The Desert Freedom Press Publisher Jennifer Jones was arrested Friday afternoon in the Quartzsite Post Office by Sergeant Xavier Frausto and Police Chief Jeff Gilbert. Jones states that she repeatedly asked them what the charge was, but they refused to tell her. Later, she finally learned that she had been charged with felony witness tampering, over an unsubstantiated allegation made by a woman named Denise Florian.
Florian, who admits to having a drug and alchohol problem moved to Quartzsite over the summer and was almost immediately appointed to the town personnel board to oversee the appeal hearings of the Quartzsite police officers wrongfully terminated over the summer. She was subsequently appointed to the town Health and Development Board which then made recommendations to the council about how much money to give the Senior Center, Museum, and Chamber of Commerce.
According to Jones, Florian had assaulted her in a severly drunken state a few weeks earlier at a local restaurant. For obvious reasons, the Jones did not call the police as Jennifer was not injured and the police have not protected them in the past.
In a video conferenced appearance, Judge Karen Slaughter set Jones ' bail at $10,000 Because she had a statement from Florian claiming to be in fear for her life. Jones states that she reminded Judge Slaughter that bail was only to assure your appearance and that tha Constitution prohibited excessive bail, but Slaughter told her that if she didn't like it, she could wait in jail until they found her another judge. Slaughter made headlines for another controversial ruling this summer when she ordered Republican Precinct Committeman Michael Roth's guns taken away for calling Councilman "Machine Gun Joe" Winslow a "turd".
Jones made bail Saturday evening and states that an official press release would be forthcoming. Just remember, you heard it here first!
Showing posts with label police harassment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label police harassment. Show all posts
Monday, December 5, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
Media clamors for interviews, Police Chief receives hate mail?
CBS Ch 5 news, the Arizona Republic, the Arizona Independent - everyone wants to know what the heck is wrong with Quartzsite officials. We wish we had an answer for that!
Links are apparently being added to http://thedesertfreedompress.blogspot.com every couple of hours.
In an attempt to declare martial law or something, Mayor Ed Foster reports that state officials were contacted by Police Chief Jeff Gilbert because he has reported receiving death threats. Stay tuned...
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Better late than never!
The DESERT FREEDOM PRESS has just announced the following press release:
BREAKING NEWS! Quartzsite Police Chief Jeff Gilbert SCANDAL!
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Saturday, April 23, 2011
DFP publisher Jones arrested after suing for police harassment!
Tuesday night's public meeting with the BLM and SolarReserve was crowded, informative, and constantly disrupted by the Quartzsite Police.
Apparently, on her way into the meeting, Mrs. Jones was approached by QPD Sgt. Xavier Frausto (husband of the town magistrate) who wanted her to sign a citation for "simulating legal process".
A. A person commits simulating legal process if such person knowingly sends or delivers to another any document falsely purporting to be an order or other document that simulates civil or criminal process.
B. Simulating legal process is a class 2 misdemeanor.
Ms. Jones walked past Sgt. Frausto, and into Quartzsite Town Hall. When Jones refused to sign the citation in front of a crowded room of witnesses, Frausto reportedly tried to hand her the citation to which Jones responded "I'm not interested in anything that comes from you" and she took a seat. Quartzsite police approached her husband John with a citation for the same offense. Sgt. Frausto told him if he refused, the citation would be sent in the mail.
Witnesses report that Mrs. Jones got up from her seat in the second row and walked to where her husband was sitting in the back of the room. From halfway across the room and as she passed the rows of chairs, Jones gave "the finger" to Starr Bearcat, whom she believed had been actively filming the interaction between Quartzsite Police and the Jones', and who previously posted numerous false comments and defamatory videos about them on
Mrs. Jones spoke briefly with her husband and sat back down in her seat.
As the meeting began, John was approached by QPD Officer Herlen Yeomans. Yeomans told John that if he refused to sign, he had been instructed by the sergeant to arrest him. John reports that he then asked to see the law he had allegedly broken, but when he followed Yeomans outside he was handcuffed.
Frausto and Yeomans escorted Jones to the unmarked black QPD SUV. Discussion ensued between the three, and Yeomans asked Frausto if Jones could sign the citation. Jones informed the officers that his wife had filed a lawsuit against Police Chief Jeff Gilbert, Town Manager Alexandra Taft, and the incorporated town for police harassment days earlier, and that Taft had been served several hours before the meeting. Jones was released, he signed the citation, and did not return to the meeting.
During the meeting, QPD officers brought Mrs. Jones her husbands wallet, and repeatedly tried to lure her outside to speak with her husband "before he went to jail" but she refused to speak, or leave with them.
When the meeting ended, Mrs. Jones tried unsuccessfully to reach her attorney by phone. She then handed her belongings to Mayor Ed Foster and told him "Don't bail me out".
Reportedly, as Jones tried to leave the room, she was handcuffed by Quartzsite Police Chief Jeff Gilbert, who had arrived on the scene and was blocking her exit. When she asked what she was under arrest for, Gilbert responded "I'll tell you later". Jones called out to the crowd "Hey everybody! These fine gentleman are refusing to tell me what I'm under arrest for!" She then asked Gilbert "Does this have anything to do with the lawsuit I served on you earlier today?" He responded "You didn't serve me." and Jones informed him "I served the town." She was then escorted through town offices to a cell in the back of town hall before being transferred to the La Paz County jail.
The next day, Mrs. Jones, who has no prior convictions, was released on her own recognizance by Judge Michael Newman.
