Other People's Money... government at all levels gets tons of it. They use it for any number of things some of which are shall we say... questionable. But there are other organizations that receive your money some of them voluntary contributions, others come in the form of dues. These non-governmental organizations can be well run institutions or self-absorbed financial disasters just like government.
The Albuquerque Police Officers Association is one such organization. If you are a police officer in the Albuquerque and you're below the rank of Commander, the APOA is your collective bargaining representative. They will also provide representation in other non-criminal situations. For this service, the union collects dues from its members.
The APOA has a set of bylaws that control its operation and dictate its structure which includes a group of officers elected from the group's membership. The structure is designed to insure that money collected from members and used for the benefit of the entire membership.
About a year ago, we told you about some questionable credit card expenses incurred by then APOA President, Ron Olivas (read it here). To us the expenses looked to be more of an everyday benefits package for an APOA officer who had access to the union credit card.
Our Eyes down at the APOA are telling us that Olivas' spending wasn't restricted to his own union credit card. Apparently, Olivas got a hold of former APOA President Pete Dwyer's credit card or credit card number and used it to purchase transportation to Arkansas for Officers Ken Ronzone and Russ Carter.
The two K-9 officers were involved in a bar altercation in Fort Smith, Arkansas back in November of 2007. Arkansas authorities issued warrants for the arrest of the pair on felony charges. According to our Eyes, Olivas used Dwyer's credit card to pay for $7,000 worth of travel for Ronzone and Carter, and their witnesses.
There are a couple of problems here. First the pair were charged with felonies and the APOA does not use union money to defend felonious activity. Second, the charges made by Olivas were made on Dwyer's union credit card. It appears that Ronzone and Carter received preferential treatment in the case and that Olivas attempted to obscure his use of union money to defend the pair by using Dwyer's card.
Olivas apparently wasn't done spending union money. He also wrote a union check to Calibers for $5,800 to pay for memberships at the indoor shooting establishment. The memberships went to everyone in the Special Investigations Unit - including non-sworn, non-union personnel.
None of the expenditures were approved by the APOA board and some of the money went non-union members who don't pay APOA dues.
The whole thing is creating a political problem for incoming union President Joey Segalla. It seems that Segalla is unwilling to expose the almost $13,000 in unauthorized and potentially fraudulent expenditures made by Olivas saying he'd "rather resign than do another cop."
We understand an officer's reluctance to go after a fellow cop. Everyone likes to think that everyone wearing a badge serves honorably and honestly - the vast majority do. But the truth is just like in any institution, there are a few that tarnish that badge and make it harder and more dangerous for other officers to do their job. Officers need to be above reproach not above the law or the public loses faith in the very people that are essential for their safety.
As President of the union, investigating potential abuse of union dues by a prior president isn't "doing" a fellow cop - it's doing your job both as president of the union and as a sworn law enforcement officer. If former President Olivas truly abused union funds while president of the APOA, then he's already "done" his fellow officers by using their compulsory dues in ways not authorized by the union's bylaws. Except for the number of zeros, how is that any different than siphoning off a few million here and there on a construction project?
It's the lure of other people's money and the temptation to use it for your own gain especially when you know that you will never be held to account. The APOA needs to be better than those they investigate on the job. The good men and women of the Albuquerque Police Department deserve better.
79 comments:
You say he used it for his gain. It appears he didn't gain anything.If he did use the card it appeas he used it for other officers gain.
Sigalla just do the honorable thing and resign immediately!
APOA is the least of it. If city employes knew how dues were used there'd be a linch mob. Bar tabs, gifts for girl friends and mistreses, lunches, dinners, trips to union conventions in Hawai. There scum parasites. Take a look at the rest of them eye.
The APOA membership needs to have a petition signed to demand Sigala and Champine resign immediately. We need fresh faces NOW. Enough is enough.
Well I guess you guys can do it better right? So where were you when the union president job came open.....Ya I thought so....You can stand by and talk &*(& but you dont step up to the plate. Well if you think you can do a better job run and have it.....
Sure Olivas gained!!!!! Guess where he is now assigned, Special Investigations! Olivas greased the skids with APOA money so he could secure himself a job with SID as soon as he stepped down as APOA President.
