Local: Gun-toting convicted criminals get notices to appear, accused officers still cooling their heels in the clink (UPDATED)
Compare and contrast.
From 1470WMBD:
A bond hearing has been delayed until Wednesday for two Peoria Police officers charged with the beating of Peoria man while on duty almost a year ago. Officers Jerry Suelter and Andrew Smith were arrested Monday night on charges of official misconduct, aggravated battery, battery and mob action … Three attorneys were present in Peoria County Court Tuesday afternoon when Judge Paul Gillfilan told them the officers’ bonding wasn’t until Wednesday. No reason was given.
Why delay the bond hearing? And why not TELL people the reason for the delay? And it’s not like “Catch and Release Kevin Lyons normally is overly concerned about keeping the accused behind bars.
Consider the case of Justin Rodgers who was arrested at an East Bluff home back in late October, but was released a few days later on a notice to appear — issued by Lyon’s office. After all, he had only been booked on charges of possession of weapons by a felon, possession of a controlled substance and possession and delivery of marijuana. Neighbors on East Elmhurst — who were being terrorized by this guy — were furious and afraid Rodgers would retaliate against them for the complaints that had made to police. The cops found two pounds of marijuana, 45 grams of cocaine, eight rocks of crack cocaine, body armor and five guns — but Lyon’s office gave him a notice to appear.
But two police officers — who won’t be in uniform patrolling anyway because they are on paid leave — can’t get out on bond.
UPDATE: Now we know why Kevin Lyons wanted to delay the release fo these two Peoria Police officers: Kevin Lyons wanted an opportunity to appear in court in person and hear himself talk:
Two Peoria police officers arrested after a brutality claim will appear in court Wednesday, when Peoria County State’s Attorney Kevin Lyons said he plans to read a copy of the complaint and factual basis for their arrest.
I mean, what’s the use of charging police officers with a crime if you, a prosecutor who rarely appears in court, can’t score some media face time by showing up for a procedural hearing.
March 18th, 2009 at 11:57 am
As a supporter of Mr. Lyons, I am disgusted with the way this matter is being handled. A notice to appear to these two officers for an offense allegedly committed a year ago would be the right way to have handled it. A press conference seems to be a retaliatory measure-you are better than that Kevin!
March 18th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Maybe he’s not handling it as well as he could, but I’m finding it a little hard to have sympathy for sworn police officers arrested for committing this type of offense and it does send a message that we won’t tolerate the law enforcers from breaking the law.
I’m more concerned that as a percentage of the workforce, our Peoria Police Department has had an increasing number of individuals breaking the law – kinda hard to arrest someone with a straight face for DUI when you’ve been arrested for DUI – same with arresting someone on domestic abuse when you’re facing charges of assault.
If you don’t want to do the time, don’t do the crime applies equally to all of us.
March 18th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
From a police perspective, the video looks damning, unless you’re the officer there fighting with the guy. Although you only see the officer’s action’s, you don’t see the reason he’s doing it. He could be holding onto a gun on the ground and not givinig it up. You just can’t see on the video and only have a drug dealer’s testimony vs. 6 cops. It’s a shame that we have gotten to the point in this society where we question our guardian’s actions and vindicate the rights of those that violate ours in return.
The officers in this case will be vindicated, but it’s the citizen’s of Peoria that will suffer because of Lyon’s wrath. He has openly stated he will attack those who did not support him in this election. I.E., police unions. Officers will become paper tigers. Look tough, but fearful of Lyon’s retaliation if they lay hands on suspects. “Will I be arrested by Lyon’s if i run down and have to physically restrain this suspect who just raped a 13 yr old?” How can we as police officers protect the public if we stand the chance of criminal charges when we do. Yes there are limits. We know them. Sometimes, when we enforce the law, it doesn’t look pretty and it doesn’t look right. But thats how the job is done and been done for many many years. The police are the weapons society has to meet the bad guys on their own turf and on their own rules. If you strip the police of those powers…well, the bad guys win. And be prepared to see those same bad guys sue and prosecute the police out of existance leaving you with what protection?
March 19th, 2009 at 7:14 am
Anon cop: Just keep doing your job and all this mickey mouse will take care of itself;remember the axiom, “it is better to be judged by a jury of twelve than to be buried by a group of six”. Rather crude, but true. If these officers were wrong, they will be handled, but let’s all wait until the whole story comes out before we put anyone on the cross.
March 23rd, 2009 at 8:42 pm
It’s no mystery at all. Check-out the minimum educational requirements at city hall for Peoria cops to get hired—–it’s a GED folks. That’s right, you’re being protected by guys who probably didn’t finish high school. There, it all makes sense now, doesn’t it?
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Well, Carol, my sister earned a GED. She went on to work full time while earning a nursing degree and became a head nurse, recently working in neurosurgery.