The Jones case in County Superior Court is # CV201100065
and claims damages for "harassment and intentional infliction of emotional distress".
Duh! Do you think?
Duh! Do you think?
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Desert Messenger photographer files false charges againt candidate!
Besides being the photographer for the local tabloid "Desert Messenger" who, or for that matter what Starr Bearcat is...well that's still anybody's guess.
Who or what he/she was before changing his/her name to Starr Bearcat is a mystery. What is Bearcat's real name? Did Bearcat really serve on a navy ship? Why did Bearcat refuse to clear up the gender question under oath last fall in the La Paz County Justice Court, even after Judge Newman repeatedly referred to "that man as Ms. Bearcat"? Was Bearcat a felon? Was Bearcat a child molester? Was Bearcat a sexual predator? Was Bearcat a drug dealer, armed robber, arsonist or maybe even the person who sent the Quartzsite mayor a death threat? If you know any information about Mr./Ms. Bearcat, please contact the FBI in Phoenix or post it here as a comment. And by the way, who was Shananna "Rain" Goldenbear before she had to change her name and leave Oregon for a fresh start. Do they have a history of trouble before landing in Quartzsite? Inquiring minds want to know!
What is known is Bearcat's close relationship with Police Chief Jeff Gilbert. Bearcat has written several statements supporting investigations conducted by Gilbert and the QPD. Bearcat appears to have access to information that should be privileged, or available only to someone with access to restricted databases, like the chief.
Who or what he/she was before changing his/her name to Starr Bearcat is a mystery. What is Bearcat's real name? Did Bearcat really serve on a navy ship? Why did Bearcat refuse to clear up the gender question under oath last fall in the La Paz County Justice Court, even after Judge Newman repeatedly referred to "that man as Ms. Bearcat"? Was Bearcat a felon? Was Bearcat a child molester? Was Bearcat a sexual predator? Was Bearcat a drug dealer, armed robber, arsonist or maybe even the person who sent the Quartzsite mayor a death threat? If you know any information about Mr./Ms. Bearcat, please contact the FBI in Phoenix or post it here as a comment. And by the way, who was Shananna "Rain" Goldenbear before she had to change her name and leave Oregon for a fresh start. Do they have a history of trouble before landing in Quartzsite? Inquiring minds want to know!
What is known is Bearcat's close relationship with Police Chief Jeff Gilbert. Bearcat has written several statements supporting investigations conducted by Gilbert and the QPD. Bearcat appears to have access to information that should be privileged, or available only to someone with access to restricted databases, like the chief.
The following letter was reportedly sent to several sources, including La Paz County Prosecutor Sam Vederman and QPD imperious leader Jeff Gilbert:
Statement RE: Case # 11-00164
Dear Mr. Vederman,
On February 16th, 2011, Sgt. Xavier Frausto initiated an investigation against me because of a sworn statement made by Starr Bearcat, photographer for The Desert Messenger. This is the second violation of A.R.S. 13-2907.01 (two false statements) made by Starr Bearcat to the QPD against me in the last six months. Please refer to the criminal complaint filed against Starr Bearcat and Shanana “Rain” Goldenbear with La Paz County Sheriff Lucas, case #101000713 on October 28th, 2010.
Bearcat’s statement references a prior conversation and accuses me of claiming to not pay taxes because it was unconstitutional. Not only is this hearsay, but also I have never discussed my personal financial disposition with Starr Bearcat. However, now that I am lawfully running for office, I am open to public scrutiny and I will therefore openly admit that I live below the poverty level, but in America, even the poor can run for public office.
Bearcat claims that I “refuse to abide by the Town’s laws and ordinances” because I am “operating three businesses without licenses”. This is also false and completely unsubstantiated. I hold a valid town vendor permit for “pet grooming and pet sitting” DBA “A Fur Salon”. No other license has been proven to be required and I have never been fined for operating any business in Quartzsite without a license, ever. This is either my tenth or eleventh season as a seasonal service business vendor in Quartzsite.
Further, Bearcat states that I have been given an eviction notice “for violating the zoning laws”. Also, completely untrue. I have never been convicted of violating any Quartzsite, La Paz County, Arizona, or Federal law.
I leased the back lot of J & S Covers for the 2010-2011 season from property owner Jim Aaron in June of 2010 when I groomed his ShihTzu “Rio”, shortly before my previous vendor permit at “Greasewood” expired on June 30th, 2010. “Greasewood” is a mobile home park doing business as a swap meet. It is on record in the La Paz County Justice Court, Quartzsite Division, that I leased part of that property, after I became a resident of Quartzsite. As near as can be documented, my residency commenced on 10-6-09, although it may actually have been the end of September ‘09. At that time, I did not realize the subsequent length of my stay would eventually require me to declare Arizona residency.
Although I had been residing in Quartzsite for about six months out of the year, over the past six or seven years, I was not even aware that I had actually become a resident of Quartzsite, until the late spring of 2010. When Quartzsite Police Chief Jeff Gilbert and Town Manager Alex Taft initiated an investigation into the residency of then candidates Chaunce Hamilton and Russell Sias I had the opportunity to view documents related to that investigation, provided to Mr. Sias by your office. I then did an internet search and found information which stated something to the effect that I needed to have an identification from the MVD if I had been in Arizona for 7 months during any calendar year. Because my stay in AZ was no longer “temporary” or “transitory” and because as of June I intended to be “domiciled” in Quartzsite for more than 7 months of the 2010 calendar year, I acquired an Arizona ID at my first available opportunity, on June 1st, 2010.