Olivas now is assiged to Intelligence, go figure. That's a scam if there ever was one.
Ron Olivas, another APOA President who used his position and our Money to get himself a job!
PUT BARBOA AS PREZ OF APOA HE THE MR FIX IT
Barboa only fixes problems in his mind. CNAU didnt have a sgt so know he thinks he fixing the problem cuz he kissing a*& to the Commander. If he was all that, he should be fixing the 27 1 unit not Jojola, yes that would be the Jojola I need a court order to turn in my cases.
Joey is just another rubber stamp, no better than Olivas, that is why he is there. Some of the members from White Collar need to step in and hold everyone accountable who defrauded member’s dues.
If the APOA board had any balls, they would do the right thing by immediately ordering the formation of an independent task force to do a full audit and investigation to turn over to the DA/AG for further review.
But rest assured that the only thing the members will get is the same "business as usual" and if you try to open your mouth to protest, they will try to shut you up by saying," attend the meetings and if you can do a better job, run for office." That is who these goons silence the members who question the abuse.
The membership needs to wake up and demand better from our union, but knowing what I know, expect the same under this watch.
we do deserve better, by cowards like you getting a life and quit trying to ruin our department...34s get off this thing and dont come back! its the usual lies and misinformation
Let me set the record straight on a couple of issues here. Normally I read this blog every now and then for the entertainment value, however this issue hits close to home with me and I must respond to the irresponsible and inaccurate comments about Ron Olivas and the Criminal Intelligence Unit. Ron approached me about a year and a half ago about possibly coming TDY to Intel and expressed his interest in the unit. My initial response was there is no way that we could allow that to happen, just because of the baggage and negative feedback that we, as the Intel unit, would receive. With that said, we decided to give Ron a chance to prove himself and see what he brought to the table. I can assure you that he has earned his position far and away and if any of you out there would like to dispute that (even though you have no clue) please get ahold of me and I'd be happy to meet with you face to face. I don't take those comments lightly because the integrity of the Criminal Intelligence Unit is something we take very seriously and it is not a position that would be "bought" or "given away" without being earned.
Brandon Cordova
Sergeant
Criminal Intelligence Unit
975-9790-cell
Well Sgt Cordova, did Mr Olivas test for the Intelligence position?
If so, was the test subjective or was it a test that involved set questions from your SOP that was recorded, nothing subjective?
Was everyone asked the same questions with no questions like did you buy the entire SID Unit Range passes, worth 25 points on the test!
Did Olivas test against anyone or was he just given the position.
The way you answer this will determine if there is any intergrity within your unit! Lets see if and how you respond, as we all know you do read this blog daily/weekly, as does everyone else!
Hey Paul Heh, shouldnt you be busy arresting other cops from other agencies and ruining our reputation even further.If anyone else needs some of my money to help them when they have been wrongfully accused, I hope the new guy does the same thing..hats off to you olivas.
If your APOA President really did those things, he should be indicted. What a crook, using the money of hard working officers to finance himself a new job for his own self interest. Get a rope and find a tree.
What a POS he is!
Pleeeeese Brandon, who are you trying to fool? The blog post makes this reference about Olivas:
"Olivas apparently wasn't done spending union money. He also wrote a union check to Calibers for $5,800 to pay for memberships at the indoor shooting establishment. The memberships went to everyone in the Special Investigations Unit"
Is this true? If so it appears Olivas bought his way in with our dues.
Was the position that was given to Olivas circulated and posted as required in the contract?
Cops helping Cops...thats a long lost tradition
Why dont you call him,coward....So this is obvious and boring..Ron did well...I want the scoop on this Barboa situation..what gives?
My number is there. Quit hiding behind your anonymity. If you can't be a real 34, at least try being a man. I realize it's a stretch. This is my last post. Have a nice day
BC
The APOA is required to have an annual audit; if there are questionable expenditures it should be reported to the membership. Since the APOA Attorney works for the President, not the members, you can bet that you won't get any help there. Basically the Chief will protect the APOA President who protects him. Olivas is not the first past President to get a cush job, look at Lawrence! Joey will do as he is told by the Chief so get use to it!! Good luck, they will all stick together and cover for eachother so maybe its time to just move on.
PLEASE! A DRUNK COP BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A CAR! TALK ABOUT INTEGRIGTY!!!!
