Tahoe cop Poland behind bars on federal charges
By Kathryn Reed
South Lake Tahoe police Officer Johnny Poland is behind bars on five federal charges.
Poland, who has been in and out of trouble with the department, has been under investigation locally and by the FBI for more than a year. That investigation culminated Jan. 23 when he was arrested without incident outside the police department.
He faces five charges related to trying to get others to change their testimony and tampering with evidence. The violations allegedly started on June 29, 2011, and continued through Dec. 20, 2011.
Johnny Poland
Police Chief Brian Uhler told Lake Tahoe News the charges have to do with charges Poland faces and not other cases.
Poland, 44, will be spending the night in Sacramento County Jail. He is scheduled to be in court Thursday morning.
Part of the federal complaint says, “In 2009, law enforcement had observed Poland, again off duty, in close association with gang members at a funeral.”
It goes on to say he was having a relationship with a gang member with whom he shared sensitive information.
The complaint says Poland in 2003 had sex with a 17-year-old South Tahoe High School student while he was the school resource officer. He was 35 at the time and married.
Poland has been on paid administrative leave since November 2011. That status will change to unpaid after the court hearing on Jan. 24, according to Uhler.
“We have a sense of conclusion or closure with the events that happened today. They were not unexpected,” Uhler told Lake Tahoe News.
Poland had been asked to come to the station Wednesday morning to fill out paperwork. He did. And then he was arrested in the parking lot.
Uhler said he met today with officials from El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office regarding state charges. A decision on whether more charges will be filed has yet to be determined.
Uhler is also working on what happens next in regards to Poland being an employee of South Lake Tahoe.
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Will the 14 months of paid administrative leave be repaid to the city if he’s found guilty?
He’s still on admin. leave while behind bars, that’s how it works in the big SLT City
Concerned citizen, once there is court hearing (tomorrow) which makes it official, then he can be shifted to unpaid leave. Whether you agree or not, that is a fairly standard arrangement with almost all police and firemen collective bargaining agreements.
To what degree, the city can seek restitution is probably defined in the CA; details of which I am not familiar, but I am sure someone on this exchange is and may be able to offer an informed opinion.
Rick
It would be a public service if LTN would publish the entire text of the complaint.
Never mind – I see the Trib. already has it on their web site. Should make for an interesting read.
Nothing surprises me anymore.
South Tahoe’s Finest!
One must wonder why the charges took so long to emerge. I hope that that is explained someday.
Although I don’t know what motivates some people to do wrong, it’s sad the he wold feel compelled when he had the loveliest family. A beautiful wife and incredible children. My heart goes out to them.
Bill Kingman,
With all this craziness about the loop road, the hole, appointing another person to the city council, abortion, SnowGlobe, plastic bags and so many other things could you possibly do another “Then and Now”?
I need a break! Old Long Skiis
I bet they find his actions are job stress related and give him disability and early retirement like Sgt Nye in the mid 1980’s.
Please take the time to read the full complaint posted on the Tribune site. It’s an eye opener!
The complaint has been added to the bottom of the story.
Kathryn Reed, LTN publisher
You can bet that the entire South Tahoe PD is under investigation at this juncture. And a grand jury investigation is probably in order.
I empathize with Chief Uhler, who is a fantastic person. He’s been saddled with more problems than he deserves.
Looks like Johnny is going to be spending some time in the Big House. He’ll find a new girlfriend there.
So what happened with the original aggregious “affair” with C1, as a high school student? Why was this problem not “nipped in the bud”? SLTPD…shame on you. Now, the taxpayers have paid for admin leave, and a lengthy FBI investigation, as well as extended impropriety from a sworn officer, J. Polland. Oh, and let’s not forget the back-pay he was awarded following the last failed investigation where he got his job back! What arrogance on so many levels.
The corruption is rampant in this town. However it would be unfair and close minded to focus all the attention on law enforcement alone. I have to say, it makes me sick to see much reporting on officials and law enforcement and so little on the average citizen who is equally criminal. If you can access Federal Court docs about a Police Officer, you can access court docs on other felons who have engaged in criminal behavior that endangers others. Please.
This should also serve as an eye opener. When you think you know someone, the reality is, you don’t know them at all.
Facts speak louder than what comes out of someones mouth.
What’s really troubling is how the SLTPD Union backed Poland in his arbitration hearing! It’s further troubling that his rep. in that hearing was a one Councilman/Mayor Tom Davis!
And so the selective memory rears it’s head. How soon we forget that the SLTPD fired this man and were forced against their will to hire him back. And how many of you were running to “Officer Johnny’s” defense, crying foul? Saying how he was treated unfairly by the evil police administration? So to now call the SLTPD corrupt when they were the only ones who wanted him gone seems pretty unfair. My memory (and many a need article and comment section) show that the PD wanted the bad spe out, but this town rallied behind Officer Johnny and helped him win his position back.
Apologies for the typos:
News article*
Bad apple*
Read the complaint. Wow.
Quote[So what happened with the original aggregious “affair” with C1, as a high school student? Why was this problem not “nipped in the bud”? SLTPD…shame on you. ]Quote
Snow, this investigation apparently is where the evidence surfaced. No shame involved at all by SLTPD.
and AB, no, the entire PD is not under investigation. There are some very good people over there, very good.
Hi Parker,
The Police Association did not back Poland during his arbitration hearing. I testified against him at that hearing. The hearing panel of three, which by law, included a one person choice by Poland. He did select Tom Davis. The three member panel decided the facts were not there for termination. Mr. Poland was reinstated as a Police Officer. The Association Board met, based on the findings of the panel. The Police Association Board’s agreement, under the first article of the Association by-laws, is to protect all members of the Association. Poland was still a member of that Association. As much as I did not want to support him, I presented Article One to the Association Board and informed them that if we fail to back any officer who has been reinstated then we are doing so based on popularity who we support and who we do not, which is not the basis for an Association, or union.
