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News :: Civil & Human Rights |
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“I’m a cop. Watch your back.” |
Current rating: 0 |
by Brian Dolinar
Email: briandolinar (nospam) gmail.com (verified) |
02 Aug 2006
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Court Watch Sets Its Sights On Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Garrett. |
On August 1, 2005, Sheriff’s deputy Ryan Garrett appeared in court with his attorney Tony Novak. Garrett is charged with official misconduct and filing a false police report (#06CF136). He is currently suspended with pay.
In once incident, Garrett sent another Sheriff’s deputy to test Garrett’s estranged wife for a DUI. She tested negative and filed a complaint against her husband. It is well known that police officers have troubled marriages and unusually high divorce rates. Garrett and his wife had been separated for several months and he had become vindictive toward his wife’s boyfriend.
In a second incident, it is alleged that Garrett stalked his wife’s boyfriend Ty Kellums and threatened him with the comment, “I’m a cop. Watch your back.”
The State, represented by Mr. Ziegler, dismissed one of two counts, but added two additional counts: one of intimidation with intent to inflict physical harm and a second to take action as a public official. These charges carry a possible sentence of 2-10 years in prison.
Garrett’s attorney Tony Novak (who is also representing Sgt. William Alan Myers charged with tasing an inmate – #05CF2105) filed a motion to dismiss the charges. Novak’s argument was an interesting one. His explanation to Judge Difanis was that police – by wearing a uniform, a badge, driving a marked squad car – are always saying to the public “I’m a cop, watch your back.” Novak attempted to portray these comments as simple as a “good morning” greeting.
If I remember correct, the police motto is “To Serve and Protect” not “To Intimidate and Harass.” This was a bold effort by Novak to put a friendly face on fascist behavior.
Judge Difanis admitted that the emblems of an officer can be intimidating to the public, appearing to agree that the police should be a threatening presence.
Ziegler argued that Garrett’s comments, when taken in context, provoked a breach of the peace.
Difanis denied the motion to dismiss. Garrett is set to appear in court again on August 23 at 11am for a preliminary hearing.
Also, mark your calendar for Aug 25, 1:30 in Courtroom B, when Sgt. Myers is expected to agree to a plea bargain. Assistant State’s Attorney Troy Lozar is prosecuting Myers.
BD |
This work is in the public domain |