Come to think of it a few APD cops drink and drive!!!! Ha wrongfully accused I think NOT!!
Well Sgt Cordova, are you going to answer the questions or hide behind here's my number. You know no one is stupid enough to call and become a target by admin, so you hide behind that statement, Answer the questios. Start with did you get a free range membership from Olivas at the working officer's expense. Did Olivas test agaist anyone else.
Range Membership = YES
Test Against others = NO
I'll bet you go silent.....
i hear nothin but crickets from cordova and all the other intel 34's
So let me get this right. Sgt. Heh is runining the reputation of APD by arresting officers driving drunk. Not to mention in a fully marked police vehicle. I think you better rethink the job you do and the peolple you serve. Maybe you need to look at your oath of office, or was that just words to you. Please turn in your badge.
that is the stupidest comment ever. paul heh ruining the reputation? how about the cops who are driving drunk ruining the APD reputation? nice to have an honest cop.
Does anyone in SID really work? Still under cover at strip clubs? how about movie day?
Brandon, that was a really stupid move posting on this blog! Now they are hitting you with these tough questions that you know will bury you and Ron Olivas, you can't respond as you're both guilty. Next time, keep your mouth closed!
If you're going to pull a fast one never try to defend it with other lies, as it will only make you look much worse and put you deeper in a hole. That shows you're a very inexperienced supv!
I think you've got the point. Now go hide a wait until this blows over and it will as long as you keep you mouth shut.
Thats right you self righteous ass...theres some of us left that would still take care each other.were out here watching out for guys like you...working the only job in the world where you put your life in danger every day but if you make an honest mistake,like humans do,your terminated without recourse and crucified in public as your career goes down the toilet.so screw you, come off your cross if you have time...try catching a break in illinois next time your at one of your holier than thou conferences....dudes bashing corpses..dead kids in parks..and serial killers abound and our guys cant make mistakes right?
Paul Heh honest? Thats a hoot. Sandbagging drunkd for court OT is not honest. Stop and PBT is not correct procedure. Nobody condones drinking and driving by officers or anyone else but dont try to make a hero out of someone so self serving.
In my Opinion:
APOA=FOP
FOP=APOA
APOA=SID
SID=APOA
APOA=Chavez
Chavez=APOA
Chavez=FOP
FOP=Chavez
Hmmm, something strange has been going on and on who's dime and watch??
APOA=$$
APOA=Political Endorsements
APOA=Campain $$??
APOA=Steak, Cigars, Lattes, Lunches, Calibers, Free Trips......??
Please tell me it aint so Joe...
Can it be true? Could this be an anomaly or just a freak coincidence? Did other APOA past presidents get sweet heart deals in the Dept. or City too?
Sure, I know all those expenditures, they were all part of just doing business as a member of the executive board, and it was all done with memberships best interest in mind (now take another drink of that latte the membership paid for)....right (wink wink)? I really hope that is so.
Oh, I get it now, no one else wanted to do the job so that makes it all okay, right?
Now my question is if this is really going on who is keeping the Cops safe when it appears like they are the ones possibly being robbed....And who are the victims now?? What ya Gonna Do When They Come For You....Bad Boys Bad Boys...........
Maybe Eye you've been onto something that no one really wants to talk about or know, but then again it may spawn an inquiry to see if in fact there is any actual malfeasance occurring, or maybe that it's all just a coenky dink.
Paul Heh is a great Sgt and is what other APD Chiefs should be like!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! APD would not have the morale issues it does if they were more like Sgt Heh.
Olivas and Torres are brothers and that's why they both did the same injustices to our dept.
Mr Ron Olivas, reading this blog, I find it very disturbing that a President of a Union would use dues money to finance a cush position for himself after leaving office. If you infact, did do this, how can you look at yourself in the mirror and see intergrity and honesty. You have betrayed all of your fellow officers for your own self interest and use your position to do it.
Further, if you did do this Mr Olivas, you sir, are a slimy worthless selfish piece of shit and do not deserve to wear your badge of office. You are a disgrace to your country and dept, a traitor so to speak and you deserve everything that will come to peopls like you!