What the Association did not support and clarified such in a formal letter to the City Manager,were the desires of some police management personnel with having Poland’s case presented in Superior Court.
With that said to all on this site, do not point fingers at anyone on the Police Department from the top down. All had a job to do and did so with the best intentions in mind. Just as with a court room jury, no one knows the outcome until the verdict is read.
Mr. Poland dug his own hole. If he spent half the time doing things correctly he would have been an outstanding police officer. He had all the makings for it. He is intelligent, phsically fit, and had ‘street smarts” for the job. But being intelligent and smart are two different things. He GAVE away his integrity, no one TOOK it from him.
My heart goes out to his wife and
children. They did not deserve any of this nonsense.
The clock is ticking regarding the status of any retirement benefits Mr. Poland had acrued over his career. As of January 1, 2013 any officer fired for a felony loses all rights to any acrued pension money. His wife may want to talk to a family law attorney and find out if filing for a divorce quickly before he is fired would entitle her to half of his earned retirement since California is a community property state. She needs to start thinking about herself and kids. She is by law entitled to retirement benefits if they divorced under “normal” circumstances and it would be a shame for her not to have some lawfully earned benefit and not have to suffer by losing it with what she has put up with over all these years.
Yes this investigation took a lot of time and money to culminate. They always do. Blame Poland for that cost. Blame Poland for one less officer position on the street to protect the public. Blame Poland for other cops having to come in on days off away from their families to fill his slot. And yes, I personally blame Poland for disregarding the safety of students at the high school when a student brought a gun to school. He failed to make an arrest at the school and altered his reports, first stating no weapon was found and later claiming it was an “inoperable BB gun” which convienently got thrown away by the suspect and never to be found again. But since the weapon was never located we will never know if it was a real pistol or not. I personally individually interviewed 7-9 students who all believed it was a real pistol and one student even drew a picture of it.
No cop at the Department is glad this happened. They are relieved. There is a difference. This matter exemplifies that the Police Department ‘cleans its own house.”
I won’t comment again about Poland. Nobody “won” a thing with this matter. It gave all a black eye.
I am certain some will comment as to what I wrote. I will hear from that three finger guy in town, and that is fine. Just because someone can write does not mean they know what they are talking about.
Okay I got to get to bed. fishing in the morning
Retired Copper, Scott Willson
When you first posted a couple years ago Retired Cop, I figured out who you were. And as I said then, I knew and know you to be ‘one of the good guys’!
Let me credit you for looking out for Poland’s family! But let me also say, it’s disappointing that Poland’s fellow officers get hung up on procedural matters, instead of getting hung up on making sure that those who carry a badge and gun, at taxpayer expense, are of a moral caliber at least a grade or two above Poland’s!
Retired Copper, Scott Willson:
Thank you for your post and detailed explanation. It is reassuring to know that this individual who exploited his position and power “because he could” will now have to accept the consequences of his actions. I too feel badly for his extremely kind and gracious wife and for his children and agree that they absolutely did not deserve any of this nonsense. Your suggestions regarding the engagement of a family law attorney related to spousal entitlement of one-half earned retirement was very sage advice.
Thank you for your former service to the City of South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy retirement.
Johnny has a way to convince people of his innocence with his warm and friendly personality. Sorry for the people who were sucked into his web and supported him. But remember, he has not been convicted of anything yet, so only time will tell if he is legally guilty.
If he is guilty as charged may I suggest an insanity plea.
Read the complaint to understand why he must be nuts to think he could get away with it indefinitely.
I read the entire Poland Complaint which is somewhat long and is fairly sickening. Several years ago I overheard a conversation where another individual had asked then Officer Poland why he did the things he did. His response had been “because I can”. I didn’t know what all he was doing at the time but after reading this complaint I now believe that this person is an arrogant train wreck. My condolences to all the people he has harmed in his wake.
Point of Clarification:
My above post should have read that I overheard “a portion of” a conversation where Poland was asked why he did the things he did which was why I did not know what all he had been doing. Speculation at that time led me to believe that it was likely not very respectable.
The more I read about this the more disturbing it becomes.
I have just read the FBI complaint on POLAND. It made me sick. This S.O.B. should spend the rest of his life behind bars. And his Wife should have left him a long time ago when she was first aware of his dealings with other women, I feel bad for her and her family and the thought that she may not be able to receive any of his retirement but she should have left him in 2009 when she became aware of his infidelity. I hope he spends the rest of his life in prison. he is a low life scum.
I was one of those who tried to give him the benefit of the doubt. I was SO wrong! Johnny is the worst kind of cop-one who takes advantage of his position in society to do those things he is supposed to protect us from.
I wonder how he will do in prison…a pedophile who is (was) a cop.
I feel so sorry for his family. Please be sure to show them the same compassion you would expect if you were in their situation.
Quote[but she should have left him in 2009 when she became aware of his infidelity.]Quote
X that is presumptive and unfair, even if you knew her situation completely.
“warm and friendly personality”? This pedophile was arrogant and pompous everywhere I encountered him around town.
Good job, Scott. Thank you. I assume local charges are also pending – finally.
In my very brief dealings with Mr. Poland as he was discharging his professional duties as a Peace Officer I never found him to anything but insolent, arrogant and incompetant. And witnessing his driving behavior in his “super-loud, super-macho” Jeep was infuriating. I just have to wonder how did this jerk ever pass the psych eval?
Good riddance to bad rubbish…
I met Officer Johnny once and he seemed normal guy school cop type. The kids next door thought he was cool-ya never know. The only worse bigmouths than cops are restaurant owners that think there gods.
Innocent until proven guilty!
Was Johnny Poland in court this morning? Anything new?