On the MVD application, there is a box you can check which states, “Are you a United States citizen who wished to register to vote or update your existing voter registration?” So I did.
On June 8th, 2010, I served the Town of Quartzsite with a legal Notice of Claim resulting from Police Chief Jeff Gilbert’s assault on my husband and subsequent harassment by his officers under Duty Sergeant Xavier Frausto. Upon the advice of my attorney, I did not make a public appearance in Quartzsite for several weeks, until the time for their legal opportunity to respond had expired.
Over the summer, outraged citizens recalled the council members I am currently pursuing a civil claim against. My friends asked if I would consider running for town council. I told them that I would, if I was eligible. I surrendered my old driver’s license to the MVD on 10-28-10 , and filed to run 1-6-11.
If the investigating officer, Sergeant Xavier Frausto had done his “due diligence”, he would have discovered the fact that I have never registered to vote in Oklahoma or filed a state tax return as a resident of Oklahoma, or even operated any business in the state of Oklahoma, ever. I have not “re-established residency in Oklahoma” as he asserts in his report. Rather, I relinquished all ties to a part time vacation address, where I used to be a summer caretaker.
I believe that all statements sworn to on my Arizona Nonpartisan Nomination Paper Affidavit of Qualification are factually true and were true when I swore to them. I am now, and have been for at least one year prior to the election, a resident of Quartzsite, Arizona. Based on the evidence, no reasonable person would have cause to believe otherwise.
Additionally, because these false allegations involve an election issue, the complaint by Starr Bearcat should have been immediately turned over to La Paz County for investigation. The Quartzsite Police Department was not the proper investigative authority and a serious conflict of interest exists due to ongoing civil and criminal matters between my husband and I, and the QPD that have not been yet been resolved.
If you intend to pursue this matter further, convene a grand jury and get a warrant this time.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Jones
It appears that Vederman may have actually convened a grand jury today and QPD Sergeant Xavier Frausto may have testified, but nobody at the county will disclose whether or not candidate Jones case was heard. Speculation is that incumbents are desperate to discredit yet another qualified and popular challenger and these underhanded tactics only serve to prove that the current council can't possibly win if they play fair and just stick to the facts.
It appears that Vederman may have actually convened a grand jury today and QPD Sergeant Xavier Frausto may have testified, but nobody at the county will disclose whether or not candidate Jones case was heard. Speculation is that incumbents are desperate to discredit yet another qualified and popular challenger and these underhanded tactics only serve to prove that the current council can't possibly win if they play fair and just stick to the facts.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Taxpayers foot bill for political persecution by Town Council and Police Chief
At the QIA "town meeting" where 5 members of the Quartzsite Town Council held an illegal quorum with several Town employees in attendance, it was revealed that the "ad hoc" attack on popular Mayor Ed Foster cost "$13,000" in legal fees alone.
Yesterday, local patriot and critic of incumbent council members Mike Roth was sentenced to one year unsupervised probation for "disrupting a public meeting" that was actually in recess (but the jury wasn't properly instructed of that fact). The lower court had previously dismissed the charges "in the interest of justice" but somehow Quartzsite Police Chief Jeff Gilbert managed to convene a grand jury to try Roth in Superior Court. Roth is appealing the conviction and the jury was hung on the charge of "resisting arrest", which has been moved back to the lower court. Estimated cost so far is somewhere between $10,000 and 15,000 and climbing.
When questioned about the sentencing, Roth stated "If the good people of Quartzsite would like to really see justice served, disband the Quartzsite Police Department and elect a Constitutional Town Council that has the courage to fire Chief of Police Jeff Gilbert. The day will come when it will be revealed that this was nothing more than a sad attempt by an out of control police chief, and Town Council, at silencing someone who is merely questioning authority. Time to wake up people, this isn’t your Grandparents America anymore!" For in depth discussion, see: http://www.parkerliveonline.com/2010/10/12/conviction-in-quartzsite-council-disruption-case/#comments
Legal fees for Town Attorney Pam Walsma are so far over budget for the fiscal year that it is not unrealistic to predict her bills will eat up most, if not all of the monies in the general fund. Yet, the Town Council just can't seem to stop themselves from digging a financial hole from which the town may not escape.
Last year, Mr Felton, owner of B10 campground on the west end of Main St. protested action by then Mayor Wes Huntley and our current council. His attorney stated something to the effect "if you do this, we will sue". And sue they did. Currently, the case has been docketed for the Arizona Supreme Court.
A local businessman reached an out of court settlement for "police harassment" over the summer, but it was kept quiet.,
If Quartzsite loses it's insurance, it cannot keep it's incorporation. Currently, the town is in the "high risk" pool because of previous claims and the Arizona League of Cities and Towns provides coverage. Who is in charge of that? Why Mr. Simms, the nice man that came to the training session and warned the police chief about taking it upon himself to arrest people at Town Council meetings..."You might get sued!"
And speaking of getting sued, recent arrests of current candidate Jennifer Jones and husband John, well as former candidate Russell Sias leave open the potential for additional legal fees far in excess of what the town can afford, and the citation against the Jones' landlord by "Building Official" Al Johnson opened the door for "Proposition 207, the Arizona Property Protection Act". This makes the town liable for ALL of Jim and Stephanie Aaron's legal fees regarding the property at 645 N. Central commonly known as "J & S Covers".