The conversation about the union is not a conversation about SID. Yes SID works, and yes daily they do things that ensure a far safer city than some of you will believe. There is no reason for anyone to comment openly on a public blog about any of their missions -
If in fact the APOA paid Calibers $5800 for SID 34s then the 34s shoud pay then money back and if they feel they don't want or have to pay back the money, then the APOA should get all of its members a package at Calibers. This in no way should be considered training. There are two APD ranges and all 34s should use them. We all would like to practice at a nice range.
A few oosts up is correct. The APOA should get memberships to Calibers for all it's officers, not just the one that can give you a cush job Ron.
As an above post stated, " You are a Piece of shit, coward, and a traitor to APD. Boy, for the last 8 months or so, thats all you do is hide. Now you bought your way into SID with our money and will hide there for the rest of your career, which I pray is short.
Ron, you're too lazy and lame to come out and be a real cop. Just retire and go away you little bald gimp.
I normally do not post on here but as a 34 WTF!!!! First of all while we may not always agree we need to stick together. There is no reason for us to put our differences in the public eye as this only hurts us and does not help our cause in any way. As far as the union goes if you dont like who is in charge of the union then you have a choice either run for office or vote for who you want. If you want to bash another 34 be man enough to talk to him and work out your differences if not dont take calls with them, stay away from them or just dont work for them. APD is not a bad place to work at in fact it is a great place to work. While we do have problems I can tell you first hand that other depts have a lot more problems than we do. I gues that is the good thing about being a lateral transfer we see the other dept's problems.
above poster praising sgt heh...well we all know thats kelly posting it. she rides his coat tail. how embarassing.
Paul Heh just retire!
Olivas, after you mouthed Lawrence Torres so hard, saying how he betrayed the PD! You just did the same thing as Torres. Thats puts you in the same category as the guy you were slamming as a turncoat.
What a shame that this new generation of officer's can't distinguish between ethical responsibility and covering the thin blue line. No one likes turning in one of their own no matter what profession you are in, but officer's are a select group of individuals that are given immense authority to enforce the law and use deadly force in the protection of life. I am suprised that some of you think an officer should not arrest a brother officer even if they are violating the law, their oath of office and betraying the public's trust! That is scary and shows that some of you wearing the badge have no clue about what your job and career is all about; instead you fight amongst eachother defending those who violate the law based on some misguided belief that all COPS should stick together at all costs. NOT SO!! Do the right thing always, not just some of the time for some of the people!!!!
The APOA should suspend all benefits to members that do not show up to at least 75% of the meetings. It's pathetic that a few whiners complain on this site and will not do so on the APOA website and/or that others don't give a shit until it's contract negotiation time. Of course if they are in a hard spot concerning an investigation or feel that they have been treated badly they will then call for the APOA to step in and help them. What a group of pussies!!!!!! It makes me wonder whether you can actually perform your job as a police officer to protect and serve the community. Maybe the APD needs to be dissolved and BCSO manpower increased....or have the state PD cover ABQ. Just take the money from the city and make this happen. If the employees of APD cannot grow up and act in a professional manner (both on and off the street) then let's get rid of them.
For those of you with APD that have done your job in a outstanding manner thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! It's the unprofessional whining babies that will bring you down.
With all the money the APOA is passing out they should donate some to the city so they can complete the police memorial park to honor our fallen officers.
I'm not going to jump into right and wrong with Olivas, Heh or anyone else. Realize you won't agree with everything everyone does on the dept. Would we all go back and fix mistakes? Yes. The Union hasn't changed; so try to fix it, quit it or shut up. At least they back officers who are facing discipline. Think of that, because the day will come when someone in upper management Monday Morning Quarterbacks your split decision. If APD is really that bad, pack your bags and go somewhere else or do something else. Otherwise go catch bad guys, accept the drama as just that, and be safe!!
We would love to quit the Union, but stop taking the fair share part off our checks, which is almost the same as the union dues. You guys put on this scam so members could not quit. You call it fair share, but 50% of the officers never get their share. Do away with it and watch how many officers quit. The Union is just for management now. The Presidents do whatever the Chief tells them to do. We need guys like Sgt Garcia, Sgt Heh or Paul Pacheco, but when they try to run you guys create some new policy that keeps them from running against you. You guys are nothing more than chickenshits for playing those types of games. You set it up so no one can run against you, then you turn and tell people to run if they don't like it. You guys are dirty, no wonder why this dept is corrupt. With leaders like you and the 5th floor, we don't stand a chance. We need a flushing on the 5th floor and Union who is in bed with them.