“LilPeter”….is this forum here so you can attack someone’s character for their opinion, or for your personal gripe? This forum is for adult banter and sharing, thank you.
Diane,
As with some of the other more infamous pedophiles in town, the fact that he had gained support from us is irrelevant. So what?
This is just one more example of how incredibly convincing pedophiles are. Ya know why? Because they can’t abuse people if they showed their true arrogance. Of course he was likeable and seemed honest. When I met him I actually thought he was a whimp….a quiet, soft spoken puss. I was irritated that he could not offer any help in the situation and I dismissed him as a waste. I had no idea at the time that he was already under investigation and I now assume he was acting on his best behavior last year. Or atleast in my presence. I would encounter him a few more times and we would chat and he told me he was suspended and that it was due to an incident involving BB guns that he failed to take from a few kids. Trust me, I am as cynical as they come and this guy had me snowballed.
It is a fact that I’m sure Retired Cop would confirm, that criminals lie. They manipulate, and we the general public are usually left in a state of shock when we learn that these people are completely different than what we perceived them to be. And then there are those that refuse to look at facts, and use common sense and remain supportive to these criminals. I’m sure some knucklhead will think he was set up. It’s not the first time I’ve heard that excuse.
Nonetheless, I believe it’s wrong for you to blame people who supported him. :)
I met Johnny when he worked at the casinos. He seemed like a very nice guy who was being railroaded by the “Man” for showing some compassion by not ruining some kids life for making a bad choice by bringing a BB gun to school. When you have seen all the BS that goes on in this disfunctual town of ours it seemed very likely. After reading the case against him, I am ashamed of myself for being one of his defenders. His daughter and mine were friends in high school and had sleep overs at their home. Scares me when I think about it now. Why does our beautiful area have to become a haven to all these shady, conniving, lying, cheating and stealing individuals? (Poland, DiMatteo, Lane, Trupp, Etc., Etc.) We need people in public office with fresh ideas and the strength and ability to do the things needed to turn this town into someplace one would want to raise their children. If your out there, please step up.
Where is nosealot/poland and his cooments on this article??
An ANTI-Corruption demonstration/protest will be held Monday at high noon Jan 28, 2013 in front of the SLT Police Dept on Al Tahoe Rd. We’ll have the world’s largest CRIME SCENE banner and other professional signs demanding competency, honesty and transparency into Tahoe law enforcement. The SLTPD also must complete police investigations and not cover them up! No more lies, slowballing and whitewashing to protect corrupt cronies.
Come on by, bring a sign and honk if you drive by.
See the CRIME SCENE banner we’re goning to use here: http://youtu.be/gbk0rKPnbfs
Laketoohigh,
I no longer wish to raise my family here. It’s just that bad. And really, there seems like there is little hope in change. I honestly have no confidence in anyone new. I guess I have high standards that I doubt anyone can match. This person may take a seat with good intentions , but like all branches of Government, special interest corruption trumps all in the city.
I can tell you that I fear my community. I fear CPS, I don’t have a reason to, but I do. I fear law enforcement. I fear the City. I fear individuals who “know people”.
One could argue that I am simply paranoid, but I say it’s the fallout from a very corrupt enviroment.
My last hope would be that the media report on all the corruption, but even the media fails to act without bias. Sorry, but it’s true.
This community sweeps some pretty bad things under the rug and often we vilify people that don’t deserve it. I am not making a reference to Poland or Gino.
I ask that Katherine and other medias take a stand and report accordingly, to keep an open mind and stop letting personal relationships dictate what is reported. If we want to see change, then change should begin on all levels.
One bad apple tends to get WAY more attention, but is NOT a reflection on the whole! If the worst of the so called corruption that some of the above posters are commenting about consists of a cop concealing the truth about a BB gun being brought to school and a pot dealer getting busted for dealing pot, than I personally think that as REAL crime goes, we are on the positive high side of the curve!
You know it does look bad, and not a sign we have a very ‘clean’ town that it was the Feds that brought these charges! It’s not like this was a complicated organized crime or transnational gang case! That our local (or even state) govt. failed to bring these charges is a black eye on them!
Firebreaker. Sounds like you’re inciting a riot. Just sayin. The City PD is NOT the enemy. You all pass judgement of officers but when you need them they’re the first one’s you call. Hypocrits all.
I love how my comment was erased. The City of South Lake Tahoe refuses to look at their own corruption within the Police department as well as officer’s of the court in El Dorado County. Where is the justice?
TO: “me too”
Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere.
When SLTPD fails to investigate a crime they witnessed and fail to talk with other witnesses and collect evidence and then say to file the report in Carson City when the crime occur in S. Tahoe, CA – we have a problem. Then for them to lie and say another State agency needs to investigate, the BS keeps getting deeper. Justice delayed is justice denied.
We are expressing our 1st amendment right to redress government – not our 2nd amendment rights to a well regulated militia to stop the tyranny.
Peace.
Why are comments being deleted???
I’ll solve that with the new http://SLTPDwatch.wordpress.com website where stories, news and police corruption will be disclosed and discussed. Perhaps I’ll setup EdDoradoDAwatch.com and SouthTahoeCorruption.com too… There’s a lot of corruption to hash out around here.
If Police Chief Uhler does what he says, I’ll give him credit for cleaning up corruption. On the other hand, if Chief Uhler is helping cover-up crime and helping the DA selectively prosecute crimes based on politics and fear of being sued – then we’re going all out and calling for his resignation and the resignation of other coconspirators including DA Hans Uthe. We’re getting to the bottom of this, we’ll find the bad apples along the way and the journey to justice will prevail.
“Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere”
Firebreaker, no comments being deleted. After fifty comments they roll over to a new page. Please reference the ‘Older comments’ in blue under my comment.
Libelous comments are deleted. One was on this story.