Outspoken critic of town officials Jerry Wilcox reports that charges against him which resulted in his arrest and the towing of his vehicle were dropped today. He is investigating the possibility of filing a claim against the Town for damages as well.
Former Mayor Richard Oldham reports that the Town appears to have retained an outside legal firm in the prop 207/eminent domain action against him, over his property located west of the "Main Event" on Main St. Oldham received a letter from this firm a couple of weeks ago.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Third retribution arrest in 5 days? What are they thinking?
Clearly, they are not.
Saturday morning as he paid for his propane at RV Pit Stop the husband of Council Candidate and Quartzsite vendor Jennifer Jones, was also arrested for false reporting to law enforcement over the Al Johnson Assault.
Now here's a funny thought...The Jones' did call 911, and they did speak with QPD Officers Norris and Schultz, but they never signed a statement! Neither did the three witnesses.
So what exactly did they report falsely? Who investigated the allegations? What evidence will be entered against them? Or was this simply an attempt by Police Chief Jeff Gilbert to get fingerprints and run a background check on an opposition candidate?
If so, then he must have been awfully disappointed to find that the Jones' had nothing in their background that could be used against them in the upcoming campaign.
And what ever happened to Al Johnson? He wasn't at Tuesday night's meeting.
The arrests of Jennifer and John Jones were clearly illegal. State law for arrests for misdemeanor offenses do not provide for warrantless arrest unless a crime is witnessed "in progress" or unless related to a traffic violation.
13-3812. Examination of complainant; issuance of summons or warrant of arrest
13-3854. Arrest without a warrant
13-3853. Arrest prior to requisition
13-3903 Notice to appear and complaint
The arrests of Jennifer and John Jones were clearly illegal. State law for arrests for misdemeanor offenses do not provide for warrantless arrest unless a crime is witnessed "in progress" or unless related to a traffic violation.
13-3812. Examination of complainant; issuance of summons or warrant of arrest
13-3854. Arrest without a warrant
13-3853. Arrest prior to requisition
13-3903 Notice to appear and complaint
Friday, November 26, 2010
Two arrested at Town Council Meeting
Russell Sias, manager of Crawford's Trailer Park was arrested for serving Police Chief Jeff Gilbert with the notice of Federal Injunction mentioned in the previous post. Sias, did not actually touch Gilbert with his hands, he only touched him with the legal documents he was officially serving for Jennifer Jones and this video clearly shows that Chief Gilbert (in civilian clothes) knew what was taking place when he invited Sias to serve him. Russell Sias plead "not guilty" to simple assault" and was released on his own recognizance Wednesday.
Before the meeting even began, Jones herself was arrested for allegedly filing a false report http://www.azleg.state.az.us/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/13/02907-01.htm&Title=13&DocType=ARS
over the video taped criminal trespass, warrantless search and assault by the "Building Official" and obstructing Mr. Johnson's "government operations"http://www.azleg.state.az.us/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/13/02402.htm&Title=13&DocType=ARS.Jennifer Jone's bail was posted by a friend, and delivered by Mayor Ed Foster, who gave her a ride home along with an apology for the actions which transpired.
This scenario reminds me of of when Constable Paul Staudt served former Mayor Huntley with an official Notice of Claim back in June, and Huntley responded by shoving the Constable hard, with both hands right in front of Chief Gilbert who refused to arrest Huntley.This only proves yet again that QPD won't recognize an assault, unless they want to cry victim...and that they should really read what's in the manilla envelope, before they rush headlong to prove it true!
This scenario reminds me of of when Constable Paul Staudt served former Mayor Huntley with an official Notice of Claim back in June, and Huntley responded by shoving the Constable hard, with both hands right in front of Chief Gilbert who refused to arrest Huntley.This only proves yet again that QPD won't recognize an assault, unless they want to cry victim...and that they should really read what's in the manilla envelope, before they rush headlong to prove it true!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
New Quartzite Police misconduct videos
Quartzsite Police Officers Fabiola Garcia and Ruben Villafania are speaking in Spanish on the job, at Town Hall right before Michael Roth's arrest for "disorderly conduct". This is the video feed directly from officer Garcia's badge camera, as submitted into evidence at Roth's trial.
Arizona Constitution
Article XXVIII
ARTICLE XXVIII. ENGLISH AS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
1. English as the official language; applicability
Section 1. (1) In this article, unless the context otherwise requires:
1. "Government" includes all laws, public proceedings, rules, publications, orders,
actions, programs, policies, departments, boards, agencies, organizations and
instrumentalities of this state or political subdivisions of this state, as appropriate under the circumstances to a particular official action.
2. "Official action" includes the performance of any function or action on behalf of this state or a political subdivision of this state or required by state law that appears to present the views, position or imprimatur of the state or political subdivision or that binds or commits the state or political subdivision, but does not include:
(a) The teaching of or the encouragement of learning languages other than English.
(b) Actions required under the federal individuals with disabilities education act or other federal laws.
(c) Actions, documents or policies necessary for tourism, commerce or international trade.
(d) Actions or documents that protect the public health and safety, including law enforcement and emergency services.
3. Preserving and enhancing the role of the official language; right to use English
Section 3. A. Representatives of government in this state shall preserve, protect and enhance the role of English as the official language of the government of Arizona.
B. A person shall not be discriminated against or penalized in any way because the person uses or attempts to use English in public or private communication.
4. Official actions to be conducted in English
Section 4. Official actions shall be conducted in English.