That's why you guys won't hire someone from outside the dept who will not let you play your games and won't be in it for their own self interest. Put that vote to the membership, hire an outside president, not dirty Vigil. Let the members vote in an outside president, one the Chief can't control.
I miss Galvin
I agree with the above post about the Union being in bed with the 5th floor, scratching their back. The Union picks and chooses which case they will bargain away for another case. That has been the common practice and continues to be. An outside President would be good but your right, it will never happen, and Vigil sucks. An easy solution to the credit card issue would be to cancel all the cards, keep any receipts and be reimbursed after the expense is approved at a general membership meeting.
Maybe Paul shouldn't of arrested the DWI let him drive and maybe the Cop would of hit your wife/gf/husband/bf/daughter/son, yea that makes sense, just let the Cop drive.
Pacheco for APOA president!
Ron Olivas should be investigated for the miss use of Union funds for his own gain.
Pacheco was a joke then and is still a joke. There is not a senior 34 who respects him!!!!!!
OK here is a plan? Why dont we all sign a petition asking for a full vote replacing the entire executive board? I have a few suggestions for President.
Really, Im a senior 34 and I respect Paul, I respect all 34's, you should too.
Well then step up to the plate and call for a recall of the executive board at the next meeting.
If this is not done or approved then move on with you life and do your job.
People need to attend and vote!
Respecting Paul is on thing but can he run the union, of course not he was in bed with Chief Gilbert Gallegos (best man at the wedding). What gives, any officer who is president will probably be in bed with the 5th floor. So far they all have been in bed with the 5th floor or 11th floor. I can only remember two past presidents that were not,they fought the 5th floor and 11th floor and the membership hated them, and that was a long time ago those two past president almost got fired well one actually did but won in a law suit. The membership actually thought being in bed with the 5th floor would actually be a good thing,, what a joke it has been.
Bring Billy Pounders back or Mark Bralley now those two were true presidents. They both beleved in the APOA and they helped all officers. All the rest of the APOA presidents, well they were sleeping with the 5th floor to bad they should of been gifted with little president chiefs to remember what they did hahaha.
That's true, Pacheco gave Marty 40K of Union money to make Gallegos Chief.
Last post is totally correct. Now those were Union Presidents, Bralley and Pounders that were not in it for their own gain. The APOA should hire one of them back. Put the vote out to the officers.
Are you serious? Pounders was an idiot who lacked the common sense to pick the right battle to fight. And Bralley, man you are smoking some crack. That blow-hard was never a cop, but he sure did a great job in the video unit.
Brandon, SURE you are going to protect ron, he paid for your trip to D.C. with UNION money
Fair share members pay $6 per pay period while full members pay $17. Sworn positions have one association that negotiates each contract. The $6 is for that negotiation process. It's been like that for years. Can it be changed, I don't know. If it is those that do not contribute will not be entitled to vote on any contracts.
Almost every law enforcement agency has an association or union. The city has recognized the APOA and at this point in time will not allow another one to enter.
The APOA will not be going away anytime soon and should not. Many good things have happened because we have the APOA. All anyone does on this site is bring up the negatives.
We're all human hence mistakes are made. Whether criminal actions took place or not I'm sure time will tell. Don't condemn the APOA for the actions of a few. Don't condemn the few just because you've heard rumors that have not been substantiated.
Hope to see many members at the next meeting.
Funny how all the APOA board get so defensive. Every single post by a board member is the typical "if you dont like it, get the hell out........ why didnt you run.....blah blah blah".For once it would be nice if they took teh high road and swallowed their pride. The APOA is a joke.
OK I am not a board member but I am a union supporter. This is too all you lazy ^*^*^ run for office, vote for who you want, and show up to meetings. Everyone of you people who slam the union are the first ones to go crying to the union when there is something that you do not like. So if you have so much energy to post here take the hour a month and attend a meeting. I read this post because I still can't get over how much you cry about little things and gossip. I am a lateral and while things can always be better you people really don't know how good we have it here. I know all you will do is continue to bitch and moan, post on this website and still do nothing to help the union make this a better place. When your time comes and you have to work somewhere other than here you will truly see how bad it can be. In closing we are not perfect and things can always get better. Oh by the way it would be nice if you(above poster) would once get off your lazy #@%^@ and help make this a better place.