Ty, you can monitor comments however you want on your blogs.
We get to do what we want with our news site, and are apparently going to have higher standards.
Kathryn Reed, LTN publisher
Firebreaker:
So you plan to conduct an anti-corruption demonstration in front of the SLT Police Department demanding competency, honesty and transparency into Tahoe law enforcement? How dare you attempt to incite some type of uprising in our community! If you don’t have the proper permit to conduct this “assembly” I hope the SLT Police do their job and throw your butt in jail!
If you were at all informed you would know that the City of South Lake Tahoe attempted to terminate Mr. Poland’s employment years before this current matter. Then Councilmember Bill Crawford was a Poland supporter and worked hard to get Poland reinstated, and due to the decision of a required by law arbitration hearing panel of three, of which Poland selected one individual, they decided the facts were not there for termination.
Aaron:
The comments contained in your January 25, 2013, 7:43 p.m. post to Laketoohigh really appear like those of a depressed individual. I would suggest that after you leave this community which you find so frightening and locate your place of safety that meets your high standards, you seek help for your depression and to acquire some coping skills.
I see flyers all over town about the SLTPD ANTI Corruption protest. This is just what this town needed years ago!
Bad cops who hide behind the badge are the worst scum of the earth!
By the way, they need no “permit” to protest 1st amendment rights brothers and sisters. I’ll be there!
Nice website too!
http://www.SLTPDwatch.wordpress.com
4-mer-usmc
Did you not serve your country in the USMC so that people would have the right to protest? That’s one of the biggies our nation was founded on. Why attack Aaron because of his concerns about raising a family in an environment that has degraded drastically from how it used to be? This town needs to try to change so that people will want to raise families here, not chase them off by showing indifference to their situations.
After reading the article/complaint I can’t help but think why wasn’t this addressed sooner? If officer poland was truly revealing hush hush information to his former lover (a known methamphetamine user) and her friends why wasn’t something done about it right then and there? These allegations are serious and to be frank, disgusting. How could the FBI and city allow an officer to continue patrolling the streets? I met Poland through similar friends, he always seemed like a “good guy”. Now I’m not so sure of that. There are so many elements and people to this story, what an interesting case this should be.
When you come from such a small town it’s common to know everyone’s drama but this takes the cake! For polands “wife”, the advice given to you in the above comment is advice you should take. He is with another woman! Nobody deserves what he has put you through, stay strong. For polands current girlfriend(Cynthia c) my advice is get away, he’s looking at 5 felony counts! Whatever officer Poland did he will be held to answer to a jury of his peers, until then he’s “innocent” until proven guilty. We will see what the outcome is
Laketoohigh:
Yes I did serve my Country in the USMC and when I was in my uniform in the 1960’s I was spat on by radical protestors who conducted unlawful assemblies and purposely attempted to provoke physical confrontations with individuals in uniform. It reached a point where those of us serving were advised not to wear our uniforms in public. There are procedures for conducting a scheduled, lawful, public assembly and I would fight to ensure those rights, but not for the continuation of individuals to incite unlawful protests.
If you believe my comments to Aaron were too harsh that is certainly your prerogative. However, if Aaron is as unhappy and fearful of this community as he stated then it would appear he would be better off living elsewhere where he feels safe, or perhaps he too should have submitted an application to serve on the City Council to make the changes he believes are so desperately needed so he can have a degree of comfort raising his family here.
WOW!!!
Yeah, that’s the attitude that is so typical of SLT. It’s all me and if people like me don’t like it, then we should leave.
My comments are without merit because I haven’t applied to serve on the City Council? Whaaaa?? As for my standards, they are simple. Laketoohigh was specific enough that I don’t need to repeat them.
Unfortunately, it’s just not enough to live here as a peaceful, law abiding citizen. It really has no value. The innocent are often vilified by those who are corrupt. Again, I’m not making any reference to Poland or Gino. In general.
Just so we are clear, the problem is much larger than who sits on the Council.
Aaron:
South Lake Tahoe is far from a perfect community, but after having lived outside Tahoe in more metropolitan regions this area is much better and much safer than any place else I’ve ever seen. Perhaps because we are somewhat isolated here it can be easy to forget just how really crummy, dangerous and corrupt most parts of California and this country are. No, it’s not perfect here and yes our community is subject to having immoral characters and self-serving politicians, just like in other places, but by and large this is a pretty decent and safe place to live where the community demonstrates that they care about each other and does so not only with words but by their deeds and actions. I believe that this City contains individuals that genuinely care about this town and what’s best for this community versus only having those that are self-serving malefactors who only care about advancing their own personal gains and those of their crony friends, which we absolutely have. But our politicians are not the ones who make up our community and they can be voted out. It’s the people who make up our community, and personally I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
USMC..You know what brought me to lake Tahoe 4-mer?, a better place to live and less Police beating,I lived for a short 5 years(went to college) from off a farm to a large city,it wasn’t the crime or the people that drove me out the place ,it was police brutality ,being beat up for no cause,having Latino friends that were targets of the white race police force,They damn near choked me to death on the street in one those neck holds ,lifting me up with their arms under my throat,body hanging,till woke up on the ground looking up at this out control police officer,It was a mistaken identity cause.
People were constantly being harassed by the Law…there was even a time they had us on the ground on our knees,hands behind our backs and they undid their zippers told us we had to perform a sex act to be let go.(I got lots stories that are true).
The Rodney King Video was years past when I moved here,it was final shown to how corrupt law enforcement can be.WE ALL KNOW TO A POINT, THIS IS REAL NOT SOME MADE UP BLAME GAME, PEOPLE OF MANY WALKS LIFE HAVE EXPERENCED).
At one time when I was younger, when the deadhead record shop was around, the fish market,Harvey’s Inn,the old cheap nugget ,the old jail was out by the school by the fire station, there wasn’t a lot crime or officers patrolling.