And a late edition to the lineup is this video of Mayor Ed Foster enjoying Michael Roth's wash tub campfire, which warranted "a full response" from the Quartzsite Fire and Police Departments. QPD demanded entry, which was denied by Roth, who leases the property. Upon instruction by Police Chief Jeff Gilbert, Officer Yeomans of the QPD climbed atop the fire truck to photograph the inside of Roth's yard. When informed that photographing beyond "plain sight" had been ruled a Constitutional violation by the Supreme Court, Officer Yeomans immediately handed the camera to the fire fighter standing next to him, who continued with the illegal photography. In an interview with Quartzsite Constable Paul Staudt, Yeomans admitted he was just following Chief Gilbert's orders.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Police Chief Jeff Gilbert demands retraction and apology
Response to this was "See you in court." and I'm looking forward to it. That is, if Jeff hasn't been arrested by then! Better not use Pamela Walsma as your attorney, she represents the Town, not you personally Jeff. Wait, use her if you want, I could beat her in court in pro se....
"Over the past several months you both have engaged in a campaign to discredit and damage the reputation of myself, Jeff Gilbert, Chief of Police for the Quartzsite Police Department, members of the Quartzsite Police Department, my spouse Sondra Gilbert and to cause disruption and discredit to the lawful business of the Quartzsite Police Department by posting libelous, slanderous, false statements and negative comments on your Internet Blog, www.quartzsitearizona.blogspot.com.
In addition, you have posted my personal addresses along with photos of my home which is a violation of ARS 13-2401.A. “Personal information on the World Wide Web”; a class 5 felony. Repeated request and demands to the “blogger” administrator to remove this information have been ignored. Your intentional and deliberate dissemination of my personal information to include my addresses and photo of my home poses an imminent and serious threat to my safety and my immediate family’s safety due to my position as Chief of Police and as a police officer, and you have personal and common knowledge of persons who may wish to due harm to me and or my family.
This letter is a demand that you take down all blog entries regarding Jeff Gilbert, Chief of Police, Sondra Gilbert, and the Quartzsite Police Department and its members, together with the entire thread of comments. I further demand that you cease and desist from any further attempts to injure, defame, discredit and to interfere with the effective lawful actions of the Quartzsite Police Department.
The libellous, slanderous and false information on your Internet Blog were published deliberately, maliciously, and wilfully with the intent to cause damage to the character, profession, reputation and career of myself, Jeff Gilbert, Chief of Police, spouse Sondra Gilbert, the Quartzsite Police Department and it’s members.
I demand that you immediately cease and desist all such activities, or I will take the appropriate civil and criminal legal steps to protect my rights, the rights of Sondra Gilbert and the rights of the Quartzsite Police Department including, without limitation, filing claims for libel, slander, defamation and to pursue criminal prosecution for harassment.
Your blog postings and conduct also constitute tortuous interference with the lawful business of the Quartzsite Police Department by attempting to discredit myself, as the Chief of Police along with the members of the Department. As such, they are actionable and expose you to the imposition of compensatory as well as punitive damages, as well as criminal harassment actions.
In consequence therefore, I demand an immediate retraction and public apology to be published in the same manner the defamatory publication was made within 3 days of your receipt of this letter.
It is apparent that you do not agree with me personally or professionally, or with the lawful actions of the Quartzsite Police Department. That, however, does not entitle you to publish defamatory, false, libelous and slanderous statements in an attempt to discredit myself, my spouse, members of the Quartzsite Police Department and to publish this information with the intent to interrupt and interfere with the lawful actions of the Department, and to place my family and myself in immediate danger by publishing my personal information."
Jeff Gilbert
Chief of Police
Quartzsite Police Department
PO Box 2812, Quartzsite , AZ 85359
928-927-4644
Friday, August 13, 2010
FBI removes evidence from Quartzsite Police Dept. - post your incident please
Wednesday, the FBI removed what I can only assume was dash cam video and other evidence confiscated from the Quartzsite Police Department. Word around Town is that this visit by the FBI may be related to a recent traffic stop by a Hispanic QPD officer on Interstate 10 which resulted in a sexual harassment complaint to the AZ Attorney General by the female driver. She is rumored to be a reporter for the L. A. Times newspaper that recorded the encounter during which she was directed to follow the officer to Richard Oldham's airport and provide sexual favors in exchange for not receiving a citation. As of this post, these allegations have yet to be verified, however, it has been verified that the Quartzsite Police have been directed to have more than one officer respond, and if the suspect is female, an officer from an outside enforcement jurisdiction such as the County Sheriff or DPS must be present before QPD can even make contact.My favorite rumor unearthed in the past few days is that Police Chief Jeff Gilbert has been sending out his resume! Gee I hope that one is true, but it won't get him off the hook for pending civil litigation or potential criminal charges. So much for Gilbert's hollow protests that he and his department have been cleared of all wrongdoing.
This thread is for the sole purpose of collecting all of the known misconduct and crimes (both alleged and convicted) in one place for those FBI agents currently looking into these matters. Comments defending the QPD can be submitted elsewhere, but this comment threat will not be used for that purpose. Let's start with the other most recently exposed scandal.
It is a defense to a prosecution pursuant to section 13-1405 if the victim is fifteen, sixteen or seventeen years of age, the defendant is under nineteen years of age or attending high school and is no more than twenty-four months older than the victim and the conduct is consensual.
