Texas cop suspended over graphic MySpace
Wichita Falls officer suspended over graphic MySpace page:
WICHITA FALLS � A Wichita Falls police officer whose Web page on MySpace.com included images of dismembered women has been indefinitely suspended, city officials said.
Jeremiah Love’s page on the free-access social networking site contained images and statements that could undermine public confidence in the department, according to an internal affairs report. He was suspended Tuesday.
Julia Vasquez, a Wichita Falls assistant city attorney, said Love espoused a fondness for violence on the Web page that would hurt his testimony in criminal cases.
“These are comments that would make it difficult if he was trying to defend himself against a complaint regarding excessive force as an officer,” she said. “There may be no evidence of excessive force � but when someone looks at his site, the comments could be used against him in court.”
Love’s attorney, Richard Carter of the Combined Law Enforcement Association of Texas, said the 26-year-old officer would appeal the suspension on the grounds that the punishment is excessive. He said the appeal would be heard by an arbitrator.
Love’s Web page, which has been removed from MySpace.com, was listed under the name Leatherface. Graphic images on the page included a woman with the word “loath” carved into her flesh. Love listed his occupation as “super hero/serial killer.”
According to the internal affairs report, Love designed his site in the genre of horror movies. Love told investigators the site was meant to be humorous, according to the report.
Bruce Martin, a defense lawyer, said he discovered Love’s MySpace page shortly after Love arrested one of his clients last month. He said he took the Web site to the District Attorney’s office.
“I think all of the arrests, all of the searches and all of the seizures he’s made have come into question,” Martin said. “In any case of abuse or alleged abuse perpetrated by Officer Love, this Web site can be used to test his credibility.”
I’m torn on this one for two reasons. First it was brought to light by a criminal defense attorney. You know how I feel about them. But the ambulance chaser in question does have a point. When you’re a police officer you’re a police officer 24 hours a day. What you do, even in your personal life, can reflect upon your entire department.
Thanks to Mandy, Angie, and CrimeNe.ws for the tip.
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