In my opinion and as I hear it or see it:
FYI' it appears that every past and current president of APOA is also FOP. Every Chief APD has had is FOP. Every endorsement made by APOA is also made by FOP. Follow the money trail...Who pays for the negotiators and why are they paid extra money? Do the APOA executive board memebrs also hold office in the FOP? Is that a conflict of interest let alone in the best interest of the membership? I always hear complaints about legal representation too. What's up with that and who decides, is it APOA or FOP...or are they the same?
FOP=Marty Chavez
APOA-Marty Chavez
APOA=FOP
FOP=APOA
There has to be another affiliation worth looking into that can bring in an outside president or similar type position and an organization that does not nickel and dime the membership...Can someone make a recommendation and bring it to the next APOA meeting. It seems that a decertification vote is the way to go and then bring in new representation.
How about it APOA executive board, make the motion to decert and hold a vote. I will make some inquires to other entitys such as IUPA, NMCPSO, AZCOPS etc. I will also look into who Rio Rancho Police uses cause it seems like they have been kicking butt and have a waiting list to get on board, their union must be doing something right..
"The city has recognized the APOA and at this point in time will not allow another one to enter."
Not true, a simple decertification vote can happen and after the decertification of the APOA any other affliation/representation can occurr without any loss to the current collective bargaining agreement.
Good Cops take care of other Good COPS. Good COPS do not nor should not tolerate Bad COPS. If you even defend the notion that Good COPS should protect Bad COPS then you may very well be one that needs to go. Hasta La Vista Baby...Get the heck out.
To all you fine 34's I salute you and keep the faith and you shall be rewarded. Take the high road not the low road as it appears some have done...Stay the course and the citizens will respect you even more.
APOA makes it so no one can run against them......
Brandon why are you hiding the truth your whole unit is filled with dirty cops, (osacr villegas, danny garcia, greg cunningham. and the so called detectives seem to always do their investigations in bars, getting drunk and then drive their apd vehicles home drunk. ive been with you and your guys when you guys do this. and how about them bragging while drunk about how good working in a unit where no one watches them which gives them the chance to live in big houses and have nice toys. hell dont we all get paid the same. you better watch your detectives before the feds do or they might already be doing so. and then your political future will be over. are you that blind, do tou not care or are you taking kick backs also?????????????????????
Wa Wa Wa!!! I'm a cry baby cop Wa Wa Wa!!!!
IT'S SO NICE TO SEE OUR POLICE DEPT. GETTING ALONG. KNOW WONDER THE CRIMINALS RUN THE CITY, THEIR BETTER ORGANIZED.
Brandon could be taken off the Lt's list if there is criminal activity with his unit or Ron.
Brandon, kiss those bars goodbye.
Brandon is untouchable! Leave him alone!
Ummmmm APOA gives SID a free perk and then Ron goes to SID....Pay to Play or what????!!!!???? I thought y'all were cops????WTF?
So when are you haters going to go and talk with Joey face to face?
That's what I thought you cowards!
"Ummmmm APOA gives SID a free perk and then Ron goes to SID....Pay to Play or what????!!!!???? I thought y'all were cops????WTF?"
Yeah, the big difference is he is using the hard earned money of the officers who pay in dues.
Whats wrong with the other ranges that are free?
T
WHo is Joey??? Plz
So when are you haters going to go and talk with Joey face to face?
Serious??? He is a slime ball rookie that hasn't done crap in his career. Typical mafioso attitude that he is something special when in reality he is hardly old enough to wipe his own ass. And to answer your question, I have talked with him and was disgusted by his attitude. So enjoy your starbucks with him tomorrow on the unions dime.
Whats wrong with the other ranges that are free?
There is noting wrong with our range, I guess SID can't go out in the sun, rain, snow, cold or wind thats what is wrong with SID. But all the rest of the officers can get sunburn, smile in the wind, get rained and snowed, freeze when its cold but thats ok we can take it.
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