R13-4-105. Minimum Qualifications for Appointment
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COURT DOCUMENTED FACT: On 12-31-09, Duty Sergeant Xavier Frausto engaged in an illegal warrantless search of a building on the property of Vito Austin's RV park. False charges against Mr. Austin were dismissed by prosecutor Matt Newman. When Mr. Austin (the brother of the complainant in the aforementioned case) went to the QPD and Town Hall to make a formal complaint against Sgt Frausto (husband of the Town's Magistrate), Chief Gilbert threatened to arrest Vito for "disorderly conduct".
This spring, Chief Gilbert targeted Vito Austin for voting fraud, which resulted in a Grand Jury indictment and subsequent charge against Mr. Austin. Austin plead "not guilty" and the case is currently set for trial.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As publicized in "The Gem" newspaper, on April 23rd, 2008 Quartzsite Duty Sergeant Frausto and Officer Rodriguez along with a third officer illegally searched the private residence of Jennifer Harris and threatened her under color of law after she repeatedly asked for a search warrant. This was openly admitted to in Officer Rodriguez' incident report and is part of La Paz County court records.
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Complaints from the internet:
http://gosw.about.com/b/2009/01/29/travel-horror-stories-bad-experience-in-quartzsite.htm
"And we were charged $l79.00 for this little mistake. The Policeman told me the city needed the money."
http://www.vagabondjourney.com/travelogue/arrival-in-the-desert-quartzsite-arizona/
"I pulled into Quartzsite at night after running a gauntlet of agressively patroling highway police. I was driving in Arizona within 40 miles of the California border, and I passed no less than ten police cars who had pulled vehcles over and were in the process of thorouughly searching them and interrogating their drivers."
http://www.topix.com/forum/city/quartzsite-az/TGVP2A8APC2KV5P4E
"To add insult to injury, there is a growing police presence around town that was unknown a couple of years ago. The police are now shaking down out of state tourists. I should know - I got a ticket for something frivilous. I will never go back to Quartzsite.
http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Justice.Court.Quartzsite.928-927-6313/review/read?cid=963407
"I received a ticket two years ago. I paid the fine on time. Then they claimed it was late,I have a copy of the cashed check from Quartzsite. I paid another twenty dollars. Now I discover I have a failure to appear on record. The worst part is that I should not have gotten a ticket as I was not speeding. I was behind a series of trucks and a group of cars went by on my left , I oulled out to pass at 7o mph and the patrol said I was doing 90 he wrote me up for 80 in a 70. He was an angry trooper and was angry that I even tried to explain i thought he was going to oull me out of the car and accused me of being a danger to the public. it was absolutley insane and now they do this. What am to do. They dont respond to anything. i live in Florida and I cant afford to go all the way to Quartzsite of allplace."
A. Except as provided in subsection (C) or (D), a person shall meet the following minimum qualifications before being appointed to or attending an academy:
2. Be at least 21 years of age, except that a person may attend an academy if the person will be 21 before graduating;
Sorry Josh, I don't know your birthday, but the math doesn't work. You seem like a likable fellow, so I hope you have a good attorney.
Deja vu! This is reminiscent of a previous officer, whose actions resulted in a felony conviction.
QPD Officer Kirk D. Peterson
Case NO: S-1500-CR-98000324
Sexual Conduct with a minor = GUILTY
Molestation of Child = GUILTY
Sentenced to 16 years, last know prison, Florance Prison, AZ
Case Date: 1998-1999
The case involved a 12 year old girl that allegedly became pregnant (father unknown,. however, QPD Officer Peterson was ordered to pay monthly "restitution"), A noticeable difference between these cases is the swift investigation conducted in the Peterson case. You might conclude that Vice Mayor Cowell and the rest of the Town Council would have been beating the drum for the diligent investigation of Josh Starr, yet they appear to have no interest and be solidly in Chief Gilbert's camp. Why is Mayor Foster the only one showing concern?
Sorry Josh, I don't know your birthday, but the math doesn't work. You seem like a likable fellow, so I hope you have a good attorney.
Case NO: S-1500-CR-98000324
Sexual Conduct with a minor = GUILTY
Molestation of Child = GUILTY
Sentenced to 16 years, last know prison, Florance Prison, AZ
Case Date: 1998-1999
The case involved a 12 year old girl that allegedly became pregnant (father unknown,. however, QPD Officer Peterson was ordered to pay monthly "restitution"), A noticeable difference between these cases is the swift investigation conducted in the Peterson case. You might conclude that Vice Mayor Cowell and the rest of the Town Council would have been beating the drum for the diligent investigation of Josh Starr, yet they appear to have no interest and be solidly in Chief Gilbert's camp. Why is Mayor Foster the only one showing concern?
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COURT DOCUMENTED FACT: On 12-31-09, Duty Sergeant Xavier Frausto engaged in an illegal warrantless search of a building on the property of Vito Austin's RV park. False charges against Mr. Austin were dismissed by prosecutor Matt Newman. When Mr. Austin (the brother of the complainant in the aforementioned case) went to the QPD and Town Hall to make a formal complaint against Sgt Frausto (husband of the Town's Magistrate), Chief Gilbert threatened to arrest Vito for "disorderly conduct".
This spring, Chief Gilbert targeted Vito Austin for voting fraud, which resulted in a Grand Jury indictment and subsequent charge against Mr. Austin. Austin plead "not guilty" and the case is currently set for trial.