Very peaceful,plenty women 2 to 1,plenty jobs, great tips,shows,the town was more less untouched my the outside influences of the urban sickness.
That’s changed in the last 40 years,Sure there’s bad people in every walk of life,I’ve dealt with the courts system here, its no different than anywhere else,but I do think the police officers I’ve had contact were outstanding people in this area,they had good morals,treated human, what more can one do while trying to enforce Ordinances that we have to live by.
Tahoe Damn good place to live,even if there are some rotten apples in the system!
There’s alot Value living here, we just get too spoiled to Notice Sometimes!
“I got spit on by the hippies!” That’s BS
Geez, I’m really tempted to attend the demonstration – not as a participant, needless to say, but to sit back, observe the proceedings and ruminate on the sorry state of education in our country – or perhaps the sorry state of mental health services.
But my 25 years living in South Lake Tahoe showed me that the residents are, by and large, a knowledgeable bunch, whether from formal education or simply intelligent observation, so it seems unlikely that you’re going to have much of a turnout.
But at least you’ll have something to bring up at your next group therapy session.
Tahoetaxpayer:
The following is from the City of South Lake Tahoe’s website regarding permits:
“When is a Temporary Activity Permit required?
Planning staff will review the application and will approve or deny the application based upon their findings associated to the type of activity, noise, parking, land coverage disturbance, signage, etc.”
Say what you want but the posting of this scheduled “protest” on the internet and the distribution of flyers throughout the City has made this an advertised “activity”. This is no longer an impromptu gathering.
Yo 4-mer-usmc, Get over yourself, they are using their 1st amendment rights, not 2nd amendment rights.
Did the Raley’s strikers need a “permit”?
Are they charging an “admission”? No.
As a former USMC you should know better… You defended their rights to express their “onions” using FREE SPEECH. Or are you a trader?
…Or are you so angry that you don’t agree with the message and want corruption to thrive?
don’t tread on them. Semper Fi.
I heard the protesters are bringing up busses of people from San Francisco to pull this demonstration off. Its Snowglobe all over again! I can’t wait to go!!!
PS, Nice Crime Scene tape banner man! That’s gonna rock this town. Can we take it to the City Council meeting next month? Maybe stick it near the “hole” at Stateline? Or, just put it on Hyw. 50 on the way into town. If the city complains, step outside their boundary at the airport… I have some private land you can use. I’ll see you at the SLTPD anti-corruption PROTEST
As a USMC I did protect individuals’ rights to express their opinions, not their onions, and I am not a trader or a traitor. However, judging by the most recent posts on this “protest” this appears to be turning into quite an interesting event. Can’t wait to hear about the outcome.
4-MER-USMC
I salute you, sir – your disciplined response to the recent negative posts is refreshing!
Unfortunately, many of our fellow citizens have no idea whatsoever as to the sacrifice and blood that has been shed by both our military and law enforcement brothers & sisters – the blood and sacrifice which has allowed them to grow up in the best times America has had to offer.
It is indeed very disturbing to witness over and over again in our country, examples of the right to speak freely being morphed into the likes of this so called “demonstration.”
I would dare say this:
Many of you that are taking this “demonstration” against SLTPD to heart for the wrong reasons are not only the same ones who would be the first to call the police if you needed them, but are also the very same ones that would not place yourselves in harms way to guarantee the freedoms that so many have fought and died for – – Our military and our law enforcement do that for you on a daily basis.
You are off base with your “demonstration,” as there are many, many very dedicated people serving your interests at SLTPD.
WHINERS……
Great stuff about the crime tape.:-) Make it a game. See how many places in town you can show where “Crime” has hurt this community. Have a local radio station do a call in thing where the tenth caller to spot the tapes location that day wins a prize. Like “Where’s Waldo?”. “Where’s Corruption?”.
4-MER-USMC and grunt are still in the fog of battle. This protest is about fighting “corruption” like Johnny Poland. The PD is not accurate filing reports for local residents (taxpayers)…They are “covering up wrongdoing” just like Mr. Poland. This is BS, illegal and repulsive. I don’t care about your alleged serving of my country, or that some police are good fellas, or your mental health state. Come out Monday and go across the Street and make your signs supporting police corruption if you like, it’s your right.
The protest is not ANTI-Law Enforcement, it’s ANTI-Corruption.
…Or do you 4-MER-USMC and grunt like to see cops fabricate and withhold evidence? John Poland liked that and pedophilia, crank (meth) and 3-ways with infested gangbangers.
Most former marines have honor and are “oath keepers” and should be outraged at the tyranny and treason going on when people’s civil and constitutional rights are trampled upon by our Government.
Come by Monday and we’ll see who has the bigger flag. Perhaps we will all find common ground.
For the record, the protest is not against the “good cops” or good policies of the department – it’s about the bad apples, bad attitudes and bad policies.
the protest is not against the “good cops” or good policies of the department – it’s about the bad apples, bad attitudes and bad policies of certain people of the force. Google, yahoo or Bing the term “Misprision”.
If the police do right, the group planning the protest will abort the protest or they could display signage thanking the Police for doing a good job. There is still time for the police to make it right.
The PD fired him.
They fought to keep him from returning.
They completed a JOINT INVESTIGATION with the FBI that led to his arrest.
How is that protecting him? What is corrupt about that?
People should protest HIM outside the jail where he is housed in Sacramento. Or protest the city council chambers where they supported him and helped him her his job back.
Nothing like punishing the people who do a good job. Typical.
This protest seems to be nothing more than a get the cops / anti-establishment rally. You keep talking about police “corruption” and whisper of cover-ups, but you have absolutely no evidence, citations, or anything else here or that other website.
I see where the cops in town found one of their own abusing his position and they got rid of him and prosecuted him. That seems to have escaped your bias.
