like she's SOL on that.  I didn't realize how dependent LEO's were on OT.

"FUNDERBURK, CARL: TEMPORARY ORDER HEARING HELD. SOLE CUSTODY TO PETITIONER, RESPONDENT TO HAVE FRIDAY VISITATIONS WITH BOTH CHILDREN FROM 5:00 PM TO 9:00 PM. RESPONDENT TO HAVE VISITATION WITH OLDEST CHILD TUES NIGHT AS WELL FROM SCHOOL TO SCHOOL. PUBLIC DEFENDER APPOINTED TO REPRESENT THE MINOR CHILDREN. CHILD SUPPORT TO BEGIN 9-1-2009 AND THE FIRST DAY OF EVERY MONTH. COUNSELING PAID PER GUIDELINES FOR CHILDREN BY BOTH PARTIES. 40% OF FUTURE OVERTIME PAYMENT RESPONDENT MAKES TO BE GIVEN TO PETITIONER FOR SUPPORT ALIMONY. APPRAISAL TO BE CONDUCTED OF MARITAL PROPERTY, RESPONDENT TO PAY 100%. FINAL ALLOCATION OF PAYMENT FOR APPRAISAL RESERVED. THE COURT'S MOTION TO SETTLE JOURNAL ENTRY SET 9-22-2009 AT 9:00 AM. PETITIONER REPRESENTED BY KELLY SMAKAL, BOTH PRESENT. RESPONDENT REPRESENTED BY KATHRYN HERWIG, BOTH PRESENT. BARBARA TIFFEE, COURT REPORTER."


http://www.oscn.net/applications/ocisweb/GetCaseInformation.asp?submitted=true&viewtype=caseGeneral&casemasterID=2239112&db=Tulsa

I know his wife or ex-wife as it seems to be now.  Very sweet young lady.

I also know the officer's father.  I grew up with him.  I see him from time to time as we live in the same suburb.  You could not ask to know a finer man.   As the old saying goes, you can't pick your relatives.

I know this has to be a difficult time for the family.

[patric]

Well, at least we know who will play him on "America's Most Wanted"

[Cats Cats Cats]

I know his wife or ex-wife as it seems to be now.  Very sweet young lady.

I also know the officer's father.  I grew up with him.  I see him from time to time as we live in the same suburb.  You could not ask to know a finer man.   As the old saying goes, you can't pick your relatives.

Well...  You are talking about his wife and you are talking about his dad.  I am pretty sure there was some sort of "picking" going on when they got married.  The dad is.. well the dad.  Its not like this is your wifes sisters brother inlaws cousin or something.

Not that that makes any difference at all.  Just sayin.

[GG]

Well...  You are talking about his wife and you are talking about his dad.  I am pretty sure there was some sort of "picking" going on when they got married.  The dad is.. well the dad.  Its not like this is your wifes sisters brother inlaws cousin or something.

Not that that makes any difference at all.  Just sayin.

I work in staffing, I had a job opening, I placed the ex-wife in the job that she still works in 8 years later.  I still call on the company I placed her in and see her from time to time.

Father in Law and I have known each other since 3rd grade.   Played baseball together.   As I mentioned still see him from time to time. I even know his parents. (the officers grand parents)

No they are not my cousin or anthing else.  Just good decent hard working people I am proud to call my friends.

[Nik]

I'm assuming this guy is still getting paid?

[Townsend]

I'm assuming this guy is still getting paid?

Yes

[Conan71]

...and probably doesn't have to pass a UA screen either

[sgrizzle]

He is until he gets held over for trial. That could be awhile since he got a continuance on his arraignment until 4/1. Someone has a good lawyer.

[YoungTulsan]

If this due process sh*t is really the honest way, then make him pay back his wages from the time of the incident until the time he is cut loose because of his behavior if he happens to be found guilty and thusly shown the door.

[patric]

If this due process sh*t is really the honest way, then make him pay back his wages from the time of the incident until the time he is cut loose because of his behavior if he happens to be found guilty and thusly shown the door.

If they didnt pay him his salary, the Union would have cause to reach even further into taxpayers pockets down the road if his case came apart due to some technicality.
But yes, the city should include a forfeiture clause in the next FOP contract for officers convicted of crimes who have essentially been enjoying months of paid vacations.
UA or EIA while on paid leave?  Good luck with that, too.

[Conan71]

He is until he gets held over for trial. That could be awhile since he got a continuance on his arraignment until 4/1. Someone has a good lawyer.

That is a standard tactic.  Why not put a "moral turpetude" clause in their contract that if they are arrested for any reason suspended without pay and they will be compensated back pay with a reasonible interest rate if they are exonerated?  Let's face it you have to really love up big time to get arrested if you are a cop. I've heard countless stories of courtesy escorts home. I have no idea how true this is, but I've been told cops were given little choice but to arrest him because there were too many witnesses. If true, that pisses me off that anyone would have considered there would have been any other option.

[Townsend]

Done.

http://www.newson6.com/global/story.asp?s=12458394

Tulsa Police Officer Charged With Pointing Gun While Drunk Resigns
Posted: May 10, 2010 2:59 PM CDT
Updated: May 10, 2010 3:02 PM CDT



Thomas Fees is hoping to get a deferred sentence.

By Lori Fullbright, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- A Tulsa police officer charged with pointing a gun while drunk has decided to resign from his job and plead guilty.

Thomas Fees was in court briefly Monday. His attorney says Fees is hoping to get a deferred sentence.

He's charged with a felony of pointing a firearm and a misdemeanor of handling a firearm while drunk. The incident happened when police say Fees was forced out of a Tulsa bar after getting unruly.

His attorney says Fees was going through a difficult personal time, but is now doing better.

"He's had a domestic situation that he was dealing with that prompted a lot of this conduct, but everything is better. He's been clean and sober since the incident and undergoing outpatient alcohol treatment, going to AA, so he has everything under control," said Paul Brunton, Fees' Attorney.

A deferred sentence means if Fees doesn't break any laws, the charges will be wiped off his record. Brunton says Fees plans to go to law school.

[sgrizzle]

..and he still hasn't responded to my facebook friend request...