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As publicized in "The Gem" newspaper, on April 23rd, 2008 Quartzsite Duty Sergeant Frausto and Officer Rodriguez along with a third officer illegally searched the private residence of Jennifer Harris and threatened her under color of law after she repeatedly asked for a search warrant. This was openly admitted to in Officer Rodriguez' incident report and is part of La Paz County court records.
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Complaints from the internet:
http://gosw.about.com/b/2009/01/29/travel-horror-stories-bad-experience-in-quartzsite.htm
"And we were charged $l79.00 for this little mistake. The Policeman told me the city needed the money."
http://www.vagabondjourney.com/travelogue/arrival-in-the-desert-quartzsite-arizona/
"I pulled into Quartzsite at night after running a gauntlet of agressively patroling highway police. I was driving in Arizona within 40 miles of the California border, and I passed no less than ten police cars who had pulled vehcles over and were in the process of thorouughly searching them and interrogating their drivers."
http://www.topix.com/forum/city/quartzsite-az/TGVP2A8APC2KV5P4E
"To add insult to injury, there is a growing police presence around town that was unknown a couple of years ago. The police are now shaking down out of state tourists. I should know - I got a ticket for something frivilous. I will never go back to Quartzsite.
http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Justice.Court.Quartzsite.928-927-6313/review/read?cid=963407
"I received a ticket two years ago. I paid the fine on time. Then they claimed it was late,I have a copy of the cashed check from Quartzsite. I paid another twenty dollars. Now I discover I have a failure to appear on record. The worst part is that I should not have gotten a ticket as I was not speeding. I was behind a series of trucks and a group of cars went by on my left , I oulled out to pass at 7o mph and the patrol said I was doing 90 he wrote me up for 80 in a 70. He was an angry trooper and was angry that I even tried to explain i thought he was going to oull me out of the car and accused me of being a danger to the public. it was absolutley insane and now they do this. What am to do. They dont respond to anything. i live in Florida and I cant afford to go all the way to Quartzsite of allplace."
Monday, May 10, 2010
How to protect yourself from Police Chief Jeff Gilbert
The Quartzsite Police Department has become deeply divided over it's current figurehead, Police Chief Jeff Gilbert. Leadership sets the tone for policy, both official and unofficial. It's rumored that the officers under Sgt. Will Ponce do not even speak to the officers under Sgt. Xavier Frausto. This cannot be good for the department or the Town. It is also rumored that depending on the election outcome, many of the officers may look for work elsewhere.
If Foster becomes mayor, the Chief's misconduct will likely be sufficient grounds for his dismissal, and the good officers will stay.We cannot afford to lose those good officers, but if Huntley and Gilbert remain, the Town may be left with what many view as a group of petty thugs enforcing the laws for the personal benefit of certain individuals. The police are here to "protect and serve", the whole community.
As the election nears, Gilbert seems to become more unpredictable. So here's some great videos on how to interact with the police...just in case.
Also check out:
http://www.policeabuse.com
Here are some great examples of what to do:
If Foster becomes mayor, the Chief's misconduct will likely be sufficient grounds for his dismissal, and the good officers will stay.We cannot afford to lose those good officers, but if Huntley and Gilbert remain, the Town may be left with what many view as a group of petty thugs enforcing the laws for the personal benefit of certain individuals. The police are here to "protect and serve", the whole community.
As the election nears, Gilbert seems to become more unpredictable. So here's some great videos on how to interact with the police...just in case.
Also check out:
http://www.policeabuse.com
Here are some great examples of what to do:
BUSTED: The Citizen's Guide to Surviving Police Encounters
Thursday, April 22, 2010
SIGN WARS - may FORCE be with you!
Very early on the morning of Tuesday, April 13th, in a childish display of retaliation against a local business for supporting the campaign of Ed Foster, Wes Huntley erected 33 signs on the south west corner of Main St. and Hwy 95. Of course, the police were conveniently on standby (reportedly at the Shell station across the street) awaiting the order to mobilize...
Personal comment to Wes: The redundancy of signs just advertises that you are a fool who wastes money. But the readers here already know that.
When the operators of "A Fur Salon pet spa" were out walking dogs on the property, they noticed a red truck drive into the location, in excess of the posted speed limit. Because it was so early in the morning, they walked over to where the truck had parked to investigate. "Buffalo" the lot manager had already grabbed the keys to his quad and was following right behind them.
According to the proprietress, she was still in her nightshirt when she walked her dog "Defiance" within about ten feet of Huntley, smiled and said " Good morning mayor, I guess I'm just going to have to go out today and put up two Ed Foster signs for every one of these." Reportedly, the mayor insisted that the "property owner wants these here" but James Martin refutes this claim, instead stating that Huntley had called him two weeks before the incident and asked for written permission, which Huntley did not get. Mr. Martin, an absentee owner who resides in California, had no previous interest in endorsing any candidates, but was seen in town this week dining with Ed Foster and Bill Moore where the conversation included the water and sewer rate increase.
The following eight minute video was downloaded today from:
http://www.metacafe.com/f/channels/A+Fur+Salon/
Quartzsite Police Chief Gilbert doesn't understand the law...
Here's a charming excerpt :
Gilbert - "You may have your freedom of speech, but there are limitations to it..."
Harris - "Yes I do, yes... No, there are not limitations to it, other than yelling fire in a crowded theater."
Gilbert - "There's penalties to pay when you abuse those rights."
Harris - "There are no abuse of rights going on here. See, disorderly conduct is your favorite thing because..."