I’ve been around enough to listen to people, who either had a lack of understanding of how the law works or were just plain in the wrong themselves, tell everyone that would listen about how “corrupt” the police are or how they didn’t do their jobs right. All the time they didn’t have a clue.
I agree with Tahoesk bum: If this “protest” is about what they say it is, why would you “protest” against an agency who weeded out the bad apple? Think about the fact that they’re calling it a “protest.” They’re telling us they’re protesting a good agency.
Regarding the “permit” for a strike or 1st amendment protest. There is no need for a “permit” and if a permit or fee was required, it would be legally changeable.
The First Amendment says that you can’t be denied a permit or subjected to special conditions because of your message. It also says that to minimize the possibility that hostility to your message will infect the process, permit laws must have “neutral criteria” for deciding when permits will be refused or marches limited.
The “protest” is not commercial tent sale, fair, grand opening, fundraiser or a holiday event. the protest is being “promoted” but it is not an “organized ‘event'” per Blacks Law. It is a protest, not event. The protest will not last 14 days in duration, they are not offering parking, food items or selling anything.
Heck, the city code says “A temporary activity is an organized event or a commercial activity which does not occur more than four times in a calendar year and which does not exceed fourteen consecutive days in duration. Typical temporary activities that require a permit are grand opening sales, sidewalk sales, tent sales, street fairs, fundraising events, and holiday events.
Planning staff will review the application and will approve or deny the application based upon their findings associated to the type of activity, noise, parking, land coverage disturbance, signage, etc.
Any effort to interfere would likely bring even more media and local resident attention to the protest and the city’s mishandling of 1st amendment rights. Thus more attention to SLT collusion and corruption.
Is Alex Jones from http://infowars.com coming?
Laketoohigh: “Great stuff about the crime tape.:-) Make it a game.
So saying all cops are corrupt without basis is a game? You show your true nature.
The Supreme Court has indicated that in the context of protests, parades, and picketing in such public places as streets and parks, “…citizens must tolerate insulting, and even outrageous, speech in order to provide adequate breathing space to the freedoms protected by the First Amendment.” Boos v. Barry, 485 U.S. 312, 322 (1988).
The Supreme Court has interpreted the first amendment as creating a “…profound national commitment to the principle that debate on public issues should be uninhibited, robust and wide-open. New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254, 270 (1964).
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
The application here being “Congress shall make no law…abridging…the right of the people to peaceably assemble”
If they require a permit, your right to protest can be denied on whatever grounds they see fit. It also is no longer a “right” since I take it one would have to pay for the permit. It certainly “abridges” the right to peaceably assemble.
How much are the South Tahoe taxpayers paying the city attorney to try to figure out how to torpedo this “anti-corruption” protest? Then how much will it cost taxpayers to defend a civil rights lawsuit because the city was too dumb to allow a peaceful assemble?
Law enforcement often has the responsibility of balancing the legitimate need to maintain public order with the important interest in protecting first amendment rights. Because the legality of the various enforcement options discussed in this article depends on a complex and fact-specific analysis, law enforcement decisionmakers should obtain competent legal review of any proposed restriction on expressive activity.
Finally, it is recommended that officers receive legal training on the basic principles of first amendment law before being assigned the difficult task of controlling public protest.
Perhaps the city should end the corruption and there would be little for the protesters to protest.
I am willing to give credit to Police Chief Brian Uhler when and if he does the right things. The protest can end before it begins. We can make pro SLTPD signs and tweak the http://SLTPDwatch.wordpress.com website to post positive news. Or we can just take the site down.
Perhaps we can get a “permit” and have an “event” celebrating our cops and chief for being honest and honorable. We’re planning and “organizing” for that in the event justice is served. We can call it something like “Get to know your local cop” and have a bbq at the new Lake Tahoe commons beach. Or just do nothing, which would still be positive.
Thanks to all those upstanding high achievers who contribute so much to our society for throwing this party. The good people of South Lake Tahoe will be thrilled at picking up the tap of huge amounts of overtime pay for the extra Police/safety personnel attending your advertised festivities, plus they’ll be so busy at your event that their ability to respond to other Police matters will likely be curtailed.
This tempest in a teapot is turning out real good (sarcasm intended). Hopefully the party-goers at least pay taxes so they can share in the expense.
Firebreaker, I was wondering what crime you feel you were a victim of. It sounds like you reported something and it was not investigated. Was curious what happened and the details of how it wasn’t handled to your expectations???
ActivistLawyer, it seems pretty obvious anyone who wants to assemble on private property is allowed to do so at will. But on public property they need a permit, just like any other special event. That is so, as our Marine pointed out, the city can staff police, fire and medical services for the group. Again, that is typical and reasonable. Also that all has a cost, so yes, the assembly permit will have a price I hope. The price should be what it costs to provide the services necessary.
All of this goes away if they assemble on private property.
Mark M
Wish I had a sign I could hold up for you to indicate sarcasm. I was responding to Mountianman’s comments. I believe he too was trying to add humor to this situation. I was not trying to indicate in any way that all police are corrupt. Most of them are as sickened by the actions of Mr. Polland as are the rest of us. My attempt at humor was aimed at everyone who has had to deal with the scandal after scandal that has gone on here for the past few years. We do have big problems in this town with corruption and ineptitude. By the way, I don’t believe you and tahoesk bum are anywhere near being on the same page on this.
Diane, I am with you. I have read the comments, and have no idea what the corruption is. I went to Firebreakers website. Nothing….no information about specific corruption, just allegations that there is corruption. Poland was fired and charged. Whats the problem?
Kae, is the Lake Tahoe News going to be covering the event with its crack crew of photojournalists? Should be an interesting group of characters showing up – I’d love to go watch but I’m having my head examined the next day, so I have to rest up.
If the photos aren’t worth publishing, you might be able to turn them into a board game.
To all of the activists for the “Corruption Demonstration” scheduled this coming Monday, I suggest you scroll down to my initial posting on this article listed under “older comments.” It may shed some light how one bad apple is not a reason to attack all.
The reasons why an outside law enforcement agency (the FBI) was involved in this investigation was in order to prevent Mr. Poland with a defense in someway that it was biased, which was one of his defenses when he was previously terminated and got reinstated. An outside investigation is STANDARD practice in different law enforcement investigations, especially ones of such sensitivity. For example, when an officer involved shooting takes place, it is investigated by an outside agency in order that the investigation will be conducted in a non-biased manner and that all laws and policies of the investigated agency were properly followed. This is not to say in any way that in-house investigations are biased, but by going outside an agency on some sensitive investigations, it removes, or should remove the complaint of a biased investigation. So for many on this site to be claiming the South Lake Tahoe Police Department is corrupt and biased, please try and understand the investigation was sent out of the Department so that people would not claim it was biased. Again, this is a standard practice in most agencies depending on what the nature of the investigation involves.
Additionally, the Department has been drastically reduced due to all the budget cuts regarding staffing. The amount of man hours and personnel needed to carry out such an investigation would not be affordable by the Department nor would it have been able to have been accomplished without the possibility of the investigation being tipped off simply by the fact those investigating it would be unavailable for the everyday activities on the Department.
I have read several blogs regarding a person’s rights to free speech, etc. Yet many people, wanting to exert their freedom of speech, are the same people still complaining that this investigation took too long and corruption is at the base of this. So based on an allegation, should Mr. Poland’s freedoms and rights, the same ones many of you are professing here, be trampled upon? Is it okay to trample his but not yours just because the allegations make you sick? Do you really think that many of the people interviewed during this investigation were the most stellar people around? Statements have to be verified and supported, evidence obtained,and often as a result of new evidence, witnesses are re-interviewed. This all takes an exhausting amount of time. This is real life, not a TV crime show.
It seems many here simply want a reason to attack law enforcement, no matter how week you allegations are.
I suggest you use your energy and go to a supermarket and dig out a bad apple from the apple bin. It might help you to remember that “one bad apple doesn’t spoil the whole bunch.” This investigation was handled properly and the process of removing the bad apple has taken place.
The local DA is ‘supposed to be’ independent of the SLTPD?! The FBI complains about being understaffed in regards to stopping organized crime & terrorism. Hence as a taxpayer I am disheartened they got involved in this local matter!
I am really tired, really tired, of govt. agencies saying they can’t do their job because of budget cuts! We’re all making do with less, and I’ve seen too much frivolousness (such as getting pulled over for the silliest of reasons) to claim there isn’t enough staff to root out the bad apples.
And Officer Poland has, and had, rights re: criminal prosecution. But his fellow officers had to know what type of person he is! When he got his badge & gun back at taxpayer expense, it’s disturbing that fellow officers didn’t lead the charge to get rid of him. If the response is, ‘that’s the rules or system in place’, then the rules and system needs to be changed!
And I’m sorry Retired Cop. You were a good, honest officer of the law. And there certainly are others! But Johnny Poland is/was not the only bad apple! I’ve had to deal with ’em. I complained to the SLTPD about someone, and was lied to about his past record. The PD got the officer to stop bothering me. But I had the ‘pleasure’ of seeing him continue on the job at taxpayer (and thus, very minutely granted, my) expense.
People may feel the need protest, (though no reason it shouldn’t be 100% civil in nature) because they see that the ‘just go along’ mindset leads to ‘sweep it under the rug’ results!
Hey, not all cops are bad and that’s not what the Monday protest is all about…
We are addressing positive things on the website called http://SLTPDwatch.wordpress.com
Please go and check out the recent posts. We will post positive stuff and negative stuff. Shall I say Fair & Balanced ;)
We will see you Monday at high noon on Al Tahoe blvd. Thanks for all tho posts on https://www.laketahoenews.net
RE: Firebreaker, I was wondering what crime you feel you were a victim of. It sounds like you reported something and it was not investigated. Was curious what happened and the details of how it wasn’t handled to your expectations???
Go here: http://sltpdwatch.wordpress.com/2013/01/26/justice-delayed-is-justice-denied/
Mr. Robin:
Too little, too late.
Who, What, When, Where, Why….
Mr. Todd Robin:
Your first post advertising your ‘ANTI-Corruption demonstration/protest demanding completing police investigations and the competency, honesty and transparency of Tahoe law enforcement with no more lies, slow-balling and whitewashing to protect corrupt cronies’ of the South Lake Tahoe Police was on Friday, January 25, 2013, at 7:14 p.m. According to your website you attended a City Council meeting on Tuesday January 22, 2013, requesting assistance into what you stated was a delay in a report on an incident.
So this whole matter is a personal vendetta you have against the SLTPD for a report that was delayed and which after requesting assistance you provided 3-days to have rectified?
You’re a real piece of work.
On a positive note, I received news early this morning via email the SLTPD police report by Josh Adler is now done and off the the DA… That’s good news.
I will want to read the report and I am still wondering why no evidence or witness statements were collected and the Chief DA in Hangtown (Placerville) is also wondering the same.
If the report is really complete and there are no more shenanigans, then this “protest” can be more of a “rally” to say thanks SLTPD and Chief Brian Uhler for cleaning up the force, keeping us safe and doing their jobs despite budget cuts and staff shortages.
So, it is going to be interesting come high noon. Maybe I should fabricate a simple sign that says “Thanks SLTPD for not screwing up” or “No more bad apples on the SLTPD force” or “Thanks Mr. Mr. Uhler and Adler for doing you jobs – finally”. Oh, “SLTPD get-er-done” That’s a good one.