Gilbert - "Because it's on the books. I didn't write it. I didn't write it. I didn't write it."
Harris - "No, because its what YOU do to oppress people's freedom of speech, and you abuse it!"
In response to the excessive force used by Police Chief Jeff Gilbert, an assault complaint was filed with Sgt. Karen Slaughter of the La Paz County Sheriff's Office. Other agencies were also notified.
New signs have gone up on the property this week. The largest one states "YOU CANT FIX STUPID BUT YOU CAN VOTE THEM OUT" and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the candidates campaigns, rather it is an expression of protected free speech on the part of the vendor. Maybe the sign will be arrested for "disorderly conduct"!
Our bumbling mayor and his petty sign wars are akin to Nero fiddling while Rome burned. At this stage in the campaign, it's really more about issues like safe drinking water, avoiding bankruptcy, the Town killing Quartzsite's pets while the Town manger solicts donations for her private "no kill" animal shelter and the CDBG grant money for the community center being administered by Alex Taft's personal charity. But the incumbents are better at character attacks then at debating these serious issues.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
ED FOSTER AND SUPPORTERS BRAVE WIND AND POLICE HARASSMENT...
As expected, "Quartzsite" Charlie Kukral split the reform vote, forcing a run off between incumbent "mayor" Wes Huntley and Ed Foster.
http://www.co.la-paz.az.us/Data_Folder/Elections/TOQ_2010/TOQ_30910_unofficial_results-1.htm
It looks like Foster will win by a landslide if Kukral's frustrated supporters fall in line behind the only viable (and educated) candidate. Yellow and red "Ed Foster for Mayor" signs seemed to be blowing in the icy wind all over Town, and at the polls, while signs showing support for the status quo were noticeably few and far between. Ed Foster and a group of supporters with signs for Foster, Hamilton and Moore, as well as "NO INCUMBENTS" were harassed repeatedly by Police Chief Jeff Gilbert (reportedly at the behest of the election sergeant). A source stated that Gilbert was later instructed to run off the protesters by Town Manager Alex Taft, or at least that's what allegedly came over the police scanner. Gilbert's bluff was called and the frustrated Chief was forced to back down by Elections Board Supervisor Donna Hale because the crowd was peaceably and legally assembled 75 feet from the door. Officers Yeomans and Star were assigned by Chief Gilbert to babysit the assembled reform supporters - bill to the taxpayers for about 8 hours...and the polls closed at 7pm without incident.
Final score: Free Speech 1 - Gilbert's "gestapo" tactics 0
The race for council seats was tight with only Jose "I did my homework" Lizarraga securing enough 50% +1 or more votes to keep his seat. (Imagine how well he might have done if his name had been marketed independently of the PAC funded election banners which touted an all incumbent ticket.)
Incumbents Patricia Anderson, Bob Kelley and Jerry Lukkasson will face top vote winning opposition candidates Chaunce Hamilton, Russell Sias and Bill Moore in the May run off.
Papers were filed to recall sitting councilpersons Joe Winslow and Barbara Cowell...
More election coverage here:
http://www.quartzsitenews.tv/
The evening was capped off with another drama filled meeting of the current Town Council. Holt Engineering Group and Kennedy Jenks tried to shake down the Town for more money on the contract for waste water treatment expansion. Perhaps feeling the pressure to please voters in the upcoming run off, the Council said "nay" to throwing more money into a project that has already cost taxpayers about a half million.
When Michael Roth tried to give input during "discussion"on a grant proposal for digital dashboard cameras placed on the agenda by Police Chief Gilbert, the packed room witnessed the Police Chief motion to "mayor" Huntley to cut him off by drawing his finger repeatedly across his throat. Huntley responded by ordering the Chief to physically remove Roth from the PUBLIC MEETING! All of this was caught on video...Since we are all pretty sure the "mayor" can't spell l-i-t-i-g-a-t-i-o-n, he may be surprised when their legal blunder comes back to haunt them. See:
http://www.youtube.com/user/qnewseditor#p/u/0/zxFwgxLOTcQ
http://www.justice.gov/crt/crim/241fin.php
In another fiscally irresponsible move, the council unanimously approved renewing a contract with Town Manager Alexandra Taft's "charity" Willpower Inc. for animal shelter services.
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/AZ294.html
It's no accident this website uses "Town of Quartzsite" and "Willpower Incorporated" interchangeably. Alex Taft runs them both. Can you say "conflict of interest"?
Although "discussion" pointed out that the contract requires the TOWN to provide a "certified" animal control officer, Ms. Graft, I mean Taft sidestepped potential cost issues by saying that her "no kill" shelter volunteer was certified in euthanasia. Taft and Council members ignored concerns that the length of the Willpower contract would encompass not only the current cobbled together "temporary" facility, but roll over into a planned future facility of undetermined expense.
It is a matter of public record that the original Willpower "Membership Invitation" states:
"We are negotiating with the Bureau of Land Management to lease land for a large, permanent facility."
The Town Council are on record discussing purchasing land for the animal shelter and a rodeo grounds at the east end of Town. And that the BLM representative discussed the upcoming land AUCTION, tentatively set to take place in a year or so...the real question to taxpayers is:
HOW MUCH OF YOUR MONEY HAVE TAFT AND THE INCUMBENTS EARMARKED FOR THE TOWN MANAGER'S DREAM "NO KILL" SHELTER, WHILE THEY CURRENTLY PAY THE COUNTY TO KILL QUARTZSITE'S PETS?
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