We’ll see what happens and ideas are welcome, because I know the bloggers will have ideas.
Mr. Robin – aka Firebreaker:
Once again: Too little, too late.
Once again: You’re a real piece of work.
“No SLTPD police report = No Justice or Know SLTPD police report = Know Justice”
To my critics see this story: http://sltpdwatch.wordpress.com/2013/01/27/sltpd-watch-gives-credit-to-so-lake-law-enforcement-on-alyssa-byrne-case/
and
http://sltpdwatch.wordpress.com/2013/01/27/click-here-for-the-proposed-legislation-being-presented-to-combat-corruption/
To my supporters see this story:
http://sltpdwatch.wordpress.com/2013/01/24/meet-me-in-dc-bill-windsor-congress-february-5-6-2013-join-the-lawless-america-revolution/
and we’re in Lawless America the movie for the NV protests and we hope to not add a SLT segment. Get er done.
http://sltpdwatch.wordpress.com/2013/01/26/please-take-13-minutes-to-watch-a-short-documentary-about-the-filming-of-lawless-americathe-movie/
and
http://sltpdwatch.wordpress.com/2013/01/27/is-sltpd-a-rico-racketeer-influenced-and-corrupt-organizations/
Where’s the big protest? I drove by a few minutes ago and didn’t see ANYONE out there.
Diane:
I’m hopeful that LTN will provide a brief report on this so those of us in the public will be apprised of the outcome.
Note the operative word–brief.
From what was contained in your last post perhaps something like the following would be sufficient:
“A protest was advertised but nobody came.”
Just saw a few people on al tahoe. My mistake… I thought it said right in front if SLTPD at high noon. Not around the corner from the PD at around 12:30.
We need some status quo, pro-corruption types to assemble…don’t forget your teabag hats and misspelled signs blaming Pres. Obama!
I have no problem with people protesting, whether i agree with their cause or not- it’s our right as US citizens. What I DON’T have respect for are people whose only intention is to try to cause drama and throw out wild accusations like “corruption” when they KNOW that is not the case. They take a serious and terrible thing like the Poland case and use it as an excuse to act the victim. Read the complaint- the people they are picketing were victims of Polands bad deeds as well.
It’s the “never let a good crisis go to waste” mentality, and it’s disgusting.
Don’t get me wrong… some of my best friends are protesters. BlahBlahBlah
Corruption amongst the SLTPD? Sure they weeded out one bad apple, but is this a department with a widespread problem? I don’t think it is.
Okay, in the era I grew up in here on So. Shore, the 60’S & 70’s cops were reviled even though they did very little wrong. Looking back on it, it was just a bunch of young kids rebelling against authority.
My interactions with the police, when I got a little older, were always very good. Sure once in awhile you run into a hardass drill sargent type guy but for the most part our SLTPD is made up of conscientious,hard working men and women. Just doing their jobs and dealing with often difficult, stressful and dangerous situations.
My thank yous to SLTPD, and this comes from a guy that 40 plus years ago called you guys “pigs”.
We all grow up sometime, I guess for some of us it just took a little longer.
Old long skiis
‘
I only have one more thing to write which is totally off this subject but I think it bears saying:
GO NINERS!!!!!
I agree1000% Old Long Skis-took me a LONG time before I finally stopped not respecting authority.Thats why there in authority jobs to start with.
USMC, Go Kaeper-Niners!
Biggerpicture:
Kaepernicking! Now there’s an event worth organizing. Conduct a record gathering of individuals all “Kaepernicking” at the same time right here in South Lake Tahoe, California. Men, women, children, babies…all kissing their biceps at the same time! Could be good.
Clearly Niners beat Atlanta because of corruption and graft!
John and Bigger:
The Super Bowl starts at 3:30 Sunday and I think it’d be great to have a jumbotron screen at Lakeview Commons where the locals could go to watch the Super Bowl, all out in the cold and bundled up in layers of clothes and wearing hats and gloves…just like being at Candlestick!
Way warmer, way way warmer than Candlestick. That would be great!
It would be warmer. I’d be there. Wish those people who put on the Thursday night concerts at Lakeview would throw something together. I think this would do our community good.
RE: 4-mer-usmc “Go Niners” – I concur brother :)
The photos and video of the protest will be on SLTPDwatch.wordpress.com this evening. There were victims of Poland out there today and other victims of others… And there are people that do not want to be victims of law enforcement acting under the color of law. we had good positive feedback from everyone – including the Sheriff and other law folks.
Lets look into the activities of slednet. In particular Jeff Catchings and his crew of predatory goons w badges. There was a very in teresting case involving one agent Jason Nichols ending in his termination but no charges ever filed . Perhaps LT New can investigate this incident and why it was swept under the rug. Bringing this incident to light would expose the truth that there are ongoing cover ups and illegal investigative practices thriving in South Lake Tahoe. Its time this bs ends, is brought to light and the perps. with badges or that are in offices of local authority be held accountable for defrauding our local justice system for their own personsl gain and preying on the residents of our wonderfulCommunity in such a beautiful place
Also is it possible to do a follow up on CHP officer Alton Randall (pee wee football incident)? I heard he was on administrative leave for a while but never got an official version of what took place.
Sorry- Pop Warner coach-
https://www.laketahoenews.net/2010/09/chp-officer-arrests-pop-warner-coach-after-verbal-spat/
Sgt. Joe Sherry of CHP was the head of the investigation regarding Jason Nichols and his misconduct rearding similar activities that Johnny Poland is finding himself accused of.
joe franzoia
Was Sherry had direct contact with him….
Did I watch a video of the private residence of the Prosecutor, Law enforcement officer linked from here?
I find that inappropriate.
Where?
The infidelity had been going on since 2000!!! She knew all about it. Tons of women!